An Evening of Art and Fashion: November 18, 2010

photo from http://gardenbrunchcafe.com/images/LOGO-clear-editd%20(2).jpg

The Garden Brunch Café will be hosting an evening of art and fashion on Thursday, November 18 from 6-8 and 8:30-10:30 p.m. Guests will be treated to a dinner “while viewing the arts and fashions of young aspiring artists and designers.” No further information on the arts or fashions could be found. A silent auction will also be held. The cost to attend is $40 and proceeds raised will go towards Mr. Meharry’s community service initiatives. Learn more about the event here.

photo from http://www.newzonfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/66.jpg

If you haven’t been to the Garden Brunch Café, I suggest you check it out. I’ve recently become obsessed with the idea of brunch. Nashville doesn’t seem to have as a strong brunch scene as my recently traveled cities of Chicago and DC, where patrons often wait up to two hours to enjoy mimosas and creatively constructed cuisines. But be sure to check out the Garden Brunch Café’s menu; prices range from $6.99 to $14.99 and include brunch classics like spinach omelets, delicious benedicts, and an array of pancakes.

Banana Foster Pancakes and Mimosa

I’m a little disappointed that I could find no information regarding the fashions and arts customers will be viewing this evening, but if those Banana Foster Pancakes are involved, I don’t think you can go wrong!

photo from http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200508/20/images/0819_B40.jpg

Street Fashion: Concert Trend Alert

Monday night I had the privilege of attending Mumford & Sons at TPAC’s War Memorial Auditorium. Tickets, costing around $23, sold out in a matter of hours, and I snagged two for me and a friend as soon as I heard this band was making the TN rounds again.

Mumford & Sons

photo from http://www.citylife.co.uk/img/17457/35305_mumford__sons.jpg

If you haven’t heard of Mumford & Sons, shame on you! They’re one of the hippest and most talented bands currently in vogue. I could tell you about their mind-blowing performance. Or how the crowd was so quiet and attentive while they played I actually heard somebody cough from across the room. Or I could describe to you the complete and utter chaos that occurred as they played their 45-minute encore set with surprise guests Old Crow Medicine Show. No, I won’t tell you about that. But I will tell you about some major fashion trends I saw: over-the-shoulder handbags, shorts with tights, and brogue flats.

If you think about it, over-the-shoulder handbags are the perfect purses to take to a concert: they’re hassle and hands-free, they can fit all your necessities, and you can still have a dance party while sporting them! I definitely prefer leather, and you’ll be sure to find some of these as great price points at your local thrift store. Maybe even check out Local Honey. Here's how to wear them right!

photo from wgsn.com

Shorts with tights may seem a little 90’s, but the trend has been popping up the past few seasons. But according to the girls waiting in line for the show, the trend is in full force! My new cousin-in-law? cousin? or whatever the wife of your cousin is called, recently honeymooned in Italy and noticed the trend herself. You can read about this adorable and fashionable girl’s adventures and fashion styling business here. (I also suggest that if you live in the Fayetteville, AR area, you hit this girl up for some styling advice!)

My lovely new family member, Anna Chatelain, sporting shorts and tights.

photo from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BT1ToryPzwrLqBw-Wn_WOXnI9t-7EEeWCDpIjxJOJquQdXrVoOZGLHWyIOf862fnxFxPvQ8rJafYuDdIx0Wrpci4SrHNHB0BSQs6GktRQV7E4_uINYHWl_NEQY8Aftib8wQJRuPUW_Y/s1600/TL_10_27_10.jpg

So, what type of shoes do you pair with these shorts and tights? Brogue flats! In addition to the typical array of Fall boots, these shoes seemed to adorn 90% of the hipsters in line. These can be found at local vintage and consignment shops, and I know Urban Outfitters has an array to choose from as well.

photo from wgsn.com

Blog Update

So, I know what you’re thinking. Uh… it’s been nearly a month since your last update! What’s the deal??

