May
27
Big fashion night in Columbia.
Filed Under Babies and Children, Bags, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Great deal, Meet the Designer, Sale, Shoes | Comments Off
Yesterday afternoon, Allison Barnes from Southern Living was in LaRoque with AnnaBelle to get a feel for the shop for a piece in the magazine. The Shop Tart was there to get a feel for all the cool new stuff AnnaBelle has in the works, including a reversible skirt (Business on the inside, party on the outside, or vice versa. Gorgeous either way) and some shorts similar to the dressy silk ones we’ve been seeing in all the magazines (But with bigger, better, non-bulky pockets.) A mother, her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend were there and the daughter, looking for a graduation dress, found the perfect one at LaRoque after going to several other shops and “trying on hundreds.” While AnnaBelle fitted her for a few minor alterations, those amazing cookies from Devine Foods next door kept the boyfriend busy, although he seemed to hold his own with all those women. Later, another mother-daughter team stopped in for dresses for an upcoming wedding. The mother scored a dress she had spotted a week before in the window and loved. The little brother, dragged along for the trip, also enjoyed a cookie. No wonder all the boys love AnnaBelle. Have you tried those cookies? If she gave you one, you would love her, too, if you don’t already.
VanJean was bustling, too. In the morning, the Shop Tart popped in to rifle through the sale racks. Somehow, though she has seen it all before courtesy of her obsession with new shipments, she always finds something new. Frankly a new, recesso-fabulous price can make what’s old seem new again. Gorgeous top and lust-worthy skirt? Scored! Later that afternoon, Phillip Lim Sales Director Chiaki and New York Store Director Esteban from the big city were in VanJean chatting with the ladies. That evening, owner Melissa Blanchard wanted them to enjoy a true southern dinner, so off to Mr. Friendly’s it was. The Shop Tart met them there and felt a little light-headed faced with all that fabulousness, but Chiaki and Esteban were as down-to-earth as anyone she has ever met. Esteban, who entertained the heck out of the table with a true-life New York City shoplifting story, might be an even bigger fan of Morrissey than the Shop Tart is*, which proves beyond a shadow of a doubt how very cool Phillip Lim is. He has a lot in common with Mary and Kindall, who are not afraid to chase down would-be shoplifters, though it’s a bit more harrowing and involves trains in the big city. On the other hand, our police have more time to follow up with the perpetrators. Chiaki has an adorable nine-year old daughter. In a photo on her mother’s phone, she is grinning and wearing a fab trench. Of course, the Shop Tart had to know who did the trench. Donna Karan, bien sûr. Oh, to live in New York City as the daughter of someone in fashion…why do these things never happen to the Shop Tart? And…um…by the way…HOW COOL IS IT THAT THE SHOP TART GOT TO HAVE DINNER WITH PEOPLE FROM PHILLIP LIM? Answer: So cool. You will not be surprised to see how well Esteban and Chiraki rock the comfortably fabulous and modern style that is Phillip Lim. Fried pickles, green tomatoes, and grits were enjoyed by all.
Because Mr. Friendly’s is the place to go with out-of-town guests who want a taste of southern style, AnnaBelle and Allison from Southern Living were dining on the patio. The Shop Tart joined them after dinner to dish about shoes, dresses and all sorts of other fascinating subjects. Allison is so much fun and the Shop Tart thinks if she ever wants to move to Columbia, we would love to have her. In a super-classy move, the Shop Tart graciously offered to finish the dessert they had left on the table. Yum. Can’t wait to see the piece on AnnaBelle, but don’t hold your breath, because these things can take a year. Frankly, this is a good thing for you, dear reader, because you have months to place your orders before she gets too busy. Look at these two lovely ladies…
The Shop Tart came home and tumbled into bed (after washing her face, applying sufficient skin-care products and brushing her teeth, of course. And drinking a cup of tea. And watching her first episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey
In other news…
- The aforementioned VanJean sale? Yup. Go get fabulous deals on things you can wear right this second. Did the Shop Tart mention how she loves Phillip Lim?
- Everything at Kicks is 25% off.
- Check out the cuteness at KD’s Treehouse right now…
- Since they were closed on Monday, Solstice is offering a great lists of half-price wines this evening. Enjoy!
