Massive Sale Alert: The Body Shop Warehouse Sale

How many of you local readers knew that the global retailer The Body Shop actually has a large presence in North Raleigh (closer to Wake Forest, from what I hear)? Big thanks to Jess for forwarding me the following email!


(click to enlarge)

Even as a mark rep myself, I'm really glad to post this for a few reasons:
1 - Competition is always healthy. Keeps brands/retailers on their toes.
2 - Like mark., The Body Shop is strongly against animal testing. They also have a very impressive list of social, eco, and other amazing values. Read more here, here, and here!
3 - The local presence. The Body Shop keeps a lot of local people employed here in Raleigh.

Here's a Google Maps link, if you're interested in going!

{New Boutique on the Block}: GiGi's Boutique Coming to Cary

Remember my post a few weeks back about the great North Raleigh find, GiGi's Boutique?

I am SO excited to announce that they are opening up shop in Cary - MUCH closer to my neck of the woods... and just down the street from Swagger - in a few (give or take) weeks!

Here's the scoop from their eNews:We are excited to announce a second Gigi's Boutique will open, mid to late October 2009, at Crescent Commons in Cary. Crescent Commons is located at the corner of Tryon and Kildaire Farm Roads.

More information to follow as we get closer to the Grand Opening!

We are so thankful for your support and look forward to seeing you soon.I'll be sure to post about any Grand Opening events, etc. As always, be sure to keep it local!

Desperation

Wow. Can we say overkill?



(If you can't see what's ridiculous about the above image, be sure to click on it to enlarge it and take a look at the dates.)

PS - That is the exact reason I have a (email).lists@gmail.com version of my email. Because there is no reason I should have to go through that many emails, from various retailers, on a regular basis.

Just a Little Reminder...

"If we know the house always wins, why gamble?" - S&tC.

That's why I like my money... right where I can see it... HANGING IN MY CLOSET.


{Image: eBates blog - which is also awesome.}

WANT: Fall Staple - Monogrammed Pashmina

I'm thinking I'm going to need one of these monogrammed pashminas in black with red monogramming for any chilly Wolfpack tailgates and football games!

IE: Tomorrow. Dang. I didn't plan that one out very well.


Although... I'm not left out in the cold!

The entire E. Riley-Dorn wedding entourage received red pashminas as bridal party gifts just this past February - perfect for all of us State girls (see below)!

Big props go out to Mrs. (YES, MRS. - it still trips me out to write that) E. {Riley} Dorn for the great taste and outfitting the always classy look for tomorrow's big game vs. USC!

Rest assured, I can get by with my current selection of red or green pashminas, but one more never hurts! I hate having to pick one color to live with for good - a girl needs options! (That is yet another E. Riley Dorn principle, that every well-dressed woman should wardrobe by.)

And I do have some time until fall temperature actually set in for real. I can't imagine that the 90 degree days are actually legitimately over. I mean, I HAVE lived in NC my whole life... I know it doesn't actually work that way. (True Life: I'm also one of the many people that almost passed out at the NCSU vs. Clemson game two years ago when it went from a 60 degree tailgate to a 90 degree ballgame. I went home at half-time to shower and spend the rest of the day in the AC... something I never do.)

Long story short, monogrammed pashminas. At Swagger (in-store or online). $34.00.

{New (to Me) Boutique on the Block}: GiGi's Boutique

{New (to Me) Boutique on the Block}: GiGi's Boutique

This is a blog post I have been meaning to write for months!

Almost a year ago, I got a great email in my inbox from a local reader:
"Hi there,

I enjoy reading your blog - you're such a great resource for what's going on around Raleigh. Have you been to Gigi's Boutique? I saw an ad in the independent but I haven't heard anything about it so thought I would ask you. It's in Stonehenge Market on Creedmoor Road and they offer "the latest fashions with prices under $100". Thought it might be worth checking out.

Thanks and keep up the good work!

Christine"
The BF and I ended up out that direction one day a few months ago. I had just finished up with a laser appointment and it was about lunch time. We decided to venture more into North Raleigh and try something different. I'm really glad we did!

We pulled into Stonehenge Market - a shopping center we had not been to since going to the Crowley's of Stonehenge Cinco de Mayo bash back in '07 with the rest of the Buckhead sales team - and had lunch at Buffalo's (see my Buffalo's review here).

You can imagine my excitement when we were walking around the shopping center and I saw this cute little boutique called "GiGi's"... obviously, I had to stop in!

