by Chris Walker | Mar 28, 2011 | News Slider
Spring is finally here, and more than flowers are in bloom this season. Nashville’s Fashion Week, sponsored in part by Lexus, begins this Sunday with pre-shows by Tidwell & Perryman, Betsy Johnson, and White Rabbit. The week has something to offer for everyone and you don’t have to be decked head-to-toe in Oscar de la Renta or a shrunken Thom Browne suit (both ranging between $1,200 & $5,000) to enjoy fashion in Nashville. Fashion can even be found on Lipscomb’s campus. Lipscomb will host all the Art, Craft and Business of Fashion: Fashion Industry Panels in the Ezell Center on Wednesday, March 30, and Thursday, March 31. One of the fashion festivities taking place on campus during the week is the display of selections from Lipscomb University’s collection of patterns, sketches, memorabilia and dresses designed by famed American design house Halston. The collection is on display in the Beaman Library all week, which is open Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, Monday night, March 28, Rho Xi Delta will host a ThriftSmart fashion show in Shamblin Theater at 7:30 p.m. (You can receive chapel credit if you bring three items of clothing or five canned goods to the show tonight.) Nashville has recently developed its own trend by locals supporting themselves locally: local food, local produce and now local fashion. Staying in touch with our “Nashvillian laid-back-ness,” smaller boutiques such as Levy’s, Billy Reid and The Cotton Mill are showing spring collections along side major, international brands like Ben Sherman, Robert Graham, Betsy Johnson, and Gustavo Cadile. Matthew Johns, one of Nashville’s up and coming stylists, sees...
by Chris Walker | Mar 9, 2011 | News Slider
From Goodwill racks to high-end vintage shops, people of all ages are engaged by the search of the perfect piece of gently used and cool clothing.I could go on and on about the differences in the quality of clothing from back when things weren’t nearly as mass-produced, or the fact that the authentic worn-in-ness will beat any distressing of clothes you find in the mall. I could talk about the fact that the cost alone is typically significantly lower per item than purchasing new, but alas I won’t bore you with those facts. What I will bore you with is where to go in this “best of” article on Vintage Nashville. Goodwill, off Eighth Avenue South, near the Melrose Post Office. It’s completely hit or miss here. For blazers and flannel shirts, it’s the cheapest place to go on some idle Tuesday. Let the typically mute cash register associates know that you are a student and they will take an additional 10 percent off. Sure they aren’t the friendliest there, but you aren’t going for a therapy session, just flannel. Girls: picture frames. I have found some of the cheapest frames to spray paint and hang on a wall in a mismatched collection. If you have money to burn and are interested in being nagged by a former 57 year-old hippie, (insert “Bless her heart” here), try Haute Vintage on 12th South. Great selection, and the woman will haggle with you if you pay in cash (men’s is upstairs). Ok, so they always say to save the best for last, and that’s just what I did. Full disclosure first,...
by Chris Walker | Feb 15, 2011 | Opinion
Don’t be confused by its name; the newest Midtown restaurant is not a Tavern, at least not in the old-fashioned sense. It is, instead, a place for good food, people-watching and enjoying fire-toasting your own S’mores right at your table. But more on that later. Located in the old Lime venue, at 1904 Broadway, the newly renovated and simplistically chic eatery is perfect for lunch or dinner. With a respectably priced menu and large portion size, it’s a great place for students to venture and become acquainted with one of the most popular areas in Nashville. Convenient walking distance to several after-dinner settings provides guests of Tavern options galore. A close friend and I ordered several tastings off the menu. We began with the homemade goat cheese guacamole served Mason jar-style, roasted fresh veggies and crispy sweet potato fries. All was delicious and contributed an array of textures and tastes to the palate of the evening. For the main course we had the seared salmon, Caesar salad served with a heaping pile of calamari, and “not your typical Pei-Wei” chicken lettuce wraps. The serving size of each dish was plenty and could easily be split for the budget-conscious. Another friend we ran into that night, Chad Little, was impressed, too. “This place is beyond amazing,” Little said. “I would bring my girlfriend or my mom here. The place is full of beautiful and lively people. The great thing about Nashville is so many people are young and successful with a touch of southern flair, and a lot of those (people) are here tonight.“ We ended our dinner after two hours of amazing conversation and...
by Chris Walker | Feb 10, 2011 | Uncategorized
Well folks, the day so many men – even the bravest among us — dread is quickly approaching. The day where men spend too much money, and women are consistently disappointed. Valentine’s Day. OK, turn that dread into something of the past. Make this Valentine’s Day tasty by perhaps trying out one of the following recommendations: 1. For an early dinner with your main squeeze, perhaps before your third viewing of Black Swan, I recommend Burger Up, a relatively new 12 South spot. The small burger joint not only offers delicious food, but is also “cutesy,” describes fellow dining buddy AJ Bentz, with community dining option. “All our beef is raised and purchased from Triple L Ranch in Franklin, Tenn.,” said owner Mike Pontes. “We try to get everything locally, from the veggies to the buns.” Prices ranging from $8-15, the menu offers gourmet burgers and mounded salads without depleting the cowhide in your back pocket. The menu offers new takes on old burgers, and an option to upgrade to truffle fries (totally worth the extra buck). 2. For the next level of dining atmosphere, try Tavern Mid Town. With its opening last Monday, Tavern is making its stamp on the trendy area of Nashville. The assorted menu, ranging from $6-19, is not only tasty, but filling. Culinary Director Robbie Wilson and Executive Chef Ray Whitlock use fresh ingredients, from the salmon to the in-house guacamole. The location is also convenient walking distance to after-dinner venues. 2. Bring out your big guns and try a Nashville classic, Jimmy Kelly’s. The old steak house (literally an old house), directly across...
by Chris Walker | Feb 8, 2011 | News Slider
Kings of Leon’s Caleb Followill celebrated his birthday in style at Citizen, one of Nashville’s most elite and private venues, and he didn’t have to be hounded by fans and autograph seekers. Accompanied by his brothers Nathan and Jared, the musicians were surrounded by industry leaders and fellow performers like Taylor Swift and The Black Keys. Citizen is a discreet, members-only club for 350 Nashville high-society folk and other members of the upper crust elite. With a thumb-print entry and strict dress code, good luck getting in without an invitation. In addition to the prohibition of cameras and secure entry, a special touch includes the ability to order off menus from Whiskey Kitchen and Virago without the wait. “It’s nice to be able to eat the food you love without the long waits and crowded atmosphere,” said member Sara Morris. You won’t find anyone wearing Ed Hardy here. Each new member of this elite clan is presented with a small rulebook that includes a dress code, rules on name-dropping, capturing images inside the venue, and discretion of fellow members. Matt Mogan, a once-guest of the club says this place is like nothing else in Nashville. “Sure there are other member-only clubs here, but Citizen is the ultimate,” Mogan said. Citizen is a place for members to celebrate exactly what they enjoy–celebrating. Some of the high-society elite who come here spend their free time organizing other Belle Meade-centric events, such as the Marchesa Fashion Show this coming April, The Swan Ball and Steeplechase. My advice: Find a friend (who is a member), get dressed up, and enjoy the lights and food. You’ll...
