fashion Archives - Saddle Creek

3 Tips To Help You Choose The Perfect Holiday Party Dress

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Credits:

Photography: Kim Thomas
Wardrobe: Altar’d State + Arula (size 10-24)
Models: Taylor Bland, Andrea Fenise, Katherine Faulk
MUA: Matt Gossett

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

December 7, 2021/by Kim Thomas

The Fall Edit // J. Crew

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When I think of quintessential Fall fashion, there are certain pieces and looks that immediately come to mind. Style trends will always come and go, but there are classic elements that all wardrobes should have during this season, regardless of your personal style choices. With that being said, J.Crew has entered the chat.

J. Crew is an iconic heritage brand that’s been around since 1983, and while the fabrications and cuts they have may evolve with the times, they will also be considered a go to for signature pieces like coats, cashmere sweaters, pants and more. Now that we are officially officially in Fall (hello 60 degree temps!), let’s highlight those must-have Fall styles for the season.

Space-Dyed Mockneck Sweater

This isn’t your everyday sweater, and the relaxed fit style of this sweater is perfect for those casual, cozy days.

High-rise ’90s Classic Straight Corduroy Pant

This ’90s-inspired jean with a superhigh rise and classic straight leg is perfect for an “I’ve had this pair forever, and they’re still my favorite” kind of vibe. Swap these out when denim isn’t enough, but you don’t want to wear a traditional trouser pant.

484 Slim-fit Corduroy Pant

Similarly for women, a great pair of corduroy pants should be a staple for all men. The slimmer fit allows for a sleeker look, and you can try them in a super fun color or stick with your neutrals.

Slim Stretch Poplin Shirt

Wearing button-ups are a given, so why not try them in a fun pattern or print? Wear it alone for a more whimsical look, or layer it under your favorite cashmere sweater or jacket.

Limited-edition Crew Baseball Cap

What’s more classic than a baseball cap? This is a cap that speaks for itself, and will be perfect for both bad hair days, or for a “model off duty” type vibe.

Puff-sleeve Sweatshirt Dress

Looks like a dress, feels like sweats. The puff-sleeve detail elevates the dress, so you can keep it casual with sneakers, or belt it and add knee boots and a blazer for a dressier fit.

’90s Classic Straight Jean

Every wardrobe need a pair of denim in that classic medium wash. The ’90s are back, so try it in a straight fit vs your usual skinny.

Lodge Coat

A camel wool coat will always be in style, regardless of what the current trends may be. This cut and color and will literally pair with everything.

To shop these wardrobe staples, visit J.Crew, located in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

Credits:
Photography: Kim Thomas
Models: Laura Rieckhoff, David Quarles, IV, Yamile Iskeif, Cara Greenstein
J.Crew: Address: 7605 W Farmington Blvd Suite #1, Germantown, TN 38138

November 2, 2021/by Kim Thomas

5 Transitional Pieces From Madewell For Fall

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The official first day of Fall is only a few days away, and while the temps may still be a little warm, we’re starting to get glimpses of what’s to come once Autumn officially arrives. Fall has always been my favorite time of year for fashion, so naturally I’m itching to update my wardrobe with pieces that will help me easily transition into the season.

I lean more towards a classic, slightly 70s aesthetic when temps start to cool down, so I popped into our Madewell store to see what was new (and for a little style inspo). If you’re in need of some new pieces as well, here are 5 transitional pieces from Madewell that are perfect for Fall.

Fresh Denim
New denim will ALWAYS be a great choice, and Fall is typically when newer cuts and washes are released in stores. I try to keep a variety of styles in stock: a skinny, a flare, and a boyfriend cut. This will give me versatility with the silhouettes that I want to play with when putting outfits together. Madewell is known for their denim, and they have a ton of different styles to choose from, up to a size 4X.

Casual Boot
Last year I fell in love with combat boots, but this year I want to add a Chelsea Boot into the mix. We love a good “model off duty” fit, and these paired with a girlfriend denim and an oversized pullover sweater will easily give you that vibe, or you can just keep it simple and chic in all black with leggings and a moto jacket as well.

Gold Jewelry
As much as I like to try out quirky statement jewelry, time and time again I find myself going back to classic gold accessories, and some of my favorites have come from Madewell. I never leave home without jewelry because I feel like it completes every outfit. From earrings, to necklaces to rings, I always update my jewelry collection with their pieces. They’re great quality, long lasting, and make every outfit look chic.

Leather Crossbody
Madewell has some of the best handbags on the market, so it’s only fitting that a new crossbody style be added to your wardrobe. A quality crossbody bag that can be worn every day is perfect for both those that are always on the go, and the people that don’t like to carry around a lot of junk with them. The shapes feel equally vintage and modern, so your look will always be timeless.

