A Great Scarf Idea...

Fold scarf in half. Loop around neck. Pull only one strand of the scarf through the loop. Twist loop, then pull other strand through.  Find a great pin and add it on.

Old Town Farmer's Market Puerto Vallarta

 

 Visit the Old Town Farmer's Market for a great selection of locally grown produce, artisan foods, arts, crafts and more. Open from Early November to the last Saturday in July. .http://www.oldtownfm.com/

 

 

The Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural, a “producer only" market is one of Puerto Vallarta's most compelling weekend attractions. Visit us for a great selection of locally grown farm fresh produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, community education and live music. All products are made, baked, grown and sold by the Vendors who live within 50 kilometers of Puerto Vallarta.

 

 

Fabulous Begona sandals from Puerto Vallarta.

One of a kind accessories.  So much fun to shop.  Your friends will wonder where you get all this great stuff.

The Old Town Farmer's Market has a motto:  Shop locally, Live beautifully.
I certainly agree.

You'll also be entertained.

Old Town Farmer's Market Puerto Vallarta Every Saturday from 9:30-2pm. Come see these comfortable, fun fashions and right next to Chef Jorge's Baked goods...dreaming of berry pies... yum!!!

Easy and versatile all in one can be worn as a top, a dress, a skirt, a cover-up or a nightie. Wear two at a time for a two-tiered dress look or a skirt and top. So comfortable, wrinkle resistant, light weight and stylish enough to get you from the beach to dinner! Only $25 USD including shipping and TONS of great colors to choose from!!! You will want at least 2!

 

Puerto Vallarta

Thanks to the steady stream of cruise ship passengers passing through its harbor, Puerto Vallarta is geared toward the shopper, with virtually anything Mexican-made being readily available. The marina boardwalk, its nearby market, and the surrounding streets are full of shopping opportunities.

Duty Free Shopping

 

Your duty free exemption or personal exemption is the total value of the goods that you are coming home with that you did not take with you.

Your exemption includes:
*$1600.00 USD worth of goods.
*Up to 5 liters if alcohol (one being produced on St John Island or the other US Virgin Islands.)
*1000 Cigarettes


If you go over this exemption you will pay a duty of 5%.
Be advised that you should always check in advance for any changes that may have occurred to duty-free allowances.

Now I can  get my duty free liquor home?

A big perk of flying internationally is shopping for liquor at the airport

 

Please see tsa.gov for more information.

Inbound international changes

Beginning January 31, 2014, passengers traveling internationally into the United States with a connecting flight will be permitted to carry liquids in excess of 100 mL in their carry-on baggage, provided they were purchased in duty-free shops and placed in secure tamper evident bags (STEBs).
Technological advances may allow passengers to keep these liquids in their carry-on baggage, provided they are presented in a STEB and are able to be screened and cleared by Transportation Security Officers at the checkpoint.
Liquids that cannot be screened and cleared will not be allowed to remain in a passenger’s carry-on baggage. Passengers may elect to place these items into checked baggage, if available, or forfeit them prior to entering the secure area of the airport. This may include liquids in opaque, ceramic, or metallic bottles, or other containers that cannot be effectively scanned.

What Is Duty Free?

Duty-free shopping offers international travelers a way to save money on a diverse array of merchandise, from dazzling high-end jewelry to premium liquor. However, many travelers aren’t clear how duty-free shopping works, or how to make the most out of the experience.
To begin, a "duty" refers to a tax or fee placed on goods by government entities. Merchants who import goods and sell them to consumers who are leaving their country aren't charged a duty on these products. This allows sellers to pass the savings along to their customers, giving savvy shoppers the opportunity to grab fantastic merchandise at bargain prices.
Travelers can find duty-free products at international airports, border towns, ports, cruise ships and even on-board international flights—locations that cater to international travelers. Generally speaking, to take advantage of duty-free deals, you need to be leaving a country for at least 48 hours

