The gals at Belly & Baby and Hopscotch have been having daily deals all week, have you checked them out yet?  If not you have a few more days!  Today, for example, take 20% off ALL maternity clothing – holy moly.  Only Sarah and Stephanie know what’s going on for Saturday and Sunday but it’s sure to be great!  Sales aside, I know schools just recently started back up (yuck), and could these backpacks be any cuter?  I wish they made them in my size because I would LOVE to tote one to my grad school classes.  So adorable!

Tiffany and the chicks at Goosefeathers know just the thing to get you in the shopping mood – champagne and sales!  Beginning today, save up to 75% off all remaining Summer items and take 25% off ANY ITEM OF YOUR CHOICE throughout the entire store…what are they thinking / hallelujah!  Also, all men’s merchandise is 50% off, geez louise!

Don’t think Morgane at Market doesn’t have a few tricks of her own up her sleeve – Enjoy 15 – 50% off all clothes today and tomorrow (*excludes denim and previously marked down items)!  Now you have no excuse to not look absolutely stunning at your Labor Day BBQ.

In other Lamar Park news, head over to Pilar to check out new shipments from Oaxaca and Chiapas – You all know how much I adore all of my purchases from Pilar, as per my last post, so I wouldn’t miss this new stuff if I were you!  And DID YOU KNOW Small Planet is making ICE CREAM!?  Holy yum, and what a perfect treat for a hot summer’s day – Labor Day or not, everyone could use a good ice cream cone.
Be on the lookout for a post next week about the big things Kent Ullberg’s been up to at CC Art Connection – and when I say big I mean BIG!  Well, that’s all for know, folks, but I hope you all enjoy your Labor Day Weekends and I will see you next week!

Apologies for not posting yesterday, I haven’t mentioned this yet, but I’m actually in Peru!  I’ve been here for two weeks and on Monday I am off to Cusco to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, to say I am nervous is a bit of an understatement, but any nerves are trumped ten-fold by excitement.  My home base has been in Lima, but I have traveled to Casma and I just got back from Ica and Huacachina yesterday.   I will be back in Texas soon enough, don’t you worry.  Anyway, as much as I’m sure you all want to hear about my trip, I’ll spare you the details and cut to the chase.  What do my travels have to do with Lamar Park you ask?  Allow me to enlighten you; meet two of my travel companions: my Peruvian Amulet and Chilean Chanchito from Pilar.

Chanchitos are made in a small village in Chile; it is thought that these little pigs, the three-legged sort in particular, bring good luck.   Traditionally they are given to friends as a token of love and good will.  Lucky for me Terry gave me my chanchito a few years back on a regular visit The Park, and I have since made a little home for him in whatever bag or purse I happen to be carrying.

I also acquired an amulet around the same time.  I had to do a little research on the story of amulets, as being on another continent doesn’t allow me to get in touch with Terry, Pilar’s incredibly sweet and knowledgeable owner, very easily.  Here’s what I found, and I think this is pretty spot on for my little vial of wonderfulness… (Info via http://www.luckymojo.com/charmvial.html#4) In this small vial is oil and small chunks of tree bark dyed bright green, yellow, and pink for health, a piece of vuelve vine and a carved and painted soapstone statue of St. Anthony for the return of a lost lover, a piece of pyrite (Fool’s Gold) for wealth, and a miniature horseshoe for luck.  There are a few other things in there, but I just keep my fingers crossed that they’re all for good luck.

Anyway, like I said earlier my amulet and chanchito have always had a place in my bag of choice and they always, always, accompany me on trips.  Superstitious I may be, but I have had pretty good fortune while traveling with these little guys, and traveling they have done.  Together we have lived in Argentina, visited friends in Scotland and London, hiked the Great Wall of China, explored the desserts of Dubai, discovered the jungles of Panama, and on Wednesday we will hike the Inca Trail.  I know it may seem silly, but these two little charms have given me a great deal of comfort over the years (oh, did I mention I have a slight fear of both heights and flying, yikes).  Now, I’m not suggesting that you all run over to Pilar and buy Terry out of these good luck charms (oh wait, yes I am… ), but I have enjoyed having mine around and I look forward to the adventures I will continue to have with them in my back pocket (err, purse).

