Stella Spotlight: Nashville Boutiques – House of Stella

It seems we have a bit in common with House of Stella. After all, we both have Stella in our name and look closely at that wallpaper in the photo at the left and then look at our purple circle. Oh and we both have a love of all things Jeffrey Campbell.  These all seem like perfectly valid reasons to become BFFs, right?

What you’ll find at House of Stella, located in Cool Springs in the Target Shopping Center, is a nicely edited selection of apparel, including Blank NYC, Wildfox, Motel Rocks & the Betsey Johnson Fusion line, as well as loads of accessories and gift items.  The best part…they’re all priced under $100.  And what better way to compliment your super affordable and bang on trend ensemble than with a pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

House of Stella is a family affair, so on any day expect to find owner, Stacy Pelerossi, her mom Felicia or her sisters. They make the store friendly and inviting,  and I have to admit, I like just stopping by and chatting with them.

I asked Stacey a few questions about the store and what we can expect to find for the holidays and here’s what she had to tell us.

What inspired you to open House of Stella?  I was inspired to open the store mainly because my mom and I were always helping our friends with sewing and painting projects. We thought by having a store front we could share our talents with more people. Our idea was to try and accommodate anything our customer requested.

Who is the inspiration behind the name?  We named the store House of Stella after our orange tabby cat Stella. She has gotten us through a lot of hard times.

Describe the vibe of House of Stella in five words or less.  Whimsical, Warm, Comfy, Inspiring, Vintage.

What items that you have in the store should be in everyone’s closet this Winter?  High-waisted Corduroys by Blank Jeans, Floral Litas or any Litas by Jeffrey Campbell, Betsey Johnson printed Sweaters and tights, tights, tights!!

What are some of your favorite lines that you carry and why?  My favorite brand is obviously Jeffrey Campbell Shoes, because they are literally works of art you can wear on your feet. They give you the height you need without the pain. The shoe boxes come plastered with cats, crossword puzzles, and everything that is weird which we love.

The holidays are around the corner. What are a few of your favorite gift items in the store?  My favorite gifts for the holidays are the Simpatico Reindeer candle, “All My Friends Are Dead” storybook, Pyrite and leather cuff bracelets, and the tyvek Mighty Wallets.

Describe the customer experience at House of Stella. What should a customer expect when they arrive?  Our customers need to know that House of Stella is a family operated business, and not a chain. Expect to be greeted by and cared for by the family. The store is eye candy. You will feel happy and welcomed, but never ever pressured.  We value everyone who comes through our doors, even the ones who only ask to use our bathroom. We just love having people come in to see all the hard work we have put forth to make House of Stella the go-to shopping place.

If House of Stella was a cocktail, what would it be?  A Blue Valium of course. It’s a hidden treasure that not everyone knows about yet.

What are five of your favorite places in Nashville/Franklin?  The Perch, The Five Spot, The Flea Market, Baja Burrito and Gas Lamp Antique Mall

Visit House of Stella in the Target Shopping Center off of Moore’s Lane seven days a week. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter too!

Thanks to Daniel C. White for the photos. We’ll have more pics from the House of Stella shoot on our Facebook page!

House of Stella – 1709 Galleria Blvd., Ste. 1007  Franklin, TN – 615.628.8079 – Monday through Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm

Stella Spotlight – Habit & I See London

Nestled in the shops at Bandywood Center in Green Hills, next to one of our favorite shoe stores and former Spotlight Store, The Perfect Pair, sits Habit & I See London. This quaint shop has a white-washed, relaxed, shabby-chic feel, and it’s stocked full of the perfect essentials for every season. We had to know more about this nicely edited store and recently caught up with owner, Meg Blackney.

What inspired you to open Habit/I See London?

I saw a need for up and coming, smaller designers in the area.  We like to only bring in one piece per size of a piece of clothing.  That way it is not seen all around town!

How has the store evolved since you first opened?

When we first opened we were trying to do too much – be too many things for everyone.  We have settled into our current role of providing Nashville with different, amazing pieces that are actually wearable in real life.  I have kids, and my customers have kids (not all of them, of course!) and there is a real need to dress in a way that inspires you, but also is not dainty and breakable.

What’s the inspiration behind the name of both stores?

