A little more love for Southern Proper

Southern Proper's Reagan Hardy was sweet enough to oblige this little ole' blog with an interview and more info about the company she founded with friend (and fellow Alpha Chi) Emmie Henderson to The Love List's fabulous readers, many of them southern belles with beaus who require a gentleman's tie - they have recently expanded to include the adorable "Southern Drawls" - fantastic men's boxers in their infamous high cotton prints.

Click here for a list of retailers in your area that carries the line, and be sure to stop by their website to learn more about the company, get a gander at the ties, and even meet the company mascot, Beau!

LL: You two are young, fashionable southern women. What inspired y'all to get into the business of men's ties?

RH: [We] have always loved 2 things: southern men and fashion…ESPECIALLY any man in a seersucker suit and bowtie!

Do y'all design the prints yourselves? Do either of you have any formal design training?

One of our dear friends, Joni Lay, actually hand draws our designs for us. Born and raised in the heart of South Georgia, she is incredibly southern and really gets our brand. Her creative talents are such a blessing! Neither Emmie nor I have “formal” design training. However, Emmie is the driving force behind our product development as well as marketing. Having worked in product development for a fashion accessory company prior to Southern Proper, she has a wealth of experience.

Y'all are a pretty grassroots company. What did y'all do to get the word out about your brand?Any interesting forms of advertising?

Southern Proper has become a “word of mouth” brand to say the least. Really, our website as well as viral marketing have helped us in getting the word out there. Also, we have been featured in various publications and media outlets which has also contributed to this success. We will actually be featured in the June 2008 issue of Southern Living which is a dream come
true for us!

What are the best and worst things about going into business with your best friend?

From day one, Emmie and I have always made it a point to separate business and personal. Our friendship comes first and foremost and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Sure, you may disagree on things when it comes to business from time to time, everyone does, but you listen to each other and really take to heart each other’s opinions and feedback.

What do y'all think about the comparisons to Vineyard Vines?

Vineyard Vines is a great brand! Like VV, we are creating a lifestyle brand of products that our consumers can identify with. However, the Southern Proper brand truly caters to the southern gentleman and we have carved a niche for ourselves. Our product line is truly unique and is all about “southern preppy.”

What's been the most memorable experience you've had with a customer?

This past September we were hosting a trunk show in Tuscaloosa at The Locker Room and we had a guy ask us for our autograph!

What's Southern Proper's business philosophy?

Southern Proper was founded to offer every Southern Gentleman a proper, southern style of clothing that will live on for generations to come. We take customer service and hospitality to a new level and strive to make products that portray the heritage and charm of the place we call home! Southern Proper and The South is a way of life and it is much deeper than an accent or location….its all about friends and family, tradition, and of course, looking your best!

(Photo credit to Earl NiKirk for Mountain South Magazine)

Cup and Charleston in Review

What a weekend! Unfortunately the weather at Cup was cold, windy, and toward the end of the day, rainy. I got lost trying to find our bus in the pouring rain and ended up standing in one place crying like a little girl lost at Disney World - I was terrified I had been left! Other than that, though, Cup was fun (despite the conditions) and Charleston, of course, didn't fail me. A few places and things that struck my fancy:

1. Oyster Shooters and Mahi fish tacos at Pearlz
2. The Silver Dollar on upper King (ask for your bourbon in a glass)
3. V2V - (short for Vintage to Vogue) a cute boutique on King Street that had a refreshing combo of lines that were playful and fun without relying too heavily on the Tibi/Milly/DvF crutch that many shops in the area do, with a good mix of high-end and affordable pieces, from popular junior line BB Dakota to Hobo clutches and Nicole Miller studio wrap dresses.
4. Those cheesy, delicious corn bread biscuits at Jim n' Nick's
5. The fantastic wine and beer selection at Harris Teeter - plus of course, saltwater taffy and Cheerwine.

Hats for The Races

Fab hats for the races from the most unexpected place...

