Nashville’s Newest Style Icon? YOU! Launch of StyleBy.Me- Nashville.

StyleBy.Me is Nashville’s newest street style destination where users can showcase their own personal style and find inspiration for future ensembles. As detailed on the company’s user profile, “StyleBy.Me is just that; your style, by you, for you, displayed for your city to see.” StyleBy.Me is a lot like Lookbook.nu. However, unlike Lookbook.nu, which allows users from any city/country to submit self-styled photos, StyleBy.Me is city specific. The company first launched its local lookbook for users of Northwest Arkansas and recently expanded to the Nashville market.

The small company consists of 5 team members; two co-founders, a business development director, a director of photography, and two interns. Co-founder Josh Clemence says “StyleBy.Me… gives the opportunity to aggregate styles down to a local science. Instead of seeing a new style in a magazine or on TV, or posed by a model, you now have a tool that allows you to keep up with local styles and trends.” Speaking specifically to the users of Northwest Arkansas, co-founder Anna Chatelain says, “… I can hardly wait to unveil the inspiring looks that are sure to come to NWA! To date, I have already been in awe of the originality produced from the region.” (Fun fact: Ever wonder what the C in Amber C. stands for? Now you know… Anna is the most recent addition to the Chatelain family. Love it!)

StyleBy.Me co-founder Josh Clemence.

StyleBy.Me co-founder Anna Chatelain.

So, how does StyleBy.Me work? According to the company website, interested parties upload photos of their style, can browse through other looks, and have viewers ‘like’ their style. Users submit styles by filling out the ‘Submit Your Style’ form, answering questions like who you are wearing and giving yourself a style title. Now, this isn’t a free for all- there are rules to this! Read more about submission rules here and click here to submit your style.

Be sure to bookmark StyleBy.Me and upload looks of your most fabulous street fashion! Here is a sample of current looks from Nashville as posted on StyleBy.Me's website:

dress, {goodwill} | belt, {banana republic}

wool pants, obey | plaid shirt, {tidwell & perryman} | trench, vintage

wool sweater (worn as scarf), marc jacobs | boots, topman | sunglasses, ray-ban

blouse, pins and needles {urban outfitters} | tube top, {forever 21}

shorts, fletcher by lyell {urban outfitters} | tights, {nine west} | bracelet, {urban outfitters}

shoes, {nine west}

photo credit:

Josh & Anna: http://www.styleby.me/team/

looks: http://nashville.styleby.me/

Wardrobe Consultant: Lissa Batson

In need of a stylist? Look no further than the talented Lissa Batson. I’ve known Lissa for several months and can attest to her impressive wardrobe and styling techniques. Here is the most recent email I received from her regarding her wardrobe consulting business:

 I know that its bitterly cold out but let's look onward to SPRING 2011!!!  Lots of new and exciting trends to look forward to this Spring.  Yes, the 70's ARE BACK--you will find high-waisted wide-leg trousers and bell bottoms worn with bold color printed halter tops!!! Full skirts, ballerina look for shorter styles and longer pleated skirts seen, comparable to the 1950's Dior Look. You will still find neutrals mixed with bold colors (e.g Light Peach with Bright Mandarin Orange). Lace, Tassels, Crochet seen in detailing.  Jumpers are still a huge trend and Tops are getting shorter paired with the dolman sleeves.

Trends are fun and exciting to watch, BUT we know---dress for your body type first, then second incorporate trends that work for YOUR BODY TYPE.  We all have something about our body that we love, PLAY THAT UP!! 

Whether you or someone you know wants a new look, in a fashion rut, needs help putting looks together, or just wants to get rid of old, outdated items in their wardrobe, I am here to help!!! I work with Men and Women, of all ages, shapes and sizes. 

Book in advance a WARDROBE MAKEOVER, which includes a 3 hour closet clean out and wardrobe consultation, 3 hours of personal shopping and the Style Look Book (40 looks of all items that we keep and add).  Many more services are provided, check out my site www.lissabatson.com.

If you or anyone you know is interested in getting a WARDROBE MAKEOVER for this Spring, call me at 615.767.8749 or e mail me at lissabatson@gmail.com. Check "Like" on Facebook and follow me on Twitter! 

Also, tune in to Nashville: News Channel 5's "Talk of the Town" Feb 9, 10, 11th at 11am, I will be featured revealing Couples Makeovers for three lucky couple for Valentine's Day!!!    

 All the best!!

Lissa
--
Lissa Batson
Wardrobe Consultant and Personal Shopper
615.767.8749www.lissabatson.com

Livia Firth Rocks Prophetik at the Golden Globes

Congratulations to Jeff Garner of Prophetik, whose eco-friendly design was worn by Italian film producer and wife of Colin Firth, Livia Firth at the latest Golden Globe Awards. It makes my heart proud to see a Tennessee-based designer’s work being showcased on the Red Carpet! Firth was taking part in the ‘Green Carpet Challenge’, an initiative to incorporate eco-friendly/sustainable pieces into her wardrobe.

Exclusive preparation photos:

Livia getting her makeup done.

