Jun
4
Delayed gratification can be fun!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Beauty, Clothes, Dinner at Home, Eat and Drink, Great deal, Home, Sale, Shoes, Wine, live music | Leave a Comment
One of the best things about shopping in local stores is the instant gratification: Choose, pay, and wear it out for drinks that very afternoon. Today, the Shop Tart had a lovely experience with delayed gratification. Two weeks ago, she was fitted for two bras by Carol of a Soft Touch at Belle Vie. After a fitting, Carol orders the bras and you have to wait. Waiting is hard, but the lovely thing is that you’ve already paid, so when your order arrives, it’s like it’s free! Today, the Shop Tart’s mother had an appointment for a fitting and the Shop Tart’s bras had arrived. They fit perfectly, bien sûr. Afterward, they went to lunch at Cloud Nine, where the Shop Tart enjoyed a beloved standby, the spinach salad. She and her mother fell in love with the glassware by Sophie Conran for Portmeirion. The bubbly flutes made the Shop Tart wish she could get married all over again - to the same husband, of course - just so she could register for them.
And the salad bowl? Yes!
Why stop there? The ice bucket was mad chic, too.
And, erm, just in case you wanted to get the Shop Tart another little present? This cake plate is fab (and would make a nice cheese plate, too, n’est-ce pas? Cake stands with low pedestals are verrah modern.
While she was browsing, the Shop Tart spotted a plate of angel food cake with pineapples, strawberries and…wait for it…lime zest. She resisted sitting back down to order a piece, but just barely, and only because her mother had an appointment at the car shop and they had to leave. She ran into a pregnant friend who was there to pick up one of Cloud Nine’s scrumptious cookies; did you know a cookie a day makes babies prettier? True story.
After lunch and bra shopping, the ladies headed to the car shop to leave Shop Tart mère’s car for service. Belle Vie shows shoes from kicks and la mère had seen a pair she wanted to try in her size. Lucky for her, they were in stock and on sale. Hooray! Kicks is still offering 30% off the first pair you purchase and 40% off the second. Never one to miss out on a sale, la mère wondered aloud if the Shop Tart might want to buy another pair. Mais oui! The Bijou de Pied flip-flops in purple were the perfect choice, around $30 with the discount. Maybe she needs the other colors, too.
And home she went to relieve the brave sitter, who had taken the children to Gilbert for strawberry picking, which gave the Shop Tart the perfect excuse to pick up some Gullah Gourmet biscuit mix from Simply Savory for strawberry shortcake. The shortcake didn’t happen though, because the she took the children to the pool instead, followed by diner at Pho Viet on Decker. The dinner was divine, but you will have to do without photos. Why? Because a certain toddler was acting like a complete maniac and the Shop Tart didn’t want to identify herself for fear of prosecution. Let it suffice to say she highly recommends the chicken and shrimp bún and the Vietnamese seafood crêpe. The Vietnamese spring rolls, which are really more like wraps, reminded the Shop Tart that summer is here and she needs to pull out Mai Pham’s Best of Vietnamese & Thai Cooking
In other news…
- Speaking of delayed gratification, the Shop Tart is halfway through her Laser Genesis treatments from Illumination Med Spa, as well as halfway through her series of facials with LED light therapy at Pout. She’s really starting to see a difference in texture; her skin is much smoother to the touch. Pesky breakouts and fine lines seem to be less prevalent, too. Loving these results!
- Revente got a Marc Jacobs bag in yesterday. The fab purse retails for $1250 and Revente is offering it for just $750.
- Lola has a brand new shipment from Velvet. Cool and easy for summer!
- Sid & Nancy has expanded their buying hours to…every day, all day. Take in your hippest clothes (you know, the ones you can’t fit into any more) and sell them for a little cash.
- Simply Savory’s free wine tasting is happening tomorrow from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, with a special addition. Lynwood Duke will be there with samples of her homemade Biscuit Bites in buttermilk and Country Ham. Perfect for gourmet snacking at the beach, at the lake or on the porch.
