The Shop Tart Twitters- New post is up! Heading to Vermillion today for their fall fashion show with make-up done by Luxe Apothecary. Stay tuned for pics!
- Is Figure 8 Island with her favorite accessory - our dearest friends.
- At Village Draft house with Mr. Shop Tart. Fried pickles are hitting the spot!
- Trying to install TwitterBerry on my phone...
- is ready for some retail therapy tomorrow. North Hills - Here I come! Can't wait to check out the new shipment of jewelry at Charlotte's.
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Sep
27
Last week I had the pleasure of attending Vermillion’s Fall Fashion Show. I have always dreamed of being front row at the 3.1 Phillip Lim show during New York’s Fashion Week, so it was wonderful to pretend I was rubbing elbows with Anna Wintour and Rachel Zoe for a skinny minute. But alas, that dream has not yet come true (I hope someday it will!) but Vermillion did such an amazing job with their fall fashion presentation it really was like they brought a piece of Bryant Park to Raleigh. Thank you Vermillion!
So my fashion partner in crime, Ellen, and I arrived at Vermillion and started off with petitie cupcakes from The Cupcake Shoppe and bubbly (don’t worry, just water for me). We then settled into our seats after browsing the racks of new arrivals for Fall. I kept my eye on a dress from TUCKER as Ellen swooned over an embellished dress from MEGAN PARK.
It was then….Showtime! At each seat was a program with all the “looks” and a Vermillion pencil for us to take notes with. I felt so official and convinced myself for a split second I was the buyer at Barney’s or Bergdorf’s.
We then oohhed and ahhed over the thirty some looks Vermillion put together. The models looked amazing with make-up done by Fiquet Bailey of Luxe Apothecary and hair by Glam Lounge. As Rachel Zoe would say, “I DIE”!
And how could you not go “Bananas” (another Zoe-ism) over this look featuring a blouse from TUCKER, BAJRA scarf, MIX jeans and BALENCIAGA handbag and flats.
I also loved this RAG & BONE leather dress with TULEX sweater coat, ANYA HINDMARCH handbag and LOEFFLER RANDALL red pumps. I can totally see the college version of Blair Waldorf pulling this look off on an evening out with Chuck Bass. You are watching season 3 of Gossip Girl on Monday nights, right?
And lastly, I wish I had an event that would justify purchasing this JASON WU dress with LULU FROSE necklace and LOEFFLER RANDALL cut-out bootie.
After the show I tried to squeeze my pregnant belly into a fab dress from Tucker but unfortunately such a dress will have to wait until post-baby so you better hurry in and grab it because I am sure it will go fast!
We then mingled and I nibbled on one more cupcake (the carrot cake was my fave) before my fashion dream was over and it was back to reality. I guess Bryant Park will have to wait but until then I can count on Vermillion to keep me looped in on the hottest looks.
Here is the complete show for you to look at.
Happy shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on The Shop Tart!
In Other News:
- Gena Chandler is hosting a J Brand Event this Thursday from 12-8pm. The entire store will be 15% off for 1 day only. And J Brand celebrity fit guru, Oscar, will be on hand to help you find thee perfect pair of jeans for Fall. Enjoy DJ Joe Bunn and a glass of champagne while you shop the latest must haves for Fall. This is a must-see!
- Charlotte’s Jewelry & Gifts just received a new shipment of Eva Gordon, Kenneth Jay Lane and Herve Chapellier bags. And don’t forget to check out their Jeffrey Campbell flats.
- Luxe Apothecary just received a new shipment of Molton Brown and Bond No. 9.
- Beanie & Cecil Baby’s website just launched and they are offering free shipping for any orders over $75. Check it out at www.beanieandcecilbaby.com
- Fierce Mamas for Moody Mamas by Christian Siriano has just arrived at Cravings Maternity. I need to go see this asap!
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Sep
17
It is undeniable – the 80’s are back and in a BIG way. But whether it is bold shoulders, pops of neon color, or leggings as your must-have 80’s piece for this fall, the decade filled with Swatch watches, Belinda Carlisle and Reebok high-tops is back with an updated twist. I am definitely on the hunt for the perfect fitted blazer with strong shoulders (notice, I did not say shoulder pads) to add to my closet this fall. If you have any ideas of one under $100 please send them my way…pretty please.
However, if you do not want to make an investment on trends that could be so 2009 in a few months I have just the solution for you!
Today I had a lovely visit with the fabulous Fiquet at her boutique, Luxe Apothecary in North Hills. The store looked beautiful as always and the Luxe staff was busy unloading their latest shipment from Bond No. 9 Fragrance and Phyto. I couldn’t help but try Bond’s new Body Silks that are a lighter-weight version of their body butter but still with the same fragrant punch. They were amazing and the bottles are plastic and perfect for travel. I should also mention the lotions are half the price of the perfume and great for layering with other Bond Fragrances. One of Fiquet’s favorite combos is layering Bond’s “Westside” fragrance with “Nuits de Noho”. It really is heavenly and perfect for fall.
