Southern Homes & Gardens Blog

Middleton Collection Debut:

Dazzle like the Duchess!

If Vera Bradley deemed an entire special, limited edition collection after the newly appointed Duchess of Cambridge, then we’re positive that Kate Middleton has some pretty awesome style sense! 

Smart, English charm. . .the American way

Olive – one of the hottest color trends for Fall – is perfectly paired with cotton twill and antiqued brass hardware.  Oxford-style eyelet detail in tobacco brown leather is inspired by the menswear trend.  Inside, the girly, pink and green floral camouflage lining is a knockout!  We bet Kate Middleton herself would give this collection a charming nod of approval! 

Five new styles available for a limited time only:

Flap Satchel . Shoulder Bag . Small Crossbody . Slim Tote . Wallet

{ Shop the Middleton Collection now available at our Vaughn Road store location only } 

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Last Day Today!

Vera Bradley Bookbag just $75! 

Get campus cool this fall with the functional, stylish and very roomy Vera Bradley Bookbag for just $75 ($92 value) through today only at our Vaughn Rd. store location!  

This bag can be more than just a ‘bookbag’…great as a hands-free diaper bag, Mother’s Morning Out bag, carry-on bag for travel (small enough for kids too!), day trips anywhere and SO much more.  This truly is the little bag that could!

Features Include:

• Comfy, padded (& adjustable!) shoulder straps
• Easy double-zip top opening
• Inner pen pocket
• Inner slip pockets
• Two outer-gathered side pockets (perfect for water bottles!) 
• Magnetic flap compartment on the front
• Webbed top handle makes it a cinch to grab and GO!

Available now in four new Fall colors plus selected other colors at our Vaughn Rd. store location only!

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Vera’s newest Bookbag is head of its class for fun & function!  Designed with comfy, padded (& adjustable!) shoulder straps and an easy double-zip top opening, it’s the fashionable way to cross campus.  Some of our favorite features included an inner pen pocket, inner slip pockets, plus outer-gathered side pockets (perfect for water bottles!) and a magnetic flap compartment on the front.  The webbed top handle makes it a cinch to grab and GO!

Available now at our Vaughn Rd. store location only – in all four new fall colors + selected other colors!

Purchase the new Bookbag for just $75 ($92 value)

 August 4^th – 15^th only

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Mother’s Day – it happens every year.  Just as annual as the holiday is, you forget to find Mom something “special” every single year.  Until the last minute that is.  Does this sound oddly familiar?  If you’re nodding ‘yes’ as you read this, no worries…we won’t tattle on you!  Our mothers taught us better than that. 

So in honor of all of those husbands & children that search for something “perfect” and “special” each year for dear Mom (but always settle for the “that’ll work” last minute purchase), we’ve put together our very own SH&G Mother’s Day Gift Guide to help bail you out of such a pickle this year!  We’ve even broken it down into categories: Going Green, Eco-Chic, Fashion, Bath & Body, Home Décor, Entertaining, Outdoor Living & Vera Bradley.  Browse the categories below and we guarantee you’ll say “A-ha! Mom will LOVE that!” all the while knowing that Mom really will love this year’s thoughtful gift!

Here’s a few things to remember as you browse:  All prices listed are valid with your Garden Rewards card through Saturday 5/7/11 only, and style/ selection of items may vary upon store location. 

We will be closed Sunday May 8th for Mother’s Day.

Going Green:  Gifts for the Greenthumb

14” Mixed Container Gardens $29.99

Add instant color anywhere!

Annual Flats $9.96 per flat

Great for containers, beds and more – choose from Begonias, Marigolds, Vinca, Impatiens, Petunias & more.

10” Boston Fern Hanging Baskets $10.99 each

Proven to help improve air quality in home or office!

Selected Nursery-Grown Hydrangeas – 20% off

*Including Endless Summer Hydrangeas

All Roses 25% off

*Excluding Drift Roses

Shop more great in-store specials!

Eco-Chic:  Show Mom (& Mother Earth) the Love

Napa Firelite - prices may vary

Get the crackle & ambiance of a wood-burning fireplace, but with portability! Choose from a wide variety of colors & styles…don’t forget the gel fuel (psst! It’s the only certified “green” gel fuel on the market!).  The gel fuel burns completely clean without giving off fumes, smoke or soot.  Flame will not extinguish in wind or rain either – read more about Napa Firelites here.