- Thursday and Friday take 20% off spring and summer merchandise and 10% off denim at M Boutique.
- Enjoy a complimentary (that means free, yo) wine tasting tonight at Cellar on Greene from 5 to 7 pm. The tasting is free if you buy one item from the menu (And we all know that Wine + No Food = Sloppy Drinker) and $5 if you don’t.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* Although not, perhaps, a bigger fan than Mr. Shop Tart. Had to add that so Mr. Shop Tart wouldn’t throw a fit.
Jan
26
Follow the Shop Tart!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Bags, Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Good Cause!, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop, Trunk Show, Wine | Leave a Comment
The Shop Tart had a lovely weekend - thank you for asking - with Frogmore Stew for fourteen of her dearest friends at her kitchen table. And copious amounts of Champagne and birthday cake, bien sûr! Because it was her birthday, she asked her lady friends to arrive an hour and a half before the gentlemen. She offered aprons and Champagne as soon as they walked in the door and the ladies chopped, chatted and chugged until the guys arrived for dinner. Is it obnoxious of the Shop Tart to say the picture doesn’t do the meal justice? Oh, well. She is what she is, n’est-ce pas?
She turned 28. Again. Her birthday comes at an ideal time, when everything is on sale!
She has a busy week after her birthday…
- AnnaBelle of LaRoque is throwing a party on Thursday to celebrate (and show off!) her fab new space. Stay tuned for details.
- The Super Bowl Sale at Kicks of Lexington, Lola and Lola G is happening on Friday and Saturday, with a preview sale (snacks and sippers included, bien sûr!) on Thursday with a $10 cover charge to benefit Hands of Hospice. The sale will feature 10-, 20- and 30-dollar bins, as well as 50 to 75% off all Fall and Winter shoes. See you there!
- Head to Kicks on Devine Street Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8 pm for a Lia Sophia jewelry show. They are still having a huge sale on fall shoes, 50% off. Look for special mark downs that night only on spring shoes! As for the jewelry, buy one item at full price and get up to two items at half price. Sounds like a plan!
- Sid and Nancy is having a book exchange - Bring a book to the shop and take one home. January is the perfect month to stay in, curled up with a good book.
- Simply Savory’s free wine tasting is happening Friday afternoon from 4:30 to 6:30. This Friday, they’ll host a Grand Opening party for the Deli and Dip. Mayor Bob will attend for ribbon-cutting duties.
- Have you combed your closet for potential spring consignments to take to Revente? The Shop Tart has and is hoping for a few bucks to spend on new looks!
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Britton’s is hosting a Yansi Fugel trunk show, with a special appearance by Maggie Silvestri, account executive for Yansi Fugel. Enjoy 10% off special orders and 20% off in-store purchases during the show.
- Mark your calenders: The Devine Street Sidewalk Sale is February 14th. Happy Valentine’s Day to you, lovely!
- Pout is celebrating a fifth birthday, with five days of senses. Today is “Sight,” so select eye products and eye services from esthetician Shannon will be 25% off. Tuesday is “Smell,” with discounts on candles, fragrances and other delightfully smelly things. Wednesday’s theme is “Sound” and you can look for discounts on Stila’s talking pallettes, select glosses (hear the sound of kisses being blown!) and Art of Shaving power razors. Thursday will focus on “Taste,” so head to Pout for a birthday bash with door prizes, goodie bags, discounts galore, tasty snacks and Champagne from 10 am until 7 pm. “Touch” is the theme on Friday. See you there!
- Just the Thing’s winter clearance sale is still on, up to 75% off.
- Both H2 and Tonic Day Spa are offering free microdermabrasion with any one-hour facial through the end of the month. Slough it off, baby, slough it off.
- “Desserts and Designers” is happening at Creative Tile’s Northeast Showroom tomorrow at 5 pm. Chat with designers while you browse tile selections and fantasize about your new kitchen. Solstice will be there with dessert and Max and Prissy will be showing clothing from the shop. Stop by for a glass of wine.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Jan
13
Cozy lunch, kickin’ it old-school.
