OVER THE MOUNTAIN
JOU RNAL
FASHION
Clothing with a Purpose
BY LAURA MCALISTER JOURNAL EDITOR
L
isaAnn Muir-Taylor has never been into fashion, but in recent years, there were just too many signs directing her life to the clothing industry. It started several years ago at a Rolling Stones concert when a random concert-goer handed her a piece of paper with a line of scripture written on it. Then there was the book she found on the floor of her closet. In its more than 200 pages, “Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper has only about one paragraph dedicated to the fashion industry. But that just happened to be the page LisaAnn flipped to when she opened the book. What finally made her decide to take action, though, was the tragic death of the 2-year-old son of Sherri and Rick Burgess, host of the popular radio program, “The Rick & Bubba Show.” “That was my genesis in January of 2008,” LisaAnn said. “I didn’t know Rick and Sherri, but when Bronner passed away, I was really touched. I was led to turn on my computer and watch the eulogy. “Rick said 90 percent of Christians don’t share their faith. This really hit home with me.” More online: It was then, LisaAnn said, she knew she was • See more from Nations called to share her faith through fashion, and Outfitters spring line at she started her clothing www.otmj.com line, Nations Outfitters. • Get the look. Visit The clothes she designs www.nationsoutfitters.com are mainly for young women, though she does have some men’s clothing. “I’m not a fashion person,” she said. “I’m just a regular mom. I never thought this is what God would be wanting me to do. I thought it’d be something more hands-on, but this was it.” The mother of four wanted the line to include nice, affordable clothes her own teenagers would wear, but also send a message. “I wanted them to be fun and relative, but I also wanted it to be about what you do in your clothes,” she said. “That’s what really matters. What you do in your clothes is really what makes you beautiful.” The signature of all her clothing is the Bible verse printed inside each garment. When LisaAnn and her husband were at the Rolling Stones concert, she admits she wasn’t a “believer” then. But the message the stranger handed her helped change that. “It said ‘God will never leave you,’ ” she said. “That really clung to my spirit and soul, and I think that’s why I got the idea to put (scripture) inside the clothes.” LisaAnn has no formal training in fashion – she used to be a nurse – but once she decided to start Nations Outfitters, the ideas came to her easily. She wanted the clothes to be modest, but also garments that teens would want to wear. “I think the idea to make clothing for teens and young adults came to me when I was with one of my daughters at a popular Summit store,” she said. “There was a picture of a model in jeans holding her hands over her breast. My daughter looked at me and said, “What’s she selling?’ “It’s just degrading. They’re not sex symbols. There are just so many negative role models. This (Nations Outfitters) is about something positive, doing something positive in your clothes.” LisaAnn’s designs include colorful sundresses with ruffles, maxi dresses, tunic tops and a-line skirts. For men, she has basic collarless striped shirts, polos and T-shirts.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 21
A Thing for Spring
Mother Nature has given us her preview for spring these past few days, and now it’s time for local clothing experts to give you theirs. Here’s a look at the hot styles for the warmer weather. – JOURNAL
PHOTOS BY
JOHN POPE –
LisaAnn Muir-Taylor checks out one of her dresses in her new spring line. Below, local teens Georgia MuirTaylor, left, and Ashley Sorrell model some of Nations Outfitters dresses.
She picks out all the fabrics and has the clothing made locally. A distribution center was set up in the basement of the family’s Greystone home, where LisaAnn and about four other women sort the clothing and package orders. Nations Outfitters is only it in its second year, but the message seems to be catching on. So far, LisaAnn has customers in 35 states. While her business is mainly online at www.nationsoutfitters.com, she’ll soon be selling her clothes locally at Urban Green in Cahaba Heights. In addition to liking the styles and prices – almost all the garments sell for less than $50 – customers are also buying into the idea of serving their communities. “I think we’re really starting to have an impact on people,” LisaAnn said. “We get pictures from people weekly. They’re showing us how they go out and serve in their clothes.” The community page on the website is dedicated to teens who are volunteering in their communities. Nations Outfitters also has teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to host community work days in the area; a portion of the sales goes to Habitat. So far, LisaAnn said she couldn’t be happier with the results of Nations Outfitters and with the support she’s had. Her four children – Tom, Georgia, Genie and Sophie – help her with shows and packaging, and her husband, Alastair, has been supportive since she first began thinking about starting a fashion line. “Since I started this, my husband has been 200 percent behind me, and my kids probably 150 percent,” LisaAnn said. “I think they know this has a potential to do great things. It is really more about a movement than fashion. “When you serve others, you feel better. I hope this can make a difference for this generation.” ❖
Carmen Smith, 12, of Birmingham looks stylish in this wood embellished floral sundress from Joy Joy, $92, paired with cork-heeled platform shoes, $84. For accessories, she chose gold earrings and a fun cocktail ring from the Chic Boutique collection, starting at $17.
