StyleBlueprint » Nashville

Gilchrist & Gilchrist: Berry Hill’s Gem of a Shop

Elizabeth — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:05:05 +0000

Norman, the store manager

Gilchrist & Gilchrist sounds important: a law office perhaps, a name you may find tucked away on a street corner in London or maybe even in the quaint town of Bath, England. In Nashville, the name belongs to a darling shop located in an equally charming cottage in Berry Hill. Once you step inside, I think you’ll be glad you made the trek.

You will probably read more about this in future posts, but my house is on the Home Tour in the Whitland neighborhood. Help! Gulp! For me, with three small daughters, the word “home tour” makes me break out in hives. Speaking of the word break, once you sign on the dotted line to show your home, everything in your house begins to BREAK. It’s as if the VOODOO doll was dropped on your doorstep to invite in evil spirits.

With the Home Tour in mind, I dropped by Gilchrist & Gilchrist to look for some pillow shams to match my comforter, which I freely admit is gorgeous. I still had some birthday money yet to spend and I really want pillows shams so my bed will look OH SO COMPLETE for the HOME TOUR. Money spent.

wonderful frames in all sizes

unique gift items are everywhere

Genia Gilchrist has a eye for all things white & whimsical

How fun is this lamp shade?

Gilchrist & Gilchrist carries several lines of lovely linens; all can be custom ordered in any shade you can imagine. I ordered a gorgeous soft, muted pale blue linen sham with a euro sham in cream which I plan to embroider with my initials ( just in case a thief breaks in and tries to steal it.) Some of the brands Gilchrist & Gilchrist carry are Pine Cone Hill, Bella Notte, Papillion and Pom-Pom. All are simply wonderful.

Probably what I love most about the shop is the sense of rhythm and pace you feel once you walk in the door. Genia Gilchrist has a refined eye for all things white, especially her white furniture and accessories. Even more welcoming is her refined eyes FOR ALL THINGS WHIMSICAL.

My personal favorite is her new lamp shades by Cake Rocket a fantastic artist from Texas. They also sell organic cleaning products from Maison Belle that are so safe for the environment that you can drink them. Maybe you want to hold off on that taste test, but I think you get the idea.

Maison Belle Products are environmentally safe

Best of all, Norman (see picture above) almost always greats you at the door, eager to provide for your every need. A couple of dog biscuits and a belly scratch may get you the sister-in-law deal!

Gilchrist & Gilchrist
2823 Bransford Avenue
Nashville, TN 37204
615.385.2122

In Search of the Great White Plate

Elizabeth — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:50:37 +0000

Last week as I sat happily at the computer pecking away at the keyboard, my thoughts were interrupted by a huge crash. I went screaming through the house like a madwoman, “What happened?” As I rounded the corner to the dining room, I saw an entire shelf had come unhinged falling to the bottom of the cabinet. The good news is my beautiful Italian pottery was saved as it was on a higher shelf; the bad news all my wonderful white dishes are now toast.

White plates are like white candles on a table: always classy, always appropriate. So, I began the hunt to replace my white dishes. Sometimes TJMaxx has great dishes from Portugal, but more times than not, there are only a couple plates in each pattern. I popped by yesterday with no real score.

Here are my finds in order of my favorites. I love the Ballard dishes because they are slightly off white and have a distinct Italian feel. The faint outline around the curve of the dishes gives them a distinct uniqueness.

My next find is the always reliable Williams Sonoma. For those of you that don’t know this, Williams Sonoma has an incredible outlet store in Memphis. The store is located right off Poplar by the Clark Tower and next to Target. Since I am a Memphis native (please check out my newly posted bio), I stop by all the time. The dishes in this post are from the catalog, however, a quick trip to Memphis will save you tons of money. Next door to the Williams Sonoma outlet is a Pottery Barn outlet , plus a great wine store. Williams Sonoma’s everyday white are my second choice.

Pier One Imports under $5 a plate!

This 16 piece set from Ballards sells for $65

Finally, I think you can always score good quality plates on the cheap at Pier One Imports. I found great white plate for $3-$4 dollars, at that price, you can afford to throw them at your husband when you get mad. Just kidding! White plates are like the little black dress, you can dress them up or down and use them for almost any occasion. Enjoy a great weekend!