Southern Proper's Mint Julep Classic

Reagan says...
"Our Mint Julep Classic, which is in it’s 2nd year, is our southern steeplechase tour. Because horse racing and haberdashery go hand in hand, we thought it was only fitting to promote the Southern Proper brand at the most popular horse races in the Southland, including the Carolina Cup as well as Keeneland. We love to meet our consumers and SoPro fans and this is the perfect way to mingle with the South’s finest as well as have a little bit of fun! "

Southern Proper's Reagan and Emmie share their Love Lists!

Happy Cup Day ladies! Southern Proper Reagan and Emmie have their own "Love Lists" to share with y'all - stay tuned later today for more info on the Mint Julep Classic and more!

Emmie Hearts...
old school candy: Fun Dip
chick flick: Steel Magnolias
boutique: J. McLaughlin, Charleston, SC
place to eat: Rendezvous Ribs, Memphis, TN
social event: The Masters

Reagan's Favorites...
chick flick: Breakfast at Tiffany's
place to eat: Wilbur's Bar-B-Que in Goldsboro, NC (I HEART Eastern NC BBQ!!)
pair of shoes: Tory Burch leopard flats
Pet: Black Lab (Beau of course! The SoPro mascot!)
college campus: The University of North Carolina...GO HEELS!!

Southern Proper hearts the Love List!

Tomorrow, we leave for a weekend trip to the great city of Charleston for the Carolina Cup. If you didn’t know, Cup (as its affectionately called by attendees) is a horse race that takes place in Camden, S.C. annually. It’s a lot like the Kentucky Derby as far as dress code goes (sundresses, hats) – but we will be with a friend’s fraternity from College of Charleston in College Park, and when you’re our age, it’s bad luck to see a horse ;)

Keep an eye out as this weekend I’ll be blogging from Charleston to share even more things I love to my ever-growing list. Including guest blogging from some very special ladies - Reagan and Emmie from Southern Proper! These girls founded the go-to haberdashery company for southern gents, so who better to pop by during Cup? Tomorrow begins all the fashion, fun, food, and of course, horses!

Have a wonderful Thursday, we'll see y'all tomorrow!

L♥VE Quotes: Bloggers worth Repeating

" True dedication to fashion means putting on your Jimmy Choos at 3 pm in the afternoon and not taking them off till 2 am. That’s Love." -Southern Social

Git R' Done Wednesdays: Spring Wardrobe Makeover

Spring is in the air, which means new clothes! There is no time like the present to edit your closet and make room for beautiful new dresses and shoes. Here's my process:

1. Go through every item in your closet - from handbags and shoes to shorts and dresses and TRY IT ON. If it no longer fits or flatters you, or if it's just old, dingy, and tattered, ditch it! Don't tell yourself it will fit next year, by then it will be our of style anyhow. Same rule applies to old shoes and handbags that don't flatter your frame (if you're tall, you have no business carrying around a tiny pouchette under your arm - get a proportional bag, girl!) BE RUTHLESS. Enlist a friend if you can't be. Now is the time to store winter coats, sweaters, and boots too.

2. Sort the items you're getting rid of. Items in good condition that aren't designer should be sorted and given to Salvation Army or Goodwill. Designer items in good condition should be photographed and auctioned on ebay. Any items not in good condition should be thrown away. If you're one of those gals who can't bear to part with old sentimental t-shirts from your sorority days or high school homecoming shirts, consider having a t-shirt quilt made. Store sentimental items (such as a wedding dress or items you're saving for your daughter) in archival clothing boxes wrapped in acid-free tissue under the bed.

3. Organize your closet! Take the items that still fit and flatter you (and that are current) and sort them by style (dresses, tops, pants, skirts, etc) then within that, occasion (dressy, work, casual), and then color code for easy access. Do the same with handbags and shoes. Store shoes in original boxes if possible - plastic boxes, though often recommended, can trap odors and age your shoes. Store handbags in cloth bags - if the designer did not provide one, try a pillowcase or hitting up your local shoe shop for shoe bags (they usually have tons of spares and will probably part with them free of charge).

