Moulin Rouge - Not the Movie

  Moulin Rouge in Surrey Center is typical of most boutiques.  There isn't a large selection, but the clothes are well-made and interesting.  I'm not sure exactly how to describe the clothes; they are definitely trendy but not too far out there.  While I saw a few casual items, most of the clothes aren't the kind you bum around the house in.  I guess "city look" is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about the store.  

   My favorite two outfits were a brown and white geometric patterned dress and another one with beaded appliques (small circles, not the screaming, all-over kind).  Like everyone this spring, Moulin Rouge carries floral a-line skirts and colorful halter tops.  

  When you shop in a boutique, you can either find snooty salespeople or friendly, personalized service.  Moulin Rouge has the latter.  It's really easy to tell which kind you'll face when you come in pushing a stroller. 

  While the prices are out of my usual range, I would go there if I wanted to find something different and feel special while shopping. 

Chico's Chic

   Chico's in Surrey Center has a modern style for women.  Similarly to Talbot's (see yesterday's blog), Chico's clothes are designed for women, not teenagers.   I definitely was the youngest in the store, but the clothes are more hip and chic than Talbot's. 

   The clothes are bold, with cool belts and other accessories.  Chico's has cropped pants and knee-length shorts on sale (although the prices are still more than I typically pay).  I wasn't that thrilled with some of the prints, but I know it's more my mother's style.  My mother dresses well, for those of you who are thinking I'm implying my mom wears old-lady clothes.

If you're looking for nice casual clothes, especially something different than the typical department store outfit, try Chico's. 

Talbots Defines Classic

   Talbots and classic clothes go hand in hand in my mind.  Yet the most outlandish pair of pants I own did come from there, so there are a few items for the more daring among us.  My sister has complained that Talbots looks the same from year to year, but I think that's what the clientele like.  I was by far the youngest person in the store. 

   You're not going to find tight-fitting, ultra-trendy clothes in Talbots.  Typically (with the exception of my pants), clothes are designed for women who are willing to pay more for quality pieces that look stylish for more than just one season.  That's not to say that there isn't some change  (my sister would notice this if she spent more than 5 minutes in any store ever).  For instance, I found a few A-line skirts with floral and geometric patterns and white ones with eyelet, popular yet classic looks.  In addition, casual cropped jackets were mixed in with more traditional business-like clothes.  If you are going to a Southern day wedding or shower, Talbots is a good place to find tailored or flowered dresses.  If you're familiar with Ann Taylor, Talbots is similar. 

   Be prepared to pay for the pleasure of the clothes.  In my working days, I kept track of sales and picked up pieces then. 

Life's Just Peachy

   Peachtree Boutique on Fury's Ferry Rd. joins my list of accessories and gifts stores in Augusta.  While there are many similarities to the numerous stores like it in the area, there are a few unique items.  For instance, I thought the clogs with monograms and decorative touches were a cute idea.  I couldn't imagine paying well over $100 for a pair of clogs, but I guess some women think that's a reasonable price. 

   Like other stores like it, Peachtree Boutique offers monogramming services on many items, like totes and tea towels.  They also sell insulated lunch bags with a child's name on them, which I thought would be a cute idea for a student heading off to a new school. 

The saleswoman suggested custom-ordered stamps as an interesting wedding gift for my friends who already have more than enough dishes. 

My main complaint (aside from the high-priced clogs) was that some items didn't have prices attached or listed nearby.  Maybe it's the old adage: if you have to ask, you can't afford it. 

Kidos Misses Its Target

   The more I think about it, the more disappointed I am in the Kidos and Moms 2 store on Fury's Ferry Rd.  I'm not sure about the store's point.  Is it consignment, high-end dress clothes, playclothes, or accessories?  On top of it, they carry moms' shoes and totes.  While I think a store should have some variety (a store with just girls' bows wouldn't last long), Kidos and Moms 2 was just all over the place. 

  As the mother of a boy, I expect to find less for boys than girls, but there was a really lopsided selection.  I did see a few outfits for his upcoming baptism that were reasonably priced, but I got really excited when I found one on the consignment rack.  Until I noticed the telltale yellow stain near the bottom.  Even I, the second cheapest woman in my family (my mom is the queen), won't buy something that is stained. 

 I might go back in for a pair of Robees shoes that are selling for 30% off.  Although, since there is a sign listing the business for sale, maybe I'll wait a little and see if the discount goes down.   My last pet peeve is that the sign listed the store as closing at 5:00, yet the store was still open.  I can't imagine the business is run well if the owner can't list the store hours correctly. 