While I would like nothing more than to pretend the only pressing matter in my life is blogging, not so much the case. Work has been crazy busy lately (which is always good!!), I caught a case of the death-cold-flu-miserable sickness that was spreading around, and then I spend a good chunk of time in one of my favorite cities, DC.

photo from http://evilmonito.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/intro_washington_dc.jpg

If you have never been to DC, you’re missing out. I adore the Smithsonian’s, culture, historical monuments, and general atmosphere. Some of the greatest meals I’ve had in my life have been in DC. And more importantly than that, some of the greatest shopping! (But of course, New York will always be #1.) What I love most visiting my BFF in DC is taking a half day to peruse the racks of H&M and Zara. Now, I know those aren’t Nashville-specific shopping destinations as this blog is dedicated to, but they are noteworthy nonetheless. I purchased 17 items of clothing from both retailers, and only spent $300. I outfitted myself for half the winter with just a few hundred bucks! I'm headed to Chicago this weekend for a little getaway, and I'm sure will hit up these stores again. What can I say? I'm in love!

Zara retail store

H&M 2009 Matthew Williamson collection. ADORE.

photo from http://blog.insidefashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/matthew-williamson-h-and-m-collection-ss09.jpg

So, shopping at these retail-havens, got me wondering why H&M, specifically, wasn’t in Nashville? I don’t even know where the closest one is? And, even though I like being the only girl around rockin’ my H&M gear, I’m pretty sure discount-mall Opry Mills would be a perfect location for such a store. Then I started thinking about Opry Mills…

photo from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2Ralbv4aLoOvAcfVGp-xf3hY2fNlMSLTnVvOO6evliYD7V8q3iNKrLW6xJ1tyyptSnHoa1YMHvIxmWwLh-ctRrugK5NXEqzxLvGA0q8Rv5mSec8OISc56zLdP2EaHq_gi44u4oiq4HiT/s320/7470-2.jpg

Everyone I have talked to and the copious amounts of internet articles and information I have read all indicate varying stores about the mall’s fate. The Bass Pro Shop recently reopened with much fan fare. Now, I’m not exactly a BPS shopper, but I feel that’s a good sign. I also saw that the Gap and Banana Republic Outlets at Opry Mills are hiring. Another promising sign? I’d like to think so! I never realized how much I liked that mall (it is great for Christmas shopping) until it was gone. I periodically keep updated with the Opry Mills via their Facebook page. Open soon! And preferably with a H&M!

photo from http://fashionmagdaily.com/wp_fsimages/HMwhite2.jpg

Blue Jean Ball: November 11, 2010

Only in Tennessee (or Kentucky, for that matter) would you be able to attend a Blue Jean Ball. Thursday, November 11, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, guests at Buffalo Billiards (154 2^nd Ave. N.) can enjoy a silent auction, cocktails, and a virtual fashion show. Yeah, that’s right. You totally heard me right. Virtual fashion show. Now, what the hell is a virtual fashion show? Is this something they play on the big screens instead of football games? I’m not really sure, but I’m sure it’ll be interesting!

photo from http://www.businesswireindia.com/attachments/73_jeans.JPG

Proceeds from the event will benefit the March of Dimes. General public tickets can be purchased for $25 and VIP tickets, which include access to the lounge and a gift bag, will set you back $50. Guests are also encouraged to wear their favorite pair of blue jeans. RSVP here.

photo from http://www.shaunoakes.com/images/skinny-jeans-yes.jpg

Sassy Elegance: November 20, 2010

photo from http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11501022/Elegant_Wedding_Gown.jpg

Mb Entertainment is putting together another fashionable event. Sassy Elegance will take place Saturday, November 20, 2010 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Street Theatre Company (1933 Elm Hill Pike). As indicated on the Facebook invite and Eventbrite website, this event will feature “elegant evening gowns and more…”. What more? Who knows! And what type of gowns?? Your guess is as good as mine. But hey, they promise to be elegant!

photo from http://www.giftag.com/clip/zaphonprom/elegant-gown-with-off-the-shoulder-cap-sleeves-prom-dresses-between-400-500-evening-gown-zaphon-clip.jpg

Food will be served and the first 15 guests, upon request, will receive a free glass of wine. There are no children allowed to this event unless priorly discussed. Discussed with who? Eh, I dunno. Dress is formal or business casual. MBE asks that you “please be neat and clean looking”.

RSVP here.

photo from http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/b/2/4/1/PicImg_Project_Runway_6933.jpg

Frye Trunk Show: October 8 – 9, 2010

photo from http://nashvilleandbeyond.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/nashville-posh-tax-free-weekend.jpg

I have been absolutely, completely, and utterly obsessed with Frye boots for the past decade. What I love about these shoes is their timeless appeal and durability. These shoes will last you years! Decades, even!

