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!

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!

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...

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."

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!

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-2pmTheir 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):

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!)

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

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 DSWSo 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!