While many people start to gravitate towards more colorful pieces for Spring, some still prefer to walk on the more neutral side. Neutral doesn’t have to equal boring, however, and right now Banana Republic has in some key pieces that can both refresh and elevate any wardrobe, regardless of personal style. The shade range is a little more tonal and fun (think safari chic), so they will pair well with the pieces that you already own.

Banana Republic Spring Picks

Ready to shop? Here are some of the must-have pieces from Banana Republic’s Spring collection.

Banana Republic Spring Picks

The Silk Maxi Slip Dress
Crafted from glossy silk charmeuse, this (washable) slip dress is luxury at its best as it is cut on the bias to give it stunning drape.

Banana Republic Spring Picks

Banana Republic Spring PicksMake it a monochromatic look with a cape style cardigan and snakeskin boots. Accessorize with gold jewelry and a cute top-handle satchel.

Banana Republic Spring Picks

The Safari Shirtdress
This utility-inspired classic is ideal for holidays far away (or just trips to brunch with your girls).

Banana Republic Spring Picks

Banana Republic Spring PicksKeep the look sleek with heels and aviators, but you can easily dress it down even more with a pair of converse and a baseball cap for a more model off duty look.

Banana Republic Spring Picks

The Tapered Cargo Pant
Utility with a twist, this luxe cargo pant is crafted for a more refined look and feel.

Banana Republic Spring Picks Banana Republic Spring Picks

A mock turtleneck in a contrasting color and a structured handbag with animal print detail and heels makes this a look perfect for work, but a denim button down and loafers can make them more casual.

Banana Republic Spring Picks

The Flounce-Hem Mini Dress
The A-line, swing fit cut gives this dress a flirty feel (especially when paired with heels, a trendy handbag and worn belted).

Banana Republic Spring Picks Banana Republic Spring Picks

You can make it more sweet with a denim jacket and Golden Goose kicks.

Banana Republic Spring Picks

The Cotton Cardigan
This classic shawl-collar cardigan sweater will pair well with just about everything in your wardrobe, but we especially love it with a matching tee and a pair of skinnies.

Banana Republic Spring Picks Banana Republic Spring Picks

This will be the cardigan that you pull out in place of a jacket all season long.

In addition to the standout pieces listed above, gold accessories and smart totes in buttery fabrics should be on your shopping list for Spring as well. While not every item can be worn everywhere, you’d be surprised what works well together when you take a little time out to mix and match the different styles your wardrobe.

Credits:
Photography: Kim Thomas
Clothing + Jewelry: Banana Republic
Handbags + Sunglasses: Michael Kors + Brahmin
Models: Carmeon, Lauren, Cara and Yamile

To shop all of these trends, be sure to visit these local retailers in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores to visit for both style and home decor inspiration. I love the way that they play with patterns, prints, and textures, and Spring might be my favorite season for their new arrivals.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

The colors throughout the store are both vibrant and muted; we all know that orange is a popular color for Spring, however, they will also have soft shades of peach and creamsicle mixed throughout, so you have more options to choose from (which can be both good and bad for your wallet). With Spring being a few weeks away, I popped in recently to see what was new, and I immediately got a burst of excitement when I walked through the door.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

Hello Spring! As soon as you step inside, their display styling instantly brings to mind the fun, whimsical feeling of Spring.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

Maxi prairie style dresses are still a hot trend right now, and this ditsy floral print is such a statement piece. If it feels like too much, you can easily tone it down with a light wash denim jacket.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

This could make for both a fun cocktail dress or afternoon brunch outfit based around how you style it.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

I’ll take one of each please! Obsessed with these little satchel handbags. The leather looks buttery and I love the creaminess of the colors. The peach shade might be my fave.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

Patterned cardigans and kimonos are my favorite third pieces to pair with denim right now.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

Softer washes of color are a sweet way to ease into Spring style. I would live in this pastel button up with linen joggers.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

Casually cool outfits with relaxed trousers and paisley print or textured blouses are essentials.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

The perfect Spring color palette in one wall. This cropped cable-knit cardigan would look so cute over a simple white slip dress or with a tank and patterned maxi skirt.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

I love the shape of this purse. If you’re not one to carry a lot of junk with you, it could easily be an everyday bag.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

Typically a gold hoops girl for every day, but these could be mixed in as a chic alternative.

Anthropologie Saddle Creek Memphis

Give me all of candles and home decor styling pieces. Simple ways to refresh your home.

Anthropologie always gets in some of the prettiest prints (and they have sales regularly if you’re budget conscious like me), so pop in the next time you’re near The Shops of Saddle Creek!