Filed Under Bags, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Great deal, Men, New Shop Opening, Sale, Shoes | Leave a Comment
Baby, it’s cold outside. Maybe you even have the sniffles. Don’t you want to just hunker down in a dark booth and eat some comfort food? You don’t? You want a salad instead? The Shop Tart knows the place for both, Yesterday’s. You know, the place with the guy in the bathtub above the door.
The Shop Tart really misses Kristy now that Tullulah is closed, so she begged her to come to lunch. Some people don’t like to have lunch with the Shop Tart, because she won’t let them eat until she snaps a photo or three of their food. Kristy understands. She started with coffee.
Notice the chic little phone, perfectly acceptable at lunch, when the Shop Tart feels free to do some minimal texting and even more minimal reading of e-mail. In case you didn’t know, phones are absolument verboten* at dinner. The Shop Tart recommends keeping it in your pocket, so you can check it when you go to the ladies’ room. Ahem.
The Shop Tart ordered a Yesterday’s classic, “Meat and 2.” Shrimp Gumbo, accompanied by stewed zucchini and tomatoes and collard greens, looks kind of gory in a photo but was immensely satisfying to eat, especially when mixed together and doused with hot sauce. Delish!
The Shop Tart loves hailing from the South, where a serving of vegetables seasoned with pork still counts as a serving of vegetables. It is the other white meat, after all.
Speaking of meat, the Shop Tart would like to give a big kiss to the first person who added it to salad. She used to hate salad, until they added meat. Kristy’s California Salad with chicken was divine - and the Shop Tart knows, because she had one last week. The warm grilled chicken on top turns this salad into a serious meal. Yum!
The muffin on the side is basically a free dessert. Not quite sure what it is, but it tastes kind of apple-y and is superb. By the way, if you do want to share a pitcher of beer at lunch (hey, it happens), you won’t feel out of place in the Yesterday’s bar, where pitchers of beer are de rigeur any time of day or night.
The restaurant has been open since 1976 and could claim to be the inspiration for all the pretenders - those chain restaurants with mail-ordered kitsch on the wall. Of course, Yesterday’s is far too cool to make such a claim. Yesterday’s is the real deal. Unlike those big chains, with their over-enthusiastic yet not-so-secretly angry servers, Yesterday’s soothes the soul. Relax as you gaze at the fish tank. Just for fun, see if you can find the beer signs reflected in the glass.
As the Shop Tart’s lunch was ending, a group of five men came in. They were big guys and took up two four-tops. Yesterday’s is the perfect spot for hungry men (maybe you’re looking to meet one?) Their lunches:
The Shop Tart knows the mothers of the two men who ordered green vegetables would be very, very proud. mashed potatoes with gravy…mmmmm…
The menu at Yesterday’s is huge. If you’re in a hurry, take a look before you go. But don’t be in too much of a hurry. Sit back and enjoy the cozy bar atmosphere, smack dab in the middle of the day.
In other news…
- Kicks is planning a big event for their 10th Anniversary. Stay tuned for details! Fall and winter shoes are still 50% off.
- AnnaBelle at LaRoque is planning something fabulously lady-like to show off the new shop…stay tuned for that as well!
- Wish is having a Winter Clearance Sale. Outerwear and sunglasses are 50% off, leggings are $15, some jewelry is 50% off and Winter dresses are priced as low as $15.
- Mary has brand new spring and resort from Tibi and Trina Turk, as well as new jeans and skirts from Citizens. Look for a shipment of lower priced dresses and tops to arrive this week.
- Sophie’s new boutique basement has lots of great labels like BCBG, Trina, Tibi, CK Bradley, Velvet, Ella Moss, Juicy and Free People at 60% off. Denim including Paige, Citizens, Seven, J Brand and William Rast is also 60% off. All shoes 50% off. Hooray!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* Yup, mixing languages. Probably mangling spelling, too. So?
Jan
7
Sweaty Man Ballet.
Filed Under Babies and Children, Bags, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Men, Sale, Shoes | Leave a Comment
The Shop Tart loves the Sweaty Man Ballet, otherwise known as basketball. As far as sports go, it’s a pretty good one, because the games are short and you can see the guys’ arms and legs. Yum. Anyhow…
She and Mr. Shop Tart - and a bunch of other people - love date night at the Hunter Gatherer followed by a basketball game followed by an after-game drink at the Hunter Gatherer. The Colonial Center and the bar are within walking distance of each other. Don’t you love a brisk walk after dinner? When it’s cold outside, it feels lovely to burst into the Colonial Center, instantly warm. After the game, take another brisk walk for a nightcap at Hunter Gatherer - two if we won*.
