Wow has it been a long time since I have written a blog post.  We were busy all year trying to bring you the best gifts and indulgences  that you would enjoy.  It has made me think often what are we doing here?  Are we just buying items that you will buy? Or is there an intrinsic purpose behind the items we purchase for you to consider?  I started in retail through my love of all things vintage- and hoped to find items others would want and collect.  It is often hard to let go of these vintage treasures although we can't keep every fabulous find.  As my inventory grew so did my space and costs- and therefore the need to find more inventory.  I delved into purchasing newly made vintage style items because I love the look so much I couldn't stop myself.  The more vintage style I found that was newly made, the more I purchased and put out in delightful displays hoping you would also cherish them.  Our success ensued and so our space was outgrown and here we are in a very big store trying to continue to find treasures that you or yours would cherish.

The  rub here is larger space means higher costs - and larger inventory to fill it.  The dilemma: again do we bring in what you will buy or do we bring in what we love and hope you will cherish?  I admit we have done a bit of both.  I search out the perfect jewelry, scarves and accessories that you would love to wear or give, home and garden decor that you will select for your cherished home.   Sometimes this means we cannot simply buy vintage inspired items- sometimes we can.  If we can achieve both of these in one product it is a success!

This year we opened our repurposed home decor boutique in our back storage area and we are trying to bring you vintage decor worth cherishing.  I took a vacation this week for the first time in a year and was able to antique and relax, thinking about are we making our customers happy through our selections.  Returning refreshed and inspired,  I am excited that this Fall and Holiday we have chosen many vintage inspired items for you to fall in love with.  I believe that to live in the present we must celebrate the past. We hope to create a shopping experience for you that brings you back to happy, simple times, and results in gifts you are happy to give and those who receive will cherish.

Easter Basket Buffet this Friday and Saturday

Bring the little ones to make an Easter craft and guess from our Jellybean guessing Jar from 10 am to 4 pm Friday April 6 and Saturday April 7.

While we entertain the kids you can shop our Easter basket buffet - or anything else!

Spring is around the corner!

We've got some great Spring scarves in today for $12.99!  They are just the right soft pastels to make you remember green grass and blooms!  Stop in today to pick one up to perk up your mood!  Although we can't complain this winter we've been teased with Spring so much I'm getting ansy!!

With February on it's way out so is our Vintage Market - make sure to stop in this next week to snap up one of our great vintage items while they are still here.  Many items are going to be picked up by their dealers in the first full week of March!  Still plenty of tables, benches, linens and vintage treasures!

We have such a great selection of Lindsay Phillips Switchflops for your escape to warmth.  The sandals make a great shoe for travel with their switchable snaps - you only need one pair of shoes to match all your outfits!  They are on 25% off sale through Saturday, February 25 so hurry in!!

February Vintage Market and Valentine's Ladies Night

We are excited to announce that during the month of February we will be highlighting our wonderful vintage finds at our first Annual February Vintage Market!  We have several dealers bringing their vintage wares in and our front area of the shop will be all things vintage!  From furniture pieces to vintage decor, vintage kitchen to linens you can be sure to find just what you are looking for, or something you're not! 

We have some wonderful rustic and refinished small furniture from our friend Nancy, a dealer at Northwoods Boutique, at Occasional Sale Prices!  Come and check it out!

We also have been unpacking wonderful Valentine's Day decor, beautiful jewelry and accessories that make a great gift for all the chicks in your life!  Join us on Thursday, February 9 for our Valentine's Ladies Night out - come and get a gift hint for your Valentine!  As always, we will have yummy treats, discounts and door prizes!

Deck your halls with Cottage Chicks!

Cottage Chicks is your local one-stop shopping for holiday decor and gifts!  We encourage you to shop local this holiday and what better way to start than on Saturday, 11/26 for Small Business Saturday! 

We have so many holiday items including stockings, linens, tree skirts, ornaments, hostess gifts and entertaining items ~ even Christmas snaps for your Lindsay Phillips shoes!!  Stop in to see!

Holiday Happenings at Cottage Chicks!

Get ready for 12 Days of Gift Bliss!




We’ve partnered with SnapFinds to bring you 12 daily offers to make your gift buying simple – coming to your email inbox starting November 23!

These offers are available for purchase ONLINE only and the items will ship to our store for you to stop in and pick up! There are some great deals from some of our most popular vendors including Lindsay Phillips and Alexa's Angels!



Be sure to check back on our Facebook page, too, and share these great offers with friends and family!"

Now Open at our New Space ~ Come and See Us!

Whew!  We made it!  We are open at our bright, cheery and open new space by Great Harvest Bread, just up the street from our old cottage location.  Find us at 17420 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, just before the 101 intersection when traveling west.

