With so many events to attend this season, the one must have is a festive bag small enough for evening glamour, but large enough to hold absolute essentials. I purchased two incredible envelope-style designer clutches last year and they just won't do for this particular season. I need to be able to take photos, communicate and have enough 'touch up' product to take me from office to full blown Christmas celebrations to music awards ceremonies and concerts. Thank goodness, a new store has just opened at The Mall at Green Hills that has the best solution. Elaine Turner may not be a household name in Nashville yet... but in a short time, I'm betting that their bags and accessories are going to be on every woman's wish list.

Elaine Turner stores are all about style & ambiance....

The store decor invites you to browse and relax, but it's the bags that showcase the designer's (who hails from Texas) talent most. I am so in love with my find. It even has a name, Blythe. I chose the bronze metallic so that I can mix it up with both black and brown ensembles. I love the fact that it has a snazzy shoulder strap to keep my hands free to hold that important glass of bubbly, and that the closure is a bit dramatic without being too much.

My Blythe bag in bronze metallic

While the bag part of the equation is taken care of, what you carry inside is just as vital. This varies for everyone, but with these items, I always feel completely prepared without overstuffing my small purse.

My go-to essentials for small bag survival

ALWAYS IN MY BAG

-My Iphone for my impromptu Instagram captures, tweeting and texting if I'm running late.

-Elf lipgloss from Target in a sheer pink.

-One of the chunky eyeliner/shadow sticks from Benefit. Staying power plus!

-Make Up Forever's Rouge Artist Natural lipstick doesn't rub off on glassware, stays put and isn't too bright. I rotate about 3-4 shades depending on what I'm wearing.

-PLa Beauty's Mineral Liquid Foundation (I pick it up at Woo Skincare and Cosmetics or Parlour 3 in Brentwood). I use this on my entire face almost every day, but it's also ideal for dabbing under eyes to wake them up and to clean up smudges throughout a late night. It's also my saving grace the next morning for hiding imperfections. 

-For a mirror and super smooth powder compact in one, Pure Pressed Base powder by Jane Iredale  in RADIANT is my choice. Since discovering this skin brightener and smoother at Private Edition, I keep it in whatever I'm carrying, always! Just a swipe keeps oil at bay but causes the light reflect in all of the right places.


What is your favorite bag to carry to holiday parties? And what item do you include no matter what? I would love to see your thoughts and suggestions. Do keep following the Southern Sophisticate and share it with your friends. There's much more holiday to come! 


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Each October, I get the chance to be a part of the 'big reveal' of Nashville's 25 Most Beautiful People via my position with Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. While countless hours go into the issue, the annual party celebrating our honorees makes it totally worth it. Seeing members of my team dressed up and mingling with celebrities, our fab advertisers and other members of the media is such a treat.

With one of the magazine's most deserving MBP's, the lovely Denise
 and her famous husband, Alan Jackson. 
'

This year, we chose the venue of our new advertising partners, Flyte World Dining and Wine. And, I highly suggest them for putting together an amazing spread for your special event-- or just for a memorable dinner if you are visiting Music City (for my out of town readers). The ambiance is chic but casual... and the food is Out.Of.This.World. (which appropriately works with their name).

One of the inventive appetizers from Flyte's creative culinary team.

The real star of the night, our 13th anniversary issue, featuring Lisa Marie Presley on the cover.

Having fun sponsors allows us to get creative. From the gorgeous new Cadillacs parked at the front door to the shoe-shaped cookies to honor the Clarks brand-- we highlighted everyone involved.

So cute-- a dessert station honoring styles from Clarks.

Since I was in a bit of a rush this year, I let Melissa Schleicher of Parlour 3 work her magic in putting 'my party face on'. Hey, if she can regularly glam up Carrie Underwood for concerts and the red carpet, I knew she could offer me a bit of help. Her airbrush approach was light/not overdone and really did last all night.  I also have to give kudos to Martha Nemer at The Cotton Mill for the perfect dress and accessories. She never lets me down in finding something totally comfortable but glamorous.

By this point in the night, I had put my hair up in a knot. With my adorable husband, Tim Nichols 
and my makeup guru, Melissa from Parlour 3.


What is your favorite place to host a (out of home) party and what/who are your go-to sources for getting prepared? I would love to know...so please do share your insider tips with the Southern Sophisticate. And, if you haven't picked up the magazine.. get the entire issue online: www.nashvillelifestyles.com.

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Yes, we would all like to wake up looking perfect, but in the real world... that isn't the case (at least not in my reality). We depend on certain products to improve and enhance our features. Makeup was/is a fabulous invention, and one I'm grateful for Every. Single. Day. There's so much out there, and I'm all about picking up and trying new products. But, there are a few 'tried and true' items in my stash that I keep going back to no matter what's new on the market. These are my faithful standbys, and I swear by each and every one.

I discovered this via celeb makeup artist Melissa at Parlour 3 in Brentwood (the only TN retailer of this line). Kevyn Aucion's concealer serves as a serious full-coverage base makeup for when I have to be on camera. It beats out my daily Armani foundation (that I love and buy in bulk at Woo Cosmetics) when dealing with camera lights or red carpet.

I don't like pencil eyeliners for some reason. Possibly for inner eye rim drama, but nothing more. Instead, I trust a slightly dampened powder. I picked up my first NARS eyeshadow in "Night Fever' at Bergdorf's in NYC 8 years ago, and haven't found anything that even comes close. Works with black, brown, purples-- and it lasts until you take it off!

Chanel eyeshadows stay put, and this soft, neutral shade flatters most any skin tone. A little for day, or heavier for evening-- it works for any setting.

The powder I like best is actually from a men's line (really!) from a Nashville based company. It wipes away shine and lasts all day, no kidding. I discovered it on celeb photo shoots, and have never looked back. HDPV Powder (as in hiding all imperfections from HD TV cameras) from Menaji is the ultimate flaw-cover on the market. It's a seamless powder great for photos, but also ideal for office environments with harsh lighting.

I change lipstick shades often depending on what I'm wearing (and the season, or even the time of day). But, a coat of Estee Lauder Pure Color Lip Gloss in Shimmering Mirage is always my last step. A subtle shine and long-lasting sheen are reasons I am on possibly my 60th tube of this magic creation. On weekends or casual days, I just wear it solo. read more