This month we are bringing you our favorite FINDS from all across the South. A few of these goodies will require a road trip while others can be found online. Either way, support Southern businesses and shop these stunning pieces. So sit back, relax, pour yourself a glass of iced tea and feast your eyes on these must-have items!
FOR THE HOME
Vintage oak door
This arched oak door brings Old-World elegance to any threshold. The massive 1890s-era door is a vintage find from Avion, France, and features iron grills. Find it at Architectural Heritage, a go-to spot in Birmingham, AL, for mantels, sanctuaries, chimney pots, old doors, iron gates, garden pieces and more for $3,990.
Vintage oak door, $3,990, at Architectural Heritage in Birmingham
Lastra tableware
This gorgeous tableware line by Vietri has a clean, modern feel with a subtle hand-hewn charm. Proudly serve your favorite homemade family recipe in these elegant yet rustic dishes. Pieces in the Lastra collection are available at Bromberg’s in Birmingham, AL and range from $25 to $176.
Lastra dishware by Vietri is available at Bromberg’s in Birmingham, AL; individual pieces range from $25–$176.
Wine cask lazy susan
Can a statement piece be understated? While you mull that over, consider this lazy susan, fashioned from an old wine cask. Its sheer size designates it for large dining spaces, but the rustic appeal of old wood offers up a sense of understated elegance. Find it for $159 at The Registry in Franklin, TN.
Wine cask lazy susan, $159 at The Registry in Franklin, TN
Oushak headboard
Oushaks are Persian-influenced antique rugs from Turkey and are renowned and sought-after works of art. Repurposed as the fabric centerpiece in these headboards, their soft, worn color palette and historic intrigue serve as the perfect complement to a modern bedroom. Find this King-size vintage Turkish oushak headboard at King’s House Oriental Rugs in Birmingham, AL, for $3,500.
King-size vintage Turkish oushak headboard at King’s House Oriental Rugs in Birmingham, AL, $3,500
GIFTS
Letterpress gift tags
Adorn your gifts with a personal—and stylish—touch. From fun and playful to formal and elegant, these Haute Papier letterpress gift tags on white or ivory lettra paper leave a memorable mark. And they’re fun to design! Choose your own gift tag shape, fonts, artwork, and ink colors. Haute Papier Letterpress Gift Tags at The Scribbler, starting at $58 per order. The Scribbler is located in Birmingham, AL, but accepts online orders.
Haute Papier letterpress gift tags from The Scribbler, starting at $58 per order
Elevated coloring books
Maybe you’ve heard about the recent trend of coloring books for grown-ups? It’s also being referred to as therapeutic coloring, its calming effects likened to that of traditional meditation techniques. Whatever you want to call it, these super-elaborate coloring books make an adorable addition to any coffee table or guest room nightstand—not to mention a fab way to decompress after a long day at work. $16 at Avec Moi in Franklin, TN
$16 at Avec Moi in Franklin, TN
FOOD
Pinot Nior mustard
This fall Little Gourmand is bring the taste of France to Nashville with an influx of new products and goods. Try the Edmond Fallet Napa Valley Pinot Noir Dijon Mustard, which comes from a traditional, family-run mustard factory in Burgundy. This mustard has a unique flavor in that it is made with Napa Valley Pinot Noir. Pair it with cheese and charcuterie for an updated antipasto plate. $6.99 at Little Gourmand in Nashville or online for $7.95.
Pinot Nior Mustard, $6.99 at Little Gourmand
Shortbread cookies
Willa’s “Traditionally Southern” shortbread cookies come in a variety of flavors like Tennessee Moonshine and Nashville Hot Cheddar, and they’re landing near the top of our list of go-to hostess gifts. Find them for $7.50 at Hey Day in Franklin, TN.
$7.50 at Hey Day in Franklin, TN
BAGS & CASES
Men’s Toiletry Kit
A good toiletry kit is an invaluable possession for a man, and definitely something he can always use and that will last for a long time. This leather and canvas toiletry kit by White Wing is found at Circe/Swag in Louisville, KY, and online. It retails for $115 and is a great investment in a quality product.
Dop kit at Circe/Swag for $115.
Cosmetic cases
We found these cute chinoiserie cosmetic cases at Lee W. Robinson in Louisville, KY, so you know they are chic. They are a zippered pouches that come in small and large sizes. Both will easily fit in your purse or backpack. Use them for cosmetics or even for wallets. These are available for $25 for the small and $35 for the large. Shop similar styles here and here.
