Southern Protocol

Let’s keep on the Kate Spade train on this chilly Monday, shall we? We meant to post about this last week, but ’tis the wedding season and time keeps ticking past us!

I heard the BEST NEWS EVER last week, when it hit the internet that Kate Spade is coming out with a lower-priced venture – cutely dubbed “Saturday” – this spring! It’s not a diffusion line, but rather a separate extension of the entire company; meaning it will only be available online at Saturday.com in the US. Why yes, I did already sign up to “hear the news first” on the splash page. The only freestanding flagship will be found in Tokyo (some girls get all the luck), but there’s hope that New York may see a Kate Spade Saturday store open its doors in the near future.. can you imagine how adorable that boutique would be?!

And when I say it’s lower priced, I mean it’s seriously lower priced – according to WWD, most of the line will be around 50% less expensive than the Kate Spade New York merchandise. That means clothing at $90, eyewear at $55, handbags at $130 (!!!) and jewelry as low as $30. Here is maybe the best part: the totes will have built in wine bottle compartments. Have the Kate Spade team members been inside my head? What a genius idea!

I have a tendency to think that a lot of the Kate Spade New York apparel is cut a little too conservatively, and to that effect they are open with their target demographic being 30-40+. So Saturday’s goal is to cater to the younger 25 – 35 set that loves all of the label’s OTHER components, but has until now avoided the brightly colored and preppy inspired clothing.

I’m sure you’re all as ready as we are for a line that aims to capture the spirit of Saturday every day of the week! HURRY UP SPRING! We don’t want all this cold weather anyway

So, this is literally a dream come true! Kate Spade bedding is now online and is really dangerous for everyone’s bank account. They have a couple different looks and you can mix and match sheets, duvets, pillows and shams to make it your own. Kate Spade couldn’t make it easier to shop our hearts out!

http://www.katespade.com/home-d%C3%A9cor/bedding-bath,default,sc.html

InStyle featured this website as part of their “7 Websites You Need to Know About” feature this week, and it is absolutely the cutest, chicest thing ever! I’m always on the hunt for great home decor and homeware sites, and CB2.com definitely fits the bill.

They have everything from furniture to by-the-pool necessities to bedroom decor and everything in between! There’s also a great little “gift” section that has a little something for everyone. Probably the initial reason I decided this website was a necessity for our blog was the “Tipsy Toes Ice Cube Set”… amazing ice cubes in the shape of red pumps! HELLO can you say perfect for a girls night in, or a bachelorette party?!

Next time you’re in the mood to browse for unique accents in your home, definitely check out CB2.com!

Last Thursday we had a raging success of a private event with J. Crew and King Street bridal registry Vieuxtemps. Fashion, discounts, sangria, and sweet treats were a perfect way to kick off the holiday weekend! We put together a few styling suggestions for weddings, running errands, the office, etc; Vieuxtemps did a marvelous job pairing their tablescapes and other merchandise with fashion items around the store. So clever!

While I had been highly anticipating all the deals that I would steal on J. Crew’s new summer collections, I didn’t anticipate how much I would fall in love with the sampling of merchandise Vieuxtemps brought with them. Their number one goal in partnering with us and J. Crew was to change the somewhat “older” association most people have with their store; and let me tell you, they were very successful in that!

Did you know that aside from china and other stereotypical bridal registry items, they have tons of vintage inspired home decor? Tableware that’s perfect for nice occasions or simple get togethers? Gorgeous woven ice buckets and matching serving trays? Every time I have passed the little shop on lower King I’ve never even thought twice about stopping in, and now I can’t wait to get downtown to see all the goodies they have in stock! Vieuxtemps is a must-stop boutique for all of you elegant home entertainers… or even for those of you who don’t entertain, but need a truly thoughtful and unique present for someone who does.

Check out their website for a bit more information on the boutique in general, but if you REALLY want to have some fun, check out their actual store at 180 King Street. 843.577.6811.

Attention all Columbia, SC readers! Bored with decor in your family room (or any other room, for that matter) but don’t have the budget to splurge on all new furniture and decor? Completely change the dynamic of said room just by investing in a new rug!

But where shall you go to find rugs of a fabulous, non-cheesy, high quality on a budget variety? House of Rugs at 1346 Carlisle Street. The chic retailer is having its much anticipated grand opening on Wednesday, March 31st from 10 am – 7 pm, and an encore day of celebration Thursday, April 1st from 10 am – 4 pm.

The owners of House of Rugs, Tressa and Anne, have taken their love of style and translated it into beautiful home decor; the website alone gives off the impression of trendy and fun – not stuffy and dated like many rug boutiques. Tressa started the company while on a mission to bring nice, hand-knotted rugs to every household despite the shaky economy. Everyone deserves to have gorgeous rugs in their home! (Head to their website for the full background story!)

Normal business hours will commence after the two-day grand opening, and will be Wednesdays from 10 am – 4 pm or by appointment.