I want to take advantage of the August 6th – 8th tax free weekend savings and would love your thoughts on where to go, what to buy, and if it’s really worth it to fight the crowds for a 9.25% discount!  I’m not a mom, so school supplies are not an area of interest to me. Thanks,

- Betsy, Nashville

Betsy,

I love that you asked if this weekend was really worth fighting the crowds.  That is an question only you can answer as it changes for the individual.  Here are my thoughts:

For many retailers, this weekend is a chance to move some serious merchandise.  They also know that customers will be far more interested in clothing marked $99.99 and below.  Because of this, look to capitalize on clothing that has been marked down to be under the umbrella of the tax free clause (under $100).  That being said, you will be able to save far more than 9.25% on many articles of clothing.  While you may see this at some chain stores, my experience in the past has been that the local owners take far more advantage of this ability to discount than do the larger chains.  I suggest going to areas that are walkable with large concentrations of locally owned stores: Park Place Shopping Center on West End, Edgehill Village, Hill Center, the Bandywood stores, Hillsboro Village, and Franklin.  Many places that don’t sell clothes will also be having sales to compete for your dollar.  I saw this sign on Wednesday, outside of Jester’s in Belle Meade, which proves my point:

You will find locally owned stores vying hard for your business this weekend.  Nowhere will you see this more than at the Hill Center in Green Hills.

courtesy of Two Elle

To find out what each store at the Hill Center is up to this weekend, click here.  Out of curiosity, I called a store that I have loved since way before it moved to the Hill Center, Two Elle.  I found out that they have quite a weekend planned:  Two Elle has discounted EVERYTHING in their store to be under $100 so the whole store can be tax free!  WOW.  And, they will have John Martin Keith and Sacred June performing live at 3 PM on Saturday.  So, you get a free concert as well.  Two Elle is known as THE place to buy your converse as well as the Converse by John Varvatos clothing, Steven Alan clothing, Wildfox for women, Cheap Monday for men & women, OrlaKiely handbags and wallets, and Tarina Tarantino jewelry and hair accessories.

Two Elle

Whole Foods will also be celebrating the tax free weekend by hosting a free concert for kids, Friday at 9:30 AM, by the Zinghoppers. Whole Foods will also have special deals including $0.49/lb for fresh GA peaches!  Yes, I did just write $0.49 PER POUND!  The store will feature peach recipe demonstrations throughout the day as well.  And, if you want my own two cents for what to do with those peaches, look at this recipe from Garden and Gun for Southern Peach Sangria. (You should pick up a copy of G&G at Whole Foods when you are there as my decorator Rachel Halvorson is on the cover and Imogene + Willie are featured as well!)  Local skincare provider Holly Beth will be at Whole Body on the 7th and 8th and Sunday will feature a jazz brunch.  For more details, see the link here.

Pick up G&G while at Whole Foods. This month features two Nashville businesses that StyleBlueprint has recognized for great style as well: Rachel Halvorson and Imogene+Willie

Popo, also in the Hill Center, is one of my favorite stores to shop for the kiddos.  Not only does Popo has great clothes, they have the coolest gadgets, gifts and accessories for kids as well.  I know you said you don’t have kids, but lots of our readers do, so I wanted to throw this in!  From Susan Tyler, owner of Popo, “As well as participating in the tax free weekend, we will be hosting a window painting party on Saturday at 11:00AM  were children and grown-ups alike can help to paint the backdrops to be used in the August window display for the store.  Get out your inner Artist!  Appaman clothing for Fall has just arrived and it’s “way cool.”  Also the hottest selection in backpacks and lunch wares….all tax free!”

This post would not be complete without saying….. iPAD!  Yes, if you don’t have an iPAD, but have been toying with the idea of buying one, take this as your opportunity to buy one as they, too, are tax free, and very cool.

Enjoy and have fun!

-Liza

Each Thursday we answer one question from a reader for both StyleBlueprint and the Her Q’s blog found at HerNashville.com. We also answer two questions each Tuesday just on the Her Q’s blog.  Please send us your questions at: email@styleblueprint.com

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

source: House Beautiful May 2010. Red pillows by Judy Ross. Cream pillows by Crate and Barrel.

