Monday, June 30, 2008

Not Bad for a Monday...

25-40% off Lacoste? I'll take it!

Woke up to Lacoste's version of the Semi-Annual Sale in my inbox and am already eying a few things like...Stretch Piqué Tub Top in white
(Seriously, you can never have enough of these... they go with EVERYTHING in the summer!)
Was $60 - now $35.99



Crewneck Cable Knit Sweater

Was $115 - now $68.99



Women's Croc Logo Cap (toooooo cute!)
Was $35 - now $19.99

Can't wait for payday :-)

Red Pin to Close :-(

This makes me pretty sad.

I was never much for Cherry or Porto (both also recently closed their doors), but David at Red Pin is one of the nicest store-owners I've ever had the chance to talk while visiting their store and walking through Red Pin on a Saturday afternoon was always REALLY enjoyable even though I never had a need for any furniture at the time.

So stop in sometime before the store closes if you haven't and check it out!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Francesca's Coming to Cameron Village

From GoGoRaleigh.com - (and the looks of their website), it doesn't look particularly unique for Cameron Village by any means, but should be a nice addition.

I will say however, that I am actually very surprised at what's available on their website and the prices - it actually does appear to be an affordable boutique which I think for the most part, is lacking at Cameron. Don't get me wrong, I love Uniquities, etc., but a girl can't always splurge... so if CV wants to continue to build business, incorporating more opportunities for "wardrobing" (mixing $150 jeans that look good for years with a $30 trendy top since it won't be so hot in two seasons) seems essential to me.

PS - I signed up for their newsletter to "get discounts and alerts on the hottest looks of the season" so we'll see what all that entails soon hopefully!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Sale at Tough Love

From their blog, Tough Love is having a nice little sale soon (add it to your calendar Raleigh kids!):Tough Love Sale
Sunday, July 6th
12pm until 8pm
3114 Hillsborough St - Raleigh

A Girl on a Mission...

Not really a blog dedicated to shopping, but Puttin' on the GRITS set herself out to find some summer dresses that really flaunt being a woman and darn if she didn't do it for quite a steal, too!

Here's my tribute to her, blog link style: Cheap-O Dresses.

UA Sponsors NASCAR

Finally - two of my FAVORITE brands are coming together: Under Armour and NASCAR.

(Betcha didn't expect to see that one coming, did ya?)

Let me explain: As a textiles graduate, the top of the line engineering and branding that UA continually excels in is really exciting stuff to me - I even modeled quite a few senior projects after the UA concept. And what's not to love about NASCAR? Cute boys, fast cars, and even some bad ass girls kickin' butt and taking names in related-industries (and hopefully, one day in the Sprint Cup circuit).

Thanks to my UA insider for the tip :-)Carl Edwards to Drive #60 Car w/UA Logo!
TNP star athlete and Current NASCAR Champion Carl Edwards Nationwide 60 car will be decked in Under Armour Black and Silver this Saturday.

"Under Armour Inc. is starting its engines, with its first sponsorship of a NASCAR racing vehicle this weekend.

The Baltimore-based performance apparel company will paste its logo next to a Boston Red Sox mark on NASCAR driver Carl Edwards’ No. 60 car this weekend at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway."

See full story: www.autoracingdaily.com/article/under-armour-inc-to-sponsor-carl-edwards-no-60-car/

Edwards is currently ranked 4th behind leader Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. respectively.

Tune into the race this Saturday, June 28th at 2:30 on ABC. Watch Carl compete in the Camping World RV Sales 200, Nationwide Series presented by RVs.com.

See attached PDF for Carl’s #60 car with UA Logo by MotorSports Designs!

For more information, please visit: www.nascar.com.
And so that any of you who might miss the race on TV (shame, shame) can get an idea, here's some pics:



And I couldn't miss an opportunity to post one of the adorable Carl Edwards, too!


I LOVE Shopping for a Cause

As any NC Delta Pi Phi will tell you, shopping for a cause is something very near and dear to all of our hearts (see: Accessorize with Pi Phi).

