7 minute read
The Outsiders
The only really good thing about cold weather is the chance to invest in the most coveted coat designs of the season. From faux furs to work-ready wool options, our Coat Edit includes a few of our favorite picks to stay warm in style. To keep things on the cool side, we recruited one of the most fashionable (and fun) talents making it rain on Music Row to showcase how to bundle up with attitude.
JESSI ALEXANDER: SONGWRITER WITH STYLE
For this self-proclaimed ‘guy’s girl’, a day of trying on fashion selected by an incredible stylist and getting glam with the help of some of the city’s beauty experts was an unusual treat. From her crazy schedule at home with her boys to the typical co-writes that seem to include lots of testosterone, she’s an unintentional male magnet. That also applies when it comes to the artists that have recorded some of her most popular songs in recent years. If you’re a Blake Shelton fan, then you’re a Jessi Alexander fan, as she has written numerous hits for the chart-topper. But, her first real taste of on-stage success came from writing what is a bit of her own personal story in "The Climb" recorded by Miley Cyrus early in her career. Jessi’s name is well-known and well-received in all circles both on stage and behind the scenes in the music industry and she’s earned her reputation with spirit, grit and a God-given talent that’s evident whenever she picks up her guitar.
While the majority of her working focus has always been on writing hit songs for other recording artists, in early 2020 she is going to be releasing her own record in a collection of songs she describes as “country AF.” After listening to them on repeat, we concur on the country sentiment, but it’s the kind of music you just can’t help but want to hear again. Her voice is powerful, and the lyrics are powerful. While she didn’t set out to release a record, after finding herself coming up with song lyrics that were more autobiographical than a fit for another recording artist, she began to assimilate a selection that would represent her range and would also be a memory and legacy for her children. Luckily, she shares her home with one of Music City’s most acclaimed writers and producers, Jon Randall (‘JR’ to Jessi and his inner circle) who was a huge help and influence in putting the tracks together. While her typical routine includes lots of co-writes with outside contributors and teams, this project was personal and kept close to their hearts, especially hers. From the first track on the record, "Decatur County Red" which references her upbringing in West Tennessee to the up-tempo "Mama Drank", the songs are authentic to her craft and the background behind it. Keep up with her online for the first single releases (jessialexandermusic. com) coming in early 2020. We can’t wait to hear more from this song-writing siren in the year ahead.
White/tan fur fringed cape, Gus Mayer; Fleur du Mal bodysuit; earrings and rings by Vincent Peach Fine Jewelry; Lizzy Couture necklace, H. Audrey.
Free People cream and black v-neck dress, e.Allen; Sanctuary chunky knit cardigan, e.Allen; White gold earrings + snake and art deco cocktail rings, King Jewelers; Hunter green rain boots, Dillard’s
It’s Coat Season!
Getting prepared for all things outerwear...
BY JAMI-LYN FEHR
In true Nashville fashion, fall came and went, and winter made its brisk entrance. These cooler temperatures (and the coldest days just ahead) mean rediscovering your favorite coats from seasons past and investing (or indulging) in new outerwear. While storage and upkeep may come as an afterthought at the time of purchase, these factors are crucial when it comes to ensuring your outerwear stays in near-perfect condition.
TREAT YOURSELF
There are a number of brick-and-mortar locations in Nashville to find this season’s greatest investment outerwear pieces. From popular, coveted designers to smaller, emerging brands, Nashville’s best retailers have a coat for every occasion. Celebrity stylist Claudia Fowler’s boutiques, Haven, Hero, and Parish, are always merchandised with stunning and unique outerwear pieces that won’t be found anywhere else. Run, don’t walk, though, because she often only orders one or two of each coat. Gus Mayer is an obvious Nashville staple and always ensures their shoppers are in the season’s latest styles in everything from leathers, suedes and wools to lavish furs and more. Of course, if you’re hunting for luxury designers, our Green Hills Nordstrom carries pieces that no other locations receive, and you’ll successfully secure the Dior, Celine or Fendi coat of your dreams.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Don’t let your coats go seasons without proper care and cleaning. Once you invest in your next fur outerwear piece from Gus Mayer, you can also rely on them for cleaning and any potential alterations. For other fabrics and styles, Oakwood Cleaners sets itself apart by being Nashville’s “greener cleaners,” ensuring a sustainable and earth-friendly dry cleaning experience. While they’re able to tackle anything from standard dry cleaning to purses, linens and drapery, they also pride themselves on their suede and leather services. Through their multiple processes, they’re able to replenish the oils that have been removed over time from leathers.
SIMPLE STORAGE
When it comes to furs, there’s no room for error in caring and storage. If you’re in the market for curating the ideal in-home storage situation, California Closets offers a plethora of custom closet configurations to optimize space while safely storing your coats. On a simpler scale, ensuring your pieces are properly hung at home can prolong the life of your outerwear and keep the shoulder structure in tip-top shape. California Closets recommends their premium wood hangers for high-quality garments.
Seeking some professional assistance? Henig Furs ensures the utmost care in all areas of upkeep for these precious coats. Henig Furs offers storage in their fur vault, annual conditioning, repairs, monogramming and even fur restyling. Whether you’d like to add a belt or hood, change the sleeves or even change the color, Henig Furs can reimagine your fur and turn it into something completely new. While you’ve got your winter coats out, take advantage of the services Nashville has to offer and don’t forget to properly store your furs come springtime.
LOCATION
The setting is one of the most gorgeous properties in Nashville looking over 6+ acres on Chickering Road. The home features captivating interior and exterior spaces by the award-winning designer, Ray Booth/ McAlpine House and has been featured in national design publications such as Veranda. It is currently listed for sale and a rare find in the area. For information on the listing and additional photos, visit fridrichandclark.com.
THE DETAILS
HAVEN 1200 Villa Place, Suite 300 Nashville, TN 37212 havenfranklin.com
HERO 2306 12th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37204 hero12s.com
PARISH 411 11th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37203 parishnashville.com
GUS MAYER 2132 Green Hills Village Dr. Nashville, TN 37215 gusmayer.com
NORDSTROM 2130 Abbott Martin Rd. Nashville, TN 37215 shop.nordstrom.com
OAKWOOD CLEANERS 73 White Bridge Rd. Nashville, TN 37205 oakwoodcleaners.com
CALIFORNIA CLOSETS 420 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 125 Franklin, TN 37067 californiaclosets.com
HENIG FURS 4009 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 204 Nashville, TN 37215 henigfurs.com
Photography by Alaina Mullin
Styling by Courtney Kivela Robinson
Hair by Carissa Toney, The Dry House
Nashville Makeup by Meg Boes
Assistants: Jami-lyn Fehr & Ashton Kratky