Brand New Shoes ... Lots of 'Em

After more than a year of delays, DSW finally opened on Thursday at Promenade at Chenal. I couldn't resist a post-work trip today, and it was like my own personal happy hour. Even though we escaped without any merchandise, I still had a nice little retail buzz going.

I wasn't alone. DSW kept a nice little line going the whole time we were there, and the (many, many) aisles were crowded. One of the managers said the store set a goal of selling $8,000 worth of merchandise the first day, and by 7:30 p.m., they'd already pushed $35,000 worth of soles out the door. Not bad.

Here's a little tour:

The selection is pretty much unrivaled in Little Rock. But in terms of true "designer" brands, there were only a few represented: Coach, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Cole Haan among them. Most of those ran between $70 and $100 a pair.

The lower-end stuff was still scrumptious. Lots of pretty Nine West, Born, Merrell, Ann Klein and other brands between $35 and $60.

The store really shines in its men selection. There's absolutely nowhere locally that offers this level of nice men's footwear. I'm blessed to be married to a patient shopper, but he actually tried on more shoes that I did.

There's also a nice little retreat for those guys who aren't such troopers, complete with fake leather chairs and a flat screen on ESPN:

If you're thinking about checking it out for yourself, be sure to print out this coupon, which will save you $15 on a $50 purchase through Aug. 27. DSW is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mind the Gap

There’s one reason I sign up for retailers’ mass e-mails: promotional discounts. And this week Gap has e-mailed out a great one: 30 percent off all purchases Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, Aug. 2 in stores, and a one-time 30 percent discount online. Plus, it’s good at the sister shops, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and new sports wear brand Athleta.

If you got the e-mail, share the love by forwarding to friends you know aren’t on the list (Gap allows forwarding with it). If you didn’t, be sure to sign up here so you get the next sale alert.

If shopping spam drives you crazy, don’t use your regular e-mail address. Think about creating a designated free online e-mail account and sign up for the lists from your favorite stores. Then you can check for discounts on your own terms.

OMG, DSW!

Just a little reminder that DSW allegedly opens on Thursday at the Promenade at Chenal. I say allegedly because there have been several rumors about start dates for this joint since the sign first went up last fall. The lights have been glowing inside for several months with nary a stiletto in sight.

But DSW has promoted the Thursday opening, so it should be a firm date. If they keep their word, the place will probably be insane this weekend. I'm curious to see if this DSW lives up to the hype. Their stock varies depending on the market, with smaller outlets usually having a limited selection of true designer shoes. But I've also been to a couple around Atlanta that are sublime. Fingers (and toes) crossed ...

Adult Swim

No one is a fan of swimsuit shopping. It's pretty much the only retail experience I dread. So I hadn't bought a single bathing suit since before I moved to Little Rock in 2003. But we're heading to the beach this weekend, so it seemed like the right time to make a purchase.

A friend mentioned that Barbara Graves Intimate Fashions had some good sales last week, so I decided to stop by after work. It was the right call. I always enjoy browsing there. It's like the anti-Victoria's Secret. No teenagers flitting around with thongs and low-rise boy shorts slung over their arms. No obnoxious scents that overwhelm you on entering.

And it turns out that Barbara Graves has a nice selection of swim apparel, most of which is discounted right now, starting at between 20-30 percent off.

There were plenty of styles that were flattering and modern without giving it all away. Plus, there were several fun tops and dresses included in the sale merchandise. I even picked up a Ralph Lauren nightgown that will double as a great beach cover-up for $20. It was originally $63.

I walked into Barbara Graves at 5:25 p.m. and made my exit five minutes before they closed at 6 with two new swimsuits, and the total came in under budget. How refreshing. Now it's time for a swim.

Coach Now Open

Coach opened a new store in Park Plaza last Thursday. I dropped by to check it out yesterday, though clearly lacked the budget for a purchase. Still, it's a great window shopping locale. The light is beautiful, and the bags are drool-worthy.

Their fall line is full of rich orange, red and metallic bags. And several of them are tasteful without prints that scream "Coach." (I always waver on the logo fabrics.)



I've been to several Coach stores where the personnel were snotty and unhelpful, especially when they spy my Target-chic purses. But on Wednesday, the crew at the Park Plaza shop were genuinely nice and helpful. They definitely understand that half the people who stroll in won't be dropping $500 on a handbag.

And while we're on the topic, it's a good plan to check out the Dillard's Coach selection before you buy at the new store. They had 50 percent off several summer styles, when the exact same bags were marked at full price in the Coach shop. It's still fun to browse the big selection at the new joint, though.


Check it out for yourself on the third level of Park Plaza, next door to the Crown Shoppe. Their hour follow the mall's schedule, which is nice since some mall stores have been closed on Sundays lately. Anyway, Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Paper (price) cut

There's only so many packages of cocktail napkins and paper plates a girl needs. And yet, I can't stay away from the Inviting Co. quarterly sale. I turn into a zombie every time I go, wandering 25-cent stacks of designer paper goods in a daze. (See a previous review here.)