Naturally, I was VERY excited to see today's email from Lisa at Scout & Molly's and am thrilled to pass along the following info:Surprise Sale!
Happy summer to ya!
So, it’s after midnight and i’m still at the store…
i am wrapping up some late night paper work and i think i must be getting a little slap happy…

i have decided to have an impromptu sale / fundraiser
starting when doors open today thru sunday at 5pm
if you make a donation to either
the leukemia / lymphoma society
or
the national ms society
i will give you 20% off your purchase at both scout & molly’s of raleigh and walk, a scout & molly’s shoetique.

the donation can be made for any amount.
whatever makes your heart feel good!

make a difference in someones life and get a great deal on our fab clothes, shoes, jewelry, bags and more!

feel free to pass this along….the more money we raise for these two foundations the better!

cheers!
lisa

sale exludes already reduced merchandise
sale is for specified dates only
please bring cash or check to make your donations
So there you have it - I don't think you can ask for a better reason to hit up Scout & Molly's this weekend for a little shopping!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

I'm Just Sayin'...

DSW. Summer clearance. Online and in stores. Up to 70% off. Triple reward points June 26-29th.

If you've had a week like me (and apparently, like Adrianne too - we just had rant fest '08) then shoes might be the cure.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

VS Adds Collegiate Collection

Maybe I'd be more excited if NCSU made the list of ~33 schools in the collection. Natch, that silly hue of blue just down the road is available, but I attribute that to the national exposure in basketball, yadda, yadda, yadda, and its never-ending success as a Wal-Mart favorite for its fans who actually have no affiliation.

Just kidding - did that sound bitter enough? Good, because I really am. However, I bet those LSU girls are effing stoked!

As some of you may remember, I've always been a supporter of Buzz & Berly because let's face it... the apparel you can buy at the bookstore usually sucks, is tacky, and doesn't fit. Buzz & Berly is a GREAT local option for classy game-day necessities. I'd put money that VS's collegiate line probably looks and fits like it should too - even if it's just for around the dorm/house and 8am classes. (Note: There's no excuse for bumming to any class after 8am. At least if you're going to do it - do it well and wear your team colors.)

So, I shall sadly wait until the day NCSU comes on board... oh wait... the collegiate line will probably be a thing of the past once the Wolfpack gets with it.

From GoGoRaleigh.com: EcoFashion Show Needs Designers

My alma mater (NCSU COT '07) continues to make me SO proud! From GoGoRaleigh.com:EcoFashion Show Needs Designers
The Triangle Emerging Green Builders are doing a fashion show at the NCSU College of Textiles in the Spring, and they need your help! Click for more info:

Come show the Triangle what green fashion is all about! Designers wishing to participate in this innovative show must present two finished garments to the judging panel on August 23rd, between 10am and 2pm, at the Atrium in the NC State College of Textiles.

The clothing to be selected for the Eco-Fashion show must show a strong emphasis on ecologically friendly design. Eco-friendly design can be in the form of recycled or remanufactured garments, as well as using eco-friendly fabrics and production processes. If you have any questions about the requirements, we welcome you to contact us at greenfashionshow@gmail.com.

To be considered, each designer must:
· Create two garments that show a strong emphasis on green design
· Completely fill out an application form
· Bring your two garments and application to the Atrium in the NC State College of Textiles on August 23rd between 10 am and 2 pm. Appointments will be scheduled in 15 minute blocks, please email us at greenfashionshow@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

Designers selected by our panel to participate will be asked to present a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 10 pieces at the Eco-Fashion Show. We are asking all designers to strongly consider donating two of their pieces to the Amani Baby Cottage, an orphanage in Uganda that is supported in part by MorLove, a non-profit student organization in the College of Textiles at NC State.

While we may be able to recruit volunteers to model and help with hair and make-up, we are asking all designers to be prepared to find their own models and take care of their own hair and make-up.

More information on the NCSU College of Textiles: www.tx.ncsu.edu

More information on MorLove: www4.ncsu.edu/~maframi/

More information on Triangle Emerging Green Builders: groups.yahoo.com/group/trianglechapteregb/

More information on American Vintage: www.avcc-inc.com
What an awesome event being put together... can't wait to see some of the great results!

A Great Reason to Stop By Hayley's...

