In this economy, with so many shops closing shop, I often get asked…how is Capitol doing?  And then, how does she (Laura Vinroot Poole) do it?

Until today, I had no clue.   (more…)

Per the smarty moms at Charlotte Smarty Pants, J.T. Posh is having a “March Madness” Maternity Event. It’s not easy to find a chic consignment store that carries maternity – we’re frequently asked about finding one.

J.T. Posh will accept upscale brands from places like a Pea in the Pod and Pickles & Ice Cream,  and maternity jeans by designers like Seven for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and Joe’s.  They will not be accepting Motherhood, Target, Old Navy, or Gap.  You get the idea.

Stop by their shop on Park Road in Dilworth (by Anna’s Alterations and Tuesday Morning) or give them a call at 704-375-1334 to set-up an appointment.

Several Dilworth boutiques have offered to take 10% off their gift-type items if that helps.  Just tell them scoopcharlotte sent you. (Just get over there by Friday around 2-3pm):

ICLondon has wonderful stocking stuffers for the girls, like hair turbans, nice shower caps, lingerie bags, sleep masks, fashion tape, the like.  And right now, ICL will give you a $50 gift card for every $150 you spend there.  (10% off etc. also good at the ICL in Ballantyne).

Petal Boutique in Dilworth has adorable, affordable jewelry, lots under $50.  Their Lori Snyder pieces are always popular and start at $24.

Laura James Jewelry is the place to get my stocking stuffers in case anyone is curious (ahem).  Vintage elements & semi-precious stones for really unique, elegant pieces that don’t break the bank.  Scoopreaders can get this Vintage Lapis Shield Gold-plated Ring (self-adjustable…one size fits all)  for $50 (originally $78) plus the 10% off at LJJ’s sunny 2nd floor boutique on East Blvd.

Finally, no gift buying trip in Charlotte is complete without a visit to Cottage Chic.  This year, Cottage Chis sent out this adorable list of gift ideas, and they’ll give you 10% off of anything on it.  Just tell ‘em you saw it on scoopcharlotte.  They love us.  Really they do.   Jane Marvel, Anthousa, Elaine Turner, Butter London, Envirosax, Karen Adams, Bequet.  All there.  Check it out and check some folks off the list.

Don’t forget to buy a couple of our adorable & exclusive ScoopCharlotte Coupon Booklets with coupons to 23 of the best boutiques in town.  You can still snag them on sale for $15 or 3 for $30 at the new monarch consignment boutique on East Blvd, at Hotham or Asana Activewear in Morrison or at FRESH on Providence Road.

Long-lost-local-love LOTUS has re-opened at the Metropolitan shops (aka The midtown Trader Joe’s center).   Some things happen for a reason, and this move is definitely one of them.  Bright, shiny, airy, big.  Perfectly located, on the inside corner right as you turn into the TJ’s parking lot.  With Vivace, Pisces sushi and Zoe’s Kitchen right there for your shopping lunch.  So many trendy, cute affordably priced pieces.  Plus Effie.  Hard to say no.

And there’s the much buzzed about opening of monarch, a new upscale consignment boutique right down from Cottage Chic on East Blvd in Dilworth.  monarch aims to be a modern twist on consigment, with plenty of gently-loved designer fashions (Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, Chloe to name a few). There are also designer handbags to buy or to rent from SwapHandbags and whimsical  furniture upholstered by Happy Chair available for purchase.  Owners (and Charlotte-area natives) Stephanie Dooley Sellers and Cindy Siesel will make you feel very at-home in their bungalow at 1222 East Blvd., Charlotte (near Kenilworth Avenue).

There’s a new girl in NODA and her name is Vivian.  Billed as A High Fashion Boutique by a Young Entrepreneur,  VIVIAN BOUTIQUE carries styles from BCBG, ALI RO, Custo, Nanette Lepore Dolce Vita and more.  Here’s her splash page on the web, where she says she has sales daily.  Now you’re talkin’.

Get ready to experience a refreshingly modern spin on consignment at monarch boutique, opening Dec. 15, 2010 on East Boulevard in Dilworth.

There are plenty of gently-loved designer fashions to choose from from some of the biggest names in the business: Christian Dior, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Chloe and many more.  I visited the store Monday evening for their preview party, and was quite impressed with the selection.  There are the well-known high-end designers, along with more approachable designers like DVF, Milly and the Carlisle Collection and some unexpected choices from folks like HOSS, development, and manoush.

monarch’s twist on the typical is that they exist to collaborate.  With local consigners, with local designers (like Emily Morgen), with local businesses.  Even with scoopcharlotte!  There are designer handbags to buy or to rent from SwapHandbags.  Whimsical, artful furniture upholstered by locally owned Happy Chair available for purchase.   And scoopcharlotte’s adorable Coupon Booklets for sale in case you need a last minute stocking stuffer.  monarch plans to seek out other local small businesses and designers to showcase in addition to clothing and accessories consigned by Charlotte’s well-dressed shoppers.

Even the charming bungalow address for monarch at 1222 East Blvd. is part of a collaboration…the house is shared by Revolve Clothing, Charlotte’s only upscale men’s consignment shop.

Join owners (and Charlotte-area natives) Stephanie Dooley Sellers and Cindy Siesel in celebrating their opening, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 15. Sip champagne and nibble macaroons as you get acquainted with your new favorite boutique.

monarch

1222 East Blvd., Charlotte (near Kenilworth Avenue)

980-613-8395

monarch-boutique.com

The Pink Hanger is participating in the Salvation Army’s Toy Drive.  Bring in a new, unwrapped toy and TPH will take 20% off one full priced item from Nov 22nd – Dec 12th.  (This year, The Salvation Army has a very high demand for “tween” appropriate gifts: children ages 11-14. Great gift ideas for this age group include board games, jewelry making kits, sporting equipment, or anything Justin Bieber : ).

Join Black & Blue in the Morrison Shops in their effort to help Project HALO this holiday season.  Bring in an item(s) off Project HALO’s wish list* or make at least a $10 monetary donation  and get a discount to use on a single item purchase.  Donate as many times as you would like between 12.1 and 12.10.

And Scout & Molly’s is participating in Toys for Tots and will give you 15% off your purchase if you bring in a new toy.  This discount can’t be combined with other offers/discounts including your groupon and sale items.

Poole moved Sunday, out of Phillips Place to the 2nd floor of sister store Capitol, in the Morrison Shops.  Rarely has a new spot felt so right to me.  I love them there — so much so that I bought two pieces I don’t even need, just to be supportive.  Best of all, this move gives me a good reason to visit Capitol more often, like maybe when there’s not even a sale!  A good deal for all.

Also moving, next week, out of Phillips Place is Bedside Manor.  Heading over to the Specialty Shops on the Park where Harold’s used to be.

Things that make you go hmmmmm.

Ooohhh, soooo shiny, shiny.  Tory Burch opened near Neimans on 7/16 and seems to be doing a brisk business even in these dog days.  Clothing, belts, bags, flats, clogs and even the TB candles.  Plus, several racks of summer clothing at 30% off and a great Summer Spending Rewards promo: During August, spend between $350-$699 and you’ll get a $50 TB gift card, $700-$999 and get a $100 gc and spend over $1000 to get $150.  (Seriously though, no one needs that many pairs of Tory’s ballet flats, not even you.)  And for you budding or wanna-be fashion stylists, Tory Burch has paired up with polyvore.com for a fun contest…..thursday is the last day so read about that here.