Anthropologie
The Shops of Saddle Creek
7615 W Farmington Blvd
Germantown, TN 38138

Memphis is smack dead in the middle of Winter, but outside of a few days of snow and freezing cold here and there, our Winters don’t get too bad. Getting dressed can be a little difficult sometimes because you want to be cute, obviously, but you also don’t want to freeze to death or catch a cold.

We’re weeks away from when we can shed our heavy winter coats in favor of lighter layers and brighter looks, so it makes sense to add a few essential pieces that will still let you rock current trends but will also transition easily into Spring once it begins to get warm.

Just in case your wardrobe is in need of an update, here are a few winter styles that you need right now. And the best thing? They will help you easily take your wardrobe into Spring.

Saddle Creek Cozy Style Shoot

Knit Sweaters

Saddle Creek Cozy Style Shoot

Cozy knit sweaters are a must during the Winter season, so stocking up on a few colors within a specific color palette will help you keep your wardrobe chic and cohesive. Pair them with your favorite denim to keep them casual, or try with a pencil skirt and boots for a look that’s a little more fashion forward.

Saddle Creek Cozy Style Shoot

Maxi Dresses

Saddle Creek Cozy Style Shoot

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean that you have to pack up all of your dresses. Find a few maxi style dresses that you can pair with your favorite booties and top with a jacket or a fun faux fur vest.

Saddle Creek Cozy Style Shoot

Patterned Kimonos

Saddle Creek Cozy Style Shoot

If you’re looking to break up the solids in your wardrobe, try adding in a few patterned kimonos as a 3rd piece. Wear them over a silky slip dress and thigh highs, or with a simple turtleneck and some leather leggings.

Add in some of your favorite cold weather accessories to complete your outfits and you’ll be good to go!

Credits:

Want to recreate these looks? Stop by Soft Surroundings in Saddle Creek to get the looks that Andrea, Katherine and Taylor are wearing!

The start of the new year is the perfect time to reflect and reset some of the habits that you may have been struggling with. While traditional resolutions may be hard to keep because many of them are proclaimed as absolutes, goal setting and focusing on making changes to our habits over a period of time is a lot more reasonable (and easier to maintain).

They say it takes 20 days to form a habit, so if you’re ready to switch up how you do things, here are 5 healthy habits to bring into the new year that anyone can do.

Healthy Habits New Year

Move Your Body
While working out more is a habit that many people try to pick up at the start of the new year, it can be a struggle to maintain because we go overboard out the gate. We try to make going to the gym 5 days a week for hours at a time a thing, when it’s honestly not realistic for most people’s schedules or lifestyles. An easier approach is to focus on (intentionally) moving your body at least 30 minutes a few days a week. If you have time to go to the gym, AWESOME! If not, try going for a walk around your neighborhood after work or on your lunch break, or even having a solo dance party in your living room when you wake up. Whatever you want to do, just do enough to get your heart rate up and pumping!

Up Your Water Intake
Not everyone loves water, but staying hydrated is essential to staying healthy and feeling good. So many ailments stem from being dehydrated (fatigue, headaches, hunger, dry skin, etc.), so getting enough water daily is imperative to having good health. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to drink more water, try having a glass in the morning before that first sip of coffee, and also add more foods that are water-rich to your diet (watermelon, honeydew or cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, bell peppers and celery are just a few).

Healthy Habits New Year

Schedule Quality Time With Friends
Everyone is busy and wrapped up in our own little words, but it’s good to take time here and there and spend some quality time with close friends. Whether it’s a full blown meet-up for drinks and dinner, or a quick break to get your nails done, try to schedule in some dedicated quality time with those that you hold close to your heart. Your soul needs it.

Healthy Habits New Year

Limit Your Screen Time
It’s pretty amazing how much you can get accomplished when you limit how much you scroll. Being online is such a big part of our lives, but it can get in the way of relationships, work, and even affect our mental health when we spend too much time consuming data and content. Even if it’s only 30 minutes a day, try to pull back from being glued to your phone. Replace that time with reading a book, playing a game, going outside, or just having a conversation with someone without being distracted.

Get More Sleep
FOMO is real, so staying up late because we unconsciously think we might miss something is a habit that so many of us have. In return, however, many of us are also walking around drained and perpetually tired. 7+ hours of sleep a day is recommended for adults, so if you haven’t been getting that, nows the time to change that habit. 1-2 hours before bedtime, put down all phones and computer, stretch or meditate, and prepare yourself for bed. Some people like to shower and enjoy a cup of chamomile tea as well. It may take a moment to get used to this night routine, but after awhile, your body will adjust and you should be getting more sleep in no time.