Dress on a Dime: Designer Finds

Elizabeth — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:56:55 +0000

My love affair with consignment stores goes way back. I simply adore them, probably because they make the budget director voice inside of me so happy. The first time I walked in Designer Finds I met Rheem Acra’s Mom (the incredible designer of Jill Biden’s inaugural dress) and I was completely hooked. When you walk in Designer Finds, it has great space. It is neat and orderly, the clothes are separated by color and by type of clothing. Honestly, it is filled with designer treasures: Gucci boots, Tori Burch pants, BCBG shoes and so much more. If you hit it right, like we did, you can find discounts up to 50%.

the camisole and jacket work together

The playful earrings and clutch complete the look

Liza and I thought it would be fun to ask the closet organizers, Tina Adams and Rebecca Thompson, to meet us at Designer Finds and work their magic. I asked my walking buddy Amy to meet us at the store and be our model for the day. Amy has your classic girl- next-door look, and in fact, she is my girl -next- door (she lives two blocks from me.) It also doesn’t hurt that she’s got a fantastic figure at about 5’9″.

Here was our challenge to the Closet Girls (my endearing name for them): put together three outfits including accessories for under $100. We wanted to see a career look, casual look and a drop dead evening outfit.

The tailored shirt with rolled sleeve and pencil skirt create a sophisticated look

For those of you who are not familiar with Tina and Rebecca, they are closet organizers extraordinaire. For a nominal fee, they will meet you in your closet, pare down the things you don’t need and create tons of outfits from your existing wardrobe. I can attest to their expertise since I invited them in my closet.

Here are some of their pearls of wisdom which once again were emphasized during our visit to Designer Finds:

Invest in a good camisole as it makes your clothing lay flat and look better.
Jeans must fit well and be the right length as they are a key component in your wardrobe.
Accessories truly finish the outfit. Don’t hold back and don’t be too “matchy-matchy”.
Use accessories and shoes to add contrast to an outfit.
There are always more clothes. Don’t settle for clothes that don’t feel good or don’t fit perfectly.
Don’t buy an item without considering how you’ll use them in your wardrobe.

The end result of our shopping trip: three outfits under $100 including accessories. And as an added extra, Tina and Rebecca took the evening outfit and created a totally new look for perhaps a day at the Steeplechase. Tell us about your favorite consignment store and your finds.

Designer Finds
Gallery at Green Hills
2210 Crestmoor Road
Nashville, TN 37215
Phone: 615-279-1994

Don't you just love the ruffles and neckline of this dress?

Accessories give the same dress a differrent look

The Perfect Bedtime Look & Feel

Liza — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:26:27 +0000

I had dinner with one of my BFFs a few weeks ago. As we drank mojitos and watched the lightening roll in, we lamented nightwear. Her husband hates her Roberta Freymann PJ pants with long- sleeved tee that she is forever pairing at bedtime. He claims it sends a certain vibe which screams, “This is MY side of the bed which I will only share with my cats.” Meeoooooow! For the record, they have no cats.

These come in 3 lengths. Each is made out of 65% bamboo, 27% cotton and 8% spandex. Super soft. The shortest is basically a long tank for $42; The mid-length is $72; This long length (my favorite, but I'm really tall) is $92

But, let’s be honest, don’t we all have this same outfit that we reach for most nights? Mine is a pair of long and comfy yoga pants, an ETC cami, and sometimes my husband’s long sleeved tee on top of that. I do have a “His is Hers” nightshirt from Claridge and King and it is honestly the first PJ thing that has gotten an equal thumbs up from both my husband and myself. So, the point I’m getting to is that what He wants and what She wants is well divided in the nighttime wardrobe department. I’m not about to don anything with lace, ruffles, garters or bows. And I want to be able to pop out of bed in the morning with my kids in the room.

Since my only luck has been Claridge and King, I decided to go back to that brand to find something else. Jamie is now carrying the line and it’s apparently doing quite well there. And with the newest additions to their collection, I have found my new favorite PJ’s that once again gets an equal thumbs up from my hubby. Here is a picture of my newest find. Do you think with a wind machine I could look as good in mine? Inside scoop: they run small. I ordered a size medium and I’m a solid 8, sometimes a 6. I like the medium, but it is snug. Mine is black and I promise with a pair of spanx I might be tempted to wear it to dinner! It is super soft and runs long. It may be too long on someone under 5’4″. In that case, order the mid-length.