Discover a Variety of Exciting Products
Duty-free shopping allows you to score fabulous deals on cosmetics, fragrances, dinnerware, jewelry, watches, children's items, chocolates, candy, cigarettes, liquor and more. Consumers can choose luxury goods from a mesmerizing collection of designers, such as Christian Dior, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang.
What’s more, some manufacturers actually test-market their products at duty-free stores, just to get a sense of how well an item might do with an international consumer base. With duty-free shopping, it's possible to sample a product that's not yet sold on the open market.
Expect Substantial Savings
The amount of duty-free savings you can enjoy varies with the product and the country. However, items that typically carry high duty rates, such as tobacco products and liquor, usually offer the best deals. With these products, it's common to save up to 50% off the retail price. However, you can still receive discounts of 25% or more on luxury items, which can represent a substantial savings of hundreds of dollars.
When shopping duty-free, it's wise to have an idea of how much an item normally costs. That will allow you to quickly calculate the savings and determine just how much of a bargain you'll be receiving. In addition, travelers interested in purchasing an extensive amount of duty-free items should plan ahead. Most governments have dollar limits on how much merchandise you can take into or out of their country. If you exceed these limits, you may have to pay a surcharge. Despite this fee, however, most duty-free shoppers still come out far ahead.

Chico's

I remember that little store on Sanibel Island.....

Head to Periwinkle Place and the Original Chico's store.

Our Story

For 30 years, we’ve helped millions of women look as great as they feel. Our chic prints, artisan jackets, and wrinkle-free Travelers collection have built quite a following at our boutiques—but we hear it’s our combination of great style, one-of-a-kind details, and warm, personal service that has captured the hearts of women nationwide.

How do we do it? It’s all about you. Honestly. Every time we pick up a pencil to sketch a new design, we think about you: where you’re going, what you’re doing, what will flatter your body and make you feel fabulous.

Our associates really are style experts—just walk into any Chico’s boutique, and they’ll help you coordinate, accessorize, and build a wardrobe that’s right for you. Stop by to say hello, make friends, get style tips, and see what’s just come in: new designs arrive every week, and each one is specifically created to fit a woman’s body and look fantastic.

Chico’s was founded in 1983 as a small boutique selling Mexican folk art and cotton sweaters on Sanibel Island in Florida. Our friendly environment and unique styles connected with customers in a special way that quickly evolved into over 700 Chico’s boutiques nationwide, a monthly catalog, and round-the-clock shopping at chicos.com.

Even as Chico’s has grown, our values—beautiful apparel, exceptional service and deep appreciation for our customers—still remain at the heart of who we are today.


This grouping from Chico's would make a great travel wardrobe staple or just about anyone.

About the Company

Chico's FAS, through its brands, Chico's, White House | Black Market, Soma Intimates and Boston Proper, is a specialty retailer of private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing gift items. The Company operates 600 Chico's boutiques and 100 outlets, 402 White House | Black Market boutiques and 45 outlets, and 206 Soma Intimates boutiques and 16 outlets, throughout the United States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. In addition, each brand publishes its own catalog and maintains its own ecommerce website: www.chicos.com, www.whbm.com, www.soma.com and www.bostonproper.com. The newest addition to our family of brands, Boston Proper, is planning to open boutiques in 2013.

Ralph Lauren Expanding

Plans include Polo shops in China, flagship in Hong Kong

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ralph Lauren Corp. (New York) has announced plans to roll out Polo concept stores in China as part of a global expansion of the brand.
Women’s Wear Daily reports the expansion will also include flagships in New York and London, and a women’s Polo line of apparel.
“Momentum was strong across our diverse brand portfolio that includes the pinnacle of luxury with Ralph Lauren Collection and Purple Label, as well as Polo, Denim & Supply, Chaps and Club Monaco,” Lauren said.
In fall 2014, said WWD, the company will open its first dual-gender flagship site at Lee Gardens in Hong Kong. In 2015, it will begin a multi-year plan to open Polo stores worldwide, starting with Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and Regent Street in London.
There are also plans, said WWD, to open other locations in the U.S., Europe and other parts of Asia over the next few years

USA! USA! USA!  

USA! USA! USA!

New York Shopping Destinations:

 

Bag Big Name Brands
Bloomingdale's
Plow through the  crowded main-floor arcade that feels like Times Square on Saturday, and hit the second floor for trendy, well-priced American brands. Bloomingdale's also carries all the requisite big-name designer labels and houses an extensive selection of lingerie. The Soho location caters to a younger, hipper crowd. 