4. Invest in a few key items that will make your life easier - a lint roller, a steamer (a life saver in a wrinkle pinch and saves countless dollars on dry cleaning), and wooden hangers - enough for all the items you have that hang and a few extra for new purchases. While you count how many hangers you need, now would be a good time to take mental inventory of what you have and what you need. (psst... IKEA has wooden hangers for a steal - 3.49 for an 8 pack!)

5. Now comes the fun part - go shopping - but don't buy (yet). Make a preliminary run to try things on, then take a day or two to think about it. Don't buy or try any shoes, handbags, or jewelry - clothes only! I like to keep tabs on wants with Kaboodle for shopping lists and SavvyCircle to notify me when items go on sale. Look at your lists and your closet to see how items will work in with existing pieces you already have. (Maybe you'd even like to print out a wardrobe planner?) Once you've thought about what you want and what you can live without by denying impulses, go buy!

a tip: Keep your receipts and leave the tags on your new clothes - I only take the tags off an item when I wear it. If it sits in my closet for awhile and never gets worn - the tags are still on it, and, receipt in hand, I can get my money back, or at least a store credit.

6. Finally, accessory shop. Now that you know what you have, find shoes, jewelry, and a handbag that will mesh with the items you purchased. Keep an inspiration board of looks you like (I keep a bulletin board on the wall in my closet) so that you can get an idea of what colors and textures you think work together.

This Weekend!

The Hills

The drama came back tonight and I couldn’t be more excited for this season – from the preview on mtv last night it looks like life in The Hills is about to undergo some major change for Lauren – and Spencer and Heidi as well… ick. I for once can’t say I’m a fan of that paparazzi-courting couple, but I think Lauren and Whitney are fab and seem to have their heads on straight. How beautiful was Paris? I want to go! And how cute was Lauren's Betsey Johnson coat? I’ll be tuning in Mondays at 10, will you?

L♥VE That Look Mondays: Gorgeous Work Spaces to Inspire

From Ballard Designs

Drew Barrymore's Workspace at Flower Films, from Domino

L♥VE Quotes: Bloggers worth Repeating

"I just cracked open an Amstel Light at 3:15pm. Is that a problem?" - Clemsongirl and the Coach

The Love List: a winner!

The Love List has won The Blog of the Day award! Not even one month old!

Thanks to whoever nominated us!

Anna Griffin Fabrics

Loving these beautiful Anna Griffin fabrics at purl. There, you can find all kinds of beautiful designer fabrics and yarn for all your sewing, decorating, and crafting needs! A lot of these prints would be lovely as a throw pillow. I love Anna's designs - from her high end stationary to her paper goods at Target (which I'm addicted to), in my eyes, she's one of the best women in design out there today.

Weekend Roundup

Turquoise Chic admires Mary McGee interiors.

Living a LuSSHus Life has a fab discount at Merry Martini. Oh, and take your vitamins.

Miss Etiquette sends "best wishes" to the bride-to-be.

Toast and Tables tip toes through the tulips with her centerpiece of the week.

M.A. Belle shares lots of beautiful shelfscapes and book cases.

Some Like it Southern had the luck of the Irish when she won our blog botox this week.

L♥VE Quotes: Kate Spade

"I think that playing dress-up begins at age five and never truly ends." - Kate Spade

Blue Mother of Pearl Chest @ Black & Spiro

I just had to share this beautiful mother of pearl chest from Black & Spiro - Anna at Absolutely Beautiful Things shop across the pond. Isn't this display in their showroom gorgeous? I love the contrasting patterns - the stripe wallpaper, the paisley lamp shade - it's all so visually interesting and lovely. It would look fabulous in any southern home, and it totally embraces that quirky vibe I see in so many of the New Orleans and Savannah homes that I love. Speaking of fab southern cities - don't forget to drop by weekend after next for our Weekend at the Races - we'll be blogging from Carolina Cup and Charleston and have all kinds of amazing treats in store, including interviews, discounts, and giveaways!