Cool Sunnies
A timeless aviator style of sunglasses are a MUST for everyone. No matter what your personal style is, they instantly make you look cool, and they literally go with everything.

In addition to these essentials, I like to stock up on easy long sleeve tees, light-weight cardigans, a slip-on mule and a few floral midi dresses to help get me through the transitional part of the season. Madewell gave me a ton of style inspiration, and will hopefully do the same for you. Happy shopping!

Want to shop these featured pieces? Visit Madewell in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

Madewell
7615 W Farmington Blvd
SUITE 9
Germantown, TN 38138

September 17, 2021/by Kim Thomas

Saddle Creek Style | Spring Refresh

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I’m so happy that it’s finally starting to warm up in Memphis, and we’ve partnered with some of our favorite local influencers to highlight Spring styles and trends from a few of our Saddle Creek retailers to help you get through the season in style.

The past few months have been rough, but now that the weather is pleasant and patio season is back, it feels good to be able to get dressed and (safely) hang out with family and friends.

Refreshing your wardrobe for Spring is a must, and I don’t know about you, but we’ve been itching to update our closets with some new pieces for the season. While you don’t have to build a capsule wardrobe, I do believe that investing in pieces that are versatile and that you can get a lot of wear out of is so important, especially for Spring.

Flirty little dresses are always a must! Perfect for date night or brunchin’ with your girlfriends!

Don’t forget a neutral tote to carry all of your essentials!

Every guy needs an elevated jogger set. This French Terry set has a soft, cozy feel that’s perfect for all seasons.

Linen shirts are a warm-weather essential, but take it to the next level with a fun all-over pattern and pair with shorts in a bolder color.

Mixed prints and versatile, lightweight pieces are must-haves for your wardrobe right now, so stop by The Shops of Saddle Creek to see what’s new!

Clothing:
Bianca | Dress: LOFT, Bracelets: Kendra Scott, Earrings: LOFT, Sunglasses: SEE Eyewear
Cara | Dress: Indigo, Earrings: Kendra Scott, Handbag: Vera Bradley, Sunglasses: SEE Eyewear
Carmeon | Dress: Indigo, Earrings Kendra Scott, Handbag: Indigo, Sunglasses: SEE Eyewear
David | Shirt + Shorts: J. Crew, Sunglasses: SEE Eyewear
Michael | Jogger Set + Tee: Banana Republic, Sunglasses: SEE Eyewear
*All models wore their own shoes

Photography + Styling: Kim Thomas
Beautiful florals provided by Mili’s Flower Truck
Sweet Treats provided by Smallcakes Collierville
Makeup Artist: Matt Gossett

To shop all of these looks, visit our local retailers in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

April 19, 2021/by Kim Thomas

10 Easter Dresses You Will Want To Wear All Spring Long

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Easter is this upcoming weekend, and with the weather projected to be sunny and 73 in Memphis (aka PERFECT), an uber cute dress to wear to (safely) celebrate the holiday is a must. Our retailers are finally starting to receive new Spring merchandise, and it’s becoming safer to gather in small groups again, so whether you will be celebrating the holiday at home with family, or treating it as a day for a brunch outing with your friends, I’ve rounded up 10 frocks that would be perfect to wear Easter Sunday and into the Spring and Summer season as well.

Crepe Midi Dress, Banana Republic $139

Floral Flounce Shirtdress, LOFT $89.50

Tiered Ruffle-Sleeve Cotton Poplin Dress, J.Crew $128

Zoey Animal Print Mini Dress, Shelby Jewel $69

Cassis Printed Chiffon Dress, Free People $168

Tish Maxi Dress, A’Beautiful Soul $89.95

Utility Midi Shirt Dress, White House | Black Market $160

Graceland Maxi Dress, Altar’d State $79.95

Mabel Mini Dress, Anthropologie $98

Geo Pocket Shirtdress, LOFT $98

Style Tip: keep your accessories simple. Yes, to being able to get dressed and go out, but you can leave the heels at home. Grab some neutral sandals, gold jewelry (I’m partial to hoops, bracelets, and layering necklaces) and your favorite bold lipstick to accentuate your look.

Be sure to make an appointment at Nail Bar & Co. for a mani/pedi because sandal season is officially here, and stop by Sephora to refresh your makeup bag with some new Spring lippies and blushes if it’s been a while since you added something new. Most stores will also be having some type of sale this week due to the holiday, so make it a point to pop in for something cute (without having to break the bank).