Market Totes – prices may vary

Great for picnics, tailgates, grocery shopping and general ‘catch-all’ for the car.  Great to take to your favorite embroiderer to monogram too! Available in various sizes, patterns & colors -  monogram for show only.

Scout – prices may vary

Mom’s love to be organized, so give Mom some colorful new reusable storage bins with fun names like “Shouldah Bin”, “Junque Trunque” or “Trash Cache” – or reusable lunch bags and cooler totes that are completely insulated.  Assorted bright colors, styles and sizes.

Fashion: Style for the Trendsetters

Jewelry – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

Shop our wide selection of uniquely hand-made pieces comprised of freshwater pearls & colorful gemstones all strung on woven silk thread.  Choose pieces that range from classic to modern to traditional with a twist – available in earrings, necklaces, bracelets, cuffs & rings.

Scarves – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

A fashion must-have the past few seasons (winter or summer!) are great scarves! We have a wide variety of colors, textures, & fabrics to choose from.  Mom will love the versatility of this trend and wearing it seamlessly from one season to the next!

Beach/Pool Tunics & PJ bottoms – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

New this past Spring, cool cover-ups for beach/pool arrived and we can’t keep them in-stock!  Got a Mom who loves to lounge in her pj’s while sipping a cup of java? Pick her up fashion-forward patterned pj shorts or pants (with cute ruffles too!) in invigorating & fresh colors.  Sizes include: Small, Medium and Large (tunics & pj bottoms)

Purses & Totes -  prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

Whether she’s all about business, kids or relaxation, we’ve got something that’s just her bag!  Trendy handbags, carry-all totes, and classy clutches are just a few of the fashionable finds – wide variety of fabrics, finishes, colors, styles & sizes.

Bath & Body: Spa-like Spoils

Shelley Kyle Collection – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

One of our decadent new arrivals, the Shelley Kyle Collection boasts an olfactory experience like non other.  Take in a small breath of any one of the 3 fragrances (Tiramani, Da Ma Mere or Sorella) and Mom will quickly drift away into a spa-like la-la-land!  She’ll feel so spoiled by the luxurious scents offered in foaming bath gel, hydrating lotion, body powder (splurge & get her the fancy powder puff to complete the experience too!) and hand-poured glass jar candles.

Crabtree & Evelyn’s La Source – prices may vary

We love the serenity that the 60-second Fix for hands or feet offers – a true spa-like treatment that Mom can experience in the comfort of her own home for a fraction of the cost (even though she IS worth it!).  Let her rejuvenate in 60 seconds or less at home or on the go – we promise that she’ll appreciate this one!

Home Décor & Accessories:  Magazine-Perfect Elements

Preserved Greens – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

One of our BEST sellers, hands down and one of our favorite recommendations!  Nothing says ‘classical chic’ quite like a gorgeous richly-hued green boxwood, now get the look in perfectly manicured ball topiaries, wreaths and balls.  Simply spritz the boxwood with a gentle misting every few weeks to maintain it’s beauty – how easy! 

Wall Art – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd location only)

Mom loves art and is always looking for a new piece to add to her walls?  Have no fear, we have a great selection of wall art to choose from.  We offer a wide variety of styles including: distressed canvases, framed art, painted canvases, & more.  Styles include modern, vintage, traditional, & even whimsical.  One of our new favorites (&  new bestseller) is our Donnie Sasser “Faceless Angels” collection…buy one of these and you’ll never go wrong!

Furniture – prices may vary

We’ve scoured high and low to bring furniture that is spot-on-trend, quality-made and durable.  Go for the gusto this year and surprise Mom with a new dining table & chairs set, armoire, occasional chair, banquette, sideboard or coffee table!  Shop our wide variety of wood finishes, leather, and upholstered furniture available in everything from tables to storage to seating. 

Entertaining:  Hostess with the Mostess

Beatriz Ball – prices may vary (Vaughn Rd only)

Hand-made in Mexico, each piece is a unique piece of art – another staff favorite to recommend!  Mom will love that each piece of Beatriz Ball servingware can go from freezer to oven to table – a feature only Mom’s can truly appreciate.  She’ll be wanting to serve any and everything on these pieces.  We can’t blame her – with their luxurious luster and genuine ‘sparkle’, it totally transforms any casual get together into a feast fit for royalty.