Back in April, I mentioned a new boutique opening at Five Points (kudos to Sue Stock's retailing blog for the buzz) and I've yet to make it by Hayley's yet during business hours. (Although I have had a brief moment of window shopping with Renee while we were waiting for our pizza at Lilly's!)

This weekend's side walk sale looks like a GREAT reason to spend some time at Five Points and check out Hayley's boutique! Once again, from Sue's blog:Five Points sidewalk sale



For those of you who enjoy hunting for unique items at unique stores, you might want to check out the sidewalk sale in Raleigh's Five Points neighborhood this weekend. As you can see, the sale runs this Friday and Saturday, beginning for each store when the store opens its doors for the day.

Merchants offering up to 50 percent off on select items include: Acquisitions, Ltd., Adlib Antiques, Aloma Crenshaw Antiques at Five Points, ArtSource Five Points, Brown Bird, Davenport Florist at Five Points, Five Points Jewelers, Hayley’s, Lilly’s Pizza, NOFO at the Pig and Whitnee’s Antique.
While I'm there, I'll see if Hayley has a site for her shop yet so anyone out of town can check her out too!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Holy Emails!

I tell you what, you take one morning out of your life for a 3-hour Spanish final exam and the retail world really sends you some lovin'!Jen Trend's BOGO Arbonne Sale
Sale runs through Sunday, June 29th, 2008.
Choose any product and get the second one free. Free item will be of equal or lesser value. Items cannot be from the business aids section (ie. Makeup brushes, palettes, catalogs, etc).You do not have to choose the same product for the second item. Taxes and shipping will be added at checkout. You must place the order directly through me to obtain sale discount. No additional discounts apply. Call her to place your order at: 919.440.8605. To place an order thru e-mail, write BOGO SALE in subject line and include items of interest.

Under Armour: 2 Days of Free Shipping
Stock up on their outlet stuff for free shipping with NO MINIMUM!
Enter the shipping code at checkout: 3AXRTKM4

ShopBop.com: 20% off today only!
Enter HEATWAVE08 at checkout before midnight (PST?) to snag a nice 20% off non-sale dresses, tops, and bottoms.

$3.50 Koozies @ Mary Phillips
"I have a PHD in beach cocktails" or "Taken / Not Taken" (choose the side of your koozie to face outward for your designated status of the moment!). By the way, since they're on sale, exchange my "or" for "AND" - and take both!
Apparently, Tuesday is the new Saturday when it comes to retail sales. Guess this is the new face of online retail - but I'm not complaining!

Wait, wait, almost forgot:NC State Alumni Collection Clearance Sale
The entire store is 10-50% off!
Two days only: Tuesday, June 24 - Wednesday, June 25

The NC State Alumni Collection is open to everyone! 10 percent member discount does not apply to the sale.

Discounts are just one benefit of Alumni Association membership.
Join today to show your NC State pride and take advantage of all the benefits of membership.
Ok, had to give Cody some credit too!

Monday, June 23, 2008

Get Your Tailgates Ready...

From Swagger's "Manic Monday" blog special (where every Monday - and other random days in between - you can snag special blog only savings for the store or on the website!):Chill in Style
You've got your monogrammed koozie, your beverages of choice, and that boring old ice chest that in the past has been known as the cooler. Boo to that.

Any totally coordinated tailgater like myself knows that monogrammed coolers are the perfect complement to any day on the boat, lunch by the pool, or (the fall sport we're all so anxiously awaiting) football tailgate! (For now, I think I can settle for the classic American sport that still allows you to bring your own snacks and brews in to the stands: NASCAR. For those of you who think I'm crazy for uttering those words... just google pictures of the adorable Casey Kahne or Carl Edwards... you'll be at the next race within three states to try and catch a climpse of these racecar hotties! Anyways - I digress.)

Stop by Swagger today between 10am and 6pm and get your monogrammed cooler in an array of colors (NC State Red for this Wolfpack girl!) with your initials, your family name, or your sorority's name embroidered across the front so that any WOW-ed fellow tailgaters will know who to ask for when looking for recommendations for storing their next chilled beverages. For today's blog special, you'll also save 15% by printing this blog or mentioning it in the store for those of you going green!