To shop these styles, visit these local retailers in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

March 29, 2021/by Kim Thomas

5 Accessories You Need Right Now

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We’re slowly easing into Fall here in Memphis (hello 60 degree temps!), and while we all probably have a closet that’s filled to the brim with clothes, it’s time to add in a few fun accessories to help us transition our style for Fall. It’s not quite cold enough to fully layer with coats and jackets (although some evenings might call for a cute leather or suede moto jacket), but you should definitely have a few kimonos and chunky cardigan sweaters in the mix.

With that being said, you don’t want your outfits to be drab. I’m not a crazy trend follower, but I DO know that accessories are the easiest way to test out different prints, patterns and colors without having to fully commit to it. Unless it’s a statement piece that’s also quite versatile, I wouldn’t invest a ton of money into it. That way, if you try a trend and don’t like it, you won’t feel bad about tossing it the next season.

There are certain accessories that will easily help you transition into the Fall, and here are 5 you need to add to your wardrobe right now.

WYETH Jackson Rancher Hat, Madewell $69

Wide Brim Hat
It took me years to get on the hat train (I needed to find styles that fit my head properly), but once I did I was HOOKED. Out of all of the styles that I’ve tried, I’ve found that a wide brim hate (preferable a wool fedora) is the most versatile style for almost everyone. You still have to test out sizing (you never want a hat that’s too big or too small), but as long as it has a stiff brim (this is KEY to ensuring it looks right), you’re fine You’ll be able to switch up the look of so many of your outfits when you wear one. You don’t need a million colors either: a black, grey or a neutral tan color will suffice.

Vegan Going West Boot, Free People $88

Ankle booties
It doesn’t matter if you pick them in black, white, tan, leather or suede, you won’t go wrong with adding a cute ankle bootie into the mix. They help to ground those Summery dresses that can still be worn during the Fall (just top with a cardi or jacket), and they will help elevate the look of your basic jeans + tee outfit. Look for a style that has a pointed or slightly square toe (a rounded toe is a little too 90s retro unless that’s your thing) with a slight heel so that you can actually walk around in them.

Five And Two June Necklace, American Threads $52.50

Layering Necklaces
I prefer to wear gold jewelry over silver (it just feels more versatile to me), but I love finding really cool necklaces that I can layer with. You want to look for metals that are similar in color, and try to find chains with varying lengths so that you can wear multiple together. Necklaces designed with coins and small pendants are the most popular right now and the easiest to style with. You can literally wear them with anything.

Leather Circle Buckle Belt, Banana Republic $68

Gold Buckle Belt
So I typically hate wearing belts with pants, but I always find fun ones to wear with dresses, especially in the Fall. A gold buckle belt is staple right now (I really like the double buckle ones as well). If you have any flowy dresses that could use a little more structure, just add a belt and then layer a cardigan over it to keep the silhouette from being too billowy. You can also layer them over blazers, and they actually look cute with jeans and a graphic tee tucked in if that’s your thing.

Chill Clutch, Anthropologie $78

Large Leather Clutch
I carry a large basic tote daily to hold all of my stuff when I’m working, but I would much rather have some cuter bags to swap it with when I’m going out to new events during my “off-duty” hours. The newer styles are larger and a lot more fashion forward, so even if you’re wearing a simple outfit, a cute leather clutch will make your overall aesthetic more chic.

There are so many other accessories that can be added to your wardrobe this season, but these are absolute staples. Happy shopping!

All items shown are from Saddle Creek retailers. Due to Covid-19, changes have been made to individual store house for Saddle Creek retailers. Please call/check ahead to find out their hours and safety precautions before you visit, OR, continue to shop from the comfort of your home.

Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

October 1, 2020/by Kim Thomas

Pre-Fall Pieces To Add To Your Wardrobe

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I’m so so ready for Fall. It’s still pretty hot in Memphis, but with students now going back to school over the last few weeks, it’s safe to say that Fall IS coming.

Transitional clothing items are a must-have right now. While we will still have a few super hot days here and there through mid-September, we will soon begin to have warm days and cooler nights, so a shift will happen with how we dress day to day. Stores are starting to get in Pre-Fall pieces as well (and have great sales), so it’s the perfect time to begin updating your wardrobe with some transitional pieces. Due to COVID, you won’t have to go overboard and buy a ton of new clothes as the weather begins to change, but it’s still nice to update your wardrobe with a cute pair of mules or kimono. If you’re wondering what you should invest in in the upcoming weeks, here are some pre-Fall pieces to add to your wardrobe.

