StyleBlueprint » boutique bella

Wear white jeans after Labor Day.

Liza — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 03:08:51 +0000

While every fashion magazine has told us for more than a decade that white below the waist is OK year round, here in The South that concept has simply not taken hold. We still stick to our off-white pants for fall and winter. What has changed is that where white was once considered only appropriate on your bottom half after Easter, it’s now considered fine by March. Spring Break is a great rule of thumb. But, when do you put your white jeans up?

Elizabeth Broyhill, owner of Monkee's.

Elizabeth Broyhill — “Last year I fell so deeply in love with my J. McLaughlin white stretch jeans that I vowed never to put them away for the winter. I believe that as long as the denim has a heavy enough hand to it, you can pair it beautifully with cozy sweaters and boots or a great pair of suede pumps throughout the cold months. Just be smart with how you pair white denim in the winter so that it doesn’t appear that you are pushing the season too hard!”

Monkee’s:

J McLaughlin “Dixie Denim” white stretch jeans: $145
Lilly Pulitzer Sabeline Coat: $228
Butter chocolate brown wedge, “Sparkle”: $285

Many people will still say Labor Day is the time to say goodbye to our trusted white jeans until spring comes back around – but I disagree. WARNING: Many in Nashville will disagree with me on this point! My opinion is that September around here is hot. White jeans are usually lighter and cooler to wear. It just takes knowing how to pair them, with a nod toward fall. Come October, most Nashville gals have put them up. I think that is safe and fine, but if you love your whites, keep them in your rotation. You’ll just need to think through your white jeans outfit a bit to keep it seasonally appropriate.

KC Nikolai, co-owner Boutique Bella

KC Nikolai — “I tend to keep my white jeans in the rotation until about the first frost.”

Boutique Bella:

Paige white jeans: $176
Velvet top, 2009
Black Suede tall boots from KC’s own closet.

Outfit by H Audry

Rhett, manager of H. Audry — “I personally think you never have to give up your white jeans in the winter — just lose the tee, throw on a cozy sweater and go!”

H Audry:

Humanoid sweater: $318
Cheryl Dufault necklace: $398
Loeffler Randall boots: $820
J McLaughlin dixie denim white stretch jeans: $145

Yes, some ladies in Nashville will talk about your white jeans when they see them in October — that might be part of the fun! If you monogram the back pockets in a great fall color, some might even follow suit. OK — I’m kidding. Don’t do that. Of course, you could make most happy by simply switching to white cords…

J McLaughlin's Carrie Kinsley

Carrie Kinsley — “I would wear white jeans through the holiday season with cozy, chunky knits, or cashmere in winter white, gray and camel tones — then retire them until late spring so they seem fresh again for a new season.”

J McLaughlin:

The Denison Quilted Biker Jacket: $295 — colors: navy, off-white, orange
The Palm Spring Scarf: $75 — available colors: off-white w/navy, off-white w/green, off-white w/orange
Dixie Denim white stretch jean: $145
Kate Spade flats: $298 from Monkee’s – gray patent leather with gun metal pearl — “The Abbie”

Susan Davis, Stylist at Levy's

Susan Davis, in regards to how long to wear white jeans into fall — “Well, I wouldn’t wear them to Thanksgiving dinner…”

Levy’s:

Shawl by Me& Kashmiere in brown and black: $195.

White jeans and white top from Susan’s closet

So, there you go. I will say that most times I really do think dark denim is the best choice, but if you love your white jeans, by all means wear them. Just give up pairing them with flip-flops and bright tees so that we all see the style queen within you, and not someone who wants to be stuck “so last season!”

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Be sure to check out our THIS WEEK section to see how you can win a FREE Katie Kalsi bag as well as find out what is going on at area stores like Habit, Woo Skincare + Cosmetics, Trace Skin Care, and the picnic dinner with Margot, the nD festival, and the upcoming Roberta Freymann trunk show! Check out THIS WEEK!

Trend Alert: Spring 2010

Liza — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:53:11 +0000

We’ve found them all for you: Experts on shoes, denim, hair, makeup and clothing. Here is your 2010 Spring fashion trend advice!

Shoes:

We went straight to the owner of Monkee’s, Elizabeth Broyhill, and asked her point blank: what’s hot? Are gladiators still in? What are you most excited about? Here is what you need to know:

Gladiator Sandals: The gladiator is back again this Spring in a major way. If you’re still a little hesitant opt for simple leather strap for a cleaner look. Or kick it up with embellishments or a high wedge.
Exotic Embellishments: Go native with exotic embellishments. Feathers, beads, paillettes… the more the better! And this trend goes hand-in-hand perfectly with the gladiator phenomenon.

Reptile: This is a look that is timeless in my opinion, but it made a major statement on the runways for this season. Any reptile – snakeskin, alligator, you are good to go. And don’t hesitate to go for a stamped leather for a less expensive buy.