 

Because You Can Afford to Look Fabulous
Barneys New York
Anyone worth her Manolos will tell you that Barneys’s Madison Avenue flagship is the final word in edgy designer fashion. The lower floors house sophisticated, expensive items like Prada suits; in the upstairs Co-op department, you’ll find rag & bone jeans, Alexander Wang dresses, and oversize Helmut Lang tees.

Save Big
Century 21
The home of department-store designer leftovers that are at least—and often far more than—40 percent off. You’ll find everything from Hanes to Helmut Lang for men and women. The linen-department deals are even more incredible.

Shop for the Home
Restoration Hardware Outlet
Buy luxury home furnishings without going broke at this massive discount warehouse. The 20,700-square-foot space at Sky View Center features the brand’s timeless furniture, lighting, textiles, bath ware, and outdoor and garden wares, all at significantly reduced prices.

Make a play date
American Girl Place
The 43,000-square-foot behemoth is home to a full line of eighteen-inch historical dolls (dressed in period clothes), a café, a bookstore, and a photo studio that brings the dolls’ characters to life.

For the Tech-Savvy
Apple Store
The two-story space boasts a show stopping glass staircase and a translucent walkway that glimmers in the sunshine flooding in from skylights. Test-drive everything in sight (iPads, MacBook, software), play stump-the-tech-experts at the Genius Bar upstairs, or sit in on the free daily instructional seminars.

Explore the Downtown Crowd-Pleaser
Soho
This onetime artists' mecca has since morphed into the city's poshest outdoor mall. Cobblestoned streets and loftlike spaces make the neighborhood a prettier spot for shopping than the average galleria.

Return of a Classic
FAO Schwarz
In 1862, German immigrant Frederick August Otto Schwarz began supplying New York society with Europe’s finest toys. Today you’ll find a smattering of ultra-high-end goods and an array of stuffed animals, dolls, train sets, blocks, board games, and even candy.

While You Wait
Grand Central Terminal
Looking for authentic New York cheesecake? You don't need to trek out to Brooklyn. This spectacularly restored landmark boasts a Junior's outpost—along with classy lounge the Campbell Apartment, the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant, and a slew of shops, including Apple, Jo Malone, L'Occitane, Banana Republic, Papyrus, and many more.

Take a Fresh-Food Break
The Greenmarket at Union Square
Farmers from as far away as Vermont arrive at this outdoor market four times weekly, toting the freshest produce and an ample selection of flowers. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Score a Little Blue Box
Tiffany & Co.
The most democratic of the big jewelry houses, Tiffany’s welcomes shoppers who come by town cars, taxis, and tour buses. Snap up key rings, money clips, and cuff links, or invest in beautifully made men's watches, kitchenware, or their classic six-prong diamond engagement ring.

Go Euro-Fabulous
H&M
The throngs of bargain hunters, thumping music, and huge fitting-room lines could fray even a Zen master’s nerves, but you can’t beat this Swedish chain’s ridiculously low prices on must-haves of the moment.

Shop the Miracle on 34th Street
Macy's
If you're looking for cutting-edge fashion, head elsewhere. This is the spot for essentials from all the big brands—everyone from Guess and Esprit to Ralph, Donna, and Calvin, and at all prices in between.

Why God Made Window-Shopping
Madison Avenue
This haute strip boasts fifteen blocks of celebrity designer shops (Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Kate Spade) and flagship fashion-house boutiques . Kick things off at Mulberry on 57th Street, and be sure to leave some time for the grand finale at Ralph Lauren on 72nd Street.

Shop a Classic
Saks Fifth Avenue
This top-end department store is filled with major American designers and plenty of Europeans, plus a complete collection of diffusion lines.

 

Not Your Average Drugstore
Ricky's
No one needs 80 kinds of hair brushes, but they look cool all lined up on the shelves. Ditto for wigs in shades of neon and hair bands in every shape. Makeup artists hoard the tiny plastic pots and bottles; club kids come for extensions and body glitter.

Score a Suit
Bergdorf Goodman
Ladies who lunch still come here for endless variations on the daytime suit; younger customers flock to the fifth floor for Vince, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Diane von Furstenberg dresses. The second-floor shoe salon is dazzling enough to get any woman in trouble, and the massive bag collection is equally dangerous.

