Shop Review: Finch

In my pursuit to buy a few Christmas and birthday gifts, I wandered down 2nd Street, Holiday Shopping Card in hand (they're a participating merchant!), to check out Finch, a store that I had passed by a few times but never gone into. This store is a little oasis, it is such a calm and peaceful little spot. The space is small, but it's arranged so beautifully, with all the merchandise displayed in a fun and easy manner.

It's a little hard to describe their merchandise, because they have a broad selection, but it's a combination of home decor and gift items. They have absolutely gorgeous table linens, all in very simple, modern patterns. They have a nice assortment of bedding by Dwell. And then they have just a hodgepodge of unique things I hadn't seen before, including really pretty vases, stationary, glassware, tableware and ceramics, all in modern, interesting designs.

I found several gifts here, and more than a few things I wanted to pick up for myself. The salespeople are incredibly gracious and helpful, and the store is so fun to wander around in. I will absolutely be back.

PS: While you're there, if you have children or need a baby shower gift, check out their sister store Wee, located next door. They have the cutest baby stuff I've ever seen, all super modern and unique.

Holiday Shopping Card

Sorry guys, I meant to post this last week, but I am very behind in my blogging. If you don't have a Holiday Shopping Card, you seriously need to go buy one this weekend. What is the Holiday Shopping Card? Only the best excuse to shop ever! It's a discount card you purchase for a minimum donation of $60, the entire amount of which goes to the American Cancer Society. In exchange, you get the shopping card, which gives you a 20% discount at participating merchants from Friday October 24 through Sunday November 2. You can buy a card at any participating store, and you can find a list of the stores on the Shopping Card website. There's a wide range of stores, from chains like Gap and J. Crew to local merchants like Shiki and Blue Elephant. Also, Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn are participating this year, which is so exciting! I don't know if they're listed on the website yet because I think they may have been late additions, but they are giving the discount.

I have bought this card for the past 4 years, and as a result, get most of my Christmas shopping done before the first week of November. It's a great motivator to get your shopping done early, and saves you some serious cash. It also is a great way to discover new stores you aren't familiar with yet. Best of all, all the money goes to a great cause. Go pick one up this weekend, it's a great way to rationalize shopping!

Embellish Salon

My friend Blair and I went to the cutest nail salon I have ever seen on Saturday night, Embellish, which is located in the Triangle. This place is truly adorable. It has pink walls and pink and brown furniture, and is so girly and fun. They have big screen tv's, which was playing "13 Going On 30" while we were there (which, that movie is awesome, and we got to see the Thriller dance scene, so I was very happy!). They steam sterilize all their equipment, which is very important to me. They have a little bar area for manicures, and pedicures are done on big comfy chairs and couches. The prices are very reasonable, $35 for a pedicure, $20 for a manicure, or $50 for a mani/pedi combo. The service was wonderful, and they worked really hard to make sure Blair and I were timed correctly so that we could sit together while we had our treatments. They have a really cool boutique section of the shop as well, which has cute purses, tshirts (they had a few UT shirts that I really liked), and jewelry. This is my new go-to nail place--the prices, cleanliness, service and atmosphere cannot be beat.

Plaid Shirt

Fall always puts me in the mood for plaid, and even though it's still 90 degrees outside in Texas and no leaves are changing color anywhere, which makes it a little harder to get into the autumn spirit, this adorable shirt from Martin & Osa would seriously help. It comes in black as well as this purple color. I love the easy shape and the cute placket ruffle. It's wool, but it's very light weight, and since it's short sleeved, you can actually wear this now while we wait for the temperature to drop. $79.50 at Martin & Osa.

Pretty Gray Coat

I think this Tommy Hilfiger gray wool coat is so pretty, and it's at Overstock.com for $99.99, off of $300. I love the princess seams and the cute waistband detail, it's so elegant. And this is the perfect length for a coat, you can wear it with dresses, skirts or trousers, and it will dress up jeans. Great buy!