*Editor’s Note:  Terry has a few of each of these trinkets in stock, but is expecting a larger shipment in September – first come first served!

Happy almost Friday from Lamar Park!  I’ll keep this short and sweet, but we have some big news to share!  MARKET, Goosefeathers, and Belly & Baby and Hopscotch were all named winners of the best stores in Texas on shopacrosstexas.com – wahoo and many congratulations!  Of course everyone in Corpus knows how wonderful these stores are, but how incredible to get statewide recognition; I (and we) could not be prouder.  So, that’s all I have for now, enjoy your weekends and if you have the chance stop by these stores this weekend to congratulate Morgane, Stephanie and Sarah, and Tiffany (respectively) on their accolade!

I thought I might do a quick mid-week post to let you know about a huge (and wonderful) sale going on over at Four Chicks in the Park.  This weekend, July 30 & 31 is their SUMMER SALE which includes 50% off select bath and body products, $20 clothes, 50% off Cowgirl Jewels, 15% off Caldrea – all scents and styles, 50% off 3 Designing Women Initial Stamps (select styles), 75% off select in-store items, and 30% off select Brighton Footwear.  WOW!  Now if that’s not a good reason to head over to The Park, then I don’t know what is.  Also, while this monstrosity of a sale is going on there are a few promotions going on in the store as well.  The Jon Hart Back to School Sale (7/19 – 8/22) and Brighton Trade-in Promotion (07/23 – 08/01) – Trade in your old handbag and help a local charity at the same time!  Four Chicks will give you a bonus towards the purchase of a registered Brighton Handbag. Any manufacturer handbag qualifies! *Minibags, Straw Bags, Luggage, Brighton Memories, and Non-Registered Fabric Bags are not included – as well as the Brighton Write-On Promotion (7/23 – 08/08) – Receive a free Polly Pencil Ouch with a single $100 (or more) purchase of Brighton.

There’s so much going on I can hardly stand it, you should all most definitely head over to Four Chicks this weekend and pick up some back to school treats (or just treates in general).  Happy Wednesday everyone!

I’m always really in to tunics because I think they are super versatile – I love to pair them with white jeans, dark jeans, leggings, etc – a great transitional piece for sure.  I picked out a few of my favorites for my birthday from Goosefeathers and Market, I’m hoping the birthday fairy will send a few my way
Clothing aside, although let’s be real I could keep going for sure, I am dying for a new pair of flats to last me the rest of the summer.  I hate to wear actual shoes, so sandals it is, always, and I think these Tory Burch T-Strap flats from Julian Gold are to die for.  They come in a range of colors and are so adorable, I could never have too many.  Julian Gold always has the most fantastic shoe selection, from Tory Burch to DVF to Bernardo, there is a style sure to suit every personality.

I love to cook – ask my roommates – I’m always in the kitchen trying weird things, and I couldn’t ask for a better gift than Mastering the Art of French Cooking by the one and only Julia Child.  I am also in desperate need (hint, hint) for some new Le Creuset, because who couldn’t use more cooking gear at any given time?  On that note, and completely unrelated to my birthday, I am devastated to say that Gourmet and Gadgets will be closing its doors.  It has been a great run, but all good things must come to an end eventually.  I can’t even begin to describe how sad Lamar Park is to see Georgia leave us, but I know there will be great things ahead!

I know this isn’t exactly feasible, but if I could, I would plant myself on Small Planet’s patio and nosh on amazing sandwiches and desserts all day long.  But then again, I would only do that if Steve and Alyssa promised me I would never gain an ounce .   I know I’ve been a little off of the blogging bandwagon recently, but I promise I will be back on track, and I hope I can keep y’all informed of all the goings on in and around our wonderful Lamar Park.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Market is having a 15-50% off sale through Saturday, and you know there are plenty of options for a great summer BBQ – I LOVE, love, love these earrings and this adorable white tunic, so breezy and perfect for an afternoon of fun.