Dana Wittman Collection (prices may vary)

One of our newest arrivals, and by the looks of it, a new customer favorite too!  Brightly colored ceramic serving pieces adorned with the Gulf inhabitants make fun conversation starters or will help Mom remember all those fun trips to the beach.  Collection includes large serving platters, trivets, spoon rests and more.

Embroidered Handtowels (prices may vary) (Vaughn Rd only)

Moms never have enough hands for all the jobs they juggle, and never enough handtowels either.  We have a wide variety of embroidered and monogrammed handtowels that she will surely love.  Whether she needs one in the kitchen, powder room, or ‘just because’ – she will no doubt appreciate the thought.  Selection includes linen handtowels with various embroidered crosses, waffle-weave dishtowels with single initial, or linen handtowels embroidered with inspirational phrases or messages from the heart. 

Outdoor Living:  Living Inside-Out

Patio Furniture (prices may vary – 30-50% off selected sets)

We know Mom never goes out and treats herself, so give her a BIG surprise with a new set of patio furniture!  She might just faint from the surprise, but with our cushy sofas, chairs & loungers, she’ll recover just fine.  Shop Montgomery’s largest selection of patio furniture including sofa sets, dining sets, chaise loungers & more.  Save 30-50% on selected sets too! 

Outdoor Umbrellas (prices vary)

Mom will have it made in the shade under a new patio umbrella…we’ve got great new arrivals in assorted colors.  So crank one up for Mom as she relaxes sipping ice cold sweet tea in the shade!

Indoor/Outdoor Rugs (prices vary)

She will love the versatility and durability of our indoor/outdoor rugs – whether utilized in the kitchen, entryway, or patio these rugs were made to withstand everyday wear (including rain & sun!).  Select from various sizes and colors.

Vera Bradley:  Perfect Patterns for Mom

  

Just when you’re getting all comfy with Vera Bradley’s latest colors & styles – they introduce more great collections!  Meet Criss Cross, City Look & Frill as they debut April 21st!

Criss Cross

This exciting new offering will be a hit with Vera fans of all ages!  Soft cotton shapes are artistically embellished with our unique woven panels.  The look is casual, but very smart.  Cross over to the Criss Cross Collection, and see for yourself!  Available in Viva la Vera, English Meadow, Watercolor & Deco Daisy.

City Look

Hot style, summer in the city!  Vera’s popular nylon designs take on the Big City with new great shapes in sleek Caviar or fresh Lilac (both with oversized plaid linings).  New skyline-inspired quilting combined with tonal patent trim and dinstinctive metal hardware create a fashion look that goes uptown, downtown, day into night.

Frill

Introducing the Frills of Summer, each with the softly laminated cotton and cool looks that Frill fans love!  Functionality focused, the newest styles feature totally fun elements like scalloped patent trims, ruffles and a Frill logo lining.  New Frill Hair Clips and the collectible Frill charm complete the collection.  Available in new Deco Daisy, Viva la Vera and English Meadow!

Check out Vera’s latest promotions…

Little Princess, April 14^th – 24^th

For a limited time only, purchase the Little Princess handbag for just $24 (reg. $34)!  This sweet handbag is completely adorable, and all dressed up with cute ruffles!  Ideal for making a “First Vera” for a special little Princess – or even as an Easter basket from You-Know-Who!

Available in Watercolor, Deco Daisy, Viva la Vera and English Meadow – limited quantities, while supplies last!

Mother’s Day Bracelet, April 25^th – May 8^th

Purchase this limited edition bracelet for just $28!  Fashionable printed beads strung on elasticized cording, this is a gift that fits every Vera Bradley fan’s fancy!  Available in English Meadow, Watercolor, Viva la Vera and Deco Daisy.

Slim Tote, May 5^th – 8^th

This limited edition Slim Tote is available to purchase for just $38 (reg. $49) beginning May 5^t.  Specially designed and available only through this special offer, the Slim Tote lives up  to its name.  Lays flat against the body and sits easily on the shoulder with its long handles.  But hurry – quantities are limited!  Available in English Meadow only.

