Friday, July 31, 2009

Tax-Free Shopping Weekend

Georgia mommas, this weekend is a fab time to get your shop on. While saving on sales tax alone isn't really a *huge* savings, it's a fun little perk - especially when you forget about it till you get to the register. But add a great sale on top of that and you can count me in!

There are lots of great sales happening around town, but here's a couple worth mentioning for you mommas looking to dress your tots, yourself, and even your bump. The first big sale is one you Gwinnett moms will definitely want to hit...


Hansel & Gretel Children's Boutique

* BACK TO SCHOOL SALE *
Friday, July 31st to Saturday, August 1st!



Come take advantage of the TAX FREE BACK TO SCHOOL WEEKEND!

-ALL Clothing Marked Down 40% to 70% Off
-Shoes Priced At 20% Off
-Matching Backpacks and Lunch Boxes
Can Be Personalized In Time For School

1999 Mall Of Georgia Blvd
Buford, Georgia 30519
770-614-6860


But hold up, mommas... before you run out that door, be sure to hop over here and print off this coupon valid for 30% off your ENTIRE purchase at all Gap stores through Sunday, August 2nd. The coupon is good for multiple use - it's really more like a "pass" - and can be redeemed at all Gap stores, Old Navy, and Banana Republic! Even better? Five percent of the proceeds from all your purchases will go to the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society. Finding bargains and helping attack cancer... all in a day's work!


Remember, some Old Navy stores carry a selection of maternity items in store (though it's not near as much as they have available online). Also Baby Gap stores often have maternity sections in the back too. Check locations online if you're on the hunt for some maternity bargains.

Happy shopping, mommas!


Georgia moms, here's the nitty gritty on the tax-free shopping...

The sales tax exemption pertains to items in three categories:

Articles of Clothing. The exemption applies to articles of clothing and footwear with a sales price at time of purchase of $100 or less per item. There is no monetary limit on a purchase as long as the price of a single item does not exceed $100. Clothing accessories such as handbags, umbrellas, etc. are not exempt. See the lists of exempt and taxable items for more information.

Personal Computers. A single $1,500 or less purchase of a personal computer (PC) and/or related accessories is exempt. The exemption does not require the purchase of a “personal computer base unit” (tower, desktop, laptop) and is extended to peripheral devices such as modems, printers, speakers, non-recreational software, etc. If a single purchase exceeds the $1,500 maximum the entire purchase is taxable. A single purchase is considered the total of all sales made to a customer in one visit to a store. See the
lists of exempt and taxable items for more information.

General School Supplies. The exemption applies to the purchase of general school supplies with a sales price at the time of purchase of $20 or less per item. There is no monetary limit on the purchase as long as the price of a single item does not exceed $20. See the lists of exempt and taxable items for more information

Source: Georgia Department of Revenue

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Bump Day: White Hot

Nothing says summer chic like a fab pair of white pants. Top them off with a colorful bump boasting tunic or tube top and you're ready to paint the town red... or pink or blue, whatever you're feelin', momma.





Get the look...





Lauren Kiyomi Strapless Smocked Top, $52.77 on sale (from $89)





Japanese Weekend Cropped White Pants, $82




Anthropologie Cloud Cover Earrings in gold, $28




Banana Republic Plated Scales Bracelet, $35





Lilly Pulitzer Colorful Life Sandal in white, $103 on sale (from $172)




Cole Haan Genevieve Straw Small East/West Tote, $227.50 on sale (from $325)

Doll bedding is here!

Get on that holiday shopping list early, mommas... Javis Davis is now selling custom doll beds! How fun is this? The bedding is made in the fabric collection of your choosing. Your little girl and her doll can actually have matching bedding!




These gorgeous beds come in two sizes: Small beds ($75) fit dolls up to 13" such as Barbie®, Groovy Girls® and Madame Alexander®. Large beds ($125) fit dolls up to 18" such as American Girl® and My Generation®.



Wrapped and ready to go, is there any more perfect gift? Even if your princess cuts off all of Barbie's hair like I did, at least she'll have some fab bedding to sleep in at night.