A habit is a nun’s headwear.  We were just looking for terms that address clothing, and we liked the way it sounded.  It can also been seen as a “good” habit or a “bad” habit…..depending on your budget   For I See London, we just loved the cheeky-ness of the old “I See London, I See France….”

Describe the vibe of Habit/I See London in five words or less.

Comfortable. Light. Cozy. Open. Friendly.

What items that you carry should be in everyone’s closet this Fall?

Ponchos, stripes, lace trimmed dresses, wide leg cords.

Goddis Poncho ($233), Citizens of Humanity Hutton Medium Rise Wide Leg Jean ($189), Dogeared Peace Necklace ($62)

What are some of your favorite lines you carry?

Rebecca Taylor, Splendid, Ella Moss, Joie, Eberjey

Rebecca Taylor Agean Discover Me Dress ($345), Velvet Faux Fur Jacket ($232), Virgins, Saints and Angels Tribal Charm Mila Grosa Necklace ($356) – courtesy of The Perfect Pair

Joie Flower Dress ($298)

 

Ella Moss Poncho ($275)

Eberjey Waterfall Robe ($102), Eberjey Teddy Romper ($71)

 Describe the customer experience at Habit/I See London. What should they expect when they arrive?

We want people to feel comfortable.  Fashion should be fun, and hands on.  We like for people to take a tons of options to the dressing room, as questions, get opinions.  We want people to expect great service and honest answers.

If Habit/I See London was a cocktail, what would it be?

Probably a dirty martini.  We are about the real ingredients….not trends and showboating.  Like a martini, we get straight down to business – the business of getting you looking your best.

What are five of your favorite places in Nashville?

Burger Up, Rumours, Anthropologie, Nashville Public Library (Downtown), Arrington Vineyards

We’ll have additional photos from the Habit & I See London shoot on our Facebook page this week. Visit Habit & I See London in the Bandywood Center in Green Hills (2209 Bandywood Drive) and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

All photos courtesy of Daniel C White.

Stella Spotlight: Nashville Boutique – H. Audrey

H. Audrey is definitely not a boutique flying under the radar.  This stunning Nashville shop has caught the eyes of editors from Elle, Lucky, People, Self, Travel & Leisure and Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle site, Goop. It’s easy to see why. This beautifully merchandised store is filled to the brim with some pretty covetable lines like Rick Owens, Helmut Lang and Rag & Bone. Owner, Holly Williams’ (daughter of Hank Williams Jr.) impeccable taste shows in this store, which is like walking into someone’s very chic loft apartment complete with an art gallery. It’s easy to see why H. Audrey is a celebrity and stylist favorite. We caught up with Holly and asked her a few questions about the boutique.

Describe the vibe of H. Audrey in five words starting with “H.”

This is hard!! Ok….Hip, haute, heavenly, hot, happening

What is one of the best perks of owning a boutique?

Clothes at wholesale!!!! There is nothing more fabulous, and meeting new customers when I’m here is great. If I have nothing to wear for an event, I can run in here after hours and take a necklace and dress off the rack. I also love when all my friends and family are here for an event, drinking Prosecco, shopping and hanging out…that’s a ball!!!

What local lines do you carry? 

Amanda Urrego has an amazing jewelry line called “Many Will See.” They are brilliant statement necklaces. Lizzy Couture has stunning cuffs and earrings with a vintage feel. She is out of Franklin. It’s important to always support the locals and be in search of local talent!

Many Will See ($598)

Many Will See ($1198)

What’s the inspiration behind the name of the store?

It’s actually my first initial and middle name. Holly Audrey Williams is my full name. People always think it’s Audrey Hepburn spelled backwards. They are more clever than I am!

We love the photo gallery area of the shop. Why did you decide to include it?

It is called the Morrison Hotel gallery. There is one in NYC and another in LA. Henry Diltz is the photographer who shot the original Morrison Hotel album cover for The Doors. He started putting his work in a gallery along with other renowned music photographers. He shot my very first album cover and I have been a huge fan of his work for years. I love the shot of Dylan with all the children and of Mick & Keith in the studio with the microphones. They’re pricey but worth it since they’re limited edition photographs. I love having them here. Taylor Swift just came in and bought some great ones.

How does it feel as a boutique owner to have so many celebrities and stylists publicly admire your store? 