- Local band Lunch Money is playing Lollapalooza this year (cool, huh?) and you can get their CD at KD’s Treehouse. If you’ve never seen or heard the band, you must. Great fun for all ages!
- Check out brand new Tory Burch at VanJean, sure to be fabulous!
- Belle Vie is having a crazy Doncaster sample sale. Everything is divided up by size, so browsing is easy!
- During the month of June, Oyster bar is offering half-off oysters every day from 4 to 6 pm.
- Take a look at new summer clothing at Bohemian, including lots of cool cami-style tops for summer from Free People, Project E and 213 Industry.
- Tonight, enjoy an Oregon-themed happy hour on the patio at Solstice: $3 glasses of Oregon Pinot Gris & Oregon Pinot Noir al fresco with complimentary Oregon-style snacks from the kitchen.
- Ross Holmes will entertain the crowd at Dianne’s tomorrow night. Do make a reservation, as seating is limited.
- H2 and Tonic day Spa are offering free microderm abrasion with every one hour facial this month.
- At Frame of Mind from 5:30 to 8 pm, Kenneth Gutzler will be presenting his art. There will be wine, cheese and chatting, the perfect thing for after work or before dinner.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Mar
9
Follow the Shop Tart!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Exclusive savings, Good Cause!, Men, Shoes, Sip and Shop, Trunk Show | Leave a Comment
The Shop Tart had a harrowing joyful weekend, caring for her darling children all by herself while her husband rocked out to Morrissey in Myrtle Beach. The Shop Tart considered going, but there is no Westin Hotel in Myrtle Beach. She does love Morrissey. And his new album did not disappoint. She is terribly grateful to her dear friends Kristy and Anthony, who stopped by for a glass of wine on Friday evening to save her from drinking alone with the children, which is neither safe nor in good taste entertain her with adult conversation. Finally, it’s warm enough to have drinks on the porch, which the Shop Tart plans to do, every single night until it gets cold again. Shop Tart Tip: If you want people to just drop by, and you should, always keep a few snacks on hand. Nuts and olives will suffice. Frozen, ready-to-heat treats, like spanakopeta from Cloud Nine, earn bonus points. And cute cocktail napkins, you should definitely have those. The Shop Tart is just a tiny bit embarrassed that she offered the balsamic almonds in the jar, rather than in a pretty silver bowl, and forgot the cute napkins entirely. Oh, well. We all know the wine is the most important part anyway, n’est-ce pas?
Saturday was soccer day, with one match in the morning and one in the afternoon. In between the matches, one of the soccer players had choir and the other one accompanied the Shop Tart, his toddler brother, a friend and her two daughters to Yo Burrito for lunch. The Shop Tart has found Mexican to be an excellent cuisine for children, as chips are usually provided early on in the experience. The toddler loves chips and is blissfully quiet when his mouth is full of them. Saturday night, Mr. Shop Tart returned and the Shop Tart enjoyed a long bath (with the fan on, so she couldn’t hear the children. She knows you understand.)
Don’t we love spring? Every single shop is filled with bright, shiny new things and more boxes are being unpacked every single day. And outside dining (and drinking!) is de rigeur. Lovely!
The week ahead…
- Owner and shoe goddess Jackie Howie of Kicks founded Get in the Pink to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of her shops. On May 9th, Get in the Pink will host three fab events: The Stiletto Sprint (men welcome), a 10K road race and Soirée on the Saluda. All proceeds from the day benefit the American Cancer Society. The Shop Tart will be there to cheer the runners and she will certainly toast them at the soirée that evening! Registration for the events begins March 15th.
- Shop Tart Savings Alert: Shop Tart readers get 10% off at Revente and Sid & Nancy when they mention the Shop Tart. Save even more on fab designer treats!
- Shop Tart Savings Alert: Are you totally ready for the Cup? Dress? Check. Shoes? Check. Friends to “watch horses” with? Check. Hat? Oops! 2G’s has Cup hats and they are offering 10% off to anyone who mentions the Shop Tart, so go get one!