The food is fab, from the Portabella Gyro to cheeseburgers to Tofu Marsala to Caw Caw Creek Pork to Duck to salads…ahem. It’s all good, m’kay? The Shop Tart is a fan of Homer’s Greek Salad with an addition of grilled shrimp.
She also likes Stoli O and club soda. Want to make something of it?
On a recent visit with her children - not a date night per se, but loads of fun all the same - they chose pizzas and a Hummus Plate. While the pizzas are available with more interesting ingredients (Try the Bad Trip or Main Street Mediterranean), children like pepperoni. The crust is superb, neither burnt nor mushy.
The Hummus Plate - with regular and spicy black bean hummus - is a treat, even for grown-ups.
If you prefer to have your last drink at home, grab a growler of your favorite Hunter Gatherer beverage. Owner Kevin Varner brews the beer in house and it’s the best in town. Rinse and bring it back for a re-fill.
Cute babies are welcome at the Hunter Gatherer, provided they stay in their seats and don’t get underfoot. They love cheese pizza. The Shop Tart loves her baby. Mwah!
The brew pub is also a great place to find undiscovered art at a friendly price, so take a look at the walls.
Ready to plan that date? This is the men’s schedule and this is the women’s. See you there!
In other news…
- LaRoque is a work in progress and it’s looking great. They’re in and out of the shop this week, so if you really need something call first or just pop your head in to see if AnnaBelle’s around. Here’s your sneak peek:
- Kicks Sale is going strong. They’re moving things out to make room for Spring merchandise. Stay tuned for details about a promotion to celebrate their 10th Anniversary this month and the Sidewalk Sale next month.
- Speaking of date night, do you love yourself some Sk8ter Boi? Y’all should head to the Columbia Museum of Art’s Opening Reception for “Sk8 and Cre8″ Friday night from 5 to 7 pm. Free with admission or membership.
- VanJean has put out a ton of new Resort Wear. Not headed to a resort? Buy an outfit, throw yourself a Margarita Party and save it for Spring!
- The Shop Tart loves free wine: Cellar on Greene is hosting free tastings tonight and tomorrow night, from 5 to 6:30 pm. Sounds like happy hour!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* Half of one if you’re the driver!
Jan
6
Big shoes, little shoes, shoes, shoes, shoes…
Filed Under Bags, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Great deal, Paper | Leave a Comment
Let’s get some shoes*! At the suggestion of a customer (really!), the ladies of Kicks have started the 50% off sale. Fab shoes choices abound, so get shopping. In the Shop Tart’s not-so-limited experience, boots rarely go out of style. A fifteen-year-old pair, well cared for bien sûr, might be put away for a year or two, but looks fresh soon enough. When you find a pair of boots on sale, don’t hesitate. There were two shelves full at Kicks, including this one:
The Loeffler Randalls on the far right are probably the coolest boots ever made. The Nanette Lepores beside them are a close second. Know what else never goes out of style? Python!
Those are all on sale, from left to right: Lodi $145, Lodi $153, Té Casan $218, Cynthia Vincent $141 and Nanette Lepore $65. Yes, $65. There are only three sizes left in the Nanette Lepore - 7, 8.5 and 9. Speaking of just a few left, how much do you love these Betsey Johnsons? The remaining pair is a size 10 and priced at only $118.
Here’s another Last Pair, size 6.5, $80.
Wouldn’t these look great with your new jumpsuit? Kate Spade, $192.
The Shop Tart owns (and wears endlessly) the nude pair below. She’s thinking of getting them in black, too. At $55, how can she resist?
A fancier version of the shoe above, this Nanette Lepore ($192), will be in style for a while, according to the Shop Tart’s prediction, based on endless reading of magazines…
These chic Andrea Carrano silver skimmers are on sale for $152. If the Shop Tart didn’t already own several pairs of metallic shoes, she’d snap them up. Metallic is so much more versatile than your mother told you (unless you had a really cool mother!)
