I Declare It's Time for July 4 Sales

Start your July 4 celebrations Thursday night with a little Girls Night Out at Nest Interiors!  I don't need to tell how much we love Nest events, so take our word for it and stop by tomorrow.  You won't be disappointed.

More markdowns have arrived at The Cotton Mill Lifestyle store!  Hmmm...wonder if they have the Paige Cargo pants I just saw in Vogue.  Will this be the weekend I cave and hit this sale?

If you happened to stop by the UAL sale last weekend, you had to brave some unbearable heat as their air-conditioning was out.  Well, it's all fixed now and there are still tons of amazing deals!  We're talking 50% off jewelry, scarves, shoes and some apparel.  And even though they don't qualify for the 50% discount, there is a huge selection of LnA tees and Steven Allen shirts, dresses and rompers that are all super affordable.

There are some great sales happening in Franklin this weekend too!  Emmaline's Summer Sale started this week.  Like The Cotton Mill, Emmaline's is another great place to sale shop. 

Head over to the Franklin or the Edgehill Village whats-in-store locations for their Be Independent Sale!  It's hard to find a better store for on-trend accessories than whats-in-store and the Franklin store has some really cute apparel too.  Check out these specials...   

 

There is so much going on with Closet Case Vintage (as in a fancy new retail store) that it may need to be it's own post (hint hint Carmen!), but starting July 1 through July 5, you can take 30% off your purchase from the Closet Case booth at the Gas Lamp Antique Mall as part of their annual Freedom Fest.  Carmen has extended this 30% off offer to her collection at Pre-to-Post Modern on 8th Ave and there are some fabulous frocks on sale on her Etsy site too.  Seriously, Carmen is one busy gal right now! 

JUST ADDED:    Monkee's fabulous shoe sale is still going strong and now you can take 40% off select summer styles from Kate Spade and Lilly Pulitzer.

And Nashville Clothing Company's "Buy One, Get the Second Half Off" Sale is happening Friday through Monday

We'll keep updating this post as we hear or find more sales for you, so stop back often.  Have a fantastic weekend!

Happy Shopping and Happy 4th of July!

Clean Closet, Clear Conscience?

When our favorite fashion maven and animal activist, Marcia Masulla, took the plunge and went Vegan, we had to know how she was able to clear out that amazing closet of hers, replace it's contents with sustainable, cruelty-free products and still look so darn fashionable.  (Seriously, I've never seen her have a bad fashion day.)  In the first of what we hope will be a continuing guest blog series, Marcia delves into what made her decide to make this huge lifestyle change and how she's building her new sustainable wardrobe one pair of synthetic shoes at a time.
 

I have to admit that writing this blog was a bit of a struggle for me due to a lack of time and sluggish efforts from sheer laziness, amongst many other palpable excuses.  In theory, this could be the reasoning behind my lack of acquiring “Buns of Steel", learning the bass guitar, or spouting out more fluent terms than “Vive Bene” as homage to my Italian heritage.  Thank goodness for Carla and Mizzie’s gentle nudging for me to get my little blog out regardless of the firmness of my tush.

As an individual, I strive to make a positive impact and also yearn for learning experiences along the way.  Throughout the years, I have challenged myself to opening my mind to various causes and have taken the time to assist in making this world we live in a better place for all those who inhabit it.  Often times, this means you must open your eyes, ears, and soul to things you may have wished you never had to be exposed to.  Allow me to explain...

I became curious about the work that PETA was doing a couple of years ago, when I was browsing an issue of Vogue splattered with editorials filled with fur coats and accessories.  As a loyal soldier of the fashion industry for the last decade, it suddenly occurred to me that these products were the flesh of creatures that we murdered for our own vain attempts of being chic.  I shuddered at the thought of actually doing “research,” but I jumped online and typed in www.peta.org.  I figured the largest animal rights organization in the world would have precisely the information I was scouring for, right?  Did they ever…  How could I be so horrendously oblivious that many of my fashion heroes and their leggy muses support this kind of cruelty?  