It’s so rewarding! I love to turn on the tv and see who is wearing what to which awards show, or on album covers. It’s kind of like songwriting. When I pick songs to record and then put them on a record to sell, it feels similar to picking out clothes and selling them here. Everyone is an absolute sweetheart and so complimentary. It’s nice to have already known so many people in the industry before the store opened. Easier than paying for marketing ads!!

You carry some amazing lines in the shop which ones are you favorite?  

Thank you! I would have to say I could probably live in Helmut Lang, Rag & Bone, ALC, J Brand jeans, and Rick Owens jackets for the rest of my life and be happy. Also, Nation makes the most comfy jersey tops for $58 that I wear constantly!!!

Rag & Bone Natural French Cuff Shirt ($325) & Rag & Bone Bart Black Suede Shorts ($595)

Name five of your favorite places in Nashville?

This is nearly impossible, because I could separate by food, beauty, home stores, bars, etc…but off the top of my head I’m saying Lazzaroli’s in Germantown, the new Peter Nappi store, Burger Up, Imogene + Willie, Patterson House and Nest Interiors.

Here are a few Fall looks you can find in store now.

Nili Lotan Plaid Shirt ($298), Haute Hippie Sequin Skirt ($395) & Thea Grant Duffield Street Multiple Pot Metal Necklace ($690)

I R O Doris Tank with Holse ($125), J Brand Bette High Rise Wide Leg Jean ($230), Grey Round Neck Fur Jacket ($965) and Iosselliani Necklace ($250)

We’ll have additional photos from the H. Audrey shoot on our Facebook page this week. Visit H. Audrey in the Hill Center in Green Hills (4027 Hillsboro Pike) and follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Check out Holly’s brand new blog, The Afternoon Off.

Thanks to Holly for providing us with a photo of herself.  All other photos courtesy of Daniel C White.

Stella Spotlight: Nashville Boutique – Serendipity

Serendipity boutique on 12th Ave South in Nashville is appropriately named.  This eclectic boutique has been a staple on 12 South for the past 11 years.  It’s filled to the brim with beautiful jewelry (some of which is local), fantastically affordable dresses and tons of fabulous gift ideas.  When Mizzie and I pulled clothes and accessories for our June Her Nashville shoot, we couldn’t believe the treasures we found in this shop.  We are obsessed with a particular line of re-purposed jewelry called Re-creating Juliette and we’ll have more to share on that line later this month!  Owner, Julie Lutz and her staff are warm, welcoming and at the ready to help you find the absolute perfect items.  Here, Julie tells us about the inspiration behind Serendipity and what we can expect to find for Fall.

What was the inspiration behind Serendipity?  How has your original concept evolved over the years?

The inspiration behind the name is linked to it’s meaning…”making fortunate discoveries by accident.“  Serendipity’s look and feel has continued to evolve throughout the years, along with the ever changing style and needs of Nashville.  The main concept is a place where a mother and daughter can shop and both find something nice.

Describe the vibe of Serendipity in five words or less.

Eclectic and peaceful.

What are some of your favorite lines in the store?

Johnny Was and Weston Wear are probably everyone’s favorite lines that we carry at Serendipity.

We are in love with the jewelry line, Re-creating Juliette.  Can you tell us a little more about it and why it’s so special?

Re-creating Juliette is a line of jewelry started by my sister, Debbie.  It is named for our Grandmother, Juliet.  Debbie takes a lot of interesting old pieces of watches and jewelry and is able to re-create them into something that is truly one-of-a-kind.  Her design sensibility really shows through in her pieces and the line is exclusive to Serendipity.

What are some great pieces that will help us stay cool now, but can also take us into Fall?

We have a great short cargo skirt that can be worn with a tank now, but later with a great sweater and boots..layering is still very popular.  We also have many dresses that will keep you cool, but can go into Fall quite easily.

Speaking of Fall, what apparel and/or accessories can we look forward to finding at Serendipity?

We are all looking forward to our leather boots that are coming in by Bronx.  We always have a great variety of hand-made sweaters that I love getting in too.

What kind of woman are you thinking of when you choose the items you have in the store?

All of us here at Serendipity participate in the buying process and as our individual tastes vary widely, our selections vary as well.  It works.  Anyone can find something in here whether young, old or in between, hipster or hippie….we usually have something for everyone.

What type of experience should customers expect when they come to Serendipity?

