May
28
Rainy day fun.
Filed Under Babies and Children, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Good Cause!, Great deal, Jewelry, Men, Sale, Shoes, Wine, cheap treat, live music | Comments Off
Some days aren’t meant for work. Due to inclement weather, they aren’t so great for play, either. The Shop Tart recommends a little Happy Hour, grown-up style. That would be as opposed to just-out-of-college-and-broke style, which involved slurping up as many vodka tonics as possible before Goatfeathers’ happy hour ended and drinks were rendered unaffordable. Grown-ups have more fun, they really do. Once upon a time, on a warm and dreary day, the Shop Tart had childcare and nothing to do. She also had a cell phone, with plenty of fun people in the contact list. Her first text - “having bad day. glass of wine at gourmet?” - was answered with a cheerful phone call and happy hour was ON.
Lucky for the ladies, the outdoor tables at Gourmet Shop had cleared by 3:30 or so when they arrived. Yes, that’s a bit early for a glass of wine, but it was kind of close to a weekend. As they perused the wine list, they were cheered to see splits of bubbly were available. Or so they thought. As it turns out, the low prices were for full-sized bottles. The lovely people at the café realized the futility of trying to mark up prices for drinking in when someone could just run inside the shop, grab a bottle and uncork it themselves. So, this lovely bottle of Pol Clément set them back just $9.99.
As mentioned before: Early Wine + No Food = Unseemly Behavior. The Shop Tart recommends the cheese and pâté plate. She and her friend took the waiter’s suggestion on cheese and pâté and were not disappointed. Not one little bit.
Also available on the menu:Two cheeses and two pâtés, One cheese and two pâtés…or the deluxe Three cheeses and two pâtés. Or you can go pâté-only. Or cheese extravaganza. Or prosciutto and parrano. Or melty Brie with baguette. Are you hungry? Shop Tart Tip: You can always recork a bottle and take it with you, so there is no need to guzzle. You can also leave a glass or two for the waiter. Did you know that “pourboire” means “tip” in French? And that it translates literally to “for drinking?” But do not consider the dregs of your wine to be an actual tip. Leave a real one, as your waiter is probably the last guy to go home, because of those irritants still out on the sidewalk. And do offer to close out your tab as soon as you are finished ordering so he can tally his sales. That is a nice thing to do.
Yesterday was a rainy day but a bottle of bubbly was not at all what the Shop Tart wanted. To cheer herself up and entertain her middle child and his friend, who had both given stellar performances in the school play that day, she accompanied them to Simply Savory for ice cream cones. Delish! There was a group of ladies in the wine room who appeared to be enjoying a birthday luncheon; this looked like a great deal of fun and the Shop Tart thinks she would like to entertain a group of ladies there herself one of these days. After that, she made a quick trip to Kicks, where spring shoes are 30% off. How could she resist? She’s patiently waiting to see if those multi-colored Nanette Lepore sandals can be located in her size. These perfect-for-the-rest-of-your-life Jill Stuarts are on sale:
And, yes, the Shop Tart knows you were eying that fab pair in the background. Gorgeous! They are by L.A.M.B. and are also on sale.
Now, are you looking for a real deal? A deal so good, you’ll feel giddy? How about these super-comfortable, classic ballet flats by Restricted? They were only $54 full-price, so at 30% off they are more or less free. As you may know, the Shop Tart gets emotional about her passion for tan patent leather shoes of any style. Navy patent is mad sophisticated. And fuschia? Yes! You could score all three for the price of just two.
These are also on sale and practically free.
Out of your size? Never fear. There were plenty of new things in all price ranges (Psssst…mostly on the lower end. We love summer!) The Shop Tart predicts the Jeffrey Campbell gold ruffled sandals will sell out by the end of the week and the shell and lizard pair next to them won’t be far behind.
Lurrrve these Nanette Lepores (you can see the green soles reflected on the table!) and the metallic Andrea Carranos next to them. All three could be worn through summer and into fall (and winter…and next spring…)
There were more new kicks by Enigma and Restricted (always great prices!), Nanette Lepore and others.
And these were just out of the box, not even on the floor yet.
After Kicks, the Shop Tart stopped by Non(e)such for a wedding gift - Annieglass with a gold rim to complement the bride’s china pattern - which they wrapped and mailed for her. She spent a few minutes chatting with the ladies at VanJean before heading home to make eggplant pizza. What a lovely way to fill a rainy day with sunshine!