The Multi-Tasking Drugstore

   With all of us multi-tasking these days, it's no wonder the drugstore has followed suit.  In some communities, drugstores like CVS own a good share of the grocery market (I don't know Augusta's numbers).  It's easy to go into a drugstore and come out with home supplies, gifts, and food you didn't even know you needed.  Drugstores have gotten into the coupon and bonus card game also.  I recently broke down and got a CVS card; now I just have to find it. 

   Before you head out to buy that bottle of aspirin, here are some deals offered this week.  You know you'll get something else; might as well save some money.

  CVS has a deal on Coca-Cola products: buy 4 at $11 (good price), get 1 free.  For that outdoor concert, there are chairs for $7.99 and Chinet plates at 2 for $3.  If you're doing an at-home pedicure for wearing sandals, Eckerd offers Sally Hansen nail polish for "buy one, get one 50% off."  For vitamin buyers, they are also carrying Nature Made vitamins for "buy one, get one free."  Lastly, Walgreens has Mars candy for 3 for $1 (who hasn't gotten that late-night candy urge?) and a tower fan for $20. 

Don't forget to get a bonus card or pick up a coupon if needed for the sale price on your purchase.  Enjoy the multi-tasking. 

Feeling Good About Shopping

   Goodwill is typically the place where I drop clothes and household items that we no longer want or need.  But earlier this week I went in to do some shopping and exploring of my own. 

   It's an interesting place.  I haven't shopped there much, but I've had hit or miss experiences when I have.  Unlike consignment stores, there's not much control over the quality of items.  I saw two stuffed chairs that looked in great condition beside a couple of dressers that I would have been embarassed to donate.  The children's section had almost no baby clothes but tons for older kids.  I bought a pair of maternity jeans when I was pregnant, but I tend to shy away from the women's clothes (I don't see much in style).  Even Goodwill stores can vary in quality, depending on where they are located; one store I shopped at had a large selection of work clothes because it is close to many businesses. 

I ended up buying three children's books, including The Cat In The Hat for only 89 cents.  It made me feel good; my son has new books at a very low price, and I contributed to a worthwhile organization. 

Outdoor Fun At A Price

   In the old days (my childhood), a backyard swingset was metal, had two swings, and that's about it.  These days the "play systems" can take up your entire backyard and cost thousands of dollars. 

   We stopped in at Rainbow Play Systems yesterday just to check out the colorful and elaborate displays in the front of the store.  I will admit, they are amazing; I can envision Will and his friends playing for hours: climbing, swinging, and sliding.  The salespeople were friendly and knowledgeable about the product.  Built out of redwood and cedar, these play systems look to be long-lasting and come with a warranty and services not offered by the typical store. 

After browsing through the catalog and drooling over the choices, I looked at the price list at the back.  They put it at the back so that you're sucked in by the displays.  My stomach dropped as even the cheapest options far exceeded what I had expected to pay for playground equipment. 

I guess if you have the money and space and know you will be in the house for a long time (or are willing to move it), Rainbow play systems and others like them are worth the investment.  I have a feeling we'll be heading to Wal-Mart for the cheaper plastic version. 

Buying New (To You) Books

   Books can be so expensive these days, so I was delighted to find the Book Exchange on Washington Rd. near Wal-Mart.  They sell used books for 1/2 off the publisher's price.  There were rows of romance novels (I always find that the most popular item in a used bookstore), along with mysteries, war novels, general fiction, and other genres.  Their sign about trade-in policies was confusing to me, but maybe it makes sense to someone who regularly trades books. 

   For the comic book and gaming lover, there is also a decent selection of these items also.  To my disappointment, they are not buying comic books right now and don't offer a trade on them; my husband's childhood collection is safe for now.  But I might be able to get him to part with some of his large collection of sci-fi novels; of course, he'll probably just use the trade-in money to buy different ones. 

  You certainly can't expect to go into Book Exchange if you are counting on finding a particular book, but it's fun to browse. 

Shopping for Religion (Supplies)

I recently agreed to face 20 4th graders each Sunday this summer, and I checked out Lifeway Christian Store on Robert C. Daniel Pkwy. for reinforcements. They don't sell Sunday School teachers (I wish), but they do have a decent selection of activities books, CD's, and videos, especially the Veggie Tales series if you have younger kids.

In addition to teaching supplies, the store offers gifts like picture frames, wall displays, and even chip and dip bowls for those who like religious-themed items. If you are buying a graduation gift for someone from a Christian school, check out this store for something that is meaningful.

The store offers church supplies like minister's robes, bulletins, etc.. For the growing Spanish-speaking population in town, there are items in Spanish also.