Definitely add Swagger's feed to your daily read list. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Mark Your Calendars: August 1-3, 2008

Thank you once again to Sue Stock's retailing blog for reminding me about the state sales tax holiday all of us NC folks get to enjoy for "back to school" shopping!For some reason, the other day, I was thinking about this year's sales tax holiday, when things like clothes and school supplies are available without sales tax for one weekend.

This year's North Carolina tax holiday will run 12:01 a.m. Aug. 1 through 11:59 p.m. Aug. 3, if you want to put it on your calendar. You can find the official list of tax-exempt items on the Department of Revenue Web site here. It makes me laugh every year that "rubber pants" are on the list..."
The only drawback is it always means a dateless wedding weekend for me since the BF is attached to Fred's Beds for their sale, too. What the heck, I'll just shop to lift my spirits. ;-)

Friday, June 20, 2008

World Market Sale

Sue Stock's retailing blog helps my shopping budget last much longer :-)"According to the e-mail I received this morning, World Market is having a summer clearance sale. Items are up to 70 percent off... "I LOVE finding cool home décor at World Market - it's quite convenient to wander around in there while waiting for the pups to finish up at Petsmart in Cary!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Brooks Brothers Semi-Annual Sale

(Geeez I've posted a lot today! There's never too much of a good thing though right?)

Preppies rejoice - the Brooks Brothers Semi-Annual Sale starts today - with chances to save up to 40% on your wardrobe staples.

You can NEVER have too many Non-Iron Tailored Fit Shirts! Ever.

Get on it - "limited time values" as they refer to them - end on July 6th.

Like Any of My Friends Need a Reminder...

But for those of you who do, from Swagger:Wine Stopper
Just throwing that out there... take it or leave it (but I do hope you take it Cool).

And the beauty of this little blog update - in true "I'm Ready for the Weekend!" fashion - is the above pictured wine stopper is this month's Thirsty 3rd Thursday blog special!

Grab this subtle wine stopper (AND ALL OTHER WINE STOPPERS for that matter) for 15% off today at Swagger until 6pm!

Be a good friend and stock up for any of your gal pals who may also enjoy a "subtle" reminder too!

Just print this blog or tell 'em Gina (or Lisa!) sent ya and you needed a reminder that a little fun never hurt anyone!

I mean, not that we'd ever a leave a bottle unfinished... but sometimes, we could all use a little reminder that fun is always welcome.

Rock & Shop Market!

This is SUCH a cool event for anyone who can attend! Check it out... you WON'T be disappointed!

Here's the info from the email newsletter:Mark your calendars for the 7th Rock & Shop Market next Saturday June 28th from 1-5pm at the Tir Na Nog in Downtown Raleigh, featuring over 30 emerging designers selling their wares and live performances by Red Collar & The Secret Theatre. In addition, there will be a silent auction at the event with proceeds benefiting Nest, an organization providing micro-loans to women entrepreneurs in third-world countries.

To preview the bands, designers and silent auction items visit www.rockandshopmarket.com.

See you next Saturday!
Michelle

PS - I'm still looking for volunteers, if you or someone you know is interested in helping out, please email me. Thanks!

By the way, what can you get there? Just take a look at these samples from the email as well:


PS - Volunteer to give Michelle a hand if you have time!

I've Got MY Flip Flops on Today!

And they'll be on allllll weekend!

From Sue Stock's "Taking Stock" retail blog:National Flip Flop Day...
Why not?
Apparently Saturday is the second annual National Flip Flop Day. And to celebrate, Tropical Smoothie Cafe in The Streets at Southpoint in Durham will be giving away free Jetty Punch smoothies to the first 500 people who visit the store wearing flip flops. The Jetty Punch is made with strawberries and bananas. The store is on the lower level toward Sears, but on the outside of the mall next to the Bose store.
Now THAT'S a day I can really put my best foot forward on ;-)

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Office Max? Really?

Random decorating tip of the week: Want some new lamps to spruce up an office or a room for an inexpensive makeover? Try the back (wayyyy back) of your local Office Max.

I know, some of you are probably thinking, "Ok, now she's lost it."

Seriously though, I was making a random run to Office Max this past weekend and happened to wander through the clearance section in the back of the store and they had DOZENS of table and desk lamps for under $50 (many around $19-$20!) that looked great! I tried to find some samples on their website, but just kept finding boring stuff - nothing magical there.

