At one time or another, we have all experienced the way that competing holiday gatherings sometimes add stressors to our December calendar. Though we can’t give you much of a remedy for the balancing act, we can help ease the added confusion when it comes to seeking the appropriate wardrobe. For our December edition of What to Wear, we gathered an incredible group of women to serve as our models for a special holiday photoshoot that we won’t soon forget!
During the month of November, we partnered with Kroger for a $5,000 Charity Giveaway. Through Kroger’s nationwide Zero Hunger Zero Waste initiative, the company aims to raise awareness about serious issues of excessive waste and address the prevalence of food insecurity in the country. In efforts to encourage the discussion of these topics in Nashville and also celebrate local organizations that are making major strides towards aiding those suffering from hunger, Kroger wanted to donate $5,000 to a nonprofit in our city. After opening online voting for two weeks, the number of charities was narrowed to the six with the most number of votes, which were The Little Pantry That Could, Nashville Rescue Mission, Loaves and Fishes, Room In The Inn, The Bridge Ministry and East Nashville Cooperative Ministry. We were honored to invite representatives from these six organizations to be our models!
Creating looks for six different models to dress for holiday parties was no simple task. Thankfully, we consulted with expert stylist Cynthia Kelley, who pulled ensembles from Oak Hall, Gus Mayer, Boutique Bella and Curves with Purpose. We were even able to indulge in some luxury sparkle to finish off the looks, courtesy of Mednikow!
With colorful backdrops, various stages and grand views of downtown Nashville, City Winery was the ideal setting for the shoot. We took advantage of the music venue, gorgeous restaurant and even a festive glass of wine for visual impact. From comfy and warm to elegant and fancy, let’s dress for the holidays — and meet the ladies donning the looks.
For a casual gathering …
Whether you’re staying cozy with friends at home, party hopping through neighborhood shindigs or driving kids to their holiday parties, these casual looks will have you ready for anything. Black is reliable and transitions well for all kinds of holiday party plans. Think about dressing it up with a fun pattern, added texture or some jewelry. There’s also no need to let yourself shiver if you’re bouncing between gatherings. Shop for some sleek jeans that can keep you warm, and pair them with any variety of tops and wraps.
On Stacy Downey, The Little Pantry That Could
At the time of the photoshoot, Stacy knew that the organization she founded in 2010, The Little Pantry That Could, was a top six finalist. Just two weeks later, we were able to share that the charity won and present her with a $5,000 check! The organization was born out of a desire to meet the needs of those who are hungry and has become a food pantry that serves around 200 families each week. With the money that the charity won, they will be able to buy a new freezer and with it, finally serve fresh meat! When people ask about why she started The Little Pantry That Could, her simple response is, “Why wouldn’t you?”
On Catherine Sisco, Loaves and Fishes
Catherine has a gift of cooking. What first began as service trips with her children became more frequent when she pursued her desire to share this gift with others. Now she is in her 12th year of volunteering with Loaves and Fishes, which serves 45,000 to 50,000 meals on site each year. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s quote, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others,” Catherine shares her talents and huge heart with the community.
On Michelle Sanders Brinson, Nashville Rescue Mission
As Michelle marks her 10th year with Nashville Rescue Mission, now serving as the Communications & PR Manager, she says that she is privileged and honored to see the ways that God works through the staff, volunteers and donors to help bring hope and healing to the hungry, homeless and hurting in the city. We are so lucky to have Michelle and Nashville Rescue Mission as our loving neighbors (literally, right next to City Winery)!
On Stacy Downey, The Little Pantry That Could
For a cocktail party …
There’s something special about a Christmas cocktail party! Find some shimmer in a metallic skirt or jumpsuit, rich color in a sleeved dress or fabulous comfort in an amazing faux fur coat for the cocktail parties on your calendar. Get creative with different pieces of jewelry to accent your color scheme, and add an elegant touch for dressier evening parties. Make sure you finish the look and find an adorable carrier for all your essentials with any one of these clutches.
On Melinda Bailey, East Nashville Cooperative Ministry
Through investing in “people, not projects,” East Nashville Cooperative Ministry (ENCM) works to provide food, clothing, medical, spiritual and social services to struggling neighbors. After growing up with a single mother who worked two jobs to ensure that she could provide food for her and her brother, Melinda became particularly drawn to the nature of ENCM. Through two years of volunteering and giving to this Nashville charity, she is even more aware of the way that this network of churches meets needs and also knows the impact that the work can have on so many families.
On Catherine Sisco, Loaves and Fishes
On Melinda Bailey, East Nashville Cooperative Ministry
For a festive dinner …
Whether you’re going to a restaurant for a holiday work dinner, bringing visiting family to one of your favorite spots or attending a more formal holiday meal, we have some ideas to ensure you are properly dressed. Opt for a great wrap over a simple blouse that you can wear for the entire evening or shed if you’re warm. If you’re planning to sit for a while, pick a dress that will be comfortable for the duration of the meal. Have some fun with patterns and colors!
On Ms. Sarah Burchett, Room In The Inn
Sarah Burchett (aka “Ms. Sarah”) is the first person people speak with when they are looking to connect to Room In The Inn services, from workforce development to meal programs and also if they are trying to find a family member through the organization. We can easily see why Ms. Sarah’s warm spirit is comforting to so many — she has given more than 13 years to this organization!
On Jasmine Brady, The Bridge Ministry
Jasmine was 16 years old when her mother began The Bridge Ministry, and she has been involved ever since. What first began as supporting her mother has now turned into serving on staff with the charity as they feed the hungry in Nashville. The Bridge Ministry currently operates out of a 20,000-square-foot warehouse in Nashville that acts as a local food bank for a number of local ministries and also provides prepared lunches on Fridays for children needing food through the weekend. Through the years of Jasmine’s involvement with this ministry, she is still hard at work in “fulfilling her calling of serving and being the hands and feet of Jesus.”
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For a black-tie holiday bash …
It’s not too late to find a beautiful gown for the fanciest holiday party on your calendar! Find an elegant classic black gown and add shining statement jewelry or try something new with a dress boasting rich color or a fine print. If you have a great pair of shoes to show off, think about a high-low dress like this stunning Gus Mayer gown.
On Jasmine Brady, The Bridge Ministry
Take a peek behind the scenes…
A huge thank you to Stacy, Ms. Sarah, Jasmine, Melinda, Michelle and Cathy for modeling. Thanks to Cynthia Kelley for all of her stylish creations, The Cosmetic Market for expert makeup work, the hospitable staff at City Winery for hosting us and providing such a breathtaking setting for the photo shoot and, finally, to Leila Grossman of Grannis Photography for these amazing photos.
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For more on what’s going on in Nashville, visit our Happenings page. And for more on the local boutiques that provided these styles, visit our SB Guide or download our FREE SB App.
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