GoShoppingNashville.com

Fashion + Compassion

One of the coolest little boutiques that I have visited in the area was started by individuals with a very big vision. They aim to combine the concepts and retail and philanthropy. From the charities that they support, to active campaigns, down to the labels that they carry, Philanthropy in downtown Franklin does just that. This boutique has high end clothing and accessories for men and women. Here are some examples of what you can find at Philanthropy.......accessories by PILGRIM, a company that gives money back to Doctors Without Borders. Are you an animal lover? If so, check out items from Genuine Fake; they give money to animal shelters. You can expect some high end stuff like Joe's Jeans, Jedidiah, Adriano Goldschmied, Mavi, Prophetik, English Laundry, Hobo, and more. The boutique is definitely worth putting on your go to list if you are interested in a little retail therapy and trying to make the world a better place at the same time. If you are interested in shopping, head over to 432 Main Street in Franklin. Want to learn more about the boutique, their mission, or the current campaigns? Hit them up online at http://www.philanthropyfashion.com/. Who said that you can't save the world by shopping? Well, if you shop at Philanthropy, you just might!

Maxximum Style with Minimal Investment

News flash, I LOVE TJ Maxx.....shocker, I know. I understand that this type of store isn't for everyone. However, I cannot afford my own taste.......unless I buy selective pieces at boutiques and fill in the gaps at TJ Maxx. This is one of those places that you have to go and check out frequently to find the best stuff and you need to be willing to search a bit. Lately, I have had some big time scores. In most locations that I have been to in recent days, there has been a good selection of high end finds.....or maybe I have had some really good luck. During the last 2 months, I have picked up denim from seven for all mankind, Juicy Couture, and J & Company....all for around $39.99! Kind of makes you sick to your stomach if you are like me and have paid far more than that for jeans from these labels. I have picked up Ed Hardy shirts for myself and Mr. GoShoppingNashville....Baby Phat for my niece and Hurley for my nephew. I have also found a great collection of Michael Kors, Lily Pulitzer, and BCBG. And with a little bit of vision and willingness to overlook the labels, you can find some great pieces. Take for instance the Pucci inspired print dress that I spied last weekend...too bad, they did not have my size; I guess you can't win them all. When you stop in, be sure to check out the accessories. Right now, you can find watches and rings from Gwen Stefani's LAMB line and shades from Marc Jacobs, Dior, and Valentino. Oh, and don't forget the handbags and luggage. Most of the outposts are regularly getting Betsey Johnson luggage in stock and you can find pieces from $59.99 to $89.99 - might be perfect for your summer vacation. On the never ending hunt for the perfect handbag there are some great selections like Michael Kors, Juicy, and Dooney & Bourke. Although I am not a huge fan of Kathy Van Zeeland bags, I know that many of you out there are and TJ Maxx almost always has several styles and colors in stock - I have even found a couple that I like! If it isn't obvious by now, I could keep going on and on. Sadly, I didn't even hit the housewares, but there are awesome articles there as well. TJ Maxx has locations in Antioch, Bellevue, Murfreesboro, and Nashville. If you love housewares and furniture, then you need to hit up the Brentwood or Mt. Juliet locations where they have  HomeGoods stores too. Just be sure not to maxx out your credit cards - that defeats the purpose of bargain hunting!

Payless for Shoes!!!

OK, so we were shopping for bargains, right? After yesterday's post, I decided to write about a store that is a lot more affordable and a lot more common - I mean that they are everywhere. And if the price of gas has gotten you down, you can shop on their easy to navigate website. We all know that I love shoes. While I tend to splurge a bit in this area, I do love a good bargain as well. For me, Payless Shoes is a great way to try out a trend that I know that I will tire of quickly or something like that. Years ago, you could not pay me to be seen in Payless. However, I have gotten over it largely in part because they now carry styles that look like current trends from big name designers. Like these patent crayola yellow pumps available for a mere $19.99. Now that definitely brings a little bit of sunshine to my day! The store is also carrying shoes that are being featured in magazines like Teen Vogue, Seventeen, Star, Life & Style (guilty pleasure!), Maxim (yes, Maxim), Red Book, allure, and Woman's Day for their affordable style. In the May issue of O, Oprah featured some cute snake print gladiator sandals. I like them because they are a lot less severe than most in this trend. I mean, I am not a real gladiator so I don't need my sandals to wrap around my leg all the way up to the knee.  I am pretty sure that they will stay on just fine!! This version is only $17.99, so it won't bother me to only wear them a few times this summer. So I mentioned that Payless has come a long way in the past several years. At all times, they carry shoes from Airwalk, American Eagle, and Champion. The chain is also working with designers to bring in lines created especially for Payless. Right now, you can find items from Abaete, Lela Rose, and alice + olivia. I am a huge alice + olivia fan and fell in love with their Mason clutch...and at under $25, it is far less expensive than their boutique accessories.  It comes in three colors including patent black with white piping, purple with pink piping for a pop of color, or in a more subdued linen. Though I have been unable to find it at any of the store that I visited, it is available at Payless online. If you have to see it in person before you buy it, your best bet would be a Brentwood/Cool Springs/Franklin location. At any rate, I think that it is worth checking out if you haven't been in awhile. In addition to finding something for yourself, they also carry men's and kids. We all know that they grow out of those way too fast - the kids, not the men, that is....good way to save some of your cash for other expensive kid needs. Have an aspiring little dancer in your brood? Save the money for the dance lessons by buying the tap, jazz, or ballet shoes here!