If the Shop Tart was choosing a pair for you to buy for her birthday, theses 60’s-inspired jeweled pumps by Tibi would be it ($182).
There are plenty of other shoes on sale, so take a look because they’re going fast. If you have a Sugar Daddy, a fat bank account or the nicest aunt ever, you might want to snap up one or three of the new arrivals for Spring, like these sandals from Gwen Stefani’s line L.A.M.B.
The Shop Tart predicts these two will sell out before it’s warm enough to wear them. These are by Jill Stuart and also come in green.
This pair of patent sandals by Betsey Johnson, reminiscent of the last Spring’s Loeffler Randall with the studs down the front, rocks the Shop Tart’s ever-lovin’ world!
These jeweled satin flats by Andrea Carrano, still full price at $450, will be worth every penny. You’ll wear them regularly - Winter, Spring, even Summer and Fall - until the day you die. Swear!
Why not head to the Simply Savory Cafe for lunch and do a little shoe shopping before you head back to the office? Hmm? Scratch that. Go look at shoes first, then have lunch. Wouldn’t you feel sad if you were 30 minutes too late to score your size?
In other news…
- Have you peeked into LaRoque? The shop is expanding. Rumor has it there will be a special spot for bridal parties.
- Dianne’s on Devine is the place to be entertained this week. Ross Holmes will be there on Wednesday evening, followed by Lorrie Rivers on Friday.
- All holiday merchandise at Burlap Fine Gifts and Papers is 50% off.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* This is very funny. And has cusswords. Don’t watch it unless you’re okay with that.
Jan
2
The whirlwind is over. Wasn’t it fab? The Shop Tart loves January, a time to relax and go low-key after all the hustling and bustling in December. Speaking of The Hustle, the Shop Tart wore a jumpsuit on New Year’s Eve. Yes, y’all, a jumpsuit. Not only did she wear one, she predicts you will, too - or at least consider it. Just be careful - the Shop Tart almost made the mistake of pairing a black metallic mesh Whiting and Davis bag with the jumpsuit, which would have been just a touch too costumey, n’est-ce pas? A vintage 40’s peplum jacket with a fur shawl collar and Michelle Vale bag took the 80’s edge out of the look. At least, um, the Shop Tart hopes they did. Her friends were too kind to say.
Where will you find your jumpsuit? That depends on your price range and which shops jump up to the plate. Yves St. Laurent makes a lovely one and, for the you-should-really-put-this-in-your-retirement-account-instead price of $2890, the Shop Tart is certain it flatters any figure. YSL offers a more casual version for the why-not-take-a-trip-instead price of $1780. On to more realistic options…
Last year, VanJean carried a cute casual version by Tibi, if the Shop Tart remembers correctly*. And if in fact it was Tibi, the price was probably palatable, if not bargain-basement. Wonder if VanJean bought any of the Phillip Lim versions for this season? There’s a great sleeveless black, faux-bustier version with wide leg pants (around $850). The Shop Tart loves this one, but doesn’t particularly want to guess at the price. Maybe the more casual version…
Coplon’s carries Chloe and Stella McCartney, who both made fab jumpsuits this season ($995-$1600). No word if Coplon’s will carry the jumpsuits, but the Shop Tart would love to see them up close. Robert Rodriguez (also available at Coplon’s) offers a gray, draped silk version that promises to be very flattering (around $360) and would be perfect for the store - and the Shop Tart’s closet!
We can only hope that M Boutique, the Bohemian, Belladea and Mary score a chic jumpsuit or three for us to rock. Alice + Olivia produced a mad cool jersey version with flutter sleeves for Spring (around $368). Just Sayin’. The Shop Tart is putting her money on M Boutique, usually the first shop to offer the latest thing at a price we like. Both Lola and Max and Prissy like the edgier pieces, too. Hmmm…
The Shop Tart is considering offering some sort of prize to the first reader to spot a jumpsuit for sale in town. If you are a local shop owner or employee planning on carrying a jumpsuit, let the Shop Tart know and you’ll be featured in a post. Stay tuned!
In other news…
- Mary and Martha’s is offering knife sharpening year-round for $6 a knife. Wonder if they can sharpen the Shop Tart’s Cuisinart blade…
- Finleaf Gallery is closed until January 6th.