I may struggle with sticking to a yoga regimen, but after months of research and a flourishing Vegetarian lifestyle, that I actually stuck to for a year, I made the life-changing choice to become a Vegan.  Yes my friends, that means no animal products whatsoever.  My closet was a massive sumptuous album for my life and I worked hard for everything that it contained.  Each piece had a story.  Goodbye beloved Frye leather motorcycle boots.  Sayonara Prada cashmere cardigan.  Adios wool Anna Sui overcoat with mink trim.  Did I mention I had to break up with a pair of vintage leather Gucci heels with tortoise shell embellishment and ALL of my purses?

How could a fashion aficionado such as myself continue to live without Louis, Marc, and Alexander?  Luckily, a loving, yet strong-willed friend dedicated an evening to Vegan-izing my closets with me.  We stacked several large boxes with layers of purses, shoes, jewelry, belts, etc.  Throughout the evening, I would wilt and start sharing romantic memories with various personal treasures and Elly would just smile and tell me that I had to keep going.  In the early hours of the next morning, our mission was complete.  I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t disclose that I cried for a bit, pouted, and was even silent as I reflected on my new lifestyle.  Boxes would soon be shipped to upscale consignment retailers throughout the country and I even brought a healthy batch of shoes to Designer Renaissance here in Nashville.  My shoe, belt, and purse collections went from Imelda Marcos to less than what most bachelor men possess. Yet, I stood there defiantly the next day and felt a surge of conviction as I challenged myself to build my style around sustainable and cruelty-free fashion. 

I’ve already decided that with my first check from the NYC based consignment store www.covetshop.com, I will treat myself to a taste of Stella McCartney.  Ms. McCartney is not only a promoter of Meat Free Mondays with her delightful father, Sir Paul, but she also leads by example with her beautiful collections that are completely cruelty-free.  Could she be more perfect?  Swooooooooon.

Reality TV star turned mogul, Kim Kardashian, also offers up shoes and purses on her newest project, www.shoedazzle.com.  You may sign up for a monthly membership that gives you access to Kim and her team of stylists who pick trendy kicks made out of synthetic and man-made materials for a set price of $39.95!  I can vouch these may be the most inexpensive shoes I have purchased in a long time, but they don’t fall short on the style meter.  Check out my most recent purchases:

  
Lastly, I must introduce you to designer and ethical advocate Elizabeth Olsen. Her Olsen Haus collection is not only socially responsible but stylish and well crafted as well.  Visit their website to learn more on the philosophy of this fantastic line.  Here are some of my must-haves for the steamy summer of fun ahead of us. I have a feeling my closet will be stocked again very soon...

Metallic and linen gladiator sandals are sophisticated yet edgy enough to be any dame’s summer staple.

These faux suede sandals are a bright, comfy, and cruelty-free option that would look fantastic with rompers, leggings, and flirty dresses.

I don’t mind being petite as long as I can slip on these woven satin gems to add a little height and sass.  Seriously, I may not eat meat any longer but I could totally eat these. Yum!

Who knows? Maybe Stella, Kim, and Elizabeth can teach the boys a thing or two about sustainable style.  If you'd like to learn more about cruelty-free consumer products, visit CaringConsumer.com and order your free 2010 Shopping Guide. 

Spending time with Marcia has truly inspired Mizzie and me to be more conscious about what we eat and what we wear.  I know I'm not ready to give up my Prada shoes, triple cream Brie or Cupcake Collection cupcakes just yet (although I have had some yummy vegan ones), but a few weeks of Meat Free Mondays have led my husband and me to make a conscious effort to not eat meat during the week.  I've also noticed myself checking labels on clothes and shoes more than I ever have before.  We owe it to ourselves and the environment to be more socially aware of where our food and other products we use and wear come from.  So thanks Marcia!  We can't wait to read what you've got for us in the coming months.




