Seersucker!

Beachy, frat-tastic, and fabulous all rolled into one.

A Victoria's Secret email with the following picture paired with the headline "try our pants risk free!" just landed those folks in Ohio a sale... at least a trial sale. Aaaaand it's pay day. Hells yeah.

Shipping and returns are free on Victoria's Secret with the code "riskfree". I'm all over this. Nick seems to think I'm not "long-legged" enough to pull off the look... blasphemy. All it takes is a cute pair of wedge sandals or heels. (Although mine will most likely end up paired with ballet flats or cute flat sandals if I get them tailored.) Either way: it'll still happen.

And for those of you interested in the history of seersucker, check out the wikipedia article. My favorite part?
"Seersucker is still widely worn in the South between Easter weekend and Labor Day, where it is often accompanied by a bow tie. It is widely considered a fashion faux pas to wear seersucker at the wrong time of the year, although this rule is often ignored by the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at the University of Michigan[2]."Be sure to check out the reference, too.

9/21/08 Update: Still wearing these clear into the fall season!

It's Cold... Fast Forward to Summer Dresses

I love my daily dose of fashion from ShopBop.com. Even though their selection is very high-end/high-priced so I wouldn't actually purchase much from the site, I do like checking out the trends there that are often available for much less as they trickle-down the fashion supply chain.

My favorite dress out of this morning's "Weekly Cravings" is the following open back dress by See by Chloe. The dress is priced at over $600... but it's not a terribly complex dress that if I really wanted to, I could probably whip up myself.

(I'm pretty sure Target, Express, and other local retailers will have suitable choices available with 90% less hassle in the coming months, too.)

Book Shopping this Weekend?

If you're in the market anything at Barnes & Noble this weekend, please see the following note from Pi Phi land and have your purchase help enhance the lives of others!
Greetings! This weekend members of the NC Alpha Chapter (that's Pi Beta Phi at UNC-CH!) will be participating in a fundraising event for UNC Family Medicine's Reach Out and Read Program. The NC Alpha Chapter plans to start working more with this organization with their literacy activities. See below for an opportunity to support the Reach Out and Read Program, if you shop at Barnes and Noble this weekend.

UNC Family Medicine and Barnes & Noble Bookstores are partnering together to raise the capital our clinic needs to start our Reach Out and Read literacy initiative and we need YOUR help!

It's very simple! Just visit your local Barnes & Noble store this weekend and notify your cashier that you wish your purchases to count toward the UNC Family Medicine Bookfair # 223636! That's it!
UNC Family Medicine will receive a portion of all Bookfair sales toward our Reach Out and Read startup fees.

Also, four RTP area Barnes & Nobles Bookstores (both Durham stores, the Cary store, and the Brier Creek store) will be hosting events on those days!

Reach Out and Read is a national literacy initiative that aims to make literacy a standard part of pediatric primary care, so that children grow up with books and a love of reading.

UNC Family Medicine wants to start offering the Reach Out and Read program to our pediatric patients. Help us help our children develop their literacy skills and their love of books!

Where Are My Keys? Where Are My Sunglasses?

Yayyy for those awesome NoVA/DC Little Black Book girls and their daily dish on what's hot in the world of busy women everywhere!

This came through my email inbox today and I'm in love... and I think I may need one for my house, my office, my parents' house, and... (the list goes on)!

Here's their scoop on this great little organizer:

"The only thing that can save me is The Doorganizer. Whether you are using it every day to get the kids out the door with all their permission slips and other paraphernalia, or you only need it for the occasional early morning flight and accompanying disorientation (e.g. yours truly), it's a handy dandy solution for the scatterbrained.

The only catch is that I have to remember to put it somewhere I can find it. Oh yeah - I'll hang it on the inside of the hall closet door! The 12" x 5" Doorganizer is just $16. Click here to get yours and get organized!"

Koozies!

Around here, we make koozies for everything. (And it took me a minute to think about whether I wanted to create this blog post here, or on my all things Southern blog. Guess what... it's going in both because I think it's totally relevant to all things Southern and trendy.)