So, now you, too, can send a good vibe that is neither “come hither” nor “go-away”. It’s just a strong woman vibe…and that’s always a good thing. For the record, I have a cat and he sleeps in the bed with us:-)

Head to Jamie or Rebekka Vaughn and check out the new collection. Or, order online here.

Half of the Claridge & King lives in Nashville (Liz King), so you are supporting all sorts of local when you buy this brand at one of these stores!

Whitland Avenue 4th of July

Elizabeth — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:53:00 +0000

4th of July on Whitland Avenue

Celebrating a 32 year history, the Whitland Avenue 4th of July over delivered in every way. First of all, the weather was gorgeous with little humidity, a slight breeze and low temperatures. With an 11 AM kick off, the celebration looked like the quintessential Norman Rockwell painting with kids on bikes, babies in strollers, fashionistas dazzling in red, white and blue; I was proud to be an American. Some of the highlights of the day were: the symphony under Jay Dawson’s direction and their rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Chief Justice A.A .Birch’s heartfelt and humorous speech to the crowd, the amazing and FREE hot dogs (Hebrew Nationals) and finally, the contest for the best dessert and entree. Imagine being Carrington Fox and her illustrious judges wolfing down the numerous delicacies to meet an 11:45AM announcement deadline . Whew! It’s a tough job even if there was a breeze.

Carrington Fox surrounded by her amazing judges

My neighbor Susan Trotman won 1st place for the Tomato, Basil and Cheese Pie. I entered my recipe a couple of years ago and only scored a 2nd place ribbon. If Angela Sandoval is a reader, I’m still trying to track down the recipe for your dessert. Please don’t tell us it’s an old family recipe and top secret. With tomatoes beginning to burst at the seams in the produce markets, I thought you may want to read the winning entree recipe. Also, get a glimpse of some of the fashionistas attending this venerable celebration. Pretty styling for a picnic. The 4th of July marks summer’s half way mark. So far, it’s been grand.

Without futher to do, here’s the recipe. Basically, it’s a bacon, tomato, cheese and basil pie:

Bacon, Tomato, Cheese and Basil Pie

3/4 cup mayo
3/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled (or feta)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Bacon, crumbled
Tomatoes, sliced
Baked pie shell
Red onion, thinly sliced

Mix together and spread 1/3 mixture in bottom of baked pie shell. Layer thinly sliced red onion, crumbled bacon, tomato slices (salt and pepper the tomato), and fresh basil leaves. Then, layer the rest of the cheese mixture, onion, more crumbled bacon and fresh sliced tomato. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Sprinkle grated or shaved Parmesan over the top during the last five minutes of baking.

Nice chapeau

great boots with a patriotic flair

Two great looks for summer-the maxi and oh so cute, short dress

4th of July in Balsam, NC

Liza — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:11:29 +0000

We spend pretty much every 4th of July in a little NC mountain community called Balsam. Nestled in-between Waynesville (home to The Swag, a Nashville favorite) and Sylva, on HWY 19/23, the 4th always seems to be straight out of Southern Living Magazine. Actually, as under the radar as Balsam is to Nashville, let me amend that to be straight out of Garden and Gun magazine.

When the 4th hits, you can dress very appropriately (as we did the year we spent the 4th at Sea Island) or you can go all-out-tacky. Balsam calls for all-out-tacky dressing and people hunt all year for the tackiest of all. Next, you decorate your car as wildly as you possibly can. Streamers, flags, horns, balloons, cans dragging behind. If you think it might make someone’s smile just a little broader, then on your car it goes! You finalize the whole thing with candy to throw to the few people on the mountain that are not actually IN the parade.

Everyone lines up in the meadow, next to the horse barn, at 1:00. Any earlier would disturb the hangovers felt by all after the community wide July 3rd cocktail party held at the most beautiful house, with a 270 degree view of The Great Smoky Mountains. This cocktail party is where the nice and appropriate patriotic wear is seen!