Developing an overall healthier lifestyle is a journey and takes time, so don’t feel bad if you don’t get it right all of the time. Every day is a new day, so take your time and ease into it. Your health will thank you for it!

In need of new workout fits? Stop by Athleta in Saddle Creek to get the looks that Laura and Caitlin are wearing!

Bring on the New Year! Whether you will be (safely) hitting the town on New Year’s Eve or gathering with a small group of close friends and family at home, adding some sparkle to your outfit is always a good idea. Sequins and satin were literally made for New Year’s Eve, so I’ve gathered up a few holiday inspired pieces from some of our retailers to help inspire your outfit for the night.

champagne toast

If you’re still on the hunt for a New Year’s Eve outfit to wear, here are a few pretty, shiny, sparkly pieces to help you feel festive, even if you’ll only be eating pizza and toasting champagne from the comfort of your couch!

Anthropologie The Joni Sequined Flare Pants

Anthropologie The Joni Sequined Flare Pants, $120

Chicos Velvet Sequin Dress

Chicos Velvet Sequin Dress, $60

Altrd State Trance Dress

Altrd State Trance Dress, $72

Banana Republic Pleated Sequin Mini Dress

Banana Republic Pleated Sequin Mini Dress, $160

Soft Surroundings Ashton Blouse

Soft Surroundings Ashton Blouse, $85

Free People Scotch & Soda Sequin Embellished Pencil Skirt

Free People Scotch & Soda Sequin Embellished Pencil Skirt, $298

MAGGY LONDON SEQUIN JUMPSUIT

Talbots Maggie London Sequin Jumpsuit, $168

J Crew Collection open-back silk charmeuse dress

J Crew Collection Open-Back Silk Charmeuse Dress, $328

WHBM Crystal Party Bag

WHBM Crystal Party Bag, $60

Soft Surroundings Bretton Blouse

Soft Surroundings Bretton Blouse, $100

Free People Studio Sequin Beret

Free People Studio Sequin Beret, $30

Anthropologie Sequined Short Set

Anthropologie Sequined Short Set, $130

MAGGY LONDON SEQUIN FIT & FLARE MIDI DRESS

Talbots Maggie London Fit & Flare Midi Dress, $158

Arula Cassandra Dress

Arula Cassandra Dress, $27

Kendra Scott Jack Vintage Gold Small Statement Earrings

Kendra Scott Jack Vintage Gold Small Statement Earrings, $75

 

To purchase any of the clothing, jewelry or accessories shown, be sure to visit our retailers in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

Christmas time is here! Hard to believe but Christmas is literally only a few days a way! Time has flown by and I’m excited to slow down and spend a little more time with friends and family, but, like most people, I need to wrap up my holiday shopping. No worries, though, because Sadie, the Saddle Creek Elf, is here to help!

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

If you’re still on the hunt for a few gifts yourself, here’s a roundup of some of Sadie’s favorite places to shop in Saddle Creek. Whether you’re still looking for holiday party gifts, stocking stuffers for the fam, or you’re ready to splurge on a gift for someone extra special, here are some great gift options you can pick up this week.

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Jewelry, accessories and candles are always a good choice for the lady in your life! Altar’d State + Arula work hand in hand to help you find some cute, on trend pieces that perfect for gift giving. They also have some fun holiday and NYE apparel pieces in store!

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Anthropologie is a must-visit for more whimsical, aesthetically pleasing gifts. Again, candles are a great choice, but they’ve also got a cute collection of mugs, coffee table books and other kitchenware for those who love to create a cool vibe with their tablescapes.

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Have a guy in your life that’s hard to shop for? Stop in UNTUCKit for button ups, pullovers and other wardrobe needs that they may not even think about (but desperately need).

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Vera Bradley is a staple for so many people, and they’ve just dropped their fun new Snoopy Collection of travel bags, backpacks, wallets, robes and more.

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Banana Republic, J. Crew, Brooks Brothers,  and LOFT are my fave places to shop for those “classic” Christmas gifts. Think cozy knits and scarves, flannels, blazers, cold weather accessories, and even some playful jewelry that can be worn for NYE.

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

If you’re shopping for a fashionista that lives for the latest designer bag and jewelry, a visit to Michael Kors and Kendra Scott is most definitely in order.

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Frames from SEE Eyewear will ALWAYS be a good choice.