Market’s not the only sale around town, Goosefeathers is having a great sale too – and lots of great summer gear to boot!

These Independence Day staples from Julian Gold are sure to be a hit at any 4th of July festivities.  This red Maristella Citelli dress is perfect for an afternoon BBQ followed by a little fireworks watching, and I love these Elaine Turner handbags – so cute and so versatile!

I know everyone has their own special plans for the 4th, but whatever they might be, I hope you are all happy and safe – and decked head to toe in red, white, and blue!

Gourmet and Gadgets has extended its store hours all week just for this special holiday and is also offering free gift wrap – need there be more incentive to get a present than that right there? Anything Georgia has in stock would be a fantastic Father’s Day gift, but I particularly love these Wusthof knives, the Proteak cutting board (they go hand-in-hand!) and the William Bounds peppermills. Who says cooking isn’t manly? With any of these your Dad will be itchin’ to get in the kitchen.

Julian Gold also has some wonderful Father’s Day gift ideas. Bond and Creed Colognes are sold exclusively at this Corpus gem and both smell divine…a unique (and well scented) gift indeed. Most men I know would be hard pressed to buy themselves hand cream, which makes Father’s Day an ideal time to go ahead and pruchase some for them. This Ahava Hand Cream set is a perfect gift for a hardworking Dad, and you’ll never have to worry about rough hands ever again.

What would Father’s Day be without a huge Jos. A. Bank sale? June 10-13 enjoy 50% off all traveler polos, sport shirts, and shorts AND 60% off an enormous selection of suits and sport coats. Perfection!  And how could I forget Small Planet?  Surely Steve and Alyssa have a few specialties up their sleeves – why don’t you take your dad to a nice outdoor lunch on the patio we all know I love so much?

Father’s Day is made easy with Lamar Park, I guess your toughest decision will be what on earth to choose! I wish all of you the most wonderful of Father’s Days, and weekends in general. I hope you are as lucky as I am to have such a wonderful father in your life whose love you cherish more than anything in the world (I mean I had to get sappy…what can I say!?) Until next week!

Morgane (left) and Elizabeth Fieldcamp of Gypsy Collection

Why Lamar Park?
Lamar Park Shopping Center understands great shopping. I love how everyone works hard to keep The Center looking beautiful and to fill it with the best shops Corpus has to offer.

Are you originally from Corpus?
Yep, I am originally from Corpus. I lived in Houston for five years and Los Angeles for two years before I decided to move back home.

How did you get in to the fashion business?
I have always loved fashion.  As early as 4 I was putting outfits together and could distinguish between what matched and what did not.  In college I majored in Art and developed a great creative eye – I knew fashion was my calling.  When I moved back to Corpus I opened a small boutique inside an Art Gallery and after six months it was doing well, so a good friend and I decided to get our own space.  We opened Market in March 2006 and the rest is history!

Who are your top 3 style icons?
Lucia Moreira Salles, Edie Sedgwick, Coco Chanel

Who rocks your favorite celebrity style?
I love people who take fashion risks – playing it safe with fashion is so boring. Fashion is an art and I appreciate people who treat it as such.  Ashley Olsen, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Chloe Sevigny are a few celebs who think outside the box!

What is the best fashion advice you’ve ever received or heard?
Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. -Coco Chanel

Your favorite trend of all time?
Bohemian Hippie Chic

What was your very own fashion faux pas?
Wearing clothes that aren’t flattering for my body type but loving them or the style so much I have to do it anyway  (me too, sister, me too.)

The worst fashion faux pas you’ve ever witnessed?
Oh there is so many I have seen lately! I don’t want to be rude. LOL.

