{Double Post} Taking Local Love to a New Level

So this whole "concept" is something that Mandy and I have been talking up for a looooong time. And I am really pumped to finally be getting it out there. It's not anywhere close to being as content-rich as it will be soon, but it's at least a start.



Right now, the biggest features are the email newsletter (bringing local style and retail directly to your inbox - but no, not like Express/Banana Republic/etc. style... I refuse to harass you all daily), Top Picks, and the feature appearances from local readers, too!

If you have a few minutes, please stop by and check it out. Today our Black Friday content is still up, so you can check out what we liked for November... but tomorrow and over the next few days, December will be making its way in.

And if you're a local shopper, or just appreciate good style, please consider joining the email list, too :-)

And YES, I really DO want YOU to send me your tips, pictures, etc. I think this is going to be a lot of fun. A lot of work, of course - but most importantly... a lot of fun.

Cute Boutique Alert: Calm & Sense

The store's tagline is "reach relaxation"... which is SURE to be a breeze once you've picked up some goodies here.

Delicious teas, bath salts/bombs/fizzers, shower steamers, beeswax candles, and more!
Here's her story:

People have been asking me how I came to open a store focusing on stress relief, relaxation, and a healthier life. As a refugee of over 25 years of corporate life, I was ready to start a new chapter—something about reaching an age milestone and being laid off all within 12 months does tend to empower oneself! Because of my experience working in large corporations, as well as raising two boys and being involved in my community, I also knew something about how stress impacts the body and the soul. So I decided to manage my own destiny and open a store that helps others cope with life’s stresses. In fact, the title I chose for my business cards is not Store Owner, but Chief Relaxation Officer.The extra cool part? The owner, Susan, makes a sincere effort to source all of her goods in fair trade manners and from as many women-owned businesses as possible. I like that retail karma :-)

Essential details below!

Calm and Sense
Glenwood Village Shopping Center
2603 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27608 (map)

You Stay Classy, Under Armour!

This came in my email inbox today. Well done, UA!

Join Us and Help True Heroes

When you buy any Under Armour gear through this email, 10% of the proceeds will go directly to the Wounded Warrior Project, which honors and empowers the men and women who have given so much to protect this country.

Gear up with Under Armour today. Represent your team. Support our heroes.
Shop the Collection >>>Hmm... wonder who would appreciate some UA gifts?

You can go here to find out more about the Wounded Warriors Project.

Winter Dress Coat

I am almost always in a North Face Denali jacket (local retail is my first choice, of course), but they're just too casual for all occasions, outfits, or mood ... plus, they're not really long either.

But alas, they are a NCSU college girl staple - see the following slideshow for proof a la Hillsborough Hike 2007 with the Black North Face Mafia better known as my Pi Phi sisters & Co.


So for all of the other occasions, I have a black pea coat that I've worn for a few years. I've recently come to realize though, that even though it's made by a "petites" brand, it really swallows me up. The shoulders are too big, there is no slim through the waste, and to me... that just doesn't scream "well put together look".

So I'm on the hunt!

I usually start with just a basic "look" search. No budget, nothing. Just a look.

Banana Republic

BR lucked out with a very well-timed email!

Banana Republic Wool-Blend Pea Coat

The Wool-Blend Pea Coat in Heater Grey retails for $180.00

Banana Republic Duffle Coat

The Modern Toggle Coat in Charcoal Heather Grey retails for $198.00
















I then move to budget and finding something that fits my most important demands at a price point that I can afford with an often "Champagne Taste on a Miller High Life Budget" (as Renee calls it - because after all... Miller High Life is the Champagne of Beers!)

Target

That's when those geniuses at Target sent me a weekly flyer that had some nice in-store only sales going on.

Target Mossimmo Pea Coat

Mossimo Pea Coat in several colors (purple, red, black, brown, and green) retails for $30.00 (on sale)







Now THAT looks like a good deal! At that price, I could even get a few colors (including red of course for NCSU football games). They also look to be a slimmer fit. Of course, since these are in-store only sales, I'd have to hope my local store(s) had my color and sizes, but at least I could try the jacket on before buying.

Old Navy

The BF and I then happened to walk into Old Navy last weekend looking for a white sweater for his Halloween costume (Fred from the Scooby Doo/Mystery Inc. gang).

They have a great selection, with lots of price points, but I suspect the large selection online is only carried in varying stores... I really don't remember seeing THAT many jackets there. I did try on the Tab Waist Jacket in red (I think it was the tab waist jacket).

Old Navy Tab Waist Jacket

Old Navy Tab Waist Jacket in red retails for $98.50

Old Navy Funnel-Neck Coats

Old Navy Funnel-Neck coats come in pink and black and retail for $89.50











I swear I also tried on something in a winter white at Old Navy, but can't remember which jacket it was.

Hmmm... decisions, decisions, decisions.