Weekly Whistle: Little Leopard Dress featuring Monkee’s of Johnson City

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Ya know…there is just something about leopard that makes a fashionista feel fabulous and fearless. It stands out in a crowd, it pairs elegantly with pops of color, and it can be a real wild card when combined with other patterns. (See this week’s #VIPMixItMonday on Instagram.)

I found this lovely, little leopard dress at Monkee’s of Johnson City while on a local shopping adventure, and needless to say, I fell head-over-heels for its wear-ability and versatility. So, for this week’s Weekly Whistle, I am sporting it with a sweet lace under-dress, handmade accessories, and my favorite handbag of ALL TIME *wink*

Check out the photos below taken in awesome downtown Johnson City + be sure to check out Monkee’s of Johnson City on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends!

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Dress: Monkee’s of Johnson City

Necklace: BluKatDesign

Earrings: BluKatDesign

Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk

Handbag: Kate Spade, Kate Spade at The Summit (Birmingham, AL)

Bracelet: “borrowed” from mom’s closet *wink*

Scarf (on handbag): personal vintage collection

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ALSO…I mentioned this dress having lots of versatility, so be sure to come back tomorrow for Three Ways to Wear Thursday where I will be styling this leopard find 3 new ways ♥

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

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Three Ways to Wear: Neon Floral Shawl

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Sometimes…it’s just fun to mix a little neon into your wardrobe! It’s good for the soul–just like sweet tea *wink*

 So, for this week’s Three Ways to Wear Thursday, I am adding some brightness to my wardrobe with three spectacular ways to wear a cute goody I picked up at R Tabb & Co. on my recent visit to Mississippi. Now, without further delay, let’s check out this TWTWT as I nap-it-up for Jonesborough Days tomorrow *wink*

Way One: Mixing It Up

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Shawl: R Tabb & Co.

Shorts: Gabe’s (Johnson City location)

Crop-top: Express

Heels: Michael Kors, Belk

Necklace: BluKatDesign

Way Two: Festival Wear

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Shawl: R Tabb & Co. 

Shirt: J.Crew

Skirt: J.Crew

Heels: Lucky Brand, Belk

Necklace: BluKatDesign 

Way Three: The IG #VIPMixItMonday

Be sure to follow @AbbyHathorn on Instagram to see the special outfit posts + more everyday!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHLlkZEDYWH/?taken-by=abbyhathorn

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Three Ways to Wear: Vintage-Inspired Brocade

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If there is one thing I absolutely love (other than my Giant Schnauzer), it’s vintage-inspired patterns. They carry such a sweet history that makes me feel like a walking history book *wink*

From sequins to polyester, I have always been a little obsessed with the origin of my clothes…Hm…what about brocade? This fabulous blouse has a brocade-inspired look–I wonder what its story is?…

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Brief VIP Fashion History Lesson:

Coming to style in the Middle Ages, brocade was a popular fabric all over the world. The rich and powerful, who lived everywhere from China and Greece to Byzantium and Africa, sported brocade to showcase their nobility and power. During the Italian Renaissance, brocade took the wealthy by storm by embracing renaissance values with a strong and elegant complexity. Moving its way to Europe, brocade’s popularity grew even more, and to this day, it is still (obviously) very popular. For more history click here. 

NOW….let’s get down to business.

Ahh..don’t you just love learning about what you’re wearing?! It makes sporting around town EVEN MORE fun! Or…maybe I am just that much of a fashion nerd *wink* BUT that’s beside the point. Let’s take a look at this week’s totally lovely Three Ways to Wear Vintage-Inspired Brocade.

Look 1:

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Blouse: Charming Charlie

Skirt: Forever 21

Heels: Kork-Ease, Belk

Bracelet: Reclaimed-Inspired Goods, Johnson City TN

Look 2:

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Blouse: Charming Charlie

Skirt: Style Boutique, Bristol TN

Necklace: BluKatDesign, Etsy

Leather cuff: Luke & Lyla Designs

Tassel Bracelet: Reclaimed-Inspire Goods, Johnson City TN

Heels: Kork-Ease, Belk

Look 3:

WOO! Look 3 is on the VIP Instagram. Click here to take a looksy!

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Weekly Whistle: Little Denim Dress

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We all have that little black dress that is our go-to year-round; however, what about a little denim dress? 

A denim dress is just as classic as a black one, it can be dressed up or down, and it holds a special vintage element that totally SCREAMS the late 1960s and 70s. Although the idea of wearing a denim dress might bring back nightmares of the 1990s, this beauty from Forever 21 is hardly a fashion mistake from Saved By the Bell. *wink*

So, for this week’s fabulous Weekly Whistle, I am swapping my little black dress for a little denim one. ALSO…check out the VIP’s new ‘do *wink* Thanks, Courtney Bennet of Salon Confidence, for dolling me up for a short, spring change-up with my hair. Now, without further ado, take a look at this week’s Weekly Whistle outfit + photos taken in the wonderful downtown of Johnson City, Tennessee.

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Dress: Forever 21

Heels: vintage, BCBG

Earrings: Hearts of Stone (shop here)

Bracelets: BlueGrits (shop here, use SPRING16 for 40% off)

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Letter From the Editor: Winsome Easel Calligraphy Workshop

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Last weekend, I attended my first ever calligraphy class at Reclaimed Inspired Goods in downtown Johnson City with Winsome Workshop by Winsome Easel owner Kristin Hornstein. It was so much fun, and I have practiced almost everyday since! Oh–y’all! Kristin has given me the technique + confidence to better my calligraphy while also developing my own unique style. I cannot wait until Winsome Workshop comes back to Johnson City because I will definitely be checking my calendar to attend *wink*

Day 1 of calligraphy. I wrote one of my favorite Hemingway quotes--"Write hard and clear about what hurts."
Day 1 of calligraphy. I wrote one of my favorite Hemingway quotes–“Write hard and clear about what hurts.”
Day 2--I played around with this quote I found on Pinterest. Still a little shaky in technique but practice makes perfect *wink*
Day 2–I played around with this quote I found on Pinterest. Still a little shaky in technique, but practice makes perfect *wink*
Day 3--Playing around with different fonts and decorative ideas.
Day 3–Playing around with different fonts and decorative ideas.
Day 4--I quite like the way this doodle worked out! Such a simple quote with great meaning! Still have a little work to do on my writing though *wink*
Day 4–I quite like the way this doodle worked out! Such a simple quote with great meaning! Still have a little work to do on my writing though *wink*

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Check out all the awesome things Kristin does on Winsome Easel. Y’all, her work is breathtaking! Also, look to see if she has a workshop coming up near you *wink* Click here.

Also over the weekend…

I created and listed some new handmade goodies in my Etsy shop. Check out some of my favorites below!

You won’t have to look beyond this upcycled 1970s necklace for the perfect gift for the VIP in your life *wink*. Click the photo to view the listing photos + learn more about the one-of-a-kind vintage dream.
Hello, color! Think of the looks you’ll get when wearing these eye-catching, handmade beauties! Buy NOW by clicking the image.
Don’t miss out on this OOAK bracelet with vintage fabric fringe. To avoid disappointment, be sure to order NOW! :) Click the image to shop.

Now…the VIP needs YOUR help!

As I am looking to expand and better my Etsy shop, I want to know what YOU want to see! More upcycled/vintage necklaces, specific colors, different stones, etc etc. Please comment on blog post or email here.

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn