Life + Style

We had our head in the clouds about fall fashion while flying to Vegas last week! This was my first trip to Vegas and I couldn't wait to find the very best styles the fashion industry had to offer! Here's a glimpse of our 4 days in the city that never sleeps! We got to explore the first night and see the sights! I wore my favorite while t-shirt dress knotted with fringe flats. Wear as a dress alone or with leggings! You really can't have too much fringe this season!

The highlight of our trip was hearing Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere speak! Plus we are excited to announce that Eccentrics Boutique will be the exclusive carrier of her line in our area! So start counting down until next spring...you're going to go nuts!! She has great taste that was made for Eccentrics Boutique!

It was a whirlwind and 4 days never went by so fast! We were sad to say goodbye to Vegas....but excited to get back home and get the store ready for fall! New styles are already arriving and we can't wait to make you the most fashionable woman in your town! So stop by and say hello!

XO,

Lauren

We can't be all work and no play! It was time for an Eccentrics Team girls night...minus a few ladies! The best boss in the world gave us tickets to enjoy Josh Turner at Walker's Bluff Legend's Amphitheater last night. We were so sad Lauren couldn't join us! Eccentrics Boutique sponsored Walker's Bluff featuring Josh Turner...so if you were there, you got to see our promo video play several times! We had so much fun catching up and spending time with our plus ones. Walker's Bluff is the perfect place in Southern Illinois to enjoy a great food and your favorite musician. We look forward to attending more of their events in the future! View images from the concert below!

You can't be singing the blues when you're wearing Mink Pink's gorgeous soft suede-like kimono! We're especially swooning over the delicate laser cutout and scallop trim! Taylor wants to show how to take this one beautiful overlay and give it two different vibes.

In the first outfit, Taylor has a laid-back summer approach. Mix textures like distressed denim and delicate crochet. Throw on some hard metal jewelry and colorful beaded bracelets. Don't forget some tall wedge sandals to add some height!

Mink Pink Lackawanna Blues Kimono $86 // Tank Top $43 // Shorts $37 // Roxy Rabb Necklace $33 // Brown Bracelet $22.95 // Tan/Cream Bracelet $26.95 // Wedge Sandals $37

After wearing your favorite new Mink Pink Lackawanna Blues Kimono during the day, get ready for date night! Taylor makes this soft overlay super sexy by layering on top of a basic black tank slip dress. Tie in the earthy tones with a statement necklace and layer stone jewelry. Add strappy flat sandals and get ready for dinner with the significant other!

Mink Pink Lackawanna Blues Kimono $86 // Tank Dress $25 // Roxy Rabb Necklace $75 // Mason Strap Sandals $29 // Black Bracelet $32 // Gold Rock Bracelet $30

Which style would you wear?

Stay Stylish!!

Sometimes you need a cute little flirty lace dress. This Free People Lace Dress fits the bill perfectly! It's so lightweight and delicately displays your figure. Taylor wanted to give this beautiful dress two different styles.

In the first look, Taylor let the dress take center stage. She enhanced it with simple accessories and feminine heels. This looks is perfect for a flirty date night with the plus one.

Free People Flocked Velvet Lace Dress $98 // Good Fortune Heels $110 // Ring $17 // Bead Bracelet $18

 It's fun to dress up....but sometimes you need a casual chic style. So take that favorite girly dress and throw on a distressed chambray top. Add some cute ankle booties to complete the look.

Free People Flocked Velvet Lace Dress $98 // Blank NYC Bleached Jean Shirt $78 //

 Which look is your favorite?

Stay Stylish!

We are so proud to be a part of the most adorable community in Southern Illinois....Carterville! And one of the best parts of summer in Carterville, Illinois, is the local farmer's market at Cannon Park. The Cannon Park Community Market brings together local farmers and artists all over Southern Illinois. So we dressed up in something pretty and decided to check it out!

Jordan stopped to smell the flowers at Chautauqua Bend Flower Farm's display. Their colorful bouquets immediately put a smile on her face. We had to buy one to brighten up the Eccentrics Team eating area!

Bandana Dress $65 // Black Lace Bralette

After checking out the flowers, Jordan visited Makai Jewelry's table featuring beautiful handmade Hawaiian jewelry. They also had the cutest baby moccasins!

Bandana Dress $65 // Black Lace Bralette

Next, Jordan hit up the fresh produce stands. Brumleve Farm in Cobden, Illinois, had some beautiful tomatoes and peaches! We might have bought a bag....or two.

Let's Go Get Lost Tank Top $37

Hubbard Farm's booth had some delicious jam and broccoli for purchase. We missed out on the fresh berries though. That will teach us to arrive at the farmer's market right when it opens!

Nothing says fresh from the farm like brown eggs! Big Muddy Hogs & Poultry had their brown eggs on display. They already sold out of fresh bacon before we got there but we won't let that happen again!

