Clothing in Sevierville

Fashion For a Cure 2019

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One of the best events of the year for ladies took place last Monday evening: Fashion for a Cancer Cure, presented by the Smoky Mountain Cancer Support Group. Under the direction of Carlene Maples, the event offered food, auction items, shopping, a fashion show, and examples of bravery by some amazing local ladies. My friends and I shared a table and had a great evening while helping the American Cancer Society. Here is a quick recap of the evening. 

I arrived after work and found my friends, then we found our beautifully decorated table. This is truly a great Monday event and I looked forward to it all day.

This blog name was used for our table name plate.

After finding our table, we went in different directions to do some shopping.

Some of the silent auction items were tempting desserts by the best bakers in Sevierville. Elaine and I later made a ‘power bid’ on the Key Lime pound cake, pictured in the cake carrier above—and we won it. The cake defied words!

The gift certificate tree is always a favorite. So many good things! So many gift ideas!

There were many other auction items to see. I was also tempted by a nice Samsonite luggage set, but let it go to another bidder. What a deal though!

The evening began with a greeting by event director, Carlene Maples. She has such a strong testimony from battling two bouts of cancer.  You will be touched by her strength and dedication to finding a cure for this horrible disease.

Soon, it was time to go through the buffet line. I was so happy not to have to cook dinner. Everything on the table was quite good from the Wright Stuff caterers.

Everyone wanted this beautiful desk that was available through a special auction.

Soon, it was time for the fashion show to begin. We saw models come out individually and heard a description of the clothing item, along with the store from which to shop each look.

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These young models were poised and cool. So cute!

Models gathered on stage at the end of the first fashion grouping.

Everyone is on trend here!

The smallest model was adorable and ‘hit all her marks.’

These young models are holiday ready.

Our favorite model was Rhonda Hodge, a friend and cancer survivor.

 

Each model came out individually to show a fall or holiday outfit. Along with the outfit description, we learned that many of the models are cancer survivors, even a young girl who was diagnosed when she was only 11 months old. Each story was sobering, yet inspiring. We applauded the courage and resilience of each lady.

Unfortunately, I did not take notes on the clothes in each grouping because I just sat back and enjoyed the show. The event was a real treat after a long Monday at work.

Many of the beautiful fashions were from our favorite local boutique: Loralei’s. I can always find good Christmas presents there and bought my clear Vols bag there. You can find amazing gifts for anyone at Loralei’s. The Facebook link is https://www.facebook.com/Loraleis.on.main/

This is a good place to eat in downtown Sevierville; in fact, I had lunch there on Saturday with several friends.

This is my favorite coffee/donut/ lunch place downtown Sevierville.

Look here for floral and decorating needs. Many people stop by to take beautiful photos in front of the gorgeous store windows. Always lovely!

All too soon, the fashion show was over and we were heading out the door with our silent auction items. We were thinking about beautiful clothing and the ladies who have overcome odds to survive cancer and thrive. We left inspired.

If you get a chance to attend this event next year, make sure that you do so because it is a great way to support cancer survivors and their families. I look forward to Fashion For a Cure each year and recommend it for everyone. Save me a seat near the runway!

Two of My Favorites for ‘Small Business Saturday’ in Sevierville 2018

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IMG_0234There are businesses in town that I really enjoy visiting on any occasion, but I have two favorites when I need to find gifts—or just something for me. Tomorrow is ‘Small Business Saturday,’ a day set aside to recognize and to support small businesses. These are two of my favorites.

Two Coyotes Studio

Located downtown Sevierville, this studio is located almost across the street from the Dolly Parton statue and the courthouse.

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This is the view from near the front door of Two Coyotes Studio.

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The studio entrance is to the left of Southern Fried Hair. Just open the door and go upstairs.

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A delightful art studio is located at the top of the stairs. There are so many gifts and treasures to be found there.

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Artist Bev Gwinn Jones sells handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and many other gift ideas. They are very affordable for anyone. I have bought earrings and necklaces at this store over the years and always enjoy a visit. Christmas jewelry, especially earrings, are now in stock. You can find the perfect ‘conversation piece’ at this unique place.

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When I go to see Bev at Two Coyotes, I always have to walk over and see her picture that was taken with Sting. Lucky! Ask her to tell you the story.