Jeff from Prophetik helping Livia get ready.

Love this shot of Livia, Colin, and Jeff!!

Livia rocking the eco-friendly Prophetik look on the Red Carpet...

I love the silhouette and beautiful draping.

How sweet is he?!

I actually had a student intern for Prophetik for several months, and reading her internship journal was a true delight. I loved hearing about the tasks she accomplished, and how the team really integrated her into the company for optimal learning experiences. I’m so glad she had the opportunity to work with such a well-known and greatly respected company.

Here is a little information about the Prophetik design philosophy as detailed on the company’s website:

“My desire is to not just get people to come to a Charity event or go on a missions or service trip but to be truly engaged with self allowing the heart of giving and serving to lead one in life rather than being another event or feel good moment but a constant, not based on condition. Understanding the heart: When you understand, you cannot help but love. You cannot get angry. To develop understanding, you have to practice looking at all living beings with the eyes of compassion. When you understand, you cannot help but love. And when you love, you naturally act in a way that an relieve the suffering of people.

The Sustainable Journey: A meaningful analysis and evaluation of any product’s relationship to the environment must include a broad array of criteria including low-impact production, low-impact maintenance, and its classification as recyclable, reusable or incineratable. Primary considerations are low impact on plant and animal life, conservation of limited resources, and waste minimization….Jeff Garner

Looks from the latest Prophetik runway show:

Here is the press release on Firth and Prophetik:

FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION:

LIVIA FIRTH WEARS PROPHETIK BY JEFF GARNER TO THE GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS AS PART OF THE 'GREEN CARPET CHALLENGE'

January 16, 2011: Livia Firth wore a Prophetik by Jeff Garner gown as part of the 'Green Carpet Challenge' to the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 16, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Livia Firth chose a beautiful strapless gown made from Tussah silk and hemp that was dyed with Garner's own indigo plant. 

Livia Firth worked directly with Jeff Garner, whose Prophetik label is admired internationally for both its values and its sartorial elegance. ‘When I went to the Prophetik catwalk at London Fashion Week last September with Laura Bailey (model and fellow eco queen), we both loved the romance of Jeff Garner’s gowns. There is nothing granola or worthy about the way they look,’ Firth says.

Livia also appreciates the way Garner is able to approach ‘problems in the fashion chain, such as the heavy chemical pollution associated with dying, and come up with a considered response. His understanding of ecologically intelligent fabrics and processes is extraordinary, as is his respect for the natural world.’

Since the Tennessee based line Prophetik launched eight years ago, designer Jeff Garner has been a romantic visual artist, pioneer, and unconventional designer. His sustainable, organic label Prophetik is on a path of transformation, leading the evolution of fashion and changing our perception of luxury. Jeff Garner was recently named "2010 Eco Men's Designer of the Year" during London Fashion week. 

For further information regarding Prophetik by Jeff Garner, please visit www.prophetik.com or contact Lindsey Larson at lindsey@prefacepr.com and Colleen McKinnie at colleen@prefacepr.com.

Follow the Green Carpet Challenge at http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/livia-firth/.  Follow us on Twitter @liviafirth @lucysiegle @vogue_london


photo credit: Fairlight Hubbard from http://www.eyemgmt.com/ and http://prophetik.mybisi.com/product/gentlements-frock.

Weekend Update

This past weekend was filled with fashion adventures... Saturday night I hit up both the Local Honey Grand Opening Party and the RAW Nashville Launch Party and Meet and Greet. Sunday ended my quest to find the perfect black booties.

If you weren’t able to attend the Local Honey party Saturday, you definitely need to check out the new digs. The new location boasts three large rooms filled with vintage and local designer goodies and are spacious enough for LH owners to offer you a wider selection of unique merchandise the store is famous for. The back room, which now houses men’s goodies brought to you by Tidwell & Perryman, made me wish I knew the shoe size of any male in my life. The selection of men’s boots was out of control. Seriously. Of course, I accidently left my camera at home Saturday night so I can’t share pictures with you, but I highly suggest you take yourself or your man to LH and snatch up a pair or two of these delicious finds. Vintage worn-in leather boots can easily enhance the wardrobe of any man.

I ended up purchasing a simplistic vintage gold necklace (pictured below) that I can’t wait to pair with my statement faux fur coat I purchased at a New York H&M this past January. I also tried on an interesting pale pink sheer hand-painted dress Saturday night, but unfortunately wasn’t feeling the piece on me.

I mingled at LH, sipping 8^th grade-style punch and pursuing the racks for about a half an hour before I had to head out to my second stop- the RAW Nashville Launch Party and Meet and Greet.

 This event took place in the back room of Mercy Lounge and when I arrived at 7:30, the place was starting to fill up with local independent artists. After picking my jaw up off the floor after being charged $3.00 for an ill-tasting diet coke, I mingled with a few folks, listening to their artistic journeys and visions.

$3.00.. seriously?

