Perfect Day in the 'Burg

It seems lately, I've been everywhere but here. We set up shop in Abilene for the Junior League Christmas Carousel...then in Fort Worth for the Silver Bells Boutique...and finally, down the block for the St. Nikolaus Markt. It's always nice to shake up the routine and to meet new people, but I've missed the shop and the shop has missed me! Today, I'm relishing the old routine, running it solo, and enjoying the slow pace of this lazy, beautiful Sunday. The street is adorned with garland and lights, the weather is gorgeous, the crowd is mild, and the live tunes streaming in from the biergarten next door - a rare treat. There may have never been a more perfect day for strolling Main...and shopping at Root!

75% Off!

As I sit here and post, we are marking down the sale goods to 75% off! We have a super selection of denim, sized 25-32, from Joe's, Paige, and Hudson. Michael Stars tanks and tees, dresses by Rachel Pally, Plenty, and Meghan Fabulous to name a few, summer sandals, wedges, and thongs from Seychelles, Jeffrey Campbell, and Dolce Vita, and much, much more are now, like, practically free! Come snatch up some bargains before we're wiped out...And show your spending smarts and your style savvy with ca$h to spare!

The List

Shop Across Texas has published their list of the top 45 stores in Texas and 5 of them are located in Fredericksburg - that's more stores per capita than any town in Texas! So it's not surprising that Fredericksburg also won the award for Best Retail in a Small Town. We're flattered to be included in such a fine group of retailers. Be sure to visit the site and see who else made the cut.

Prices Have Dropped!

Spring and Summer merchandise is now 25-40% off! Don't miss out on the great deals we have to offer. Seldomly discounted goods, like jewelry and jeans are even on sale. Stock up before the new season begins.

Meet Jessica

There's a fresh face at Root. Jessica Hernandez just moved to Fredericksburg from San Antonio, along with her family, and is the newest member of the staff. She is friendly, knowledgeable, honest, fashionable, warm, and helpful. Could we ask for anything more? I think not! Come in as soon as you get a chance, and say "hello!"

Summer Soiree & Fashion Show

If you didn't make it to our Summer Soiree and Fashion Show, then you're going to want to kick yourself when you see what you missed. The event was a smash! We paired up with our neighbor, Beulah's, and hosted a runway show and after-party for our favorite customers and fashion-minded friends. The evening started across the street with mingling and groovy tunes. Models strutted down the catwalk in colorful vignettes, and entertained our guests with grace, style, and pint-sized cuteness. After the show, we opened our doors for discounted shopping, retro refreshments (wine-spritzers) and to-die-for desserts (iced Zingers and bite-sized brownies.) Local designers attended, offering jewelry, slip dresses, scarf tops, and one-of-a-kind finds.

{All of these photos were taken by Jennifer Lankford of Portraits By Jenn, and are available for purchase on her website Portraitsbyjenn.com.}

Sage Perfumes

We just received a new collection of fragrances from Sage Perfumes. These unique blends are beautifully packaged in petite glass roller bottles within origami-inspired paper boxes and are delicate and feminine in every way. Unlike traditional perfume, which consists mostly of alcohol and water, Sage Perfumes are 100% oil. What that means is that the fragrance will last much longer on your skin. In fact, a single application will not only last throughout the day, but often into the next as well. The purity of the oils also enables your own body chemistry to come into play, making the scent more individual. Like a fine wine, these oils will actually improve with age. Just make sure they are kept in a cool place, and out of direct sunlight. My personal fragrance du jour is Coral, because I woke up this morning with the sandy beach on my mind. This one has a base of sandalwood, vanilla, and musk, middle notes of orange blossom and mimosa, and a subtle accent of coconut. I have not yet picked my favorite, though - they are all so good in their own ways. And they're light enough to mix, so the possibilities are practically endless.

Saint Grace is Back

I don't like to name favorites, but if I had to pick one clothing line to fill my entire closet, it would be Saint Grace. The fits are amazing, the fabrics are super-soft, and the style is somehow, ageless, timeless, casual, pulled-together, sexy, effortless, and right on trend. The line consists of well-made pieces that can take you from coffee, to the office, to happy hour, and then straight to bed, because they're just that comfortable. This season they have introduced some skinny jeans, a fitted blazer, a slouchy harem pant, all of which I can't wait to wear. But I'm also glad to see more of the rugby stripes, lounge pants, and cotton scarves that have been so popular in the past. We just unpacked a new box and the colors are gorgeous! Come, our most discerning customers, and prepare to be impressed.

Sale In Progress

A spectacular summer sale is currently underway. (Quite possibly our biggest and best ever!) More than half of the store is marked down - and this time, we've covered it all - shoes, jeans, jewelry, and bags. As the fall deliveries pour in and take over the racks, in-with-the-new means out- with-the-old. Come snatch up some great deals while they last!

Vintage Cowboy Boots

If you live in Texas, and you do not own a pair of cowboy boots, you should be ashamed of yourself. These vintage versions are pre-worn and boast the broken-in comfort and character that takes years to achieve. And they are NOW available at Root!