Just Because Ruffle Babydoll Dress, American Threads, $57

We The Free Savannah Tee, Free People $68

Point Sur Hightower Straight Jean, J. Crew $99

Retro Classic Metallic Sneakers, Free People $70

Heritage Safari Romper, Banana Republic $119

Olenka Tunic, Soft Surroundings $100

Denim Pieced Waist Midi Dress, Madewell $65

Smocked Soft Jacket, White House Black Market $140

Elyn Tunic Dress, Anthropologie $78

Lou & Grey Melange Cocoon Cardigan, Loft $79.50

Due to Covid-19, changes have been made to individual store house for Saddle Creek retailers. Please call/check ahead to find out their hours and safety precautions before you visit, OR, continue to shop from the comfort of your home.

Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

August 31, 2020/by Kim Thomas

Dresses To Help You Get Through Summer

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I usually pack up all of my denim and pants at the beginning of the season once the temps stay in the 80s, but to be able to do that, I try to find cute, versatile dresses that will help me stay stylish but cool through the Summer. No matter where I have to go, I can always just throw on a fun dress and simple accessories to look polished and put together, and it just makes life (and getting dressed) so much easier. Wearing dresses in the Summer helps to tremendously cut down on how long it takes me to get ready and out the door, so when I find styles that I love, I live in them, and will even get them in multiple colors if available.

If you’re on the hunt for some new pieces to wear while it’s still blazing hot outside, here’s a little roundup of dresses (and a few handbags) that’ll help get you through the rest of the Summer.

Anthropologie Adrian Sheer Tunic Dress, $89.95

Free People Date Night Beaded Clutch, $68

J.Jill Linen Short Sleeve A-Line Dress, $79.95

J. Crew Woven Market Tote, $79.50

Banana Republic Fishtail Midi Sheath Dress, $35.99

Banana Republic Leather Saddle Bag, $57.99

Free People Once Upon A Sea Midi Dress, $60

Madewell Anchal Organic Cotton Large Patchwork Pouch, $48

Madewell Denim Pleat-Waist Midi Dress, $79.99

J. Crew Tiered Maxi Dress, $68

Many of the retailers in Saddle Creek have gotten the green light to open back up, so call/check ahead to find out their hours and safety precautions before you visit, OR, continue to shop from the comfort of your couch.

Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

July 29, 2020/by Kim Thomas

Warm Weather Pieces To Add To Your Wardrobe

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We have a long way to go before we move past Covid-19, but many of us are (luckily) in a place where life is at least semi-normal again. Many of us are starting to go back to work and venturing out beyond getting our essentials (safely, of course), and with temps starting to warm up, switching over your wardrobe for Spring/Summer in the next few weeks is inevitable. If you live in Memphis, you know that you can wear those cute lounge wear sets that everyone is pushing only for so long before the humidity and heat do you in. There’s no need to go out and get a whole new wardrobe, however, I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to get a few new pieces that will allow you to look and feel cute. Even if you’re just going out on a coffee run, you can still get dressed. There are little things that we can do daily to maintain a sense of normalcy, and putting on clothes that we love is one of them.

If you’re in a place where you can update your wardrobe and itching to do a little retail therapy, I’ve rounded up a few warm weather pieces that will be essential this season.

Sandrah Tunic Dress, Anthropologie, $88

In A Mood Snakeskin Sneaker, American Threads, $39

Jungle Ruffle Pocket Dress, Loft, $64.88

Vintage cotton V-neck T-shirt, J. Crew, $29.50

Far Out Round Sunglasses, Free People, $20

Bidelia Midi Dress, Altar’d State, $39.19

Large Straw Tote Bag, Banana Republic, $68

Daydreamer David Bowie Tee, Indigo, $66.50

Avenue Midi Skirt, Altar’d State, $24.49

Beach by Matisse Woven Slide Sandals, Anthropologie, $45

Many of the retailers in Saddle Creek have gotten the green light to open back up, so call/check ahead to find out their hours and safety precautions before you visit, OR, continue to shop from the comfort of your couch.

All items listed are from retailers located in The Shops of Saddle Cree. Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

June 8, 2020/by Kim Thomas

Fresh + Flirty Styles For Spring

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Spring is finally on the horizon, and warmer weather means it is time to switch up your wardrobe and start incorporating brighter colors, softer, lighter fabrics, and statement making pieces. Fresh and flirty is the name of the game for Spring; on days when you don’t want to think too much about what to wear when getting dressed, you want to have pieces in your wardrobe that are versatile yet still effortless so that you always look put together no matter what you decide to wear. We still have a few more weeks before the season officially changes, but now’s the perfect time to get your Spring wardrobe together.

If you’re ready to get your closet in order (and indulge in a little retail therapy), here’s a round up of fresh + flirty styles for Spring.

Buttercup Puff Sleeve Flounce Dress, LOFT, $90