Since I don't shop for Sunday School supplies often, I don't know if the prices are good, but they seemed reasonable. There wasn't a large selection of books, but there is a Christian bookstore in the same shopping center.

Now that I know where to go for extra lessons and activities, I just have to gain some stamina for 4th graders on summer vacation.

Inviting Invitations

   We're having a cook-out (barbeque to Westerners) in a few weeks.  No, that's not an open-ended invitation.  I bought invitations from If It's Paper at Washington and Columbia Rds.  It's easy to make invitations on your computer, so the whole thing only cost me $14.00 (minus postage, which is another story).  If It's Paper also sells party supplies - plates, cups, plastic tablecloths, etc.   This is a do-it-yourself party store, which suits my casual party just fine.  I did ask if they knew any place that rented tables and chairs, and the saleswoman didn't know.  I was a little surprised, because I figured that they would know other stores in the party business. 

  I also saw invitations at Uniquely Chic recently, and I've even bought them at FedEX Kinko's, although they have mostly the flyer kind. 

Now, of course, I actually have to get the invites in the mail, make food, etc. etc.  The invitation is the easy part. 

Bear Building

Build-A-Bear Workshop is a kids' paradise. It's not just the bears and other stuffed animals (including Big Bird from Sesame Street). It's the stuffing machine (my favorite part), clothes and accessories, and even a sound box. Did I mention that you get to name your animal and even get adoption papers?

I used my son as an excuse to go in and explore. The salesperson was friendly and smart, even pointing out two animals that are popular for babies. Catch me early as a customer! She mentioned that deploying parents often use the sound box to record a message for children left behind, which I think is a great idea.

Although the bears themselves aren't that expensive ($10 to $20), it's the options that drive up the cost. If you think you've escaped with just one visit, think again: your child probably will want to go back and dress his or her personalized animal with more outfits.

I'm sure we'll succumb at some point.

Details: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Augusta Mall, 706-736-0895

Uniquely Chic

   The title of the blog isn't mine; it's the name of the store in Furry's Ferry Station that I visited the other day.  I'm always looking for gifts that are suited to individual family members; if I'm really on top of things I actually buy the gift when I see it as opposed to forgetting about it and ending up with the standard picture frame.  But I digress. 

   Uniquely Chic offers interesting gifts such as monogrammed items, stoneware serving dishes, and ice scoops with painted handles.  One of the items you can monogram are those guest towels; you know the kind, they look beautiful displayed but family is never allowed to use them.  If you're hosting a shower or birthday party, they sell platters that people can sign.  I like that idea better than the blown-up picture; I can't imagine looking at myself everyday at that large a size. 

  It wouldn't be an Augusta store without some golf-themed books and decor.  The back walls are also covered with invitations and notecards that can be personalized.  So you can host a party and provide a gift for the guest of honor all in one place. 

Being chic can be fun, unusual, and fitting a budget. 

More Than Just Flowers For Mom

   With proms, bridal showers, and the upcoming most important of all days (Mother's Day, in case you don't have a woman reminding you!), Martina's Flowers and Gifts at Washington and Davis Rds. was a busy place.  They've suspended their cash and carry 50% off deal on Fridays until May 18 due to the high demand.   But I'll remember that offer later in the month, because it appears I'm going to be getting my own flowers more often than not in my married life.

   If you need more than a standard flower bouquet for the special mom in your life, Martina's carries gifts like picture frames, Southern speciality foods, wreaths, music boxes, and decorated glassware and stoneware.  While there were some reasonably priced items, some will set you back a pretty penny, like the music boxes that start at $79.  If you're more successful at flower arranging and wreath making than I, Martina's has beautiful fake flower stems (Michael's is cheaper, but these were higher quality).

   Just don't wait till the last minute, or you will wait in line at Martina's. 

Baby(banks) Drool

The clothes at Babybanks in Fury's Ferry Station are the kind you drool over. It's mostly dress clothes, with some play outfits (well, Southerners would see them as playclothes, although the rest of the country would see them as dress clothes!). I loved the dresses and rompers with smocking just for birthdays, although I probably couldn't spend the money for a romper worn once. We received several minutes of personal attention, as the saleswoman helped us look for a baptism outfit.

The clothes aren't cheap; the outfits I looked at were from about $45 to $75. They did have a sale rack of winter clothes at half price. They also carry a few high quality toys and bassinet supplies.

If you want something not found at most stores and are willing to pay more for children's clothing, Babybanks is a stop worth making.

Farmers' Market Comparisons

   I checked out the farmers' market in Evans this Saturday.  I picked up some beautiful and tasty strawberries and corn and sweet potatoes for okay prices; they weren't great deals, but I like buying locally when I can. 

