lounge in style

you love her in a she-drives-me-crazy-but-gave-birth-to-my-husband kind of way, and every year you stress over this gift more than any other (will she like it? will she think i'm trying to tell her something?). this year let poole shop push your anxiety aside with a gift that any mother-in-law would love: the brochu walker shawl collar cardigan in a chic winter white. besides being 100% cashmere and totally cozy, it's the perfect update to her overused "house sweater." whether her style is hippie, conservative or just plain comfortable, this sweater will fit seamlessly into her wardrobe. and the best news? it's now 40% off--who can resist such a deal?

working girl

she's a working girl who can never find the right combination of function and style. this year show your sister which one of you (really) knows everything by delighting her with this useful carryall from meredith wendell. it's an easy, practical color (for her) with a bright accent that makes it not too boring (for you). she can easily fit her laptop, clipboard, lunch bag, cosmetic case, phone charger and whatever else it is that she carries around all day inside, so no more ugly work bags!

on the first day of december...

welcome to december and the poole shop annual holiday gift guide. follow our advice this year to wow your friends, acquaintances and off-the-wall family members with gifts that are thoughtful and (sometimes) entertaining. first on our list this year: your old college roommate! you lived in extremely close quarters, knew way too much about each other, and you still expect to see her when you walk through a department store and catch a whiff of the perfume she used to bathe herself in. why not bring her up to date with a scent that is always pleasing but never easy to find...

way before oprah named it one of her favorite things, we at poole shop knew the secret of kai. this subtle fragrance--a perfect combination of honeysuckle and gardenia--is a perennial favorite as a stocking stuffer or just because. we have yet to meet someone who isn't drawn to this scent, so gift away.

holiday dressing

when you've made your last leftover turkey sandwich and put away the last of the pumpkin pie (and by "put away" we mean in your belly), it's time to buckle down and get serious about this holiday season. have you sent in all your rsvp's? have you waxed and polished? have you found something to wear? fear not, poole shop will help you with the latter. here's a look at some of our favorite picks for holiday dressing:

who needs a disco ball when you can sparkle on the dance floor in this little number from vanessa bruno? it's a dress; it's a tunic; it's perfect for sipping cocktails this season.

a little bit menswear, a little bit rocker chic, this winter white leather-trim cardigan from A.L.C. goes with everything holiday. we especially love it over a chic party dress!

save this firework-print dress from ulla johnson for new year's eve and watch the ball drop in style!

just in time for christmas--whether you're giving or getting--poole shop has new jewelry from deux filles [two girls]. the strands of pearls, leather and diamonds are meant to be mixed and matched and worn as bracelets or necklaces. we think more is more in this case, so grab a few strands, wrap yourself and go!

a colorful affair

the party is over, but thank goodness meredith wendell left behind these fun bags that are the perfect combination of style and function. we love the bright colors paired with fall's neutral palette and the cute shape that holds just enough--but not too much--of your everyday belongings. the mustard with the coral accent is especially chic and (surprisingly) goes with everything!

party time!

we've been busy at poole shop the past few days getting ready for our big re-launch party tonight! we've had electricians, painters and furntiure movers in and out the past few days to make the new poole shop look (and feel) like the old poole shop. if you happened to stop by the store around 5pm yesterday, here's what you would have encountered:

how many electricians does it take to hang seven tom dixon pendants? apparently five, which felt more like 500 in this small space.

a note of caution: when drilling holes in the ceiling for adding light fixtures, please make sure the merchandise is properly secured; improvise with giant garbage bags in a pinch.

voila! the after...

stay tuned for more pics as we get ready for the big night. if you're reading this, the first 25 guests at tonight's party get amazing little gift bags with goodies from lizzie fortunato, kai, and our guest of honor meredith wendell!

a stylish mixer

you've worn her belts, you've carried her bags and now you can meet designer meredith german--the face behind one of our favorite accessories lines, meredith wendell--at poole shop next week. meredith and her husband ross will be in charlotte to celebrate the re-opening of poole shop on the second floor of capitol. please stop in wednesday evening between 5 - 8pm for a cocktails, cupcakes and conversation. hope to see you there!