Search
May
12
The Shop Tart, for the first time in twelve fourteen years her life, worked for an entire day. In fact, she did it twice in one week. Saturday, she worked all day choosing clothes for the Columbia Metropolitan shoot and spent the evening covering a wedding for Carolina Bride and attending Soirée on the Saluda, hosted by one of her much-loved sponsors*, Kicks Exceptional Shoes. Hey, she never said her job wasn’t fun as all get-out, but it is her actual job**. Today, she chose a few more outfits and accessories for the shoot. Lola in Lexington, by the way, completely saved her with a last-minute outfit for a size 10 to 12 model. The model, who resembles the Countess on Real Housewives of New York, looked gorgeous in everything they chose. Plenty of ladies write to the Shop Tart asking where they can find fab clothing in a size larger than 6, yet smaller than 16. The Shop Tart recommends, with all her heart, Lola in Lexington. They get it, they really do. By the way, if you are a size 0 to 6, they cover that, too. Very well, in fact. The Shop Tart is still lusting after that Trina Turk knit maxi-dress. Will someone please invite her to a cocktail pool party and give her an excuse to snap it up? Although she heard the fab Liz Lafitte of Kicks already bought one and she’s not sure she wants to compete with that…
The Columbia Metropolitan shoot is wedding-themed and the Shop Tart adored picking out an engagement ring at Unforgettable Fine Jewelry. She was thrilled to learn they would accompany the jewelry to the shoot, as she might not be able to stop herself from riding off into the sunset with that gorgeous ring, prince be d*mned. Speaking of Unforgettable, did you know they offer classes so you can learn to buy jewelry like an expert? And…they offer “Perfect Proposal” service. They will help you plan a proposal, from beginning to end, down to the last detail. You can even practice your lines with a staff member. It’s like a concierge service for would-be grooms (Or brides. You do know that ladies can do the proposing too, don’t you? And you get to pick your own ring!)
After choosing a few more lovely baubles at Unforgettable - including some recessofabulous but plenty-glamorous Swarovski - she motored on down to Just the Thing. Fun, fun, fun! She’s always amazed at the sheer volume of mad stylish pieces there that won’t break the bank. She could spend hours in that shop. And hundreds of dollars. But for those hard-earned dollars, she would score enough pieces to last a lifetime. Well, at least a season.
After a quick trip to Kicks for a few more pair of shoes and a gorgeous Theodosia lapis necklace for the shoot, the Shop Tart was ready to call it a day. She knew she had a lot of ironing and organizing to do before the shoot this morning, but she wanted to stop somewhere for one perfect glass of wine. She texted her husband to see if he wanted to join her at Cloud Nine in the Vista. He responded:
“On my way. Want extra cold fancy beer.”
She knew from experience he also wanted a cookie. She also knew the children would appreciate a pot of risotto and a big cupcake. The risotto, she could handle. The cupcake? Cloud Nine. Cloud Nine is the perfect place to unwind briefly before arriving home. Or before going out, if you are blessed with a live-in nanny or don’t have children. The Shop Tart was greeted at the door by Ray, co-owner with Tom, who held in his outstretched hand a lovely glass of Canyon Road Chardonnay.
The wine was so lovely, she was shocked to learn it was only $10 a bottle. Anyone want to split a case?
Mr. Shop Tart was perfectly satisfied by his extra cold fancy beer.
The children welcomed their parents with open arms after they spotted the box from Cloud Nine. They ate the cupcakes with gusto after a just-healthy-enough-to-count meal of spinach, cheddar and pecan risotto.
The Shop Tart, who had enjoyed a lemon coconut cookie with her wine, still extracted the “Mommy Tax,” a small bite of each cupcake to confirm its deliciousness. Yum! Whether you go in the morning for coffee and a pastry, mid-day for lunch and ice tea, or late afternoon for a splash of wine and a cookie, Cloud Nine is perfect. The storefront is one huge window, so you can people-watch to your heart’s content. It’s almost as relaxing as Yoga. Actually, it is as relaxing as Yoga, if not more-so, but the Shop Tart isn’t sure you can call it a workout. Maybe if you park kind of far away and walk a block? Call her. She’ll walk with you!
In other news…
- VanJean is hosting a Marysia Swim trunk show! SQUEEEE! After Marysia’s much-deserved win as Emerging Designer of the Year at Charleston Fashion Week, the Shop Tart has been waiting patiently for a trunk show. The swimwear will be at VanJean on Friday from noon until 7 pm. See you there!
- That Fresh Appleseed Exfoliant you saw on The Today Show? Pout has it. The Shop Tart loves every product she’s ever tried by Fresh.
- Sid & Nancy has new stuff from Blue Q, Fred and AJ Morgan. Need a quirky gift or something to make you smile? Bone chiller ice cube trays, air fresheners, tin banks, dish towels, sunglasses and lots more recessofab new stuff has arrived.
- To thank everyone for their support of Get in the Pink, Kicks is offering 25% of everything in the stores for one more week. And they have some fab new Jeffrey Campbells in. Hooray!
- On Saturday, enjoy a beach bash at Britton’s with the Southern Tide crowd, including founder Allen Stephenson. Come hang out, enjoy some refreshments and get some free Southern Tide gear.
- It’s hip to be smart, smart guys make better boyfriends, and literary boyfriends are way-cute. Three reasons to attend the Michael Chitwood reading at 701 Center for Contemporary Art on Sunday at 2 pm. The other reasons? Michael is a freelance writer and lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. One of his six books of poetry, The Weave Room, tells the story of the life of a textile mill in the voices of people forever affected by a union struggle there. That’s cool for a couple of reasons. The first is that CCA, where the reading will be held, is in Olympia, Columbia’s very own mill village. The second? Textiles, y’all. That’s fashion! The Shop Tart is thrilled to see events like this come to Columbia and hopes you’ll be there.
- Oops! Gervais and Vine is serving a Scarborough Fare three-course meal tonight (not last night, as previously reported) for only $19. Sing it: Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme…
- Don’t forget Rosso’s $5 Italian wine tasting tomorrow night from 5 to 6 pm. Enjoy $7 wood-fired pizzas with your wine.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* Speaking of sponsors, let’s take a moment to give them a well-deserved shout-out. Without them, the Shop Tart couldn’t continue to bring you shopping and eating news all day long. When you have a moment, check out their links in the Shop Tart’s Guide to Columbia (on the left side of the page) and under the heading “The Shop Tart Loves…” (on the right side of the page.) And love them she does, because they allow her to soldier on, bringing you shopping, sipping and socializing tips every weekday. Mwah and merci, dear sponsors!
** Which she made up herself. Don’t tell Mr. Shop Tart.
Email this • Share on Facebook
Comments
One Response to “Ahhh…so this is what it’s like to have a job.”
Leave a Reply
-
The Shop Tart Loves...
Mommy Tax! Ha ha! And thanks for noting the Chitwood reading at 701 CCA this Sunday! You are soooo glitterati, dahling.
Tracies last blog post..BBQ Pork at a Legendary Southern-Style Pig Pickin’