November kicks off a busy period of festivities, and we’re styling for three of them with looks from local boutiques. This month, we highlight the Day of the Dead Tequila Festival, a fabulous wine dinner at Green Door Gourmet and the Tennessee State Parks After Thanksgiving Hikes.
Stylist Cynthia Kelley pulled on-trend looks from Gus Mayer, Copper Penny and Fleet Feet, along with jewelry from Judith Bright. We spent our fun morning photographing at Green Door Gourmet with models from Fannie Battle Day Home for Children: Board member Sandy Wade-Johnson, Development Director Melissa McWilliams, and lead preschool teacher Cara Esters. These women are making an impact in our community by dedicating themselves to our city’s children — and for that, we say thank you! Here, their looks will give you an idea of how to incorporate this season’s trends into all of your fall happenings, from date nights to fall hikes.
The Event: Day of the Dead Tequila Festival
- Friday, November 1, 2019
- Dressy casual (festive costumes optional!)
- The Pavillion East
- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Tickets are $44 until October 27, then $49 until November 1.
Enjoy an evening of spirits at the Day of the Dead Tequila Festival. Taste 15 different tequilas, dance to DJ music and anticipate the spooky surprises. The evening benefits Fannie Battle Day Home for Children, Middle Tennessee’s oldest child-care center, which provides affordable, accessible and high-quality childcare, services and programs. Attendance supports this beloved Nashville nonprofit, so you can feel good about every single tequila sip! Tacos from Las Palmas are available for purchase, and full-size drinks are available at the bar.
What to Wear: The Day of the Dead Tequila Festival calls for something a little bit edgy. Some might show up in costume, but a fun fall outfit that incorporates some of the season’s trends is perfect too — especially if you don’t feel like two consecutive nights in costume! We’ve mentioned before that snakeskin is hot, and we’re pairing it with a chic moto jacket and booties. Try a cropped coat, and pair it with bold pants. Add interest and movement with a little fray on top of a neutral black-and-white look. All are fantastic ways to dress for this indoor/outdoor November event.
RELATED: These 5 Outfits All Have One Thing in Common: Fall Jackets
Cara, left, is a lead preschool teacher at Fannie Battle; Melissa, center, is the Development Director, and Sandy, right, is on the Board of Directors.
On Melissa, from Copper Penny: Black and white top, $94; black fringe shawl, $99; black jeans, $82 | From Judith Bright: Wrapped Ashley earrings, $143
On Melissa, from Judith Bright: Bracelets ranging from $88 to $158
On Sandy, from Gus Mayer: Striped jacket, $395; maroon pants, $119; white blouse, $235; handbag, $298 | From Judith Bright: Lots O’ Rock Nest Ring, $198
On Cara, from Gus Mayer: Maroon snakeskin dress, $275; moto jacket, $168 | From Judith Bright: Melanie earrings, $198
The Event: Jackson Family Wine Pairing Dinner with Alicia Mertz
- Thursday, November 7, 2019
- Date night attire
- Green Door Gourmet
- 6:30 p.m.
- Individual tickets are $135; Duo tickets are $200; Table of eight is $1,000
Head to Green Door Gourmet for an exclusive pairing dinner with Alicia Mertz of Jackson Family Wines. The special evening includes a guided tasting with Alicia, and gourmet food pairings all hand-prepared by Green Door Gourmet’s on-site chef, Richard Jones. The stunning backdrop that is Green Door Gourmet, coupled with the extensive wine knowledge of Alicia and talents of Richard, all make for a memorable night out!
What to Wear: Attire can range from upscale-casual to dressy. A silky blouse paired with fun accessories and black pants is a surefire way to achieve a stylish and comfortable look all in one. It’s also the ideal eve to wear your favorite statement coat, as the temperature is likely to drop. If you prefer something dressier, wear a jewel-tone dress and heels paired with delicate accessories.
On Sandy, from Copper Penny: Blue dress, $252; cream shawl, $178; animal print clutch, $224 | From Judith Bright: Wide wrapped cuff, $388
On Cara, from Copper Penny: Teal top, $90; black leggings, $82; cheetah scarf, $59 | From Judith Bright: Bracelets, ranging from $58 to $258
On Melissa, from Gus Mayer: Cashmere pink coat, $1,210; black blouse, $198; black and pink handbag, $455; stole, $250
Any event with Green Door Gourmet as the backdrop is bound to be beautiful.
The Event: TN State Parks After Thanksgiving Day Hikes
- November 29, 2019
- Exercise attire
- TN State Parks
- Free!
If you’re opting out of Black Friday shopping, consider heading outside for TN State Parks’ annual After Thanksgiving Day Hikes. Across the state, TN State Parks rangers will lead hikes and park tours, many of which are family-friendly and accessible for all ages. Start a new tradition with family or friends, enjoying the crisp weather and beautiful view of our city.
What to Wear: Function first … but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice style! These days, activewear comes in flattering shapes and fun colors and patterns. Pick a pair of flashy tennis shoes to complete your ensemble and shift your focus to the hike ahead!
RELATED: 8 Best Nashville Day Hikes (besides Radnor and Percy Warner!)
On Cara, from Fleet Feet: Jacket, $99; white tee, $36; Nike bag, $55; hot pink Nike NEXT%, $250
On Melissa, from Fleet Feet: White long sleeve, $81; black leggings, $61; maroon New Balance Vongo, $140
On Sandy, from Fleet Feet: Green Tennessee t-shirt, $30; camo leggings, $78; white jacket, $120
Hiking is made even more fun with bright, punchy kicks from Fleet Feet. Left to right: New Balance Vongo, $140; Karhu Synchron, $160; Nike NEXT%, $250
Grab your crew the day after Thanksgiving and hit the trails!
A peek behind the scenes …
Leslie Moore from Private Edition keeps our models looking picture-perfect all day long … and always leaves us with a few makeup tips, too! If you are looking for makeup advice and tips, stop by Private Edition or The Cosmetic Market and see Leslie or any of their talented makeup artists.
We love having Cynthia on set for stylish adjustments … and always for a few laughs, too.
Resources and special thanks:
- Sandy Wade-Johnson, Melissa McWilliams and Cara Esters for modeling
- Stylist Cynthia Kelley for the fun fall looks
- Leslie Moore from Private Edition for expert makeup work
- Gus Mayer, Copper Penny, Fleet Feet and Judith Bright for clothes and accessories
- Green Door Gourmet for the location
- Leila Grossman for the beautiful photography
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For more on what’s going on in Nashville, visit our Happenings page for many more local events!