Nudes & Neutrals: This elegant look is here in a major way for Spring. This look elongates the leg and is truly flattering. And if you’re worried about matching your skin tone, TroveTkees will arrive soon at Monkee’s. These celebrity must-haves are beautiful leather sandals that come in a broad palate of foundation colors – stay tuned!
High Wedge: The petite gals always gravitate to these stunners, but even if you’re 6 feet tall, we say go for it! There are many styles to choose from this Spring and a wedge is always a flattering look and quite comfortable to boot!
Studs: This is a carry over trend from Fall and we welcome it to stay! Studs are a fantastic embellishment to reflect that hard-edge of your style. Go for a shoe that can carry you into the early Fall as this trend is sticking around for a while! Our zipper shoes are fantastic as well.

Denim:

Boutique Bella has an amazing assortment of denim. One of the owners there, KC Nikolai, talked me through the hot trends:

Basically, whatever you want and love is on trend this Spring. If you want a flare, a boot cut, or a skinny, they are all fashionable. This season is all about YOU.
You will see the opposite ends of the spectrum lining the street: tattered & battered along side with tailored and clean.
Boyfriend jeans didn’t sell in the way that was promised, so it will be interesting to see if that look in denim stays around.
J Brand continues to be ultra popular in Nashville and look for the love-fest we had over black denim in winter to carry into Spring. While gray denim is touted in the magazines as strong and trendy, it’s an urban look (think NYC and LA) and most of Nashville simply won’t embrace it. Nashville loves white jeans and they are a must have.

The Skinny Jean is proving to be one that has sticking power. The various fit options have opened this look up to many shapes….especially if you pair with a boot and a long tunic. Look to see a lot of cropped skinny jeans this Spring and Summer as more and more women embrace this look which is becoming more of a mainstay jean than a trend.
The Daily Beast has an hysterical post on the trend of the legging = jean known as a jegging. Click here. It’s worth the click.
Boutique Bella carries sizes 24 – 32 (00 – 12) for jeans. They have low rise, mid rise, high rise, regular and long. They have so many jeans; it’s amazing. Give yourself an hour here and find your perfect jean!

Hair:

Trim Classic Barber’s senior stylist Bryan Letcher (and Liza’s hairstylist) gives us the scoop on what to expect in hair. If you need a updated look, I highly recommend Bryan.

Short hair cuts are fuller bodied pixie cuts reminiscent of the sixties.
Mid length classic bobs with strong lines are still going strong.
Long hair is getting more layered and textured.
Reds are multi-tonal but still have a soft lived in look.
Brunettes are either dark and dramatic or muted with golden peekaboo highlights.
Blonds are natural looking with a lot of buttery tones.
Styling is soft and often multi-textured (ie. smooth top with rough ends)

Mia Farrow in the 1960's

Carey Mulligan today

Cosmetics:

Woo Skincare + Cosmetics shares what the new, hot colors are for this Spring and how to apply them. Here’s their sage advice:

Corals: For lips and cheeks, beautiful, lush, warm corals with a hint of pink. Bobbi Brown has six new lipsticks and new rouge pots in Calypso Coral and Cabo Coral. They can be used on either your lips or cheeks.
Shimmers: Shimmer into spring with a subtle look. Use shimmers on your lids and cheeks in Bobbi Brown colors of Nectar and Pink Quartz. One customer asked, “Can 50 year-old woman use shimmers?” Absolutely, but sparingly, just in the crease of the lid and as highlights to your blush.
Subtlety: Soft and feminine is in with subtle pinks, corals and warm browns.
Definition: Brows need definition and Bobbi Brown has a new brow pencil that’s wax free to allow a smoother application.

Woo suggests corals and pink for Spring

Clothes:

Habit, located in the Courtyard of Bandywood, was our place to find the word on clothing trends. Meg Blackney, owner, is a transplant to Nashville with an eye for what’s on the horizon. Her store has expanded to include an entire new room devoted completely to lingerie. Her selection is amazing and not be found anywhere else in Nashville. Habit, with its whitewashed walls and industrial feel, is one of my favorite stores. Meg had some definite ideas about Spring trends in clothing:

Fresh, White, Clean, Crisp: Seek out shirts, tunics and tees that reflect an airy, light look. Habit has a great selection from Velvet and Joie. Stay away from cremes this Spring season as they are on the out.

Habit carries fresh and white as a staple for Spring

Nautical: This is still in and continues to be a versatile addition to your wardrobe. You’ll see lots of white stripes with the traditional navy as well as other colors. Pair your nautical tees and sweaters with skinny white jeans.

Nautical is a great way to add interest to your Spring look

Twill: Twill jeans are the new leggings with their sleek, smooth texture. You’ll find twill jeans in white, khaki and black. As Boutique Bella also said, the skinny jean is here for a while. A staple. Both stores disagree that skinnys are only suited for 20 year olds. Meg just send her Mother a pair with instructions included: cover you backside with a long tunic or sweater, pair with boots and have fun. High waisted trousers with wide legs are part of most Spring collections.
Safari Look: The safari look in fatigue colors of grey, khaki and white. Check out Joie, one of Habits’ most popular lines.
Pencil Jeans: Pencil jeans that hit above the ankle. Some will have cuffs to roll up and pair with flats. It’s a new slant on the boyfriend look.
Slub: I LOVE the feel of slub. Slub is linen and cotton blended together giving shirts and wraps a distinctive look with its texture and weave.
Tees: Razor back tees in all colors IMAGINABLE.