Easter Greetings

Easter is soon upon us - for those of you who celebrate, I can tell you I'm looking forward to being able to wear white and seersucker a little earlier this year! Are you sending Easter greetings to those you won't be seeing this year? I am! A few of my favorite choices, below:

"Chickie" 4.95, from jonesygreetings
Easter Egg, 3.50, from Paper Dragonfly

Cavalinni Easter postcards, 18.00, from Kate's Paperie

"Sunny Side Up" from Pie Bird Press

Sour Patch Kids

My favorite movie theater snack since I was a kid, these sticky, sweet, and sour chewy little treats are one of life's little familiar comforts. Visit Old Time Candy for tons of great candy you ate as a kid - probably the only place you can still find Now N' Laters and Fruit Stripe Gum!

And the Winner is...

Some Like it Southern! Please contact me so we can start chatting about your redesign. And ladies- keep a look out, when her blog is done I'll spotlight it here on The Love List so y'all can get a look for yourselves!

Of all the names in my hat, hers came out - and I'm happy that it did because she's a frequent commenter with a great blog!

And hey, if any of y'all still want Blog Botox, - it's available from Poppy Seed Designs for 99.00! You won't find a better deal for professional design.

L♥VE That Look Mondays: Contemporary Fabulousness

Loving these bright spring colors: Dress; Theory, from Bergdorf Goodman. Clutch; Lauren Merkin, from Neiman Marcus.

Join The Love List at The Carolina Cup!

Thanks, Blog Partiers!

Thanks to all of you ladies who stopped by and left comments for the 5 Minutes for Mom Blog Party - it was lovely to hear from you and see your fantastic blogs. The giveaway is now closed to new entries. An even bigger thanks to those of you who took the time to post on your blogs about the prize I'm giving away in conjunction with Poppy Seed Designs - Blog Botox! Of course, those of you who went that extra mile will receive 3 total entries as opposed to one in the drawing on Monday, March 17. But the party isn't over! Stay tuned for the after party next week, where I'll highlight some of my favorite blog discoveries and of course introduce y'all to the winner!

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours

Jason Mraz's new song (and future hit) "I'm Yours" is a breezy summer song that you'll have on repeat from the first time you hear it. A perfect song heading into the weekend. Have a listen:

Weekend Round Up : Posts I L♥VED This Week

Melissa C. Morris got new Bonannos, and you should too - she's got a discount code.

Chic and Charming muses on Movies with Style

Landscapes inspire tablescapes with Juliska at Toast and Tables

Domino features M.A. Belle's new textiles line, Rubie Green on their cover!

Decadent Boiled Peanut Butter Cookies at Deep Fried Kudzu

J's Crew shares some cute monogrammed servingware

Organizing Junkie is sharing her weekly menu planners

Pink Daisies is now carrying the cutest Derby Koozies!

Foodie Fridays: Cupcakes!

They dazzle and they're delicious - who doesn't love a perfectly cute cupcake? I'm often begged to make my red velvet cupcakes (with pink icing!), but there are tons (TONS!!) of other great ideas out there for cupcake afficionados. Check out these aroradble bird's nest cupcakes from Martha Stewart (pictured). I love to visit my favorite cupcake blog as well, aptly titled Cupcakes Take the Cake! You can even view gobs of confection perfection at a cupcake flickr pool!

See y'all tomorrow!

Hello Ladies! There will be no new entries today, Thursday, March 13. In the mean time, have a look at my graphic design company, Poppy Seed Designs, and consider a little nip/tuck for your blog or web site! I'll be back Friday with more daily discoveries and The Love List Weekend Roundup!

Frank Stitt's Southern Table

Nestled in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, Highlands Bar and Grill is the go-to spot in the south for upscale comfort food. Naturally, the concept of tweaked home style classics translates well in Frank Stitt’s cookbook “Southern Table”. When the man writing your introduction is Pat Conroy, you better bet the food is show-stopping. My boyfriend and I have cooked a number of recipes from this book – and the food is just as deliciously unpretentious as you’d expect.

