Take a couple of twenty somethings with a can-do attitude, enviable fashion sense, the will not to be confined and, voila, you have the force behind Fringe and Lace. Aubree Phillips, 22, and Natalie Sawyer, 26, saw an opportunity in the fashion world to cater to young adults interested in high fashion and fun looks, but not keen on spending over $100 on any one item. Without the worry of rent or employees, Aubree and Natalie have gone full steam ahead with their traveling boutique collection –think CAbi or a similar trunk show. However, unlike other clothing trunk shows, Fringe and Lace offers an ever-changing collection of apparel throughout the season and includes jewelry and handbags as well. All this and affordable prices to boot.
When and why did you move to Nashville?
NS: I don’t really consider it a move, seeing that Hendersonville is just 20 minutes north of Nashville! But, I moved when I was 18 and began my freshmen year at Lipscomb University.
AP: I am originally from Franklin, but with my dad’s work we were transferred to Knoxville then St. Louis. I came back to Nashville to attend Belmont University – and I recently graduated. My family is all back in Franklin, so I will be staying here for good.
What is the greatest piece of advice you have been given?
NS: Do you what you love and success will follow.
AP: Be passionate and absolutely love what you do, and surround yourself with loving, supportive, great people.
What motivated you to embark on this career path?
NS&AP: We both love fashion and always dreamed of starting our own boutiques, so we worked together and came up with an affordable way to start our own business! Yes, this is our full time job and we love it!
What is the most unexpected thing you have learned with Fringe and Lace?
NS: Work no longer feels like work!
AP: That I would love every minute of it. I am so passionate about our business in wanting it to succeed that it doesn’t feel like “work” for me. I didn’t expect to meet so many great people along the way, like our customers and fans who are so supportive.
Do you have any irrational fears?
NS: Yes! Too many to list.
AP: Peanuts.
What books can be found on your bedside table?
NS: I just finished Water For Elephants and loved it. Also, Elle and Marie Claire are two of my favorite magazines and staples on my night stand!
AP: In Real Time by Mike Glenn and the Bible.
Event most looking forward to attending this summer?
NS: I’m pretty stoked about attending the U2 concert this coming Saturday night! My husband and I have a friend working the tour who was kind enough to hook us up with tickets.
AP: I am really looking forward to the day this summer that our online shopping launches. That will be a huge event and milestone for us!
What is your “must-have” purchase for summer 2011?
NS: Summer is actually the one season for me when I don’t feel pressured into buying “key” pieces. Any of our light weight summer dresses are “must-haves” for me at the moment!
AP: Bright and chunky necklaces and rings, sky-high wedges, and flirty silk/chiffon blouses in bright colors. I’m obsessing over corals and teals, so any jewelry, dress or blouse in those colors! I love all of the cute dresses and feminine blouses Fringe and Lace has been getting in for summer, so I would take every single item for my closet!
Where is your favorite place to eat in Nashville?
NS: City House on a Sunday night. Best night of the week to go because they offer their Sunday Super menu.
AP: PM
Here are Natalie and Aubree modeling some Fringe and Lace outfits:
Favorite vacation spot?
NS: Rivera Maya in Mexico
AP: St. Maarten in the Caribbean and Beaver Creek, Colorado
Where is your favorite place to get ice cream this summer?
NS: Bobbie’s Dairy Dip on Charlotte.
AP: Sweet CeCe’s.
What is your favorite music for a dinner party?
NS&AP: The Mumford and Sons station on Pandora.
Name three things you can’t live without (excluding friends, family and God).
NS: Coffee, my iPhone and pedicures. (I can’t paint my own toes to save my life! Sad but true.)
AP: Coffee, camera, and my iPhone
To find out more about Fringe and Lace, be sure to check out their website: www.fringeandlace.com
