Life + Style

This season we are in love with the show some shoulder trend! This post highlights the adorable cold shoulder look. We rounded up some of our top favorite shoulder exposing styles that are online now...well....that is until they sell out!

We love a vibrant print like this floral skull cold shoulder tunic ($50). Wear with destroyed denim or leggings and boots. 

You can't go wrong with a simple white cold shoulder peasant blouse featuring bell sleeves ($54). This vintage inspired top is perfect for work or date night. Just add a statement necklace for a pop of color!

When you want to be comfy and cozy, curl up in our favorite cold shoulder sweater with side zipper detail ($49). Available in black and mocha. This sweater is great for a night by a bonfire or watching your favorite football team win. 

All of us at Eccentrics Boutique are honored to work for the best boss in the world...Lauren Craig! She's absolutely beautiful inside and out. And we wanted to share all the reasons why we love working for her. So here's all the reasons why we are thankful Lauren is our boss...

"Lauren is one of the strongest, most beautiful, and most incredible people I've ever met. Her desire for her business to thrive is so admirable, and her respect and care for her employees is so obvious and genuine, that anybody around can't help but notice it. I could never ask for a better person to work for. She has taught me so much, and I have become not only a better employee, but a better person because of her. I have grown to love her and her family, and I can't wait to see the many opportunities to come." - Abby

"Lauren is not only a woman of beautiful style, hair, and lipstick, but is a woman of the most beautiful heart. She cares for those around her with a selflessness and kindness that exceeds most. Her strength shines in the face of difficulty. You can rarely find her without a smile and a word of encouragement. She is also incredibly generous, with hands always willing to give to others. This is what makes her a not only a great boss, but also a truly great friend. Love you so much and am so thankful for you, Lauren!" - Jordan

"I haven't been working for Lauren long but I have never met a woman like her. I already feel like I am a part of the family she has created at Eccentrics. Lauren is never seen without a huge smile and "how are ya?" She is, without a doubt, one of the strongest and most beautiful people that I have met and I'm so blessed to call her my friend as well as my boss. The way she cares about each and every customer that walks through our doors is truly heartwarming. To know that I work at a place that Lauren has put her heart and soul into makes me so proud of her and the store. I have so much love for her giving heart. I can't wait to see how our relationship grows and I'm forever thankful that God placed us in each other's lives. I'm so blessed to know her. Love you, Lauren!" - Molly

"I started to get to know Lauren through our church community group about a year or so ago, and unexpectedly this past Spring, a job opportunity arose for me to work at her store. I was skeptical at first, being a stay at home mom for the past seven years, thinking that there is no way I'm going to find a job that is flexible enough for our family dynamic. I was wrong. Lauren has gone above and beyond to allow my job to be flexible for my schedule with my family. I'm so blessed that I get to be a full time mom but also work at a beautiful store with truly beautiful people. Before I took the job, I heard nothing but positive things about Lauren as a person and as a boss. She has met and far exceeded those words said about her. When I think of Lauren, some of the first words that come to mind are Strong, Beautiful, Kind, Fun, Energetic, Positive, and Compassionate. She treats everyone with respect and kindness. She doesn't show favoritism. As a boss, she is encouraging and not critical. She makes you feel at ease instead of on edge. She cares about her employees and her customers. She is a great business woman and I'm so glad I get to be a part of the Eccentrics family. I'm very thankful to have Lauren in my life. She is my boss but she is also my friend." - Alisha

"Over three years ago, Lauren hired me and gave me the opportunity to have my dream job. Every hour that I spend at Eccentrics Boutique is the highlight of my day. Lauren has built an incredible business from her own vision of making women feel confident. I have watched her inspire others to be their own kind of beautiful that goes beyond clothing and accessories. Lauren has a natural ability to create a family and lifelong friends out of customers and employees. She always has a smile on her face and a kind word to say. I'm proud to be a part of Eccentrics Boutique. Lauren is an inspiration and I am blessed to call her my boss, my friend, and my family. Happy Boss's Day, Lauren!" - Britni

"There is this gorgeous lady, that has a precious spirit, a heart of gold and wears bright pink lipstick. She is strong, she loves Jesus, her family and friends. God gave her a dream and she has worked hard to fulfill it. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote "Things are pretty, graceful, rich, elegant, handsome, but until they speak to the imagination, not yet beautiful." I am so glad she is caring, creative and had the imagination to make Eccentrics the store it is. People are naturally drawn to friendly people and she makes everyone that enters the boutique feel like they are special. Her contagious smile puts everyone at ease and she genuinely cares enough to help our customers find the perfect outfit. She cares about our community and is thankful for her blessings, so in return she gives back. Hebrews 13:16 "Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifice God is pleased." What an excellent way to show people your appreciation. I am so blessed to call this amazing lady my friend and my boss. She cares about us and our families. Working at Eccentrics is beyond fun and very exciting. The Eccentrics Team are a tight knit group of ladies at different stages in life, with the same heart following a leader that exhibits grace and beauty and together we want all women to know they are beautiful. "It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it." - Voltaire. I have heard so many people comment on the blessings they receive just by walking into the store. Her precious spirit and caring personality bless people. This lady that is such a blessing in so many lives is Lauren Craig." - Terra

Happy Boss's Day, Lauren! We love you!

