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Welcome
Welcome to my premiere column! Join me each month for the latest in what's hot and what's not, as I take you on a virtual adventure through the Mid-South's favorite Lifestyle shopping center. Word on the street is "OUT is IN," and those IN the know are opting for a sophisticated OUTdoor shopping experience. First stop - The Shops of Saddle Creek. Each month you will be treated to the inside dish on the latest food and fashion trends, gift giving ideas, and special occasion items along with my personal Shopping Queen tips addressing your questions.
It’s April, and that means out with the old and spring in the new! I absolutely adore this time of year. It’s an opportunity to purge and splurge. Start with your closets. I have a favorite mantra that works like a charm when deciding whether it’s a keeper or closet clutter: Would I wear it today? If yes, then it can stay. Too much on the floor? Then it’s out the door. Stale styles like refrigerator left-overs, aren’t pretty after their expiration date. Sometimes you have to kiss it up to the Fashion Gods and go out and buy a fresh wardrobe. It’s not rocket science – just savvy sense. And one last fashion tip, from the Shopping Queen fashionista: Keep it simple. Go for a look, not an advertisement. On that note, I’m off to shop at The Shops of Saddle Creek.
Happy Spring!
Your questions answered by The Queen of Saddle Creek.
Dear Queen of Saddle Creek: The colors this spring are so bright. What is a woman of a certain age supposed to wear when trying to appear elegant without looking like a too old for the coop spring chicken
Signed,
Stop the Color Wheel, I want to get off!
Dear Color Wheel Coward: My dear, I do believe anyone afraid of color is simply frightened by too many choices. You may be of a certain age, but your life need not appear in black and white!
Start with a base color you are comfortable with then complement it with something a shade or two lighter and pop it off with an accessory in fuchsia, magenta, coral or lime green. Chico’s is a great place to start, the styles are smart with a bit of sass and you need not worry about running into chicken little. For a social chic shift, Banana Republic has racks and racks of great dresses. I’d recommend something in a navy blue – the new daytime black. J.Jill has a wonderful WEAREVER COLLECTION that goes from day to evening without a wrinkle. And if you’re looking to tie one on…stop in at Francesca’s Collections or any of the many accessory stores and pick up a bright scarf or light shawl - as every woman in Milan, Paris and Saddle Creek knows, the simple silk scarf is the icing on every outfit!
Now, my dear CWC, can you say “Color my World?�
Dear Queen of Saddle Creek: April showers tend to cloud my choice in fashionable outerwear. Can you suggest a style that will weather the elements and not make me look like a washed up Glad bag?
Signed,
Rainey, from the Wetness Protection Program
Dear Rainey: Quit the wetness protection community and get with the program. Foul weather does not need to affect your fashion forecast. The hottest ticket in outerwear this season is the traditional trench - it’s an enduring wrap coat with myriad possibilities and it now comes in a rainbow of colors! Swim on over to the Gap for a cropped version that is timeless yet hip. Or for a more Audrey motif, Talbots is featuring a classic in both black and tan. Gray skies starting to clear up? Swap out the trench for a smart Safari jacket. J.Crew and Ann Taylor Loft have linen and cotton styles that are fun in the rain or the sun.
So, Rainey, don’t fear foul weather gear, the fashion police have your back!
Dear Queen of Saddle Creek: Derby Day is just around the corner and I am hosting my annual outdoor party. What new twist can I put on a traditional classic to jump it up a notch without losing my purse?
Signed,
Derby Day Damsel in Distress
Dear Derby Damsel in Distress: Your horse has just come in! Whether it’s Derby Day, Mother’s Day or Memorial Day, there’s no need to cry “May Day!� This is an opportunity to win, place and show-case your talent and take home the trophy. Out of the starting gate, decide on a menu. Stop by Vera Bradley and get the latest copy of Vera Bradley Magazine – it’s chockfull of ideas for party planning, entertaining and more! Dinstuhl’s Candies is my personal favorite for their chocolate covered strawberries! But you have to get‘em while you can, since they’re only available for a short time. Then off to Williams Sonoma Grand Cuisine to stock up on some serious grilling accessories. Plus, they have dozens of cute props to transform your entertainment space into Church Hill Downs. Finish off the look with bouquets of fresh flowers and you’re off to the races!
On that note, my Dear Damsel, pass the Mint Juleps, please!
 Mark your Calendars!
Each month I will share some of my favorite shopping secrets that you can only find at The Shops of Saddle Creek...
- Moonlight Madness Sale: April 17th. This sale only happens twice a year and is huge!! For one day only, the merchants slash prices to make room for new summer merchandise. The savings are so big; they have to pull out onto the sidewalk to make room for it all. This is the sale that Saddle Creek is famous for and one that you don’t want to miss!!
- Tax Free Weekend: April 25 – 27th. Imagine paying no sales tax!! Well, during this special holiday period, consumers have the opportunity to purchase certain supplies, computers, and clothing tax-free! Wow – talk about a great deal!!
- “Queen for a Day� Mother’s Day Giveaway - Check out my May column to see how you can win the “Queen for a Day� Mother’s Day prize package. Plus, I’ll have a free gift for all my readers.
Next month we will be talking about new summer fashions. Need some advice on what is IN this summmer? Email your questions to me by clicking this link Queen of Saddle Creek. While I can't answer all questions, I will answer those that seem to be on everyone's mind.
~The Queen of Saddle Creek
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