Checking In Dress $55

Jordan checked out the vegetable and herb plants at Naturae Via, LLC table. It would be nice to finally start our own produce garden! We fell in love with the owners of Schluter Produce in Cobden. We asked the sweet older couple if they had a website or Facebook page to link to....and they said no. So make you you visit the local farmer's markets to support their local farm! We scored some fresh kale that is delicious!

Checking In Dress $55

It was definitely a successful day! Thank you to all of the local farmers and artists who enrich our communities! And another huge thank you to the beautiful Brittney Dillon (pictured below) for letting us come out and do a mini photo shoot at Cannon Park Community Market! She does an amazing job organizing this wonderful addition to the Carterville community!

Do you have a favorite farm or farmer's market? Tell us in the comments below!

Stay Stylish!!

For a successful style, you need to start with the basics. This week, Taylor took a simple black tank top with back buttons and created two different outfits. And let us add...this tank is only $29!! For the first look, Taylor made the perfect ensemble for a day shopping with friends. Wear the black tank with your favorite destroyed rolled cuff denim, metallic strappy sandals and oversized handbag. But make sure that handbag has fringe!! Have you noticed are are loving the fringe trend?? A simple style needs layers of metallic jewelry for an edgy addition.

Black Tank Top with Back Buttons $29 // Blank NYC Denim Capri $88 // Dixin Gold Leather Sandals $80 // Fringe Handbag $140 // Bangles $8 // Giving Keys Inspire Necklace $55 // Black Bracelet $11

 In the second look, Taylor took our affordable black tank top and created a date night look with a girly touch! Tuck the tank top into our Aztec skirt for an hourglass shape. Add a statement necklace and lace up gladiator heels for the finishing touch!

Black Tank Top with Back Buttons $29 // Aztec Skirt $55 // Princess Gladiator Lace Up Heels $49 // Ring $17 // Bracelet $33

So what mood are you in: Casual Shopping Day or Girly Date Night?

Stay Stylish!

If you love the BCBGeneration brand as much as we do....check out this stunning BCBGeneration white woven jumper. Not only is the skirt front detail gorgeous...it has a beautiful open back! Taylor decided to give it two different styles just by adding accessories. So let's check out what Taylor put together....

The first outfit is accented with gold tones and our beautiful metallic ribbon floppy hat. Layering metal jewelry with our metallic reptile print sandals continues the metallic theme from head to toe.

BCBGeneration White Woven Jumper $148 // Ezra Metallic Reptile Print Sandals $51 // Metallic Ribbon Hat $41 // Bow Bangle Set $21 // Gold Stone Bangle $30 // Circle Nail Necklace $35 // Rings $15 // Solid Gold Bangle $17

Embrace the simplicity of the BCBGeneration White Woven Jumper and let one accessory take center stage. Taylor added a gorgeous cobalt blue clutch for a punch of color. Even the nude wedges stay in the background while looking incredible!

BCBGeneration White Woven Jumper $148 // Nude Nubuck Wedge $36 // Cobalt Clutch $55

So which of these approaches are your favorite? Would you let there be a pop of color or neutral metallic accents?

Stay Stylish!

It's our first Taylor Made Tuesday post since Taylor left us for Mizzou! We're so excited to bring this series back for the summer! We challenged Taylor to put together two different looks with two different basic bottoms: a mid-calf length grey skirt and black BCBGeneration black high-waisted shorts. So let's take a look at what Taylor created...

Taylor's first outfit is simple and stylish. The neutral tones work well together to create a laid back effortless look. The bow belt and "Oh Boy" oxford flats create a nice contrast of feminine and masculine elements.

Grey Pleated Skirt with Belt $44 // Plain Jersey Tank $19 // Oh Boy Oxford Shoes $45 // Stone Bracelet $34.95 // Brown Bead Bracelet $22.95

 Transform our grey pleated skirt into a boho chic outfit. Throw on our ivory lace crop top and wear fringe high heel sandals. We love this style for a day out with friends. And how cute is this LilyWhite Designs purse designed exclusively by our in-house designer??

Grey Pleated Skirt with Belt $44 // Ivory Lace Crop Top $38 // Fringe City Sandal $64 //Bead Bangle $32 // Stone Wrap Bangle $27 // Lily White Purse $40

 For another trendy look, Taylor dressed up our BCBGeneration black high-waisted shorts. The first look is a casual approach with our adorable "In Case of Emergency Save My Shoes" graphic tee and pops of red accessories!

BCBGeneration Black Shorts with Tie $68 // In Case of Emergency Graphic Tee $43 // Red "Quotes" Pointed Flats $45

For the second style, Taylor added our adorable new black polka dot blouse and high heels with scallop back design. Add a large BCBGeneration purse and head out the door.

BCBGeneration Black Shorts with Tie $68 // Polka Dot Blouse $43 // BCBGeneration Handbag $108 // Chinese Laundry Black Sea Breeze Heels $75

Which look is your favorite? Do you prefer a more dressed-up style or fun casual touch?

