GoShoppingNashville.com

Haunted Housewares

So the housewares aren't really haunted, but for those of you that know me, you know that I love skulls. I have loved skulls forever, but now they are truly easy to find - even for the home. Z Gallerie has long been one of my favorite shopping destinations for fun and trendy housewares. The Nashville outpost is located in the Green Hills Mall. Several months back, I was reading a magazine - Dwell or Metropolitan Home, I can't remember which now - and saw a picture of this great dinner plate. It was white with a platinum skull and crossbones on it. After searching, I learned that this and more were available at Z Gallerie. So off I went and I have added this to my 'china' collection and they fit quite nicely and require much less TLC than the other pieces. They also have skull place mats, serving trays, barware, flasks, and more. On a recent trip, I was in search of some art to fill a couple of gaps around the house - still trying to get everything settled in! I found this great print by Zachary Plume and I am trying to find a place where it will fit in the house...I am thinking bonus room, but time will tell. Not in to skulls? No problem, Z Gallerie has housewares for all styles and color palates. Right now, the window is filled with items in crisp white and spring green. There are all types of art prints - food, contemporary, pop, traditional, and more. I also found a large selection of seaside decor with items from the sea like, fish, seahorses, sand dollars, and turtles in various shades of white, blue, and teal. Anytime that I want to change something around the house, I always head to Z Gallerie for a little bit of interest and a good dose of seasonal color. It is also a lot of fun to check at the selection of novelties near the registers. I have picked up humorous new parent instruction books and travel checklists, grocery item checklists, tongue in cheek post it notes for the office, and a toothpick holder that looks mysteriously like a voodoo doll. Z Gallerie is also a great place to look for items with personality or for the perfect housewarming gift. In addition, items are priced in a wide range with many offerings to make your home look like a million bucks without breaking the bank.

Growing Green Hills

My favorite mall in Nashville, without a doubt, is the Mall at Green Hills. Although traffic getting over there can be atrocious, it is worth the trip if you are looking for something fun, unique, and upscale. It seems as though that trend is going to continue with the addition of three new boutiques opening in 2008 and a new anchor in 2010. In August, Nashville is set to see Burberry come to town. I cannot wait to check out their iconic outerwear and trademark plaid. Pretty exciting, but it gets even better - Juicy Couture coming in September 2008. I am ecstatic about this one - I LOVE JUICY. I started out as a fan of their accessories because they all have a sense of fun and whimsy about them. Oh, have I mentioned that I am a dog lover? That is probably how I was really drawn to the label at first. In fact, my dog's 'Tail Waggin' Couture' terry hoodie is one of the cutest things that I have ever seen....well it isn't as cute as her wearing it while prancing and preening about, but that is a story for another time.  She has been known to run and hide under the bed when I try to take it off of her! I am definitely looking forward to some accessories for me, toys for the dog, and cologne for Mr. GoShoppingNashville. The new men's cologne, Dirty English, smells wonderful - like leather and musk. Actually, I am not likely to wait until September to pick that up, but I am sure that I will find something at the boutique when it opens. Can't wait! It was also announced that Kate Spade will join the list of retailers at the Mall, but I haven't seen a date on that one. And now, for the grand finale of the list.....Nordstrom. OK, OK, OK so, it will be a while....fall 2010 to be exact. However, I cannot wait. Nordstrom has long been one of my favorite department stores when I am out of town. In terms of quality department stores, we don't have anything that even comes close. Macy's and Dillard's make a great effort, but this is a different league. The Nordstrom anchor will be a three level story so that you are sure to find something for everyone on your Christmas list....in 2010.

With all of the growth that has been going on everywhere in town, particularly in the Green Hills area, Nashville has really turned the corner in terms of shopping during the last few years. It is great to see all of the big city shoppes heading to Music City. No longer do we have to road trip to Atlanta or St. Louis to do some serious shopping; you can get almost everything that you need right here. If we could only convince someone to build an IKEA................

