Billion Dollar Babe Premier Designer Sale Invite

If you live in L.A , watch out for the Billion Dollar Babes World Premier Designer Sale on November 6-7,2009.  Sign up here to enjoy huge discounts on designer products up on sale on weekends.

Shop of the Week and a Giveaway: Kitty and Polly

Our Shop of the Week is Kitty and Polly, an online store that offers handmade gift items.  This week's feature is exciting because Polly has offered to give one giveaway winner a $10 voucher to spend from her shop along with this cute birdy shopper bag. 

 win a $10 voucher and this birdy bag:)

Please read the simple rules on how you can enter the giveaway below the Q&A.  Meanwhile let's get to know more about Kitty and Polly.



What's the inspiration behind your shop's name?

Kitty is my mum's nickname, Polly is mine, so it made sense to bring the two together as mum has been a great source of support & encouragement in getting the shop up and running.  Sounds kinda sweet too...!

How old is your shop?

Kitty and Polly is approx two years old.

What inspired you to start your own home business?

I always relished the idea of running my own business, and having input into all aspects of it. As well at that, I've worked in industry for a long time and really wanted to do something more creative.

Polly, at a craft fair

How do you find products to sell on your store?

I do a lot of research online,  visit craft fairs and find new sources through the likes of Twitter and Facebook. There are lots of makers/craftspeople who get directly in touch with me as well.

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

I work full time as well so the toughest challenge is finding enough time to dedicate to Kitty & Polly and make sure I focus on the priorities - it's very easy to get distracted by Twitter and all the lovely blogs out there (such as yours !)

How did you get over it?

Not sure I have completely mastered this challenge, but I have developed a good routine which ensures I work on the business but also take time out to relax and enjoy life too !

Please Name:

the things you do when you're not busy in your shop -

walk my Basset hound Oscar, read (currently reading My French Life by Vicki Archer), a bit of cooking and gardening

Oscar

aww, how handsome this guy! :)

stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without -

my mobile, my hairbrush, any sort of pretty notebook (to jot any ideas that might come into my head!)

your favorite shops -

tough one this but Plumo, Marks and Spencer, Avoca, vintage and charity shops

your top 3 favorite picks from your shop

Black polka dot clutch,

 

Make Tea Not War sampler,

Star Earrings

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

Go for it , believe in yourself, stick with it !

Any message to your customers and the people who support you?

To customers, family & friends - a BIG thank you. It's always a thrill to get orders and happy customer feedback.

~*~*~*~

There are three ways to enter the giveaway or you can do all three and get 3 entries.  Let me know in your comment if you did all three:)

1.  Just hop over Kitty and Polly and tell us which is your favorite item from the store by leaving a comment on this post.

2.  Be a follower of The Shopbug.  Just click the Follow button on the sidebar. 

3. Help us spread the word about the giveaway by making a blog post.  Don't forget  to leave a comment with the URL of your post.

As for me, these are my faves.  Thank you so much Polly for taking part of the interview and for hosting the  very first giveaway:)  The winner will be drawn on Monday next week through Random.org. Don't forget to include an email add where I can contact you.  Thank you in advance to everyone who will join.

Make Believe Shopping: Flower Power and Stripes

One piece romper ; Baby Doll Top with pom pom detail in pink
Caftan style poncho ; Baby Doll Top with pom pom detail in yellow

 Flower Power by Bennett Malibu 

Lightweight French Terry Zip Hoodie ; Rugby White Stripe Hoodie
Stripe Loose Knit Henley ; Jersey Cropped Cardigan

 Stripes by Splendid 


On Sale here. Today Only.

Make Believe Shopping: Warm Me Up This Season

I am so  sorry for not being able to put together the Shop of the Week last Sunday.  I was feeling sick these past days but now I'm much better:)  There will be a new seller featured next Sunday.

The colder months are coming and I am craving for these:

Sweaters from Urban Outiftters

Make Believe Shopping: Ethnic Bracelets by Cocobelle

Ethnic Inspired Bracelets by Cocobelle

Wrap Bracelet ; Sofia Bracelet
Price: $22.00 $4.50 ; Price: $68.00 $20.00

Sofia Bracelet ;  Coral Bead Shell Bracelet
 Price: $68.00 $20.00  ;  Price: $20.00   $6.00
 

On Sale here. Today Only.

This Is My Habitat Contest

A few days ago, I learned about This Is My Habitat Contest from Decor8 (read her post, really worth reading) and Caroline of Patchwork Harmony. I just wanna do a repost on this for those who may have not heard about it yet. It is an exciting competition that I want to share.

Habitat is a UK-based international home furnishing company with stores in France, Spain, Germany and retail partners in Turkey, New Zealand, Thailand, Iceland, and more.

As part of its new "This Is My Habitat" campaign, it gives one winner the chance to have their home featured online, star in a photoshoot, plus a trip for two to London, 2 nights in a luxury hotel with shopping money too! 34 runners up (one per store) will each receive a £100 Habitat gift card.

Here are celebrities featured in their homes with their own Habitat pieces.

Grace Richardson
(check out the sofa, the ceramic vase and the large floor lamp)

Ruth and Matthew Gore
(check out the chest of drawers and the mirror)

Helena Christensen
(check out the Sofa and the nest tables)

If you live in the UK, upload a photo of you in your home, featuring your favorite Habitat piece. Don't forget to read the rules before joining.

Make Believe Shopping: $500 Gift Certificate at Talbots

I wonder what I could buy if I have $500 worth of Gift Card to spend at Talbots.

Here are my picks:

plaid jacket ; suede ballet flats

$149.00 ; $99.00

The jacket looks warm and comfortable to wear, so it's perfect for the up coming season. I love the sweet pink checkered accent. It can be worn over jeans, slacks, or dress and would look great for casual or semi-casual attire. The ballerina shoes is a wonderful pair to match this jacket. And it looks super friendly for the feet.

Now, let's hit the SALE section of the boutique:

tie neck silk dress
was: $159.00 now: $97.49

woven stripe pants ; woven stripe skirt
was: $79.00 now: $29.24 ; was:$69.00 now:$25.49

lace trimmed cardigan
was: $49.00 now: $28.49

tie strap sundress ; orange belted tunic blouse
was: $69.00 now: $25.49 ; was: $44.00 now: $16.49

plaid jacket $149.00

suede ballet flats $99.00

tie neck silk dress $97.49

woven stripe pants $29.24
woven stripe skirt $25.49
lace trimmed cardigan $28.49
tie strap sundress $25.49
belted tunic blouse $16.49
____________
TOTAL PRICE: $470.69

I still have $29 left from my Gift Card, which gives me room to buy these Pin dot trouser socks. At $9 each, I can take all three colors - grey, black and red.

I love my picks! The pieces can be mixed and match and everything looks so comfortable yet stylish. If you are looking for style inspirations, check out the "Outfits" section. And don't forget to drop by Red Chair Confessions, Talbots' new fashion blog.