I Make Credit Cards Cry And Scarecrows Smile

Yes, the main objectives of this year's girls' weekend were to unplug, relax and recharge but Leather Peacock and I simply can't go anywhere without a huge shopping trip. After spending most of the day getting pampered at Lakeview at Fontana's spa, we headed to downtown Bryson City. The staff at the hotel had arranged an after hours shopping trip for us at a local boutique. And there was wine. They knew how to hook us.

Prior to our private shopping trip, we perused a few other stores, picked up some cute jewelry and even got a jump start on some Christmas shopping. Most of the stores were amping up for Halloween and had their take on scarecrows out front. I am one of those people who can't resist posing (usually in a ridiculous manner) with statues. Turns out scarecrows are no different for me. The more wine I consumed, the worse it got.

Around 7 p.m., we met the lovely and stylish Erin Smith at her store, Humanité. This woman has fabulous taste, as reflected by her store's selection. Fueled by a great selection of wine and Erin's keen eye for styling, we ran through her store like a pack of hyenas, snatching up all kinds of goodies.

Style is a enviable thing to have, but without substance, it really is just smoke and mirrors. This is where Erin and Humanité will always hold a special place in my heart. Inspired by a mission trip to Africa a few years ago, Erin hand-picks Fair Trade, organic and reclaimed items for her store AND commits 10% of her store's profit to charitable organizations. Check out her story here on the store's website. We enjoyed her hospitality and making our credit cards beg for mercy but knowing that we could help contribute, even in the smallest way, will last much longer than any trend.

Cardigan: Modcloth
T-shirt: Forever 21
Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: Target
Oxfords: Ruche
Purse: Modcloth

Still early but you can tell by my hand placement that I am already starting to get fresh with Mr. Scarecrow

My favorite: Scarlett O'Scara!!!

I am sure lap dancing a scarecrow was a good idea at the time

I couldn't even manage to put my wine glass down long enough to model my new ring and bracelets picked up at some random shop in Bryson City.

Erin Smith, owner of Humanité, fashionista and humanitarian. She also has great taste in wine!

Humanité is located at 130 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC

Shop 'Til You... Drink?

No doubt about it: Leather Peacock and I spend a huge portion of our time together shopping. She is a great sounding board for me and I know that I can count on her (usually brutal) honesty.This last weekend was no exception. Saturday pre-Grape Stomp, we ventured out to find fabric for my latest DIY project. I was having no luck but Leather Peacock suggested checking out the website Spoonflower. Originally I had planned to use a standard toile but, after perusing her suggested website, I settled on a toile that (if you look closely) contains trailer park scenes vice the standard French countryside. See why I keep this girl around? Mission accomplished so we decided to celebrate with some brew and grub at Carolina Ale House. Any excuse for a good beer.

Pre-shopping

My gangsta pose with my bling. Notice my stepdaughter viewing this spectacle from a safe distance on the porch.

Cute little fella, huh? We match!

Tank: Body Central
Shorts: Forever 21
Flip flops: New York & Company
Necklace: Forever 21
Sunglasses: Mudd at Kohl's

Sunday morning rolled around and I badgered Leather Peacock awake (via text and Twitter) so I could drag her to Target. The Shops at Target were debuting four new lines and I had my eye on the women's fashions from Kirna Zabete. But it was not meant to be for me. Oddly enough, Leather Peacock was the one who snatched up a Kirna Zabete dress. Not that I left empty handed...

My only Shops at Target buy of the day. A retro cappuccino mug with Mount Rushmore emblazoned on it from the Curiosity Shoppe. George Washington's bubble says, "What's Up?"

Tweed pants in the color of the moment.

Peplum dress. Thought I would hate this silhouette since I am pretty hippy but turns out to be pretty flattering.

 

Chambray shirt: Aerie for American Eagle

Tank: Mossimo from Target

Boyfriend Chinos: New York & Company

Shoes: Sanuks 












My Dirty Little (Shopping) Secret

I shop at Rugged Wearhouse. There... I said it! Don't know what that is? Check out their website here but for those not blessed with a Rugged Warehouse let's just say it is like a very unorganized Ross or Marshall's with way cheaper prices. Ours is in a bad part of town. And then there is that name itself. Upon pulling up in the parking lot, I thought it sounded like somewhere my husband would buy his Realtree camo pants or blaze orange hats for hunting. But if you can get past all of that and are willing to dig through the clutter, the place is actually a gem. They carry Ann Taylor, Express, NY & Company, Fossil, Dollhouse and Anthropologie (although the rack with those is mislabeled Anthropology... smirk!) for rock bottom prices.

Today's outfit is an ode to Rugged Wearhouse. I got the pants there (NY & Company) for $12. The shoes are Twisted brand and they set me back a whopping $6.


Top is from NY & Company and can be found here.

Other recent Rugged Wearhouse finds:


Hobo bag by Dollhouse for $12.99




Black and grey striped tunic sweater $7.99



Bag $12.99



Gauzy beach coverup for $9.99 (just in time for next month's trip to Jamaica!)