Thrift Stores 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.

 

Shopping at Bloomingtails Boutique in downtown Sevierville

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After reading a recent article in the Mountain Press,  I decided to check out the new space for Bloomingtails Boutique, a thrift store that supports Pets Without Parents animal shelter. It is located on the Parkway in Sevierville, across the street from the Sevierville Heritage Museum and Bruce Street. I went Saturday morning and was happy with what I found there. Here is how it went.

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The space is located adjacent to back parking lot of the First United Methodist Church in Sevierville. I was impressed with so much parking and easy access to the back door, as seen in the picture above. Lots of parking! Looks very handicapped accessible.

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To my delight, I walked in to see two volunteers that I know: Dennis and Becky Chambers. They were organizing merchandise and greeting shoppers. They gave me a great tour and told me more information about the thrift boutique. The Chambers also introduced me to Maddie, the cat.

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My personal shopper, Maddie!

Of course, dishes and glassware are where I like to shop first. Here were some good things on the shelves.

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A beautiful glass pineapple  serving platter.

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Loved these smaller salad/dessert plates!

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They had several Duraclear items. I look for Duraclear glassware at Williams Sonoma stores because it looks like glass, but it is a clear, light plastic kind of material. You can find some here at Bloomingtails for a deal.

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Maddie likes this large Margarita  glass, only $2.

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Some nice jewelry, one of their best selling items according to the Chambers. I will go back in a week to look at the turquoise. I hope it is still there!

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I found a small microwave and refrigerator. That is the perfect size for dorm rooms or assisted living places. You better get there soon because the store has only one each.

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The new location allows Bloomingtails so much more space than before. Proceeds pay for animal care, not only shelter, but food, medicine, medical treatment, and spaying and neutering to decrease pet over population.

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A juicer only used one time!

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Nostalgic items.

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Free pet food for those who need it. Simply walk in and ask. Share this detail with anyone who may need help feeding their pets. They are ready to help pet owners who are having a hard time making ends meet.

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This Indian thing may be a car hood ornament or go on a motorcycle. It has a light and a small cable inside. Only $2 ! It was cool. Would it look good on a Toyota RAV-4 ?

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This view is from the Sevier County Heritage Center across the street. You can see Bloomingtails with the large window visible under the tree.  There is a front door, but parking in the back makes the back door the prime place to enter the store.

Pets Without Parents operates Bloomingtails to benefit the animal shelter. I was impressed with the merchandise and organization therein. If you would like to donate household items, jewelry, books, pictures, children’s items, and more, then drop by and talk with their volunteers from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Say hello to Maddie the cat when you visit!

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I like this place and will frequent it often. The manager, Karen,  is from Australia so you can have a nice chat when you visit Bloomingtails in Sevierville. This is a store that deserves your attention when you go out and about in Sevierville. See you there!

To see more pictures, and to shop at home, click my Facebook page for blog photos. Here is the link.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

 

Quite the Treasure: Treasures From the Heart store benefits Sevier County.

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My friend Elaine volunteers at the Treasures From the Heart store in downtown Sevierville, sponsored by SMARM (Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries). Two weeks ago, she asked us to come visit the store after our get-together at the downtown Farmer’s Market, followed lunch at Courthouse Donuts. If it is a store then we must go!

Treasures From the Heart is close to downtown. It is located on 230 Court Avenue, just a couple of blocks walk from downtown Sevierville.  So off we went to investigate further on foot.

Find their website at this link:   http://smarm.org/thrift-store/

Facebook page :

https://www.facebook.com/Treasures-From-The-Heart-130330763709367/

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There was a Ladies Night Out event last month to introduce people to this unique store. I was unable to attend; however, the pictures and comments on social media later showed that the event was a great success. I was curious. Now, I can see why it was so popular.

Whoever fashioned these store windows did a fabulous job! Very inviting. Makes me want to run in and look at all the dresses!

I walked into Treasures From the Heart and spent at least 30-45 minutes in there looking around. Here are some things that impressed me…

  1. 100% of the profits stay here in Sevier County and benefit our citizens. Elaine said that a large portion of the proceeds directly help children.
  2. The store is very clean and organized. Very pleasant.
  3. I felt like I was in a regular department store.
  4. Someone told me that the building is where Dolly Parton held her first performance. That is a huge reason to visit!
  5. I found quite a few things that I would consider treasures—some things that I have looked for in Knoxville thrift stores, but had never found. Not found until I looked at Treasures of the Heart store in Sevierville.
  6. The price is right. And you never know what you may find.

Here are some of my favorite things…

Special occasion glassware.

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Sports fan logo clothing. Go Vols!

Unfortunately, I didn’t see any Gator or Crimson Tide things in there on the day of our visit.     : )

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Bangles, bracelets and other jewelry. Nicely arranged!

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Is this silver? Martha Stewart would buy the whole box and use it for her table settings at her Maine house, not worrying if it matched exactly. I may have to go back and get this…

These dresses were exquisite. I was impressed with this area.

This dress is a showstopper! It had matching shoes too.

This may be a secret…

..but I heard that ladies come here to shop for a dress when they are going on a cruise. They can wear it a time or two, no one knows them so the dress would not have been seen before, plus they do not have to spend a great deal of money to look great. I loved this dress! Yes, I think that I need to go back soon…

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Golf irons and woods to hit the greens.

This jacket was nice! Name brand, better price.

Did I mention that Treasures of the Heart in downtown Sevierville applies 100% profits to our county?

A great selection of beautiful glassware! Almost every kind. I don’t have room in my cabinets, but I may try to make some space.

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Two perfectly good ‘rollators.’ (That is what I call them. My mom had one and I still have it. Very helpful when you need one. For a foot injury, etc. )

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A player piano anyone?

This is the only store that donates 100 % of proceeds to our citizens in Sevier County.

A tuxedo jacket!

Costumes. I love these.

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A snowsuit.

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Did Dolly once use these steps on her way to her performance in this building? I’ll bet she did. Walk in Dolly’s footsteps here.

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There was only one of these ‘horn of plenty ‘ holiday silicon baking forms. November is just around the corner.

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Belts cost a ridiculous amount of money, even at discount stores. Look what you can find at Treasures of the Heart in Sevierville.

This store donates 100% of the proceeds to Sevier County citizens. Did I mention that already?

I was impressed with this store. It was on par with the one that I love to frequent at Litchfield Beach. Even better. I plan on returning in a couple of weeks. Hope that glassware and the blue dress are still there…

There is so much more to find at Treasures of the  Heart store in Sevierville. Find these pictures and more at the Out and About in Sevierville Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

You are sure to find a treasure or two here when you are out and about in Sevierville…