Products Paradise

For the beauty products shopping version of the grand finale, drum roll please, Sephora - one of my favorite places on earth. Exaggeration? Not for me; I love this place. I first fell in love with Sephora online many years ago as this is the place for all things in the high end beauty products world. Why? When a model is asked on television about her favorite products...guess where you can find them. Sephora. If a makeup artist says that something is their go-to product....guess where you can find that. Sephora. Read about the newest greatest thing stateside or abroad....three guesses about where you can find those too. That's right, Sephora. After reading this, you can only imagine that I was absolutely elated when Nashville got a real life brick and mortar version....I mean online is great, but we are talking up close and personal. Sephora has been here for years now, and still my love affair continues. The only difference between visits now and my very first trip are that I know exactly where to find everything - even where they are going to place the newest products. I never get over the rush that I feel every time that I walk up to the crisp modern black and white facade and see all of the colorful packaging calling out to me through the glass. Then you walk through the doors and are greeted by shop girls (and guys!) dressed in artsy black, the perfect canvas for their favorite beauty products. The place is like absolute heaven - or at least what I imagine that heaven is like.....well heaven without the handbags, shoes, and salvation! Even on my recent trip where I knew exactly what I needed (Benefits You Rebel Lite), I still managed to lose an hour in there. During that hour, I found myself looking for new perfume - which I found Thierry Muggler's Alien, another 'out of this world' scent creation with woodsy hints of amber, orange blossom, and vanilla. Before you know it, a helpful shop gal brought me a basket to carry my wares. I stocked up L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. I continued to wander around the entire store while I tried to remember if there was anything else that I should get while I was there - you know, to save on gas money. And there I found myself back at the Benefit section and spied the limited edition Justine Case, the perfect size for my purse. It has the cutest little versions of some of the lines greatest hits Eyecon, Some Kind-A Gorgeous, Benetint, and California Kissin'. Yeah, yeah, I know...a person can spend a fortune in this place. Just think though, if you become a beauty insider, you get free products all of the time so there is so much more bang for your buck. Like I said, Sephora is a wonderland of products to help you smell better, look better, and feel better. They carry the best selection of men's products in Nashville and, combine the store and the more expansive online shop, the most comprehensive selection anywhere with more high end lines than I can even mention. If you don't have time to get over to the Mall at Green Hills, check them out online where you get three free samples with every order and they always have shipping specials (right now free shipping on orders over $50). Don't forget to sign up to be a beauty insider for deluxe samples and early notification of new products, specials, and more. See you in heaven!!!

Best Brows

This week, I thought that I would take some time to focus on some of my very favorite shopping items......beauty products. I am a complete beauty products junkie and can spend hours looking through magazines, websites, and stores to get my fix. So, I headed to one of my standbys in Green Hills, Private Edition where they carry loads of high end beauty lines. Not only can I curb my products craving, but I can also get my brows fixed so that I don't resemble my grandfather so much! I first went to Private Edition several years ago when I read about them in Lucky magazine. They featured some of the best brow waxers and shapers around the country and that is how I found Gina Whittaker. Based on that piece, I knew that she would do a good job and set an appointment. I was OK with my brows before. But let me just say -  after she was done, I realized that I had been fooling myself.....the woman is an artist and a super person to boot. I have been going to Gina now for at least 5 years and am always thrilled with the results. After my last appointment, like many before, I headed downstairs to the shop. I am a huge fan of Laura Mercier products and love to see their seasonal colors. On this trip, I checked out the new Gold Digger Collection and found this Limited Edition Eye Colour Pot in Bronzed Gold (also comes in Solid Gold or White Gold) - the perfect compliment to my freshly done brows. Though I didn't have time on this visit, I highly recommend getting an eye makeover with Carmen. Now, if only I had a tan to go with my new eye color........coincidentally, you can get that at Private Edition too. If you are looking for a cancer free way to a sun kissed glow, they have self tanners from several lines or you can get a spray in the spa. They offer a wide range of treatments from beauty to relaxation for men and women. Whether you want products or pampering, this is my all-around favorite. You can check them out on the web at Private Edition  or in person at 4009 Hillsboro Pike in Grace's Plaza.