We try to give the customer a delightful shopping experience from the amazing smell of our candles and soaps that greet them as soon as they walk in, to the friendly service we offer.  We also have an abundance of unique baby items and books, as well as organic tea, gift items and beautiful clothes to look at. Hopefully, anyone can find something that makes them feel good about themselves.

What are five of your favorite places in Nashville?

Because we are an eclectic group of people and have a wide range of tastes, we have a number of places we favor here in Nashville. However, if we have to narrow it down to five, first I would pick the Ryman.  We all love going to shows there.  My favorite shows of all time-Patty Griffin, Emmy Lou Harris and Alison Krauss to name a few.  Cheekwood is another favorite.  Most of us LOVED the Chihuly exhibit last summer and one of the girls works there as well.  One of our girls loves Lone Wolf Body Art on Broadway.  Tim Bobek has done all of her tattoos and she swears by his work.  Another one of the girls lives in East Nashville and is crazy about Mitchell Delicatessen.  She says they have the best BLT in town, hands down.  And finally, none of us could live without our morning coffee, or afternoon “pick me up” from Frothy Monkey down the street. We’ve all been frequenting it since it opened.

What inspires you?

The people that live, work and study in Nashville are what inspire us!  We love being part of a community that is continually growing and improving.  We have definitely taken our cue from the various and unique styles of everyone that lives here, and we continue to try and embody the spirit of that within our store.

A big thanks to Julie who is offering our Nashville subscribers a special deal valid through August 15.  Make sure you receive Stella in your Inbox to get your coupon.

Visit our Stella Shops Facebook page for more photos from our Serendipity shoot.  Special thank you to Daniel C White who took the photos here and in our Serendipity Facebook album.

Serendipity is located at 2301 12th Ave South in Nashville.  Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Stella Spotlight: Boutique Bella

This month’s Spotlight Store takes us to West End where tucked into the shopping center behind Ted’s Montana Grill sits a gem of a boutique.  Boutique Bella is a lovely shop full to the brim with designer denim, accessories and casual wear to cocktail attire.  They’ve been a mainstay in Nashville’s shopping community for the past ten years and it’s easy to see why.  The shop is comfortable and nicely merchandised and the staff is super friendly.  What more could you ask for?  We asked owners, Renae Baird and KC Nickolai a few questions about the boutique, the lines they love and what all of us should be wearing this Summer.

What inspired you to open Boutique Bella?  How has your original concept evolved over the years?

We were great friends who both shared a dream of opening a store. We were pretty open to what kind of store it would be, but after we found the retail space on West End Avenue, a clothing store seemed like a natural choice.  At the time, Nashville didn’t have many boutiques, so we thought a clothing store that was convenient to Vanderbilt students and other shoppers in the mid-town area was a good idea.

When we opened 10 years ago, designer denim was just starting to become popular, so we kind of fell into the jean market a little by accident.  We still sell a lot of dresses, tops and tee shirts, but I think we are definitely known as a denim shopping destination more than anything else.

The original concept hasn’t changed much over the years, but I think we have evolved into a store that caters to a wider demographic.  When we first opened, the majority of our customers were college students, but now we have a lot of customers in the 25-55 range too.

Describe the vibe of Boutique Bella in five words or less.

Relaxed, comfortable, friendly…and full!

What are some of your favorite lines you carry and why?

Citizens of Humanity jeans look and feel great and they seem to fit just about every body type well.  Trina Turk does a pretty fantastic job of making quality clothing for just about every age that fits well and is timeless without being boring.

Velvet and Michael Stars have elevated the tee shirt (and now a lot of other things too) to another level of sophistication and comfort.

As far as jewelry goes, local designer Robin Haley makes beautiful pieces that are extremely wearable and Chan Luu wrap bracelets are nothing short of an obsession for our entire staff.

What items should all of us have in our closets this Summer?

Summer in Nashville is HOT, so easy day and maxi dresses that you can pair with flip flops or wedges are a must.  Tee shirts and white jeans can get a little tired looking after a season or two, so it’s always good to freshen up your wardrobe with some new additions.  A pair of dark ankle or cropped straight-leg or skinny jeans  is also a great basic that you can wear day or night with so many shoe and top options.

What splurge-worthy items can we find at Boutique Bella?