One-Stop Shop for Athletic Apparel
Lululemon Meatpacking
This nationwide sportswear chain was first started as a yoga apparel shop but now carries a variety of athletic clothing and accessories for men and women. The spandex pants and sweat-proof tops come in flattering shapes and colors, and there are socks, tees, shorts, and jackets designed to wick moisture as well.   

 

Hitch a Ride Inside
Toys 'R' Us
Why spend your city time in this suburban staple? Smack in the middle of their midtown store sits a giant Ferris wheel. Go for a loop, then make a beeline for the exit. You can always stock up on the chain's discounted name-brand toys and games later.

Way Beyond Sneakers
Adidas Originals Store
With an inspired collection, the triple-stripe sportswear company has moved out of the gym and into retro fashion. Young jocks and wannabe D.J.’s come here for anything from key chains, track suits, and tees to limited-edition shoes.

 

 

Shopping in the USA

 

Shopping- New York City

 

 

Perhaps the world's top shopping spot, the Big Apple hardly needs an introduction. Fifth Avenue. Madison Avenue. SOHO. Times Square. The list of stellar shopping destinations and famous names is almost endless, so pack light and stock up on everything from electronics to vintage clothes while you're there.

 

 

 

 

 

Brew City- Milwaukee

You can't travel to Milwaukee without seeing "Brew City" brand t-shirts.

 

You can find a great selection in Milwaukee's Third Ward and lots of other great shopping too.

Since 1986, Brew City Brand has been creating innovative and rebellious graphics for fashionable apparel.

Based out of Milwaukee WI, founders Rick, Frank and George Keppler created local image wear through their own retail locations. They soon found that the styles which they chose to depict--industrial, midwestern, breweries--were working nationwide, as well.

The innovative approach they take,... allowed them to develop lines around urban "County Jails," vintage beer brands such as Pabst and Miller High Life, and inventive garments such as the Beer Pouch sweatshirt.

Now featured in retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, and Hot Topic, they continue to find niches in the marketplace for new ideas.

 

 

Stormy Kromer Factory Tour and Store

Drop by the factory to get a tour in person!
Tours Daily Monday-Friday at 1:30. Stormy Kromer Mercantile is open Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm.
Stormy Kromer Mercantile
1238 Wall Street
Ironwood, MI 49938
For more information, please call 888-455-2253

http://www.stormykromer.com

 

While we the Stormy Kromer Company had NOTHING to do with it, rumor has it you should keep your eyes peeled for one of T-Mobile's ads during the big game this Sunday.

George "Stormy" Kromer was a real guy - a semi-pro baseball player and railroad engineer. Not the kind of guy you'd expect to start a clothing company, in other words, but one who happened to create a cap that became known for long-comfort and the ability to stay snug, even in the fiercest winds.

This final feature, in fact, is the reason he made his famous headgear in the first place, but we'll... get to that in a bit.

Mr. Kromer, known as "Stormy" to the folks who knew his temper, was born in 1876 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. He grew up with baseball and would eventually play on nearly 30 semi-pro teams throughout the Midwest. He might have continued to play that field, too, but he met Ida, and before Ida's father would allow her hand in marriage, our ballplayer needed to find real work.

That meant the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and long, cold trips across the plains. Stormy was an engineer, and to see where he was headed, he had to stick his head out the window - into the wind. Mother Nature stole his cap more than once, and as the story goes, he set out to get her back.

In 1903, he asked Ida (now his wife and an excellent seamstress) to modify an old baseball cap to help keep it on in windy weather. The all-cloth cap with the soft, canvas visor was a departure from the traditional fedoras of the day, but it was more comfortable and because of it's six-panel fit, it stayed put.

Soon other railroad workers wanted one of Stormy Kromer's caps for themselves, and when Ida could no longer keep up with demand, they hired a few employees and the business was born.

A lot of things have changed since those first few caps - new colors, new fabrics, new styles - but we haven't changed the way we make 'em. They're hand-stitched right here in the goold old U-S-of-A, and they're still made to fit better than anything you've had next to your noggin. Stormy Kromer caps are true to the original, and that means you get all the comfort and function that made them famous.

Bargaining...It's a lot of work

Before making an offer, determine whether bargaining is part of the culture in the country you are visiting.

