Nordstrom Rack Grand Opening!

Sorry for the lack of posts, readers, my real job has been pretty busy lately and I just have been too exhausted. BUT wanted to at least post ONCE this week, and what better topic than the grand opening of Nordstrom Rack at Gateway on October 22?? Here are the details:

At the grand opening we will hold our 'Race Through the Rack' sweepstakes. One lucky person will be chosen to be the first customer to enter the store and have 90 seconds to select up to $2,000 worth of merchandise. Arrive early—the drawing will be at 8:45am in advance of the 9am grand opening. The first 1,000 customers will receive a Nordstrom Rack tote bag as a gift with their opening day purchase.

Okay, the tote bag I have to tell you does not excite me, but if anything can get me to stand in line for a store opening, it's a shopping spree.

Tax Free Weekend

So, the Texas tax-free weekend is this weekend, August 21-23. Clothes, shoes and school supplies under $100 are exempt from state sales tax. I'm excited because the list of exempt items includes baby clothes and diapers - woohoo! Now, don't get all crazy, it only amounts to an 8.25% discount, but combined with the sales a lot of retailers will be having, it definitely makes a big difference. Be prepared -- it's going to be a madhouse out there. Last year, I dragged my husband to the outlet malls in San Marcos on tax free weekend - I still don't think he's forgiven me, and I'm shuddering just recalling that horrific experience. Go early. Wear elbow pads. You'll be fine. Good luck out there.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

If you follow me on twitter, you know that I am obsessed with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (or NAS, as my friend Jocelyn calls it). Jocelyn and I have kept up a constant email chain of communication about the NAS for about a week. I logged on Thursday night, and they had shut down the site, and instead just had a countdown clock to the beginning of the sale, which started at midnight pacific time. It made me so anxious, I considered staying up until the sale opening...I went a little sales crazy. Luckily, I remembered I had a real job to go to Friday morning, so I consoled myself by waking up at 5:30am Friday, jumping out of bed as though it were Christmas morning and running in to get on my laptop and shop.

Saturday morning, I showed up to Nordstrom at opening time, thinking it would be a mob scene. There was no one there. Clearly I am alone in my obsession (well, me and Jocelyn). It DID get very crowded later in the day though.

They had a lot of great stuff, and here are some of my picks.

1. Cole Haan Air Petra Boots (above, left) with Nike Air technology--the answer to my riding boot quest. $189.90, off from $298, also available in chocolate brown (my preference).

2. Me Too 'Limit' Ruffle Ballet Flat (above, right) -- cute patent leather flats in amazing colors, including violet (shown), green and red. $59.90, off from 89.95.

3. Hudson boot cut stretch jeans (very top) -- dark rinse and classic boot cut shape. $119, off from $176.

4. Nanette Lepore "Leading Lady" dress (right) -- gorgeous tweed dress, cute sweetheart neckline, and a great price for this designer, who is a genius. $219.90, off from $348.

5. Kooba "Devin" Tie Front Hobo (below) -- my personal favorite...I wish I could justify this purchase. I love the teal color, and the adorable tie. Honestly, I'm getting sad even looking at it. Oh Kooba. I have a feeling I am going to be pining after you all fall. $379, off from $575.

The Anniversary Sale ends August 3, and a bunch of stuff is selling out, so go now! Let me just add--Nordstrom has THE best customer service in the world. If something you love is sold out online or in our local store, call the store and see if they can order it for you from a different store. They are the best!

Meline Collection at Shiki

Stopped by Shiki today, and found they were showcasing designs by Meline for Austin Fashion Week. I loved the two blue dresses pictured above, really cute and comfy, both with really cool details. And both were very reasonably priced at under $100. There were some really fun tops as well. Sorry for the short notice, but the pieces will only be at Shiki through the end of the day today.

FYI, Shiki also has a ton of William Rast jeans on sale for just over $100.