The 4th of July parade winds through the mountain community at about 10 miles per hour. My favorite spectators are inevitably the 75+ year old ladies in their high-school sparkly baton twirling outfits, in red, white and blue, and yes, they have their batons and a synchronized routine to boot! Another lady sings next to them and we all wave hoping they will be back next year. The road takes everyone over a 100 year old bridge that clearly states that driving over is at your own risk. 75% of the cars ramble over. We however, turn around. I just won’t risk it!
The parade ends at The Balsam Mountain Inn (formerly owned by TN native Merrily Teasley who also previously owned and restored the Edgeworth Inn in Monteagle, TN). Current Balsam Mountain Inn owners Kim and Sharon Shailer, provide a free lunch and concert for all parade participants. Hot dogs and BBQ with local brewed Heinzelmännchen Brewery beer sets the perfect mood to sit and listen to every single patriotic song you could ever imagine sung in an opera style, by a sweet elderly lady who is given the stage each 4th. She needs to be a YouTube sensation…and we may just work on that this 4th.

The fireworks take place at 9:00 in the cleared meadow. Many a 4th we are wearing jackets and jeans as it gets pretty chilly at 3,600 feet above sea level!

We celebrate with a huge family get together of about 30 of our closest and dearest. My Dad then has our own personal fireworks display in which he inevitably burns a hole in his shirt…or face….each year. But, it always provides a lesson to my kids about the dangers of fireworks. This lesson hits home when we are forced to occasionally take cover under the picnic table! Ahhhhh, family fun!

I love the 4th of July. If you want to experience a 4th of July Balsam style, make a reservation at The Balsam Mountain Inn and join us! It’s a great Inn to visit anytime of year, with an award winning restaurant and a huge porch just full of rocking chairs waiting to be used.

Vintage Cowboy Boots Galore!

Elizabeth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:45:52 +0000

Kim at the Nashville Flea Market with some smokin' vintage boots

Last week the Closet Girls, Tina Adams and Rebecca Thompson, paid a visit to my closet. What I wanted from them was not a complete wardrobe overall, just a lively collaboration session, a little fun and another set of eyeballs on my wardrobe. I love the art of collaboration because it always yields wonderful results, and in my case, our brainstorming created another 10 – 15 outfits for this season.

They pointed one thing that was woefully missing from my closet: a pair of vintage cowboy boots. I bought one pair from a consignment shop in Aspen, but the pros said I needed some in a neutral color with a higher heal.

As it was the third weekend of the month, I wandered around the Flea Market this past weekend not thinking the least bit about my need of cowboy boots. I was preoccupied for a while over my harried negotiation with a jewelry vendor which I lost. As I began negotiating, she very curtly said to me, “Honey, I don’t stay up all night putting stickers on this jewelry to give you a discount.” (Well, OK….but, I thought that negotiating was what you were supposed to do at a Flea Market). Well, since I didn’t get the dang piece, maybe she lost! Rude!

Happily, I turned a corner and found my old friend Kim Brewer. There she was surrounded by boots, boots and more really COOL boots. She has over 600 pairs! Why, she even had a pair of turquoise boots lovingly named the mermaid boots. In my trying on frenzy, I forgot to snap a picture. Dang it!

Aren't these the best?!

Quickly, I relayed to her the closet girls suggestions and voila, there they were, my new boots. What do ya’ll think?

Kim is a vintage queen. She sells only men’s vintage clothing and cowboy boots at the Flea Market. However, at her booths in the Downtown Antique Market on 8th Avenue and in the Tennessee Antique Mall on Wedgewood, you will find a complete line of vintage clothing and oodles & oodles of boots! You’ll never find a nicer and more gracious person to do business with in this town. She loves finding the perfect boot for you and your taste. Cowboy boots look great with shorts, skirts, sundresses and your favorite jeans. They are the perennial trend that lingers in NashVegas for obvious reasons.

Give Kim a call or email her. She’ll find you some of the hippest cowboy boots around. Promise.