A Hot New Boyfriend

We have a great selection of the hottest trend in denim: The Boyfriend Jean. With variations of the style from Paige, Hudson, and Joe's Jeans, there is an ideal cut for every figure. You can count on these Boyfriends to ease your transition into fall. They are a stylish alternative to your old bootcuts and look fab with a summery tank and cool sandals right now. When the heat subsides, just pair them with a snug turtleneck, a rich leather belt, and ballet flats.

Tribeza Ads - July 2009

Get Your Bids In

In conjunction with STYLE YOUR SOLE, we have invited several local businesses and organizations to participate in the TOMS cause by donating a pair of decorated shoes to a silent auction which will benefit FRIENDS OF TOMS, a non-profit organization that helps to coordinate and fund TOMS shoe drops. The generous folks who have indulged us with their creativity are:

Beulah's, Enid, Flying Frame Studio, Fredericksburg Academic Boosters, Fredericksburg Art Gallery, Haberdashery, InSight Gallery, Jayne Maret Jewelry, Joseph Cohn, M.D., Miss Rhonda's School of Dance, Morgan Mohon, Nature By Design, Red, Silver Creek Restaurant, Sprout, The Good Art Co., and The Roadrunner Inn.

We are currently accepting silent bids in person, by email (shoproot@yahoo.com), or by phone (830.997.1844.) The auction will close at 8 pm on Friday, June 5th, 2009, at which time, the shoes will be sold to the highest bidders. In the meantime, we'll update the blog as the bids come in. Remember, for every pair that is purchased, TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need. On top of that, the winning bids from this auction will be collected and donated directly to the charity that helps make it all possible. Get your bids in, and get yourself a pair of shoes that will scream of your good taste and philanthropy.

{UPDATE: The auction was a success! We raised awareness and enthusiasm for the brand, as well as $488 for the Friends Of TOMS charity. A hearty thanks to everyone who participated, spread the word, and showed support.}

SOLES GOT STYLED

It was a close call. An unexpected delay in our shoe shipment caused a panic the week leading up to STYLE YOUR SOLE. And on the morning of the event, we still hadn't received our shoes. The inventory we had on hand wasn't near enough for the turnout we were expecting. Just 3 hours before our guests were to arrive, we were starting to concoct Plan B, and UPS rolled into the back door, toting 13 cases of TOMS. Ah, the relief! STYLE YOUR SOLE was a success and we're so glad our shoes came in time. STYLE YOUR GENERIC WHITE TEE SHIRT FROM WALMART wouldn't have been half as fun.

Thanks to all who helped make it happen, especially the attendees, the sponsors, Paige Conn, Emily Dunn, and my husband Sean, who set up, cleaned up, and put up with my bossing, even though it was his birthday.

Whoops!

It seems as though one pertinent detail was left off of our Summer Soiree invites...Accidental oversight?...Or clever marketing designed to direct traffic to our new shop blogs? You'll never know.

But I will tell you that the party is on Saturday, May 30th. The fashion show starts at 5:00 sharp. So be there or be square...without a chair. (Seats will be limited.)

Tell Your Friends

I'm In for 3!

We're all tired of the negativity in the media, so here's a fresh and proactive effort to boost this rotten economy. I always try to shop locally, and don't know what I would do if anything were to happen to my favorite brick and mortars. (Wouldn't life be dull if it were all Gaps and Walmarts?) I'm not advocating spending frivolously, nor am I bad-mouthing the big boxes out there. But right now, while our purse strings are tight, we should all try to spend a little more thoughtfully - and locally - whenever we can. Don't just hunker down and wait for things to change, participate in it. A little effort can go a long way. I encourage you to get out to your favorite mom and pops or other independent establishments and show your support. I'm certainly going to.

Belts by Kim White

Belts are an important accessory this season...worn through the loops of your favorite jeans, slung low over an easy dress, cinched tight at the waist to show off your curves. They add just the right touch to all the season's best looks, from loose denim, to floral sundresses, to high waisted skirts. These leather belts by Kim White arrived today. There are so many great styles, it's hard to choose my favorite. You must come see them in person...The quality is amazing, the leathers smell so good, and they are sturdy and versatile, just like everything she creates. That's why we love Kim White!

TOMS Tally

To date, we have sold a total of 330 pairs of TOMS shoes! That translates to 330 needy children who have received a new pair of shoes, thanks to TOMS and the thoughtful purchases of our Root customers. We have been busy here, crafting a wall of paper dolls to symbolize the impact of your generosity and involvement in the cause. Come by and check out our handiwork and the mass of paper dolls which represent the number of children who have received shoes, ONE FOR ONE. Don't bother counting them - they're all there - 330 and going strong. It's an impressive number, but we still aren't satisfied. Let's keep the momentum going and see just what this little shop in our small community is capable of. Save the date for our STYLE YOUR SOLE party on Thursday, May 21st. More information will soon follow - so stay posted!

Must Have...

A new summer bag...in a bright color...made of sumptuous leather...with clever compartments...and pretty floral lining.
{Assorted colors, shapes, and sizes available.}