I know that Bev will soon have a ‘sip and shop’ event. Here is her schedule for the next few weeks.

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Follow the studio on Facebook and Instagram. Here is a link.

https://www.facebook.com/BevGwinnJones/

Loralei’s

My favorite boutique in town is Loralei’s, across from Sevier County High School. The address is 1235 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Suite 7.

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There is plenty of parking and the store is nicely laid out. Merchandise and gifts are beautifully displayed.

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I wrote a blog story about this boutique a couple of years ago and the article has been viewed more than 465 times. It is a very popular place with locals.

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You are warmly greeted every time you enter this unique boutique.

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I have found so many gifts here over the years. Scarves, jewelry, hand creme, shirts, a clear bag so I can attend Vols games, mulling spices for winter beverages, and hand crafted soap. I am sure that there is more!

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The boutique offers something for everyone. Especially in regard to the clothing. I found a graphic t-shirt today during my visit that was very cute.

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It is a relaxing experience to shop at Loralei’s boutique and there is no pressure if you don’t find exactly what you are looking for, although I can’t imagine that.

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Here is a quick look at what you can find tomorrow for the Small Business Saturday event. Follow the boutique on Facebook. Here is a link: https://www.facebook.com/Loraleis.on.main/

Black Friday has passed, but there is more holiday shopping to be done. Even a small purchase can make a big difference for small businesses in our town. Try to visit these two places tomorrow, or any time that you are able, because you will not be disappointed.

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A Fashion Extravaganza: Fashion For a Cancer Cure 2018

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One of the hardest working groups in our area put on a fashion show last week and it was truly a ‘fashion extravaganza!’ Heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent action, and fashions from local boutiques entertained us for a few hours while raising money for continued research to eradicate cancer. What a fine event it was!

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You could buy tickets in advance or at the door as well.

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The fashion show took place in the Sevierville Civic Center. I love the 3D mural on the wall.

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Silent auction items were lined up along the wall. The tree had gift certificates. I see one now that I wish that I had bought.

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I know that the lovely table settings were a pleasant greeting for attendees after a hard day back at work on a Monday.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness with a pink theme, apparent throughout the decorations. I like the pink pumpkins and realize that I have never seen one before.

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I appreciated the extra pink touches to decorate for the Fashion for a Cancer Cure event.

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I have a cabi ‘pop up boutique’ and was lucky that Gail Hinton was one of my models. She was a showstopper! A cancer survivor, Gail modelled beautifully. I found out that she was a majorette and a model in high school and college, thus the poise! Gail is a muralist and has worked all over the country creating wall murals, paintings, and book illustrations. She showed me some pictures on her phone and I was amazed. In the photo above, Gail is wearing the cabi Step-Up Pullover and the famous cabi M’leggings.

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Cindy Andrews practices her turns wearing the cabi Celebration jacket and the Performance dress. Stunning!

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Four cancer survivors were cabi models in the fashion show (from left to right) Cindy Andrews, Rhonda Hodge, Sophia Conerly, and Gail Hinton. I am pictured right and was honored to have met this courageous ladies.

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Beautiful models and fashions from Loralei’s Boutique in Sevierville. So cute!

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Cancer survivors also modeled from My Dream Boutique. Here is a link to the Seymour boutique  https://www.facebook.com/mydreamboutiquetn/ 

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I love the color pink and it was a dominant hue during the evening.

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BAAK Boutique had some lovely fashions for mothers and daughters. Adorable! Here is a link to this boutique    https://www.facebook.com/baakboutique/

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Event Chair and organizer, Carlene Maples, addresses the attendees and tells of her personal battles with this terrible disease. She truly has been a local leader in fighting cancer.

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The Wright Stuff Catering provided the light dinner. I like the interesting serving glassware for salad dressings and fixings.

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Loralei’s Boutique had fashions available to buy in the lobby. Or, you can go visit her boutique on Dolly Parton Parkway. Here is a link to the Facebook page to see new fashions posted every day.   https://www.facebook.com/Loraleis.on.main/

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Table with gift ideas from My Dream Boutique. I lingered over the earrings.

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BAAK boutique had a variety of items. I like these things in the foreground of the picture so much.