Come in and see our expanded lines, including Lindsay Phillips Switchflops.  We have more space to display more fun stuff!

We just got in some fabulous new garden stakes and benches - check out our page on facebook to see new items as they come in!

Cottage Chicks is Moving Up The Street by Great Harvest Bread

We are thrilled to announce that we will be moving up the street by Great Harvest Bread.  Our new address will be 17420 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka.  Our last day in the cottage will be Saturday, 6/25.  We hope to re-open by July 11.  Stay tuned here for announcements as to when we will officially be open for business.

For the rest of this week we will be offering discounts and deals ~ we currently have 50 to 75 % off with new arrivals 20% off.  Weather permitting we will be offering sidewalk deals at awesome prices, as well as a Sidewalk Sale Friday and Saturday.  Stop by to grab some deals while you help us avoid packing it all!

We can't wait to re-open and show you our new space!

HUGE SALE at Cottage Chicks

Cottage Chicks is going through a transition and will be moving out of our Deephaven Cottage.  We have been looking for a new, higher trafficked location and will hopefully be able to announce something soon.

In the meantime we are having a HUGE STOREWIDE good old fashioned MOVING SALE!  We don't want to pack ALL THIS STUFF!  As you know there's a ton of great items in our shop and YOU may benefit from our transition! 

Here are the upcoming deals for the week of May 16 - 21:
Storewide including vintage 40% off, New Arrivals 20% off, Webkinz 40% off.  There are also many items in our bargain basement clearance areas for 60 and 75% off ~ including Holiday Decor.  All discounts are off original prices.  No orders will be placed on sold out items such as single shoes or monograms.  All Sales Final.

If you have a full Special Shopper card we will offer you an additional $5 off your purchase for each full card.  Spend enough to fill a new card and we'll give you another $5 off.  Don't know if it's full?  We have many customers with full cards.  Stop in to find out (if it's kept here).

We also have a huge amount of back-stock that will be coming out as space allows and encourage you to stop back often.  Also check back on our blog for the latest discounts and offers.

We appreciate your loyal patronage for the past 7 years (or since you found us) and will be continuing in one way or another for your gift-giving needs, as well as a little retail therapy.

MARCH MADNESS SALE

Take 30% OFF Storewide at our March Madness Sale!  We've got to have a major inventory reduction - take 30% OFF the majority of the store!  New Arrivals and Artisan Consignments not included.  Lindsay Phillips Winter Ballet Flats and Pumps are included, as well as April Cornell Linens, Alexa's Angels Jewelry, many hostess and occasion gift items, AND Vintage!  Now is the time to stock up on gifts that will be coming up!

Shop Local This Valentine's Day ~ Locals Love You More!!

Cottage Chicks is happy to be a partner with The 3/50 Project and encourage all our customers to support local small businesses' in our shopping district this Valentine's Day!

To enlighten you on some of the great gift items we have here, we will be hosting a Valentine's Ladies Night on Thursday, February 10 from 6 to 8 pm with a percentage of sales from the evening going to the "Passionately Pink for the Cure" Campaign of The Susan G Komen Foundation.  We also will have some of our Valentine gift items available online with a percentage of the sales of those items also donated to the same cause.

From Tweens to Grandmas we have a gift for the Chick in your life!  Jewelry in a variety of price ranges, Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flats and Switchflops, Fashion scarves, wonderful Vintage Touch Handbags, April Cornell Linens and our vintage inspired home decor should keep you in good standing this Valentine's Day.  Can't decide?  A Cottage Chicks gift certificate always works too!  And we wrap (for free!) so you are all ready for giving!!

We hope to see you!

Indoor Sidewalk Sale with 60 to 75% OFF going on NOW!

Falling temps equal falling prices at Cottage Chicks!

Our Annual Winter Clearance Sale is going on now with MAJOR inventory reductions being taken.  We have been busy marking down merchandise for an Indoor Sidewalk Sale with 60 to 75% off a huge selection of items.  Additionally we are giving 30% OFF Winter handbags, April Cornell Fall and Holiday Linens, and select Lindsay Phillips Ballet Flats.  We have 50% off summer handbags too! 

There's nothing like saving 75% to warm you up!!

Happy New Year Sale!

Huge Storewide Clearance Sale going on NOW!

Save 50% on all Christmas items (not including vintage items) and 20% Storewide, excluding consigned artisan items and cards.  Many other clearance items will be marked down below 20% this week so stop in and check it out!

We appreciate all your support during 2010!

After Christmas Sale Starts NOW

Our After Christmas Sale is going on NOW!  Save 50% on all Christmas Decor and ornaments.  Does not include vintage items.  We also have 20% off Storewide.  This week our hours will be normal through Thursday, then open 10 -  3 Friday and closed Saturday, New Year's Day.

A Few More of Our Favorite Things...