In other news…
- If you have a child or just like to shop for them, do stop by KD’s Treehouse and join their club for occasional emails and special discounts!
- Today and tomorrow, get 20% off spring and summer merchandise and 10% off denim at M Boutique.
- Bohemian has new shipments from Free People, Dogeared (gold necklaces, irish linen bracelets and other jewelry) and Ragdoll (super comfortable layering tanks and bandeaus in charcoal and a beautiful range of purples.)
- Spring merchandise at Max and Prissy is at least 30% off.
- Tonight from 5 to 7 pm, head to Cellar on Greene for a $7 wine tasting with one of the Shop Tart’s favorite wine reps, Michael Cramer. Pinot noir and chardonnay. Yum.
- Friday evening, Sprummer is the place to be. Great time, great cause. The Shop Tart and her husband had a ball last year and can’t wait to go back. Edwin McCain and the Blue Dogs are playing, the food will be fabulous and so will the company (ahem.) Get your tickets now.
- Everything is on sale at Weathers, y’all. S’crazy!
- Solstice is teaming up with Three Dog Bakery for another Doggie Wine Dinner on June 18th. Call the restaurant for details and reservations.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
May
26
Some people just have a knack…
Filed Under Clothes, Dinner at Home, Eat and Drink, Exclusive savings, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Sip and Shop, live music | 3 Comments
Last week, when the weather was mellow and the mosquitoes were easily dissuaded by a spritz of repellent, the Shop Tart was invited for a drink on the patio at the home of her friends Tracie and Jay. They were joined by Jeffrey Day, arts aficionado and one of the brightest new stars in the local blog pool. Jeffrey was getting ready to head to Spoleto, where he is now, and his updates are a great read, although they might make you insanely jealous if you wish you were there. Anyhow, the conversation was interesting and any evening that ends with the singing of Tammy Wynette is a good one in the Shop Tart’s book.
Tracie, by the way, is one of those people who puts together a fab party with seemingly no effort. First of all, she uses these mad chic linens from Flock Home, with which the Shop Tart has become truly, madly, deeply obsessed. Designer Gina Pericini is a friend of Tracie’s from California. Maybe the secret to being casually hip-as-hell is having the right friends. Or maybe the friends come second. Chicken, egg, chicken, egg. The drink turned into a light dinner and the Shop Tart sipped cava while her hostess chopped, oiled and salted various delicacies for the grill. Did you know that green onions, lightly salted and grilled, taste better than onion rings?
Green onions, green tomatoes, okra, corn on the cob, tuna…all lovely grilled. She also had the famed Palmetto Cheese, both jalapeño and regular for comparison. Food is always a nice conversational piece. People love to share their opinions (which is why so many of them have blogs. Ahem.) Another friend once hosted a pizza tasting party, serving local pies, all cheese and offering pads and pencils for scoring. The Shop Tart doesn’t remember who won, but the party was a hit. On the patio, Tracie laid out a feast - olives, palmetto cheese, strawberries, crackers, vegetables for dipping - divine!
The patio offers a view of the lawn, which is more sculpture garden than lawn and is utterly lovely. Jay Hubbell is an artisan stonemason and sculptor (yes, the Shop Tart had to text Tracie for that description) and his work can be seen in various spots around town. It’s large in scale and the effect of several pieces in one yard is stunning. You know what else is stunning? A guy who can build stylish tomato stakes at the drop of a hint. Love these. Love!
While the tomato stakes are the bomb, you can glimpse a better example of Jay’s work to the left. In fact, while Tracie was preparing dinner and the Shop Tart was watching and sucking down cava sharing charming anecdotes, Jay was giving Jeffrey a guided tour of his work around town.
The evening was lovely, as were the handmade stacks of crackers, Palmetto Cheese, hot sauce and grilled green tomato. Yup. And the Shop Tart thinks we should all follow Tracie’s lead and enjoy a branch or two of something lovely from the yard (or the neighbor’s yard, if they are generous or not home.) So simple, so stylish, n’est-ce pas?
In other news…
- Collect your old gold and head to Unforgettable Fine Jewelry on Thursday from 6 until 8:30 pm for a gold party. You know how it goes: Bring your unwanted gold jewelry to sell for cash or…drumroll…this is where it gets interesting…double the amount in store credit! And…you and the other guests will enjoy complimentary drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music while you wait for your gold to be valued. Entry is free but space is limited, so call 779-3636 today to r.s.v.p.