Stay Stylish!

We're so excited to mark one thing off our extensive "To-Do List": Create a promo video. (Check. Double check.)  Lucas Richter of Free Cake Film Co. drove a couple of hours to work with us. We had so much fun and cannot wait to see the final product!

There might or might not have been an interview that brought tears to my eyes....

And of course we had to end with a selfie! ;)

So stay tuned for the awesome video by Free Cake Film Co...you won't want to miss it!

(Psst...if you want my look, shop the cutest Blue Tribal Print Tunic...only $37!!)

Stay Stylish!

From the moment I found out I was expecting, I just knew I was having a boy! It was time for me to give up buying high heels and start buying diapers. I'm now a girly girl who is blessed to be raising a boy! Ledger is my sweet, happy and cute little two year old man. I adore how curious and carefree he is. To be honest, I didn't know anything about boy stuff before him. I grew up in a girl family and we just didn't tackle each other (haha)! Sports were never a part of my interests...I was more concerned about what I was going to wear to the games instead!

So, for any other girly girls, here is what I've learned while raising a boy:

1. Getting dirty is a requirement. Whether it's digging in the dirt or rolling around in the grass, I use better judgment on when I wear white clothing!
2. Wrestling is not just something on television. It's a real contact sport...and little boys have to get out all of their energy!
3. Stitches and ER visits are not my favorite....but have happened more times than I want to admit.
4. Bruises and scratches become a part of the landscape while he interacts with the world.
5. Water guns and games are more thrilling than I expected!
6. Wear running shoes. All. Day. Long.
7. Our second language is "Dinosaur." Rawr!!
8. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse "Hot Dog Dance" is a better workout than Zumba.
9. One short day can be full of more love than I ever expected.

As a boutique owner, I love how one part of my day is full of pretty dresses and stylish shoes....but then I get to end my day digging in the dirt searching for dinosaur fossils.

XO,

Lauren

Happy Mommy Tee $32 // Polka Dot Scarf // White Tank Top with Pom Poms // Hat

You don't have to cross the river to had a red hot Valentine's Day date! We have plenty of ahhhh-mazing local restaurants in Southern Illinois to satisfy any craving! We've compiled a list of our favorites for our local customers....and if you're not local, make a trip to the 618 area code. And stop by and buy something pretty while you're at it! ;) Read on for great foods and pretty pictures of the lovely Jordan and Jared!

15 Favorite Restaurants in Southern Illinois for Valentine's Day:

Global Gourmet - Carbondale, IL

Alongi's Italian Restaurant - Du Quoin, IL

Thai Taste - Carbondale, IL

Walker's Bluff - Carterville, IL

Mary's Restaurant - Herrin, IL

The Newell House - Carbondale, IL

Von Jakob Vineyard - Alto Pass, IL

Flame Grill & Bar - Carbondale, IL

Rare Chop House - Mt Vernon, IL

Yellow Moon Cafe - Cobden, IL

Seasoning Bistro - Benton, IL

Sao Asian Bistro - Marion, IL

Bella's - West Frankfort, IL

Tom's Place - De Soto, IL

Where is your favorite place to eat for Valentine's Day dinner?

Stay stylish!

How long has it been since you and your love just spent a whole day together? With work, school, parenting, and other outside demands, it can be difficult to be 100% focused. Trust us, we know! So try to carve out time this Valentine's Day just for you and your loved one. Whether you get to snuggle up in the morning, take stroll with coffee in your hometown, or reserve a table for a fancy dinner. Find a way to show your significant other that they are your #1.

Jordan is wearing our new high waisted denim. For a retro style, she tied our Michael Stars top at the waist and added a pop of color with a skinny belt. She took a plain blush pink top to the next level with a bold statement necklace.

Here are some of our favorite carefree daytime Valentine's Day date ideas:

Browse local thrift stores for a unique gift to surprise each other.

Grab coffee and light lunch at your favorite locally-owned cafe.

Take a stroll in your downtown to window shop.

Stop in a small business you've never visited before.

Take a selfie in a location that has personal meaning to your relationship.

Steal a kiss in a doorway.

Select your favorite dessert from a small bakery.

Go treasure hunting by hitting up some estate or yard sales.

Pick out some books and movies at the library.

Go to a student art show.

Check out local farmers markets.

Get crafty and do a project together.

Enjoy a local festival or wine/beer tastings.

Daydream about the future together.

Just enjoy each others company. Be silly and laugh together.

Our stylist, Jordan, is very excited to spend February 14th with her husband, Jared. Their favorite place for a light lunch is at Longbranch Cafe & Bakery in Carbondale, IL. Longbranch is a vegetarian and vegan cafe that prides itself in delicious handmade meals using locally grown and organic products. They support local farmers and strive to build community with staff and neighbors. That is definitely a business we can get behind at Eccentrics!

Special thanks to Longbranch Cafe & Bakery for letting us hang out and drink their delicious coffee!