Shopping in the Gulch

I don't know whether you have been in the Gulch lately, but things are really starting to get interesting. Loads of lofts and condos are going in, great restaurants are already in, and soon, retail will hit the area. Urban Outfitters has announced that they will be opening a Nashville outpost in early 2009. The store will be located on 12th Avenue South in the current location of popular music venue, City Hall....never fear concert-goers, City Hall owners are seeking a new location with better acoustics and parking in mind. OK, back to Urban Outfitters....

What a cool place! This store is always so much fun to check out and I am glad that they will be here soon. The shop offers trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women. I always find great graphic tees or something a bit offbeat, even subversive. More fun than the clothing are the objects of interest and accessories to be found in the store. I am impatient and already shop UO online and found an awesome set of 2 branch hooks for $18. I'll use them to display my necklaces. I also found hilarious Star Wars USB flash drives, and even a heavy metal activity book - too funny. At any rate, Urban Outfitters will definitely be a breath of fresh air with its eclectic offerings with a sense of humor. If you can't wait until 2009, be sure to check them out on the web at Urban Outfitters.

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................

Affordable Edge

Dressing for work is one thing, but when I am dressing to suit my own taste, I prefer a little edge. In Nashville, edge is a bit difficult to come by if you don't have a huge budget. I have learned to use my imagination and creative combinations to achieve the style that I like. If you are in need of a little attitude in your closet, then Smack Clothing Company at 2201 Elliston Place is your kind of place. For ladies, there is a good supply of denim from MEK, Miss Me, and Sang Real. These have the detail of some of the higher end denim lines with a much more wallet friendly price tag. Smack also has a large supply of unique dresses and tops for a night out on the town. I found some great country meets urban shirts from English Rose as well - a tongue in cheek take on the western vibe. Though there is a good selection of stuff for the ladies, this shop really shines when it comes to the men. They carry a larger supply of denim from MEK, Monarchy, Prangster, and more. The racks are filled with cool shirts from Monarchy, 7 Diamonds, Fender, Black Hearts Brigade, and Roar. My favorites, however, had to be the loaded with attitude shirts from Rebel Spirits - perfect for attracting attention out on the town or up on the stage. The men are in luck, as there is a carefully edited selection of shoes including some great boots from GBX with penchant for punk. One of the things that I love about shopping is that you never know where you are going to find your next favorite thing. For me, I found them at Smack....Roar long sleeve shirts for the little guys. They were pretty much the cutest things that I have ever seen; they were just mini me versions of the men's line!!! Know any little guys with attitude and style??? I know that I do!

High End Fashions - Sample Sale Pricing

If you find yourself on West End, you absolutely must stop in at UAL (United Apparel Liquidators) at 2918 near the Apple Market. This place is a little crazy and you need to be willing to look through all of the racks like a true bargain hunter. It is easy to get overwhelmed, but pick a rounder and go for it - I promise that it will be worth rummaging around in the hectic atmosphere. Within 5 minutes of entering the store, I found dresses from Chloe, Moschino, Juicy Couture, and Betsey Johnson to name a few. Oh, here is the twist, UAL offers all of these high end labels at way (and I mean way) less than retail....think sample sale prices. Though there was not a huge selection of shoes, I found Jenni Kayne, Hollywould, Valentino, and some crazy miu miu platforms that I have also seen on runway and in magazines this year. Not into dresses and shoes? OK....have a look through leggings, tees, and denim. We found Blu Jeanious, worn by stars like Halle Berry, for just $29.99. We also scored some genetic denim for a mere $59.99. Who else wears genetic? Oh, just Lindsay Lohan, Sienna Miller, Jessica Biel, Fergie, Ashlee Simpson, and Paris Hilton....maybe you have heard of one of them. OK, if I haven't given you enough to cause you to run to your car and head to West End, they also have kids clothes including Juicy Couture, Diesel, and Quincy. Did I forget to mention that there is more? Yes, more - including sunglasses, jewelry, and swimwear. The guys selection is not as large in quantity, but is still larger than life in the brands represented. Needless to say, I will be going back to UAL again, and again, and....well you get the picture.

Clothes That Mean Business

OK, so it isn't exactly edgy, but Ann Taylor Loft has a reliable selection of conservative pieces for reasonable prices. For me, they have been a bit of a staple for work wear during the past few years. Now that I am in an office with a more relaxed dress code, I have gone away from my once frequent excursions. One day, while just passing by, I spied a great green belted trench with white trim - a very fresh look for spring. Being a sucker for green, I had to drop in. The jacket was a nice weight for the cool, sometimes cold, Nashville mornings  and was priced at $129. So, I continued browsing the racks and found cute plaid shorts, thin sweaters - perfect for spring and summer, and of course loads of nice dress pants, tops, and jackets. They are really starting to get some good colors in right now, particularly a new collection of pinks. Though it wasn't particularly colorful, something just felt right about this floaty chiffon skirt in grey and black. The outfit pictured here would be very easy to punch up with a pop of color in your shoes or other accessories. It could be warmed up with a cardigan or made more office friendly with a jacket. The price can't be beat at $59 - right now on sale $34.99. Loft also has a large selection for petites and there are always shoes and accessories. With three Nashville area locations (Cool Springs, Green Hills, Murfreesboro), Ann Taylor Loft is a convenient stop for something on the conservative side. 

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!

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.