Fun Finds: Linen, Light, Large Tote

I've come across a few great things recently I wanted to share. First up is my new shirt from Alabama-based designer Billy Reid. The black linen with contrasting white buttons and unique detailing quickly caught my eye. What makes it even better is that I found it on sale over 50% off!

My next fun find is this amazing Niermann Weeks light fixture. Usually I'm not a fan of reproductions, but this one is fantastic. It looks just as aged and appreciated as the European details that inspired this piece. At a cost of $5,530 it will not be hanging in my home anytime soon, but one can dream... 

Next is this handmade large canvas tote with natural jute base.  This would make a great beach bag or tote around the city to hold your laptop and books.  It's a steal at just $54, available on Etsy.

Holiday: Easter Plates

As I drove to Mississippi to spend time with family over the Easter weekend, I was reminded of how much I love holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day and of course Easter!  

I'm always on the lookout for interesting holiday pieces for my collection.  A few months ago, my fabulous friend Linda told me about the Pottery Barn outlet in Memphis. Tucked away in a small shopping center off the highway, I found this set of egg shaped plates in assorted colors.  One of the most knowledgeable and intuitive shoppers I know, Linda of course gave the suggestion that led me to these plates at 50% off.  Can't beat that!

Inside Scoop: Yoox Vintage

As I've mentioned before, one of my favorite online shopping sites is yoox.com.  Yoox always has exciting and fresh one-of-a-kind designer items at discounted prices.  I've recently been paying attention to a part of the site I rarely noticed before, Yoox Vintage.  This hidden gem is a great source for treasures from the past in great condition, ready-to-wear.  Sourced from private collections, it's kind of like digging into an ever-evolving vault or secret stash.   You may find a cardigan from the 1940's, jewelry from the 70's or a dress you saw last year at Barney's and regret not purchasing.  Below are a few of my favorites currently available.  Visit yoox.com and explore!

Valentino silk skirt

Balenciaga wool coat

Prada silk skirt

Holiday Gift Ideas

I can't believe how quickly the holidays have arrived.  To kickstart the shopping season, I wanted to share a few items that could make excellent gifts for yourself or your loved ones.  

For The Wall...

Art is always a great gift, especially when the proceeds go to a great cause.  Pictured below is one of many beautiful paintings by local artist Martha Case Nemer named It's Pear-fect.  This 16x20 oil for $275 makes a lovely addition to any wall.  Sold exclusively at The Cotton Mill during the holidays, 100% of the sale goes directly to The Melvin Case Christmas For Kids Foundation which has supplied over 10,000 toys and stuffed animals to needy children in the Nashville and Upper Cumberland areas of Tennessee through United Way, Upper Cumberland Region, Renewal House, Green Hills Rotary, Martha O'Bryan Center and McNeilly Center for Children. 

 The Cotton Mill   |   4009 Hillsboro Pike   |   Nashville, TN 37215   |   (615) 298-2188

For The Doll...

How many of you have a long list of girlfriends, cousins, sisters or coworkers to shop for, yet have no clue what to buy as a fun little item or where to start looking?  There is always a need for gifts in the $10-$30 range and you'd be surprised how many great online sites make it easy to find unique, high quality items at a great value.  My fabulous friend Linda introduced me to Neiman Marcus' online outlet site www.lastcall.com  Check that out for great discounts on designer items.  Tons of options at each click.  

Another great site is www.GILT.com  I LOVE this site.  Free to join, after a quick registration you receive a daily list of the sales they offer. From super high end to cute and affordable, you can find something at a great value that you love every single day.  I can always find great pieces for the women in my life without breaking the bank. Take for example the ring pictured below.  By designer Kendra Scott, this would normally sell for around $75 or $100 but on Gilt it's only $35.  Cute, right?  

Register and start the fun: Click Here To Join GILT!

For The Tall...

At 6 foot 3, I know how hard it is to shop for tall guys.  You can't imagine my frustration each time I fall in love with a shirt on the hanger, only to discover that the proportions are completely wrong for me.  I'm comfortable with the idea of alterations, as I have many of my things tailored to fit, but this can really only be done if the length is ok.  Usually if the length is good, that means that I've had to up the size so many times that the shoulder seams are down to my elbows.  It can be very frustrating.  That is why I am thrilled beyond belief when I find things that fit perfectly off the rack, but usually that means it's off either a Dolce & Gabbana or Marc Jacobs rack.  The most amazing sales specialist at Saks in New York introduced me to the shirt pictured below.  It's a soft, long, slim-fitting Marc Jacobs oxford with contrasting buttons. Could I ask for anything more?  I think not.  If you have a man in your life who needs a great shirt or any killer Marc Jacobs piece, call up Jesse at Saks and order one (or tons) asap. 

Jesse Whiting   |   Saks Fifth Avenue   |   611 5th Avenue   |   New York, NY   |   212.940.2082

For the Belles of the Ball...