Hydrangeas

My grandparents had big tufts of them all over their gardens on 6th Aveune, along with Camelias, Azaleas, Magnolias, Shrimp Flowers, a bay tree, and a blueberry bush that I hurt myself eating off of every summer. Unfortunately for me, the only one of those that can hold up in an arrangement are Hydrangeas – I love them mixed in with roses or Peonies in a low table display. They always remind me of home videos, my grandparents, and the days my sister and I spent playing in the back yard that seemed to stretch on forever. Southern Accents has a great piece here on arranging these beautiful buds.

Gallery Leather Day Planners

My planner is my brain. I cannot operate without it. I write down appointments, lists, events, to-do’s, ideas, and everything else day-to-day life requires me to remember. I’ve tried electronic planners, but alas, my Blackberry works harder at checking e-mail and going online than it ever will keeping track of appointments. Some things are just easier written down.

The planner I have now is by Gallery Leather – it’s a gauzy pink with a sumptuous leather cover that is sturdy but elegant. It holds up in my purse without getting haggard so I’m not embarrassed when I pull it out in front of someone. The company, which is based in Maine, doesn’t have a website, but you can contact them by e-mailing service@galleryleather.com and they will get you a list of stores in your area that carry their line. (Pictured is the pocket version of my planner)

*Updated 10/19/09: Gallery Leather now has a website! www.galleryleather.com

Handy Woman

Who says Ms. Fix It can't be cute while she rolls up her sleeves? Personally, I know I'm way more handy around the house than my guy (sad, I know) but one of these cute tool kits is just the thing to make hanging pictures a stylish breeze! Everyone should have a tool kit (I keep mine by my first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the laundry room), it just makes life around the house easier if you're doing any kind of decorating or projects. Pictured: The Macbeth Collection Tool Caddy. Another cute option: Barbara K's Tools for Women.

Calypso Christiane Celle Julia Candle

I love candles, and you'll see me blog about my favorites more than once here at The Love List, but here's a great one to add: The Julia Candle by Calypso Christiane Celle. It's pricey at 55 bucks, but it burns 3 wicks and lasts just about near forever. And the smell? An intoxicating mix of sage, pine, and cedar. Hurry though, it's limited edition!

Luxe Links

Have a gander at this and tell me you aren't kicking yourself for not thinking of it first: Luxe Links are a nifty little portable hook to keep your purse up off the ground that can go with you everywhere! I personally hate to put my expensive handbags on the ground, not to mention Gram Gram always told me it was bad luck, so to me, these suckers were a long time coming. Plus, they're cute to boot!

Porn for Women

Oh baby oh baby! This will get y'all going... "A world where clothes get folded just so, delicious dinners await, and flatulence is just not that funny. Give the fairer sex what they really want beautiful PG photos of hunky men cooking, listening, asking for directions, accompanied by steamy captions: "I love a clean house!" or "As long as I have two legs to walk on, you'll never take out the trash." Now this is porn that will leave women begging for more!" Get it at Amazon.

Hats for The Races

Seeing as I'll be heading to Camden for the Carolina Cup at the end of the month, I'm loving this ShopStyle LookBook from Coutorture, chock-full of dramatic hats:

L♥VE That Look Mondays

Beautiful dining room, found at decor8

Tinsley Mortimer (left) in MaxAzria, Spring 07: I love the animal print shoes paired with the mossy green of the dress - nicely finished off with the clutch.

Tom Ford

He brought Gucci back in the 90’s and built one of the most beautiful flagship stores NYC has to offer – plus, have you seen his new ad campaign? Tre risqué! If the big black coffee table book is as close as I’ll ever get, then so be it. But have a look at his bespoke suits and fall runway and tell me the man isn’t iconic.