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The Chest and Chair provided the stage sets. Here is a link to the Facebook page to see more.      https://www.facebook.com/thechestandchair/

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At the end of the show, Carlene Maples called up the models who are cancer survivors. It was a solemn, yet inspiring moment to see these special ladies who have fought the disease and have won. But there is more to do. Support Relay For Life and Cancer support groups as much as possible.

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Courageous ladies.

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Models and merchandise from BAAK Boutique.

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Loralei’s Boutique models and fashions.

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My Dream Boutique models and fashions.

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Cabi models with Carlene Maples (in the center)

I was well impressed with this event and look forward attending it again. The emcee was quite experienced and professional and I enjoyed her delivery.  The decorations were lovely and the food was very nice. In fact, I wish there would a fashion show for spring as well. Let’s ask Carlene if it can be done. If so, we’ll be there and ready to watch the runway.

For now, here are more pictures from the fashion show. It was a most enjoyable way to get out and about in Sevierville. 

 

 

 

Formal Treasures, From the Heart

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Proms, weddings, cruises, Derby parties, debutante events, and more…Treasures From the Heart has a dress for you. Located at 230 Court Avenue, Treasures From the Heart is only a block or so from the Sevier County courthouse and very walkable from downtown. In fact, it was quite busy on Saturday. Here is the story about our photo shoot to highlight the beautiful dresses at this special store.

I made my first visit to Treasures From the Heart last August at the behest of my friend Elaine, a volunteer on Fridays. She told me that it is the only thrift store in town from which all funds benefit citizens in Sevier County. The store was extremely nice and I was impressed with it all. One thing caught my attention though—the collection of beautiful special occasion dresses! I had seen an article in the Mountain Press last year about these special dresses and remembered it immediately. Elaine said that some ladies in town would come to buy a dress for a cruise there because the prices were so good and they may only wear it one time. Most prices that I saw were under $30.

Now that spring approaches, there will be all kinds of special occasions to attend so you need to know about the ‘formal treasures, from the heart’ at this store. I asked a  friend, Danyelle Bledsoe, who is also a local photographer, if she could help me. Owner of DB Photography, Danyelle donated her time and expertise to benefit Treasures From the Heart, capturing the beauty of the special occasion dresses on Saturday. Many thanks to her for donating her time and expertise.

Here is a link to her Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/dbphotographysevier/

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We had a great time. Here is what we found last Saturday.

First, it became quickly obvious that there were a lot more nice dresses than I was expecting so we improvised with three models from three age ranges: teenager, young adult, mature lady with style. The two dressing rooms are very good so we were able to set up quickly. Danyelle styled and posed all the shots and it was so much fun. She is truly talented!

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You need to try things on that are not your size because there were a lot of surprises. Most ladies know that sizes are ‘relative.’ Different sizes depending on the maker and designer. For example, the dress above is actually a 14 and several sizes above what I wear now, but the jacket tied and made it fit almost perfectly. I didn’t want to take it off! Shoes by Capezio. So experiment with sizes. You will be surprised.

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Loved this one! We called it the ‘show stopper!’ It won’t be there long so act quickly!

img_3572This dress was so comfortable. Some lady will feel like a queen in this one.

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A dropped waist, elegant black gown. Looks like an Instagram fashion blogger shot.

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We fell in love with this gown. Danyelle said that it looks vintage. Divine!

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And there are more! There were too many to try on in one day. Go try them yourself. You will have a great time looking at everything. I advise bringing friends to help.

Before we left, we looked at the wedding dresses and were amazed. They are in pristine condition. One was only $98 compared to thousands that some people will pay.

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This one is so regal!

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The train on this dress is several feet long. We discussed how it could be a dress on “The Bold and the Beautiful” or “Young and the Restless” on daytime TV.

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Jewelry! This was lovely.

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And shoes.

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You can find formal and special attire all here at Treasures From the Heart.

Great things happen when you collaborate. Danyelle took wonderful photos, styled them, and came up with the name for this blog story as well. The photoshoot was great fun so I can only imagine the excitement when DB Photography does a photo shoot at an outdoor setting, such as the covered bridge or the Smoky Mountains. She is very relaxed and comfortable to work with. I will hire her some day for real. Here is her contact info again.