- Weathers is having a 2-for-1 Sale. Standard rules apply (buy one, get a second of equal or lesser value absolutely free.)
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* She does remember that it looked très chic on store manager Christina with a fab pair of metallic thong sandals.
Dec
29
Follow the Shop Tart!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Bags, Beauty, Clothes, Great deal, Jewelry, Sale, Shoes | Leave a Comment
So, we’ve reached the pinnacle of the shopping season and we’re headed back down the mountain. Never fear, there’s another hike ahead…to Spring! The Shop Tart got a sneak peak at Spring merchandise at VanJean the other day - pretty, pretty, pretty - lots of bright colors. Hooray!
No matter how excited you are about Spring, don’t ski too fast down the last winter slope. It’s time to mine the sales and make some serious fashion decisions. Prices are just about as low as they can go, but there are still some fab choices out there. In fact, shop early, because there are some returns from the holidays that might not have been in the shops for a while. The Shop Tart scored a divine pair of Louboutins at Coplon’s for an obscenely low price. What kind of person returns a gift like that? Crazy! So get shopping - New Year’s Eve is just around the corner!
- Simply Savory is hosting a sparkling wine tasting this afternoon, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. All four wines are less than $15.99 and don’t forget about Simply Savory’s 15% case discount. This is the perfect opportunity to choose your bubbly for New Year’s Eve. One of the wines, Pol Clement Brut, is a Shop Tart favorite, guzzled with enthusiasm at her latest party.
- Just the Thing is offering 50% off the entire store.
- Little Lambs and Ivy is having a clearance sale. Fall and holiday merchandise is discounted 50% or more.
- Mary in Five Points is offering 25% off everything in the store and 60% off anything originally over $200.
- Shoes at Sophie are 50% off and there are plenty of “Last Pairs” for only $20. Sophie is also carrying last season’s clothes from Mary - including denim - at 75% off. It’s like an outlet sale, right in the heart of Five Points!
- Coplon’s sale is pretty awesome - 70% off Fall and Winter clothes and shoes, 50% off Fall and Winter handbags and 80% off past season clothes and shoes, which begs the question, “Does a $1000 Armani blazer marked down to $200 ever really go out of style?” The Shop Tart thinks not!
- Revente’s Winter Clearance sale is on - 50% off Fall and Winter clothing and shoes, 25% off selected jewelry and accessories. Start combing your closet - they’ll accept Spring consignments starting January 12th.
- VanJean and Pout are closed until January 5th.
- Need to chill? Have a New Year’s resolution you want to start right this second? Classes at City Yoga are free this week. That’s right. Free. All week. So go!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Dec
18
Best places in town to run into your friends from high school.
Filed Under Babies and Children, Bags, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Good Cause!, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Men, Sale, Shoes | Leave a Comment
Now, the Shop Tart realizes you might not want to run into your friends from high school, but really, isn’t it time to get past that? Go get your hair done, put on a nice outfit and go out to lunch. You might see someone fun (even if they weren’t fun in high school) and end up making plans for the evening. After all, you can only share so much holiday cheer with your family. The Shop Tart never fails to see old friends in these lunch spots:
- The Gourmet Shop. It’s always bustling, you can pick up a few last-minute holiday gifts and the food is scrumptious. Now that you’re older, you probably think you should order the Seasonal Green Salad, no bread, no croutons, with a side of smoked salmon. Delicious choice, but why not pretend your metabolism is back in high school and go for the Brie and Bacon Croissant? Just this once, for old times’ sake.
- Mr. Friendly’s. You’ll run into people you know and they might be with their parents. You are now mature enough to say hello to the parents and act interested, m’kay? Have a burger and fries or dig in to any one of their fab specials. You won’t really have time to eat though, because you’ll spend the whole time chatting with everyone in Columbia.
- Groucho’s. It’s a classic. You can order the STP Junior, but you know you want the whole thing, so go for it. And the ice - oh, the marvelous ice. The Shop Tart craved it like crazy when she was pregnant. You’re not pregnant, are you? That would be an interesting piece of news!