RAW had previously contacted me, wanting to conduct an interview to gain some insights on the Nashville fashion industry. I agreed to the interview and an organizer gave me a heads up on what it would entail: a discussion of what I do, how social media has affected/influenced my passions, and the RAW movement in general. Well, I’m not sure the message got translated to the interviewer, because none of those topics were hit! After a chat about my interests, I was asked to give advice to emerging fashion designers, discuss the growth of the Nashville fashion industry, etc. I had to leave after the interview (which took place outside in the cold because it was too loud indoors) to meet a friend for dinner.

Sunday was filled with shopping adventures. I hit up 21^st Ave., where my first stop was Pangaea. I wish I could say I found oodles of unique accessories, a cute dress, and some kitschy home décor, but the tiny store was so crowded, I gave up on my hunt and left after a few minutes. There are only so many times you can say “Excuse me”, squeezing past people and literally stepping on toes, in a given time period before surrendering. My second stop was Posh.

Apparently Posh is having a sale- 15% off all clearance merchandise. I found this out today when I looked at their Facebook page. There were no signs indicating of an additional sale, and no sales associates told me. I do love the Posh sale section, though. I can usually find a couple of interesting pieces that I can’t wait to wear to work or to my usual watering holes. Sunday, however, I just wasn’t feeling it. I attempted to find a new black dress, but the lighting was so poor in the back room, I had to literally take each garment off the rack, turn my body, and hold it up to random light in order to actually see its details. I’m a pretty big fan of retail lighting anyways, but it’s important to make sure your customers can actually see your clothes! Functionality is key. I tried on a few pieces and ultimately decided to leave with empty hands.

I stopped by a few more stores, and eventually ended up at the Marshall’s on Lebanon Pike. Sometimes I forget about Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx, but I usually have luck at these places. And on Sunday, my request for the perfect black bootie ended. I found a pair of leather Vince Camuto black booties (listed for $99.99 on the VC website) marked down twice from $79.99 to $32.00. Score!

I ended up wearing these that night for drinks at my local dive, pairing them with black BCBG leggings, an oversized black crop top, and an Indian-inspired necklace previously purchased from Pangaea.

Now that my fashion weekend is over, I’m gearing up for next weekend’s events… Don’t forget about  Dinner with your Dog and Sassy Elegance, both being held next Saturday.

Wardrobe Tips from Kendall Mitchell

If you don’t know Nashville model/stylist/spokesperson/sweetheart Kendall Mitchell, you should. She is an absolute doll in every way possible and recently was featured on Channel 4’s Better Nashville. In this video she gives styling tips on how to look your most fabulous with your preexisting wardrobe. She suggests piecing new accessories (many from Judith Bright) with outfits for a fresh look. View the video and learn some new styling tips here.

Street Fashion: Concert Trend Alert

Monday night I had the privilege of attending Mumford & Sons at TPAC’s War Memorial Auditorium. Tickets, costing around $23, sold out in a matter of hours, and I snagged two for me and a friend as soon as I heard this band was making the TN rounds again.

Mumford & Sons

photo from http://www.citylife.co.uk/img/17457/35305_mumford__sons.jpg

If you haven’t heard of Mumford & Sons, shame on you! They’re one of the hippest and most talented bands currently in vogue. I could tell you about their mind-blowing performance. Or how the crowd was so quiet and attentive while they played I actually heard somebody cough from across the room. Or I could describe to you the complete and utter chaos that occurred as they played their 45-minute encore set with surprise guests Old Crow Medicine Show. No, I won’t tell you about that. But I will tell you about some major fashion trends I saw: over-the-shoulder handbags, shorts with tights, and brogue flats.

If you think about it, over-the-shoulder handbags are the perfect purses to take to a concert: they’re hassle and hands-free, they can fit all your necessities, and you can still have a dance party while sporting them! I definitely prefer leather, and you’ll be sure to find some of these as great price points at your local thrift store. Maybe even check out Local Honey. Here's how to wear them right!

photo from wgsn.com

Shorts with tights may seem a little 90’s, but the trend has been popping up the past few seasons. But according to the girls waiting in line for the show, the trend is in full force! My new cousin-in-law? cousin? or whatever the wife of your cousin is called, recently honeymooned in Italy and noticed the trend herself. You can read about this adorable and fashionable girl’s adventures and fashion styling business here. (I also suggest that if you live in the Fayetteville, AR area, you hit this girl up for some styling advice!)

My lovely new family member, Anna Chatelain, sporting shorts and tights.

photo from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4GtF_K8CTnHGZQZobLm0PyBr4SXWi21OsCOduMLsgkpQeHSchWwPAnAGRkojC52IKOZyEVTDDs_ldXtUw_g58XLU1vt7IM4lmZVKTxObAKOsdPilwU5-yEyh9cVqSI8cQ5ZcVjTVuro/s1600/TL_10_27_10.jpg

So, what type of shoes do you pair with these shorts and tights? Brogue flats! In addition to the typical array of Fall boots, these shoes seemed to adorn 90% of the hipsters in line. These can be found at local vintage and consignment shops, and I know Urban Outfitters has an array to choose from as well.

photo from wgsn.com