What’s In Her Bag – Holly Williams of H. Audrey

In September we featured the fabulous H. Audrey boutique in The Hill Center. After looking at all of the amazingness in this store, we needed to know more about it’s owner, singer-songwriter (and blogger!) Holly Williams. If Holly’s store looked this fantastic, what could possibly be in her handbag? We had to know and Holly was nice enough to indulge us.

I have been madly in love with this black leather handbag from Gryson ever since it hit the H. Audrey floor three years ago. It has traveled the world with me, been jammed in plenty of airplane spaces, had wine spilled all over it, been stuffed to the max on buying trips in NYC for my store, been stuffed to the max with my laptop and lyrics fallng out at the studio, and I can still say it has never failed me! Bag rule #1-invest in a good handbag as it will last you for years (and years, and years) to come. We have some great ones at H. Audrey from German line, Leibeskind, for $398, a great deal cheaper than most designer handbags!!! Here are my current handbag items (as of this morning)…

#1-Blue notebook – Everything is written in here from lyrics I’m working on, to merchandise I have my eye on for the store, to grocery lists, to shopping lists, to my traveling schedule. I have all my family brithdays in it and it even has two letters from my lovely husband who swiped it from me one night and surprised me with his precious words. I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost this ugly little thing!

#2-Dawes CD – I am obsessed with this band. “When My Time Comes” is absolutely brilliant songwriting!

#3-Rubber bands – I have long hair and sometimes it drives me bonkers. I’m always traveling with packs of these life-savers.

#4-Wallet – I bought this three years ago. I ponied up and bought a real leather wallet (roughly $150) and it’s absolutely indestructable. I hope to keep it for at least another five years.

#5-Face spray – I love Mario Bedescu! This herbal rosewater spray reminds me of my grandmother. It is the perfect daytime pick-me-up.

#6-Bobbi Brown lip palette – She has the most flattering, natural shades. I picked this up at the fabulous Woo cosmetics.

#7-Target sunglasses – I stopped spending money on Ray-Bans, because I can’t keep up with them to save my ever-loving life. These are $12.99 from Exhilaration. I buy them in doubles once a year and pray I don’t lose them. They’re big and black and do the job. I love them!!! They’re fabulous for early morning flights when no one should see what you really look like that time of morning.

#8-Gift card – I found this today in the depths of my purse (yaaay!!!), a $25 gift card to my fave wine bar Rumours.

#9-Discount card – Wags & Whiskers, my new favorite doggy supply store, just sent me this coupon in the mail. Love this place.

#10-Breath spray – What can I say? I love garlic.

#11-Face Cream – Love this Mario Bedescu Buttermilk Moisturizer from Cosmetic Market. It’s amazing for long flights, but light enough for everyday use and it smells like heaven!

#12-Hand sanitizer – I’m not a complete germaphobe, but this stuff comes in handy during taxi rides in New York and on airplanes.

#13-Therapy Systems‘ Better Than Cover is the most fabulous camouflage around for blemishes. Linda Roberts is a genius!

#14-Hand Cream – I’m obsessed with all things Jo Malone and someone bought me this pricey yet fabulous hand cream last year. I’m trying to squeeze out every last inch!

#15-Guitar tuner – For last minute tune-ups before shows and the studio and impromptu house gatherings, you never know when you will need one! I always travel with a capo also.

#16-I forgot to take a picture of my iPhone! Where would I be without this magical device? The camera and video camera I couldn’t live without, and how did we all function before visual voicemail? I used to take 20 minutes just to go through messages alone! Now I can work really hard for hours off this one device (all my email accounts, the voice recorder for new song ideas) then turn it off for some peace and quiet. It’s all about the balance!!

Thanks Holly!!  We couldn’t agree more about some of these products. That Therapy Systems Better Than Cover is amazing and anything Bobbi Brown gets my vote! Make sure you check out Holly’s blog, The Afternoon Off. She talks fashion, food and travel and it’s a really fun read.