Hip Housewares

One of my favorite destinations for home goods is Color Uncommon Goods in Green Hills. This great little shop is located at 2104 Crestmoor and they always have fun and interesting items. The front window is well done with a riot of color and seasonal items. The shelves are filled with bar ware, both seasonal and everyday, which I absolutely love. They also have a good selection of serve ware and place settings. Need cloth or fun paper napkins for a special occasion??? Color has loads of them to choose from with napkin rings and place mats to match pretty much anything. The table in the center is typically filled with seasonal place settings and accoutrement...definitely items to inspire you with different ideas for your own home. As you head toward the back of the shop, you will find trendy throw pillows, sculptural items, vases, etc. Frequently, there is a carefully edited selection of lamps ranging from vintage finds to present designs. Looking for some items for your dining table center piece? They have loads of choices. Oh, and did I mention that there is more bar ware?? Anyway, whether you are looking for a change or just some ideas for punching up your existing home goods, Color is a fun place to find your new look. The staff there is always friendly. They will usually offer a drink when you enter and manage to be very helpful without getting pushy. Getting married soon? Be sure to ask about their bridal registry.

Francesca's Finishing Touches

It seems to be that time of year when there are a lot of functions to attend....baby showers, engagement parties, formals, and weddings. This season is shaping up to be a bit of a marathon for me in that regard...two down and about ten to go! For my spring gatherings, I have already chosen my dresses and shoes and am now down to the finishing touches. I decided to enjoy the gorgeous weather and took a stroll through The Avenues in Murfreesboro, where there are several places where one can find accessories to finish any look. I hit the jackpot in Francesca's Collections. They have clothing, shoes, accessories galore, and quirky gift items. Being a sucker for handbags, I had a great time going through the selection of clutches ranging from tiny to oversize - all very reasonably priced. After settling on a great clutch that combined classic style and rock 'n roll edge, I honed in on the Hype handbags. Now, I am a big fan of Hype and tend to keep going back to them. This season there are some great choices at Francesca's including a patent leather version that could easily double as an overnighter. After the bags, I spent ages going through the earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Whether you are in search of something fun, unique, modern, vintage, or classic in style, they have accessories for all. Moving through the shop, it is difficult to overlook the novelty and gift items. Though I was looking for earrings and a clutch (I found both!), my favorite item had to be the martini glass sink strainer. Was this item necessary or on my list? No. Did it make me stop for a minute and smile? YES and at $15, an easy splurge or unusual addition to a wedding gift basket filled with kitchen items...hmmm, I may be on to something here. But I digress. Looking for more than accessories? Francesca's has a great selection of dresses, tops, jackets, pants, and MissMe jeans (some of my faves). Happy Shopping!

Royal Rugrats

OK, so they aren't really royalty, but who doesn't like to spoil their kids (in my case niece and nephew) every once in awhile. If this sounds like you, then Gingham is a must check out location. This upscale kids and baby boutique is located in Grace's Plaza of Green Hills. Be prepared to want pretty much everything in sight when you walk in the door. They have great bedding, gifts, clothing and more.

I found the coolest little bib with electric guitars all over it. It was difficult to leave it behind, but my nephew is pretty much out of the bib stage. We found great Ben Sherman (one of Mr. GoShoppingNashville's favorite labels) shirts and jackets for boys; some of them look just like their adult counterparts. On the kids side, Gingham offers loads of Paul Frank/small paul including the Nicole bikini. I love skulls and I love cute so the skurvy outline on the top and the hearts on the bottom made this one almost irresistible. They also have a large selection of True Religion jeans for the younger set.

On the baby side, there are great gift items and clothing from small paul, Juicy Couture, and many others. Got a baby shower coming up? You definitely want to check out the Juicy Binkie Sets, which are available for both boys and girls. There is also a nice grouping of diaper bags in the middle section of the shop with fashionable choices for mom. The diaper dudes mean that dad doesn't have to look like he is carrying a purse, so there is something for everyone in the family. If you have a little prince or princess that you like to pamper, Gingham will surely become one of your favorite haunts.   

Springtime Staples at Anthropologie

I always find Anthropologie to be a refreshing change from the norm. While the place is filled with decidedly boho-chic clothing and accessories, many of my favorite finds here tend to be unique home goods that just fit. This trip was no different. I immediately spotted a great vase to hold your spring flowers at home or in the office. The Tehla oval vase (also seen in Life & Style Magazine) is a steal at $18 and the retro green print seems so modern.