- Solstice is having Babysitter Night again tomorrow night. Take the kids and let them be entertained while you enjoy a fab meal in peace, you happy party parents. Just like being at Club Med. Mwah!
- Love your spa treatments? Love to save money so you can have them regularly? Tranquil Moments Day Spa is offering a Spa Club for $49.99 a month. With your membership, you’ll receive one one-hour spa service of your choice each month, along with a 25% discount on additional spa services. And…earn points for each service you enjoy to get even more discounts on future services. Wheeee!
- On Wednesday, head to Granger-Owings for a trunk show featuring Corneliani, Zanella, Robert Talbott and Lorenzo Banfi Shoes. Enjoy a light lunch and refreshments between noon and 2 pm and register to win a Roger Talbott shirt or seven fold tie of your choice.
- M Boutique has a brand new shipment of BCBG, a line known for producing wearable trends, so go get it!
- Save $25 on a color treatment or $10 on a haircut at Urban Nirvana with coupon - email the Shop Tart and she’ll forward you the coupon.
- Weathers is having a Custom Clothing Event starting today and continuing through Saturday. No matter your political persuasion, you must admit our president is an attractive man with great suits. Word has it he favors Hart Schaffner Marx. The event includes Hart Schaffner Marx and Measure Up Custom Shirts. Here’s how it works: Receive 15% off when you order a custom suit, sport coat or pair of slacks or 25% off when you order two custom suits, sport coats or slacks and order three custom made dress shirts and receive the fourth one absolutely free! On Wednesday, representatives from both lines will be in the store to assist you with your choices.
- Did you go to Camp Gravatt? The Shop Tart did, for five glorious days in the summer after second grade. Do you like peanut butter and chocolate? The Shop Tart does. Stop by the Art Shack Gallery and Cafe for a (peanut butter and chocolate) Gravatt Square. All proceeds from the sale of Gravatt Squares will be donated to the Gravatt Scholarship Fund.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
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
22
Get your healthy glow for less (and another Cheap Treat!)
Filed Under Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Great deal, Home, Sale, Sip and Shop, Wine, cheap treat | Leave a Comment
Good Morning, dahling. How are you doing with your New Year’s resolution? Not so good? Well, change it. Easier resolutions are best and the Shop Tart has one for you: You hereby resolve to go to Rosewood Market with a dollar (just a dollar!) and buy a key tag which will entitle you to a 5% discount on absolutely everything in the store. Everything, as in fresh produce, vegetarian options galore, healthy deli foods, skin-loving beauty products, vitamins and magazines. And everything else. The Rosewood key tag dangles from all the chicest key fobs in town.
You can use it to buy the Shop Tart’s latest and greatest seasoning, Garlic Red Pepper Miso. Her charming friend Tracie turned her on to it and she’s been adding a scoop to various dishes ever since. Bonus: Miso is really, really good for you!
Don’t forget to stock up on fresh produce, a no-brainer when it comes to eating right.
The Shop Tart can’t guarantee the health benefits of this cereal, but how could she resist the name? Sounds like a good time!
With the 5% discount, you can shop more often at Rosewood, where everything is good for you (but not in an “Eat your vegetables or no dessert for you, young lady” kind of way). The Shop Tart will step gingerly onto her soapbox for a moment… So many of us battle our weight when we should be worried about our health. If you take the bull by the horns (or the, um, gourd if you are vegetarian) and change your eating habits for the better, your happy weight will find you. Really. Eat foods as close to nature as possible, don’t suffer unnecessarily and find some sort of exercise you love. In her capacity as a Pilates teacher, the Shop Tart is often asked what kind of exercise people should do. Her answer? Whatever kind you will do. Don’t like getting your hair wet? Skip swimming. Don’t like short skirts and cute instructors? Tennis is not for you. Don’t like former ballet dancers? Forgo Pilates. Whatever you choose, make sure you stretch a little, strengthen a little and sweat a little. Focus on health, not weight. You’ve heard it before, but it’s true, true, true! Incidentally, the Shop Tart finds Self Magazine inspires without hurting her feelings. She gleans an encouraging health tidbit or three from every issue. And she picks up her skirt and steps delicately off the soapbox.
