True Monkee’s Girls know that we welcome any excuse to celebrate: there’s no occasion too small! Not only is it Friday, but today also marks the day in 1820 that our southernmost neighbor, Antarctica, was discovered. To honor our coldest, driest, and windiest continent, we’re spotlighting our coats, gloves, boots, and scarves. Stock up before you catch a chill! Happy Founding Day, Antarctica! We’re so glad you were discovered.

Oh-so-cozy goose down coat by Ciao Milano. Keeps you warm while you stay chic!

Echo texting gloves! A miraculous invention that allows you to tap away at your iPhone without removing your gloves.

Hello boots! Tall or short, Emu or Frye, the choice is yours.

An annual favorite from Sayami. You’ve never seen a cashmere scarf with this much style!

Here’s to you, Antarctica!

xo,

Elizabeth

With the internet these days, you never know when a photo has been a bit doctored, but I couldn’t help but take notice when one of my Monkee’s Girls forwarded me this horrific image from Louis Vuitton’s Spring 2012 show!

No ladies, this is not the foot of a fashionable zombie, it’s in fact the results of a week of strutting the catwalk in ill-fitting shoes. A fashion photographer captured this image of a model from the Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 show and it’s nearly unbearable. You see, those shoes that are worn on the runway are samples. They often don’t fit properly (hence the fact this poor girl’s shoes are an entire size too small) because they are hastily constructed for show only and haven’t gone through a proper fit process.

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We are thrilled and humbled to have been voted Best Local Shoe Store in Nashville Scene’s annual Best of Nashville issue! This is our second year in the top spot and we couldn’t be happier to know that our service and selection make us number one in so many hearts!

So to repay your kindness we are toasting you, our devoted fans and supporters, with our famous Buy One Get One Free sale! This Sunday, October 16 join us from noon until 5 p.m. to purchase a pair of sale shoes at 50% off and receive the second pair of sale shoes FREE!

OH! And most importantly, we will be serving mimosas to toast such a sweet award!

See you Sunday!

xo,

Elizabeth

Beyonce – Love On Top Live at The MTV VMA’s 2011 HD from BeyonceHDplayer on Vimeo.

One of my daily indulgences is a quick peek at one of my favorite blogs, Mrs. Lilien – Styling House . I love, love, love this plucky blog featuring Mrs. Lilien’s take on everything from clothes to cocktails. I find her to be an authority on all things fabulous. How exciting to see The Mrs featuring one of my favorite trends…rose gold! I was tickled pink to see she included a scrumptious rose gold Michael Kors watch.

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With her trunk show ahead (Tomorrow, Saturday, September 24, be there!) Dareen took the time out of her busy schedule to answer our pressing questions and reveal what inspires her, her upcoming spring collection, and the surprising continent she wants to travel to next.

Monkee’s Girl: We hear you went to Harvard to be a neurosurgeon, we’re impressed! So what drew you to fashion?

Dareen Hakim: I was born in Beirut, Lebanon and moved to California at 8 years old. Later I moved to Boston to attend Harvard. Then I left for NY for a career in healthcare finance (yes changed course!), back to California, Harvard again (for my MBA), and NY again. But fashion is my true passion in life. I was always that girl who showed up in the newest trend, no matter how strange or odd-looking it was. I was curious. Now, I’ve finally allowed myself to pursue that passion realizing that it can indeed be made into a career. I absolutely love it.

MG: Tell us about your brand and your vision for it. How would you describe your style?

DH: My style has always been that of contrast. I find beauty in the subtle uniqueness of things.  Combining things that are old and new, rough and delicate, neutral and bold, classic and edgy…it’s intriguing and it’s deep in that it tells a story. Where I grew up, in a landscape of old ruins, worn-torn buildings, and skyscrapers, everything was mixed and you couldn’t take your eyes off the surprises at every corner. It tells a story.  And every piece of fashion that uses such contrasting combinations tells a story about the piece but also about the person who’s wearing it. In that sense, my handbags are meant to be a timeless story, while still a unique statement piece.

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There is nothing more thrilling that being on the forefront of fashion. Monkee’s Girl Adrienne McRae first introduced me to her high school chum, Dareen Hakim, and her beautiful clutches. I see a lot of product and I was taken aback by the creativity and craftsmanship of her simple, yet powerful design. I knew that my customers would embrace the chic nature of the bags and the empowering messages of the handcrafted medallions that grace each bag and our first Dareen Hakim trunk show was a smashing success! What a difference a year makes and Dareen has gotten press as chic celebs have recently been photographed with her latest designs! What an honor to have been on the cusp of her skyrocketing success!

There are just eight days left to vote in the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville poll and we need your votes more than ever! Part of what makes our fair city so fabulous are our unique and wonderful locally-owned businesses. Where else in the world can you get a burger as fresh and delicious as the ones at Burger Up? How many other businesses do as wonderful a job at denim as Imogene + Willie? Similarly, at Monkee’s our dedication to our Monkee’s Girls comes from being members of the community just like you. We couldn’t do it without your love and support!

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We might be a long way from going back to school, but this time of year still feels sparkly and new to us! A new season is the perfect time to undergo a little mini makeover, like trying out that new trend you’ve been eyeing, finally choosing a signature lipstick, or changing up your hairstyle! Headbands and other hair accessories have enjoyed a major resurgence in recent years (Thanks, Blair Waldorf!), but to keep the look fresh, have your hair loose and “undone” to avoid looking too precious. Let Rhandee show you how it’s done!

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