Corey Lynn Calter Pop Up Shop

I saw this cute dress by L.A. based designer Corey Lynn Calter at Anthropologie a few weeks ago and thought it was so cool, so when I saw she was coming to Austin for fashion week, it was at the top of my list of fashion week events. My friend Ilyse and I went by to check out her pop-up shop over on South Lamar today, which is open through Sunday. There was a fairly good selection of tops and dresses, along with some accessories and even some children's clothes. The standout items were definitely the dresses though--above are some of my favorites. You can see several of the dresses had the same silhouette--fitted through the bust, slightly high waisted, and very full skirts. All of those dresses were around $150. But my favorite was the gorgeous teal dress with gold foil leaves, shown above, far left. It was so pretty, and even better, totally comfortable. It has a really cute elastic waist, and it's racer back. Very unique piece, I really loved it, it was $215. I love all the colorful, really different prints she uses. Her pieces are carried locally by By George, C. Jane, and Envie.

Shop Review: Hem Jeans

Went to Hem today with my friend Ilyse for another Austin Fashion Week event, this one for Elee Designs. The designer only had a few pieces displayed--I'm not sure if we were just there early and

they didn't have all her pieces out, or if that's all there was.

Regardless it was fun, and I love Hem (warning! their site has sound). It's all denim, and it's all fabulous. They have an incredible selection of all the premium labels, like True Religion and Hudson, and also some that I'm not familiar with but that looked amazing. They have every cut and style you can think of. They have a very substantial men's section, which I thought was cool...although not many men I know would set foot in here. If I suggested my husband pay $200 for jeans, he would laugh until he became hysterical.

I found the prices to be on the high side, but the service seemed excellent. We were greeted warmly when we came in, and the salespeople were cheerfully pulling pair after pair for the customers they were helping, and that counts for a lot--when you're dropping that much money, you want to make sure you find the best pair you can. It's also nice to be able to go to one shop and find that kind of variety.

Being the bargain shopper that I am, I headed straight for the recycled denim section, where they have gently used premium brands at discounted prices. The jeans were in great shape, and they had a really good variety of brands, cuts and sizes. I loved this Rock and Republic pair, and they were only $80. Unfortunately, since my husband is sick I had to drag my 5 month old son with me, and I found he does not enjoy shopping as much as I do, so I didn't have time to try them on. I'm seriously tempted to go back this weekend though.

People for Fresh at Adelante

Just got back from Adelante, a really cute boutique at 35th and Lamar (I'll be posting a shop review soon), for a showcase of designs by People for Fresh. Here's a picture of the designer, Hazelle Samson. She was so sweet, and absolutely adorable. She's standing next to my favorite piece, a gorgeous silk maxidress. This picture really doesn't do it justice, the print is really beautiful, the fabric has an amazing feel to it, and I love the bright blue color. She also had some really pretty tops in the same fabric, and some tops that were a really cool almost mustard yellow color. As part of Austin Fashion Week, Adelante is hosting a launch party for People for Fresh tonight from 6-8, with appetizers, cocktails and a DJ. They're raffling off a piece from People for Fresh and an Adelante gift certificate, so go check it out!

Austin Fashion Week

Austin Fashion Week has begun! This is the first year for this event, and I love the concept--local boutiques and salons host designers (most of them local designers), with complimentary cocktails, food, and beauty treatments. Several of the shops are offering discounts as well. They have a great website, with a really easy to use calendar, so you can plan which events to go to. The hard part is picking between events. This is a great way to support our local retailers and maybe check out some shops you haven't been to yet. Did I mention free cocktails?

Denim Sale at Shiki

If you're looking to stock up on premium denim, Shiki is having a sale starting tomorrow through Sunday, May 17. If you buy one pair of jeans, you get a second pair half off. Skiki carries amazing brands, and I love shopping there because they have a very edited selection, so it's not overwhelming.

Calling All Brides!

For all you brides who are looking for a dress, Neiman Marcus last call (in the Brodie Oaks shopping center at S. Lamar and Loop 360) is having a sample sale from November 13-November 16. The gowns will be discounted as much as 85% off, and will be priced from $500 to $1500. Designers include Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, and Carolina Herrera. If you have a Neiman Marcus credit card, you get an extra 5% off. Finding a designer gown at these prices would be a major score, so go early and good luck!

Election Day!

Election Day is finally here, and I hope you all go out and vote, if you haven't already.

If you do vote, here are a few freebies you can claim:

Ben & Jerry's: Free scoop of ice cream between 5-8pm (I believe the location on N. Lamar is participating)

Chick-fil-A: Some Chick-fil-A restaurants are handing out chicken sandwiches to adults with proof of voting--you might want to call first to make sure your local Chick is participating.