- Check out new stuff at Revente from Blue-Q, including eco-stylish water bottles.
- Shop Tart Deal Alert: Ashley Hayes, a certified Pilates instructor with a great reputation, is offering Shop Tart readers an Introductory Pilates session for only $30. This would be a private, one-on-one session with the Pilates machines. That is an incredible deal. if you haven’t tried Pilates, this is your chance. Even one session on the machines will help you bring more to your mat practice. Call 803-800-6726 for your appointment as soon as possible, as she will get booked.
- The Vidalia Casserole from Simply Savory was mouth-wateringly delicious. Call and see what they have in the freezer or just stop by. This is the easiest way to enjoy a home-cooked meal!
- Thursday night, pack up your lawn chairs and head over to Riverbanks Botanical Garden for Rhythm and Blooms. Enjoy live music by the J’ouvert Steel Band, wine and tapas available for purchase, pre-prdered picnic baskets and gorgeous spring weather. Picnics must be ordered from Riverbanks by 5 pm the Tuesday before the show. You can also browse local art while you sip, chat and listen to music. Rhythm and Blooms is the perfect way to kick off your weekend and this is the last one! 6 to 9 pm.
- Friday evening, Sprummer is the place to be. Great time, great cause. The Shop Tart and her husband went last year and can’t wait to go back. Edwin McCain and the Blue Dogs are playing, the food will be fabulous and so will the company (ahem.) Get your tickets now.
- On Saturday, wake up early and head down to Hyatt Park at the Eau Claire clock tower for the Ribs & Renaissance Festival. According to their Facebook page, “this will not involve people running around in Medieval costumes, but there will be a ribs tasting.” There also will be other types of food, cheap beer, local music, indie movies and - most importantly - Crafty Feast, an independent craft fair. Love Etsy? This is the live version. The festival lasts from 11 am until 8 pm. Enjoy music by American Gun, Magnetic Flowers, The Unawares, Mystic Vibrations and more. Crafty Feast will include fifty-six vendors. Bring some spending money because most of these yummy goods only will be offered in Columbia once. See you there!
- Friday from 6 to 8:30 pm, head to Frame of Mind to “Investigate Mike Krajewski’s DNA.” Enjoy an evening of his art, music and film.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
May
25
Happy Memorial Day!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Home, Jewelry, New Shop Opening, Sale, Shoes, Wine, vacation | 2 Comments
So…the big Westin Resort Wedding Weekend was not a complete success. The Shop Tart had a lovely time Friday at the post-rehearsal party in Bluffton. At 4 am, she woke to a loud shrieking noise. Her throat felt like it was on fire. Back in the day, she would have downed a few ibuprofen after recalling that, yes, she had had about four too many drinks and, yes, too many cigarettes will make one’s throat sore. But that was then. She had, in fact, behaved perfectly decently. Really. No cigarettes and only one too many glasses of bubbly. The loud shrieking noise was a fire alarm. Luckily, there was no fire. Not so luckily, the faulty alarm continued for thirty minutes. Although she has never been to medical school and isn’t even particularly bright in the science department, she knew immediately that the sore throat was a case of strep. How did she make this brilliant diagnosis? Well…the toddler had been diagnosed with strep on Friday and given that the weekend babysitter was a bona fide trusted adult and loving family member*, she and Mr. Shop Tart decided to head to the beach anyway. Karma in action, kids. True story. She secured a prescription for an antibiotic from a dear doctor friend in Columbia and sent poor Mr. Shop Tart out for the dope.
She rallied for breakfast (love a fancy hotel buffet!) Afterward, because it was pouring rain and they were unable to swim or enjoy the beach, she and Mr. Shop Tart spent some time wandering the hotel. He exercised and she sat in the sauna and felt the delicious heat permeating her rapidly-healing body. Antibiotics work really fast when you only take them once every ten years or so. She drank myriad cups of herbal tea and even enjoyed a little shoe-browsing in the lobby on her brand-new MacBook Pro 
After checkout, they went to the Boathouse for brunch, which the Shop Tart recommends. Maybe it was just because she was feeling better, but her crab cakes and eggs were delicious. The restaurant’s wine list was more than decent and, given the virtuous weekend she had, the Shop Tart is not ashamed to admit she enjoyed a glass of Principessa di Gavia, which she knew from Baan Sawan. Dry, white wine: It’s what’s for breakfast, y’all. She and her husband also enjoyed quietly mocking some guy at the next table who must have seen Sideways one too many times. Quietly mocking people without needing to say the words is one of the great joys of marriage.
