Cybelle Elena
Cybelle Elena
If you haven’t heard of Cybelle Elena by now, it’s time to listen up. She’s a Nashville-based designer whose creativity extends far beyond fabric, and her contributions to the local music and arts scenes are undeniable. In addition to creating an ever-changing roster of playful, ethereal and nature-inspired pieces, Elena also costumes all kinds of artists. A suit she designed for Kelsey Waldon, for example, is currently on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents: State of the Music exhibition. She also helped style boygenius’ legendary drag-clad Nashville performance, and has created looks for Missy Raines, Whoa Dakota and many more. KELSEY BEYELER
Savas
Savas
525 Merritt Ave.
Savannah Yarborough and her signature leather jackets are in the fast lane. She opened a second Savas store in L.A. just last year, but she’s already scouting potential retail partners in Tokyo and New York, where she’s currently preparing for a stint at Bergdorf Goodman. “So many guys are intimidated by it, then they put one on and look in the mirror,” she tells the Scene from her flagship storefront on Merritt Avenue in Wedgewood-Houston. “It’s my goal for people to feel comfortable in everything we make — I want them to wear this jacket to the grocery store.” Savas has carved out a notable niche in the style world — actor Brian Cox briefly took over the internet last year with an orange suede shirt-and-boots combo, to name just one example. In addition to custom work, the Nashville store offers ready-to-wear jackets, shirts, boots and leather accessories. ELI MOTYCKA
Galexy
GalexyÂ
Galexy is committed to sustainable fashion, making pants from textile waste and surplus fabric — but all those good intentions wouldn’t matter if the pants weren’t great to look at and fun to wear. Luckily, they are that. The workwear pants are timeless enough to be good investment pieces, but include details that make them cooler than your average pair. Checkerboard motifs, double-knees and colors like chartreuse and the occasional floral print — not to mention sizing options from 25 to 35 — make Galexy the most interesting local jeans. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER
Natalie Busby
Natalie BusbyÂ
521 Gallatin Ave.Â
For simple and high-quality pieces you can keep forever, Natalie Busby is a Nashville mainstay. The local womenswear designer abides by the notion that choosing outfits shouldn’t take too much time or energy — her clients are busy! Busby pays careful attention to fabrics, selecting neutral tones and naturally derived fibers. Plus, the items are all made nearby and in small batches. If you’re going to buy an investment piece, it feels good to do that from a local designer who’s not about mass production. HANNAH HERNER
Able
Able
5022 Centennial Blvd.
Nashville-based company Able puts an emphasis on sustainable clothing constructed by people who are paid a living wage. Soft colors and cozy fabrics dominate the line, which is size-inclusive up to a size 3X. Able is where you’ll find your new favorite jean jacket, classic leather bag or totes that will last years — with monogram options if that’s your vibe. Available online or at their flagship store in the Nations. ELIZABETH JONES
The Plus Closet
The Plus Closet
2517 Lebanon Pike
theplusclosetnashville.myshopify.com
Those of us who are plus size — which is an estimated 67 percent of us, by the way — know how hard it can be to find clothes. That’s especially true if we want to shop in-store, or if we want to shop secondhand. Julie Hollis and Shannon Clemons are here to help. Together they opened The Plus Closet, a secondhand boutique for people who wear plus sizes. The boutique carries sizes ranging from 12/XL to 30/5X+. You can also make an appointment to sell your clothes, or trade for a store credit. They are open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. And if you want to take a peek at their inventory, they do an Instagram live every Thursday at 11 a.m. KIM BALDWIN
Live True Vintage
Live True Vintage
103 22nd St., Old Hickory
Live True Vintage is hands-down my favorite place to buy clothing. Some of my best outfits are from that quirky shop — a sturdy pair of pleated ultra-high-waisted jeans; an oversized, emerald-green button-up; a jewel-toned floral sweater; the jewel-encrusted top I bought to wear to Beyoncé’s most recent show. You never know what you’ll find at Live True, and that’s what makes each visit so delightful. If you don’t live in Old Hickory, don’t let that turn you off. You could easily spend an afternoon over there — grab a coffee at Dose on Hadley Avenue or visit Sam’s Sports Grill for some riverside dining, then visit other nearby shops like Baby Snakes Vintage for kids and Lawrence & Clarke Cacti Co. KELSEY BEYELERÂ
Torres Vintage
Torres Vintage
3111 Gallatin Pike
Nashville is stuffed to the gills with vintage, so it’s essential to have a reliable source to edit out all the bad and boring. Torres Vintage is that spot. Its owner, Maria Torres, already got a Best of Nashville writers’ choice nod for Best Vintage Curator, and now Torres Vintage has moved into its own brick-and-mortar space on Gallatin Pike in Inglewood. Look for romantic vintage nightgowns, chic winter coats and — that most elusive gem in a rhinestone-encrusted city — stylish basics. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER
Paloma Vintage Goods
Paloma Vintage Goods
3109 Gallatin Pike
If you’re going to talk about style, you can’t overlook interiors. The stuff you live with is just as essential to your personal style as your clothes. Paloma Vintage Goods knows this, and has the eye and the sources to pick out the very best. There’s no shortage of midcentury-modern furniture in town, but Paloma — right next door to Torres Vintage — sets itself apart with a slightly West Coast/Georgia O’Keeffe interpretation of MCM. There are Selig chairs and Knoll sofas, plus chrome and marble and tessellated stone. Open by appointment only. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER
Music City Vintage
Music City Vintage
2503 Gallatin Ave.
Music City Vintage is one of the coolest shops in town, and it plays a critical role in the local vintage clothing scene. Inside the colorful walls of the East Nashville shop you can expect to find a plethora of T-shirts and sneakers, plus sportswear, cool jackets, hats and so much more. You might also find some retro toys or home goods while you’re at it. The shop is absolutely dripping with nostalgia, and the friendly staff is there to help you navigate it all. KELSEY BEYELER
Not Junk
Not Junk
It’s true that the charm necklace has been done, but never quite like Not Junk does it. The collage jewelry — handmade by Em Lasater and Cassidy Bidwell — feels fresh because they use thrifted vintage books and magazines to create their eye-catching charms. The pair also employs pearls and fun graphic images that evoke childhood craft nostalgia. Plus, they are gifted merchandisers — just check out their Instagram account. They don’t have a storefront, but necklaces are available online, and the duo keeps fans notified on Instagram about upcoming markets where they’ll have a table. HANNAH HERNER
TNT Goods
TNT Goods
Those cool nameplate-style necklaces with your birth year on them? TNT Goods will make you one. The local company creates the kind of minimal gold jewelry pieces that you can leave on indefinitely, from simple gold hoop earrings to snake rings and lockets. TNT Goods was founded by two best friends in 2020, and they offer their goods at a handful of locations around town — in Paddywax Candle Bar in the Gulch and Berry Hill, and also at Fringe Beauty Lounge in Hendersonville. HANNAH HERNER
Nisolo
Nisolo
1803 Ninth Ave. N.
Sure, Nisolo has a strong lineup of timeless shoes, but what really sets it apart is its emphasis on ​​doing right by its workers and the planet. It’s not a flashy brand — you won’t find sparkles or vivid colors — but if you’re looking for sturdy, versatile staples that will carry you countless miles, Nisolo is a solid bet. Whether you’re looking for boots and sandals or slip-ons and loafers, Nisolo offers styles in a range of earth-toned leathers. It also carries a well-curated line of belts, bags and wallets. KELSEY BEYELERÂ
N.B. Goods
N.B. Goods
9 S. Ninth St.Â
After suffering the loss of their warehouse in the Dec. 9 tornado, N.B. Goods owner Camille Alston had to close the beloved micro shop in Shops at Porter East. But there’s good news for fans of her eclectic hats and shirts — she will reopen in mid-April in a new spot by Joyland. Shop her pop-culture-inspired line online until then, and follow along on Instagram for your next chance to pick up a customized oversized tote. ELIZABETH JONES
Apple & Oak
Apple & Oak
717 Porter Road
Sadly, Dec. 9’s deadly tornado severely damaged local vendor Apple & Oak’s storage warehouse in Madison. But owner Allison Holley is still going strong, operating Apple & Oak out of a storefront in the Shops at Porter East, where she offers home goods, candles, cute pop-culture gifts, barware, bags, shirts, accessories and jewelry — not to mention a curated selection of high-end rugs. (Speaking of which, if you’re in the market for a vintage or bespoke custom rug, you should most definitely also check out East Nashville-based Relic Home.) Holley and her business partner Camille Alston also run Lucky Rabbit Candy Shop out of the Shops at Porter, so you can grab a fancy little sweet while you’re browsing Apple & Oak’s furniture, vases, apparel and accessories. D. PATRICK RODGERS
Eastwood Studios
Eastwood StudiosÂ
Gigi Jordan, the founder of Eastwood Studios, is onto something. She partners with area businesses to host bead-bar events around the city or for your own small group (bachelorettes, take note). With a curated selection of beads and charms, including her signature pearl pieces, it’s easy to assemble a bracelet or necklace that feels handmade and high-end at the same time. The outcome is a piece that matches your daily looks, and time well spent with friends. HANNAH HERNER
The Showroom Nashville
The Showroom Nashville
1016 Eighth Ave. S.
Located minutes from the heart of downtown Nashville on Eighth Avenue sits The Showroom — a designer clothing rental oasis. Owner Kristin Geyser Williamson has carefully filled the clothing mecca with top designer pieces — all available to rent or buy. With outfit options ranging from perfect brunch looks to stunning black-tie ensembles (and even gowns for prom), The Showroom offers a “try or buy” approach perfect for shoppers who want to wear designer looks without paying designer prices. JANET KURTZ
Rounding up our favorite vintage and boutique vendors, checking out Nashville’s best street style and lots more