*Photos courtesy of stellamccartney.com, shoedazzle.com and olsenhaus.com.

Summer Deals Starting this Weekend

The first of many summer sales starts this weekend!  This means tons of deals on summer merchandise, and judging by the heat in Nashville already, we'll probably still be wearing summer clothes in October.  

Oh Cotton Mill....now you're going to tempt me with a moving sale?  As if "buy one get one denim" wasn't tempting enough, now we're talking 30%-70% off?!  I stayed strong for weeks, but I may brave the heat for this one.  I do have a wedding to go to next month.

Our favorite liquidator, UAL, is slashing prices on their jewelry and scarves this weekend.  If you haven't checked out UAL's jewelry lately, you're missing out.  They have a huge selection and all at crazy affordable prices.  

JUST ADDED!  Monkee's in the Hill Center is having a HUGE shoe sale starting this weekend.  They have so many cute shoes right now, this is another sale you shouldn't miss.

 

SAVE THE DATE!  Our fabulous friends at Nest Interiors are having a Girls Night Out next Thursday!  We love Nest events.  They're always tons of fun.  And they're carrying some really cool jewelry lines right now, so be sure to check this one out. 

Happy Shopping!

What's in the Bag?

Mizzie and I have been lugging around some pretty large bags lately, well, maybe it's just me who has been lugging around a giant bag, and we've noticed a lot of you are too.  So it begs the question..."What's in the bag?"  Each month, we'll be asking some of our favorite fashionable ladies to show us what they keep in their handbags.  I agreed to be the guinea pig for the first post, because really...do I need to carry around a bag this big?

I will admit, I do love this bag.  I purchased it at Urban Outfitters before my trip to London last summer.  It was/is the perfect travel bag.  It's soft, durable, has a cross body strap and is large enough to hold well....another bag...

Yes, I have another cross-body bag inside my giant bag.  This really is ridiculous, isn't it?  Mizzie called me out on it one day when she saw me rooting around for something and said "Is that a bag inside your bag?"  Why yes, it most certainly is.  There are only a couple small pockets in the gray bag, so having the black bag in there gives me another place to keep my wallet, keys, makeup, etc.  I think it's also my own personal victory over the airlines two bag carry-on rule.  Since I always have a purse and a carry-on, I get some strange satisfaction out of knowing that really I've managed to bring three bags on the plane.  

Yes, technically that  is a third bag inside the black bag.  This gray bag is truly the nesting doll of purses.  The little bag houses my three favorite lip balms, my Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil, Therapy Systems lipstick and a bevy of eyeliners, lip pencils, blotting papers, etc.  I also keep my wallet, which can double as a clutch (Does that count as a fourth bag? Oh no!), my favorite sunglasses from Pangaea; and I never leave the house without at least one Larabar or Luna Bar in my bag. 

 

Some days I wonder why the heck my bag is so heavy.  This pretty much explains it.  Obviously, the red blackberry gets the most use.  I love my sweet, shedding pugs, but how did their fur manage to work its way inside my phone?!

I'm starting to rethink my current bag choice.  What you're not seeing is the planner, camera, umbrella, chargers, water bottle, etc. that make special guest appearances in that bag.  Do I really need to carry this stuff around with me every day?  Was Mizzie's idea of me doing the first "What's in the bag?" post her subtle way of having a purse intervention for me?  Hmmm...I feel a downsize coming on.  If I'm carrying a clutch the next time you see me, you'll know why!  
 

Mini Mizzie Modifies: DIY Fashion - Brimmed Hat

This summer the brimmed hat is your number one accessory.  I personally love hats and went out and purchased this one along with a couple of fun floral tank-tops to wear at a festival I attended a few weeks ago.  I ended up covering up my cute new tops with a wool sweater, leather jacket and scarf due to the non existent English summer but I will not take you down that road. It gets pretty dark when I start ranting about English weather.  Back to the hat and DIY fashion. You have probably realized by now that I can rarely just buy something and wear it as is so of course I modified it slightly.  