In the Cary/Crossroads, NC location, there were some brushed/antique white gold finish lamps with black or red lamp shades that were awesome to try and paint somewhat of a mental picture...

Next time I'm there, I'll check again and see if there are any that make their way home with me. If so, I'll post pictures to hopefully do this post better justice! Just wanted to give everyone some ideas of how to think outside of the interior design ($$) box.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

For You Vera Bradley Addicts...

...you know who you are!

Remember my earlier post on eBates? (Just made my first purchase today - two new air filters from HomeDepot.com... how girly of me, huh? Well just so happens... I got a $10 Target gift card for doing so... cha ching!)

Anyway, back to the point, guess who just got added to eBates: Vera Bradley! Here's the scoop from their weekly email: New Stores at Ebates: Vera Bradley, Garnet Hill, Callaway Golf & More!

Our sales team is always hard at work looking for the biggest, best and most in-demand merchants. We are proud to announce that we have recently added several hot names to our growing list of 900+ stores! Looking for fabulously feminine luggage or bags? Get 3% Cash Back when you shop at Vera Bradley. Know a golfer looking to step up his game on the green? Get 4% Cash Back at Callaway Golf. Don't forget to check out other great new stores like Ulta (featuring your favorite beauty brands) and Garnet Hill (beautiful apparel for women and kids).
Yay! Let the shopping continue!

PS - Join eBates through my referral link and we both get a $5 account credit just for doing so. I think that's fabulous.

Shoe Quickie!

Fresh from Lisa @ Scout and Molly's today:"Celebrate summer with a new pair of shoes from WALK, A Scout & Molly’s Shoetique!
All shoes are 25% off today through Sunday June 22nd."
If you just got a pedi and want to show it off in new sandals... this may be the deal for you!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Dress for Success Update!

Anyone who's been reading this blog for a while may have noticed my very excited post back in March about Dress for Success coming to the Triangle!

Please check out the cause and if you're interested and available, make plans to join me at the volunteer update! Here's the info I received via email today: "You signed up via the Dress for Success Website for our Newsletters. We are having a general update on Monday – the 23rd – in Raleigh. These always prove to be a fun gathering of wonderful women. Please know you are very welcome to join in and hear the latest news – see images of clients we have begun to serve etc.

Hope your summer is going well and that our paths will cross at some point.

Best,
Pat Nathan

Hope to see you at one or both of the following events this month:
Volunteer Update- June 23rd - Raleigh
6:00 - 7:30 PM St. Mark's United Methodist Church - 4801 Six Forks Road
Join us on Monday evening, the 23rd for an update on our progress and learn about activities planned for the remainder of the year. Directions

RSVP: Yes - I will be there! No - Can not make it this time.

Volunteer Family Day- June 28th - Durham
Floating 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Our Boutique in Northgate Mall

A day to celebrate all the hard work, show your family where you have been hanging out, or make your first visit to the boutique.

Expect an Evite shortly!

Dress for Success Triangle NC
Phone: 919-286-2128
www.dressforsuccess.org/trianglenc"

Discovery of the Day: Rita Wilcox

Just stumbled upon this cute online (I guess online only?) retailer: Rita Wilcox Accessories.

Thank you Some Like It Southern for the tip regarding the May sale - that's what led me to the site!

From a few minutes of browsing, I'm already a fan of a lot of the stuff in the "beach style" and "bridal" (always a bridesmaid!) categories and of course... the "sale" category!

PS - Heads up NC folks: RWA carries a lot of the same merchandise as Swagger Gifts (which I'm addicted to...) so definitely check to see if what you're looking for is available locally first and if not, shop away! There is a lot of unique items on both sites so be sure to visit both!

Friday, June 13, 2008

Tucker Blair - Classically Casual

Taylor Llewellyn sent me a nice little email about the new line, Tucker Blair, and mentioned that the preppy products are similar to my blogging interests... spot-on!

Check out the new line and the blog when you have some time.