Since we’re improving ourselves, how about a Cheap Treat? Do you get patchy bits of dry skin in the winter? No worries, you don’t have to admit it. Most of us do, whether on the face, elbows or any other location that misses summer humidity. If you want skin as soft as a baby’s bottom, why not use a product meant for a baby’s bottom? Don’t use it on your face in the day time, unless you’re into the greasy look, but A+D Original Ointment banishes dry patches like nothing else. Getting ready to go out? Dab it on while you’re fixing your hair and wipe it off, along with those dry flakes, before applying make-up. For really dry skin, apply heavily before bedtime.
Need another reason to banish junk food? The Shop Tart recently spotted this sign. She feels scared.
Now, go be lovely!
In other news…
- Simply Savory’s free wine tasting is happening tomorrow afternoon, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. This week, they’re serving Foxbrook Chardonnay, Foxbrook Merlot, Trapiche Malbec and Trapiche Pinot Noir. Yum!
- Mark your calender: AnnaBelle of LaRoque wants you to see the new shop and she’s having a party next Thursday evening. Details coming soon! Stop by this week for a 75% off winter and fall sale rack and new styles for spring.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Jan
15
Look younger all over (and a Cheap Treat!)
Filed Under Beauty, Clothes, Good Cause!, Great deal, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop, Wine, cheap treat | 1 Comment
Thanks again to an assignment from Jolie Magazine, the Shop Tart recently experienced a little “hand rejuvenation” at Pout. Skeptical at first, she realized the full effect of the treatment several days later at Yoga class, in Down Dog. She looked up to check her hand placement and, lo and behold, some twenty-two year old’s hands were there instead. Crazy stuff. Shannon Dangerfield, Pout’s esthetician, gently lectured the Shop Tart about taking care of her hands, a sure sign of her advanced age. You’ve heard it before, but it’s true: Most of us have more damage on our right side, where the car window allows sun to damage our delicate skin. Wonder if they have more damage on the left side in England? Anyhow, Pout’s hand rejuvenation takes just 30 minutes and includes a dreamy massage, microdermabrasion and LED light therapy, all painless. Like every other skin-savvy professional, Shannon recommends hand lotion with SPF, to be reapplied frequently throughout the day. If your mama raised you right and you wash your hands several times a day, any sunscreen you applied in the morning disappears. You did apply sunscreen in the morning, didn’t you? The Shop Tart certainly hopes so. A tube of Pout’s Rich Girl Hand Cream SPF 25 from the Lippmann Collection has taken up permanent residence in the Shop Tart’s pocketbook.
Since it’s unlikely she’ll be able to have hand rejuvenation on a weekly basis, the Shop Tart has been looking around for other solutions, beyond the aforementioned hand cream. St. Ives makes a microdermabrasion scrub. You know St. Ives - they make that apricot scrub that may have been your very first memorable beauty product in high school, after the Bonne Bell Lip Gloss, of course. She bought the scrub and has been using it diligently in the shower on her hands and arms, rendering them fabulously soft (Or so she’s told. Ahem. Old ladies must accept any compliments they can get.) The scrub costs less than a sandwich and lasts for a good long while. Unlike a sandwich, which lasts - at most - thirty minutes.
Obvi, the scrub isn’t as strong as microdermabrasion in a spa, but it can be used every day. Cumulative effect is everything! Neutral polish can also make your hands look younger. The Lippmann Collection offers plenty of choices, including the Shop Tart’s favorite, Baby Love.
Make it your New Year’s Resolution to take care of your skin, rain or shine, from head to toe. The Shop Tart and legions of other old ladies wish they’d been more diligent in their mis-spent youth. If you’ve been less than diligent, jump-start with hand rejuvenation at Pout and start using the microdermabrasion scrub every single day, along with healthy doses of moisturizing sunscreen. You’ll recover in no time!