XO,
Your Eccentrics Girls
SaveS

College football season is underway and we wanted to style some of our favorite tailgating outfit ideas. Since most of us are Salukis (or plan to be Salukis) at Eccentrics, we wanted another SIU alum to show off her Saluki pride! Alicia Hill is a 2010 graduate who played volleyball for the university. Now she's married to the new SIU football head coach, Nick Hill, (who she met at the Rec Center as a student) and knows all about fashion and football.

The first outfit is super comfy with a maroon open cardigan layered over our favorite "Sundays are for Jesus and Football" tee. Short black fringe booties complete the look.

Get the outfit: Women's Autumn Cardigan $57 // Sundays Jesus Football Tee $25

Show your girly side with our favorite striped floral football helmet tunic. It is a medium length and can be worn as a dress or top (depending on your height). Wear with our favorite destroyed denim and cute sandals. Then go cheer for the Salukis!

Get the outfit: Women's Striped Football Dress $79 // Blank NYC Pipe Denim $88

On a chilly evening, we recommend layering a simple long sleeve tee with a puffy vest. Alicia is wearing our herringbone print vest, destroyed denim and statement necklace.

Get the outfit: Herringbone Vest $52 // White Pocket Tee $27 // Blank NYC Pipe Denim $88 // Judith March Football Mama Baseball Cap $38

This weekend, SIU Saluki Football plays South Dakota State at Saluki Stadium. Did you get tickets?? Let's cheer on our Salukis at the home game!

I am so excited to introduce the sweetest, most beautiful baby in the whole world! Well I might be just slightly biased....but I'm sure you will agree. Baby Elle brightens my day and the best part is....she sleeps through the night! Since she's such a good little sleeper, I wanted to give you all a nursery tour!

When I first found out I was having a little girl, I was already planning my vision of the perfect nursery. At first I was all over the place with no clear direction. But I knew it had to be elegant. First, I picked the floral letters for her name and everything else fell into place from there. To keep with the feminine design, I selected various shades of pink, metallic goal accents and floral details. 

My favorite part of Baby Elle's nursery is the floral letters spelling out her name above the crib. They are unique and give her room character. I also love the custom painted window design by my friend, Jordan Sparks with Lily Design Company. My sister surprised me with custom made shoes featuring the Eccentrics Boutique logo plus an adorable shirt giving Elle her own name definition. All of these special and one-of-a-kind touches really make the nursery truly about Elle.

 Whenever I enter Baby Elle's nursery, I feel calm and peaceful. Maybe it's the horizontal soft pink stripes or the floral details reminding me of a secret garden. Her room is quickly becoming my favorite one in the house. 

This room will grow with my sweet daughter. It will always be changing and I can't wait to add a dollhouse, tea set, and kitchen play set. I hope she has many happy memories that she will cherish as she grows up. Until then, I'm still on the hunt for the perfect pieces for her nursery.

If any of you are expecting a little girl, I hope I can give you a little bit of inspiration for the nursery. Decorating is my favorite past time and it's fun to put some focus on my home! When you have a beautiful environment, it can change the way you feel when you are at home.

XO,
Lauren

Get Lauren's top here: Wildfox Pink Lurex

Schools keep making dress codes stricter for the girls. So we decided to put together six trendy outfits that didn't break any of the rules! Mollie (sophomore at HHS) stopped by and modeled her favorites.

This first outfit is not only cute, it's comfortable! So throw your hair up in a messy bun, wrap that choker a few times and wear our charcoal t-shirt dress with a pocket. Give this style some attitude with our black Dolce Vita Saylor booties and Quay Sundance aviator sunglasses.

Get the look: A Line Basic T-Shirt Dress Charcoal $38 // Dolce Vita Saylor booties $160 // Quay Sundance Aviator Sunglasses $50 // Choker Necklace $22

 Fall is the best time to layer up faux leather jackets with destroyed denim. Soften the style with a pretty pleated top. As much as we love destroyed denim, some schools does not allow holes above the knee. So these cute jeans follow the rules with a rebel vibe.