- Motor Supply Company. It’s still warm enough to sit on the enclosed porch and it’s perfectly acceptable to share a bottle of wine at lunch. What a fab way to fuel your Christmas shopping. Carol Saunders Gallery, right next door, is sure to have the perfect thing for your mom, like a piece of jewelry or some hand-blown wine glasses. Just don’t carry the wine glasses yourself if you drank most of that bottle.
- Adriana’s. You met one of your best friends when you worked there in high school. She introduced you to people who remain your best friends. In fact, she introduced you to your husband, a union that resulted in three adorable sons. You went to her wedding in Italy and had a blast. Not quite? Well, that’s what happened to the Shop Tart, so she has a special spot in her heart for Adriana’s. And their food is actually good now - really good - and they have great coffee and free wi-fi, so you can pretend to be working instead of looking up your high school friends on Facebook. Cool!
Last, but not least, Goatfeathers is not a lunch spot, but after a long day of shopping, chatting and behaving in a generally polite and cheery manner, don’t you need a drink or three? Happy Hour is calling your name. Goatfeathers is open when others are not and you’ll always run into someone you know. It’s nice and dark, so you can be as sullen as you were in college and no one will notice. Hooray!
In other news…
- Capes and skirts at LaRoque are 50% off. The Shop Tart thinks a lovely evening cape would be the perfect gift for someone special!
- Next week’s wine tasting at Simply Savory will be on Monday instead of Friday. They’ll also have a bubbly tasting on the Monday before New Year’s Eve. Fun!
- After a great run, Tickled Pink is closing for good. Everything is 40% off through Saturday.
- Some things in the Coplon’s sale are up to…gulp…80%. The Shop Tart is saying this very quietly, since she can’t get there until after 11 and is pretty sure people will be busting the doors down. They’re bringing merchandise from their other stores. The sale lasts for three days, through Saturday. The Shop Tart is shaking with excitement.
- Looking for a way to give back? Columbia’s Free Medical Clinic always needs your help. Count your blessings if you have a job and health insurance and do your part to help those who don’t.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Dec
17
Look of the Week!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Bags, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Good Cause!, Look of the Week, Sale, Shoes | 1 Comment
Tullulah is closing the doors for good on Christmas Eve*, y’all, so stop by and say hello before it’s too late! While you’re there, take a look at all the cool fixtures and furniture…everything is for sale. There are some verrah, verrah lovely holiday decorations, as well as a fab sofa and plenty of lingerie, some marked down by as much as 75%.
The Shop Tart, desperate for her last fix of casual conversation with Kristy in the shop, stopped in last week and found Elizabeth Halbing, a social worker and State Fair Ribbon Winner in Amateur Cake Decorating. Because there was a slight chill in the air, she wore a sophisticated scarf and boots she scored at the most recent Kicks sidewalk sale for a price so impressively low the Shop Tart can’t even print it for fear you would die of envy.
And the absolutely necessary close-up of the duck-fabric skirt with a green lace overlay to save it from being, well, a skirt with ducks on it.
The Shop believes no outfit is complete without a large cocktail ring. Thank you for obliging, Miss Elizabeth!
Find some time before Christmas Eve to stop by Tullulah, where you will probably find the Shop Tart, sipping Diet Coke from Divine Foods and trying to figure out just how good of a deal she can get on those white feather wreaths. And trying to get the scoop on AnnaBelle (LaRoque)’s big plans…
In other news…
- Kicks is having a Fall and Winter sale. Sizes are going fast, so hurry!
- Everything in stock at LaRoque is 20% off. Happy Holidays!
- Don’t forget Simply Savory’s 15% case discount on wine (most places only offer 10% off cases). Stop in the deli for a superb lunch and pick up a case of wine on your way out.
- Belladea unpacked new pieces by Beth Bowley and Ella Moss. To make room, they added more items to the sale rack, up to 40% off.
- K.D.’s Treehouse will be open a little late on Thursday and Friday evening and, even though they’re normally closed Mondays, they’ll open the Monday before Christmas for last-minute shoppers!
- Looking for a way to donate time or money? Consider MIRCI (Mental Illness Recovery Center, Incorporated). They’ve been helping people since 1960 and can always use your help.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* A Note for Those of You Who Know and Love Kristy: The closing of Tullulah is a good thing for her and she’s looking forward to whatever comes next!