When they arrived home, they took the whole family, intrepid babysitters included, out for dinner at the Cock n Bull. Oh, the lovely shrimp burger…
Here you go…
- KD’s Treehouse has the new Kate Quinn organic tops for grown-ups. Yay! Now adults can have the same soft, cotton next to their skin that the kids have been enjoying.
- Pink Sorbet is offering 25 to 65% off, through today. Lilly is the perfect antidote to the rainy day blues, n’est-ce pas?
- Kicks is still offering 25% off the entire store. Hooray!
- In Charleston for the weekend? Don’t forget to take a look at the groundbreaking pop up shop at 501 King Street. The concept and the locally designed fashions are mad hot.
- Lots of places are closed today, so call before you go. And expect more updates tomorrow. Mwah!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
* Thank you, Aunt Molly! And thank you, Aunt Molly’s helpers, Uncles Nick and Barkley!
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
21
Snow Day!
Filed Under Babies and Children, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Great deal, Home, Jewelry, Sale, cheap treat | Leave a Comment
Kindly spare the Shop Tart your lecture about how it was so much colder up north and you had to put chains on the tires and people down here are so silly because everything closes when it’s cold and rainy. She knows all about these things. She went to college. In Canada, even. Snow days happen. All your plans canceled in one fell swoop, when you learn that school is closed and your little darlings will be home. No shopping for you, dear. No relaxing lunch downtown. No child-free, Champagne-heavy Inauguration Day party at your sister-in-law’s. Hmph.
But you know what you can do? Redecorate the top of your dresser. The Shop Tart has trouble with big projects; the top of one piece of furniture isn’t so daunting. Her dresser, which also serves as her bedside table, mocks the rest of her bedroom with its slovenliness. Scatterbrain that she is, the Shop Tart must have several magazines and at least two books going at the same time, so she can choose based on her many, many moods. And she must have at least one receptacle for change; it never overflows because she regularly swipes coins for parking. She must have at least one other receptacle for sunglasses and keys. As you can see, there are at least two pair of sunglasses strewn on her messy “before” dresser. And a piggy bank, camera lens, coffee cup and a tie. And some other stuff that won’t fit in the overflowing drawers below.
In fact, a few magazines escaped the top of the dresser and migrated to the floor. She would like some credit for making her bed (and she should probably admit she did it just for the picture, although it might have been more dramatic to have left it unmade.) What’s a girl to do?
Without further ado…please admire the Shop Tart’s solutions. Apologies if she is a little too proud of herself.
- In order to keep all those magazines and books neat, she propped a bamboo box on its side to serve as a small bookshelf. She promises not to let it fill to overflowing. The old camera lens and her dad’s old camera that goes with it act as a bookend.
- Two open bamboo boxes rest on top of the box, one for change and a larger one for sunglasses and keys. They are easy to remove and replace. Ease is the key to staying organized.
- A small ceramic skateboard made by one of her children and the pictures, one of her husband and one of her with her first baby, remained, as did the bag behind them. The bag is from Cartier, modified by the Shop Tart’s husband with a picture of himself a a teenager, and contained a watch given to the Shop tart on her tenth anniversary by said husband. Not ready to part with it just yet…
- The piggy bank, coffee cup and tie were banished.
Ooh! She did one more thing: replaced all the plain metal knobs with amethyst balls wrapped in brass wire. Hard to see in the photo below, but the Shop Tart is tickled pink by them*.
Funny thing about organizing…it usually leads to more organizing. The Shop Tart didn’t stop with the surface of her dresser, but moved on to the four small drawers at the top. One contained tights and slips, one contained lingerie, bathing suits and cards from her children, one was reserved for socks and the fourth had a bunch of belts and random spillover from the top of the dresser. After pruning and tidying those, she couldn’t help but move to the larger drawer below, and the one below that and the one below that. Lo and behold, she moved to the closet and tackled the small dresser containing pajamas and underthings. What a rush! Several bags were filled for Goodwill; several more were filled for the garbage. Finally, she tidied the top drawer in her bathroom; it was very scary and she’s glad to have it behind her. Up next? The hanging clothes, bags and shoes. The Shop Tart hopes to find a few things for consignment at Revente, a great way to get paid for all her effort, n’est-ce pas?