The Hat

The Feather

I actually had this one already, but you can pick one up at your local craft store.

The feather in the hat.

Me in the hat at the festival.

It was a huge hit.  My straw brimmed hat received quite a few compliments my favorite being from a friend of mine saying I looked like Peter Pan.  That was maybe more of comment than a compliment but I'll take it. 

Trend Report - Panama Hat

Originally created in Ecuador and cited as early as 1834, panama hats are being recreated all over the globe and being worn everywhere in 2010. These hats have a wider brim than their sister hat the fedora, and since the girls from Who What Wear have given fedora's a time out (not that I always follow this suggestion, I love hats)  the rise of the panama hat could not have come at a better time for those of us who try to stay ahead of the fashion trends. There really are no rules with this fantastic accessory besides wear it.  Here are a few examples...

No Water Required

Have you noticed all the talk about dry shampoo lately?  Nearly every magazine I open has something to say about it.  There are dozens of products on the market...some spray, some powder, some super cheap and some super expensive.  So what's all the fuss about?

Dry shampoo definitely isn't a new concept.  People have been using plain old Baby Powder in their hair for decades to help sop up that extra oil in a pinch.  Here's an ad from the 1970's for Psssssst dry shampoo which you can find in just about any drug store today.

Mizzie and I went to a few of our favorite local shop owners, bloggers and friends to see if they used dry shampoo and which products they liked.  From the US and the UK, the response was fantastic and I was surprised to see there were a few brands that came up again and again.

My favorite is this little bottle of Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo that I bought last summer before my trip to London.  It was the only travel size I could find at Sephora that was around $10 so I thought I would try it.  I fell in love with this powder shampoo right from the start.  My curly hair can be really dry, so I don't like to wash it every day.  The dry shampoo helps get me through those no-wash days.  This powder is a little messy, but it definitely does the trick.  I usually pour about a dime to nickel size amount in my hand, flip my head over and then work the powder into my roots.  I flip my head back, shake out the excess and voila...oil gone, curls back.  The lemon verbena smell is nice too. 

Mizzie's favorite is Boots brand Expert Dry Shampoo...

"A few weekends ago, I was suffering from zombie like jet lag which meant I did not make the effort to wash my hair after the almost 14 hours of travel time to get to London. On that Sunday, I had plans to go see my husband at Wembley Arena where he was working but was in a bit of a conundrum regarding my hairstyle for that evening.  Luckily, I remembered I had Boots Dry Shampoo in my make-up kit.  That cheap stuff saved the day.  I was able to rework my messy curls into a fantastic bed head look and wore my very dirty hair down that day with confidence.  I just held the can about 10 inches from my head and sprayed.  Then I watched as the previously oily hair around my hairline literally lifted off my head with body and bounce.  The dry shampoo has a clean not too overwhelming smell  and holds even after brushing.   I didn't even need that much.  Woohoo!  Now I am reconsidering my hair washing schedule...you know to save the environment and all."

The lovely ladies at Style Blueprint actually talked about the Psssssst shampoo in the advertisement above in a recent post.  That same spray shampoo from the 70's is an Allure beauty product winner today.  The best part, it's $5.99 a can...that's right, $5.99!  And at the time of their post, there was actually a rebate on the can that basically refunded your purchase if you mailed it in.  So you could try a full size can of this product free!  I have to say that in a pinch, the Psssssst is great.  If you have dark hair, you need to watch how much you spray or else you can end up with hair that looks a little gray-ish.  The spray definitely gives you more volume than the powder, but I don't feel like it's as oil absorbing as my Oscar Blandi powder. 

Mizzie's friend and recording artist, Erin Austin, is also a fan of Psssssst.  Like most of us she uses it when traveling or when she doesn't have time to wash her hair.  She likes Psssssst because her hair is long and takes some effort to get ready.  "Using dry shampoo takes practically no effort.  Just spray, rub it and go."  