Get the look: Navy Faux Leather Jacket $78 // Pleated Lace Sleeveless Top Black $85 // Dolce Vita Paris Sandals $130

If you're going to school, you gotta cover those shoulders! This season's hottest item is off the shoulder tops and dresses. But don't worry...they still look cute worn up. And you can shimmy them back down as soon as you leave the building. 

Get the look: Cocoa Off the Shoulder Bell Sleeve $37.50 // Dolce Vita NOA backless bootie $145

Fall is here and chilly days are sneaking up on us. So stay covered in our cute wrap fringe sweater. Button it up or leave it open. Cuff your favorite dark denim with statement heels.

Get the look: Asymmetrical Cardigan $45 // High Waist Skinny Jeans $39 // Dolce Vita Amina Bootie Heel $190

Look fancy and flawless in our blush dress with neckline and sleeve lace detail. Allow some skin to show through the delicate lace while still meeting coverage requirements.  Wear with our favorite backless Dolce Vita NOA booties.

Get the look: Lace Contrast Halter Neck Slip On Dress Blush $49 // Dolce Vita NOA backless bootie $145

The ladies can go sleeveless as long as the straps are palm wide. Luckily, this sweater turtleneck sweater dress meets those restrictions. Complete the look with a long stone necklace. And if your school is serious about not showing shoulders, this is a great foundation dress for any jacket or blazer.

Get the look: Sweater Knit Sleeveless Dress Turtleneck Cream $75 //  Dolce Vita Amina Bootie Heel $190

We know there are limitations in your fashion at school but you can still get an A+ while making the hallway your runway. So hit the books, make great grades and we'll see you soon!

This month, we were so excited to give back to our community! So for September's Give Back Beautiful, we sponsored the Carterville Chamber of Commerce Free Fair and Twilight 5K Run Walk. Carterville is a close knit community that keeps growing! The best way to see everyone from the town is the walk in the parade! So we put on our pink tops, pink lipstick and walking shoes. Here are some of our favorite images from the day!

Not only did we see new faces...we saw some familiar ones as well! Jordan Sparks of Lily Design Company brought her family out to catch candy and Mandy Rose with House of Rose brought her beautiful daughter to her first parade!

We are so proud to be a part of this great community! Come see us and all the new businesses popping up in Carterville, Illinois.

Hello, ladies! It's time to give back beautiful! We are doing a food drive for a local non-profit called Gum Drop Kids. So many kids go hungry after school hours. Gum Drop Kids provides local children with food so they do not go hungry when at home. Children with an empty stomach have a harder time focusing and succeeding in the school environment. We want to make sure every child has an opportunity for success in our communities!

Gum Drop Kids has provided 44,100 meals during the 2014-2015 school year in Southern Illinois. Today they deliver over 1,400+ packages weekly. They are in 12 different school districts and 36 schools throughout Southern Illinois.

Bring in a small bag of donated snacks to Eccentrics Boutique and we will give you 15% OFF your entire purchase* including sale items. Help us make this campaign a huge success!

List of Needed Items: Chef Boyardee, Fruit Cups, Ramen Noodles, Pudding Packs, Oatmeal, Cheese and Crackers, Applesauce Cups, Easy Mac Bowls, Popcorn

Find out more on their website.

*Excludes Kendra Scott jewelry. In-store only. Must bake a donation of a small bag from list of needed items.

Get your sparklers out, ladies! It's the 4th of July and our favorite time to chill with family and friends. Whether you are grilling on your back patio or catching the rays on the lake, we have some favorite red, white and blue styles for you!

Our first outfit features our favorite new Stars & Stripes tee with arm stripes! This loose fitting, casual tee looks perfect with boyfriend denim and sandals. It just might end up being the most comfortable tee you've ever worn!

What's more American than drinking a can of Coca Cola? Well....YOU drinking a can of cold Coca Cola! Throw in a patriotic stars straw and be selfie ready in our blue jersey knit tie top! Wear some cut offs and cute wedges! And definitely add a white Kendra Scott necklace.

Get patriotic in our red baseball tee and boyfriend denim. This is the cutest top for anyone wanting a subtle patriotic style. Paint your nails a pretty blue and wave the American flag high and proud!

We hope you enjoy your holiday weekend celebrating our freedoms!

Women's fashion in your fifties and over can be more exciting than you think! At Eccentrics Boutique, we are proud to offer styles that flatter every age. We love helping women from all stages of life to find that perfect outfit. Sometimes you have to be willing to try something new or a style you never considered before. But we can guarantee you there will be something that makes you feel fabulous in your fifties! So to prove it, we had our loyal customer, Cheryl, come in to pick out her top 5 favorite outfit ideas for women her age.