Lisa at Fred's Beds introduced me to a wonderful, low-cost koozie company (based right here in Raleigh, woo!) online at KustomKoozies.com. Her contact there, Linda,.... is awesome! I definitely suggest these folks for any large amounts of koozie you may need (weddings, birthdays, sorority and fraternity events, etc.). We used them for the Fred's Beds / Susan G. Komen October '07 breast cancer awareness "Sleeping for the Cure" campaign and they were able to help us in a huge time crunch. I later used them with my BUS 465 IMC Management class for our Honda Accord Coupe on-campus promotional event.

I am SUPER excited to see this week's Gifts & Decorative Accessories Product Wire eNewsletter had Mary Phillips Designs (from here in Raleigh as well!) in their New to Market section. Here was their blurb on the super-cute "Bride" koozie:

"Stay Cool

Collapsible Coozie Collection from Mary Phillips Designs keeps beverages cool and shows personality. Other messages including “You call me ‘Party Girl’ like it’s a bad thing” and “Life’s Uncertain. Drink Now.” $8.

Mary Phillips Designs, Raleigh NC

(800) 825-4575"

Pamper the Chef in you for Brittany's Battle!

The Pampered Chef is teaming up with Brittany’s Battle in their fight against lung cancer!

It’s as easy as 1-2-3…

Visit http://www.thepamperedchef.com/, scroll down and click on Start Shopping, the full line catalog is right there at your fingertips!

Send an email to BB's consultant at tojocelyn@aol.com including your name, address and phone number, and the item numbers/descriptions for the products that you would like to purchase.

Spread the word to friends and family!

The Pampered Chef consultant will send you an invoice with payment instructions and 30% of your purchase will go directly to Brittany’s Battle, Inc.!

The campaign kicked on Friday, February 8th and culminates in honor of Brittany's 21st birthday on Monday - February 18th.

You will receive your invoice shortly after your order is placed and payment options will include check by mail or credit card by email or phone. The products you purchase will be mailed directly to your home.

Please follow these instructions carefully, as orders placed directly through the Pampered Chef website will NOT be credited to the Brittany’s Battle fundraiser!

Jocelyn (who is also a big supporter of Brittany’s Battle) has told us about some free gifts…

All buying guests receive the 7” Serrated Spreader from our Bamboo Serving Set FREE!

PLUS with any purchase of $60 or more you receive your choice of our Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle or Sweet Caramel Sprinkle FREE! That's a $6.50 Value!

ALSO, she will personally give a FREE surprise Pampered Chef gift to the person who places the largest order!

So what are you waiting for? Get your order in now! Remember, email your order to tojocelyn@aol.com!

My Team Coat

I must admit, I do love a guy in a sharp NC STATE red blazer at a ball game (or pre-game tailgate -- see Joe at the NCSU vs. UNC tailgate below!).

Unless they start making them in Carolina Blue, my boyfriend won't be requesting one for Valentine's day like MyTeamCoat.com's press release encourages... but I love the idea nonetheless and think every loyal Wolfpacker should have one in his closet for any event where business dress is encouraged and appreciated (think alumni center cocktails, etc.)!

And guys, for $99.... there is no excuse NOT to add this to your wardrobe.

Apothecary Jars: Round 2

I love when vintage items become pretty again.

Right now, I'm really into apothecary jars of all shapes and sizes. I think they make a great addition to any kitchen, bathroom or heck, even an office!


The jar pictured above is on clearance at Bed, Bath & Beyond... which is, I'm sure, why they're out of stock :-(... but just search it on eBay and you come up with a wealth of options including lots of colors, too! The only thing that sucks is that shipping for these breakables almost doubles the cost. I need to go search around town....

"Buy Local" Boosted Holiday Sales at Indy Retailers

I'm a BIG fan of buying local through independent retailers. I'm glad to see it's gaining some momentum!

"Buy Local" Boosted Holiday Sales at Indy Retailers"

By Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 1/23/2008 2:10:00 PM

Minneapolis, MN — Independent retailers in cities with “Buy Local” campaigns saw a holiday sales increase four times larger than those in cities without one, a nationwide survey of 1,382 independent retailers found. As major chains report weak holiday sales, a desire to support locally owned businesses is emerging as a factor in people's shopping choices. The survey, which included retailers in all 50 states and Washington, DC, found that, even in a difficult economic climate, many independent retailers are holding their own and even seeing sales gains by emphasizing their local ownership and community roots.

