01/27/10

What's Happening: Denim Sale at Lavendar Boutique

In need of new jeans? Maybe your new years resolution is off to a great start and you're ready to go down a size... or maybe you have been a little slow on getting your resolutions going and you need to invest in a pair of "roomy" jeans for your less-than-skinny days. Either way, you're in luck: Lavendar Boutique in Mooresville is putting selected styles from their dynamite denim collection on sale for 40% off their regular retail prices. Other pairs will be marked at a totally-digestable $75 (that's the price they're charging at the Gap, btw).

Stock up! Sale starts Saturday January 30th and runs through February 6th

Posted at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/26/10

What's Happening: Closing Clearance Sale at Billy Reid

It seems like only yesterday that we were blogging about events at Billy Reid and falling in love with the store's decor and style. Now we have to say goodbye? It just isn't fair.  Say farewell to this fab store the proper way: by buying tons of merch during their going out of business sale. They'll have styles marked down by as much as 80% - which means  that if you couldn't afford to shop there when they were still open, at least you can grab a piece of the magic while it is on it's way out.  Sad but true.

Want to keep this from happening to your favorite store? Email me at jenn.grabenstetter (at) morris (dot) com and tell us about... Read more »

Posted at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments: 1

01/25/10

What's Happening: Manolo Blahnik Spring Trunk Show

Stiletto sandals. Bright flats. Official statement: Inspired by old fashioned Hollywood glamour.  Do we really need to say any more than that?

I didn't think so.

Wednesday Jan 27 - Saturday Jan 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Neiman Marcus Shoe Salon

See you there. I'll be the one swooning in the corner or the one on the phone with her husband rationalizing the purchase she just made - it all depends on my mood.

Posted at 03:16 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/22/10

Love It: Philip Stein FRUITZ collection

There was no item more coveted in my 4th grade class than a Swatch watch. When somebody got one for their birthday, we would all crowd around to look at it.  Brightly colored straps, crazy art on the faces - telling time had never been so much fun. I got my first (and last) swatch in the 5th grade. It was purple and sparkly and I loved it to pieces. Even though its batter died long, long ago, I can't bring myself to get rid of it. It is a memory of such a simple time - when the best accessory you could own was made of plastic.

Well, it's time to re-embrace that fanciful affection for timepieces with Philip Stein's sporty new collection called Fruitz. They might have a playful, child-like appeal, but these wrist wrappers are... Read more »

Posted at 08:40 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/21/10

Gift Idea: Jewelry Pop-Up Shop at I.C. London Ballantyne

Boy, guys are you in luck.   After a popular holiday run, the pop-up shop featuring more than 20 local jewelry designers is going to extend its run through February 27.  We extolled the virtues of pop up shops back in December - namely how much easier they make finding just the right gift. This Valentine's Day, when you stop in at I.C. London at Ballantyne Village to find something soft and slinky for your lady love, you can also peruse the offerings right next door and find something fine for her to dangle about her neck, wrist, or ears.  A silk nightgown with a deep v-neck would look great with a long pendant necklace, don't you think?

Posted at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/20/10

Save This Store: Peek-A-Boo Couture

Since 2010 started, there has been an increase in positive stories in the news - stories about the economy finally, maybe, starting to climb it's way up from bottom, or at the very least, not falling any further down.  While we certainly take heart to hear such quasi-good news, we know that small business owners, especially in the retail marketplace, are still suffering here in Charlotte.

To do our part, Shop Talk will be featuring Save This Store posts designed to let you know about great local boutiques and retail outlets that are in danger of having to close their doors. We hope you'll pass these posts along to your friends as well.

At Peek-A-Boo Couture you can buy an adorable... Read more »

Posted at 09:24 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/19/10

What's Happening: Winter Tip Top Ticket Sale - Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

Tomorrow, Wednesday Jan. 20th, the Blumenthal is offering Buy One Get One tickets in the balcony for a TON of their upcoming shows including Spring Awakening which arrives in February as part of the Broadway Lights Series.  Other shows with BOGO tickets up for grabs include Woody Sez (musical story of Woody Guthrie), Aisha Tyler's stand up, Charlotte Squawks (a SNL-esque troupe that skewers local politics and events), Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Parsons Dance Company. That's not even all of the shows on the list, so make sure you don't miss out!  The sale lasts from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. so you've got no excuse!

