ellen&ollie

I had the pleasure of seeing these BEAUTIFUL creations from a fellow Carolina girl (a South Carolina girl, though ;-)) by the name of Molly at Accessorize with Pi Phi a few weeks ago. They are too awesome to not share!



While not only are the pattern choices and colors fantastic, the cuts and styles of ellen&ollie garments are fashion-forward (without being too trendy) and very flattering for any body type!



Check out the website/blog... you'll definitely want to add it to your Google Reader and stop in at any of the SC retailers who are carrying the Ellen & Ollie line.SC Retailers include:

M Boutique
2820 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
http://www.shopmboutique.com/

Sugar
203 Waller Avenue
Greenwood, SC 29646
http://www.scsugar.com/

la di da
located inside Birds of a Feather on Hwy 160
Fort Mill, SC

blake&brady
140 North Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624You can become a fan on facebook, too - where images of new garments (dresses, skirts, etc.) are added regularly!


{Images: from ellen&ollie's blog and facebook page}

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!

The Best Posts from Today's Google Reader Check...

Barefoot in the Park's hilarious (and slightly tragic) recount of her experience with huaraches... which are trying to make their way back into the shoe scene.
A Southern Accent's cool use of apothecary jars!
Check out both and be sure to subscribe, too. You'll <3 both bloggers.


(Images: From Barefoot's original post and Southern Accent's, too.)

They're Like Sorority Shirts... for Southerners!

Well, "sorority shirts" and "Southerners" aren't particularly mutually exclusive (in case your degrees didn't require two statistics courses) either though.

Back to the point - all the rage amongst the Southern bloggers lately (including one of my personal favorites):
Their categories seem to encompass three major areas of apparel - t-shirts, thongs, and accessories. Yup, you read that right. Apparently though, thongs are getting their own section, they must hot sellers. But you ladies would never tell, right? *See note at bottom.

Why do I feel like the following is something that Lisa S. and I have said to friends (and younger sisters, alike):For Adrianne:I can't see youuuuuuuu:
Ok, that's enough. Y'all can look through the gallery just as well as I can.

Back to my original point - SouthernBellStore.com?

Two thumbs up!

PS - It definitely took 10 more minutes of wandering around that site to figure out that thongs, weren't "thongs". They were FLOPS. Mind out of the gutter Lisa, mind out of the gutter! *Slaps forehead* (Like I said though, we call them flops here. Flip flops or the branded options - "Rainbows" or "Jack Rogers", to be exact.)

PS #2 - Free shipping on all orders! Done. Deal.

The Big Daddies of All Rainboots...

Two very big thumbs up to Southern on her post today:

Wanting Wellies

I love the look of Wellies, but I think if I were to wear them anywhere in my town, people would look at my like I'm crazy. Am I brave enough to say I don't care? Not sure. The local Nordstrom now has them in stock and I showed them to hubs and he looked at me like I was a crazy person when I said I would love to have some. Maybe if I were to save up for these beauties...

Jimmy Choo has partnered with Hunter in a unique collaboration to produce the most luxurious Wellington Boots.
Inspired by stylish festival goers these limited edition boots bring together the style and sophistication of Jimmy Choo with the durability and tradition of Hunter. The legendary Hunter silhouette has been embossed with signature Jimmy Choo crocodile print. The leopard print lining, gold buckle hardware and metal rivets provide a contrast against the black glossy rubber of the boot. Presented in the original black Hunter box lined with leopard print, the boots have a unique identification plate, uniting the logos of these two iconic British brands.

The boots will be sold exclusively in Jimmy Choo boutiques in the United Kingdom and the United States and online at www.jimmychoo.com from June 2009.

I told her that she can SO do wellies around town. And who wouldn't love the Hunter/Jimmy Choo combo she suggested?

Update: I Can SO Pull Them Off...

Remember this post from back in February?

..."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."Well, well, well Mr. Pessimistic... what have we here?Still loving these pants!

The upside of a boyfriend with UNC season tickets (while I am a die-hard Wolfpack girl), is that I can still wear silver blue seersucker pants (not to be confused with Carolina blue) clear through the entire fall season! Bonus points for me!

Reminder: Southern Proper "Tailgate and Ties" Trunk Show

(original blog post)

Check out the facebook update from Southern Proper or the facebook event to RSVP for this great event!
Host: Southern Proper®
Date: Friday, September 19, 2008
Time: 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Varsity Men's Wear - Crabtree Valley Mall, Raleigh, NC

Contact Info
Phone: 9197822570
Email: reagan@southernproper.comBe sure to track down NCSU's Southern Proper "Belle" (and my little Pi Phi sister!) - Mary Lauren - and tell her how awesome of an event it is... because I know it will be!

I'd Like to Say I Wouldn't...

...but let's face it: rain boots, cute summer shorts (even though they technically classify as "jorts"), and a vest over a cute tee.

Yep, I'd do this look.
...and wouldn't have even realized it was hot.

Back to the "jort" thing... luckily, I'm located in the gorgeous South. If you've got the body to rock the super short and destroyed denim shorts - then I say work it. I don't think there are many other parts of the country where this could be pulled off without looking out of place.

PS - One of my favorite features of ShopBop.com is that you can "shop this look" just by clicking on the image above! (However, since True Religion is selling above referenced jorts for $172.00 - you can probably just cut up old fitted jeans and get the same look for MUCH LESS!)

Oh Good Lord...

...that's a seersucker deal if I've ever seen one.

Two big thumbs up to my Monday/Thursday "Shop It To Me" Sale Alert for a killer heads up. (Here's the original post about Shop It To Me, if you don't remember what I'm talking about.)

Seriously, just sign up. You WON'T be disappointed.
Banana Republic Seersucker Blazer
Reg $120.00
Now $44.99
Sells out quickly!
New Price!

And natch, I can't forget a link to the Petite which is ALSO on sale - yay!
I think that will look perfect hanging in my closet next to my light yellow seersucker blazer.

(Yes, I'm a retail-addict. At least I can admit it.)

Two Great Sales So You Can Shop LOCAL!

I was holding off a little to post these, but I figured people will start rolling back into town today (since we all have to head back to work tomorrow -- eww) and catch up on some blog reading ;-)Cora Boutique's First Sale Event Ever!
"We’ve got lots of new dresses and tops on their way so we’d like to clear out some older inventory to make room for them here at Cora Boutique. Enjoy the new marked down prices and remember that you can use your discount codes ON TOP of the sale prices!"

-AND-

As an extra surprise for all of you who read this blog, a special treat from Cassie: "I'm so glad you like the store and wow--what a surprise to be featured in your blog! I would love to offer your readers a special discount of 20% off on all orders using the code INMYCLOSET20 at checkout."

Thanks girl!

Belle & Co. (2801 Ward Blvd - Suite 3A, Wilson, NC)
(via email) - 40-60%off all Spring & Summer!!!
New Markdowns start tomorrow!
Select Jeans, Michael Stars, Shoes and All Spring and Summer Clothing on Sale!Shopaholics enjoy!

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!

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.

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."

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!