But I digress; the real find today was Essie’s new collection of fall nail polish colors and a new product – “Matte About You”. It is the perfect pick-me-up and only $10. This product instantly transforms any high-gloss nail polish to a smooth matte finish in seconds. Matte polish is the latest nail trend but instead of buying new polish, you can reinvent any color in your cosmetic bag. Brilliant!
My other purchase was a new color from Essie’s Fall collection called “Chinchilly”. It is the perfect steel gray that I can tell will make a permanent home on my toes this fall. Luxe Apothecary carries Essie’s entire fall collection including my other faves - “Angora Cardi” , which is a beautiful dusty rose and “Mink Muffs”, the perfect smoky taupe. All priced at $8! Check out a pic of all the available colors below.
So if you need a little pick-me-up but don’t have the cash to throw down on the latest fall trends, like the 80’s, stop by Luxe Apothecary for a little love. Fiquet and her team will take great care of you whether you need a nail, lip, cheek or eye color. It is definitely a budget friendly way to transform your wardrobe for fall. I promise you will not be disappointed. And don’t forget to check out the chalkboard always loaded with tips and new arrivals.
Happy shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on The Shop Tart!
In other news:
- Charlotte’s at North Hills is participating in the North Hills Mall “Girls’ Night Out” on Thursday, September 17th from 6-8pm. There will be a drawing for a FREE Michael Kors watch along with bubbly and food from Mura. Dee-lish!
- Vermillion is hosting a fall fashion show at the store on Thursday, September 17th. There are still a few spaces left so call 919-787-9780 to see if you can snag a spot. The shows are at 1:30pm and 6pm featuring the latest from designers such as Jason Wu, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Pucci, Loeffler Randall, Bottega Venetta and Tory Burch. Fiquet with Luxe Apothecary will do the models make-up. I am going tomorrow so stay tuned for pics!
- Cravings Maternity is receiving new shipments everyday like herringbone wide leg pants from Maternal America and fabulous wrap dresses from Notice. Hurry-in because they are flying out the door. Cravings is also participating in “Girls’ Night Out” so will be open late Thursday until 8pm.
- Save-the-date for Charlotte’s “Moon and Lola Jewelry” trunk show on September 23 from 6-8pm. There will be tons of great jewels along with discounts on back-to-school items.
- Save-the-date for Luxe Apothecary’s Nature Bisse event on Friday, September 25th and Saturday, September 26th. Visit www.luxeapothecary.com for details and reservaations.
- Save-the-date for Gena Chandler’s J Brand denim event on Thursday, October 1st with celebrity fit specialist – Oscar. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one. And don’t forget, all denim is 25% off the month of September so hurry in!
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Sep
7
Normally Labor Day Weekend is a great excuse to go somewhere fun and enjoy a long weekend, but I have been going non-stop for as long as I can remember so I was all about a STAY-CATION! It was just what I needed to recharge my battery and get me ready for the exciting month of September.One of the many highlights from the weekend was college football (Go Vols!, sorry, had to give my Tennessee boys a quick shout-out) and the much, cooler weather.
Staying in Raleigh for the weekend also provided a great opportunity to check in with some of my favorite local boutiques to see what is new in for Fall. One of my favorite stores, Charlotte’s Jewelry and Gifts, is always loaded to the gills with great gift ideas, shoes, bags, and jewelry. They can personalize just about anything and have helped me with many wedding, baby and graduation gifts. I purchased my bridesmaid gifts at Charlotte’s many moons ago and they were such a huge hit, my friends still rave about them to this day. This trip I walked away with an adorable baby book for a dear friend titled This Little Piggy Went to Prada. It takes traditional nursery rhymes and well, makes them posh and fashionable. It is seriously too cute for words!
After finding the perfect baby gift, the lovely Stephanie Harris showed me some of her must-haves at their North Hills location. I am in love with their new shipment of Michele Watches that have interchangeable bands in just about every color of the rainbow. They also have a huge selection of Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry in for Fall. Stephanie was modeling a beautiful, flowered, enamel necklace that is the perfect statement piece.
Other favorites include a black, leather handbag that looks identical to Valentino’s Petale Satchel at a fraction of the cost. They also have in the latest twist from Jack Rogers - their popular sandal now comes in a…wait for it…WEDGE. Brilliant! So if you haven’t been into Charlotte’s lately I highly recommend you do. I guarantee that they never disappoint. And don’t forget about their other locations at Cameron Village in Raleigh and The Forum in Wilmington.
Happy shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on The Shop Tart!
Here are a few pictures from Charlotte’s:
In other shopping news:
- Gena Chandler just received a new shipment of Rebecca Taylor and Lauren Moshi tanks and tees. To die for!
- Luxe Apothecary is hosting a Natura Bisse Facial event September 25th and 26th. Be the first to try Natura Bisse’s new anti-aging product, The Cure Pure Serum, and receive a complimentary Natura Bisse facial. For more details go to their website www.luxeapothecary.com.