I love the modern trend toward the mixes of high and low.  Here is my friend Amy’s modern dining room.  The lighting is pretty fabulous isn’t it?  Well, they almost splurged on a VERY SIMILAR lighting piece.  But, their designer Rachel Halvoson found this one at World Market for $15.  Yep…it pays to look around!

This light fixture was choosen over a similar $1200 one.

So, don’t be afraid to pile on cheap pillows, if you love them, or add a Target lamp to your high-end living room.  It’s the mix of styles and economies that keeps it real and interesting.

Happy shopping!

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Category #1:

Like things belong together. They look better together.  Remember that for your bookcases and shelves.  Here’s proof:

Clear glass jars at Scarlett Scales

Birch "books" at Scarlet Scales. She had birch wrapped glass vases as well. See Lonny online magazine p.163 of issue 2 for this look.

www.lonnymag.com

All three of us (that's Rachel in the background) noticed the purple glass and commented, "Hmmm, never seen purple glass..." Then we walked across the street to Arbor Antique Mall and found....

More purple glass! So, be on the lookout.

Concrete balls at PD's. I think they were $3.99 each...maybe $4.99. PD's has them in blue also.

After seeing local Nashville gal Genia Gilchrist's home in Southern Living (the owner of Gilchrist and Gilchrist over in Berry Hill) I have decided I need to collect mercury glass. If I bought ALL of this at Scarlett Scales, it would only set me back $170. Reader question please comment on this: do you think a display of mercury glass is only appropriate during Christmas time? I kinda like it all year but I certainly don't want to display it and have guests wondering if their coffee will also be in Reindeer mugs....

Category #2:

Rachel talked Amy and I into a stop by The Franklin Marketplace.  I LOVED this store and I found a future blog post: The TN Barn Project.  Check out these tables from the brothers who reclaim the wood from the falling barns.  I love the old wood being made into a modern look.

Category #3:

When hitting antique stores, it’s sometimes like hitting your own attic.  What do I do with THIS?  Here are some ideas Rachel and I came up with:

Some of these could be made into stellar lamps. You could also line these up in a cupboard--love that look. See this picture of pottery laden shelves that Rachel took in Atlanta at Market:

love this look

Fill this antique wagon with garland, berries and pine cones and place it next to your front door (if it's a covered area) each December. You better get there quick, because I just may head down to the Arbor Antique Mall for this purchase.

How sweet would these old Watkins spice containers be filled with wild flowers for an outdoor party?

And while we all agreed that SOMEONE needs this antique typewriter for their little girl's room (an American Girl Kit fan?), we also agreed that no one on this earth needs the following:

You could use these old drawers as a home for potted herbs or simply place three mason jars inside and separate your silverware to place on your kitchen table, and eliminate the need for that drawer space. Perhaps a good mail catch by the front door.... Fill with apples on a mantel....you get the picture, endless possibilities.

Is this not the creepiest?

And, some misc pics from the day:

I read on NestEgg that one of Rachel’s clients has a thing for crowns.  Check these out from The Iron Gate:

I, on the other hand, have a thing for coral. (BTW, have you all noticed all the seashell accessories lately? They are EVERYWHERE)  The Iron Gate has the best selection of coral I’ve seen anywhere:

I don’t have a picture of me from this day, but you’ve seen Rachel, and here’s Amy.  She’s too cute and pregnant with #4!

Amy at PD's. She's sitting in this chair that we all had a fit about...it's great.

We all had fun, got to hang out and “work” all at the same time.  As most of these pictures posted today prove, similar things should be placed together to show off their best.  Friends are like that too.  We all shine a little brighter when together. Grab some friends and head to Franklin.

Remember my dilemma and comment if you have thoughts: Is a display of mercury glass only appropriate during Christmas time?

Stores we hit: Scarlet Scales, PD’s, Arbor Antiques, The Iron Gate, and The Franklin Marketplace and remember to check out Rachel’s blog: www.nestegg.typepad.com

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

From Rachel:

Liza and Elizabeth asked me to put together three things that people tend to overlook when decorating their homes. Here goes with my top three…

1. Scale

It is important to pay attention to details but most of the time people get caught up in the little things and forget to see the big picture. (This is also true with just about anything in life, right?) Remember to take a step back and look at the room as a whole. Look at the largest pieces of furniture in your room – do they seem to be the same scale?

