Is it panic time yet? Even counting Christmas Eve, there are now only 8 and 1/2 shopping days left. How did this happen? It seems like just last week we were getting our first whiffs of Pumpkin Spice.
Fret not friends, we’re shopping all the time, and scoop girls know the perfect One Stop Spot for all of your holiday wishes, including a few much needed breaks for food, treats, wine and good hair.
Specialty Shops SouthPark has it all, within steps, off a pretty courtyard and right across from the mall on Morrison Boulevard. Anchored by Williams Sonoma on one end and the ever popular BrickTops restaurant on the other, Specialty Shops offers you sophisticated and upscale shopping, dining and beauty in a super convenient SouthPark location.
We stopped by last week to shop for everyone on the list, and got it all done in just one afternoon, in between a pretty perfect lunch and dinner.
First Stop. Gift Exchange Lunch with friends at BrickTops. The Palm Beach Salad of course. Limit one glass of bubbly, since shopping day ahead.
Actually, pre-lunch stop at Drybar for gift cards for said girlfriend lunch gift exchange, along with these always handy earring back boxes from Sharon Luggage, just the thing.
After lunch, quick stop by Renaissance Patisserie to order tonight’s hostess gift and tomorrow night’s desserts. Note to self to come back and pick up treats for Christmas Day. Small espresso to combat bubbly effects.
Scoot down a few shops to make Date Night Dinner reserves for tonight AND pick up gift cards for the bosses at Toscana Ristorante Italiano, for some of Charlotte’s best Northern Italian fare and wines.
Now to tackle the tough ones on the list first, the guys and the in-laws. They either have everything or want nothing, or both. Challenge accepted.
Mostly priced $163 to $230
Don’t sleep on Sharon Luggage for a wonderful assortment of quality leather gifts. Briefcases, dopp kits, overnight bags in beautiful leather make wonderful guy gifts.
Priced $112 to $432
On to Elizabeth Bruns, which of course has the QC’s most beautiful jewelry but today is not about me. (!!) However, Elizabeth Bruns also stocks some of the best & classiest gifts in town. Along with lovely Christmas decor.
Still in-law shopping, head next door to Amina Rubinacci where you will find only the finest quality Italian made, often hand-crafted items. Sure to please.
Furry fingered AND fingerless gloves in assorted colors $95 and $150
For your sister or SIL if she has been REALLY sweet this year, or, let’s face it, for you. Yes, you deserve one of these shimmery evening clutches with the gold snake ornamentation. $320
Shani Amara is a fave local earring stylist, and Scout & Molly’s has many many pair by her. $26 to $38
More Shani earrings. $26 to $38
Backpack, so chic. $118
Ivy & Leo is the perfect spot for neices, cousins, littles, and gifts under $30.
Furry Jackets to wear Christmas Day, just $49 to $119 at Ivy & Leo
Last stop to stock up on stuffers and things to drop off at friends, and so you never arrive empty handed at the party ~ Williams Sonoma of course. (at this point, you’ll find plenty of sale prices here too)
Peppermint Bark Sampler $33.71 (sale price)
Hot Chocolate Sampler $26.36 (sale price)
Bitters Gift Set $27.96 (sale price)
Nutcracker Boxed Cookie Kit $22.46 (also Star Wars, Harry Potter, Frozen, Grinch and Disney Boxed sets).
Pit Mitts $27.96 for two
Holiday Cheese Knives $38
Finito!
Back to Toscana in time for dinner. He’ll have the Osso Buco, as always, and I’ll pretend to consider the Salmon before I splurge and have the Agnolotti. ‘Tis the Season!
This article was written by one of the many QC women who contribute to our website. They are out and about and around Charlotte digging up the latest & best scoop :)