Chinoiserie cosmetic bags at Lee W. Robinson. Small is $25, large is $35.
iPad case
We all love Katie Kalsi handbags, but did you know she makes other leather goods as well. This iPad case is a great example of a dressed up cover. Available at Blu Boutique in Louisville, KY for $99. Katie Kalsi products can be found in boutiques around the south so keep your eyes peeled!
Katie Kalsi leather iPad covers at Blu Boutique in Middletown.
FASHION
Woven hat
We’ve still got lots of sunshine ahead, so protect your skin with a stylish wide-brimmed hat, like this pretty pick from SOCA in Nashville, TN. It’s neutral tones make it incredibly versatile. Wear is with a bikini to the pool or a cute summer frock to a lawn party! Shop more of our favorite hats here, here and here.
Beach hat, available at SOCA for $38
McClendon Designs cuff bracelets
Artist Laura McClendon creates each of her pieces by hand, combining natural stones, raw elements and gold. She is best known for her one-of-a-kind McClendon Designs cuff bracelets. We spotted these three styles and more from the McClendon collection at Social in Memphis, TN (l to r): a distressed metallic leather cuff with natural druzy quartz, $130, a pony hair cuff with three druzy sticks, $120, and a cream-colored leather and gray druzy quartz combination, $130. If you are not in the Memphis area, browse the McClendon Designs online or find a store near you.
McClendon Designs cuff bracelets at Social (l to r): A distressed metallic leather cuff with natural druzy quartz, $130, a pony hair cuff with three druzy sticks, $120, and a cream-colored leather and gray druzy quartz combination, $130
Flip flops
These just aren’t any old flip flops. They are Oofos, or cushioned heaven for your feet. They have built in arch support and perfectly mold to the bottom of your foot while offering relief to all those who suffer from foot problems in regular flip flops. Best part is, they don’t look corrective. They are available for both men and women at Celebrations in Louisville, KY, starting at $39.95. See more styles online here.
Oofos sold at Celebrations, starting at $39.95.
Summer sleepwear
Slip into something light and airy as you try to escape the August heat. Made ethically in Peru of 100% organic supima cotton, this piece is undeniably soft against your skin and can easily transition to street wear when used as a layering item. You can find this feminine sleepwear/street wear for $60 at Beloved Intimates, a great lingerie boutique in Nashville. You can also purchase this here.
Organic Cotton Sleepwear, $60 at Beloved Intimates
Courtney dress
This striking summer dress is the perfect piece for an easy transition from work to play. Whether you cinch it with a belt or accent it with your favorite jewelry, the Courtney dress is flattering and fabulous. Find it a at J. McLaughlin store in your area, or online, for $215, and make sure to check out their huge summer sale!
J. McLaughlin‘s Courtney dress, $215
Summer shades
Try on these gorgeous Tory Burch sunglasses, and you’ll never feel more glamorous! The large, round tortoise frames are flattering on all sorts of face shapes and complexion, while also providing ample sun coverage. We first saw these at Visionary Eyeworks for $155 but thankfully they can also be found online for $175.
Tory Burch sunglasses, available at Visionary Eyeworks for $155
BOOKS
The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza
Refinery29 reports that Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza are two of the “21 New Authors You Need to Know” this year, describing their recent book, The Knockoff, as “The Devil Meets Prada meets Mean Girls meets The Social Network” novel. In The Knockoff, Imogen, an old-school editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine, battles Eve, a former twentysomething assistant fresh out of Harvard Business School who is plotting to turn the high-end glossy into a phone app! This is a stylish, comical look at fashion in the digital age, available from the Booksellers in hardcover, $25.95, or in compact disc, $45.
“The Knockoff” by Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza, available from the Booksellers in hardcover, $25.95, or in compact disc, $45 | Image credit: Refinery29
The Drunken Botanist
With no end in sight to the upswing of favoring mixology over bartending, we figure we as may as well brush up on all possible elements of a really good cocktail, herbal or otherwise. And don’t get us started on this cover design. The Drunken Botanist makes a mighty fine complement to any bar setup. $20 at Hey Day in Franklin, TN
$20 at Hey Day in Franklin, TN
Bike Snob series
If you love—or hate—cycling, the Bike Snob (penned by the blogger of the same name) series is for you. Comprised of a series of rants aimed at “systematically and mercilessly realigning the world of cycling,” they’re sure to entertain. $17 each at Avec Moi in Franklin, TN or your favorite local bookseller
$17 each at Avec Moi in Franklin, TN or your favorite local bookseller