Not sure what fabrics your grandchild or niece would like best? Let her do the choosing! Javis Davis gift certificates are always a great gift, but now they're a great bet for kids too. Gift certificates are available in amounts of $50 or more.



As always, please contact me with any questions on products or to order! I'm expecting some calls from Santa shortly, so you better get in line...

Friday, July 24, 2009

Brand Favorites: Zutano

Isn't that a fun name? For years, Zutano has been one of my all-time favorite brands of clothing and accessories for tiny tots. I've given many a Zutano gift to my expectant momma friends. Cotton never looked so happy, if you ask me. Their array of fabulously fun prints can't help but make you smile!





Zutano was created by two New York artists who were on the hunt for something more fun for their own child to wear. Fast forward 20 years, and now you have the beautiful Zutano collection, made up of cotton basics in endless colors and prints. The creative color combinations give their pieces a modern look and are rarely matched among all the clothing you find in the big name stores. All the pieces are intended to be mixed and matched - which makes this collection not only fun, but very functional.




Even better, these cotton basics are surprisingly affordable. Sure, you can spend less, but mommas, you can definitely spend more. Plus all the moms I've talked to that are fans of Zutano have commented about how well their products hold up. If you're looking for a great gift for a new mom-to-be, Zutano is a great place to start. The colorful prints make especially great gifts for moms who are waiting to find out baby's gender... these color combos are way more fun than yellow and green!





You're sure to find Zutano products in your local baby boutiques, but here are some online retailers that carry the brand...




Atlanta moms, here are just a few great spots around town where you can find Zutano...

Sprout (my personal favorite in the city - big selection!)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Bump Day: Career Casual

Am I having a love affair with grey lately, or what? This sweet pintucked blouse is made only sweeter with some skinny capris and a killer pair of Mary Janes. This corporate bump never looked more chic...






Get the look...




Ripe Maternity Pintucked Maternity Overshirt, $69






Pickles & Ice Cream Bengaline Black Crops, $80






Nine West Women's Lex Dress in Lt Natural Patent, $37 on sale (from $89.95)







Forever 21 Abby Floral Ring in black/cream, $4.80







Banana Republic Multi-chain Necklace, $79.50



J. Crew Campo Bag in slate, $298

Monday, July 20, 2009

This weekend: Children's Boutique Sale

Atlanta moms, clear your calendars...


This Friday and Saturday comes a fabulous sale that only happens a couple of times each year, mommas. Countless children's boutiques from across the city gather under one roof for two days only to get rid of clearance and overstock items. Some ridiculous deals are sure to be had! It's a bargainista's dream come true. Admission to the event is $5, which benefits the Bethesda Home for Boys. Here's a sampling of some of the fabulous retailers that will be represented this weekend...

Jessica's Closet & Joshua's Closet ~ A Mano ~ Sugar Plum Kids ~ Addy's Closet ~ Victoria's Children's Boutique ~ The Doodle Store ~ Wiggle ~ Lark and Loon ~ Pears & Bears ~ Divine Consign Show ~ Lilly and Lucy ~ Tiger Lily Kids ~ Limetree ~ Isabel Greika ~ Layla Luv Fashions ~ marshmallows in the Closet ~ Kangaroo Pouch ~ Little English ~ Me-N-Mommy ~ The Wholesale Boutique ~ Due Maternity ~ Pink Crocodile ~ Bumble Boutique ~ Monkee Moos

Please note that only cash or check is accepted - no credit cards! And you'll do best to leave the kids at home - this is no leisurely shopping experience. Strollers are allowed, but are strongly discouraged. (You don't want to be that mom, do you?!) All sales are final. So grab your cash and c'mon!


1611 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30318
Friday, July 24th 10am - 5pm
Saturday, July 25th 10am - 3pm

For more info on this event, hop over here.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Spotlight on: Sandstone by Joel Dewberry

Going grey's not always a bad thing, mommas. In fact, grey could very well become the new chocolate brown in nurseries. It brings a refreshingly cool and uber stylish look to a baby's room. It's unexpected, yet makes total sense. It makes a great neutral that still packs a punch. Find some gorgeous grey inspiration in this sweet Sandstone collection by Joel Dewberry.




