One of the realities of the May flood is that even if those affected were fortunate enough to have insurance, they can’t exactly duplicate the things they once had. For many, the effects of that statement are daunting: While, for example, we may all love the idea of a new wardrobe, having go out and replace absolutely everything can be disheartening. With that in mind, Nashville Lifestyles was thrilled to sponsor a makeover giveaway for two women deeply affected by the flooding, in conjunction with The Cotton Mill and amazing New York designer Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia.
Unless you’ve been locked in a closet for the past decade, you can’t have missed the meteoric rise of Bendet’s Alice + Olivia. The line started with the then-University of Pennsylvania student on a quest for the perfect pair of pants—which led to a little patterning experimentation after she’d altered both new and vintage pants to fit and flatter her own shape over the course of a few years. Her affection for vintage provided a retro vibe, and interesting fabric choices added to the appeal. The soi-disant “Stacey Pants” that resulted quickly became an item in demand, and Bendet launched her Alice + Olivia line at Barney’s New York in 2002.
Not long afterwards, Bendet added Theory founder Andrew Rosen as a business partner, and the line took off, with the addition of blouses, dresses and other vital wardrobe pieces. In 2004, she added a men’s sweater line (Andrew + Mo) and she’s recently created a shoe line for Payless and a kid’s collection (she and husband Eric Eisner introduced their own daughter Eloise to the world 20 months ago).
It seemed ideal to pair with a designer known for original, quirky, fresh and modern looks to refresh the closets of our two flood escapees. We knew the talented Bendet, together with her awesome stylist Cleo Wade, would be able to help our winners.
Bobbie Jo Caine, the statuesque blonde in the photos, is an MTSU grad student and newlywed. The petite brunette is Catherine Clinkscales, who’s part of the team at Dispensary of Hope, mother to an active toddler (son Cain), and expecting a second child. Both of their homes suffered devastating damage due to flooding, and at the time of the makeover, neither had much in the way of a remaining wardrobe. Both essentially escaped with the clothes on their backs.
Friends, charity organizations, churches and convenient shopping at places like Target had gotten them through, but now it was time to let Catherine and Bobbie Jo shine a little bit, and help them remember what looking glamorous is all about. Of course, Catherine’s husband Brad and Bobbie Jo’s new husband Brian were there for the proceedings—which included hair styling and dramatic new makeup from Jessica Lewis at Trim Classic Barbershop.
“I’d heard about Alice + Olivia, but I’d never worn it,” admits Catherine, while Bobbie Jo, who worked at The Cotton Mill in college, is a long time fan.
Both women admit being fashion forward is hard at this point. “I’m lucky I’m in grad school, I can get away with wearing shorts and T-shirts to class, because that’s about what I have right now,” says Bobbie Jo.
Catherine points at her shoes, a gift from a friend because she needed something appropriate. “I feel so lucky, in a way, like I’ve been adopted by so many people,” she says, smiling.
Still, it’s been rough. Bobbie Jo tells me more than 80 houses in her neighborhood were badly damaged. “My house is gutted, I’m waiting on the city,” she says. “I’m ready for it to be over.” Meanwhile, she’s fortunate enough to have moved into the home owned by her husband, not far away, but undamaged.
“I’ve learned a lot, and I know we’ll get through all of this, I’m sure of it,” says Catherine with stoicism. “Every few days, I have a little, tiny breakdown ...”
“Yeah, in the shower,” adds Bobbie Jo.
Clearly, though, neither’s spirit has been broken, and it’s great to see them have a chance to lose some of the cares of the recent past and get caught up in the glamour. Jessica gives Catherine a fresh, clean look, curling her long dark hair and brightening her features with a delicate blush of color. For Bobbie Jo, it’s a more dramatic look, with deep pink lips and a vivid blue eyecolor that makes her own baby-blues really pop.
Cleo tells me in advance what she and Stacey have in mind for them: a very of-the-moment dress in a multi-colored stripe for Catherine, paired with a terrific denim jacket, and an adorable white tube dress for Bobbie Jo. “It’s practical but cute, all of it,” says Cleo. “Think fun, easy, breezy, summery ... just what they need, you know?” Along with the revealed dresses, Catherine and Bobbie Jo will be taking home a wardrobe of Alice + Olivia garments, suitable for work, play and evenings out.
The Cotton Mill’s owner Martha Nemer is more than thrilled. “We’ve carried this line almost since the beginning, back when it was just 10 different styles of pants. They’ve been exceptional partners,” she says.
Originally, the trunk show had been scheduled for May, but the flood changed that, and when Stacey, Cleo and the Alice + Olivia crew conceived of an airstream tour of the country, doing makeovers and good deeds, their goals and the stores suddenly melded perfectly. Nemer adds she’s pleased the door donations for flood relief were excellent, as they go directly to Hands On Nashville. “I love that we can help make a difference in the community,” she says with satisfaction.
The Cotton Mill Collection, 4009 Hillsboro Pike, (615) 298-2188.