I was being good on my budget during that trip, but boy was it tough to have such restraint! Their selection was fantastic - carrying brands and pieces I have not seen or overdone locally - and the store really was very well merchandised and had great <$100.00 price points! Do be sure to check out their website (you can do some shopping online!), their email list, and now... their blog. I was really excited to see this addition as it came very shortly after my conversation with the boutique owner about how I'd heard about her store from a reader of my blog! (I always like to share good retailing secrets with independent owners who are a joy to shop with.)

I think the thing I liked most about the boutique was not their realistic approach to fashion that doesn't break the bank (although it is quite awesome), but the fact that the store was so well merchandised. Nothing was overly trendy (ie: not going to be worn next year) and everything was super appropriate for multiple uses - casual, work, going out, etc. It really does a wardrobe budget wonders to buy pieces that are good fits for anytime wear!

I can't wait until my next laser appointment (in about 6 weeks) so I'll have a good excuse to make the cross-town trip again.

Gigi's Boutique

Address: 7428 Creedmoor Road
Raleigh, NC 27613

Phone: 919-846-0014
Website: http://www.shopgigisboutique.com
Email: info@shopgigisboutique.com

Be sure to check them out sometime. I'd love to hear from you if you do. I'd also love any other local recommendations any of you'd like to send my way!


{Image: GiGi's Boutique website}

New eBoutique on the Block: Dixie Patches

I usually keep the "New Boutique on the Block" title for new local brick-and-mortar boutiques, but you really can't blame any entrepreneur(s) for going online instead of battling the extraordinary cost of commercial/retail rent!

DixiePatches has a sunny color scheme and website that's easy on the eyes and most of their photography is chock full of Southern charm. The logo is a little hard to decipher at first, but after first look you can pick out the outline of our fair Southern states. Even going two color would probably make it easier to read.

There are only a few merchandise options in each category (Southern Charms, Southern Belles, Southern Gentlemen, Dixie Dogs, and Fishin'/Huntin'/Tailgatin'), but one would guess there is a lot more to come in their future. I also don't know any guy who hunts in a button down and bow tie, but I really like where they're going with that. One should always "dress for success", right? ;-)

Overall, I think this site is a best bet for Southern Gentlemen: Friendly price points for hats and bow ties. I also see the camo cooler in the boyfriend's future.

Full disclaimer: I automatically love any company that sends a free koozie your way for signing up for their email list. Other than the fact that I love the premise of this whole site too, I'll still tried to this review as objective as possible. I'm crossing my fingers that the emails are no more often than once a month and might include a sale or coupon or two!

Big thanks to Hula Girl for posting about it today... what fabulous things to share: Southern favorites and tailgatin' goods!

Heartbroken

One of my favorite local boutiques is closing up shop :-(

This will be Tough Love's last week in business, so stop in and wish them well in their future endeavors!

Also, Ashley is having a sale to clear out the store... so be sure to check out what they have and help make their move a little easier.

A few specials they're doing include:
Everyone that buys something gets a free Tough Love Support Local Tee, all clothing is half off, and already marked down items are an additional 50% OFF, denim $20, t-shirts $5, accessories $5-$12. See all the details on facebook.

Hopefully we'll see Ashley and her great, independent style in another new local venture, soon!


{Image: Tough love facebook page, via SarahDear}

Break My Heart

Dear Super Cute Pink Party Dress,

If you weren't $500, I'd be all over you.
You hear me? ALL OVER YOU!

XoXo,
Lisa


Temperley London
Tiered mini dress

Original Price: $1,255
Now: $502
60% off

*Sigh*


{Image: TheOutnet.com}

New Boutique on the Block: Bevello

I had the always enjoyable opportunity to stop in Beleza last week and visit with P. Dail and Sara (the most charming fair trade boutique owners you'll ever meet) and they told me about a new store opening up just down the sidewalk from them.

Bevello has received quite a lot of local attention in the blogosphere (etc., etc.) this weekend for it's fresh approach to boutique fashion and shopping in general. I can't wait to stop in sometime soon (this week maybe?) and visit the new store!

New Raleigh - Bevello Focuses on Service with New Cameron Village Boutique"Bevello, which occupies the former Francis King Stationery space, sells contemporary women’s clothing and accessories at a lower price point (most items fall in the $40-$150 range)."
Bevello - Official Website (I love that the pictures were taken here in town!)

Bevello - Official Blog


{Image: NewRaleigh.com}

Deal of the Week: Yellow Very Well COULD Be My Color

I have two yellow shirts that I love and I got freshly a little sunburned this weekend (resulting in what should be a good start to a tan by mid-week), so why not - right?