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Check my Facebook picture page for more photos of special occasion dresses waiting for you at Treasures of the Heart. Here is the link to the picture page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

When shopping out and about in Sevierville, don’t forget Treasures From the Heart at 230 Court Avenue,  the former location of Carl Hatcher’s store. It is full of surprises and well worth the trip! Treasures from the heart.

 

Out and About this Saturday in Downtown Sevierville: February 18, 2017

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With some people having a 3 day weekend, it is a great time to visit downtown Sevierville this Saturday. Such good things within only 3 blocks of each other. Here are my recommendations for this Saturday!

First, Coffee and Cabi. Ladies can start with a Cabi fashion experience after 10:00 a.m. Clothes, shoes, jewelry. This is the first Cabi presentation in Sevierville so join us at Courthouse Donuts for this event. Coffee, treats, and you can try on clothes, if you like. Stylist, Amy Quincy Whaley, can answer your questions about this clothing line. The event is 10:00-11:30 at Courthouse Donuts, 160 Court Avenue, Sevierville.

I want to order the top on the right for my reunion this fall! A ‘cold shoulder’ look.


Next, exit Courthouse Donuts to the left and visit the Bees Knees. Open until 5:00, according to online sources.

Have lunch at Bistro 109. Open from 11:00-9:00. Check my blog from last week to see this restaurant highlighted. I love the small plates and orange cranberry chicken salad! The daily specials—everything.

Continue down the street to 230 Court Avenue to the Treasures of the Heart thrift store. This is the only store in town that benefits Sevierville and SMARM. We are going to go there in the early afternoon to work on a upcoming blog story featuring the party dresses there. A photographer will be donating her time for that story and will be taking pictures for that story. Stay tuned!

Finally, stop at Bloomingtails Boutique at 202 Parkway, Sevierville on your way home. You can find jewelry for as little as $3-$5. Other treasures as well. Look what I found a couple of weeks ago.


A silver plated (?) tea service!


Volunteer, Dennis Chambers, shows me a lamp from 1961? Still works perfectly. I can envision it by a child’s bedside table.


A Sunday School lesson book from 1898!


And my friend, Maddie the cat. Love her! She likes to be petted. I always stay a longer because of her. All proceeds benefit Pets Without Parents. Hours this Saturday are 10:00 -2:00 so get there quickly and browse!

There are some great things going on Saturday downtown so get out and about in Sevierville. 

Don’t forget Coffee and Cabi! 


Coffee and Cabi: A fashion experience this Saturday, Feb.18, 2017

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Attention ladies! There will be a Cabi fashion experience this Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. at Courthouse Donuts/Dyers Downtown in  Sevierville. I am hosting this event and you are welcome to come and see the Spring 2017 line. We hope you can join us. Bring a friend!

Courthouse Donuts is closed on Saturdays during the winter, but they will be open Saturday for our event, Coffee and Cabi. There will be coffee and treats. Here is a link to their webpage. There will be plenty of easy parking downtown.

http://www.courthousedonuts.com

I have used screenshots here to show a few of my favorite things that you can try on Saturday. It is important to try things on to see exactly which size works best for you in this line.

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Stylist Amy Quincy Whaley will show the Spring 2017 line then you will have time to try on sample items, if you like. I know that I will! After running your errands, come join us and enjoy coffee and Cabi next Saturday morning! 

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If possible, message me to RSVP. Come and enjoy the fun! Stop by, grab a coffee and treat, and have a look at the Spring 2017 line. 

Saturday, February 18

 10-11:30

at Courthouse Donuts

160 Court Avenue

(across from the Courthouse)

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Here is a link to the Cabi website to see the new Spring 2017 line.

https://www.cabionline.com/collection/clothes/

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Experience a new way to shop. Shop in a comfortable setting with a stylist who can help you find for what is right for you and your style. Enjoy an hour with your friends, treats, coffee and Cabi.

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It will be a new fashion experience in Sevierville so drop by and join the fun.

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It is a new way of shopping for fashion with a subtle, updated look. Come experience Coffee and Cabi this Saturday in historic downtown Sevierville at Courthouse Donuts /Dyers Downtown. Get ready for spring and summer 2017 when you are out and about in Sevierville this Saturday…