THOMPSON FIFTEEN: TAKE AN ADDITIONAL 20% OFF ALL SALE!

One of my favorite Nashville based retailers, THOMPSON FIFTEEN has a flair for the fashionably fabulous. I can always count on them to have the hottest trends in addition to a curated selection of classics. Even better than all of what I mentioned above: Take an extra 20% off all sale items with the code "EXTRA20" Yeah, you can thank me later.

And just to note: Festival season (OMG SXSW! OMG BONNAROO!) is on the horizon, ladies, with plenty of opportunities to sport flirty crop tops, billowy summer dresses and floral printed frocks. Take this opportunity to buy a few pieces. 

Look at it as an investment in your future.

You can find this amazing sale HERE.

UPCOMING NASHVILLE FASHION EVENTS

So, any disbelief in god has vanished with the most spectacular of announcements - something so incredible, so unbelievable, I'm still in fashion-shock.

I'm just going to throw this out there and say that this is by far the brightest day in Nashville fashion history, and here's why: WE ARE GETTING AN H&M. 

Pause. I know you need a moment to collect yourself. I'm still suffering from a total head rush. 

The billion dollar a year fashion business will be landing itself right in the center of our mainstream shopping Mecca, Opry Mills mall. I'm really not quite sure how I feel about that decision - but what's that age old adage? Beggars can't be choosers. Or something.

Specifics and dates aren't really around to announce yet, but I'm just hoping that this isn't a giant tease. Every Nashville fashion junkie I know has been praying for this moment for years.

You can read more about the announcement HERE and what to expect from the mega-retailer HERE from the Nashville Business Journal. 

The Women's Fund has partnered up with one of my favorite Nashville based style blogs, StyleBlueprint to bring you the best of designer fashion without the designer price-tags, all the while supporting a great cause!

The Women's Fund supports women and girls of all ages and walks of life in the Middle Tennessee area - providing funding to programs that help women achieve economic self sufficiency, programs that promote health and well being and also the prevention of violence. 

You can purchase early bird tickets (Thursday, 1/31 at 6pm) to get first dibs on all of the available designer goods (75-90% off) for $75 HERE - which includes food & drinks. Full proceeds from the early bird sale and entire consignment benefit go to TWF.

If you're unable to fork over the $75, never fear - Friday & Saturday (2/1 & 2/2) entrance fees are just a suggested donation of $5. 

Thursday (1/31) - Early Bird Event 6pm to 9pm

Friday (2/1) - 9am to 6pm

Saturday (2/2) - 8am to 12pm

This one is near and dear to my heart. Sweet and sassy Nashville jewelry designer slash photographer Misty Madonna will be showcasing her beautiful collection of gems from her line WANDERLUST at Erabellum for your viewing pleasure. Come out on Saturday, Feb 2nd and let her win you over. 

The Trunk Show starts at 11am and ends at 4pm. 

Erabellum is located at 1800 8th Ave South.

The Facebook event invite can be found HERE - sharing with friends is always encouraged! 

If you're not a Nashville native, you can still enjoy her handiwork on Etsy. You can also find WANDERLUST on Facebook too! 

NASHVILLE DESIGNER AMANDA VALENTINE KNOWS HOW TO "MAKE IT WORK!"

PROJECT RUNWAY SEASON 11

Very, very rarely do I find myself getting excited about television. 

I'm not a fan of reality TV, I hate politics and CSI sounds more like a sexually transmitted disease - but every once in a while I'll set my DVR to something worth while: PROJECT RUNWAY. I've been a fan of the cut throat, seven circles of sewing hell television series since its onset in 2004, howling at the screen when I saw something amazing, and scoffing at those pieces that I thought were better suited for a Macy's sale rack. 

Nothing makes me happier than watching pure, undiluted fashion related madness unfold on screen. I'm sick and twisted like that.

As Heidi would say, "One day you're in, the next you're out." 

So with that thought in mind, all of my  fashion obsessed friends should either set your DVRs for record this Thursday (and every Thursday for the next several weeks) at 8pm, or if you're a Nashville local - join Amanda to celebrate her talent and general badassery at No.308 (Thursday 1/24) for a viewing party. (Event info HERE) 

No.308 will have the big screen set up starting at 7pm until 9pm, so make your presence known, come say hi and rub elbows with Nashville's latest fashion celeb, Amanda Valentine. 