CHIC BOUTIQUE, 980-2272
22 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011
Miss Alabama Ashley Davis looks stunning in this black dress by Sherri Hill, $495. The strapless, shear tiered dress is perfect for proms or pageants.
The Clothes Tree by Deborah, 822-1902
SPRING FASHION
Elizabeth Walker, 10, of Mountain Brook, right, looks sweet in this Disigual dress, $40, paired with white leggings, a beaded cross necklace and bracelet, $18 each. Isabelle Quiggle,9, of Mountain Brook is ready for some fun in the sun in this pink and orange hibiscus dress by Danica and Dylan, $78, with leggings and a GGA metal bracelet, $18, and a bird necklace, $15.
GiGi’s, 298-1811 Hadley Algren, 16, of Vestavia Hills, right, is ready for spring with a white two-piece cotton dress with pockets layered over a knit tee dress with tab 3⁄4 sleeves, $58 for the two. Her accessories include a long pearl and silver filigree necklace, $28, and ribbon and rags scarf in pinks, purples and white, $42. Kristen Schneider, 16, of Hoover looks great in this knit dress with cap sleeves and crochet bodice in lavender, $89. Her accessories include a lace scarf with a heavy crochet edge, $24.
The Pink Tulip, 870-7258
Darlene Hass, left, of Hoover looks stylish in a signature tunic by Tricotto, $136, with watercolors of black, gray, muted pinks and white. Her sandals are by Naya in “Alpine,” $ 125. They come in black or natural and have laser cut work leather with a comfy padded foot bed and stylish bamboo heel. Kandace Richards, a University of Montevallo student, looks ready for spring in a ruffled tank by Surrealist, $110, with a layered camisole with mixed fabrics of white/black and plaid combos. Her white and black plaid skirt is by Surrealist, $150, and the sandals by are by J. Renee in “Spruce,” $78.
Unique Feet, 733-8238
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Bethany Henry, 17, of Oak Mountain is ready for the warmer weather in a floral print, v-neck dress by My Story, $39, with shoes by Bamboo, $29. Private Gallery earrings with jade teardrop stones, $12, and a bracelet with multicrystal beads, $36, accent the look.
Private Gallery, 969-1559
SPRING FASHION
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 23
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WELCOMING Ward Smith • Tom McGhee Rick Dunphy • Ibrahim Jahchan Gus Mayer's top men's fashion consultants to Remon's at the Summit "Why settle for a men's department, when you can shop at a gentleman's store?"
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McKenna Welman, 17, of Mountain Brook is ready for spring in this DB Sport coral print tunic, $58, with JAG cotton cropped jeggings, $78. For accessories, she’s wearing a Laurel Bassett metal collage necklace, $92, and copper collage bracelets starting at $94.
Town and Country Clothes, 871-7909
Courtney Bishop, 17, of Mountain Brook is ready for an evening out with friends in this Costa Blanca floral tunic with Citizens of Humanity jeans, $158. The look is completed with a Catherine Popesco necklace, $48.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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Soca, 879-6788
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Expert Advice...
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Popular platforms and of course flip flops are back this spring. Jazz up a basic black with the Glitterati by Volatile Shoeware. For a more neutral tone, try the Elizabee in taupe, $46.99. The Fiorella in Bronze by Fitflop is simply stated yet elegant, $84.94, and the Ibiza in Gypsy Shell by Sunuk, $32, will make just the right statement.
flip flops and what nots, 967-7429
“The biggest trend is still a lot of easy shapes, uneven hemlines. Coral is a big color.” Laurel Bassett, Town & Country ������
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24 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011
Rachel Ferguson, left, of San Diego, looks stylish in Red Engine skinny jeans in sandstone, $175, with a khaki and white striped sweater by Kensie, $80. Her necklace is a gold chain with faceted pearls, $27. Her Hobo Daniella bag in denim adds just the right pop of color, $188. Treva Medbery, of Birmingham, looks fun and chic in a halter top sundress with a chiffon bow at the neck in navy, khaki and cream by AnaLiLi, $158. She paired the dress with faceted clear gem earrings, $25, and a Susan Shaw hand-cast fleur-de-lis charm necklace with pearls, $28. Her taupe purse, the Maria, is also by Hobo, $198.
Lulie’s on Cahaba, 871-9696
SRPING FASHION
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Charles Brooks, 19, of Birmingham is sporting a Southern Tide light blue polo, $78.50. The red sunglass strap, also by Southern Tide, $7.95, add a nice pop of color to the ensemble. Cole Haan loafers, $140, add polish to the look. Collins Kitchens, 11, of Vestavia Hills is ready to steal the show in this fuchsia shrug, $23, with a turquoise camisole, $26 and hot pant with rhinestone trim also in turquoise, $24 all by Motionwear.