In the last few years, "Buy Local" campaigns have been launched by local business alliances in more than three dozen communities. Independent retailers in these cities reported an average gain in sales of about 2 percent over the 2006 holiday season, while those in cities without "Buy Local" campaigns saw an increase of less than 0.5 percent.

"People made a special effort to shop locally and were vocal about their support," one retailer commented. Another reported: "Our customers are responding to hearing this message both locally and nationally."

Eighty-two percent of the retailers surveyed said that the fact that their business is locally owned and independent matters to their customers.

The survey was undertaken by the Independent Business Forum, a newly formed network of trade associations and other organizations that represent independent businesses. Participants in the forum are working together on issues of common concern to their members. The gift industry’s own Gift and Home Trade Association is one of the participants.

"It's heartening to see that so many consumers understand the important role independent retailers play in their communities — and that they are increasingly choosing to 'shop local.' Study after study has made clear that locally owned businesses have a far greater positive economic impact on their communities, contribute more to local charities, and are largely responsible for our towns and cities retaining their unique characteristics," said Oren J. Teicher, COO of the American Booksellers Association.

"Independent retailers are especially susceptible to a sluggish economy, so it is gratifying to learn that consumers are conscious that where they shop matters a great deal to their community," said Kathleen McHugh, executive director of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association.

"We're seeing the beginnings of a shift in people's shopping choices, particularly in places where 'buy local' campaigns have brought this to the forefront of public consciousness. 'Locally owned' is following in the footsteps of 'organic' as people look for ways to support a more sustainable economy and revitalize their communities," said Stacy Mitchell, author of Big-Box Swindle and senior researcher for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, which administered the survey.

The Independent Business Forum plans to repeat the survey next year. The group is also collaborating on initiatives to increase public awareness of the value of locally owned businesses and to address public policy issues that affect independent businesses.

"We continue to see the power independent businesses and communities gain through local Independent Business Alliances, so it makes sense for advocates of independent businesses to organize and build on that success nationally," said Jennifer Rockne, executive director of the American Independent Business Alliance, which helped to convene the Independent Business Forum.

"NARDA is looking forward to being able to help our members as a result of information exchange with other associations that serve independent retailers. This survey is very timely in light of what we see as a challenging economic environment in 2008," said Tom Drake, president and CEO of the North American Retailer Dealers Association.

For more on Buy Local campaigns and local business alliances, see Home Field Advantage.

In the Market for Shoes?

This offer is too good to pass up if you like shopping online for shoes:

"Limited Time Offer: Better than FREE Overnight Shipping!
Promotion extended! For a limited time, Overnight Shipping is *negative* $5. That's right, we'll take five dollars off your order for the privilege of shipping overnight to you. We are serious. Enjoy this special promotion while it lasts! Once the promotion is over, you can again enjoy our day-in and day-out offer of FREE Overnight Shipping."

Endless is an Amazon.com brand I believe - which makes me pretty confident in shopping there. I've never had any trouble with Amazon and they have GREAT customer service! The email that I received in my inbox with info about this promotion even offers FREE RETURN SHIPPING so shop happy :-)

I really love these daniblack red polkadot heels... at $117 though I'll wait for the sale. But wouldn't they be CUTE for Valentine's Day?

Another cute feature on the site is that when you roll your mouse over the pictures (and there are LOTS of angles of each item) it enlarges it for extra detail!

Whole Foods to Stop Using Plastic Bags

While maybe not CLOSET related... this is definitely PANTRY related! I always try and recycle these awful things but it's getting harder to find grocery stores around here with collection containers! (Hint: Harris Teeter... HWY 401 S. and Ten-Ten.)

Way to go Whole Foods :-) I need to invest in some nice cloth bags.

This was posted on Triangle Biz Journal's daily e-news.
"Whole Foods Market Inc. will gradually phase out the use of plastic grocery bags in its 270 stores with the goal of no longer using them by April 22, which is Earth Day.

The Austin, Texas-based grocery chain, which has four Triangle locations, said it will encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags and will offer 100 percent recycled paper grocery bags when needed.