Kim’s email: kimvintage@comcast.net
Cell: 615-578-4693

The Closet Girls:
Tina Adams and Rebecca Thompson: tinaadamsandrebeccathompson@yahoo.com

Important info to acquire boots. The Nashville Flea Market is open every 3rd weekend of the month.
www.tennesseestatefair.org/expo/fleamarket/dates.asp

The Perfect Pair Sale

Elizabeth — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:18:19 +0000

A postcard arrived in my mail box yesterday. On the front was the word S-A-L-E. Each letter was composed of different types of shoes – really just so clever! The rest said:

For our preferred customers

Saving up to 90% off entire spring and summer inventory

Offer ends June 27

If you love the Perfect Pair as much as I do, and let’s admit, it is the best shoe store in Nashville, then stop by today and take advantage! I may be a preferred customer, but you are our preferred readers and this sale is for you as well!* Here is why you should go. The shoes this season have been hard to embrace, the quality is average and generally, there’s not much to choose from. I think the manufacturers put the brakes on after seeing the economic forecast and we’re all suffering. Gladiators are everywhere so I’m kinda scared to buy some at this point. The Perfect Pair, however, while pricey as hell, gets a 10 on quality, creativity and selection. No other shoe store in Nashville can come close to this one. It’s not the store that most can fill up their closet with…but your favorites, your “perfect pairs” will come from here. And with this sale, maybe you can fill up your closet!

Here’s a quick bite on Perfect Pair. Perfect Pair was started over three years ago by Whitney Dunn and Casey Stribling. These Real fashionistas were boarding planes to New York and LA to find the shoes that the Perfect Pair now sells. The store is lovely with an interesting mix of bohemian and chic. Their shoes and accessories reflect the same feel. Liza and I have always loved their jewelry. Currently on their website is fabulous jewelry with iconic religious cuffs and necklaces. Check out the archangel cuff in gold.

If you are worried about walking in the store for the first time – don’t. Whitney and Casey are like the girls next door: friendly, unassuming and willing to help you find something in your price range.

*Mention that you are a StyleBlueprint reader and you,too, can be eligible for a thank you “happy” if you spend $100! “Happies” include your choice, while supplies last, of a Perfect Pair tee (this may be kinda lude across the chest….hmmmm, need to see that in person to judge!), a lip gloss, or a cute as all get out scarf!

The Perfect Pair
2209 Bandywood Drive
Suite i
Nashville, TN 37215

www.theperfectpairnashville.com

Take Those Sneakers off with That Outfit!

Liza — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:23:39 +0000

We are Southern Gals and really, we care what we look like! But, truth be told, we all like our feet to be comfortable. Especially with this jungle heat that has smothered us. Remember Melanie Griffith in Working Girl? Socks and tennies to work, change to heels upon getting there. It looked bad, but we all got it. She had blocks to walk and what else was she going to do?

Working Girl came out in 1988. It’s been 21 years and shoes have come a long way. There is no excuse for the sneaker swoop with your Nashville or Vacay outfit. Options to consider: Geox (ShopGeox.com). Billed as the “shoe that breathes”, this company creates the chic and the comfy. A quick search of Zappos finds 5 star reveiws across the board. In Nashville, you need to order these online. (If someone knows where to buy these locally, please comment!)

Stefany by Goex, available on sale for $55.

Surely you have tried the Cole Haan with Nike technology (ColeHaan.com). Heels and flats alike. Dressy and casual. Worth the money full price if you have feet like mine that get angry easily! They are stylish shoes that feel like a sneaker. Online, all shoes are 20% at the Cole Haan site. While the Cole Haan store at the Green Hills Mall does not have this offer, they will honor it if you mention the online sale!

$278 but now 20% off. Happy feet, indeed!

When I travel, I walk walk walk and walk some more. My next splurge for all that walking will be the Gizeh by Birkenstock (Birkenstock.com). You can find these at the 2525 Building where PF Changs Nashville is.

Regularly $120, these mango birks are on sale for $89.99 at www.birkenstockusa.com

Lastly, an option for around town errands and summer exercise out of the gym, the Fit Flop. Now, I’m not sure these give you the great legs and extra lift they advertise, but they are dang comfy and seem to do wonders for a tired back. Please leave them in your closet after 5 p.m.:-)

Available locally at Macys. Styles vary from $49.99-$59.99

Here’s to your feet staying stylishly happy!

I Hate It When My Jeans Rip….

Liza — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:49:32 +0000

I have two pairs of Sevens that have a rip in the same place. O.k., so one of my thighs is a little heftier than the other…the jeans were rude enough to punctuate that point to me with their ill timed rips. I’ve had them sitting in my closet for two years waiting to send them to Denim Therapy but just haven’t. Wait. Have you heard of Denim Therapy? If not, you need to. For $7 an inch, they’ll repair your jeans. Really. Almost like new. At least that is what their web site says….