Among the clothing selection of bright sweaters, smocked and ruched tops, skirts, Joe's Jeans, spring sandals and wedges, I found the perfect non-traditional spring cardigan. Springtime in Nashville means that none of us have any idea of how to dress.....freezing in the morning and 70 degrees by lunch calls for ladies to become clothing chameleons everyday! My preferred defense against the consistently inconsistent climate is to dress in layers and I lean toward hoodies and cardis. While I find cardigans a necessary article, I have no desire to look like I am 200 years old. So, I fell in love with the Mansfield cardigan. It is part layering piece and part fashionista favorite. It looks great paired with a fitted tee, jeans, and flats or fabulous at work with a silk blouse and pencil skirt - add a skinny belt to help define your waist. Anthropologie also has some great printed bags that scream spring. One of my favorites this time was the hand painted dahlia bag with room for your daily essentials and then some...and at $48, it is an affordable change of pace from a heavy winter bag.

Regardless of whether you are in search for interesting home goods, nature inspired clothes (showing a lot of butterflies this season), clothes with a twist on the classics, jewelery, shoes, or kids, Anthropologie has everything on your list. Though the selection is quite large and can be overwhelming, it makes for a relaxing Saturday afternoon, if you ask me. Located in the Hill Center of Green Hills, Anthropologie offers items at all different price points and is well worth the time to take in all of the goodies.

Cool Consignment

Well, it seems as though we have featured some luxury locations lately. My Sister's Closet is also a luxury location of sorts in the form of a high end consignment shop which I found quite by accident at 4012 Hillsboro Road. I stumbled across the shop while parking to check out Pet Clawset. Though the shop is fairly small and crowded, it is loaded with fab finds. There are shoes, jewelry, handbags, and clothes of all sorts. The shop only accepts fashions from within the last two years and high end looks or designer labels. The Green Hills shop leans more toward business attire while the Music Row store, located at 1200 Villa Place #114, has a trendier vibe and even has pieces formerly owned by country music and Hollywood celebrities. The owner, who was onsite and very helpful, said that the Music Row location is now starting to carry men's apparel as well. On my visit to the Green Hills store, I found great chinos from J. Crew, denim trousers from Level 99, a lot a business pieces from Tahari, and more. There are also great handbags from Kate Spade and Coach. If you are looking for designer items without the designer price tag,  head to My Sister's Closet, where the ever changing inventory is bound to have something for you.

Repuplican or Democat???

While out and about in Green Hills, Mr. GoShoppingNashville and I decided to duck into Pet Clawset. Neither of us had been to the shop before, but had heard good things and were anxious to see what the fuss was all about. Well, the place was adorable. They have all types of goodies for your furry friends. We both cracked up at seeing celebrity chew toys for dogs....think Brad Pitbull, Doggy Depp, and more. They were hilarious. Being the shoe fanatic that I am, I fell in love with the Bark Jacobs shoe chew toy. I did decide against purchasing that particular item, as I have a great fear of my shoes in the dog's mouth....that just isn't something that I want to see!!

As we wandered through the shop, we found leashes, collars, great dog and cat bowls,  luxury pet beds and cabanas  (yes, cabanas!),  and more. There was a pretty generous clearance section if you want to stock up on winter sweaters or coats. Speaking of the clothes....there were coats, sweaters, and shirts for both cats and dogs and if your poor pooch has ever been seen sporting shoes, they have those too. In the back corner of the shop is where you will find most of the apparel including one of the more cheeky items, and one of our favorites, in the place. Wife beater style shirts that let your four legged friend show the world their political inclinations.....you read it correctly...THEY HAVE SHIRTS WITH THE SYMBOLS OF THE DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN PARTIES...too funny. If you are a political activist or just have a sense of humor about life, these shirts are just the ticket and I am sure would provoke conversation with your neighbors!

Laughing as we continued on, we looked through all the treats. Our favorites included spring themed organic  'cookies'  with icing for dogs. We decided to get a few  and they actually smelled pretty good - like peanut butter cookies. Our little Jack  Russell Terrorist went crazy for them and actually cried for more when we put them in the treat jar. Cute, yes, but very annoying. 

Although this shop is a bit off of the beaten path, it is well worth the look if you are in the Hill Center/Green Hills Mall area. The Pet Clawset can be found at 4012 Hillsboro Pike; not going to be in Green Hills? Check them out on the web at Pet Clawset  .