Blue jeans and boots have always been a Nashville mainstay and likely always will—but they’re just a small inclusion in the closets of our most chic citizens. When it comes to what looks great, we turned to those individuals who always seem to have it together, hoping to discover their secrets of style, and what they plan to purchase this fall. In our opinion, the personalities on the following pages represent Music City style at its best.
—Stacie Standifer
Sharp-Dressed Man—Keith Anderson
It might surprise you to learn that multi-talented singer/songwriter Keith Anderson is just as resourceful on his mountain bike as he is with a microphone, but that’s a fact. Of course, that’s just the beginning of his list of interests and abilities. His prior jobs have included everything from delivering singing telegrams and being a fragrance model to working as an engineer and playing baseball. You likely recognize the power of his voice from last year’s big hit “I Still Miss You,” and no doubt you’ll be hearing much more of him on the radio waves in the near future, as he captures the hearts and attention of listeners and DJs alike.
When it comes to his style, Anderson counts on self-confidence (and a great cologne) to make any ensemble work. We love that he enjoys shopping at Harpeth Bicycles to fuel his passion for hitting the trails (which he admits is a bit more than just a hobby—actually it’s closer to an obsession). Anderson’s fashionably shaved head is suitable for both his biking and his semi-trademark bandana wearing.
When he’s not writing and recording hit songs, Anderson makes time to give back to the community by supporting the Tug McGraw Foundation, YMCA and Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. He’s also got a soft spot in his heart for organizations that benefit foster children.
For our photoshoot, we got him to trade his usually casual look for dressier duds, and the country crooner liked them as much as we did. In fact, his big purchase this fall is going to be one of the suits featured here.
Shopping and grooming tips: Hugo Boss and Armani from Levy’s, and custom leather jackets from Logan Riese. Funky clothes and jewelry from Flavour. Home décor at Z Gallerie. For cigars and collectibles, Olde World Leaf & Ale and Uptown’s Smoke Shop. For all things liquid, West Meade Wine & Liquor Mart. For grooming, it is the Head Slick lotion and shave cream from Head Blade. This one you can find at Target!
Photographed at Watermark in clothing from Levy’s. Styling by Adrienne Scarbrough.
Keith Anderson
Outfit One: Black Hugo Boss Pasolini suit with two- button, side-vent jacket and flat-front pant ($795), black silk brocade vest by Carrot & Gibbs ($275), black twill dress shirt by Ike Behar ($150), black silk polka dot tie by Ermenegildo Zegna ($170), black ostrich leg belt by Torino ($205)
Outfit Two: Black Hugo Boss suit, silk brocade vest, ostrich leg belt (see first photo), white luxe twill dress shirt by Armani ($225), champagne silk tile tie by Armani ($140)
Outfit Three: Navy on black pinstripe suit by Armani—two-button side-vent jacket with flat-front pant ($2,195), medium blue twill pattern dress shirt by Armani ($225), black ostrich leg belt by Torino ($205)
Jewelry by Scott Kay Art of Man
2009 Best Dressed
Born to Shop—Heather Hudson Bennett
When she isn’t browsing her favorite haunts for fantastic fashion finds, newlywed (to former Titan Drew Bennett) Heather Hudson Bennett hones her culinary skills. Heather counts shopping as her first hobby, and watching the Food Network shows (especially those with Paula Deen and Ina Garten) as a close second. Given her admirable level of fitness, it’s clear she’s cooking healthy, and maintaining her fabulous fashionista figure.
And it’s also obvious her heart’s as big as her closet, since she devotedly supports causes including United Cerebral Palsy, Teammates for Kids and Basket of Hope, among others.
As a realtor, she recognizes the importance of looking polished and professional, and she favors sophisticated looks for herself. Not a fan of trends like ripped jeans or torn leggings, she instead cites skinny jeans as the route to ultimate casual chic.