Applause Dancewear, 871-7837 Sisters Sophie, 12, right, and Rachel Shunnarah, 9, of Hoover look stylish in Limited Too sundresses, both $18.99, and little sister Leah, 5, looks colorful and sweet in this bright green shell top with matching pants from Silly Goose, $28.
Korduroy Krocodile, 879-0030
Caldwell Flake, 8, of Crestline, left, looks sassy and sweet in a pink, layered v-neck top with ruffled bottom by Splendid, $51, with white skinny jeans by Pinc, $45. A metallic silver headband, $14, and owl necklace , $22.50, add sparkle. Mary Tynes Flake, 10, of Crestline is ready for the warner weather in a Truluv navy cap sleeve tunic with drawstring waistband, $39.50, with white leggings by Ideal, $18, topped off with a beaded bracelet, $7.50.
Soca Girl, 803-1585
Remon’s Clothier, 977-5512
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 • 25
SPRING FASHION
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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MISS ALABAMA 2010 ASHLEY DAVIS
822.1902
Nancy Bagby, of Mountain Brook, looks sophisticated and chic wearing a Deomino tunic vest with a black-contrast white stitch, ruffle trim and zip closure, $189, over a striped red and black tunic, $85, with cropped, black pants, $119, and the season’s signature woven wedge platform with black suede straps and peep toe by Pedro Garcia, $395. A wide, silver etched cuff, $30, completes the outfit. Her white purse is by Michael Stars, $160.
2880 OLD ROCKY RIDGE ROAD BIRMINGHAM, AL 35243
Margaret Little, of Mountain Brook, is ready for spring a tunic by Gretchen Scott in bright pink, orange and white, $89. Her earrings are organic silver hoops by Jamie Cassavoy, $149. Her ring is an Avindy chocolate hammered band with diamonds, $200. Her necklace is a Presh vintage fabric pendent, $122, and her bracelets are by Alexis Bittar the large organic ������ bracelet is $119, and the skinny bangle is $70.
A´mano 871-9093
Betsy Prince, 871-1965
Expert Advice...
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The look of natural cork says “spring” this year. These stylish shoes by Vaneli, from left, Temara - $115, Landus - $110, Britnee - $120, will add a spring to your step and style. The clutch Britnee bag also by Vaneli, $145, will polish off any look.
Marmi Shoes, 298-7633
“Add something feminine and more classic to pieces. Whether it’s a ruffle or sheer. If you do that, everybody will know you’ve read your fashion magazines, and also add a wedge.” Bezshan Dolatabadi, Besty Prince
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WIDE
UNIQUE FEET® HARD TO FIND SHOE SIZES Patton Creek * Hoover * (205) 733-8238 www.uniquefeet.com *
uniquefeet.blogspot.com
menshardtofindsizes.blogspot.com
26 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011
SPRING FASHION
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Mary Tristen Osborn, 10, of Liberty Park, left, is looking stylish in a reversible dress in turquoise by Splendid, $68, a navy wrap by Splendid, $59, and Hunter boots in fuchsia, $75. Margarette Berdy, 4, of Forest Park is ready for the longer days and warmer weather in this cute drop-waist dress by Truly Me, $52, Bubblegum Leggings by Splendid, $38, and Coastal Projections sandals in pink, $44. Lucy Holman, 11, of Crestline, right, is ready for some fun in a tunic by Custo, $48, with white skinny jeans by It, $50, a Splendid turquoise wrap, $59, and Avanti flower sandals in purple, $20. The girls’ hair accessories are by Hello Robertson and Rachel Weissman, $24-$28.
Spring In-Stock Event Thursday, February 24th & Friday, February 25th
Snap Kids & Hopscotch, 834-8038
We will have a great selection from all of the spring collections, so you can try on your size and take it with you!
Expert Advice...
Enter to win a free 3-piece outfit from 600 West!
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Bonnie Miller of Birmingham is looking stylish in a sophisticated black pinstripe sheath dress with a matching coat by My Michelle, $12 for both, with black Bandolini pumps, $9.98. Logan Holloway of Hoover is ready for spring in this Banana Republic blue and white stripe cotton halter dress, $4.98. Light gray cowboy boots are from 9 West, $5.98.
Lovelady Center Retail Store, 951-9230
“What we are bringing in from the spring 2011 runways – minimal whites, bold colors, pajama dressing and a huge dose of ‘70s sensibility – is getting us excited for the season. Pick a trend or two, a couple of your favorite bold colors, and you’re ready to shop for fun new spring styles!” Deborah Wiggins, The Clothes Tree “The trends for Spring ’11 in dancewear will be bright colors, lots of cool tops, hot pants, burn out tees and beautiful leotards with unique backs.” Katie Faught, Applause Dancewear “Some buzz words are ‘Bohemian, lace, layers.’ Lace is a great accessory, whether it’s a scarf or an edgy vest. Really tops are a big thing. Just stylize them with leggings or a basic jean.” Letty Algren, The Pink Tulip