I wonder if I could have it before I leave for this weekend's Friday night wedding / weekend bachelorette party shenanigans (yes that's right... two different wedding-esque commitments in the same time period)? (Cora Boutique DOES ship out of Raleigh, after all!)



What do we think - yay or nay?

At $36.50, I'm thinking yay. Double yay, actually.

PS - I'd only consider this dress for double duty at the wedding AND bachelorette party if it hit at least right above my knee and I dressed up with a jacket or nice cami. I was more so thinking of this for bachelorette party fun times, exclusively.

Holiday Sale at Beleza

From the Beleza email newsletter:



RED, WHITE and BLUE!
On sale and more...

We are OPEN on July 4!
From 10 am until 4 pm, the entire store is 24% off!

Come in on the 4th and mention this email to get 40% off the regular price of any item of your choice. This is a real celebration of fours! We hope to see you.
And now for the rest of the month, check out these specials:
-The Color of the Month for July is actually three colors...red or white and blue. Any jewelry with one of these colors in it is 20% off for the entire month.
-Raffia purses and beach bags are 40% off for the entire month.
-We continue to enlarge our 50% off area.

What's new in the store?
-We recently added an exciting new artist from Greensboro. Check his work here: www.theartistjay.com and come see this awesome aluminum jewelry for yourself.
=A large selection of necklaces with glass pendants is sure to catch your eye.
=Plus new shipments from our artists are arriving continually.

Don't Forget...
-We are your headquarters for custom made jewelry, a service which is growing for our customers.
-Need that necklace or bracelet repaired? We are usually able to do this very reasonably and again, we are glad to provide this for our customer.

www.shopbeleza.com
2014 Cameron Street - Cameron Village
Raleigh, NC 27605
919-832-4775

Store Hours:
Monday through Friday - 10 am until 7 pm
Saturday - 10 am until 6 pm
Sunday - 1 to 5 pm

I May Camp Out...

...to ensure I get my size (small) and colors of choice. I'm sure I've posted about these tanks before and I'm downright surprised I'm not wearing one right now.

SUCH a good deal, thanks to @ShopItToMe for sharing!

"Old Navy is offering $2 tanktops on this Saturday June 20th only! (Limit 5 per person) Apparently the $1 flip flops of the past must have been a hit, and they are moving on.

I can say that I own these too, and they are indeed the most versatile tops around. Can wear them to work out, sleep in, or with jeans or casual pants on the weekend, or even with a flouncy skirt.

A great steal!"

Win a Free Monogrammed Tote from Swagger!

This week's giveaway is TOO cute and totally necessary for trips to the beach, out on the boat, afternoons at the pool, and so much more.

Monogrammed Sporty Stripe Tote



Cheerful, sporty, clean, fun, and classic…this tote fits the bill perfectly! With a front pocket, zipper closure, sturdy base insert, and water-resistant 600D poly fabric, this tote is as cool at the pool as it is on a trip!

14”L x 8”D x 12”T
Available colors: pink, light blue, red, yellow, khaki, green
SKU Id: WH24
Price: $39.00
Product Will Ship After: 7 - 10 BUSINESS DAYS.
Ship to Store: $5.00

Become a fan of Swagger on facebook and then comment on the picture in the Facebook Friday of the Week photo album to be entered to win!!

That's Some Funny Sunscreen

...but I totally respect its great cause!

Will Ferrell Launches Sunscreen Line
(via NYMag.com)

It's hard to know where to begin with this one. Other than, hooray, a celebrity has launched a beauty product we actually want to purchase (maybe as a Father's Day gift) this very instant?

Will Ferrell is launching a sunscreen line called Will Ferrell Sunscreen. The SPF 30s come in Sun Stroke, Sexy Hot Tan, and Forbidden Fruit. We're not sure of the differences between these, other than different tag lines on the bottles like "and the rich cream brought protection and comfort and it was good" (Forbidden Fruit).

Each bottle costs $12 and all proceeds benefit Cancer for College’s College Willpower Scholarship Fund, which grants college scholarships to cancer survivors and amputees.

Having supported the charity for a long time, Will explains why he decided to continue his efforts with sunscreen: “I’ve always dreamed of owning a lotion company. And I’ve always hated cancer.”

You can buy the lotion on the charity's website, or on eBay or Amazon.You can buy all three bottles for $39.99 online.

The best part of that whole story? Will's reasoning: "I've always dreamed of owning a lotion company. And I've always hated cancer."

Me too Will, me too.


{Image: NYMag.com / Will Ferrell Sunscreen}