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!
Jun
3
Oh, the keerus pants.
Filed Under Babies and Children, Clothes, Dinner at Home, Eat and Drink, Exclusive savings, Great deal, Men, Sale, Shoes, vacation | 5 Comments
What? You’ve never heard of keerus clothes? Well, then. You might want to start by learning the origin of the word. The concept of keerus clothing is simple, really. In fact, you have keerus items in your closet right this secend, or you should. They are the cornerstones of your wardrobe - the pieces you reach for when you want to feel comfortable, when you don’t know what to wear, when nothing else will do. They are the comfort food of fashion. Like the best comfort food, they are well made and not so precious they can’t be enjoyed. They are Simply Savory lasagna made with fresh ricotta, not from the freezer. They are piping hot, hand-cut fries with real cheese at the Whig. They are lightly-salted Kettle chips with chipotle mayo from Rosewood Market.
Most men have entire keerus outfits. The Shop Tart’s husband has a winter keerus outfit (tan corduroys, v-neck sweater, button-down shirt, sport coat if necessary, the Burberry one, of course) and a summer one (Lacoste knit shirt, orange and red seersucker shorts, Converse sneakers.) A certain chic boutique buyer’s husband has a year-round keerus suit: white button-down shirt and khakis, sunglasses worn on the face or as a necklace. The smartest men know their keerus clothes and stick with them. The Shop Tart has more keerus items than she can count. In fact, she has made a point of trying to purchase only keerus things, which is harder than you might think. You see, one doesn’t always know what will be keerus.
During a recent trip to Kicks, the Shop Tart tried on no less than one hundred pair of shoes (True story. Ask Trenholm, who cheerfully went to get every single pair.) She was searching for a pair to replace - or supplement - three keerus pair she had found there in the past. One was a pair of gold sandals that she almost wore to death last summer. She wore what was left of them in the Dominican Republic in November and they are only suitable for walking back and forth to the beach now. Frustrated at her inability to find the perfect new pair that would solve all of her shoe issues, the Shop Tart was almost ready to leave. But…but…she spotted one more pair. She had seen them before, but they weren’t on sale then. And they didn’t set her heart aflutter, as some shoes will do. As it happens, these were the sort of shoes one has to try on to appreciate. She slid her large, boat-like foot into the sandal and felt a little shiver. Could it be? Could this shoe be The One? Hmmm… The other sandal was added. She walked around the store. In fact, she followed her toddler through the shop, because he insisted that she do so while he carried one of the decorative paper umbrellas. She was forced to trail behind him, singing, “Chim chiminy, chim chiminy, chim chim, chireeeee…” Which was annoying, and not just for her. Everyone in the store was forced to listen to her singing, which is less than soothing. What kind of toddler needs a traveling soundtrack?
Although the Shop Tart felt tense, the fab Tibi sandals withstood the pressure. And, dear reader, she bought them. She didn’t realize the keerus nature of the sandals immediately. It didn’t dawn on her until she wore them all weekend and for two days after that. She will be wearing them again today and probably tomorrow. Are they gold? Silver? Golden silver? Who knows? They go with everything and they feel great. Isn’t new love grand?
The keerus concept applies to more than just clothing. Everyone has a keerus breakfast. The Shop Tart’s is steel-cut oats made with hazelnut-vanilla rice milk and sprinkled with dried fruit and a handful of chopped nuts. She has several keerus lunch spots. Yesterday, she ate at Rosewood Market, where she knows that her lunch will always be fresh, healthy and delicious and she won’t have to worry about any creepy ingredients. The Mediterranean pizza special was divine.
Today, she has plans to dine at another keerus spot, Cloud Nine Market. Her mother has an appointment with the bra lady at Belle Vie and the Shop Tart has to pick up the bras she ordered (Oh, how she hopes they are keerus bras!) Cloud Nine is just down the street and one of her favorites. Can’t wait!
In other news…
- LaRoque has a 50% off sale rack. Time to score an original at a fraction of the regular price.
- Mbellished is having a sizzling summer sale, 30% off everything but invitations. Time to stock up on fab hostess gifts for every summer trip!
- 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.
- Just the thing has fab floral jewelry. Check out the “Employee Pick of the Week,” chosen by Lacie, store manager in Atlanta.
- Word on the street has it that the All-Local Farmers’ Market will be held permanently at 701 Whaley, starting July 4th. Love that space, love the market, love the idea!
Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!
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
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.
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!
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
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
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!
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