Dear Monkee’s Girls,

We have been so busy this week! If we didn’t have all these new shoes and clothes (come see our fabulous Lilly!) coming in, I might think it was just for our air conditioning. Everyone that has been in seems so grateful to have a chance to escape the blistering heat. So we, like you, are praying for a little rain to cool this place down!

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have another reason to hope for a few showers…our new Le Chameau rain boots! These utilitarian rubber boots are the epitome of chic and come in classic black and platinum. They retail for $132 and we’re predicting they won’t be here long.

While I’m here, I’ll remind everyone that we’ve been tweeting up a storm lately from our Twitter (@monkeesofnville) and I’d love to have you join in the conversation! If you don’t have a Twitter yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. Also, if you’ve ever come into Monkee’s and felt the disappointment of finding a shoe you love after we’ve sold your size, you’ll want to follow us to find out first about our new arrivals—and big sales!

xo,

Perry

Dear Monkee’s Girls,

First things first, let me introduce myself! While I’m not exactly a new face here at the store, since this is my first post (and my first week back!) I thought I’d take a moment to tell you a little bit about me. After a whirlwind post-graduate year spent everywhere from New York to Birmingham, I’m coming back to my roots here in Nashville and at Monkee’s, where I’ve worked on and off now for two years. I’m so thrilled to be part of the team again and to be sharing my thoughts with you through Facebook, Twitter, and this blog! Now let’s get down to business.

The easiest part of our job here is keeping up with all of our fabulous pieces that pop up weekly in the glossy pages of our favorite magazines. Let’s face it, our clothing, shoes, and accessories are everywhere because not only do we like them, but our beloved fashion-forward celebs do too! Check out the gems we’ve spotted just in the last couple of weeks!

Lauralee and I spend every Monday night “together” via rapid fire text messaging watching the Bachelorette, so I was especially excited to spot these beauties on current star Ali Fedotowsky. As Monkee’s girls may remember, these Cynthia Vincent wedges made quite a splash when they debuted on our shelves this past spring. So huge of a splash that they’re no longer available! If you like what you see, stop by so we can show you what else we LOVE from Cynthia Vincent! (Cynthia Vincent, Roma, $350)

Scan from People magazine, 08/09/2010

Nashville native Reese Witherspoon has the ultimate wardrobe full of chic basics that suit her cute and functional mom side but also her active dating life that we love to read about so much. These Bernardo sandals truly go with anything, and lucky for you, we still have the black version in stock! (Bernardo, Matrix, $99)

Scan from US Weekly, 08/02/2010

Here’s a sweet flat in a bright shade that is perfect for summer! The last pair was snapped up just weeks ago, but we have new favorites from Kate Spade arriving daily that we’d love to show you. Side note: those army green cropped trousers are everywhere, aren’t they? (Kate Spade, Flame, $198)

Scan from People magazine, 08/02/2010

That’s all for now, so until next time! Have you spotted any Monkee’s merchandise lately either on the pages of a fashion spread or on the street? Let us know!

xo,

Perry

Dear Monkee’s Girls,

About a year ago, Lauralee and I discovered the invention to top all inventions!  The isABelt!  IsABelt is the Original invisible belt, the MUST HAVE Fashion “fix-it” accessory. A thin, strong and flexible clear plastic belt, that virtually disappears when worn, providing you with the assurance that all is secure without even knowing it’s there. IsABelt prevents back gap, slippage and of course, belt bulk and belt bulge.

As a modest, low-rise jean is nearly impossible to come by, the isABelt will keep you from any fashion faux-pas when bending down.  Being that we roll around on the floor at Monkee’s most of the day, helping you slip your shoes on and off, it’s a MUST for my girls to keep their derrieres discreetly inside their denim!

We keep these babies right up at the register so they are sure to catch your eye.  And after a brief instruction and a dissertation on the virtues of this product, most ladies will toss one in along with their new shoes.  The isABelt adjusts similarly easily, and it has this genius little locking mechanism that prevents the belt from growing with you throughout the day.  It stays put no matter how hard you shake it!

