You can take the girl out of the mountains, but even after many years go by, those mountains may just pull her back. Such is the case with Brooke Tastinger Smith, owner of the new boutique in Franklin, NC, Anna Bedell's. After graduating from high school, Brooke traveled the country. She attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia as well as SCAD. A decade later, she returned to her mountains, and her family, and earned a degree in interior design from WCU.  

 

 

Anna Tastinger, Brooke's grandma {on the back of the motorcycle in the image on the left}, was a German immigrant. She left her family at 16 and never saw them again. Brooke says she has never met a stonger lady and she loved listening to her grandma's stories in her thick german accent. 

Her great grandma Bedell Raby {sitting in the field} was the wife of a farmer, tended her own garden, mothered 12 children, and was the most humble, funny woman Brooke ever knew. I love that images of these important women hang high above the store, their namesake, feeling what I can only imagine is an incredible sense of pride.  

   

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 After Anna passed away a few years ago, Brooke found therapy in sorting through her beloved Grandma's photos and postcards and printing them on fabrics and canvas. She felt compelled to open her store, in the honor of these wonderful ladies, and their beautiful images are found throughout the store. 

 

 

 

 

The store is filled with a fantastic selection of clothing, shoes, beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry from local artists, kids clothes, gifts, stationary and books, pillows, purses, photographs, and local artwork.  

 

 

  

 

 

 

A friend from her days at WCU, photographer and artist Ian Michael Ward, showcases his talents throughout the boutique. I was so drawn to his large photo of a local Sylva gas station with the Scott's Creek Church steeple peeking in-between the pumps. Ian states, 'I create work that integrates both photography and sculpture. I am mainly interested in the dynamic between audience and author by objectifying emotions and investigating the duality that results. My latest work is a direct response to the rapid expansion of community and characteristics that make up its foundation. By removing the content and reframing it, I am able to represent a new idea of community.' Now I may have a totally different vision from Ian, {the beauty of art, right?!!} but my take away from his image is: the church is what refuels me. I love it!    

 

 

Just this week, Ian was high above the boutique floor, mounting an art installation that connects images of Anna and Bedell encased in a colorful honeycomb. How perfect that the honeycomb definiton includes: to penetrate thoroughly and into every part. What better shape to frame those people who influence us the most.     

 

 

 

Tucked beneath the stairs is a fun childrens escape. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perhaps my favorite part of the store -- the dressing room!  It's dark and reflective and wonderfully moody.

 

  

 

 

 

And speaking of gorgeous, Brooke says that she has so many exciting things planned for the future --details to come! As for the Spring, the new collection consists of 15 new lines of clothing, vintage clothing, more shoes, as well as sweet little girls dresses. And, as always, she will continue to fully support and showcase local artists, promote local talent, and bring in as much community involvement as possible.

 

 

Check her out on facebook or visit in person at 24 East Main Street in downtown Franklin. 

 

 

Do you remember the fantastic home of Charlotte Interior designer, Barrie Benson and her architect husband, Matt? i love it today as much as when I first saw it in Domino years ago. Barrie loves color and she uses it everywhere--on the walls, upholstery and large oversized artwork. It feels like my yard right now--just bursting with color! Not only is her house fantastic, but take a look at some of my favorites from her portfolio.       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Barrie has also designed some beautiful commercial projects which are just as incredible and youthful and full of saturated happiness. Poole Boutique in Charlotte is gorgeous is one of Barrie's projects and it is one of those boutiques where upon entering, I would gasp a little and wouldn't be able to look at the goods until I did complete 360's many, many times.          

 

 

 

 

To see more of Barrie's portfolio, click here.  

{all images via Barrie Benson}

Maybe it's all the snow we've had or all the gray slush we are still left with, but I sure have had
  a hankering for some spring lately. And lucky me, I discovered {online unfortunately, not in person}
 this little jewel of a store. 




 
Cheryl Maeder Antonio is the artist behind this store of pure eye candy in West Palm Beach.
She finds fabulous vintage outdoor furniture, accessories and lighting and then gives them
her special touch which includes vibrant paints and punchy outdoor fabrics.
 
So, if you are like me and are craving a little sunshine on this humpday -- enjoy browsing my current faves:

 
 


                  

                                             

Need to see more? Visit gardenhouse here. 

{This is not a paid endorsement, just like to share my pretty finds!}

This was our destination mentioned about in last weeks post. This was my first trip to this little beauty. But, considering it is only 15 minutes from my house, it certainly won't be my last!



Not to mention that Humanities sells the cutest clothing, shoes and even home furnishings.



 Just like the chalkboard states, Humanities is a believer in 'giving back' both locally and globally. We missed getting to meet the owner Erin, but found out her heart was touched when she visited Africa several years ago on a mission trip where she got to witness, first hand, the devastation of AIDS and the orphans the disease has left behind. After working many years in Atlanta, Erin and her husband decided to come back to her home town and open Humanities. This would allow her the opportunity to give a percentage of her sales to two organizations that are so important to them--New Century Scholars and Heart for Africa. Not to mention what she was also giving to Bryson City--a {very needed} lovely, unique place to shop!  



We did get to spend time with Liz-- the artist extraordinaire who is the art director for the boutique. 
Everywhere you look, you get to admire her talents. But, her efforts are actually a team effort,
she is quick to add, with help from her husband. It's hard to believe that this
 pint size beauty is full of so much creativity.  



Aren't these paper mache trees great? What a fun way to display the jewelry
 {'team Liz' made em-of course}  

 



Erin used shutters, old barnwood and doors to construct her fixtures.



And her Grandma's reupholstered sofa makes the perfect place to try on the boots!



They have a pair of these tufted linen chairs-they are such a great size.
Can't you see these flanking a rustic dining table?



Super cute idea!





 


The great front windows consisted of fluttering tissue paper leaves {team Liz}



let's just add this idea to our huge list of 'why we love chalkboard paint'



They have fabulous chunky jewelry which I am all about. Not to mention, great jewelry prices--
the reason that these little lovelies came home with me!
The guy in the middle already made it's debut at the Balsam Mountain Barn Party this weekend!


{Ruby Peoples Photography}

And did I mention that Liz also models for the store?! Is she not the cutest?
She has a new blog that shares even more of her talents. You can check it out here.

I hope to meet Erin on my next trip. I know this store is going to be a huge success!