Stacie Standifer is the force behind Nashville Lifestyles. If you don’t subscribe, consider it. Celebrating its 12th year this October, Nashville Lifestyles is a monthly window into this vibrant city. With gorgeous photography and a breadth of topics covering everything from music and fashion to dining and travel, as well as all things great in Nashville, we couldn’t help but wonder what Stacie’s story was. Today, we are proud to feature Stacie as our FACE of Nashville.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Nashville at St. Thomas Hospital (my parents met at David Lipscomb), but moved to Cookeville, Tennessee, at an early age, as my father left Price Waterhouse and opened his CPA practice there. It was a wonderful small town to grow up in.
When did you decide to move back to Nashville?
Growing up, shopping and special nights were always in Nashville. I was never away for very long. I lived outside the city, attended college in Knoxville, but Nashville is my home.
Sum up Nashville in three sentences or less.
There’s this town in the South that’s getting lots of attention, and for good reason. It is the most desirable place to live on the planet. Fantastic people, a charitable spirit and talent beyond measure are all part of the mix.
In the last 12 years of Nashville Lifestyles, how has Nashville changed the most?
When I started the magazine, the city was just beginning to explode. We launched the same year that the Titans arrived and the Hilton (with the Palm outpost) was built. Since then, I have watched it go from ho-hum/he-haw to a city on the move. Because I travel often, I hear outsider opinions on a regular basis. Those who used to show little interest are now curious about the city. International fashion and cosmetic houses are calling about the trends in our city, and they want to know more. They want to experience the ‘buzz’ that has been spreading through the veins of the nation about our city in recent years. Overall, I feel that the image of the city has been changed for the better. We’ve preserved our precious history and music while growing culturally in other ways. I feel that I have been a part of that effort, and have worked hard to promote the city. Nashville is hip, chic, smart…and all of the other adjectives it always wanted to be!
What is the greatest piece of advice you have been given?
My Mimi always started singing ‘Angry Words’ from a church hymn book when I was angry with my sister or cousin Michael. The chorus says “love one another.” Somehow, even as an adult, that sentiment comes into my mind any time there is a conflict. She was such a huge influence on me, and I know that she was teaching me to be kind to others, no matter what the situation. It is a mindset that has served me well and one I rarely stray from. Life is precious, as are people, and I try to keep that in mind at all times. Being mindful of other’s feelings is always a goal for me.
From the moment I met you, the word I would use to describe you is fearless. You are also a champion of women. Where does that inner drive come from?
Honestly, it comes from other women. Since the first day I started this business, my inspiration has come from other ‘fearless females.’ They urged me to start the magazine, contributed to my pages when I didn’t have the money to pay them, and support me today. I’ve worked with a team of amazing women over the years, and each day I am in awe of how accomplished that they are in very different ways. My drive and constant motivation stems from the desire to make them proud, happy and fulfilled, which is what they do for me.
What word would you use to describe yourself?
Passionate
Do you have a favorite cocktail?
Is this a loaded question? Ha! As much as we write about cocktails, I am a bit of a lightweight. Usually, I can be found drinking one of two things: I prefer Grey Goose Vodka mixed with a little Crystal Light lemonade. When that’s not available, I like it with soda and lemon slices. But, I can only handle a couple of these. For afternoons with my girlfriends, we make white wine spritzers. Equal parts Pinot Grigio and Pelligrino or Perrier on ice + lemon zest.
As part of her job, Stacie gets to travel to some great places and attend fabulous parties. Here are some pictures from her personal scrapbook:
What books can be found on your bedside table?
Usually, it’s a stack of magazines. I subscribe to over 40 a month.
Favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?
Since most nights are filled with high heels and events, when I get a weekend night free and am in town, I prefer to stay home – in my pj’s. Cooking, catching up on movies. Spending some quality time with Tim. Sometimes, he plays guitar and I just listen and soak that up.
I know you must have several favorite restaurants in Nashville and would probably be hard pressed to name just one. But, can you tell us which ones you’re frequenting lately?
I am addicted to the black kale salad at either Tavern and Kayne Prime. I could eat it every day – and really do at least a couple of times each week. I also adore the inventive Caesar at Giovanni. If I want to spoil myself, I march directly to Valentino’s for their Gnocci (with peas and pancetta), it’s the best kept secret in town. But, right now, the Carpaccio appetizer at the Palm is at the top of my list. One thing I am looking forward to is the opening of the Catbird Seat (October 15) on top of Patterson House – it is going to be such a refuge.
Event most looking forward to attending in October?
Aside from my own wedding, I think that the best charity event of the month is going to be the Harvest Moon Ball on October 14 for Second Harvest Food Bank. Sadly, I will miss this year, as I will be on my honeymoon, but know that it will be fabulous. A very special event that I will get to attend is the premier of FOOTLOOSE. I think it is so important that this is being held here, since this remake has multi-generational reach and international interest. One of my dearest friends (Anastasia Brown) put the music for the soundtrack together, so I am super excited about celebrating her success on this very special night. She rocks, and so does the movie!
What is your “must-have” purchase for Fall 2011?
My first must-have purchase was a wedding dress, but Martha Nemer at The Cotton Mill and Nicole Miller found it for me.
For everyday, I am seeking the ultimate high-heel, top quality, nude tone boot in a very subtle leather. Still haven’t found it, but I’m hopeful.
Favorite vacation spot in the fall?
Hands down, Napa Valley- specifically Yountville and Oakville this time of year. It is harvest season, and I make it a ritual to go and experience not only the wine, but also the food and spirit of the people. I’ve made so many friends there over the years that I cannot imagine an October without a long Napa weekend. My second choice is NYC. Although I go for work more than vacation, I never grow tired of the energy and inspiration I find in the city. Also, this year, I am going to visit the newest St. Regis venture in Puerto Rico, Bahia Beach. Somehow, I’m guessing it is going to be pretty spectacular.
Do you have a playlist for a dinner party that you can share with our readers?
Oh my goodness. This is hard! I love music in a way that often agitates my friends. I am always looking for the next thing and download all kinds of music. I am going to give you my top old-school picks for a playlist, but also have a suggestion. When I want to change things up a bit, or want to find something totally unique (keep in mind that my crowd is very music-centric), I pick up one of the CD’s on the counter display at IRON GATE in Franklin. They always have wonderful choices. My latest fave is Café Europa- a collection of dinner party-friendly music with a vibe that instantly transports you to a café in Paris or Florence. I play it when cooking or just as background music in the house – love it. That purchase was the best $12 I’ve ever spent.
To see Stacie’s playlist on iTunes, click here. (It’s fabulous; you’ll want this playlist added to your personal library.)
Name three things you can’t live without (excluding friends, family and God)
I am going to change it to 5 things because I just have to!
- My MacBook Pro
- My Nikon camera (I never, ever go anywhere without it)
- My mobile
- Trident white gum
- Lip gloss- I likely have at least 10 tubes in my bag at all times. My favorite is actually made by Nashville’s Therapy Systems, although Smashbox produces a very close second.
For more behind the scenes thoughts and photos from our shoot with Stacie Standifer, see photographer Ashley Hylbert’s blog: click here.
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