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Have a friend that’s recently begun working out (but you don’t want to get them workout clothes)? Lululemon offers cute accessories (colorful key chains and pouches) that are designed to be used while on the move.

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Have everything you need for the kids except stocking stuffers? Check out Paper Source! Think small toys, planners, pins, puzzles and other funny gifts that can also double as White Elephant Gifts for co-workers.

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

My biggest tip for whatever you do is to go to stores that you know like the back of your hand. Have a realistic budget and a list, and go as early as possible to beat the crowds and to also shop safely. Happy shopping!

Sadie the Elf Gift Guide

Thanks for your help, Sadie!!

To shop all these gifts, be sure to visit these local retailers in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

The holiday season is officially upon us, but that doesn’t mean you have to rely on your LBD (little black dress) for all of your party needs. Yes, it will ALWAYS be in style, but the best part of party season is stepping outside of your style comfort zone and trying something new (and hopefully sparkly).

Saddle Creek Holiday Shoot

If you’re interested in adding a little more glitz to your nights out on the town with your friends this season, then you MUST invest in some fun party dresses. There are so many great dresses out there to choose from, so here are 3 tips to help you choose the perfect holiday dress when you want to add a little extra “sparkle” to your party outfits.

Saddle Creek Holiday Shoot

Saddle Creek Holiday Shoot

Color is your friend
Jewel tones and bright red are always great choices for holiday party dresses. They pop great against the skin, and you will automatically be in a festive mood as soon as you slip it on.

Saddle Creek Holiday Shoot

Saddle Creek Holiday Shoot

Try tonal chicness
Another great alternative to a LBD is to try a flirty little frock in a soft neutral like bronze. It will instantly make you look tan, AND it’s a dress that you’ll be able to pull out at other times of the year. Just try to stick to finishes like satin/silk to keep your look polished and dressed up.

Saddle Creek Holiday Shoot

Saddle Creek Holiday Shoot

Sparkle sparkle everywhere
When all else fails, go for a dress that’s embellished with sparkly sequins or rhinestones. The silhouette of the dress doesn’t matter (you should just feel bomb in it), and you can pair it with your favorite nude strappy heels (this makes legs look long and lean) or add a little southern flare with your favorite white booties.

Saddle Creek Holiday Shoot

Add some playful jewelry for a little extra dazzle and you’re good to go!

Credits:

To purchase any of the clothing shown, visit Altar’d State + Arula in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

The Holidays are a prime time for trying new things with your makeup, so I called on MUA Matt Gossett to create a classic but fun beauty look for our holiday shoot that would look great on everyone. Smoky eyes and berry lips for the win!

holiday makeup

A soft smoky eye is perfect for a day filled with holiday parties. Grays, coppers, and softer shades keep the look festive but still sultry, and you can easily change out your lip colors to switch up your look (this will be determined by how much you want to vamp it up).

holiday makeup

You can be a little more bold with your makeup for holiday parties, so don’t be afraid to wear rich colors on the lips and eyes at the same time. Keep skin clean and semi matte with just a hint of color on the cheeks to keep the face from looking flat, and so that the focus will remain on the eyes. This way, the look is a little more modern and fresh.

holiday makeup

Products

  • Makeup by Mario “Master Mattes Palette”
  • Charlotte Tilbury “Eyes to Mesmerize” in colors “Oyster Pearl” & “Star Gold”
  • Eyeliner: Makeup by Mario Pro Eyeliner “Super Black”
  • Brows: makeup by Mario “Master blade” Eyebrow Pencil
  • Foundation: Makeup Forever HD Foundation Sticks
  • Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealers
  • Bronzer: Makeup by Mario Soft Sculpt Powder Bronzer
  • Blush: Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Blush Sticks
  • Charlotte Tilbury: Airbrush Flawless Filter Powder
  • Lipsticks: Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipsticks

Credits:

To purchase any of the beauty products listed, visit Sephora in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

Sephora
2055 West St Suite 10
Germantown, TN 38138

The holidays are a great time to host close friends and family, and if you were thinking about hosting a Friendsgiving this year, I wanted to share a few tips to help you make sure it is the best one ever.