Now, there are plenty of less effective copy-cats on the market, but our friends Elise, Leslie, and Lori (three gorgeous sisters) have put much effort and integrity behind their product and it is truly top-notch!  And we love their new blog which lets us get the low-down on what these busy girls are up to!

If you don’t believe me, come and try it for yourself.  They fly off the shelves and are a must for any modest Monkee’s girl!

xo,

Elizabeth

Dear Monkee’s Girls,

 

One of our favorite tasks is assisting you precious friends in dressing and accessorizing for a party!  It’s even more special one one of our Junior Monkee’s puts something as important as a dress for Harpeth Hall graduation or the perfect prom shoe in our fashionable hands.  We were flattered that our friend Adelaide Morphett sought out our advice regarding shoe choices for an upcoming Sweet Sixteen party she planned to attend at Cabana! 

 

Being a young lady, she (and her sweet Mom) wanted something youthful, but playful.  And of couse something appropriate for a rollicking Sweet Sixteen event.  She had found a killer steel grey skirt dotted with delicate crystals up at Anthropologie and planned to wear it with a more basic top.  Immediately, I thought of the BCBG Madison jelly in begonia with the gorgeous crystals on the toe.  And they were the perfect match!  The hot pink simply popped and the crystal detail was perfect for such a soiree!  Then, the jelly rubber ensured that any soda pop that dribbled on the floor wouldn’t ruin her pretty shoes!  Even better, Adelaide will get tons of mileage out of these lovelies whether she needs a pick-me-up on a rainy day or the perfect pairing with her Harpeth Hall uniform!

 

 

 

Oh, to be Sweet Sixteen again!

 

xo,

EB

Dear Monkee’s Girls,

 

I was perusing the Tennessean this morning over my Star Bagel breakfast and was struck by the Shopping Diva, Cathi Aycock’s editorial.  Apparently, a reader had taken offense to her recent column debating whether to install a chandelier over a ceiling fan in her home and she so eloquently expressed a point that I have made many times over these past few months. 

(Sorry for oversized photo!  But, I had to make it big enough for you to read!  Not the best aesthetically, but practicality prevailed here!)

Yes, these have been a dismal few months at times.  An exhausting recession, the fateful flooding, a disastrous oil spill, Lindsay Lohan in jail…  It’s enough to make a girl want to hide under the covers with a pint of Chunky Monkey!  And while things like shoes and purses and jewelry seem like a frivolity they are a necessity!  Your local purchases keep every single one of us employed and circulating dollars through our local economy.  And I have to say sweet friends, we are always honored when you choose to spend your hard earned pennies with us!

 

xo,

Elizabeth

PS: Click Here to hop to Cathi’s blog!

Dear Monkee’s Girls,

I have always had a love-hate relationship with Lilly Pulitzer.  While I adored the Lilly of old with the chic shifts and fresh prints, the brand underwent a deep depression that got lost in the Dillard’s-ization of fashion.  Mundane and miserable.  But last Spring I attended a Lilly trunk show at one of the sister Monkee’s stores and literally lost my mind.  Lilly had resurfaced from her black hole and I over indulged in her classic elegance with a modern twist.  Today girls, the line is just plain plucky, and I can’t get enough.  And given that the styles I brought in to our Monkee’s in Nashville literally FLEW off the racks, neither can YOU!

So, recently my darling Lilly Pulitzer rep Sasha invited me down to Atlanta to preview the Resort line.  She wined and dined me (at the Ritz Carlton no less) and I was literally swooning over the entire collection.  JUST. YOU. WAIT.  While the Fall Lilly will knock your socks off, the Resort line will send you reeling!  Ship date is late October 2010. Here’s a little preview just for YOU!