People tend to lean towards small scale when they need to lean towards LARGE scale. It’s better to go with a few big pieces of furniture, not lots of little pieces. This will make your room seem larger and will almost always create a statement.  Steven Gambrel

Steven Gambrel

2. Things

People tend to hang on to everything… and display everything. Don’t be afraid to get rid of things. In other words, carefully edit your rooms.

If you feel like your house might need some editing set aside one day (when you can be ALONE) where you go into your living room and take ALL of the accessories that are currently displayed and place them all on a table.  Get rid of at least 1/3 of it. (You can either put it in storage, sell it on ebay, or give it to Good Will) Take the other 2/3 and place them in a different spot.  Drastic, huh?  It will be like therapy.  You will feel THAT good!

Also, try going bigger with your accessories.  It will feel like a new room. Try it!  You can’t lose.

Tom Scheerer

Tom Scheerer

Cottage Living

3. Lighting

Nathan Egan

Bobby Mcalpine, House Beautiful

© 2009 – 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Be sure to pick up the Sept/Oct issue as this is Southern Accents last.  I hope this years 2009 Showcase house will be featured; it is in Fort Worth, TX.  If you would like to see photos from other Southern Accents showhomes, check out Rachel Halvorson’s post today at www.nestegg.typepad.com.  Since Southern Accents will remain online, perhaps it can print again in the future.  So long my favorite….I’ll miss you.

If I ever build custom, this is what my house will look like. Well, perhaps this outline with a modern spin.

A close up of the stone work

Can I move right in? No need to change a thing!

Isn't this the dining room you want to linger in?

Perfection

OK- so I'd have to redecorate the Master Bedroom. I'm up for the challenge, and I'll keep the color scheme!

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Challenge: She had to spruce up her guest room for less than $200.

Could she do it?  Of course she can!

Wait.  Let’s back up a minute.  Quick background on Rachel and how I found her.  My house is for sale. I know you all are teaming with jealously over how lucky I am to be selling my house in this market.  My husband has landed a job in MD, so we may have to move to Annapolis.  I love my house and I love it even more because I found Rachel Halvorson when I was getting my house ready to put on the market.  She tweaked some things here and there and voila: I fell more in love with my house.  She works with YOUR sense of style.  Be it traditional, modern or completely funky, she makes is work in a comfortable, livable way.

I wanted to show off Rachel’s talent  because I honestly think she is a superstar destined for great things in the design world.  If Trading Spaces were still on (is it?), they should hire her.  I’ll stop gushing.  I gave her this challenge: remake a guest room for $200.  She rose to the occasion and I think you can see why I just adore her keen sense of style.  Her blog is www.nestegg.typepad.com; it’s a fun place to check out.  Her email is there if you want to contact her.  Believe me, you will be thrilled that you did.

The rest of this post is Rachel’s words…enjoy!

Dressing a Bed on a Budget

Almost everyone I know has a bedroom that gets put on the back-burner.  It sits patiently at the bottom of the “Things I need to re-do” list.  Or there are clients that put a lot of money into the paint, draperies, and headboard but when it comes to the actual bedding they settle for some bedding-in-a-bag, matching bedroom suit that required little thought and several hundred dollars out of their pocket.

My guest bedroom is one that sits on the bottom of the list waiting for a much needed facelift (or at least some Botox)!  I was determined to stick with white/neutral bedding, not spend a lot of money, step outside the box bag by mixing different brands, and see what I could come up with.  After digging through TJMaxx,  HomeGoods, JoAnns (seriously) and other discount stores my guest bed finally got a makeover!  And the price tag?  Less than $200!

Let’s back up and start from the beginning.  Existing colors I have to work with:

The walls are a neutral khaki as well as the rug. And let’s not forget: a queen size bed.

Dark teal curtains…I was determined to make them work!

And a landscape painting by Laura Roebuck-

So, let’s play dress up!  When dressing your bed in white you want to avoid making it look sterile so add lots of texture, layering and shades of white.  It is impossible to make a mistake when using all shades of white together.  I repeat.  It is impossible.