 

 

 

What’s In Her Bag – Natalie Hanson

She’s got four amazing kids, a rock star husband and a smile that makes you smile back.  This month’s “What’s in Her Bag” contributor is Natalie Hanson. The gorgeous mother of four, and wife of  Hanson member Taylor Hanson, shows us what’s inside her busy rock-n-roll Mom bag.  From the school run to a night out with friends Natalie takes us on a tour of  the items she carries with her as she navigates her very lovely life. 

 

 

 

I am always looking for something that can function as a “motherload” carryall, yet, is chic enough that when I am out without the children, is not a dead giveaway of my day job!  This is the Mini Excursion bag by JW Hulme Co. I love its well-constructed, classic, made-for-using vibe.

I love tying scarfs on my bags! It’s an easy instant update. I inherited a beautiful scarf collection from my grandmother, so mine are also a sentimental touch. This one is a souvenir from Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas.

The wallet I’d been using since high school recently bit the dust! While I miss the memories, this one makes looking forward a little easier as I am a big time Kate Spade fan and just about everything of theirs makes me smile.  My shades. The gold accents remind me of Elvis. TCB.

 

 

 

 

Snacks are a mommy must have for when we are out and about and in between meals.

My Pretty Little Things. Jo Malone perfume. They are so fun to mix and match and smell so fresh. The polish is Sparitual, Dreams Becoming Reality, my polish of the moment and, Thunder Road, my little girl’s current favorite. The lip gloss is Revlon Papaya. I tracked this color down after seeing Lucy Hale wearing it on the cover of Teen Vogue. It is my perfect summer shade!

I love my Kindle! My current reads are The Help and A Love that Multiplies.  I always carry pen and paper for jotting down my lists, and it doubles as a tried and true child distraction technique.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mom-of-four status means I’ve been carrying diapers in my bag for 8 years now!  This also means I have burned out on carrying anything extra. This little pack is sturdy and carries several diapers and wipes, and it’s all I really need.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you like this post click the “like” button at the bottom of the post and share it with your friends on FB and Twitter.  Also will you like our Facebook page?  We would love to keep you updated on the latest and greatest of fashion news. Thanks!  Mizzie and Carla

What’s in Her Bag – Joy Williams of The Civil Wars

This month we get to peak inside the bag of Joy Williams.  As one half of the incredibly talented duo The Civil Wars, Joy has been on the road non-stop since last year and just finished touring with one of the best selling artists of this year, Adele.  If you have not listened to their album, Barton Hollow, you need to.  My personal fave is the first song they ever wrote together, “Falling“.  I don’t know about you, but I’m super psyched to see what’s in her bag.  ; )

Photo Credit: Sarah Beaty of EyerisPhotography

Here is my newly christened favorite purse, straight from one of my favorite stores in all the world: TopShop. This little leather number is soft, durable, compact, with several little compartments that are perfect for what I need to store away! It’s also easy to tote around – whether it’s on a bus, in the subway or on a plane – and won’t leave a crick in my neck like my other huge bags have done in the past. See below for all the randomness known as the contents of my purse…

I am a sucker for vintage jewelry. I love pairing it with something as simple as a t-shirt and jeans. I found this bracelet while on the road, in a tiny nondescript shop somewhere in Toronto. I fell in love with the dainty fleur-de-lis design, and had to have it. Thankfully, it was a steal of a deal.

Because I’m normally the only woman on tour, I hear this question a lot: “Hey, can you put this in your purse”? Exhibit A: black Sharpie pen.  The eyelash curler is John Paul’s…(just kidding)…(or am I?)…

And lastly, here is my coin purse that I’ve had since I was a little girl. My parents got it for me, and I used to imagine the red silk that encased it came from some far off, exotic land. I looked at the tag on the inside, and it said “made in China”, after all. : ) It’s the little things, the small items that have sentimental value, that remind me of the people I love even when I’m on the go.