Don't let the $100+ price point scare you off... these handcrafted belts are, as noted on the website:

"All of our finished belts are designed in the United States and 100 % handcrafted by our group of needle workers. Our designers and needle crafters work closely together to ensure detail and design accuracy in every belt. Each belt is 1.25” wide, with 100% wool stitching, and backed on dark brown full grain leather. Our classically casual belts can be dressed up for a cocktail party or dressed down for a round of golf, whichever your preference. And remember. This isn’t your father’s belt, and it probably won’t be your son’s. It’s yours."It's hard to pick favorites, but I'm partial to:


I expect to see these on boats and at tailgates very soon...

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Best Dressed

In the summer, I could pretty much live in a soft dress and flops. Said dress is usually short, but not always... I'm really diggin' the floor-length casual dresses that have made their way back into summer styles these past few summers.

Check out the new line at Scout & Molly's - Bordeaux - which owner Lisa Disbrow says is going to be a new favorite for girls like me who are huge fans already of Ella Moss, Splendid, or Rachel Pally! I can't wait to check it out :-)

PS - I also just updated my recent post on Scout & Molly's that had some great info about catching a sweet deal at Scout & Molly's if you shop at Cravings and vice versa... now the same goes for NV mens boutique - with rewards starting at just $150!

New Koozies from MPD

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I love my little "inbox distractions" (if you will) from Mary Phillips Designs.

Two new koozie designs were included in yesterday's email that I think are most appropriate for my weekend habits: (*Insert devilish grin here*)

Southern Proper Trunk Show at Charlotte's!!

OMG fun! From yesterday's North Hills email newsletter (sign up for the list at the bottom of their homepage): June 12-14th, 10am - 6pm

Charlotte's at North Hills will be celebrating Father's Day with a Southern Proper Trunk Show from Thursday, June 12th until Saturday, June 14th. Come by and see the selection of southern haberdashery that is sure to make this Father's Day a memorable one.
The thing I like the most about Southern Proper, is its story (direct from their website): "Using elements of their own distinct styles, Reagan and Emmie, women who believe in old-fashioned love and new-fashioned trends, have created a company for the southern men they adore. As the old saying goes, 'Look your best, but more importantly, hang your arm on someone who looks his best too.' These belles of the barn and beach tie together timeless with down home southern heritage like a well-knotted bow tie. Reagan and Emmie are all things southern, and certainly all things proper."

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Heads Up Raleigh Girls!

These two emails have come my way since yesterday afternoon - LOTS of great news for anyone looking to do some shopping at North Hills this week or this upcoming weekend! Big Sale at Uniquities Mix!
Designer markdowns up to 60% off!

Scout & Molly's Teams Up with Cravings!
Straight from the words of Scout & Molly's owner, Lisa Disbrow: "So, in the spirit of 'Scout & Molly’s and Cravings both having a ton of really cute stuff for people who are or who are not pregnant', we are starting a buddy pass program for the rest of June and all of July.
If you spend $250 or more in Cravings or Scout & Molly’s you will get a 20% discount at the other store. You can keep the pass for yourself or you can give it to a friend to use. If you’re prego and want to give your Scout & Molly’s discount to a non pregger friend you can and if you’re not prego and want to give your Cravings discount to a friend who is expecting you can do that too!So come in and take advantage ~ Two cute stores with tons of stylish clothes for you to choose from!Oh, and if you are pregnant and get the coupon at Cravings for Scout & Molly’s you can also use it at our shoetique Walk. Shoes always fit, right?!
Enjoy and cheers to those who are expecting and cheers to those of us who aren’t as well! ~ Lisa"Enjoy - and be sure to let me know if you snag any killer deals at Uniquities or find anything at Cravings that's going to get added to your wardrobe (maternity or not) just because it looks good!

June 12th Update: In honor of father's everywhere, the same goes for NV mens boutique, with shopping rewards starting at just $150!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Geee, Thanks N.M.B.!

I just love Ella Moss. I also just love a good deal :-)

So here I was... being *semi*-productive on a Sunday afternoon when little miss Puttin' on the G.R.I.T.S. had to go and publish a post on scouring eBay for Ella Moss essentials. Geeee thanks! Talk about one heck of a sidetrack!

Somehow or another - I always seem to forget about Sunday afternoon eBaying... but it's back in a big way.