In other news…
- Check out the sale rack at LaRoque, up to 75% off!
- Mark your calenders, ladies. Kicks of Lexington will have a Sidewalk Sale on January 30th and 31st (Friday and Saturday). There will be a preview sale (snacks and sippers included, bien sûr!) on Thursday the 29th 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. The Shop Tart feels giddy just thinking about it!
- Simply Savory’s free wine tasting is happening Friday afternoon from 4:30 to 6:30. On January 30th, they’ll host a Grand Opening party for the Deli and Dip. Mayor Bob will attend for ribbon-cutting duties.
- 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.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Jan
9
More effective flirting.
Filed Under Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Great deal, Sip and Shop, Wine | Leave a Comment
Oh the excitement of a road trip! The Shop Tart is headed to see Leasa Collins at Chō on Main in Lexington this morning. Just before Thanksgiving, she got eyelash extensions, in the name of journalism and career advancement no less - she was working on a freelance piece for Jolie Magazine*. Flirtation Devices firmly in place, the Shop Tart didn’t need a stitch of mascara on her island vacation. In fact, she didn’t use any until a week ago. Although it doesn’t take much time to apply mascara, removing it takes up valuable moments meant for snuggling in bed. Plus, it’s a pain. The Shop Tart doesn’t care for difficulty. And don’t you hate waking up in the morning to find the remnants of last night’s mascara under your eyes? Yuck!
The Shop Tart has tried plenty of tricks. Fearless in her pursuit of lashtastic fullness, she has even tinted her lashes with an illegally obtained kit
Back to the lash extensions…they are awesome. Incredible. Fabulous. Irresistible. And addictive. Leasa warned the Shop Tart she wouldn’t want to give them up and she was absolutely right. The lashes, glued individually to your natural lashes, shed at the same rate as natural ones, which means they last about two months. The Shop Tart has had hers for six weeks and is ready for a fill-in. Lucky for her (and you…and your bestie…and your mom…and your sister…), Leasa’s running a special this month; the first application is half off. Fill-ins aren’t nearly as pricey, so you should be able to maintain without giving up groceries.
Some of you may be wondering if the Shop Tart has forsaken her beloved Tarte 4 Day Stay Lash Stain from Pout. Au contraire! The Tarte tint is still a mainstay (get it? mainstay?) in her makeup arsenal, but it rests there undisturbed until about 6 weeks after Leasa does her magic.
So, if you should happen to see the Shop Tart out on the town tonight, check out the lashes. Mwah!
In other news…
- LaRoque is expanded, remodeled and open for business. Stop by today and take a look at new fabrics and styles. The Cup is just around the corner…
- Simply Savory’s free wine tasting is a great way to start the weekend. Sample wine with a friend or three between 4:30 and 6:30 pm this afternoon.
- The All-Local Farmers’ Market is happening tomorrow morning, 8 am until noon, at Gervais and Vine. Go, just go. You’ll love it!
- Lorrie Rivers will be at Dianne’s on Devine tonight, singing her heart out. Don’t forget your coupon!
- Everything at Just the Thing is 50% off; they’re making room for soon-to-arrive Spring merchandise.
- Getting married? The St. Andrews Women’s Club is hosting a Bridal Showcase tomorrow from noon until 5 pm at the Cantey Building on the fairgrounds. While you’re there, you can pick up a copy of Carolina Bride and read the Shop Tart’s piece, “Now That the Wedding is Over”.
- The Gourmet Shop is now offering knife sharpening for $5 a knife.
- Freya for Smashbox at the J Thomas Salon is offering 10% off all makeup, this week only.
- The Columbia Museum of Art’s Opening Reception for “Sk8 and Cre8″ is tonight from 5 to 7 pm. Free with admission or membership.
- From 5:30 to 8 pm this evening, stop by Frame of Mind for a glass of wine and art by Anne Cimballa.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* The issue is on the stands right now. The article covers permanent makeup (that’s tatoos, y’all!), hand rejeuvenation (good stuff) and the Shop Tart’s beloved eyelash extensions.
