November 14th is a big Fashion Day. Knock off royalty H&M is launching its new collaborative line with none other than shoe-to-the stars designer Jimmy Choo.  There has been lots of press about this venture and most of it has been full of praise.  And, while I really love to write all things positive, I must take the not-so-praise-worthy route here. While I was originally wishing to take a quick Southwest trip to Chicago on Saturday to witness the madness– and then write about it for this blog– I’d rather save my money.  If I’m going to open up my wallet, I’d rather spend it on some fun local art this weekend (more about that later.)

Jimmy Choos….known for beauty, quality and a big ol’ price tag.  My first thought about this H&M collaboration was excitement.  But, I want to point out to you the things that now give me pause:

1) All the Jimmy Choo for H&M shoes come with this warning: Remember that shoes with leather soles are more vulnerable to water.  We recommend that you replace the sole and the top piece of the heels before using the shoes.  Really? Pay $99-$149 for shoes and practically $300 for boots and you have to go and have the soles and top piece replaced right away…BEFORE USING? Is this any indication about the quality of the rest of the shoe?  You can’t help but wonder.

2) The RULES for buying the collection have me feeling more claustrophobic than the thought of spelunking. Click here to read RULES…you may have to click the “skip intro” to see these rules.  Have you read them?  Are you as panicked as I was?  NO WAY JOSE will I be near that mob scene!

3) Ok- kill me, but I think they look costume-y and cheap, at least from the pictures. Compare these H&M JC shoes to the real McCoy.

All the following real JC’s were found on Ebay for comparable prices as the H&M shoes…well one is a bunch more but I couldn’t resist!

Click on shoe to go to sale. Size 8.5 Buy it now price is $185.90

These Jimmy Choo size 8's sold last night on Ebay for $275

Ok- So these are still high, but half the original price. $650 buy it now price. But, Ohhhhhh, soooooo preeeeeeety! size 7

And the H&M Jimmy Choos:

$129

4) Pura Lopez, available at Monkee’s and Camilla Skovgard, available at Perfect Pair are beautiful shoes that have a price tag at about 1/2or 2/3 less than a Jimmy Choo, but still embrace the beauty of a shoe like a work of art.

Pura Lopez

Camilla Skovgaard

Camilla Skovgaard

So, H&M, I’m taking my money elsewhere…Perhaps the next collaboration will be better.  I’ll show you where my money is going this weekend:

Watkins Student Yart show: I’m a huge believer that great art is what you, as an individual, respond to.  Take a trip to our fabulous Watkins School of Art this weekend and you may just set your eyes on a piece that makes your heart skip a beat.  All art is at Yard Sale prices.  Bring a toy for the Student Government Toy Drive.  Watkins is located at 2298 Rosa Parks Blvd.

Cindy Wunsch Art- Whimsical and happy.  Cindy Wunsch multi-media art is fun and full of life…with a price tag that makes you able to give into your desires.  Stop by 1000 Faces in Hillsboro Village on Friday night, Nov 13 b/t 5-8 to see what all the fuss is about.  Then wander down to one of the Hillsboro Village eateries and window shop along the way.  Grab a cab and for just a moment you may think you actually were able to take that Southwest trip out-of-town…..

Still wondering what to do this weekend? Embrace the impending Holiday Season with Christmas Village, at the TN Fairgrounds and Making Merry in Berry Hill.  With all these fun things, you just may be able to stay on a budget and cross gift buying off your list!

Have a great weekend,

Thank you for reading,

StyleBlueprint.

Beat the Grinch and Make Merry in Berry Hill this Saturday

As I took a right onto Bransford Avenue, there was activity everywhere. A huge white tent was set up in front of a Curious Heart and merchants were bustling preparing for the holiday open houses.  And, in a show of support, all of the participating shop owners prominently displayed the open house posters in their windows.

Over 24 retailers are participating in the Making Merry in Berry Hill Holiday Open House this Saturday. I must tell you this is not a stop by and have some punch and cookies affair; this is a total ALL OUT PARTY.   The festivities kick off at 10AM with the Coco Bon Bon’s Kids Fashion Show and ends at 6PM with a Jazz Quintet and Wine Tasting hosted by Robert Lipman Brothers– all under the big white tent.  There are tons of musical activities throughout the day: everything from Swing bands, to Ballroom Dancing, to an Americana singer named Susan.  For the kids and fun-loving adults too, Hair Mafia will offer holiday hair painting and face painting.  The Piece of Cake Bakery will sponsor a cupcake decorating lesson and Santa will arrive at the  Pfunky Griddle at 1PM for pictures.  If your pooch feels left out, tell him or her not to fret because See Spot Eat will have a special Christmas for Doggies from 10-3PM.  By the way, there are 3 pet stores in Berry Hill so Bowser can have a darn good time all day long.

A couple of merchants on Franklin Rd decided Berry Hill’s boundaries can extend outside of the ‘hood and are offering some great specials: Fabric Gallery is having a 10-20% off sale and Melrose Neighborhood Pub will have drink specials featuring their new brews.

I couldn’t wait to knock on the door of some of my favorite merchants to see what was cooking inside. Gilcrest & Gilcrest had brown paper on their windows to keep out suspicious types as Gilcrest & Gilcrest truly  wants to unveil their gorgeous wares in a dramatic way.  (By the way don’t forget to pick up the holiday issue of Southern Living and see owner Genia Gilcrest’s spectacular home.)

I did sneak in the back door of G&G to take some preview pictures that were allowed just for our readers. Genia takes shabby chic to the next level with a sophisticated eye for furniture and vintage collections.   After leaving Gilcrest & Gilcrest,  I stopped by Manor– right next door.  Manor was also locked, but someone forgot to re-lock the door so I slipped in quite unassuming.  Once inside, I couldn’t believe some of the gorgeous holiday items and displays.  Another daring shopper did the same and walked in and after a quick assessment said, “I’ll take that  cabinet because I can’t bear to see anyone else have it.”  I kept wondering if it was some important country music type since it is CMA week.  I asked Earl, the owner, right after he wrote up the huge order, “Is CLOSED is the new OPEN?.”  Let’s face it,  you’d feel just a teensy weensy bit obligated to buy something after you barged in on the owner of a locked store.

Most importantly:  BOTH GILCREST & GILCREST  AND MANOR ARE OFFERING 20% OFF OF EVERYTHING -except items $10 and under THIS  SATURDAY. If that lady had just waited until Saturday.  But, I guess when you have to have it, you HAVE TO HAVE IT!

So let’s take a look at the WONDERS behind the locked doors of Gilcrest and Gilcrest and Manor, again, for your eyes only (but feel free to forward to friends!)

At Gilcrest & Gilcrest, gorgeous chaise lounge with pillows, christmas tags and trees

Vintage Christmas tree waiting to be adorned with ornaments, sale price $250 @ Gilcrest

Gilcrest has an impressive collection of Florentine for the holidays

I love these icicles made from fossilized salt, large $7 and small $5

Please Santa, I want this handmade pillow at Manor with REAL metallic threads

Don't get your hopes up for the cabinet, but don't you love the snowflakes from Manor?

Manor has great holiday hostess gifts including these candle duets in holiday fragrances

Making Merry in Berry Hill

Saturday, November 14,

10A-5PM

Gilcrest & Gilcrest/Manor

2823 Bransford Avenue