The Bedskirt….. a whopping $27.00!

I got this idea from one of my good friends who I lived with in college.  It’s such a great way to save money and still get the stylish look you want.

The key ingredient?  Burlap.  It’s a cheap, scrappy material but it’s great for bedskirts because you’re not putting your feet or your face on it so why not?

I got a bolt of burlap at JoAnns and then asked the lady at checkout if she by chance had any coupons.  “Well, of course!“ she replied, “50% off fabrics this week!”

Lesson learned:- never hurts to ask!

Stuff it under the mattress as far as you can reach!

Here’s how you do it: I have my bed on bed stands because I like the drama of the long, ruffled bedskirt. Plus it gives you a lot more room to store things underneath your bed. (You can use cinder blocks) I used about 18 yards of burlap for a queen bed. I like mine to have extra folds and not look too skimpy. Add up 3 sides of the bed and then multiply that number by 2 (since you’re adding lots of folds!)=That’s how many yards of fabric you will need. I ran it long ways because I want to stuff at least half of the 36” wide fabric under your mattress. The more under your mattress the better! (You can also stitch the fabric onto an existing bedskirt or the boxspring for added support.)

Then come back later and tidy up the folds… (and watch out for your cat who will think you’re playing a really fun game with new, barnyard fabric!)

Voila! A $28 bedskirt (plus some scuffed up elbows!)

I am going to use my existing fitted sheet (nothing special) and for something fun I found this William Sonoma Home top sheet (originally $150) at TJMaxx for $29.00!

For this bed I scored once again at TJ! A quilted white coverlet (with matching shams) on clearance for $50.00.

Next, The Layering Effect

Sheets: I’m sticking with white sheets. Always. They are easy to find, easily laundered, easily replaced, crisp and clean.

Coverlet: This can be a linen, quilt, matelasse, chenille, etc. just make sure it adds texture against the smooth white sheets.

Duvet: I usually fold this at the bottom of my bed but it’s summer here in Nashville and I really don’t need it!  So I’m not going to spend money on a duvet cover until absolutely necessary.  For now I’ll put it under the quilt for added cushion.

Pillows: I’m using my own plain sleeping pillows.  Don’t judge me. $0

Then, believe it or not, I made the pillows in the following picture with my own two hands. They were really easy!  I got a sewing machine with my birthday money, skimmed through the instructions, and two hours later I had Euro shams…that easy.  (And I’m no Einstein, or Martha!)

I picked out a burlap/linen material that was the same color but a little bit softer than the bedskirt for the front of these pillows. The cheap burlap is on the back… There is no need so spend a lot on pillows that you throw on the ground every night and cover up with better pillows during the day. $12.00 for 2 yards of softer fabric, $3 for 2 yards of burlap. You can either have these made or make them yourself!... $15.00 total

*If my budget was $100 I would have stopped here.  It looks nice as is, right? But I splurged on pillows!  I decided I needed some color.  Here is where I need to pull the colors from my room into the bedding.  I have blues, lime greens, yellows, (now) burlap, white…Like I said earlier, one of the biggest mistakes I see people make is dressing their bed up with their “bedding in a bag” where everything matches.  It looks way too programmed. Don’t be afraid to put mismatched pillows together!  Have fun with it.  Your bed is supposed to look relaxed, remember?

I already had some decorative pillows that I did not like so I am reusing the inserts. My search for just-the-right pillow covers ended in Pottery Barn. Look what I found…

Matching Standard Shams that came with the coverlet set… $0

1 white with woven trim… $27.00

1 teal, silk pillow to tie in the teal from the draperies, new sheets and painting. It also ties in the quilted texture from the coverlet but yet adds a whole new texture to the bed!...$39.00

And a final pop of lime green!... on sale for $18.00

The finished look.

Lastly, accessorize.  Move things around your house. White bedding looks great with gold and/or silver accents.  I was so happy with my bed that I moved my favorite lamps in here, a few good bedside reads and called it a day for a grand total of $190.00! And I even had some money leftover for fresh flowers.

© 2009 – 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.