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
15
Follow the Shop Tart!
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!
Dec
12
Sleigh bells ring…
Filed Under Bags, Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Good Cause!, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Men, Sale, Sip and Shop, Trunk Show | Leave a Comment
And the Shop Tart and her husband are getting a sitter so they can go shopping together on Saturday. This tradition began one year when they, somewhat over zealously, booked a sitter a month in advance to go to some dinner-dance thingy…and forgot to reserve a spot at the party. The Shop Tart does not believe in canceling a sitter, so they went out shopping and had a light dinner instead. So much fun! She hopes you’ll remember how lucky you are to have the financial means to shop (even if you’re hunting sales a little harder this year!) The holiday season is filled with good cheer - really! So, no complaining allowed. Slow down while you’re shopping for your loved ones, smile at your fellow shopper and have a glass or three of eggnog along the way, m’kay?
Speaking of stopping to smell the flowers, don’t you find a sip of wine relaxes you? Take a break from your holiday preparations and hit a wine tasting. Then pick out a discounted case to use for gifts or a party at yours. Here are a few options:
- Simply Savory hosts a free wine tasting today from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. The Shop Tart and her husband had a blast there last Friday - and it morphed into an evening out with friends at the Gourmet Shop Champagne tasting followed by a light meal at Saluda’s. Fun!
- The Gourmet Shop hosts a nearly free ($1) wine tasting on Saturday from 2 to 5 pm. Try some wine, buy a bottle or a case and do a little Christmas shopping while you’re there. The Shop Tart would love a pair of those pretty champagne glasses in the window. Just sayin’.
- From 12 to 2 pm on Saturday, enjoy another free tasting at Cellar on Greene. While you’re there, but a gift certificate worth more than $100 and get a feee bottle of wine.
So, hop on your sleigh and get going!
In other news…
- Today is the last day to get 40% off everything at Mary. Don’t miss it!
- The All-Local Farmers’ Market is happening tomorrow, from 8 am to noon, at Gervais and Vine. The Shop Tart thinks that delicious all-local breakfast - a steal at only $4 - is about the best start to a Saturday there is. And this one is special - local artisans will be there selling their wares for your holiday shopping pleasure. Be there, silly!
- This weekend, enjoy 30% off necklaces, shoes, holiday items and tailgating and collegiate items at Just the Thing. And…just in case you need one…pick up a metallic clutch or three, since they’re so inexpensive, to carry to holiday parties or give to your fave girlfriends as gifts.
- Through Saturday, get 20% off selected gift items at Bohemian and Bohemian Home.
- Everything at Tullulah is 25% off, except bras, which are half off. Did you hear that? Ladies’ bras are half off. Heehee. You could really rack up with that sale on bras. Bwahahaaaa. The Shop Tart is such a third grader sometimes.
- Nan’s Notes is offering 50% off mens’ gifts and 20% off Christmas Cards. They also have extended holiday hours.
- Save 25% on all in-stock merchandise at Tranquil Moments Day Spa.
- Saturday, head to Britton’s for a trunk show featuring Allen Stephenson of Southern Tide Polo and clothing by Pennington & Bailes.
- In Charleston for the weekend? Hampden Clothing on King Street is offering 20% off everything in the store.
- In Charlotte? Get 20% off jewelry at Petal Boutique and 30% off the rest of the store through the weekend.
- Don’t forget those in need as you enjoy the holiday season. The Nurturing Center is a family-focused, therapeutic treatment center for child abuse and neglect and they need your help!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
Dec
9
Top Five Drugstore Necessities
Filed Under Babies and Children, Bags, Beauty, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Good Cause!, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Men, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop, cheap treat | 2 Comments
The Shop Tart would prefer to shop local all the time, but she has yet to locate an individually owned shop that sells normal toothpaste, band-aids or these five things, which she absolutely cannot do without. A saavy retailer should go nuts and open a neighborhood store. No matter how broke, people still buy toilet paper, candy and bobby pins, n’est-ce pas? A locally owned drugstore would be the chicest thing evah. And what if the employees were as knowledgeable about the beauty products as those who peddle higher end brands? The Shop Tart can dream. Without further ado, the list.