Free Gift with Purchase*, while supplies last

Make a $65 or more Vera Bradley purchase and receive a free gift!  Choose from limited edition Tape Measures, Mini Kisslock coin purses, and Listen Up cases for iPods and earphones– hurry in, while supplies last – quantities are limited!

*One (1) free gift with purchase per customer, per  transaction per day please.  Not valid on previous purchases.  In-stock colors only – while supplies last.

Vera Bradley debuted her Summer colors & styles today, and we’re hooked!  We love the va-va-voom feel of Viva la Vera, the serenity of Watercolor, the freedom of English Meadow and the impactful Deco Daisy – and so we wondered,

“What could make today’s debut even better?”

Not one, promotional offer, but TWO!  Vera Bradley stepped it up a notch with the Summer launch, offering TWO fabulous (& we do mean fabulous!) limited-time-only offers:

So swing by our Vaughn Road store location to pick out (obsess over) the latest edition to YOUR Vera Bradley collection…we promise, we’re just as addicted to Vera Bradley as you are!

  But let’s just keep that between us.

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Hot! Hot! Hot!  Meet Vera Bradley’s newest Summer colors & styles that debut this Thursday, March 24th!

Watch Vera Bradley’s own ‘Liz on Location’ in New Orleans as she introduces you to the ‘it’ colors of Summer 2011!

Viva la Vera :  With this festive swirl of bold flowers, you can’t help catching the summer spirit!  Exaggerated motifs in hot pink and purple, sunny yellow and bright green float on a background of white sprinkled with confetti leaves.  A sweet trellis lining adds to the party.

Deco Daisy:  What’s black, white & red all over?  This deliriously fun daisy design!  Simply striking, it combines both Asian and art deco influences into a bold, lively arrangement that’s a delight to carry through summer, fall, winter and spring.  Inside, a statement making, classic houndstooth pattern.

Watercolor:  As sweet and romantic as a watercolor, this ultra-feminine design depicts soft floral bouquets in two very trend-forward shades – purple (here in its lilac and pink-lavender forms) and pale grey.  A simple, modern lining also echoes hand-painted style.

English Meadow:  Picture a field of summer wildflowers in a quaint English meadow.  Now, cary it with you!  Inspired by vintage prints and the current mircro-floral trend, this countryside-fresh bouquet of periwinkles, greens and yellows feels bright as a sunny day against the white background.  Inside, a tiny millefleurs (“thousand flowers”) garden blooms.

Enter to WIN some sweet Vera swag when you tell us your favorite new color on Facebook or Twitter by 9pm CST Wednesday March 23rd!  We’ll announce the winners on Thursday, March 24th – the day the Summer colors & styles debut at our Vaughn Rd store location! 

Tune in to Facebook & Twitter to find out if you’re the lucky winner!!

Protect your skin by wearing a daily SPF of 15 or greater – many cosmetic brands now include SPF 15, 20 or even 30 in their products.  Sunglasses are great shields for the sun’s rays too – just make sure that those shades of yours are up to snuff and are as effective in protecting your peepers as they are in making them look stylish!  Donning a hat is the ultimate way to protect your scalp, face and eyes from damaging effects too.

Check out Vera Bradley’s new collection of sunglasses – all of which offer 100%  UVA ( aging) and UVB (burning) protection! 

Check out some other great sun-savers:

NEW! Sunglasses in Kristen by Vera Bradley

Blue embroidered tunics by Mud Pie offer great sun protection too!

Umbrellas aren't just for rain anymore - be chic in the shade with a Vera Bradley Umbrella (shown in Lemon Parfait)

Valentine’s Day may only be one week from today (Monday Feb. 14th) but we know how it is to save gift-buying until the last minute…it’s never what you intended to do but somehow it always happens.  We figured we could take the guesswork out of it and highlight some great gift ideas for Valentine’s Day (or any occasion!) every day this week – thus saving you the last minute rush.   Let’s face it, no one really wants another box of chocolates this year, right?

Monday’s Gift Pick:  Vera Bradley’s All Wrapped Up

Vera Bradley's All Wrapped Up jewelry organizer

The perfect little jewelry organizer is here…and definitely worth dropping hints for!  Four zip compartments roll up and fold together to create a final gift-box presentation that’s all ready to go! 

Just $18 (reg. $28) now through February 14th – or while supplies last!

Available in Blue Lagoon, Boysenberry, Folkloric & Lemon Parfait