Teresa Aikens at Epiphany Design Studio

I am happy to let you all know that two of my favorite things have recently come together: my mom's artwork and Nashville's design studio Epiphany!  

My mom, Teresa Aikens, is a well respected arts educator from Mississippi who is gifted in so many different mediums: oil, sculpture, calligraphy, watercolor, etc...  Prior to her teaching career, she studied the origins and evolution of all types of art in college and beyond.  She has won Teacher of the Year awards, been commissioned for works at residential and commercial locations and was recently mentioned in Mississippi Magazine for her contributions to April's featured home.

Here are some of the paintings currently for sale at Epiphany in Nashville:

I know I am biased, but I also know these are truly beautiful works.  Using a flow technique, multiple layers of acrylic paint, traces of subtle iridescent elements and most importantly her artistic instinct, she pours her heart and talent into these- transforming each canvas into a delicious visual treat.  

As I have this one in my home, I can speak from experience when I say that its modern, abstract, fresh and subtle qualities are a perfect complement for Epiphany's style.  My home is filled with pieces from Epiphany that I love, so it's a thrill to see her works now placed throughout the showroom- kinda feels like home!

Stop by Epiphany to see them in person and pick one up for your home.

Epiphany Design Studio  

2115 8th Avenue South  |  Nashville, TN 37204  |  615.385.3289

Inside Scoop: Destination Nashville Pillows

I've always loved black and white city-specific destination art like the subway or street signs you always see for Chicago, New York and LA, but you never really see Nashville represented.  Well, my friends at Epiphany Design Studio recognized this need and now have a new exclusive that is super cool. The pillows pictured below were designed by Epiphany for the Nashville scene.  The company that produces these specializes in destination art and worked with Epiphany to create this custom line.  

The sky is the limit with names and that is what brought Epiphany to have these made. A poll was taken to see which Nashville streets were most known and voila! The results? Lower Broad, Music Row, 2nd Avenue, Elliston Place and Printers Alley, all special places in the history of music. But why stop there? A second design was created, as Nashville is also known for some of the most famous bars in the US, including Tootsies and The Stage.  Then to accompany the two existing styles, a third was made with some of the most recognizable names to ever play in and call Nashville home. Each pillow is priced at $135 or you can customize your own with words that hold special meaning to you for only $150. Visit Epiphany to check these out in person or to design your own. You're sure to fall in love with these and all the other amazing finds in their beautiful showroom.

 

Epiphany Design Studio

2115 8th Avenue South 

Nashville, TN 37204

615.385.3289

 

 

 

Additional scoop: Nashville inspired destination wall art is also being designed, so be sure and inquire about that if your wall could use an update. Those will be priced at no more than $330 which is a steal when you consider the destination art below from Restoration Hardware is priced at over $700 each.  

 

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.