Why are people so enamored of Spring Cleaning? When the cold leaves town, the Shop Tart wants to go out and about, enjoying the sunshine. Cold, rainy days are perfect for cleaning. If we have just a few about a million just a billion more, she can achieve perfect organization!
So joyous over her newly organized dresser, the Shop Tart found time to make Inauguration Day cupcakes for her children, who were excited to be home from the school to watch our newest president take office. The Shop Tart took pride in her children’s civic-mindedness, but was was relieved they understood the importance of cupcakes to commemorate any important occasion. Lemon with vanilla icing. Delish!
Now that you can leave the house…
- VanJean’s sale is still marvelous, plenty of fall and winter left, and new things for spring are rolling in by the truckload.
- Mary has new shipments of Diana Warner jewelry and dresses by Shoshanna and Milly. They also carry plenty of merchandise for under $100, a trend the Shop Tart loves.
- Speaking of Under $100, check M Boutique for the latest trends at prices you can get your wallet around. They pioneered the “Under $100″ trend! Well, not really, but they were on the bandwagon pretty early.
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart.
* She found them on sale at a certain national chain, whose warehouse happens to be right here in South Carolina, which means they ship really quickly. Almost instant gratification.
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
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
11
Look of the Week!
Filed Under Bags, Clothes, Eat and Drink, Good Cause!, Great deal, Jewelry, Look of the Week, Men, Sale, Shoes, Sip and Shop | Leave a Comment
It’s hard to look cute when you’re pregnant. Well, unless you’re cute already, you just happen to be the manager of a fab boutique and current fashions allow for a little pooch. In this case, the pooch is very little. In fact, Bergen had to stand sideways and stick it out to prove it. Yes, the lovely manager of Mary expects her first bundle of joy in April! *Sigh* The first baby is so special… Nothing she’s wearing is maternity, but the layers work, n’est-ce pas?
That cardi is available right this second at Mary, where everything is 40% off until Friday, including denim. The Shop Tart loves those boots, too. They’re by Matisse and she isn’t sure if they’re available at Sophie Shoes right now, but there are similar styles - and all shoes at Sophie are 50% off. Her Diana Warner necklace was so pretty the Shop Tart had to take a closeup:
Speaking of that sale at Mary, the Shop Tart snagged an emerald green Trina Turk top, two new pairs of Hue tights, black and brown, and two pairs of Hanky Pankys - virtually impossible to find at 40% off!
She did not buy this Yoana Baraschi tunic with gorgeous feather detailing at the neckline. Maybe you would like to buy it and lend it to her once in a while?
And don’t you need a festive cocktail dress? This one is very flattering!
And wouldn’t a pair of holiday Hanky Panky’s make the perfect gift for that gift exchange party you’re attending? These are $28.50 a pair, but subtract 40%, and come in that cute little star box.
In other news…
- Wish in Five Points has two enormous clearance racks (50% off lowest marked price!) As usual, their full-price items are priced to please, like this gold brocade vintage-style dress for $24.
- From 2 to 7 pm today, Kicks of Lexington and Lola will help you shop for the men in your life. Frederick Jabber from Weathers on Devine Street will be there with men’s collections, sportswear and gift items. He’ll help you choose the perfect gift and provide gift wrapping and delivery back to Lola and Kicks. Enjoy light refreshments and pick up a few more items for your holiday party looks while you’re there!
- From 4 to 8 pm today, visit Britton’s for a Holiday Open House. Eat, drink and see what’s on sale!
- Max and Prissy is having a birthday! The entire store is 40% off. Join them for Cocktails and Cupcakes tonight from 5 to 8 pm.
- Tonight is a busy night. From 7 to 9 pm, enjoy appetizers, cocktails and 20% off the entire store at Charlie Mack. Look for fun giveaways, too!
- Purchase $100 worth of gift certificates to Gervais and Vine between now and Christmas Eve and they’ll throw in a $15 gift card and bottle of wine just for you! They’re also selling gift cards for the soon-to-be-open Rosso.
- In the mood to donate? Epworth Children’s Home can always use your time or money. Hep out if you can!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
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