Slub, a linen and cotton blend, rocks this Spring

30% off all Jeans at Boutique Bella

Liza — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:14:44 +0000

That’s right…we know how to hook you up, huh? Our favorite place to buy jeans, Boutique Bella, is providing our readers with a private sale for SBP readers only: 30% off their jeans starting today, Wednesday May 20, 2009 at noon. The sale ends on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. You must show them this post (or the email) on your phone OR print this out on your computer! You have a day and a half to get there and buy some jeans! Go! Be a good friend….email this post to your friends so they can share the love:-)

I’ve sent so many people to Boutique Bella to get jeans and I’m always getting emails and phone calls telling me how helpful the staff is here. They are friendly and they know their jeans! Tell them your issues, they will find you the perfect pair!

Jeans to look for: my absolute favorite are Rock N Republic. If you are tall, you will love these. These jeans run extra long. If you are not so tall, they are still great, just get them hemmed. Insider tip: buy them snug. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but here goes: when I get my R&R jeans, I sleep in them to stretch them out. After that, I wash them but don’t dry them and they are Perfect. It’s just that initial stretch-out. But, I carry my weight in my thighs – uggggghhh- if you don’t, you won’t have to use my insider tip!

They have tons of R&R jeans as well as a huge display of True Religion jeans (my friends love these – alas my 35″ inseam legs are too long!) as well as the following:

7 for all Mankind
1921
AG Adriano Goldschmeid
Arilo
Citizens of Humanity
Chip & Pepper
Habitual
Hudson
J Brand
James Cured Denim
Joe’s Jeans
Juicy Couture
Kasil
Paige Premium Denim
People’s Liberation
Rock & Republic
True Religion
William Rast

Need some higher rise jeans to cover your tummy? They carry mid and high-rise jeans!

If you don't have white jeans, PLEASE TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BUY SOME! A true Summer staple. A must have. Really. And at 30% off, why not give them a try?

I have my eye of two pairs of jeans….I’m going to save about $120! So, I know I’m going to end up spending that money on something else (I figure it’s basically free, right?) Well, they are carrying a new label, KAS, and I just LOVE these TUNICS. Since they are all under $120, I think I have my piece….

Pair one of these with your new jeans or look ultra stylish poolside!

If you are an avid reader of SBP, you’ll know we both love Michael Stars tee’s and Boutique Bella sells tons of these. Maybe I’ll get two of these instead…

Boutique Bella has TWO tables full of Michael Stars T's!

Or, perhaps another pair of Robin Haley earrings….I just love her designs.

Tons of Trina Turk and Ella Moss are at Boutique Bella right now.

But, I do know that I’ll be getting at least two pairs of jeans. I know this week is crazy busy, but you’ll be happy you stopped by Boutique Bella to take advantage of this sale!

One last thing, pick up some Hanky Panky thongs while you are there. If you have not tried these panties, they are life changing. Honestly, they are the only thing I wear now!

I suggest the low-rise.....:-)

Boutique Bella is located in the Park Place Shopping Center on West End Avenue. The same place with Ted’s Montana Grill and Honey Baked Ham. It’s in the back left corner. Another insider tip: lunch time gets pretty busy in this parking lot. If you wait until after 2:00, or get there before 11:30, there are more parking spots.

ENJOY!

Boutique Bella
2817 West End Ave
(615)467-1471

J.P. & Mattie Bags at Boutique Bella

Liza — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:20:34 +0000

I popped into Boutique Bella on a quest for some earrings for a friend’s birthday. Yes, tis the season of birthdays. I found the earrings I wanted, but I also found these awesome bags by L.A. designers J.P. & Mattie. These are just fun bags that you will grab for time and time again. With a $95 price tag, they are a tame splurge. Boutique Bella ordered 16 and they only have four left so, if you want one, you better be fast!

Have Fun Shopping This Weekend!

Liza — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:54:45 +0000

Martin Luther King Day seems to be the one and only holiday which has yet to be latched onto by stores as a sales opportunity. And let us hope this remains. However, there are plenty of sales as store rush to get rid of their winter gear as shipments of spring happiness arrive. So, if you are out and about, check out:

Jamie’s 50% off sale.
Zelda’s 50% off sale.
Bradford’s Winter Clearance on select items.
Boutique Bella has most winter items at 30% off. Visit their Sale Outlet right next door (DenHim location).
12South Yoga is having a huge sale on all yoga equipment and clothing from 3-5 on Saturday, Jan 17th. Entire store on sale to make room for new shipment.

And…be on the lookout in a few weeks as Carissa’s is getting a new shipment in February!

Have a great 3 day weekend.

- Liza and Elizabeth