Well, here I go. I’m sending them in. I’m posting my pictures. I’ll finish writing this post when I get them back and can post the after pictures. Maybe I’ll use that as an incentive to downsize my thighs…..I may just add Hot Yoga to the mix for the next two weeks waiting on my jeans to come back…..

Tory Burch Lands Another Melt Down!

Elizabeth — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:06:14 +0000

Tory Burch

As Liza and I chatted and rambled about interesting posts and topics, the subject of Rue LaLa came up. “What’s that?” I asked. Maybe it’s a little bit of dementia, but I entirely spaced that I had already subscribed and was a member of this site. Some of you may remember our post about The Gilt Groupe. It is an incredible company that offers designer merchandise, on-line, at deep discounts. It’s like being at the sample sale when the doors open. Well, RueLaLa does the same thing, with lines that are probably a little more affordable, but the same concept. Buyers are given incredible deals with a limited amount of time to purchase.

Yesterday, Tory Burch was featured on Rue La La and demand way out paced the technology and Rue LaLa’s system crashed. I hate it when that happens. Some of you may remember when Ms. Burch was featured on Oprah in ‘o5 as one of the “Real Big Things”. Sales bounced so high creating a phenomenon known as the Oprah Effect. Tory Burch’s online sales received 7 million hits after the show aired sending sales off the Reictor scale. This years’ sales are predicted at over $15 million.

The NYC Tory Burch sample sale held in early June created a two hour wait outside just to enter into the building! Further madness with another four hours to check out, and NYPD intervention, but lots of amazing deals for shoppers. Read more about it at www.samplesally.com.

True Tory devotees can become a member of her Facebook group and receive sale notices before everyone else (like the 20% off sale offered to FB member on June 11 for all items on her website!).

Tory Burch sample sale NYC

Tory worked for both Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang in PR, her marketing saavy is second to none.

So, I just checked out RueLaLa and right now until June 17th at 11AM EST, you can buy the following: you may want to “get on it” as we say in the South. Merchandise is moving fast. If you are interested in subscribing to RueLaLa, just let StyleBlueprint know. We will graciously sponsor you as our guest!

Tory Burch "Lisa" Watermelon Luau Skirt @ $129

Tory Burch "Dixon" banana slip on sandal @ $89

When THE DRESS Falls Short

Elizabeth — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:21:15 +0000

Sometimes you just don’t know the reason why…what is the moral of this story?

So many times I have started to write this story in my head and on the keyboard. Each time I find myself with the dreaded writers’ block. What am I trying to say? This is a story with many great lessons: the importance of planning, crisis management, friendship and finally resolve. So, I guess the best way to begin is just to begin.

Some Background:

I was asked to co-chair a very high profile event in Nashville. Nashville has lots of high- brow events. This is one of them. There were many reasons I agreed to accept this commitment. Just being asked is a big deal and compelling. They want ME? I loved the cause, I admired the other co-chair, and I finally thought, “JUST DO IT!”

It was an unbelievable time commitment that in the end proved hugely rewarding. No regrets.

This story, however, is about THE DRESS.

THE DRESS:

I have gone to countless Black Tie events in the past and not cared much about THE DRESS. Even when I went to the Swan Ball for my first time, I popped by a boutique store and bought my dress off the sale rack. No big deal. However, this time was different. This time I was the co-chair. This time there would be lots of photos…NFocus photos. This time the stakes were high.

Knowing my personality type, I can over think things when they feel BIG. Be it a wedding dress (way too over thought on my end) or a gala dress, we are all driven by some kind of internal director: a budget director, a style director, a practical director. (Next time you make a big decision or even a small one, think about which director is in your head.) This time mine said, “Be resourceful and use your style skills to enjoy the thrill of the hunt.” I call this my “Styleblueprint” director (SBPD). SBDP said , “Ask around. Get some opinions. JUST DO IT.”

So, I started with the most resourceful person I know: Maria-The-Hair-Stylist. She is a wealth of information. She has steered me right on everything from the best white shirts and lip pencils to lodging in the Smokies. Truly. So, I asked Maria. Right away, she had the answer. She knew an incredible tailor. And, this was not simply a tailor, not simply a dressmaker, but a TRUE designer. All of her clients loved this woman and I would too. She gave me her number.