I bought my first pair of Frye’s several years ago; a vintage pair of cowboy-ish boots from a hole-in-the-wall boutique in Kentucky. Keep in mind, I was rocking these boots before I moved to Nashville, so these were a hip little find that I would often pair with a green silk dress to add a little juxtaposition to my ensemble. And I got compliments ALL THE TIME. Seriously. They were that cool. Then… I move to Nashville. AKA – Country boot capital of the world! So I was no longer super indie and hip with my vintage cowboy boots, I was just another girl who looked like they belonged at Wanna Be’s Karaoke Bar.

My Frye cowboy boots that make me look like a tourist :(

photo from http://www.deadlyvintagesweets.com/clothing/fRYEcowboyboots.side.jpg

So, I knew I had to get a new pair of Frye’s and quick! And what better place to score a pair of these quality boots than the uber-stylish boutique, Posh Boutique?! After eyeing a pair of Campus Frye’s for a good six months, I finally watched the price drop from $300 to $200 and I swooped in to make my score. While I absolutely love, love, love Frye, the only problem? The price! Now, while I like to pretend I have a trust fund waiting for me, spending a lot of money of one item makes me want to have a panic attack. But, if the merchandise is quality, stylish, timeless, and I know it will last me many, many years to come, I am all about spending a little more. The thing about Frye boots is that they are an investment piece, and will be worth every single penny.

My new Frye Campus boots from Posh Boutique!

photo from http://cdn.is.bluefly.com/mgen/Bluefly/prodImage.ms?productCode=308272701&width=340&height=408

So when I hear about a Frye Trunk Show in Nashville, you know I gotta make it down! This Friday at 10:00 am through Saturday  at 7:00 pm, Posh Boutique in Hillsboro Village will be hosting a Frye Trunk Show. The store promises to have a huge selection of shoes for both men and women. Aaannnnd.. one lucky individual will be winner of a free pair of boots! Let’s hope it’s me. Seriously. I need at least fifty pairs of these things in my closet asap. So, if I don’t win, please feel free to just buy me a pair. Come on, you know you want to!!

RSVP to the event here.

photo from http://pic.51windows.net/Logos/F/FRYE_logo.gif

Event Review: Fanny's Vintage Clothing Sale

photo from http://eastnashvilleblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/fannys-house-of-music.jpg

Have you ever noticed that when you get sick the only things that really matter in your life include your bed, a hot cup of Chicken Noodle soup, and about a gallon of Gatorade? Well, that’s been my life for about the past week. The brutal head cold of 2010 debilitated my existence for the past week, and as a result my boxes of Kleenex took precedence over any sort of event attendance or blogging. With that being said, I did manage to get out of my comfy pajamas for about an hour on Saturday to attend Fanny’s House of Music Vintage Yard Sale. I had previously blogged about this event with great anticipation, and I’m glad I was able to make it out.

photo from http://blog.globalyp.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Blu-Vintage-Boutique.jpg

In the backyard of Fanny’s about seven or so venders set up several tables and racks filled with tons of vintage goodies. Mostly clothes, shoes, and accessories were being sold. Upon arrival of the first booth, I can’t help by admit that I loved the ambiance of the event. You know when you go to a huge flea market and after hours of sorting through rows of old McDonald’s toys, WWII memorabilia, pound puppies, and old VHS tapes you stumble upon that one booth of hip finds you fall in love with? Fanny’s event was like that one booth. Only multiplied into several booths. And no junk in between.

photo from http://cdn4.lookbook.nu/files/looks/medium/137483_2.jpg?1234889605

The event was scheduled to last from 10 – 6, and I arrived shortly after 11:00 am. By the time I got there, about ten fashionable hipsters were pursuing the racks of clothes and fingering the unique jewelry. Several of my friends went at different time points, so I’m sure there was a steady crowd most of the day.

I managed to make out with some great finds, including a ridiculously amazing lion pendant necklace that I can’t wait to pair with some super casual t-shirt to add that extra umph to the outfit.

All in all, I had a lot of fun at this event, and anticipate Fanny’s will soon put together another.

photo from http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1350/1230680679_6fce2925eb.jpg?v=0