Since my first visit, I've outfitted at least six parties, four BBQs, two weekend bachelorette trips, and dozens of weekend lunches with plates, napkins and cups for probably a total of $15. There's a taste of them to the left. Inviting Co. stocks most of the local stationery stores, including the Crown Shoppes.

On Saturday, expect big crowds of moms, some pushing twin strollers (sans twins) stuffed with designer cardstock.

If you're a newbie, be sure to bring a bag. Or a grocery cart. Generally, they offer 1/2 price off their deeply discounted goods during Saturday hours. This is a great time to think about Christmas presents for the office crew or obligatory teacher gifts. So check it out this weekend at their warehouse just off the Prothro Junction exit on I-40.

Details courtesy Inviting Co. below:

Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, July 25:
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

4545 West Bethany Road, North Little Rock. (From I-40 East, take the Prothro Junction exit. Head to the right and past all the fast food outlets. Turn right at the first real intersection, with Bethany Road. Take this down until near the end of the road, when you'll start to see SUVs lining the road. The Inviting Co. warehouse and parking lot will be on the right.)

Free Carbs, Not-so-Free Coffee

Starbucks is touting their new, better-for-you pastries by letting you indulge for free tomorrow, Tuesday, July 21, until 10:30 a.m. The new muffins and scones will be free of artificial flavors, artificial dyes, artificial trans fats and high-fructose corn syrup. They call it "real food." Among the little batches of goodness included in the Tuesday special are pound cakes, morning buns, coffee cakes, cheese danishes, and other still not-quite-good-for-you delights. Oh, and you have to buy a beverage to get the free goods. (Not valid at Barnes & Noble locations.) Also, take this invitation in or show it to the barista via the fancy smart phone you usually just play with while waiting for your order.

Checking in at Pleasant Ridge Town Center

A Sunday stroll at Pleasant Ridge Town Center in Little Rock (Cantrell past 430) revealed several summer sales to keep in mind.

The Crown Shoppe has their entire stock of adhesive wrapping paper at 50 percent off. I've never used adhesive wrapping paper, so I can't vouch for how well it works. But they have some fun prints, and it's hard to beat $2.50 a roll for Hallmark-quality wrap.


If you're looking to fill out your cookware collection, stop into Kitchen Co. this week. All their Emeril-brand stainless pots and pans are 25 percent off. The 10-piece set was marked down to $199.

Also at Kitchen Co., Le Creuset stockpots are down to $40, with a few colors to choose from. (But really, the red is the most attractive of the lot.)


Maternity retailer The Sassy Stork is apparently hanging it up. Right now they're offering 60 percent off their goods as part of a closing sale. A peek in the window -- they're closed on Sunday, of course -- showed some fun pieces. One maternity T (which though funny is not among their classier offerings) noted "I should have had a headache ..." right above the bump zone. Clearly for the mom-to-be with a decent sense of humor.


Strasburg Children has a sliding scale clearance going on for the next couple of weeks. There's a wide range of clearance outfits on sale, with 20 percent off the first item, 30 percent off the second and 50 percent off the third. Of course, when original prices are $75 for an outfit made to fit a 3-month-old, 20 percent off isn't a big help. Still, there were some awfully cute frocks in there.


Hit up Belk for some good handbag and shoe clearance deals. All Dooney & Bourke bags are 25 percent off. There's an entire rack of Michael Kors purses at 40 percent off original (they're usually around $300-plus). Granted, it's time to throw a retirement party for some of these styles:


And I was happy to see that Belk has streamlined their footwear clearance tables. (The ones on the regular sales floor; not the tiny room in back.) They used to be a total cluster -- open tables with box tops strewn around and sizes in the wrong areas. I'd frequently open a box to find unmated shoes under their old clearance floor plan. The new stacks, which are kind of like mid-height bookshelves, each have a size assigned and are just much more organized.


OK, so I've buried the lede here: Shoes are marked down AND you can take an additional 30 percent off to equal 65 percent off original price. As always, the Belk shoe clearance is a nice little treasure hunt. If you happen to have a size 6 foot and love luxury brands (not that I know anyone like that), this pair was still available on Sunday. Cole Haan, marked at $92, with discount comes to about $65. (I tested them out and they're supremely comfortable.)



And if there are late summer weddings in your future, Belk has "contemporary" dresses marked down 30 percent. Check them out downstairs near handbags:

Box Turtle Event on Saturday

Details are being withheld, but Box Turtle on Kavanaugh in Little Rock is promising a special event this Saturday, July 18 from 6-9 p.m. They say they'll tell more later, but for now they're keeping us guessing. You can usually rely on Box Turtle to supply good noshing fare and cute little plastic cups of decent wine, though. And, of course, they sell Korto fashions.

They did let slip that all summer clothing, shoes, accessories and (*gasp*) handbags are 30 percent off right now. I might just be stopping by my favorite Hobo Intl. purveyor to see if they've marked down the confection to the right, which I've been eyeing
since May.

Cheap white cotton (and pricey black satin)

Just a heads up for anyone in need of lingerie: Dillard's is flush with good deals right now. From terry cloth bathrobes by their house brands to luxury pajamas by designers like Vera Wang and Ralph Lauren, there are lots of reliable deals right now. Summer clearance is upon us ...