CLICK HERE!

xo,

Elizabeth

Dear Monkee’s Girls,

I’m always looking for the latest and greatest to bring you the most up-to-date fashion.  And this au naturel craze is the rage!  I have been fascinated by our latest jewelry line by L.A. based designer, Dara Ettinger.  Dara takes geodes, crystals, and agate in the raw and creates bold jewelry at very fashionista friendly prices.  I am in love with these natural looks for Fall and these one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings are not to be missed!

I am particularly partial to those sliced geode earrings with the chartreuse silk tassles.

The geode bib necklace and cuff are the perfect statement piece.  And, don’t be afraid to consider these for a formal occasion!  Kind of a new-age grecian look?  Or a modern take on the crown jewels!

xo,

EB

Dear Monkee’s Girls,

At the end of each season, our devoted shoe addicts wait with baited breath for the date of our famous BUY ONE GET ONE FREE event.  The advanced VIP sale is the place to be and if you are on our “exclusive” MonkeeMail list, you’ve already heard!  Loosen up those wallets girls and make room in the closet, because this THURSDAY, July 15 is the date!

Now, you know the drill.  Come early and shop ’til you drop.  There are some incredible shoes in an array of sizes.  And we’re cleaning house to make room for the amazing Fall fashions that are rolling in on those UPS trucks.  Fabulous Gerard Yosca jewelry; Gucci sunglasses; Linea Pelle belts; and of course, the shoes!  In addition to the BOGO, we have Spring/Summer bags marked down along with what remains of our summer clothing.  And don’t you worry, we’ll have plenty of wine to keep you hydrated!

See you Thursday!

xo,

EB

PS: If you can’t make it Thursday, the sale runs through Sunday so come when you can.  There’s plenty to go around!

Dear Monkee’s Girls,

A couple of you have texted to say you were shopping the fabu sale at Monkee’s today!  Well, you won’t find me at the Hill Center because I am here:

Sometimes a girl’s gotta kick off her shoes and get a little sun on her toes!  So while I’m recharging at my family’s lake house, there are some sweet deals awaiting you at Monkee’s!  Here’s just a peek of what’s at 50%-75% off ’cause we’re making room for the gorgeous new Fall merchandise arriving daily!

BCBG “Margarita” $225 Now $112.50

DaniBlack “Kiki” $130 Now $65

Cole Haan “Jocelyn” $228 Now $114

Bernardo “Lover” $134 Now $67

Martinez Valero “Isis” $99 Now $49.50

Lots more waiting for you at Monkee’s!  And keep your eyes peeled for our famous Buy One Get One Free Sale…  You won’t get an invite to the VIP advance sale if you aren’t on our MonkeeMail list!

xo,

Elizabeth

Dear Monkee’s Girls,

While the vast majority of souls that walk through our doors are of the female persuasion, we love it when a gentleman comes to call!  Now, the fellas are most interesting to watch.  If they are accompanying a lady, they beeline to the sofa and settle in.  Then, almost always they discover the DumDums (the official lollipop of Monkee’s) and sit back to observe our den of femininity while enjoying a little sweet treat.  Now, if they are coming in to purchase a present for a lucky lady, they generally head straight for the counter, a bit wide-eyed and sheepish, asking for assistance and we are always happy to oblige.  Then, these gift giving sweethearts leave with smiles on their faces, relieved to have a “happy” that their honey will love, all wrapped up in a perfect pink bow.

We pride ourselves in being male friendly and we will go to any length to assist our Monkee’s Men with something their lady will love.  And here’s a little secret girls, often after you leave Monkee’s having admired an accessory, a little birdie will call your significant other just in case he needs a dog house gift.  It’s always a good idea to leave the name and best phone number of your primary gift-giver safe in our Rolodex for future reference!  We will ring it, wrap it, and run it out to the car…  He doesn’t even have to hit the brakes!

So in honor of our beloved Monkee’s Men, we thought that July was a perfect time for a bit of a diversion!  And without further ado…  I present our Monkee’s MAN of the Month for July!

xo,

Elizabeth