Don’t Overthink Your Plans
Friendsgiving is supposed to be a fun time, so you don’t want to over think it, but you also don’t want to wait until the last minute to prep and get things ready. The week of your gathering, do as much as you can leading up to the day. Clean your home, go grocery shopping, and even get your playlist together in advance so that an hour before guests arrive you can be calm and collected and ready to enjoy the evening.

friendsgiving tips

Invite Friends That Will Mesh Well Together
It’s normal to have different friend groups, but before you send out that invitation, take a moment to make of list of who you’d like to invite to ensure everyone will “play nice” together. Now is not the time to try to mend friendships or anything that could cause drama, so take a deep breath and really curate your guest list. I learned at a really young age that all friend groups should NOT mix, and if you’re not careful, it can ruin the night. This doesn’t mean that everyone should already be friends as well or even know each other, it just means that if you know you have a friend that wilds out after 1 cocktail while everyone else is really conservative, this might not be the best time to have them over together. If you will have formal seating, be sure to mix up where everyone sits to keep things interesting.

friendsgiving tips

Keep Cocktails on Deck
Cocktails help people relax, so whether you have a signature drink for the night or set up a station with a designated bartender, have them ready to go (and keep them flowing), so that guests will get the vibe as soon as they arrive.

friendsgiving tips friendsgiving tips

Mix Up Your Menu
Gone are the days that you have to slave over a stove cooking if you don’t want to. Yes, we love traditional “holiday food” but you don’t have to stick to that 100% if that’s not what you’re feeling. I once attended a Friendsgiving where we each had to bring a dish based around a main ingredient, and we had a wonderful feast that night. Don’t be such a stickler to a menu that you feel that every dish has to be a traditional one-keep it fun and mix it up!

Create A Bomb Playlist
Listen to me closely: MUSIC. IS. EVERYTHING. The music that you play during your gathering is almost as important as the food that you serve, so don’t ignore this part of planning. What you choose will truly set the scene, so choose wisely. If you’re lost on what to play, Afro Beats, Singer/Songwriters from the 70s, and 90s R&B are always a cool vibe; you can also go down a Motown Records rabbit-hole as well. If you’re not good at selecting songs yourself, Spotify always has playlists (although some of the choices can be a bit weird), and Pandora can create great mix based on a song. Don’t gather in silence and don’t leave it up to chance!

friendsgiving tips

photos via

Stock up on To-Go Containers
This is such a genius move for the person that doesn’t want to eat leftovers for days on end. Having to-go containers will allow your friends to easily pack up a plate to take with them at the end of the night while helping you keep space in your fridge!

As with all gatherings during this time, remember to keep it covid safe. There are so many other great tips out there, but if you start with these simple 6, you’ll be able to have fun, give thanks and enjoy your friends!

When it comes to Thanksgiving outfits, the goal is to wear something both stylish and comfy. You want to look nice, obviously, but you want to also be able to enjoy the food without feeling stuffed or uncomfortable while you indulge. I know that a lot of people treat the holiday super casual now, but I still like to look a little polished. Even if it’s not a full on “lewk”, I still like to put in some effort to look cute, ya know?

If you’re like me, leggings and a sweatshirt might be too casual, so my top suggestion (and personal choice), would be to wear a chic little dress, preferably something loose, flowy and/or with a little bit of stretch. I personally love patterned maxi dresses that can be worn loose or belted, but comfy sweater dresses are a great option as well.

We have a few weeks until Thanksgiving, so there’s still time to find your look. Here’s a roundup of stylish dresses to wear on Thanksgiving.

Banana Republic Turtleneck Sweater Dress

Turtleneck Sweater Dress, Banana Republic $149

Tiered Midi Dress LOFT

Tiered Midi Dress, LOFT $99.50

Soft Surroundings Atacama Shirtdress

Atacama Shirtdress, Soft Surroundings $130

Talbots Tweed Mockneck Sweater Dress

Tweed Mockneck Sweater Dress, Talbots $119

Maeve Tie-Neck Metallic Tunic Dress

Maeve Tie-Neck Metallic Tunic Dress, Anthropologie $148

Banana Republic Blazer Wrap Dress

Blazer Wrap Dress, Banana Republic $149

Free People Rare Feelings Maxi Dress

Rare Feelings Maxi Dress, Free People $148

Floral Side Tie Swing Dress LOFT

Floral Side Tie Swing Dress, LOFT $89.50

Daily Practice by Anthropologie Slim Mock Neck Midi Dress

Daily Practice by Anthropologie Slim Mock Neck Midi Dress, Anthropologie $98

FP Beach Georgie Midi

FP Beach Georgie Midi, Anthropologie $78

 

Pair with your favorite booties and simple accessories for a look that’ll be cute in pictures, but will also allow you to enjoy the festivities (and pie. Gotta save room for the pie!).

To shop these pieces, be sure to visit these local retailers in The Shops of Saddle Creek!