The thing I like about searching eBay for "consignment" finds is that there are some brands that seem to be way less knocked-off and much more just closet-cleaning auction items. Ella Moss is a great example.

Who needs to actually get something done on a Sunday anyways?! That's what Monday mornings are for :-)

In My Back Pocket...

There are a few tools that I think every girl must have in her back pocket. For starters, a great shoe repair artisan.

Here's my recommendation who I've recently been wow-ed by (and will now loyally take ALL OF MY SHOES for repair to), with proof to follow:

Olde Raleigh Shoe Repair
3101-113 Edwards Mill Road
(tucked behind the shopping center and gas station...facing Caribou Coffee)
919-781-2428
M-F: 9am-6pm, Sat: 10am-2pm
Their business card lists that they provide services for: all types of shoe and luggage repair, heels, soles, zipper work, leather work, luggage repair, dye, clean, renew, and orthopedic.

Well, as most of you know, I destroy my heels and go through the soles of my boots like its my job. I could just replace the shoes, but most of my shoes I LOVE and having a shoe shop that can repair my shoes and keep me wearing them as long as I want... makes me one VERY, VERY happy girl.

The following two pairs of heels (black patent stilettos - Steve Madden, brown faux-snake heels - Mossimo) were destroyed from working, bar-hopping, and puppy chewing. I dropped them off and had them back in two-days (and for less than $20.00!) and they look BRAND NEW! I was SO impressed I had to dedicate a blog entry to this local business that has a made a customer for life out of me.

Front tip:



Heel:


And finally, pointed toes (which were DESTROYED):

Friday, June 6, 2008

Mary Phillips Designs

I love, love, LOVE when I see "From: Mary Phillips Designs" in my email inbox!

They have LOTS of fun "drinking parapheneila" if you will (koozies, etc.) with REALLY fun quotes/phrases/sayings on them. AAAAND they're local. Yay!

I usually get the email in the morning or early afternoon and it always makes me want to check out early for an afternoon at the beach, on the boat, or heck... even in the backyard. Just SOMEWHERE with a cool beverage of choice in hand. Today's email came with the coupon code: "20" for 20% off everything on the site!

I somehow doubt that is a coincedence with pay-day Friday! ;-)

(PS - Sign up for the email list here!)

Thursday, June 5, 2008

And If You're In the Market for a New Bed...

Please check out Fred's Beds and learn more about their commitment to Sleep-In for the Cure for the NC Triangle Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure! Sleep-In for the Cure and Get Your Beauty Sleep, Too!For you NC-based readers, Fred's Beds is a locally-owned specialty sleep retailer with mattresses, beds, coordinating furniture, futons, luxury bedding, and more!

Shop for a Cure!

Yet another reason that Swagger (and its darling owner Mandy) are tops on my list! Cary’s Swagger Gifts to Donate Portion of Days Sales to Breast Cancer Research

Cary, NC – Mandy Becker, owner of Swagger Gifts, has announced that the popular gift and accessories retail store, will donate 10% of its in-store and online proceeds on Friday June 6th, to the Chix in Business Team participating in the 12th Annual 2008 Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure, supporting breast cancer patients and survivors and the ongoing efforts aimed at finding a cure for the disease.

Swagger Gifts is participating on the Chix in Business Team as part of the entire effort benefiting the NC Triangle Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Becker has served as board member of Chix in Business in the past, coordinating and contributing to several projects for the organization.

Becker is no stranger to philanthropy shopping events, either. Swagger Gifts is locally known for its annual Holiday Open House which attracts shoppers from all over the Triangle and raises hundreds of dollars for a different local charity each year. “Contributing to a better life for everyone in our community is something that’s very important to not only those of us at Swagger, but for our customers, as well”, says Becker. “Almost everyone I know, myself included, has been personally affected at some point in their life by breast cancer, whether personally, or through a family member or close friend, so we are more than thrilled to be part of Chix’s participation in this cause.”

Located in the heart of the Lochmere neighborhood in Cary, Swagger Gifts is located at 2425 Kildaire Farm Road and will be open from 10am until 6pm on Friday, June 6th for the event. Shoppers who cannot make it to the store or who will be outside of the area, are encouraged to support the shopping day by purchasing online from http://www.swaggergifts.com/ at any time, from any location, on the same day.

