Somehow we blinked and September arrived. Thankfully, there are some promising events still happening around Nashville. As we celebrate the continuation of summer’s outdoor concerts at the Leiper’s Fork ForkFest, create our strategy to maximize each and every delectable bite and savory sip at the Music City Food + Wine Festival and prepare to raise money for First Steps at their annual Vino fundraiser at the 21c Museum Hotel, we’re looking to plan our fashions accordingly.
In anticipation of Vino on September 27, we were honored to have two amazing women from First Steps model for the photoshoot. Developmental therapist Marcea Johnson and speech pathologist Erin Carini-Karb have served the organization for five and six years, respectively. We had a such an amazing time learning about how these two are impacting the lives of children with special needs in Nashville and watching them step into each outfit with such excitement to promote the fundraiser and share their heart for the cause it supports.
We also wisely consulted PR and marketing consultant who doubles as a stylist, Cynthia Kelley, who provided her styling expertise and selected the perfect ensembles from Hemline, Copper Penny and Vignette for these three September occasions. In utter appreciation for the dishes we crave and also for co-owner and chef Margot McCormack’s participation in the Music City Food + Wine Festival, we headed to Marche Artisan Foods in East Nashville for our photoshoot. The beloved cafe provided the perfect stage as we pictured all the plates we will enjoy, the wines we will taste and the fun outfits we will wear this September in Nashville!
The Event: ForkFest Leiper’s Fork
- September 1, 2018
- Casual attire
- 7 p.m.
- Historic Leiper’s Fork
- No cover. Check out the event page here.
We’re feeling thankful that the amazing lineup of local concerts this summer carries into September. This Labor Day weekend, make your plans to head to historic Leiper’s Fork for the ForkFest. Pat McLaughlin and Delbert McClinton will be playing at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. for an evening of jamming at the Lawn Chair Theatre. Grab your chair and head out to the heart of this historic village for a free music event, happening rain or shine.
What to wear: When it comes to outdoor concerts, we know that the possibilities are truly endless. With that in mind, we also know that temperatures and conditions are unpredictable as you seek to sit, stand or groove to the tunes. We love the idea of enjoying your final days in summer sundresses, relying on the go-to comfort of denim shorts and, importantly, ensuring your rain jacket is ready to go for that “happening rain or shine” component.
Look #1:
On Erin, from Hemline: Blue ruffle dress, $338; silver earrings, $128 | From Copper Penny: White sneakers, $148
Look #2:
On Marcea, from Copper Penny: Green vest, $140; white tank, $40 | From Hemline: Denim shorts, $180
Look #3:
On Erin from Copper Penny: Leopard tank, $84; blue jeans, $212; rain jacket, $165 | From Hemline: Ceri Hoover gray leather bag, $395
The Event: Music City Food + Wine Festival
- September 14-16, 2018
- Elevated casual attire
- Friday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 2 p.m.
- Bicentennial Park and Walk of Fame Park
- Friday and Saturday tickets, $165 each; Sunday Gospel Brunch, $85. Get your tickets here.
Indulge in a weekend of artisanal food, wine, beer and spirits from Nashville and beyond as you learn from true professionals at the Music City Food + Wine Festival. In this highly anticipated three-day festival, culinary talents from around the world and the local spots you love, like Margot McCormack of Margot Café and Marche Artisan Foods, Deb Paquette of Etch Restaurant and etc., Jessica Benefield and Trey Burnette of Two Ten Jack, Andy Little of Josephine, Matt Bolus of 404 Kitchen and dozens more, gather to sip, savor and celebrate!
What to wear: Whether you’re hitting Friday night only, participating in all-day festivities on Saturday, capping off Sunday with just the gospel brunch or completing a grand slam weekend, it’s time to consider outfits that are versatile, comfortable and chic. We recommend a great pair of shorts as you wander between stations or a dress that allows for movement in the mid-September heat. These three looks will have you equipped and ready to embrace all the tastings you can.
Look #1:
On Erin, from Hemline: Leather shorts, $68.99; navy blouse, $295 | From Vignette: Rectangle drop earrings, $34
Look #2:
On Marcea, from Vignette: Floral dress, $52; grey booties, $120; beaded bracelet, $24
We were already counting down the days until Music City Food + Wine Festival, and now these amazing outfits are making us even more excited!
Look #3:
On Erin, from Vignette: Black maxi dress, $66; taupe hat, $64; chunky necklace, $48 | From Hemline: Ceri Hoover black clutch, $295
On Erin, from Hemline: Rainbow gold hoops, $94
The Event: Vino 2018
- September 27, 2018
- Evening attire
- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- 21c Museum Hotel
- Single ticket: $100; Get yours here.
Join First Steps at the 21c Museum Hotel for Vino, an event to raise money for the organization’s inclusive education and early intervention programs as they strive daily to educate and care for children with special needs. The evening will feature a silent auction including artwork, home and entertainment packages, wine and various trips in addition to a wide selection of wines to taste. This special auction and wine tasting evening will feature magnificent tastings at a beautiful venue and delicious food provided by Gray & Dudley.
What to wear: For the fabulous tastings at this evening fundraiser, opt to step up your attire. As you explore the beautiful art collection at the 21c Museum Hotel, sip on various selected wines and spend time with the fellow patrons and supporters of First Steps, consider a bright cocktail dress and heels or show your personality in a fun matching set. Don’t forget your clutch!
Look #1:
On Marcea, from Copper Penny: Blue dress, $172; silver clutch, $186; silver earrings, $12
Look #2:
On Marcea, from Hemline: Striped bottoms, $218; striped top, $190; bee clutch, $310; gold hoops, $175
Even in an East Nashville parking lot, we could not get enough of Marcea strutting in this fabulous ensemble from Hemline!
Look #3:
On Erin, from Hemline: Red dress, $290 | From Vignette: Brass leaf earrings, $40; stacked bracelets, $24
These two gals are ready for a night of sipping tasty wines and raising money for a great cause at Vino!
Take a look behind the scenes…
Cynthia Kelley showed us her styling talents in creating each look for the ladies with such attention to detail, creativity and simply fabulous results!
Fashioning comfort and style, Erin and Marcea are ready to stroll into September events with some great outfit inspiration.
Sara Jones from The Cosmetic Market once again provided truly beautiful makeup work in giving both Marcea and Erin unique and stunning looks to match these outfits.
A huge thank you to Erin and Marcea for modeling, to Cynthia Kelley for her all of her stylish creations, The Cosmetic Market for expert makeup work, the hospitable staff at Marche Artisan Foods for hosting us and providing such a breathtaking setting for the photoshoot, and Leila Grossman of Grannis Photography for her amazing images.
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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.