Take your time. You don't have to rush into anything, including the back of a truck, taxi, or airplane. Make inquiries to find the average price. If you can't spare the time to discover the true value and quality of something, do you really want it?

You are bargaining from a position of strength if, and only if: 
a) You are willing to walk away, or 
b) You look like you're willing to walk away.

Offering a price half what the seller originally offers and working up from there is not always a good strategy. Some sellers quote at ten times true value. If you bargain to half or three-fourths of that--which many backpackers assume must be a reasonable price--you are still paying an outrageous mark-up. Such prices are often asked by hawkers who approach on the street with beads or jewelry. Aggressive sellers are usually looking for a sucker.

To learn whether a price is fixed, show some interest in the item, but say, "It's too much." You've put the merchant in a position to make the first offer. If he comes down even 2%, haggle away.

Merchants are usually motivated to sell at the beginning and at the end of the day.

If prices aren't posted, assume there's a double standard: one price for locals and one for you. So it's to your benefit to find out what the locals pay.

Never fall for the age old bargaining scam of offering a fair price for the item, even if the price is very low.  Once you have spoken, you have lost your advantage because you are now trying to buy from vendors rather than having to sell to you.

Avoid making purchases at congested tourist sites.  Vendors at these type of locations are less inclined to give you a good deal.

If you are interested in buying several of the same item, buy the first one at the best price you can get.  Find another shop with the same item, inspect the quality carefully and let it be known that you purchased the same item from another vendor.  The second vendor will  ask you how much you paid and may quote a lower price because he does not expect you to buy.  The other way to bargain with the second shop keeper is to offer a price 20% to 30% below the price you paid and see what happens.

Involve a supposedly antagonistic partner that tells you in front of the shopkeeper that he or she does not want to you buy the item, or that you don't have enough money for it.  At that point you offer less than what is asked, but within reason.  You might win.

Presenting the correct amount you are offering in cash at the end of the bargaining deal might be your last ditch effort before you walk out of the store.  If you are close, you probably have a good chance if it's at the end of the day.

Know that the prices of items you may want may drop at the end of the day, especially when merchants are starting to pack up. Consider coming back at closing time to snap up the item at the price you want - as long as it is within reason.

Nothing says "spring" quite like a Lilly Pulitzer dress, and nothing says "deal" quite like the Lilly Pulitzer Warehouse Sale.  Shop resort wear, dresses, sportswear, and casual clothing for women and girls. Expect prices to be marked as much as 70% below retail.

 

This is on my list to attend.  Please follow for more information as we get closer to June and complete plans for Travels2Shop.

Last year the Lilly Pulitzer on-line store ran discounts in conjunction with the warehouse sale.

My favorite place to shop for travel clothes

http://www.travelsmith.com/        Request catalog online, or shop online for their great sale items.

TravelSmith. Inspiring people to go places they've never been.

TravelSmith was started in 1992 with one compelling mission: to make travel as hassle-free and pleasurable as possible. Drawing on resources and inspirations from around the globe, they set out to provide goods that make the journey smoother and simpler, lighter and more convenient.
"We found wrinkle-resistant fabrics - both natural and high-performance - that look great after being stuffed in a suitcase for a week or worn on the redeye overnight. We created stylish, versatile, easy-care clothing and developed lightweight, innovative accessories that make travel more secure and comfortable. And we hired like-minded travelers with a passion for sharing their knowledge and experience.
So whether you're planning a leisurely getaway or an all-out adventure, TravelSmith is your single outfitting resource. Naturally, we stand confidently behind everything we make and guarantee everything we sell. Travel is unpredictable, so you should be able to count on your gear."

With most airlines charging $25 piece of checked luggage, packing everything into a carry-on is one small thing you can do to keep travel expenses under control.

 

found this fabulous tag on ETSY, there are lots more too

 

Until you’ve learned this lesson yourself (swearing to never make these mistakes again) the temptation is to pack everything you think you’ll be able to carry rather than pack as little as you can get away with.

 

* Worst Case Scenario: Before packing anything, ask yourself: What's the worst thing that will happen if I don't bring this with me? Unless the answer is you could die or suffer some immeasurable degree of pain or discomfort, think twice about packing it. Most often, the answer will be something like, "If I need it, I'll just have to find one along the way," in which case it's usually best to skip it.