 As Liza from Style Blueprint will tell you in her post, she has been a fan of Bumble & Bumble's Hair Powder for several years, but at $35 a can, it's an expensive choice.  She was in a jam one day and needed something fast and tried the Psssssst and loved it.  Even if you can't get the rebate anymore, it's definitely worth a try and you can find it at just about any drug store.

The Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder is also a favorite of whats-in-store's Dena Ferrell Nance and Tweed Baby Outfitter's Maggie Jetter.  Both ladies love this powder's tinted color, because it can help extend time between color appointments.  

 

Maggie is actually a huge fan of dry shampoo.  She says she can go up to three days before she has to wash her hair.  "When I'm feeling frugal, I opt for the Ojon Hair Rub-Out Dry Cleanser Shampoo.  It comes in a cute and handbag-friendly 2 oz size and it's only $10.  It dries a days worth of oil, but doesn't last quite long enough to make me truly satisfied."

On a side note...visit Tweed in Edgehill Village.  This store is too cute for words.  

A couple of Mizzie's friends in London shared their favorite dry shampoo with us and it ended up being the same product, Batiste Dry Shampoo.

Nanny and daughter of a rockstar, Kaitlyn Gerrard, said...

"More times than none I wake up and think 'ohhh I can not be bothered to wash my hair this morning' but look in the mirror and think 'ew.'  For ages I did the whole talcum powder in the hair thing, but it leaves a funny smell in your hair.  Anyone know what I mean?!  Then i discovered Batiste Dry Shampoo.  It's amazing for mornings just like mine!  It comes in various different fragrances (which are actually really nice, my fave is tropical) and they even have types for black and brunette hair.  It doesn't dry my hair out, and it totally helps with volumising my hair which is a plus.  They also do little travel sizes which are always my best friends for those festival seasons when you sometimes don't even get a proper shower for four days.  It's definitely something I can't live without!!" 

Louise Grant is a super busy mom who also loves Batiste... 

"I've got thick but fine hair so it really needs washing every day to stop it from looking greasy. I don't want to spend the time doing that every morning (what with the school run & all!) so I wash one day & dry shampoo the next. It's also really useful when travelling after a long flight!  I love this brand because it comes in a range of flavours (tropical is the best) to suit your mood, it helps volumise my fine hair (makes it easier to style also) & it really does work. I get more nice comments about my hair on dry shampoo days!!"

Whether in your travel bag or part of your regular routine, it seems unanimous that you should be using dry shampoo.  And while the expensive brands do have their bonuses, the drug store brands seem to work just fine making this an affordable product to test for yourself.
  
Do you use a dry shampoo we didn't mention here?  Let us know what it is and what you like about it.  Never used dry shampoo before, but are thinking of trying one now?  Tell us about it!  Have we mentioned lately we love comments?

Psssssst advertisement courtesy of www.thebeautybrains.com.

Start Your Weekend Tonight

Start your weekend off right, tonight at Monkee's Dareen Hakim Trunk Show starting at 5pm.  I don't know about you, but I could use a little champy and a sweet treat while browsing cool handbags and shoes right about now.  I will also need it before heading over to Third Man Records to try and sneak a peek at whatever Conan O'Brien and Jack White have in store for everyone tonight.  The line started at about 10am this morning, so keep your fingers crossed that when we roll in, we'll still be able to get in.  I'll keep you posted on that adventure.

Curse you Cotton Mill!  I have resisted your sales the past few weeks, but BUY ONE GET ONE FREE?!  I don't think I can hold out any longer. 

The Alice + Olivia Trunk Show is traveling all over the States this summer and next week, the Airstream will be in Nashville.  Head over to the Cotton Mill Tuesday evening for their Flood Relief Cocktail Party.

 

 

Also, next Friday is the long awaited debut of The Golden Age of Couture at the Frist.  I am so excited!  The Frist is the ONLY U.S. venue to get this exhibit!  You can read more about it HERE.  

