Clothes
Recommended by Molly Kate
I must admit, I’ve got a thing for clothes. I’ve always seen dressing as an art form, a way that one can express themselves at any given moment just by what they wear. It doesn’t matter if the style is casual or dressy, what one wears makes a statement. With that said, I do try to keep all of my shopping as local as possible. The first step is to make sure one’s current closet occupants match your style. My style has evolved over the years depending on where I was working or what was going on in my life. Gone are the pantsuits from when I was in management and the heels that I wore daily. These days, there’s more knee length dresses and easy shirts to wear over black pants or leggings. And comfortable, but cute, flats. Occasionally there’s the fancier dress for evenings out with my guy.
One standout piece from my wardrobe would be my Spanx leggings. They’re super easy to dress up or down, and they last forever! I got my most recent pairs from Karats and Keepsakes, and you can see them styled two ways below: one for a more casual event, the other as a date night look.
I’m also a big fan of color, pink being a big one! So when I saw this dress at Rumor Boutique I had to grab it. It’s sold out, but I’ve been shopping at Rumor ever since they opened (gosh at least a decade ago if not longer!) and I’ve always been able to get an amazing dress for a night out. They’ve been with me from college to baby bump to, well, no longer having the body I did in college- ha!
There’s really so many amazing choices for local shopping- even online! My friend Sarah Tinsley Parker is a fabulous artist who also makes equally fabulous earrings. Jewelry is an easy way to keep any outfit up to date- and can be super budget friendly.
One of the best parts about shopping local is that, unlike the bigger stores like Target, local shops carry a very limited number of items. Meaning, the chances of inadvertently twinning with someone at a party are very slim. Plus, your outfit is almost sure to turn heads.
Whether you want to keep it simple or dress to impress, next time you are expanding your wardrobe, try a local shop you have never been to before. Trust me, your new favorite place is waiting for you.
Molly Kate is a Southern culture commentator, web producer, and social media marketing maven. She is also a freelance writer who has worked with a variety of publications and online magazines including Bourbon & Boots, Paste Magazine, Macon Magazine, the 11th Hour, Macon Food & Culture Magazine, and as the Digital Content Editor for The Southern Weekend.
Her lifestyle brand, With Grit(s) & Grace, specializes in fashion, food, travel, and lifestyle across the South with a retail line of candles and other fun items. They believe Southern hospitality & style is something anyone, with any budget, can take home with them.