Chix in Business, Inc. is a Triangle-area community of passionate women business owners who support and educate each other through building personal and business relationships, information sharing, seminars, mentoring and community outreach. For more information on Chix in Business, Inc., visit their website: http://www.chixinbusiness.org/.

For more information on the 12th Annual 2008 Komen NC Triangle Race for the cure, please visit the event website: http://www.komennctriangle.org/race-for-the-cure.php.

For more information about Swagger’s special fundraising event, please contact Mandy Kratus Becker at Swagger Gifts, 919-858-5884 or toll free at 877-792-4437 or visit the store online at http://www.swaggergifts.com/.

About Swagger Gifts
Swagger Gifts, an upscale boutique with an eclectic flair, specializes in personalized gifts for everyone on your list - including yourself - has been in business for five years and has been voted the 'Best Gift Shop- by Cary Magazine readers. Having recently re-launched their web site, everything offered in their store, as well as great gift giving advice can be found online at www.swaggergifts.com – with new merchandise and features being added daily, including a blog authored by Mandy, her fabulous staff, and her customers in the blogging community!
And in the interest of full-disclosure, yes I work with Mandy on Swagger's marketing and web-development, and yes I wrote and distributed this press release. But - as we all know - I wouldn't do so if I didn't really love it!

15 LOCAL Businesses Supporting LOCAL Conservation

If you're gonna shop... shop local when you can!
(And hey - support a great cause, too!)

From today's Triangle Land Conservancy email! Land Trust Day is THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 7!

How does it work?
LOCAL businesses support TLC by donating a percentage of their sales or making cash donations to TLC on the first Saturday of June. With 15 businesses participating, there's something for everyone! Whatever you need or want, it's probably available at one of our Land Trust Day Business Partners, and a percentage of the sale will be donated to TLC!

Great Outdoor Provision Company - donating 10% of sales
Chapel Hill: Eastgate Shopping Center
Durham: Northgate Mall
Raleigh: Cameron Village and Falls Village

Anders Natural Soap Co. - donating 5% of sales
Raleigh: The Market Shoppes at the State Farmers Market

Barnes Supply Company - donating 5% of sales
Durham: 774 Ninth Street

Bean Traders - donating 15% of sales
Chapel Hill: Meadowmont Village Center
Durham: Homestead Market (NC 54 & Fayetteville Rd.

Cozy - donating 15% of sales
Durham: 770 Ninth Street

Flanders Art Gallery - donating 10% of sales
Raleigh: 18 Seaboard Avenue

French Connections - donating 10% of sales
Pittsboro: 178 Hillsboro Street

Harmony Farms - Business Partner donation
Raleigh: 5653 Creedmoor Road

Ornamentea - donating 5% of sales
Raleigh: 509 N West Street

The Play House Toy Store - donating 15% of sales
Durham: 702 Ninth Street

The Regulator Bookshop - donating 5% of sales
Durham: 720 Ninth Street

Townsend Bertram & Company - Business Partner donation
Carrboro: Carr Mill Mall

Twig - donating 10% of sales
Chapel Hill: Village Plaza (next to Whole Foods)

Vaguely Reminiscent - donating 15% of sales
Durham: 728 Ninth Street

Wild Bird Center - donating 10% of sales
Chapel Hill: Eastgate Shopping Center

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

A Personal Email from DSW?

What IS a girl to do? Well, I don't see any reason for anything less than preaching the gospel!

As if making the launch to online eRetailing wasn't exciting enough, DSW.com is upping the ante with free shipping for Rewards members. AWESOME :-)

Check it out: Dear Lisa:

I’ve followed your blog and noticed that you’ve written about DSW.com in the past. I thought you may be in interested in this special offer – for a limited time DSW Rewards Program members will receive free shipping on purchases. Please feel free to pass this along to your readers, if you wish. In addition, please let me know if you have any questions or are open to receiving information in the future about special offers or coupons from DSW.

Best regards,
Ashly
On behalf of DSW
So stay tuned - of course I replied that I'd love to receive more info as it comes and as always, I'll pass it along here!