Mark June 24 at 6:30pm on your calendars!  Libby Callaway, local fashion journalist and owner of Diamond Star Halo Vintage, will interview supermodel and Venus & Mars owner, Karen Elson, about her experiences as an international model and the art of wearing haute couture.  This is a free event at the Frist Auditorium.  You can find more info HERE.

 *Photo from Frist Center for the Visual Arts.

  

 

Don't forget to check out our June Spotlight Store, Gin-O Boutique in Franklin!  Ginger has loads of cute summer apparel and accessories for you.

We're working on our reader email now, so make sure you're a Stella subscriber, because Gin-O is giving Stella readers a special discount this month.

Speaking of subscribing, our new Stellashops.com Facebook page is feeling kind of lonely.  She likes having lots of friends, so could you help her out and "like" her.  Thanks!

Happy Shopping!

Stella Spotlight: Nashville Boutiques - Gin-O Boutique

This month Mizzie and I headed to Franklin for our June Spotlight Store.  Up and down Main Street, you'll find all types of boutiques that literally run the gamut from hiking and camping gear to high-end fashion.  On the fashion end of that spectrum, you'll find Gin-O Boutique.  A sunny, white-walled, inviting space on 4th Ave. with everything you need to look your fashionable best without breaking your budget.  We spoke to owner, Ginger Wilder about her summer faves and here's what she had to tell us...

How has Gin-O evolved since you first opened?

We originally saw the need for a specific type of clothing boutique in downtown Franklin, one with a fun, upbeat atmosphere.  Given the economy over the past couple of years, we have tried to stay focused on the price conscious consumer and adapt our price points without sacrificing quality and style.


What is one of the best perks about owning a boutique?

The best perk is having a first hand look at each aspect of the business, from buying, researching current trends, interacting with our customers and of course the cute clothes!

Describe Gin-O style in ten words or less.

Upbeat, fun, flirty, stylish, trendy, chic!

What's your favorite item (or items) in the store right now?

I'm in love with the light, flowy summer dresses that are coming in.  They are perfect paired with a summer tan.  Another favorite of mine are the new Genetic skinny jeans.  The denim is incredibly soft...I could sleep in them.  Oh, and of course, I cannot forget Hanky Pankys.  We have a lot of fun, bright colors in stock right now.

What essentials should every girl have in her closet for summer?

Summer dresses and tops covered in neutral colors.  Although I am a huge fan of color in the summer, neutral tones are in this season.  I often catch myself pairing my white jeans with soft grey or peach tops.  It just feels fresh and it is a nice change for the summer months.

Also, dresses are perfect to beat the summer heat.  They are easy to throw on and go.  You can still look great and stylish even when it is sizzling outside.

Which denim brands would you say are your favorite and the best quality for the price?

!IT Jeans.  The quality of denim is amazing for the price you pay.  We carry several styles to fit different body types.  Our customers are always surprised when they look at the price tag.  The fit is awesome.  Styles that are huge for the summer are the Capris, and of course, DIVA.  She's our staple style.

If I wanted to 'splurge,' my favorite brand would be our new line, Genetic denim.  It's amazing how soft the denim is.  They also fit like a glove.  I've hardly been able to take mine off.

What are five of your favorite places in Franklin or Nashville?

PM (sushi pizza)

Downtown Franklin (of course)

Percy Warner Park

Maryland Farms YMCA

My back patio

What inspires you?

My customers!  I enjoy getting to know my customers and their shopping needs.  To see them walk in and love the merchandise makes me excited to keep buying exactly what they want.  It feels great to help them put outfits together that makes them feel good about themselves.


Visit Ginger this month at Gin-O!  And head over to our Stellashops.com Facebook page to see some of Gin-O's cute accessories and more store photos.

Gin-O Boutique

118 4th Ave. South

Franklin, TN 

www.ginoboutique.com

Photos courtesy of Jessica Rai Photography.