Shopping and Grooming Tips: For jeans, Boutique Bella has the best selection. Cotton Mill is the place I count on to find the perfect dresses for day or evening, and Jamie has a great selection of shoes, furs and gorgeous jewelry. I always find cute tops and dresses at Anthropologie. My biggest secret is the affordable jewelry at Banana Republic—amazing stuff!
Clothing and accessories exclusively from Jamie and Fine Jewelry at Jamie. Styling by Rita Johnson. Shot at Flyte.
Photo: Charles Chang-Lima fur-trimmed jacket ($1,299) and viscose skirt ($479) in camel, gold/blue Prada velvet jacquard bag ($1,459), H. Stern 18kt noble gold earrings ($2,200), bracelet ($18,500) and ring ($3,600) and 18” Lana necklace ($2,815).
Insider Trading—Denice West
As a professional stylist at King Jewelers, Denice West doesn’t have to look far to find her favorite things. She confesses that she adores the Piaget, Bulgari, Kwiat and Chanel lines carried by her employer—and she’s grateful there are exquisite baubles available at all price points. This fall, she’s looking to purchase a new watch (and you can be sure she has one in mind).
When it comes to clothing, West leans towards classic and tailored styles. One thing she believes makes or breaks any outfit is a great haircut. To maintain her own polished look, she relies on Nashville’s own Shawn Venezia, who she credits for keeping her luxe locks in perfect condition. West will be sporting her good looks and great cut at one of the many upcoming charity events that she’ll be participating in with her work team, including benefits for Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
Shopping and Grooming Tips: The Cotton Mill always carries distinctive styles, and their incredible staff makes sure that I never show up to an event in the same ensemble as a colleague. Ziba is always a sure bet for fun clothing items. For skin care and cosmetics—Woo is the best.
Ports navy/black silk top ($495) and Catherine Malandrino black pant ($265), provided by The Cotton Mill
Tailor Made—J.R. Roper
Lexus owners know J.R. Roper from the dealerships he manages in Cool Springs and Rivergate, but fellow hockey fans recognize him from the Predators games that he never misses. While he’s a die-hard hockey fan, you wouldn’t know it from his clothing, as the last thing he’ll be wearing is the typical jersey. He does like to sport casual clothes, and counts on fellow Canadians Jody and Jayson More at V4Men to find something fun.
But most of the time, you’re likely to see him in one of his own designs. An artist at heart, Roper paints and sings, as well as counting interior design as one of his favorite things. Given his flair, he’s able to build a complete outfit around a fantastic pair of designer socks or one of his dozens of hankerchiefs. Roper looks forward to getting dressed each morning and considers wardrobe essential to success. His commitment shows, as he’s one of the most detailed and polished men around.
What we love more than his clothing is Roper’s devotion to more than a dozen local charitable organizations and his endless efforts in serving others via committees and donations to better the community. The man is a class act all around.
Shopping and Grooming Tips: The right fit is important, and that’s why I choose to design my own suits. I have them tailored by Sam Mirchandani with British Tailors. For shirts, I prefer J. Michaels Clothiers—favorites have white collars and French cuffs. To finish any ensemble, you’ve got to have a great belt and cuff links. And having the right hair cut is extremely important. I completely trust and recommend Susan Williams at Salon P’Nash. Have you seen her hair?
Photo: Suit by British Tailors, shirt, custom made from J. Michael Clothiers and shoes are from Neiman Marcus Chicago.
Teaching Elegance—Jennie Carter Thomas
Belmont professor Dr. Jennie Carter Thomas dresses in a classic and timeless way, but always manages to keep her look fresh and exhilarating—whether she’s teaching a class in business management, enjoying a casual lunch out or attending a charity function. Thomas developed an interest in fashion and style early, modeling children’s clothing at the old Cain-Sloan department store. These days she serves on the board of directors for exclusive clothier Jamie, Inc., (she’s been a loyal shopper since the first day owner Jamie Stream opened the doors in 1973).
