First off, I am completely over-the-top obsessed with this dress by ADAM.  It’s pricey, but oh-so-fabulous.  This is the type of dress that you buy once and you pull out once a year for different events no matter what the season.  And then, you hand it down to your daughter to wear. I found this dress at Haven, in Franklin.  It has left me day-dreaming ever since:

Dress by Adam: $1,495 or $1,369 depending on where you shop....

This dress is also available at Net-a-Porter for $1,495, and available, in a size 4 at Haven for $1369.  Each sequin is actually sewn across the middle and folded, which allows room for about 3X as many sequins as normal – so this dress is heavy, but falls perfectly when worn.  Here is a close up of the sequins:

Close up of the Adam dress I love.

If you check out the dress on Net-A-Porter it looks pretty short.  Well, it is short. But remember that the model there is a size 0 and 6 feet tall and in heels.  For everyone else, the dress will not be as short.  Haven is located on Main St. in Franklin, TN: www.sanctuaryofstyle.com and the link to Net-A-Porter is here: www.net-a-porter.com.

J Crew is featuring this gorgeous dress, with another price that needs a comma.  Now, on Dec. 9th everything at J CREW was 25% off; we’ll see what treat Dec. 10th brings.  But if this is dress makes your heart sing, you may be able to snag a deal:

J Crew Lumiere Dress, $1,100.

This gold skirt is also by J Crew:

J Crew Skirt, $275.

This sequin bag from Banana Republic leaves your bank account as happy as you are to have it:

Tote also available in all black and these are on sale right now for just $89.99

.

This next dress is available at boutiques carrying Badgley Mischka, or through one of our favorite online sites, Rent The Runway:

This Badgley Mischka Dress is $800, or $100 to rent.

If you need/want the perfect holiday coat, say hello to the Mid Dietrich Sequin Coat, DVF:

Mid-Dietrich Sequin Coat, DVF, $725. Drool-worthy to say the least.

I just got an email from Tory Burch and I couldn’t stop staring at this combination.  She is fearless with her use of color and pattern mixing:

Tory Burch Laurence Tee, $350

And last but not least, from our Style Blueprint Deal partner today, Monkee’s, check out this pair of Kate Spade shoes:

Kate Spade shoes- your outfit is complete.

and this clutch bag, also from Monkee’s:

This clutch is perfect for a fun night with jeans, or a black tie event. And, it's seasonless.

If you have no idea what deal we are talking about, today’s Style Blueprint Deal is the only way to spend just $40 and get an incredible $85 voucher to Monkee’s, located in the Hill Center in Green Hills!

Click here to see this deal!

Elizabeth weighs in: At heart, I am a girly-girl and adore glitter and glam. So when I saw this dress in the window of Studio 615 (next to UAL on West End), I thought, “This is to die for, ahhh to be 30 again.” What I love most about Studio 615 is the store is so delightfully affordable. Seriously, you can get great holiday dresses, skirts and tops for about $100. The dress below is under $150. Studio 615 has a great selection of shoes and boots. They are having a rockin’ sale right now on boots.

This dress makes a statement, don't you think?

The back definitely does!

Have a great weekend!  If you are looking for things to do, remember our THIS WEEK section is always full of fun ideas!  Be sure to check it out!

-Style Blueprint

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

CLICK HERE for THE DEAL

Monkee’s is “the ultimate in ladies shoes, clothing and accessories.”

Highlights

• No tipping point – Monkee’s wants everyone to participate!
• Won “Best Shoe Store” in the Nashville Scene readers’ poll
• Brands such as Frye, Jack Rogers, DVF, All Black, Emu, Butter, Cole Haan, Kate Spade, Sofft, Cynthia Vincent and many others
• Conveniently located at the Hill Center in Green Hills

Restrictions

• Limit: 2 per person
• If you buy 2 deals, only one voucher can be used on any given day.
• Additional 10% off boots at redemption of this deal (sorry, does exclude Frye boots)
• Expires June 9, 2011
• Vouchers available to print on Saturday, Dec 11th
• Expires 6/9/2011

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

So, when I found out that not only did a friend from college know the dynamic duo behind this jewelry line, but also that they were going to be at Monkee’s on Nov. 16th, I knew I needed to drop by to meet these gals.  And as expected, the founders, Becky and Megan, are warm, engaging, hard-working, fun and real.  If they lived in Nashville, we would all want to invite them out for drinks.

Becky, Megan, and Elizabeth Broyhill (owner of Monkee's). See that gorgeous red dress on Megan? That's by Nashville's own Kayce Hughes, whose women's line is now available at Monkee's.