  I guess I've been spoiled by the downtown market, but I was disappointed with only two fruit/vegetable stands.  One of the stands sold pineapple and kiwi: last time I checked, neither fruit was grown anywhere close to Georgia.  It's certainly not the organizers' responsiblity, but it did lessen my enthusiasm for buying from a stand at a farmers' market.  You expect that the food is grown nearby and picked fresh, otherwise you might just as well go to the grocery store.  There were two plant stands, and most of the rest sold crafts. 

  The Evans Market has only one more date: May 12th.  If you don't want to make the drive downtown, you can pick up some fresh produce and quality plants or crafts.  But I'm going to head into town for the Saturday Market on Broad St.  It's worth the extra few minutes in the car for more variety and getting that fresh farmers' market experience. 

(Not Just) For the Birds

   Wild Birds Unlimited is an oasis for garden lovers, not just bird watchers, although there is plenty for bird lovers.  I always think of bird feeders as the basic wood version, but there were styles as elaborate and expensive as $150.00.  But don't worry, budget shoppers, Wild Birds also carries feeders as cheap as $25.00.  I was also surprised to see the variety of feeders and seeds available for bird lovers.   Too bad the only tree in our backyard is a young birch tree that isn't strong enough to hold a bird feeder. 

   If you're more into gardening than birds, Wild Birds Unlimited offers fun and unique products for you.  I found the "Faces in the Woods" (decorations for your fence or tree) funny and reasonably priced at $14.99.  They also carry garden statues.

   But if you just enjoy spending time outdoors or even just decorating your home, Wild Birds carries the "Life is Good" designed clothing and flags.  You can even hang one of their suncatchers on your window. 

   Wild Birds will encourage you to enjoy nature.

Shoe Department: Unoriginal Name

   Yesterday I stopped in at the Shoe Department in Evans.  The store's less than original name made me assume that all the shoes were low quality, but there were some expensive and high quality brands such as Timberland, Etienne Aigner, and Nine West mixed in with the cheaper shoes.  A few of the sandals and dress shoes (not that I need them now!) attracted my interest.  There was a small to medium selection of kids and men's shoes.  It was a little confusing that there were kids' shoes on both sides of the store, but I guess it made sense to the salespeople. 

    I guess I'm on a service kick this week (see CATO blog), but I wasn't impressed with the service.  The salesperson did say hello when I came in, but she seemed more interested in sitting and talking with a co-worker than checking on me.  A friend told me that the Shoe Department in the mall had good service, so I'll try there. 

Leaving CATO Behind

   I'm usually a pretty complimentary person when it comes to stores; after all, I wouldn't write a blog on shopping if I didn't love to shop.  I must admit that I probably won't return to the CATO store near Wal-Mart in Evans.

   The clothes were okay, mostly casual with a few dresses that attracted my attention.  There were a variety of styles and lengths for shorts and a few printed tops and jackets that I liked.  If you are plus-sized, they had a very large selection.  Prices were reasonable for the quality of clothes, with shorts ranging around $16 and a nice coordinated outfit for about $35. 

   But I could find all these types of clothes at other stores for about the same prices and with better service.  When I went in, that annoying bell went off like I was going into a convenience store.  That bell is one of my pet peeves.  I understand that it helps staff know when someone has come in; yet no one acknowledged me until I left, even when I walked by three salespeople.  A pair of open-toed red shoes caught my eye, yet there was no price on them or two other pairs I picked up.  Lastly, a couple of outfits on the clearance rack were still with their original prices. 

  CATO has some bargains, but this bargain shopper won't be back. 

For the Undecided Shopper

Need a gift or something to spice up your home but have no idea what you want? Try Eclectics of the South in Fury Ferry Station. It's designed almost like an exclusive craft show, with little rooms and displays from different designers. There's a little bit of everything, including food, accessories, baby gear, decorative items, etc. etc. I noted several ideas for wedding or baby christening gifts, just in time for that busy spring and summer season.

I was a little concerned that the prices would be way out of my league when the first item I saw was a Georgia Bulldog bench for $350, but I expect for many true fans out there that's not much to pay. (If there's a store here that doesn't carry Georgia Bulldogs items, I haven't seen it.) But as I wandered around, I noticed that there seemed to be a good range of prices, including some items around $15 and nice pewter and pottery serving pieces (hint to my husband for our upcoming anniversary) for anywere from $25 to $65.

This is not the store for those who want to walk in, see something right away, buy it, and walk out (my sister). You have to truly like an eclectic shopping experience, but it's worth the time.