Read more »

01/18/10

2010 Golden Globes Fashion Review

Happy MLK day all you Shop Talkers!  I hope you caught some of the Golden Globes last night. I was thrilled to see the whole cast of Glee pile on to the stage for best TV show Musical or Comedy, and my dad was over the moon that Sandra Bullock won for her role in The Blind Side ("That's the only time I've ever seen someone play a Southern woman and not sound like they are faking it." - direct quote from Dad.) Of course, the real winners and losers of the night are chosen before the show ever starts. Here are my picks for the best and worst looks from last night's Golden Globes:

Overall Winner: Lea Michele - This stunning Oscar de la Renta... Read more »

Posted at 01:08 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/15/10

Weekend Ahead: Jan 15-17

I hope your bank accounts have had time to recover from the holidays because January is packed with post-holiday sales (as the last few posts on this here blog can attest to).  There's even more shopping to do this weekend, along with plenty of fun places to wear your bargain finds, so let's get through today and start enjoying the weekend, shall we?

ZIP 'EM UP - JG Smith Premium Denim Open House

Tonight from 6-9 p.m. this Davidson denim boutique is showing off it's latest line of blues brought in from Charleston: Sucker Jeans. Designed to fit your curves with a near-custom hug, this is one new brand of denim you've gotta try on.  126 S. Main St., Davidson

STRUT THE SIDEWALK - Sidewalk Sale at Morrison

We are... Read more »

Posted at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/14/10

What's Happening: Men's Sale at Paul Simon

Don't want to leave out the dudes with all these fabulous sale updates!  I don't really harbor any delusions that too many guys actually read Shop Talk, but I know that plenty of ladies who are attached to or friends with dashing, darling men do read it, so ladies: pass this along!

Right now Paul Simon is having its January sale, during which suits and sportcoats are 30%-50% off, and 30% off of outerwear.  Stock up now and next fall you won't have to put up with your spouse/girlfriend/female friend giving you a hard time about that faded navy sportcoat you are sooooo fond of.

Posted at 02:11 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/14/10

Online Finds: End of Season Sale at Nine West.com

I normally consider myself to be a person with fairly high will power. I can say no to bad foods even if they look yummy, I can turn down a lunch date to save cash and eat my Lean Cuisine at my desk. I have that ability within me, I know I do. But when it comes to shoes, I struggle. I tell myself, "Just wait until the end of the season and that pair of boots will be 70% off." But then the panic sets in.  "There is no way those boots will still be available. Look at them! They are the cutest boots ever created! Everyone is trying to buy them right now and if I don't hurry I'll never get them!"  Case in point, the grey, knee-high suede boots I asked for at Christmas were backordered into eternity - which only reinforces my strong intuition that if I don't... Read more »

Posted at 08:38 AM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/13/10

What's Happening: Sale at Rococo

If one of your 2010 goals is to freshen up a stale living space, then take note:

From now through the end of the month, Rococo is offering 15% off of all wall decor, including mirrors, and artwork. (Hanging something new on the walls or creating a hanging collage is a quick way to add impact to a dull space).

They are also offering 50% off their collection of belts, candles, and seasonal holiday items. Never to early to start on next year's shopping!

To download a special coupon to get 25% off of all items priced $25-$50, go here and print.

Posted at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/08/10

What's Happening: Isabella White Sale

Isabella  (715 Providence Rd.) is going to be closing its doors for a few days (January 14-17) for renovations, but before they do they are putting their entire stock of luxury bed and bath linens on sale for 20% of their regular prices.

That means names like Frette, Souther, Dwell, L'erba, Peacock Alley and more all 20% off.  There couldn't be a better time to feather your nest for the cold winter months!

Sale starts on Monday January 11 and runs through January 14.  So go grab all the high-end linens you can get your hands on, and then treat yourself to a nice long soak in the tub and an indulgent afternoon nap. Why buy them if you aren't going to use them, right?

Happy shopping!

Posted at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/06/10

What's Happening: Designer Consignment Sale at Post & Gray

Whoever came up with the idea of designer consignment was a genius. Of course, it's predicated on the idea that people actually get tired of their designer posessions... something I have not ever experienced (hence my completely beat-up, worn-into-the-ground pair of Tory Burch crocodile wedges). However, I am THRILLED that other people tire of their gorgeous designer things so that the rest of us mortals can buy them at ridiculously discounted prices via consignment! Even post-holiday budgets can handle that, right? Let's say yes.

Next week starting on January 14,  Post & Gray (the stylish sister store to Interiors Marketplace) is hosting a designer consignment sale for handbags, accessories, belts, shoes, jewelry, and fall... Read more »

Posted at 04:28 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

01/04/10

Love It: 2010 Calendars

One of my favorite things about starting out a new year is breaking in a new calendar. I get positively giddy when I whip out my many colored pens and start filling in birthdays and vacations that are already on the books for the coming months. I also love to decorate with calendar pages. The walls of my office feature trios of gorgeous vintage maps from a 2008 calendar, and I've got three prints of European travel art framed above my bed at home - also repurposed from an old calendar.

Therefore, I'm torn between wanting a calendar that makes a statement on my walls and one that makes sense in my life, so I think I'll buy both.   I've already found a few on Etsy today that strike both of my fancies: Two for the walls Read more »

Posted at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0