You can find more information on Amanda's ultra amazing line, Valentine Valentine HERE. (Lets just say that if holograms and unicorns had babies together, this line would be the resulting offspring.)

PLUS read more about her Project Runway debut in The City Paper, on Marie Claire, Lifetime's round up HERE, and in The Nashville Scene. 

*All photos via Amanda's Facebook / Lifetime

THERE IS ONLY ONE HAPPINESS IN LIFE

INSTAGRAM RECAP // DECEMBER 2012

Christmas Party Perfection

(In love with my red vintage coat)

All Seeing Eye Crop Top - Nasty Gal

Carolina Herrera Journal Set / Neiman Marcus for Target 

Jeffrey Campbell - Soiree

This is my iphone background. 

Yeah. It is.

Sweet Sara with sweet Sugar

Boots - Forever21

Harry Potter Quote Wall Decal - PeelAndStickDecals On Etsy 

WHAT YOU'RE MISSING: THE SHOPPES ON FATHERLAND

THE SHOPPES ON FATHERLAND // EAST NASHVILLE 

Tucked away on Fatherland Street you can find all manner of gifts, fashion accessories, bath products, candles or even something for what ails you. Take a seat at High Garden Tea Room for a cup (or share a pot with friends) of tea, or maybe give Nashville's own BOOCH Kombucha a try ( I promise, you'll love it) or if you've got a runny nose, chapped lips or any other form of funk, I'm sure they'll have something to help ease your pain. 

In addition to enjoying great tea, take a peek at all the other joys that the Shoppes on Fatherland offer. Wildernest offers home goods for all! If you're a trinket person, this will be your Mecca. I mean, how cute are these sea horse salt and pepper shakers?! OMG. 

Baxter Bailey & Company offers prizes for your pooch. Everything from puppy coats, doggy beds and even their own unique and INCREDIBLY aromatic candles. I own one, and it changed my life. Or at least it covers up the smell of my two week old laundry basket. But still. 

Another favorite of mine is Pistils & Petals. Ten points for the name, and an extra 10 for the amazing logo. If there was a cute bomb, and it exploded, it would have created Pistils & Petals. Pick up a flower arrangement in a beautiful vintage vase! Their prices are in such an affordable range, you could have fresh flowers on your dinner table every week! Imagine what a world that would be.

Of course, I could go on and on - and the Shoppes On Fatherland indeed does, with several other fabulous, note worthy shops, but I'll leave some things to the imagination and let you do some exploring on your own. 

You can find a full list of the shops on The Shoppes On Fatherland's website HERE. I'll also note that two of my favorite businesses are also attached to the shoppes - Wax Nashville & Wax Nashville Nail Lounge. Don't forget to stop by and say Hi! 

RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH NEW GEAR!

These are my favorite stand-out pieces for ringing in the New Year. Sequins, Lucite, Evil Eyes & A Dash Of Neon for the win. And keep that face looking fresh with Korres Lip Butter + Urban Decay's Naked Eye Palette. You'll be enjoying them all year long! 

Pocket shirt $43 / Topshop skater skirt $45 / Jeffrey Campbell clear high heels $120 / Luichiny black peep toe booties $95 / Lulu Guinness patent handbag $360 / Alexis Bittar neon earrings $85 / Golden jewelry Ear Cuff $11 / Korres beauty, $10

GRACE: A MEMOIR // GRACE CODDINGTON + KAREN ELSON - A CONVERSATION

A few weeks back I was spectator to an especially unique and delightful treat - something that made my inner fashion nerd squeal. 

Creative director of Vogue, Grace Coddington,
so graciously (haha, I crack myself up) came to Nashville to speak about her recent book, Grace: A Memoir. 

Downtown Nashville's Frist Center for the Visual Arts hosted the event which was totally sold out. Tickets were about $50, but included a copy of Grace's memoir which you could have signed afterward. 

For the fashion obsessed, Grace needs no introduction. 

Made famous by being a true master at her craft, and even more so after the release of the spectacular fashion filled documentary, chronicling what goes on behind the scenes at Vogue during its most anticipated monthly issue -  The September Issue.

What was even equally as thrilling, was that supermodel and songbird Karen Elson was the interviewer of the evening. Engaging Grace in conversation over her memoir, and sharing similar experiences and mutual hilarious fashion industry moments. You may also recognize Karen as the former wife of dreamboat Jack White - who was also present at the reading. 