It's no secret that my favorite and the best fragrance line I've ever discovered is CREED.  As CREED celebrates its 250th year in 2010, it is opening its archives to reveal historically significant letters, client orders and royal warrants from two and a half centuries of service.  Napoleon III granted CREED a royal warrant in 1855.  For Napoleon III, CREED made the fragrance Cuir de Russie, which means “Russian leather.”  While CREED Cuir de Russie is no longer available in the U.S., the fragrance Jasmin Imperatrice Eugenie, made for the wife of Napoleon III, is offered today.  I'll bet you can think of quite a few ladies in your life who would enjoy this special product. 

And to complete the royal treatment this season, as always, they offer complimentary gift wrapping with every purchase at www.creedboutique.com.

Inside Scoop: Sales, Music & Parties This Week

There are many great things happening this week in Nashville, so of course I've got your inside scoop. See below for this week's best in sales, music and parties.  

Ruby's Money Concert at Imogene + Willie

The amazingly talented Shelly Fairchild has formed a new band called Ruby's Money and they are fantastic!  Shelley (a fellow Clinton, MS native) had a concert last week at 3rd & Lindsey and it was one of the best shows I have been to in years.  Absolutely epic.  She mixes funk, soul, pop and rock blending into an indescribable sound rooted in emotion and truth.  Don't miss her live acoustic show this Wednesday 11/17 at 7:30pm.  Bring a blanket, beverage of choice and enjoy the backyard performance. While you're there, check out Nashville's best denim and custom casual and classic clothing store, Imogene + Willie. 

2601 12th Avenue South

Nashville, TN 37204-2503

615.292.5005

www.rubysmoney.com & http://imogeneandwillie.com/

Billy Reid Celebration 

Southern menswear designer Billy Reid was recently recognized for his contribution to the industry, winning the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, $300,000 and mentorships with the world's best designers.  The Nashville Billy Reid store will hold a celebration Wednesday 11/17 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.  Come toast the big win, enjoy live music and take advantage of a massive 40% off sale.  

Billy Reid

4015 Hillsboro Pike
Nashville, TN 37215
615.292.2111

www.billyreid.com

Haven's Birthday

Franklin's sanctuary of style, Haven, will celebrate their fourth year with a Glee-themed party Wednesday 11/17 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  Stop by to see their one-of-a-kind inventory.  Always a great source for special high end wearable pieces.

Haven

343 Main Street Franklin, TN

615.790.7954

www.sanctuaryofstyle.com

Stella & Dot @ The Cotton Mill 

The Cotton Mill to host Stella & Dot stylist in-store to help pick the perfect accessories for your upcoming holiday parties.  Stop by for fun finds Friday 11/19 from 10:00am to 6:00pm.  Also check out The Cotton Mill's fabulous new inventory of winter fashion.  The store is full of coats to die for and amazing dresses unique to Nashville.

The Cotton Mill 

4009 Hillsboro Pike
Nashville, TN 37215
615.298.2188

www.thecottonmillnashville.com

Q&A: Favorite Discount Websites To Shop?

A reader asks, "What are your favorite discount websites to shop?" This is easy.  My favorites are listed below. 

www.yoox.com is my favorite for many reasons.  Deep, deep discounts are on every page.  If you have a favorite designer brand, it is likely on this site.  Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Diesel, Tom Ford, Prada and many more use yoox to clean out their inventory.  It's a great way also of finding really unique pieces you may not see in the stores because they sell some clothing originally only meant for the markets overseas.  

www.asos.com is a great site that has a wide variety of clothing at all different price points.  I've found great bracelets, vests and pants on here as well as bags and scarves.  They always have a huge sale section filled with fun finds.

www.lulus.com is a fun place for girls to find great dresses and tops that are cute and cheap.  This is not the place to find high quality or well constructed pieces to last, but if you're looking for something different for a one-time use, this can be a good source.  

Inside Scoop: Sale and Holiday Open House This Weekend

My friend Scarlett Scales has one of the cutest shops in town and everything is 20 percent off this weekend!  Scarlett's shop is preparing now for an awesome holiday open house Saturday.  Great architectural antiques, re-purposed lighting, antique cast iron urns, ironstone, small painted tables and more. They will be closed Friday to prepare for the open house, tents will be set up outside to accommodate this event so stop by Saturday for this great event and pick up some antiques or holiday gifts for yourself & others! Pictured below are some of my favorite things Scarlett is known to often carry.

Saturday, November 6 · 10:00am - 5:00pm

Scarlett Scales Antiques

212 South Margin Street
Franklin, TN

Inside Scoop: Sales This Weekend

If you're out enjoying the crisp Nashville weather this weekend, check out some awesome sales going on! This is a great weekend to pick up some new sweaters for yourself or to start your holiday shopping early for loved ones.

Billy Reid is offering 20% off the entire Autumn collection in this weekend's Friends & Family event. Sale ends Sunday so get in quick to pick up your favorite pieces.

Billy Reid / Hill Center / 4015 Hillsboro Pike / 615.292.2111

The Cotton Mill is offering a huge sale! 20% off all denim, 20-40% off all outerwear, plus a great 70% off sale rack. Hurry in to check out their Halloween weekend sale so big it's scary!

The Cotton Mill / 4009 Hillsboro Pike / Grace's Plaza / 615.298.2188