First recommended by the Shop Tart’s dermatologist, Vanicream rocks. The packaging won’t enhance your decor, but the contents are non-greasy, odorless and able to quench dry winter skin with a single coat. For dry feet, slather it on under socks and go about your day. In as little as thirty minutes, your feet can bare themselves in sandals with no shame. Hooray! Oddly, even drugstore chains in Columbia lack a stock of this magical salve. The Shop Tart orders a tub or two a year from drugstore.com
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Even less glamorous than Vanicream, Certain Dri tops the Shop Tart’s list of miracles. Certain Dri rivals Botox as a treatment for sweaty underarms. Finally, you can wear solid, cotton tops without fear. After using it for a week or two, you probably won’t need it more than once every few days. The Shop Tart recommends using a pretty smelling deodorant as well, because Certain Dri seems to control sweat, not odor. Ahem
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It is the Creme…the Creme of Nature. According to their website, “Creme of Nature has been the gold standard in shampoo for African American women since 1976.” No wonder. It tames the frizziest hair, African American or not. Shampoo and conditioner all rolled into one, Creme of Nature fits into any carry-on or gym bag. The Shop Tart adores her salon hair products, but Creme of Nature is the one she can’t live without. Look for it in the ethnic haircare section at your corner drugstore.
This product wins in the Least Glamorous category. You have to have them and, for the sake of fashion and the environment, you should give the applicator-free version a whirl. The Shop Tart can hear your indignation. Stylish feminine hygiene products? Is nothing sacred? Well, no. These are so small you can fit one in your sock, as the commercials used to claim so enthusiastically. Although the Shop Tart most certainly does not endorse keeping them in your socks, they do fit into any wallet, no matter how small. They fit in the pocket of the tightest jeans, eliminating the need to carry an awkward purse into a club or your hostess’ bathroom at a dinner party. During that time of the month, take care of yourself with a bag of chips, but show some love for the environment, too, by forgoing the applicator. Mwah!
Believe the hype. The Elnett debate rages on in all the magazines. Some users claim the American version doesn’t quite measure up to its legendary European counterpart. While the Shop Tart has never had the pleasure of using the European Elnett, she loves its American cousin like a sister. After three days, some of her Elnett-coated curls remained. Bonus: It smells so old-school, you’ll feel like a first grader getting ready for her first ballet recital. The packaging is sufficiently glam. In othere news…
- Max and Prissy is having a birthday! The entire store is 40% off. Join them for Cocktails and Cupcakes from 5 to 8 pm on Thursday.
- Kicks is hosting a benefit for Children’s Garden tonight from 6 to 8 pm. The event will feature clothing by Tom James, fab eye wear from Frame of Mind and shoes from Kicks, of course! Bring a donation for Children’s Garden and receive a discount on your purchase. Donations can include paper products, diapers, wipes, school supplies and more.
- Shop Tart Tip: If having an entire party catered isn’t in the budget, call your fave caterer anyway. See if you can order a few appetizers to freeze until the big day!
- The Champagne tasting at Gourmet Shop on Friday was fab (as was the tasting just before it at Simply Savory. Is it any wonder the Shop Tart concluded the evening by telling her friend’s mother-in-law the story of how Baby Shop Tart #3 was conceived? Fun!) Anyhow, all that Champagne reminded her about the bubbly sale at Gourmet Shop. Champagne is the perfect holiday gift, or birthday gift, or Happy Tuesday gift.
- Need to score an end of the year tax deduction? Consider a donation to Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services. PALSS provides much-needed services to those diagnosed with HIV and AIDS and those at risk. Every bit counts and HIV and AIDS don’t take a holiday vacation, so donate what you can.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
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