You can find Karen's music on her website HERE and a great photo stream of her in model mode from Style.com HERE

Grace divulged childhood memories, along with an impressive recollection of the ins and outs of her modeling career, adding some wit and wisdom along the way for those interested in getting into the business. 

I was so thrilled she took the time out to visit Nashville! Thanks Grace! We feel special! 

TEN MINUTE DIY: SPARKLE KEYS!

MATERIALS: 

GLITTER

CLEAR COAT NAIL POLISH

A KEY! OR A LOT OF KEYS!

This is the easiest glitter filled project ever. Ready?

1. Cover top of key with thick layer of clear nail polish. 

2. Sprinkle awesome glitter of your choice

3. Tap off excess and use finger to lightly press down on glitter so it sticks to clear polish.

4. Let dry! Once dry, apply another layer of clear polish to seal the deal. One or two good layers of clear polish would help to make sure it's on there good. I've had mine for a few months now and they haven't pealed off!

5. Ta-da. Your keys are pimp.

And for good measure: I purchased this glitter at the dollar store. But if you're looking for a specific color, I'd suggest Martha Stewart's brand of craft glitters. (A good excuse to use that 40% Michael's coupon you've got laying around)  they're great quality and come in every color! 

THE BALEE COLLECTION AT THE NAIL LOUNGE EAST NASHVILLE

Seriously. How cute is she? Balee Greer is the new face of Nashville Vintage  -  I've come across a few purveyors of vintage finery in this town, but I have to admit, it's hard to beat her style and mid-range prices. Anyone could find a piece they loved - there was something for any style or occasion.  Balee's Collection can be found for sale HERE through Tidwell and Perryman - another one of Nashville's vintage mainstays.  

If you're a Mad Men fan, you've no doubt been drooling over this cream floral print masterpiece.  It's alright - I was too. Which is exactly why I purchased it! And for $39, who wouldn't? I may not have any immediate holiday plans, but I guess now that I've got this dress, I have to come up with something!

Another adorable short little winter dress! Balee suggests black tights, and I'd complete the look with a sparkly pair of holiday shoes! If you're a last minute type like me, you better jump on this.  

Thanks to Balee & The Nail Lounge East Nashville for letting us come browse her goods and eat her sweet treats (omg cucumber sandwiches & bacon wrapped dates) and I'll be sure to keep you all updated on future events where you can browse Balee's Collection! 

WARBY PARKER CLASS TRIP // NASHVILLE

My favorite eyewear brand, Warby Parker just passed through the Volunteer state recently spreading joy, good music and vision to all! I was thrilled to be invited by the crew to a little shindig, celebrating the recent launch of the brand's eyewear showroom inside Imogene + Willie, a rustic chic jean shop that caters to a wide variety of denim loving clientele. 

I+W also carry a few other products & clothing items but tend to stick to a very strong standard of quality - only picking high quality products and only producing the best of the best when it comes to their own apparel line. {Meaning it was only natural for them to want to include products from Warby Parker!}

WP went the literal extra mile by re-purposing this adorable yellow bus into a traveling show room.  They will be in Nashville till December 9th, (The Gulch, 2nd Ave N.) so don't miss this opportunity to check them out! If you're not in or around Nashville, don't worry - the crew has a few stops to make before they settle back in at home in New York. You can find the itinerary online HERE or below: 

WARBY PARKER CLASS TRIP DATES 

December 12th - 23rd - ATLANTA, GA

January 11th - 27th - DALLAS, TX

January 31st - Feb. 10th - SAN DIEGO, CA

February 13th - March 10th - LOS ANGELES, CA

You should give a pair a try - for each pair purchased, one goes to someone in need! Brilliance. Especially during the holiday season! What a great way to tell someone you care, in addition to helping someone else in need. Thats what this time of year is all about, right? Or of course, you can buy yourself a pair and not feel guilty. ha. 

But really. What better an opportunity to pick your poison? Of course if you can't make it out you can always give WP's AT HOME TRY ON BOX a go - but wouldn't it be nice to be able to see all of their available frames in one place? 

Plus, another thing to remember is: They sell sunglasses too! So if you're fortunate to have perfect vision and glasses just aren't your forte, then maybe a little something something for the upcoming warm spring and summer months? I know there's a pair on MY list.