When I want a bit of a more bold look, I turn to Laura Mercier’s lip stain in Scarlet. This shade of red is understated yet confident, classic but current. The beauty of this product? I can apply it once, and actually have color for several hours. Finish it off with a little Softlips lip protection, and you’ll have SPF protected, pouty red lips for all to enjoy. I’ve been known to just pull my hair up in a tight, high bun and rock some red lips these days. Watch out world ; )

I’m a lover of the simple things. No expensive, designer shades for me yet. $10 sunglasses from Forever 21 are more my speed, because who knows what green room I may forget them in if I’m scatter brained that day. Smith’s ever-classic Rosebud Salve is an all-time favorite of mine. I never leave the house without it. It gives just a hint of color, has a delicate scent, and is kissably soft. My husband, Nate, likes it as well, because it’s not “gooey.”

Then we have Sephora’s eyeliner in black. It’s a classic addition to any makeup fiend wanting a simple, cost-effective, quick way to create that cat eye should you want it. I keep it with me because many days I need to reapply it. Reason? I cry a little when I laugh, and there is no shortage of tear-inducing jokes on the road.

And what purse wouldn’t be complete without some good, old fashioned Tylenol? Got a headache? Check. That time of the month? Check. Late night last night? Well, take two then…

These days, with the constant travel schedule we keep, I seem to inadvertently collect hotel lotions. I picked up this mini lotion at one of my all time favorite places to stay whenever I’m in NYC – The Cooper Square Hotel. Wanderlust, a scent made exclusively for the hotel, goes on light as a feather, but hydrates my skin all day. And the crisp, seductive scent is hand crafted by Red Flower, a wonderful bath & body line based in the city. I may or may not have asked housekeeping for a few extras last time I checked out.

And yes, I wash my hands. But I’m also one of those people that uses antibacterial gel pretty regularly if a sink and soap aren’t close by. Trust me – when you’ve had to stop at some of the truck stops I’VE been to on the road, you’d understand why I have it handy. : )

What’s the old saying? You can take the girl out of California, but you can’t take the California out of the girl. Even though I’ve lived in Nashville over a decade now, I still have little pieces here and there that speak of my NorCal upbringing. I miss the sea, the redwoods, the great food and the chill vibe. But thankfully, I get to go back Home often, thanks to touring. The Civil Wars are actually on our 2nd West Coast tour as we speak, so I’m dodging the humidity of TN for the sweet cool of California.

And you can’t forget the Emergen-C packets on the road! I take them daily to keep my immune system up and kicking. Plus, it has vitamin B – a natural energy restorer – for when our wake up call is 5am to get to the next city. Raspberry is my favorite flavor of the bunch.

What’s In Her Bag – Designer Melissa Tabor

Designer Melissa Tabor has been one busy woman.  She showed a fabulous collection in March at Lexus Nashville Fashion Week and now she’s preparing to show her line at Cincinnati Fashion Week next week.  When she’s not designing, she may be the one helping you find the perfect pair of shoes and accessories at our April Spotlight store, The Perfect Pair!

We’re big fans of Melissa’s very wearable collections.  Classic shapes in wonderful fabrics and always a modern flair.  It’s no surprise her style icon is Grace Kelly!

We had to know what was in that fabulous Chloe Bay Bag.  Here’s what Melissa had to show us…

I am a true bag lady in every sense of the term.  Handbags are my most coveted accessory and I definitely live by the principle of “the bigger the better”, because I pretty much keep everything with me at all times!

I cannot tell you how long I dreamt about owning this bag!  It is the Chloe Bay Bag from a few years ago.  I had pictures of it cut from magazines posted all around my apartment for probably 6 months.  It was and is still one of my top 5 dream items (others include—but am yet to own–Hermes Riding Boots, LV Trunk Luggage…but that’s another story).  One day my mother surprised me with it and besides swapping it out from time to time to give my other bags a little spotlight, it is most often what you will see me carrying.  You can’t beat the leather…the way it has worn in over the years is amazing.  It just seems to get more beautiful with age.  “Doctor bag style” so it fits almost anything I can throw in it and huge front and back pockets, as well as one on the interior.  Honestly one of the most well designed bags on the planet.

And this is what the bag looks like 90% of the time.  All the items I have stuffed into it spilling out in every direction (thank goodness for that Mary Poppins luggage shape).