Dec
15
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Filed Under Babies and Children, Bags, Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Good Cause!, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Meet the Designer, Men, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop, Trunk Show | Leave a Comment
Well, kids, the countdown is on. Shopping is more fun than ever this year, with recession-style discounts at an all time high. A buyer for a certain chic boutique said, “This will never happen again,” in an awe-filled voice as she perused heavily-discounted, current-season Louboutins at another store. The Shop Tart doesn’t know if “never” is accurate, but it might be close. This is the year to buy the boots or coat you’ll wear for the next ten. Gentlemen? Time to finally own your own tuxedo or that $1500 suit you’ve dreamed of since you found out that guy who drives the Mercedes had one. Or perhaps this is the year to get the Shop Tart that special present to show how much you care.
In the Shop Tart’s world, the only thing that trumps scoring a good deal is spending time with friends. Parties, fun lunches, Champagne before 5 pm - hooray! This weekend was fab. She and her husband went to a party in Blythewood. In order to have as much fun as possible, they hired a driver. The Shop Tart wholeheartedly endorses Aiken Limousine and Transportation (877-648-5466). Shop Tart Tip: Ask for a sedan rather than a stretch limousine and the price is delightfully reasonable. Please remember to have a safe and sober driver this season!
Saturday afternoon, les parents Shop Tart hired a sitter so they could shop together for les enfants. Shopping for children is the most fun! After, they had a lovely time at Gervais and Vine, where Lorrie Rivers was performing.
Sunday evening (which is too part of the weekend!) the El Burrito Holiday Prom was in full swing at the Whig. Every year, Susie Sheffield (owner of the divine El Burrito in Five Points) hosts a prom for her beloved employees. The drink of the evening was a Blue Hawaii, which the Shop Tart enjoyed immensely.
She snapped this shot of Susie, Pam and John posing à la Seventeen magazine’s Prom Issue. So cute!
Boys are so scared of prom…
Now, only ten more shopping days ’til Christmas and five ’til Hanukkah, so down that Blue Hawaii and get ready to party!
Where to find the deals and steals before Christmas…
- Tullulah’s having a blowout sale, in preparation for closing on Christmas Eve (*sniff*). All merchandise is priced up to 50% off. The fixtures have been marked with prices, too, so if you need some sparkly holiday decorations or a fab modern sofa, go take a look!
- Coplon’s Fall and Winter merchandise is now 50% off. Did you get the Shop Tart a present yet? Also, Slane jewelry is 25% off.
- LaRoque will add $25 to every $100 gift certificate you purchase.
- There are still plenty of choices in the Fall and Winter sale at VanJean, marked down 50 and 75% off.
- All shoes at Sophie Shoes are 50% off.
- Pout will add $25 to every gift card over $75.
- Weathers is having a big sale. Buy any one of their suits or sports coats and get one of equal or lesser value for free. Wheee! They also have a large selection of sweaters and long sleeved sport shirts at 50% off.
- The Bohemian is offering 20% off fashion accessories this week and Bohemian Home is offering 25% off dining room furniture.
- Friday, from 10 am until 8 pm, stop by the Nana Bag open house at designer Sally Peek’s house (1816 Gamewell Drive. That’s the street perpendicular to Forest Drive, right beside BeBeep, the toy store). Inventory is dwindling, but Sally can take custom orders (ready after Christmas) or offer gift certificates.
- Speaking of BeBeep, as always, they have an impressive stock of Legos. And a little bird told the Shop Tart their Thomas trains are always 20% off.
- Cottage and Vine is offering 20% off one item through the end of the year. On Tuesday, they’re hosting a Susan Hauser Jewelry show from 11 am until 4 pm, where you can receive 20% off one piece of jewelry.
- Great deal at Cellar on Green, Mr. Friendly’s and Solstice: Purchase a $100 worth of gift certificates and choose a free bottle of wine or purchase over $200 worth and choose two bottles or go nuts and purchase over $300 worth and choose two bottles AND receive a $20 gift certificate to your choice of one of the three establishments!
- Please remember those in need this season. Palmetto Place, an emergency shelter for children can always use your help.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
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