Blood pumping hard through my veins, I was excited. So excited that I needed to calm down. This would be THE DRESS! Just getting my hands on this name gave me such joy and glee that I forgot there was the next step….I needed to actually call her.

So, a couple of weeks later, I came back down to earth and realized this call had not been made. SBDP was screaming loud inside my head “CALL! Your “THE DRESS” is just a call away!” Call I did. Designer Lady immediately pounced, “We have to get on this right away! There is a 50% off sale at Textile Fabric! You must meet me there tomorrow!“ I jumped in with both feet and proclaimed, ”I’ll see you tomorrow! THANK YOU!”

I hung up and collected all my Town and Country magazines. I began furiously paging through them. I made notes on 100’s of dresses: Love the neckline. Hate the color. Love this color. Do I like this belt? Hmmmm, a belt – hadn’t thought of that.. Absolutely no Ball Gown look. Do I want sleeves?….maybe…well no….perhaps one shoulder? I ended up with a stack of 10 pages that clearly outlined my tastes and style.

We met. She was GREAT and after a couple of minutes we had narrowed down the choices. A few minutes later we had the style and look of dress decided along with the potential fabrics. 20 minutes later I had purchased the fabrics, the beading, the gorgeous wrap and I was back in my car! WOW! My mind was swirling! I was getting THE DRESS!!!

OK- I know by this point some of you have figured out where this story is going. It’s sad but not tragic. I survived.

THE DRESS was gorgeous and after 4 fittings and one final fitting, it was done. Oh, I‘m sorry, did I say “one final fitting”? Well, I never actually tried on the dress after the final little nips and tucks. So, I guess we kinda forgot the “REALLY THIS IS THE FINAL FITTING” fitting! Friends, you never skip this step. NEVER. SBPD was screaming, but I was high with images of THE DRESS and a carpool line to get to. SOOOOOO…..

Getting Ready for the Event:

The night of my event my friend Leslie and I went to Maria-The-Hair-Stylist’s salon. We coiffed; we primped; we had a couple fake eyelashes attached! We looked gorgeous.

As I zoomed home filled with the anticipation of THE DRESS, it never occurred to me the sequence of events that were about to take place. I slipped the dress on my shoulder and immediately realized that it didn’t fit. My THE DRESS does not FIT??? A glass of wine later, the reality set in that no tucking, pinning or camouflaging would work. It simply DIDN’T FIT. The darts had been altered to fall completely below my breasts. I looked like a freak! A freak with bad breasts. I will NOT be pictured with bad breasts! This is when the story drastically shifts to one of friendship….

It was getting dangerously late and my friend Leslie, a former reporter and press aide, completely took over. Girl Scout that she is, she had arrived with two dresses: one a simple burgundy silk and the other a fabulous beaded, designer dress from an Aspen consignment shop that would have cost at least 4K retail. This was the dress she had intended to wear. With no hesitation, True Friend Leslie said, “You’re wearing this designer dress! Put it on!”

In a total state of SHOCK, I put the dress on and grabbed some earrings and a bracelet and raced for the car. My mind was swirling during our ride to THE EVENT. I was not in THE DRESS. This was not my vision! And then, with total clarity and command, Leslie said, “You tell NOONE that you are wearing my dress. You tell NOONE what just happened. This is your dress and you look BEAUTIFUL!” Brilliant advice.

That sage advice saved the evening as much as did the Aspen dress. My entire night would have been spent wallowing in the negative and talking about the debacle of THE DRESS. And, who really cares? The night was salvaged. My co-chair and I received a standing ovation. My Aspen dress was complimented heavily. And, the back of that dress was…. exquisite!

Epilogue:

The dressmaker completely refunded the entire amount of my investment in the dress. She also fixed it and I will wear it this Spring. She was the epitome of professionalism.

Moral of This Tale:

Just as the girl scouts always told us:

Your friends are invaluable
Have a Plan B
Think like a Pro
In the end, it’s only a dress
Have Fun
And, oh yea, try on your custom dress before you leave the dressmaker!

Here is the dress all complete and waiting for my next event:

Elizabeth