One of my other most prized possessions—my Hermes red leather date book.  I couldn’t live without this…it is next to my computer/in my bag with me almost 100% of the time.  The inserts are amazing because I can buy an extra book for the front that is blank pages only.  I use it for business notes and of course…sketching when on the go!  It is my daily life saver.  Plus, it’s just so pretty and the perfect size.  Just big enough to fill with lots of notes, but small enough to fit in my handbags.

Lover #1 and lover #2.  Also known as my iPod and iPhone 4.  I am in love with both.  No need to even explain.  If you have these, you know what I’m talking about.

My beauty goods.  The girls at The Perfect Pair laugh about how I always leave a trail of lipsticks wherever I go.  Until they brought it to my attention I thought it was completely normal to carry around 20 tubes in ones bag.  Turns out, not so normal.  But I do—bright reds, light pinks, nudes…whatever my mood calls for, I have it ready and waiting.  My LV make up bag of on-the-go make up must haves.  Bronzer, concealer, blush, etc.  Also my perfumes (Hermes and Body Shop White Musk) and my newest favorite nail polish for touch ups (Essie color: Mink Muffs).  Most important items: Chapstick (always the classic Chapstick), glass Nail Tek nail file, and Mason Pearson travel hairbrush.  Funny thing is, I really don’t consider myself very girly, but seeing all of these items like this is definitely changing my perspective on that!

Odds and ends.  My LV card holder/key chains.  One of the greatest items I own. Perfect for someone forgetful like me.  I have everything I need—credit and insurance cards, cash, and keys.  If they weren’t attached, I would certainly forget them all the time.  Downside? If I lose one, I lose them all. Thank goodness that hasn’t happened yet.  Camera.  Always there when I need to capture a moment.  Gum.  For a girl who lives on coffee, this is a must have.  Ray Ban Clubmasters.  I always have some pair of Ray Bans with me (my absolute favorite brand of sunglasses), but these in particular are a pretty steadily worn item of mine.  Can’t beat the style and they are so comfortable.  LV cardholder with my business cards, of course.  Great to have with me for every opportunity that comes about.

Thanks for sharing Melissa!  Follow Melissa at melissatabor.com and make sure you say hi next time you’re at The Perfect Pair!

What’s in Her Bag – Designers Jamie and the Jones

Mizzie and I were so excited for this month’s What’s in Her Bag.  We love Jamie and the Jones almost to the point of obsession and we were thrilled when Jamie and Hannah said they’d share what’s in their bags with us.  Since we first met them a year ago they’ve cranked out some seriously cool knitwear and silk pieces and are now hand-marbling & dyeing their own fabrics.  We can not wait to see what comes down the runway Tuesday night (March 29) when they open Lexus Nashville Fashion Week.

What’s in Jamie’s Bag:

Bag/Wallet:

My camel satchel and enormously large passport wallet: I have an unusually large bag for such small content, but it is a great bag to hold a large sweater when I get cold.

Gadgets:

My phone from 2002, I am guessing. It was handed down to me and sometimes doesn’t receive pictures. I can text.
Hannah’s pen. Great for those moments when you really need a pen.
Crazy laser light key chain. I plan to maybe use this when I get intruded upon.

Beauty Products:

American Apparel bandeau… Always handy to have. I don’t think I could live without a bandeau.  I hate anything constricting and apparently love to have one on hand whenever needed, as I found this in my purse today.
Hair Clip/ Craft Fair Earrings: I use to wear earrings a lot and a hair clip, but recently I haven’t been feeling it.  Although I keep them in my purse just in case the urge comes back.
Nanak’s Lip Smoothee: I don’t wear makeup and hate most anything on my lips, but this is a great all natural lip balm.

What’s in Hannah’s Bag:

Bag:

Anna Corinna, circa 2005 and T.J. Maxx Floral Scarf, also circa 2005:  I’ve carried this bag and this scarf pretty much every single day for 6 years.  I will wear them until they develop holes…and then probably wear them still. This scarf has been with me to Paris and back.  It’s like a baby blanket, but better.

iPhone and business cards:

I have failed to update this gadget and I can never remember to hand out these business cards.