Spicy Tuna Roll

We’re celebrating my birthday tonight with champagne, sushi, and red velvet cake at Dragonfly Sushi and Sake Company. My boyfriend makes fun of me for being a spicy tuna roll connoisseur – I order one at nearly every sushi restaurant I eat at. In my defense, each is almost always different than the last! Some have whole tuna with suaracha in the roll, others have soft tuna with sauce on top… the possibilities are limitless! After dinner we’re hitting our favorite bar for some live music and good beer, bellies full of sushi. Can’t wait!

Sex and The City: Back in Fashion

I am a total SATC junkie, so of course I can't wait for the movie to come out in May. It's no secret that the uber-talented Pat Field is the stylist behind the incredible wardrobe of Carrie, Sam, Miranda, and Charlotte. I had to share with you this behind the scenes look at what goes on dressing the fab foursome. Can y'all stand it? I'm just beside myself excited!

"There was every new bag that isn't even in the stores yet... tables of shoes... it was like, Mecca."

Iomoi

Iomoi’s designs are like no other paperie’s that I’ve found – bold, smart, and preppy! I love their mailing labels in particular – nothing dresses up an envelope quite like a pretty address label and an envelope seal. Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m a stationary freak – and I’d smack nothing else on one of my carefully selected and handwritten notes than one of my signature pink and black Iomoi labels. Get your own at Iomoi.com!

Vanity Fair's Hollywood Issue

I always enjoy combing through an issue of Vanity Fair, but my favorite issue by far (of course) is their annual Hollywood Issue. This year, they recruited famed photogs Julian Borad, Norman Jean Roy, Mark Seliger, and Art Strieber to re-create famous scenes from Hitchcock movies. The images feature bold-faced names like Charlize Theron, Javier Bardem, Scarlett Johannson, Kiera Knightley (get it girls - I love to see what other girls my age are up to), and Seth Rogen. You can see the full spread inside the issue or here. Enjoy!

Brendan James

Two years ago I was browsing artists on Myspace music when found Brendan James. After listening to rough recordings of his songs offered there, I glanced at his tour dates and noticed he would be performing in New York City when I would be there next. So, once I got to the city, I dragged my friend Nicole to this hole-in-the-wall club in the Bowery to see him play, and I was blown away. His voice is one of those rare things that is almost instrumental - and his tinkling melodies are played with a lot of joy. We got to talk to him afterward - he was polite, sincere, and cute!

Since then, Brendan's career has been blossoming - he's even inked a deal with a major label. Most of his songs are available for listening on his Myspace. I encourage you to buy his Ballroom Break In EP, available on iTunes now (click the link to be taken directly - it'll set you back a devastating 4 bucks), and grab his full-length album The Day is Brave when it comes out this Spring.

A singer-songwriter has to be truly great not to bore me, but Brendan's sound is old fashioned and still fresh - I'm looking forward to watching him hit it big.

Wardrobe Planners

I love being organized, and I take it to new levels. I'm particularly anal about my clothes, so when I found these wardrobe planners Ashley over at Living a LUSHHus Life made, I got giddy! I wanted to share them with my readers as well - be sure to check them out here and here, and pop on over to The LUSHHus Life and say thanks!

Tropical Toes

Forget the French pedicure – it looks like you’re going to prom. Right now I’m really into glossy toes that pack a bright punch. I’m liking orangey corals and hot pinks in particular – they look great with gold sandals and a tan. My favorite shades of coral are by far O.P.I.’s “Cajun Shrimp” and Chanel’s “Orange Blossom”, followed closely by O.P.I.’s “My Chihuahua Bites!” The perfect pink? Chanel's"Heat Wave".

Girl Scout Cookies

I made it all the way through Cadets, so I’ll proudly hock girl scout cookies via blog – it’s that time again! Go stock that freezer with thin mints for the hot summer days that are on the way. You can find your local troop at GirlScoutCookies.org

Tocca Stella Candle

A sensuous, powdery scent perfect for a bathroom – there’s a shop in Tallahassee called Narcissus that carries their full line, but if you aren’t nearby I’ve found them in BlueMercury and Barneys. Its a little touch that makes everything else in the room seem that much more luxe - just be sure to keep your wick trimmed.