Accessories shown from top to bottom: Square corded pillow with Bloom Sand, Geo Sand, and Aspen Fog; Round pillow with Square Tiles Stone, Sateen Old Ivory, and Aspen Fog; Balloon Valance with Geo Sand and Aspen Fog.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Bump Day: Best Dressed

You just can't go wrong with a great maternity dress. You'll get the most bang for your buck by finding great pieces that'll grow with you throughout your pregnancy and beyond. This easy strapless number will keep you looking fab through every stage...




Get the look...




Baju Mama Kiara Smocked Strapless Dress, $53 on sale (from $79)
(get an additional 20% off with code SUMMER09)





Banana Republic Adjustable Beaded Necklace, $59






Jessica Simpson Carsi, $59.99 on sale (from $79)





Kate Spade Condesa Ida Handheld Tote, $255

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

More to love!

The gang at Javis Davis is continually bringing out new fabric collections. These aren't yet available on the crib bedding design configurator, but take a peek at some of these gorgeous new fabrics...


Nouveau Trees by Amy Butler



Java Pear

Worth a squeeze...

Atlanta moms, be sure to swing by one of the Limetree locations this week to hit the big sale at Lil Squeeze! ALL spring and summer kids' clothing is 50% off, Thursday through Sunday. Get there early on Thursday and get 60% off!

If you're not familiar with Limetree, it's a fabulous spot for gifts and many of the locations have a separate "Lil Squeeze" section just for tots. They carry lots of great designers including a nice collection of Zutano, one of my personal faves. A must-hit for all you stylish mommas...

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Bump Day: Casually Cool

Don't go thinking you have to sacrifice style for comfort, mommas. The key to keeping lounge wear from looking sloppy? A little balancing act... Top off your free-flowing comfy pants with an equally comfortable form-fitting, belly-hugging tee or tank for an effortless look.




Get the look...


Old Navy Maternity Long Layering Cami in white, $8.50 (or 2 for $15)




Juicy Couture Maternity Free Love Terry Crop Pants, $60.77 on sale (from $86)





Havaianas Slim Peacock in navy blue, $24






Jennifer Ouellette Ribbon Cut Headband in gold, $36.75 on sale (from $65)





Beirn Jenna Tote with Suede Stripe, $335
(This is a fab bag, girls... you may remember Carrie carrying a Jenna tote in the Sex and the City movie.)





Michael by Michael Kors Watch, $180

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Trendy kids, listen up!

Fab boutiques in the 'burbs are few and far between. Any girl knows a serious shopping trip requires a day in the city. But when I stumble upon a real retail gem in suburbia, I take note. (And so should you.) Gwinnett mommas, here's one to put on your radar...


Bambaroos, located off Hamilton Mill just west of I-85, is a fabulous spot for the best in trendy kids' clothing and gifts. I was amazed at the sheer size of the place, first of all - the selection is huge. Each section of the store is beautifully pieced together with a gorgeous collection of pint-sized clothing and accessories. You can't help but smile when you walk in... it's a very *happy* store. And many, many things were on sale. Lots of great markdowns throughout the store! In the back corner of the shop is a collection of maternity items hand-picked by the owner, as well as a selection of trendy diaper bags and other accessories for mom.


If you're in the area, be sure to pop by this great boutique on Friday for some big savings! You know I love style on a dime. Who doesn't? Bambaroos also has an online store accessible to stylish mommas and tots everywhere. The site's a work in progress, per Emily, the store manager. So the website may be less than top notch, but don't let that fool you. This sweet shop gets an A+ from me.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Bump Day: Fancy This

Summer calendar filled with weddings? This gorgeous chartreuse number will carry you through the season. Although, guests might have trouble keeping their eyes on the bride...




Get the look...



Isabella Oliver Empire Wrap Dress in chartreuse, $70 on sale (from $180)







Banana Republic Teardrop Chandelier Earrings, $39.50






Banana Republic Faceted Round Cocktail Ring, $35






Lauren Ralph Lauren Alberta in metallic gold, $89




J. Crew Silk Satin Fiore Clutch in warm desert, $125