Our staff has picked their favorite things to give and receive this holiday....

Donna loves our sparkly rhinestone jewelry from Toe-Brights and our silk clutches and handbags from Mad by Design.  She is sure one will be the right gift for her daughter-in-law!  We have so many choices of rhinestone chandelier earrings - some are over the top and some are simple and classic - there is sure to be one for you!  Just stop in, get your bling and bag on, and head out to your holiday party!!  We are offering 20% off All handbags and jewelry!!

Our Holiday Sale starts Monday, December 13 with 20% OFF Storewide!  We have so many gift items for all the chicks on your list: hostess, teacher, Mom, sister, daughter, BFF!!  Shop and save with us!  On Thursday, December 16 we will have our Holiday Ladies Night from 5 to 9 pm and will be offering 25% OFF!!  We want you to find great gifts and great times here at Cottage Chicks!

A Few of Our Favorite Things...

Our staff has picked a few of their favorite things for giving and receiving this Holiday.

Bonnie loves the Lindsay Phillips' Liz Ballet Flats and the Coral Gables Handbag. She loves wearing the ballet flats - they are so comfy - and has a hard time choosing between all the snaps that can accessorize them. She brings them with her wherever she goes so when she takes off her boots she has something dry and comfy (and stylish!) to put on. The Isabella Pumps are awesome party or workshoes as well if you need a little heel.  Both styles are a great gift for your fashionistas.

The Coral Gables bag is the perfect Holiday handbag - it can go from a chain-bag to an embellished clutch in no time. It comes in black, brown and silver and comes with 2 Snaps so you can bling it up. The handbag converts to 5 different styles so you will always feel like you have a new bag. Makes a great gift to give or receive!
 
Buy a pair of Lindsay Phillips shoes or a handbag and receive 20% off your snaps in-store.
 
Save the date for our next Ladies Night Out on Thursday, 12/16, 6 to 8 pm.  As always we will have wine and appetizers to enjoy while you get your gift shopping and gift wrapping taken care of!  Bring a friend - there will be discounts and door prizes too!

Shop Small Business Saturday with Cottage Chicks

This Saturday, November 27, Cottage Chicks will be participating in Small Business Saturday, sponsored by American Express and The 3/50 Project.  We encourage you to support your neighborhood businesses and retailers by choosing them over a large chain this coming Saturday.  Not only do you receive excellent service and unique gift choices, you will be pumping money back into your local economy and not just the major corporations that fuel the stock market.  Keep your quaint neighborhood business district strong by supporting them and keeping "For Lease" signs out of the windows!!

We will be offering 20% OFF Storewide on Friday and Saturday, with few exclusions!  We are full of wonderful cozy pashmina's, jewelry, Holiday Decor, table linens, hostess and teacher gifts, as well as this year's hottest fashion accessory, Lindsay Phillips' shoes and handbags.  As always, our items are gift bagged in our signature green gift bag and we can ship directly to your gift recipients if needed!

Join us for our Holiday Open House Thursday 11/18 through Saturday 11/20

Cottage Chicks Holiday Open House is this weekend and we are thrilled that Mother Nature has helped get everyone in the Holiday State of Mind with the recent snow!  Yes we are 41 days and counting until Christmas!

We are decked out with many choices for Holiday decorating and gifting, from gorgeous glass ornaments, holiday linens and monogram hostess gifts to Pashmina's and Bling!

Join us Thursday 11/18 through Saturday 11/20 to see all our Holiday gift ideas and get special discounts on Thursday evening at our Ladies Night Out, when we are open late until 8 pm.  We will be serving wine and yummy appetizers from 5 to 8 pm and you can register to win a $50 gift certificate! We will have 20% off on Lindsay Phillips Shoes, all scarves, most jewelry, and door prizes also!  It's always a fun night out relaxing with the girls ~ bring a friend!

Fall and Halloween Decor and Candles

Come and check out our Fall and Halloween Decor and spice up your home with some of our yummy Fall candles!  Starting to think about Holiday gifts?  We are busy unpacking all kinds of wonderful glass ornaments, gifts and holiday decor.  Check out these adorable Count Your Blessings Measuring Spoons that we just got in.  There is also Snowmen spoons and Gingerbread Man.  These all make great hostess gifts!

Chicks Do Pink ~ Do YOU?

We are back in the swing of Ladies' Night Out with our Chicks Do Pink Ladies Night to benefit the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation!

Thursday, October 14  6 to 8 pm

Wear pink for a chance to win a gift certificate!  Wine, appetizers, discounts and door prizes!  Get Fall Makeup and Accessorizing tips.  Save 20% on all pink items and our Pink Ribbon Jewelry Collection!

We will be donating a percentage of sales to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  Come to have some fun with the girls and do some good too!