'More and more cities and countries are beginning to place serious restrictions on single-use plastic shopping bags since they don't break down in our landfills, can harm nature by clogging waterways and endangering wildlife, and litter our roadsides,' A.C. Gallo, co-president and chief operating officer for Whole Foods Market, said in a statement."

Event of the Year: Uniquities Attic Sale!

This is my FAVORITE shopping event of the year - the Uniquities Attic Sale! Ashley (Black) Currin and I joined in this ridiculous spectacle of designer clothing at amazing prices back in my sophomore year of college (I think it was my sophomore year...). Even if you're not really looking for anything in particular, I recommend you check out the line down Franklin Street in Chapel Hill yourself at least once in life... and score yourself a pair of James jeans for half off!


My favorite part of this is - and I can't guarantee they are doing it again this year, but... - the Raleigh store in Cameron Village always seems to have their basement sale just the next weekend after this big sale which is not as busy or overshopped! Katie and I went last year and stocked up on jeans and I scored two (count 'em 1, 2) Theory jackets for under $500 (a major steal since the value was probably around $1000-$1200 for both at full retail). If I get another email from Uniquities about Cameron Village it'll definitely be posted here :-)

PS - Don't take your boy-toy with you to Chapel Hill, it's an open dressing room in the store so no men are allowed inside for this day only!

Bummed I Missed These...

I can't say for sure if I would have added something like this to my cap at graduation, but hey... I did graduate from the College of Textiles... they probably would've enjoyed it! (It would have probably been a Pi Phi one.

Grad Cap Designs

These are covers that slip on your grad cap. Available in lots of fun Hawaii-style floral prints, bold stripes, custom (ie: sorority colors with letter and your name, etc.) and more. Schools can even get their colors and logos for group orders.

The best part about it? They're only $13! Fun stuff. (Thank you Product Wire email... I wish I owned a boutique gift shop in Cameron Village!)

"Game Day Apparel Isn't Just for Boys Anymore"

"Game day apparel isn't just for boys anymore". That's the tagline of the up and coming Buzz and Berly line of collegiate-themed apparel for the trendy girl. And it's right on par with the tailgate parking lot dress-code these days just outside of Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC - home of the NC State Wolfpack.

I can't tell you just how excited I am about this line and how I absolutely adore my fellow NCSU College of Textiles grad Holly Weaver for introducing me to her employer and allowing my Pi Phi sisters to preview their NCSU-inspired collection at the homecoming game this past weekend vs. UVA. (Which, by the way, was a great win for the Wolfpack!)

I encourage everyone at NCSU, Wake, Duke, and (gah) UNC... whether that means you are a student, faculty, alum, or just downright FANATIC... to check out their site and sign up for their newsletter. Check out the coverage they've had to-date, as well. I hope you all are as excited as I am about seeing their lines in local boutiques come Spring 2008!

Speaking of seeing their lines in boutiques... please contact Buzz & Berly about where you'd love to see their line or encourage your favorite shopping destinations to inquire about Buzz & Berly's lines. No university bookstores please, leave that for the far-less discerning category of menswear.

I firmly believe we're going to see big things for Buzz & Berly in the coming seasons and I think they're going to be the first to do something that's going to have other brands attempting to replicate their savvy-thinking soon. But read it here, they are the purveyors of this welcome addition to the southern football tailgate and have my business already!

The Ultimate Steal

This is not my usual fashion-inspired post... but it is a GREAT shopping steal and will keep more money in my bank account for... $120 pairs of jeans.

(This is also going to get a little dorky, I'm sure Brandon and Adrianne will be the only people to truly appreciate this as much as I do.)

I am THE most skeptical person on the internet, but this is legit as it actually comes directly from Microsoft. Get it early, the offer expires on April 30, 2008.

For $60 you get (All 2007 Versions): MS Access (which most students don't need), Accounting Express, Excel, Infopath, Groove, OneNote, Outlook with Business Contact Manager, Powerpoint, Publisher, Word.

General Info
For Product Info
Grab It Now

Since I have half of this already, I think I'm just going to ask for a new laptop for Christmas (or buy one after with my holiday savings) and get this to go with it.

Office 2007 looks a lot different (thus, takes quite some getting used to), so I don't want to download it on top of what I already have. I'd like to just start fresh.

P.S. - Normal retail price for this is $679. Ouch.