Krispy Kreme: Free doughnut with red, white and blue sprinkles for customers with an 'I Voted' sticker (again--call to see if your location is participating)

Starbucks: Free tall coffee at any Starbucks.

You gotta love free stuff, especially in this economy! Happy election day!

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!

Tax Free Weekend!

Don't forget, the tax-free weekend in Texas starts today and runs through the weekend. Most clothing and shoes under $100 are exempt from state sales tax. So get out there and do some shopping!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

Okay, the most wonderful time other than Christmas. Yes, it's the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!! Hurrah! Thanks to Joceyln for the heads up. Go directly to Nordstrom.com or your closest Nordstrom store immediately to check out amazing prices. The sale includes lots of fall items, which is great. My pick: these adorable red patent leather flats from Juicy Couture, on sale for $129.90, from $198. I love red shoes, especially in fall and winter, it's such a great contrast with all the black and gray I inevitably wear all the time. And the gold buckle detail is really cute. Hurry, sale is through July 20.

Sale at Shiki

Hey Austin Shoppers! Shiki, an adorable boutique I've previously blogged about located in the 2nd Street District, is having a great sale right now--25% off any regularly priced clothing, jewelry and accessories. They also have a substantial sales rack where merchandise is at least 50% off. The sale runs from July 13-23rd. If you haven't yet, this is a great time to check this place out.

Recycle Your Denim

Okay, this is cool: through June 1, if you take in any pair of jeans to Blue Elephant, you will get 20% off your purchase of a new pair of jeans. Your old jeans will be donated to a local women's shelter. I've blogged about Blue Elephant previously--it's a really cool local boutique with an incredible denim selection, including Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, 7 For All Mankind, Joe's Jeans, and Paige Premium Denim. So dig out your old denim and go trade it in!

Shop Review: Eliza Page

The Eliza Page store, at 229 W. 2nd Street in the heart of the 2nd Street District, is a little treasure box, with beautiful, unique jewelry from a wide array of designers, about half of whom are from Austin. This shop contains so many truly special pieces. They carry fine jewelry, but also a lot of fashion pieces, and the prices vary accordingly.

I love this Mark Joiner belt of distressed leather with a handmade glass buckle for $182. A little pricey, but so different and fun.

I also like this sterling typewriter charm necklace for $32 (additional charms $16), which would make a really great gift.

My favorite pieces were by an Austin designer named Kendra Scott. Check out these gorgeous earrings ($60).


I really love this store. It has such a wonderful variety of jewelry, and they are all little works of art. This is the place to find a special piece for yourself or a perfect gift for someone special.

http://www.elizapage.com/


FYI, Eliza Page is actually hosting a trunk show tonight, April 3, from 6pm-9pm at its shop for Kendra Scott, where she will be showing her Spring 2008 collection.

Neiman Marcus Last Call Anniversary Sale

My friend Shelly passed on an email she received from Neiman Marcus Last Call regarding some special events coming up at their Austin store (thanks Shelly!). For those of you not familiar with Last Call, this is basically the Neiman Marcus outlet, with a lot of designer merchandise heavily marked down. The Austin store is located in the Brodie Oaks shopping center off Capital of Texas Highway.

This Friday, April 4, NM Last Call kicks off their Anniversary Sale, which runs through April 14. Here's some info about their Austin events:

FRIDAY, APRIL 4:
The first customers to arrive on Friday when the store opens will receive special thank-you gifts. We'll also give out extra savings offers. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to meet and visit with Head Buyers for NM Last Call's Home and Jewelry Departments!
APRIL 4-14:
Throughout the Anniversary Celebration, the Warehouse will be open and full of new arrivals; hurry in to shop the fabulous selection at amazing savings. Shop Last Call Austin's exclusive Jewelry Trunk Show brought in especially for the Anniversary Celebration. Top new jewelry from your favorite brands will be in-store and on-sale. Plus, throughout the week, enjoy special 20th Anniversary treats while you shop, and enter to win a Neiman Marcus gift card! Come celebrate 20 great years with savings and fun at Neiman Marcus Last Call in Austin!