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Sep
2
Nothing gets me in a better mood than the tunes of Earth, Wind and Fire, especially their 1978 hit “September”. And since yesterday was the beginning of my favorite month of the year I have had the song on repeat non-stop. Love it!
Another thing I love about September are the fashion magazines. They are insanely thick and loaded with the latest styles for Fall. They will continue to serve as my fashion bible for the next few months. I have already started my wish list and I have to say, it’s a long one this year. It includes everything from fur vests to boyfriend blazers and bib necklaces loaded with embellishments. Even though designers were creating and producing these collections during some of the worst economic times in American history - they knocked it out of the park!
So with my Fall “wish list” in-tow I headed to one of my favorite boutiques in Raleigh - Gena Chandler at North Hills. Gena Combs and Chandler Woodall opened Gena Chandler in 2006 and they never disappoint. These two always have a pulse on the latest trends and staples you will have in your closet for decades to come. The store looks absolutely amazing and is loaded with must-haves for Fall from designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Haute Hippie, Rachel Palley, Gryphon, Valentino, Missoni, Lauren Moshi, Gypsy 05, Alice & Olivia and Cynthia Vincent.
Gena and Chandler are currently in Vegas ordering clothes for next year. I can’t wait to hear about their finds and luck at the casinos. I should also mention Gena Chandler is hosting a Rebecca Taylor trunk show this Fall. Stay tuned for details!
Below are a few pictures from my latest trip. The lovely Allison and I had a blast going through rack after rack of new clothes and playing dress up. My favorites included a leather ruffle jacket from DVF, a studded trench by Gryphon, a patent leather Valentino bag and sequined dress by Haute Hippie. To die for!
- Gena Chandler still has some Spring/Summer items on sale like $100 Missoni scarves and Love Quotes that are buy one, get one free. And don’t forget their infamous $50 jean rack.
- Charlotte’s is getting new shipments in daily at both Raleigh locations. The new Jack Rogers wedge is amazing along with new shipments from Kenneth Jay Lane, Michele and Michael Kors Watches, and Jeffrey Campbell shoes, just to name a few. Stay tuned for pics later this week!
- Cravings Maternity has an amazing jean selection for Fall by hot designers like Paige Denim. Cravings also has an incredible assortment of corduroys, Michael Stars tees and blouses. I also have my eye on a black dress by Maternal America that can be dressed up or down. Every prego’s dream come true!
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Aug
12
Being pregnant there are many things your doctor tells you not to do. Many of these, I didn’t do anyway or have no desire to do like jumping out of a plane. But many things I did do, like drink wine (sigh) and eat seafood for almost every meal. However, the biggest shocker of them all was when the doctor told me to stay far away from soft, unpasteurized cheeses like goat cheese and brie. The horror! I felt like crying on the spot. Not sure if that was because I was mourning the loss of soft, unpasteurized cheeses for the next nine months or if it is all those crazy hormones talking.
But, there is a silver lining to this story. Today I discovered Southern Seasons in Chapel Hill. Southern Seasons is like heaven for anyone who appreciates food and spends a lot of time in the kitchen. It is like the love child of Williams-Sonoma and Dean & Deluca. It is chocked full of deliciousness like forty different varieties of coffee and tea, wine for days, any kitchen gadget imaginable (like the “Crust Buster” that in one swift movement removes crusts), aisles of candy, prepared foods, cookware, china, paper goods, soaps and much, much more!
One highlight of this adventure was lunch in Southern Season’s restaurant, The Weathervane. The Shop Tart and my mother-in-love dined on the red pepper and tomato soup along with a fried, green tomato BLT. Our friend Anne choose the quiche of the day, which was summer squash, onions and mozzarella. It was the perfect lunch for a dreary, summer day.
We then cruised the dozens upon dozens of aisles and I created a mental wish-list and ideas for Christmas presents. I definitely have my eye on the prettiest cake stand from Vietri. But the most unexpected find of all was the massive Fromagerie. Southern Season’s has a wide variety of cheeses both local and imported. And ALL of them have these perfect little labels that say whether they are pasturized or un-pasturized. A prego’s heaven!
We discovered the lovely Susan in the Fromagerie who is a cheese expert. She let us sample any and everything imaginable to help us create the perfect cheese plate. My favorite was a goat cheese called “Purple Haze” that had subtle notes of lavender and fennel. I went home with some and a delicious brie I plan to serve tonight heated with a sprinkling of nuts and brown sugar. I also fell hard for Petti, a hard cheese from Northern Italy. It truly melts in your mouth.
So whether prego or not, definitely say “yes” to Southern Season’s. I promise you will walk away smiling.
xoxo
Happenings This Week:
- Charlotte’s has new shipments arriving daily at all their locations and just received a new shipment of their recently sold out Michael Kor’s watch in tortoise. Also, select Jack Rogers are 30% off and Mystique sandals are 75% off.
- Gena Chandler just received a new shipment of Rebecca Taylor and it is fabulous! I am obsessed with their faux fur vest for Fall/Winter.
- Craving’s Maternity is expecting a new shipment of Paige Denim this week. Stay tuned for its arrival!