Drop necklaces, $120 each

earrings

Bangles, $89 each

The necklace is fun! And so is that bamboo-handled metallic clutch from Monkee's. Many of the W&M necklaces have vintage pins.

More from the W&M line.

Their line is fun and the price point is very accessible.  The line is found at both You’re Invited and at Monkee’s.  So, if you are looking for a little holiday cheer, this line is the perfect way to get a pick-me-up without breaking the bank.  See if you, too, don’t add some of their fun designs to your jewelry uniform!

Want to win a $250 gift certificate to Private Edition as well as a FREE facial and a FREE spray tan? OK – of course you do, who wouldn’t?  Be sure to sign up TODAY as we are picking our randomly drawn winner TONIGHT.  CLICK HERE.

Trunk shows, art shows and lots of fun stuff.  We’ve got it started, and more will be added as the week goes on: click here for THIS WEEK.

© 2010 – 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

It’s hard to pare down to just a few, but here are my favorites and then Elizabeth rounds out the post with her faves as well.  You know we have about 100 more that we love…

Liza:

OK – I tried to pick five pairs of boots that would really integrate into my wardrobe with ease.  I did not pick any classic pairs, as I’m a little bored with those this season.  In fact, most of my boots listed here are all casual in nature – as my job is running around town, not being in an office.  If I were in an office, I’d wear more traditional boots or even the suede booty/pumps that are being merged with such grace this season.  Also, I am 5′ 11″ tall, so I did not pick any 4″ heels which eliminates a lot of my favorites, including pretty much the entire Tory Burch collection.  Here is what I have my tall-self eyes on:

I know this is not a look for everyone, but I really am digging this trend. I think these are the perfect amount of tough, without feeling the need to ride a hog. Frye, $288

Most Steve Madden boots are on trend with a great price point. With a 2 1/2 inch heel, these have caught my eye. $170.

At 3 1/2 inches, these boots are at my personal max for heel height - and truth be told, It's hard for me to shell out this kinda money. But, I also know that sometimes when you splurge, you wear the boots a ton more than ones half the price. And, these are pretty great. They combine the workman boot trend along with the lace up trend. See by Chloe, $411 on Zappos.

I really wanted to include a booty and this was the hardest one to find. I wanted one with a 3 or 3 1/2 inch heel, an open toe, and an ankle opening that opened downward onto the foot, not straight across the ankle. A zipper would be cool as well. Hello Burberry. With a 3 1/2 inch heel, it fits the bill on all counts. It's Burberry priced, at $595.

I could own 20 pairs of cowboy boots…really I could.  And I’d wear them ALL.  So, my “fifth pair” is really several pairs under one category.

Here are my favorite cowboy boots of the season:

This zippered Old Gringo boot is available, along with many other Old Gringo boots, at Perfect Pair in Nashville.

Old Gringo, at the Perfect Pair

Old Gringo boots, available at Zappos.com. I love these with a skirt or dress. But, I adore them with jeans and cords. They make your outfit so easy as they are the focal point. Stare at them for a while....see if they grow on you like they did on me.

These Western meets motorcycle boot is usually not my look, but I'm lovin' this pair by Donald Pliner. DP is my ultimate comfort shoe. This pair is $325. Are these cheesy or cool? I think it's in the way you rock them!

The following Frye boot, along with many other Frye boots, are available at Monkee’s, in the Hill Center in Green Hills.  Check out their Trunk Show for Frye on Oct. 30th from 10 A.M. – 7 P.M.

Billy Stud Pull on by Frye. I admit I was not a fan of this boot until I saw someone wearing it. Now, hands down, I love it! $328

Alrighty, that’s my fives pairs.  Hee hee…. like how I sneaked in eight pairs?   Also, you know that next week I’ll be completely gaga over a completely different 20 pairs of boots.  There are so many…. have fun and don’t buy until you LOVE.

Elizabeth picked four pair and here they are, all available at Nordstrom, Zappos, and area stores.:

Kate Spade "Kristi" bootie. $450.

Jeffrey Campbell Pieced Boot. $314.95

Bernardo Vavoom Boot. $239.95

Franco Sarto Rider $189

Have a great weekend!  And remember that we want pictures of your pretty fall decorated porch, front door, table or stairs!  Please email pictures to me by Sunday at 5:00 PM and you might just see your picture in Monday’s post!  Please let us know any stores where you purchased the photographed items. liza.graves@styleblueprint.com

-Elizabeth and Liza

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

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!”

******************************************************

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!