Chan Luu bracelets, a Kooba bag and a perfect fitting pair of jeans.

Are there any new pieces or specific lines coming in for Summer that you’re excited about?

We are pretty excited about the return of the flare and the wide leg jean.  We still love our skinnys, but it’s nice to have a new jean option in the mix.

What type of experience should a customer expect at Boutique Bella?

We really want to provide a no pressure, inviting and comfortable shopping experience for our customers.  We are there to help them in whatever way we can.  Since we carry such a large selection of denim, that often means helping our customers find the perfect pair of jeans.  Of course, if they are looking for a dress, an outfit or anything else, we can help them with that too.

If Boutique Bella was a cocktail, what would it be?

Hmmm.  Champagne….bubbly and sweet.  Or a cosmopolitan…it is pretty pink and girly in here!

What are five your your favorite places in Nashville?

City House, the Station Inn, Radnor Lake, Baja Burrito, our homes

What inspires you?

Music, art, nature, friends and the amazing creative and diverse people of Nashville that make this city such an incredible place to live and work.

Thanks Renae and KC!  Another thing you need to know about Boutique Bella is there is always a sale rack here!

Make sure you you’re registered to receive Stella emails.  We have a special deal from  Boutique Bella for our Nashville subscribers that is valid through July 31.

Visit our Stella Shops Facebook page for more photos from our Boutique Bella shoot.  Special thank you to Daniel CWhite who took these fabulous photos this month.

Boutique Bella is located in the Park Place Shopping Center at 2817 West End Ave.  Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Stella Spotlight: Nashville Boutique – Hemline

There are some fantastic shopping options in the Hill Center and another one of our favorites is Hemline.  This boutique can literally outfit you from head to toe and for any occasion.  You’ll find maxi dresses for day or night, gorgeous sequin dresses and skirts, breezy blouses, denim in all styles and a perfectly edited selection of shoes, jewelry, hats and other accessories.  We caught up with store owner, Mary Maddox and asked her a few questions about the shop and what all of us should have in our closets to beat the heat this Summer.

What inspired you to open Hemline?  What was your original concept and how has the store evolved?

Hemline is a franchise and I worked in one of the Houston boutiques for a year before we came to Nashville.  I learned the business and became close with the founder, so when we moved here, I thought it would be a great boutique for the Nashville woman.  We have always stayed pretty true to the Hemline vision…..having a little something for everyone.

Describe the vibe of Hemline in five words or less.

Flirty, fun, bohemian chic

What are some of your favorite lines you carry and why?

I love Myne.  It is a newer, fresh, line that we have been carrying for awhile and it just fits really well.  Of course, Loretta Jane, which is a line that Kelli Cooper who used to work here, designs.  It is impeccably made and is feminine without being too girly.  Leona is another dress line that is southern and sophisticated and just beautiful! (Loretta Jane and Leona both showed their collections during Lexus Nashville Fashion Week!)

What essentials should we all have this Summer?

Maxi skirts, white flared jeans, wedges, layered bracelets and necklaces, denim cut-offs, easy flowy tops and light-weight dresses to keep us cool in the heat!

What splurge-worthy items should we have?

We have an amazing irridescent sequin dress that is just gorgeous and a taupe sequin skirt both by Basix that are show-stoppers!

Are there any new pieces coming in for Summer that you’re excited about?

High waisted flared jeans by both Genetic Denim and Seven….I can’t wait to get them in!!  Also, jewelry by Seasonal Whispers that is great for layering.

What type of experience should a customer expect at Hemline?

Great customer service and personal attention in a fun atmosphere.

If Hemline was a cocktail, what would it be?

A martini!  When we go to market, that is our drink at dinner and we share lots of stories and laughs.

What are five of your favorite places in Nashville?

The park with my two girls, Suzy Wongs House of Yum, Pure Barre, Pied Piper Creamery, The Ryman.

What inspires you?

I love reading fashion blogs and magazines to get ideas.

Thanks Mary!  Pick up the June issue of Her Nashville to see how we styled some fabulous Hemline pieces for our Her Favorites column.  Visit our Facebook page to see more photos.

Hemline is offering our email subscribers a special discount during the month of June.  Make sure you receive Stella in your Inbox to get your coupon!

Hemline is located at 4025 Hillsboro Pike in The Hill Center.