Her mother—greatly influenced by iconic fashion trailblazer Katharine Hepburn (who wore beautiful trousers, tailored shirts and well-cut jackets)—served as her stylistic role model. “I guess I just picked up Mom’s style because those are the clothes I live in. Give me Piazza Sempione pants, a crisp white shirt, pearls, cashmere cardigan or jacket, with Ferragamo shoes, and I’m ready to go. But coming of age in the sixties, I never lost my passion for jeans and a-line dresses,” says Thomas.
Grooming and shopping tips: This season my plan is to purchase purple. Honestly, the only place I shop is Jamie, Jamie, Jamie.
Photo: Jacket by Zenobia, pants by Piazza Sempione and shoes by Prada. All jewelry from Fine Jewelry at Jamie. All available at Jamie, Inc. Makeup courtesy of Woo Skin Care + Cosmetics.
Man About Town—Brian Shore
The president of ZOOM International, Brian Shore is unquestionably one of Nashville’s top business leaders, but he also cares about what he puts on—and he’s got a variety of activities to juggle wardrobe for. In addition to his work, Shore devotes plenty of time to local charities, including sitting on the board of directors for both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee and the Nashville Technology Council, and active membership in the Phoenix Club. If that didn’t take up enough of his time, Shore’s also the kind of outdoorsy guy who takes time for cycling, skiing, hiking and wakeboarding.
Luckily, he still has time for shopping. He’s a huge fan of Flavour in Nashville, and also does his buying on trips to New York, San Francisco (where he buys his custom suits at Couture Designer European Clothing) and Atlanta. “I genuinely try to support the local guys, though,” says Shore.
His signature look of the moment? “You can’t go wrong with a great pair of jeans and solid shoes—simple, comfortable, stylish,” he says. “And confidence is the only thing that can make or break an outfit.”
Grooming and shopping tips: Lori Morris at Salon FX is one of the best stylists in town. If you like silver, Flavour has Room 101, and it’s truly unique. Don’t throw out your old shoes—get them repaired and reconditioned. Guys, enjoy the shopping experience with your significant other, and take part in the process. Fall’s must buy? A new watch from King Jewelers.
Photo: Mark Nason boots ($487), J&CO jeans ($189), Theory shirt ($300), King Baby belt ($1,200) and Room 101 custom-made bracelet ($3,700). All from Flavour.
Golden Girl—Amber Cruth
“I inject Botox all day; I love it!” says Amber Cruth, who’s clearly in the running for best dressed medical professional in Nashville, as well as the one who most loves her job. Work for her means The Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville, where she’s an RN. Cruth clearly knows her way around the trends of the moment and classic designs both.
“I think as long as you know your body type and know what works for you, you’ll always look great,” she says.
Cruth gets in shape at Pure Barre in Green Hills, but she also spends plenty of time outdoors, getting fit on her own time running, biking and hiking. Shopping, however, has it’s place in her pantheon of hobbies, and Cruth loves exploring and finding new little stores, especially those carrying distinctive jewelry or handbags no one else in town seems to have.
“My favorite places to shop are Posh, Flavour and Forever 21. Flavour is the best place for jeans in Nashville,” she says, admitting to a fondness for styles by William Rast and Hudson. For the fall, her necessary purchase is a great staple black leather jacket, and her current wardrobe must-haves are skinny jeans with tall boots or cute heels, and anything in plaid (definitely hot for the season). “I think shoes can make or break an outfit,” she adds.
Grooming and shopping tips: The best sunscreen ever is by Revision Skincare, you can find it at The Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville—SPF 45, with a tint to cover any blemishes, hyperpigmentation or redness. I use it every morning.
Photo: Shoshanna black cascading ruffle dress ($385), found at Boutique Bella.
For even more of our Best Dressed, pick up a copy of the September issue of Nashville Lifestyles or subscribe HERE!