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

I had an aunt who wore lots of Lilly and other bright and busy prints.  I think we all have that same aunt.  I, on the other hand, tend to gravitate toward the neutrals and the solids with few prints thrown in.  Call me boring.  I know, I know.  Some of you just think I’m nuts because Lilly is just so darn cute.  And really, what little girl doesn’t look her best in a Lilly sheath?  I agree, adorable.

So, if you, too, have had weird psychological hang-ups with Lilly, I ask you to gaze upon these fashions while keeping an open mind.  I think I’m a convert. Lily, you may not have had me hello, but you have me mid-conversation.  If you are so inclined to want to buy some, Monkee’s, in Hill Center, has the cutest collection of Lilly Couture I’ve seen.

Each of these dresses are beautiful and make an easy yet perfect summer outfit.  The gold and turquoise earrings are stunning.

And,  for the lady who just can’t have enough Lilly in her life: Lilly now has a bike! (Is this because the Liberty bike sold out so quickly at Target?)

With all the Lilly love I’m showing,  I do take one exception. The newest line has an item I just can’t seem to come to terms with: metallic Lilly print fabric made into cargo pants.  Is it just me?

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

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:

• 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

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

From Billy Reid, the Gladys. $495. 20% off= $396 I love both colors, but the metallic copper ones are show stoppers.

All Frye, all at Monkees. Be sure to hit the Frye trunk show this Saturday. From left to right, $400.50, $348, $640. But take 20% with Centerstone Card.

More Frye selections at Monkees. Price left to right are:$398, $170, and $348.

At Perfect Pair, by Old Gringo. $495. $396 after 20% off. LOVE that Zipper!

At Perfect Pair, and the perfect price. By Bronx. $198.

Another bargain by Bronx at Perfect Pair, $148. Two of my friends have these and they are great.

With all this rain, a pair of Hunter boots from JCrew, reg price $115, may be the boot to take advantage of this weekend...

For a true "fits like a glove" boot (even with tiny calves) try Tall Tale Stretch boots by Stuart Weitzman in the Mall at Green Hills $575, but again, 20% off with the Centerstone Card!

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

I was recently DROOLING over the new Diane von Furstenberg collection.  She just knows pretty.  What was of particular interest was her pairings with opaque tights, socks and sandals.  If ever there were a time to invest in some tights and ankle and knee high socks, this is that time.  You may have some “summer” sandals or open toed shoes that you can absolutely wear as the weather turns cooler.  Look at these pictures:

Diane von Furstenberg

You can see that layering long socks over tights with dark bold sandals can dramatically change the look of your outfit.  You can try this with some of your summer dresses (it most definitely will NOT work on most, but perhaps one or two in your closet) and then add a cardigan and a skinny belt and you are suddenly very Fall 2009:-)  If you think this look will not be around, simply check out these pictures from the J.Crew website.  Layering is everywhere and your ankles have not been forgotten.

J.Crew

Knowing that this look was youthful and perhaps a little intimidating for many in Nashville, I met up with Elizabeth Broyhill, owner of Monkee’s Nashville, to see how we could make this look a little more user friendly.  Although I would wear most of these featured pictures in a heartbeat.

As a little plug, before I go any further, Monkee’s is having this AMAZING sale on Thursday, September 3rd, all day with party thrown in from from 4-7 p.m.  With cocktails on hand, you can also buy summers best shoes at 50% off and then get another sale shoe FREE!!!!  You know how I LOVE free! Located in Hill Place Green Hills across from Whole Foods.  Now, back to Fall 2009…

Monkees has tons of leg-wear from Kate Spade arriving in October.  She agrees: bold colors in leg-wear, layers, and open toed shoes will be everywhere this Fall.  Also, the BOOTIE, a look that has only been hesitantly embraced in Nashville, will be seen much more…and not hidden under jeans but paired proudly with opaque tights and/or socks with dresses and skirts.  Elizabeth showed me around the store and here are some looks that I loved:

Sandals

While I would love to show you a close up of each shoe, I think that that might be WAY TOO MANY pictures for this post. These shoes can all be part of the look I'm talking about today. Pair anyone of these with tights or socks. Throw the color in with the leg-wear and you can make many looks out of one pair of shoes.

I do want to highlight this Cynthia Vincent shoe as I love how it incorporates black, brown, and all metallics for $225.

Booties

Now for the booties I found.  My favorite are the grey ones by Frye.

We will feature many more looks for this coming season over the next couple of months.  I think this season has so many beautiful looks to embrace!  Next, I’ll find some fun flats and I’ll be sure to throw more color into that selection.  But, for now, be sure to buy some tights!  Places to look: Monkee’s, J Crew, Wolford (both at the Wolford store and at Jamie)

Enjoy these last few days of summer! -Liza

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.