Beauty Products:

Hair Brush : Really great for the afternoon dreadlocks that seem to take place on the right side of my head…daily.
Benefit Betty “Flirt Alert” lipstick : I’ve never fully applied this to my mouth, but it is really pretty.
Lip Smacker in “Dr. Pepper” lip balm : …THIS!… is a small gem that some may have forgotten about, but I love it.

Sewing Gadgets:

Embroidery Needles, Joann’s Coupon, and a bottle cap… probably self explanatory… all for a good night’s worth of sewing for Jamie and the Jones.

Sugar Wallet :

I’ve had this pouch for quite some time.  I think it was a gift.  I’m not into much pink, but I love the lamb!
License and money: It is sheer luck that both of these have made it to my wallet at the same time.
Southwest Airlines Drink Coupons and a love note from my boyfriend/soul mate: Plane rides and long distance… enough said.

Thanks ladies!  You can find Jamie and the Jones collection at our March Spotlight Store, Local Honey.  And don’t forget to get those Fashion Week tickets!

What’s in Her Bag – Style Blogger Zarna Surti

This month’s What’s in Her Bag post features Style Blogger, Zarna Surti of Zarna’s Runway.  Zarna’s no stranger to Stella Shops.  She contributed a post on the Baroque ‘n’ Roll trend this past Fall.  She has amazing style and has been featured on MTV Style, Stylecaster, Solestruck and Style Pantry…just to name a few sites who love her look as much as we do.  And now she’s a Top 5 finalist for Refinery 29′s Next Big Style Blogger Contest!!

When she’s not out shooting gorgeous photos for her blog, you may find her in the studio working on her music or working on her posts for Vogue India where she recently became one of their featured bloggers!  Mizzie and I knew her bag would be fantastic, so we had to know what she keeps inside.

This nude Coach satchel was a gift from my brother on Bhai Bij, which is an Indian holiday that signifies the duty of a brother to protect his sister.  It’s a fun holiday where we have a small ceremony and then eat a big meal!  I love how versatile this bag is because it goes with almost everything and I can fit so much in it!

1. Life must-haves: i-Phone and Ray-bans. The most important item in my purse is my i-Phone, we have a very serious relationship that includes checking mail, twitter, facebook, and the weather (each one about 20298304 times a day!).  Recently I’ve decided to forgo a traditional wallet and instead I use this nifty i-Phone case.  It holds my credit cards and license, which is just perfect!  On a night out I just grab my phone and go!  I’m also an avid sunglass wearer and love all things Ray-Ban, these aviators are my current favorites.

2.  Blogging must-haves: Camera & Business Cards. Although I couldn’t include this in the larger photo because I was using it, I always carry around my camera.  It’s a Nikon D60 and I’m currently using a Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 lense.  Every good blogger knows that you must carry around your camera and business card at all times!

(I never wanted to be one of those people who take their photo in a mirror, but I guess I’m now part of the club! Myspace here I come!)

3. Musician must-haves: Notebook/Pen and Earphones.  I always keep a pen and paper handy for when I think of lyrics or song ideas.  I quickly learned thinking I was going to remember ideas never really worked!  Inspiration books are also important to me and recently I’ve been very into Scott Schuman’s book, The Sartorialist. (I also love his blog!).  Additionally, I like to carry around my earphones to listen to the music on my i-Phone.

4. Beauty must-haves: Hand Lotion, Perfume, and Lip Products.  My cousin introduced me to this great hand lotion by Crabtree & Evelyn and it’s in this fabulous scent called “Citron”.  Ever since I bought it I’ve been obsessed!  For makeup I pretty much only wear MAC, if you look into my makeup drawer it’s full of MAC eye shadows, liners, lip products, and face makeup!  I’m currently loving this MAC lipstick called “Speak Louder” which I wear with “Soar” lip liner, and “Baby Sparks” gloss.  I also always carry around my signature perfume, Daisy by Marc Jacobs!

Thanks Zarna!

Zarna is working on a video challenge for the next phase of the Refinery 29 Style Blogger Contest.  We’ll let you know when it posts.  Visit the contest site often though and VOTE for Zarna!!