What are your 3 favorite pieces at Market right now?
Oh, there are so many I love right now! Here are three of my faves!
1. The Wendy Kaitlen dress with multi colored skirt
2. The white Cover tunic with black trim
3. The navy Zoa tunic with Gypsy Collection accessories

Describe the perfect summer BBQ / Pool / Party outfit:
This black strapless dress by Indah would be great to wear to an outdoor Party! It’s lightweight, cute, and oh so comfortable.
Another great summer party look is our yellow strapless Wendy Kaitlen dress with the Gerard Yosca blue bib necklace and matching bracelet.
I am also in love with the long ruffle skirts by Indah. They are perfect for an outdoor party or to throw on over your bikini for a summer pool party.

Well, you heard it straight from the source, folks!  I am posting early for a reason this week – get your bums over to Market for a cute Memorial Day Weekend outfit!  You have NO EXCUSES now!  Even better?  Mention this blog and receive 15% off all new merchandise (excludes Gypsy Collection), WOO!  You’re welcome, my devoted readers ! Feliz Memorial Day Weekend!

What do you get a graduate?  Or even better, what do you wear to graduation?  Well funny you should ask, I’ve been mulling over the same question myself…my conclusion?  Consider Julian Gold your Graduation Headquarters.  From the perfect graduation dress, shoes, or jewelry to a gift anyone would want to receive they have you covered.  This Majorica pearl necklace and bracelet are beautiful and would look marvelous on any graduate – or MOG (mother of the grad)!  What a perfect and truly meaningful gift.  The Gillian Julias bracelets are also a wonderful way to spice up a cap and gown – who wants to look like everyone else receiving their diploma when you could have adorable statement-making bracelets on your arm?
After the ceremony the graduate will certainly need somewhere to put that hard-earned piece of paper, and these Rebecca Minkoff bags are to die for.  They’re so sassy and fun and literally fit everything in them.  If you’re looking for something super unique, though, check out this gorgeous Valentino rosette bag – a statement maker for sure – and Audrina from The Hills has it too, which doesn’t hurt!

What goes better with a graduation dress – or gown – than a pair of Jack Rogers?  Classic and versatile, these shoes will take you through the summer and work with everything from dresses to shorts, jeans to skirts.  I have a few pairs and I cannot get enough – they’re all I wear in the summertime!  So cute.

If you can’t quite find what you’re looking for here, don’t forget there are plenty of places to shop in Lamar Park – The Loft, Goosefeathers, Market and Four Chicks all have wonderful graduation-appropriate wear and cute gifts to boot, so check those out too on your way to or from Julian Gold!  Congratulations Class of 2010, you certainly earned it!

If you’ve been following Facebook then you know Market is having a fantastic sale – 15% off through tomorrow on all new merchandise – where else could you find the perfect oufit for Mother’s Day?  While you’re at it, stop by Goosefeathers to check out their fabulous Mother’s Day gift selection.  Speaking of gifts, Julian Gold has Mother’s Day covered – from pajamas and perfume to pearls, you’re sure to find something beautiful for the most important woman in your life (because let’s be honest, who tops your mom?!).  Over at Pilar, they just received a shipment of  2000 year old Roman Glass jewelry from Israelii designer Angie Olami.  What a creative gift idea!  Terry and the gang also received a huge shipment of Jane Yoo hand painted leather handbags and skirts as well as scarves from Nepal and wonderful gauze clothing by Dunes from Guadalajara.  Talk about worldly finds!

As if I need to mention Belly & Baby and Hopscotch – of COURSE they have wonderful Mother’s Day gifts – particularly for the expectant mama.  It’s never too early to get started!  Stephanie and Sarah have had amazing sales over there all week, don’t miss out on rest of the weekend!

Perhaps you’d like to treat your mother to a nice lunch on Mother’s Day – I mentioned Small Planet’s redone patio last week, what could be better?  Dreams of an Arnold Palmer and chicken salad sandwiches are already running through my head…But, if you’re looking for something a bit more homemade stop by Gourmet and Gadgets for some fantastic new cookware to help with your culinary masterpiece.  Personally I like to leave the cooking to my mom because you can’t get any better, but to each her own!

Update: Apologies, I know I dropped the ball on photos – the end of the semester was SO busy for me!  (But just because it’s not Mother’s Day anymore certainly doen’t mean you can’t go pick a little something up!)