For her first outfit, Cheryl wanted a laid back summer style. So she paired our simple taupe side slit tank top ($28), women's jeans with braided belt loops ($54) and statement Quay sunglasses ($50).

Layer up for a flattering outfit no matter your shape! Cheryl paired our precious Thank You Jesus graphic tee ($32) under our women's tribal printed kimono ($47) with women's jeans with braided belt loops ($54).

Being trendy does not have an expiration date. We especially love how Cheryl paired our solid sage basic tunic ($33) with our distressed jeggings ($39). These funky jeggings can spice up any outfit!

Wearing a flattering dress can put an instant smile on any woman's face. We love this asymmetrical hemline dress ($44) that Cheryl is wearing below. Wear with a long necklace and cute wedges for your summer date night. 

When the days get hot, you want to stay cool with a cute tank top with an open back. Cheryl paired our favorite black and white striped knot back tank top ($46) with our distressed jeggings ($39) and favorite Quay sunglasses.

So if you're fabulous and fifty, come see us at Eccentrics Boutique. We'll help you find the perfect outfit for any occasion!

XO,
The Eccentrics Team

In honor of Tender Mercies Foundation of Southern Illinois, we released balloons in memory of those who are gone but not forgotten. On Tuesday, May 31st, 20% of all sales benefits TMFSI.

TMFSI offers memory items, burial guidance, grief counseling, education, one-on-one support, confidentiality and annual remembrance events. TMFSI is also in the process of establishing a Tender Garden. The Tender Garden will be a resting place for children and babies in our area. It is more likely that parents will be faced with the decision on where they might bury their child only moments before or after their passing than it is that they have a plan in place for such occasions.  Some have family plots that are available to them and some have not even had the discussion for themselves, let alone their children.  There are visitors to our area that do not plan to stay.  There are those that simply cannot afford to purchase a forever place their child.

Contact them if you or someone you know needs their services: (618) 521-7463

XO,
Lauren Craig

School is out. Graduations are done. Careers are started. Families are growing. It doesn't matter which of these statements relate most to you...sometimes you just want to escape reality and look pretty in the process.

Rose High Neck Dress $45 // Anna Ruffle Top $54 // Muse Rige Garage Shorts $89

When the days are sunny, throw on a light and airy dress with delicate cutout details. our Rose High Neck Dress is soft and flowy. It has a flattering fit with a feminine style. With the earthy tone. embrace your inner boho goddess with wavy locks and neutral makeup.

Rose High Neck Dress $45

Get some sun on those legs while wearing a cute pair of our Muse Rige Garage Shorts. Wear a breezy off the shoulder light tie dye crop top with crochet trim details. This lets you stay covered while showing a little skin.

Anna Ruffle Top $54 // Muse Rige Garage Shorts $89

Forget the worries of your jobs, studies and other responsibilities. Just play some reggae tunes while soaking up the sun in a secluded spot with your best friends!

Special thanks to our photo shoot contributors:
Lindsay Stockhecke of Deliciously Ordinary created our stunning bohemian summer scene. She is also a wedding stylist and a genius at what she does!

Katie Lirely of Fringe Salon turned our models into boho babes. She is a master of all things beauty!

Huge thank you to our stunning models: Anna Clare Crews and Karsen Burgrabe!

Shop the look:
Rose High Neck Dress $45 // Anna Ruffle Top $54 // Muse Rige Garage Shorts $89

Tender Mercies Foundation of Southern Illinois is a non-profit charitable organization to benefit those affected by pregnancy, infant and child loss. TMFSI offers memory items, burial guidance, grief counseling, education, one-on-one support, confidentiality and annual remembrance events. TMFSI is also in the process of establishing a Tender Garden. The Tender Garden will be a resting place for children and babies in our area. It is more likely that parents will be faced with the decision on where they might bury their child only moments before or after their passing than it is that they have a plan in place for such occasions.  Some have family plots that are available to them and some have not even had the discussion for themselves, let alone their children.  There are visitors to our area that do not plan to stay.  There are those that simply cannot afford to purchase a forever place their child.

Stop by Eccentrics Boutique to leave a donation and write a message in memory to honor a life that had so little time. Messages will be attached to balloons released on
Memorial Weekend: Saturday, May 28th. Lauren will match all donations received during May.

Cash & check donations only.

TMFSI provides mothers with memory items so they do not leave the hospital empty handed. Here are items they provide...

Memory Box:  A custom handmade memory box that each of the mothers and families are able to hold onto through time.  It is their choice on what to include in these boxes but often times you will find birth information, gifted items and pictures.  This is a box that each family is able to personalize to their experience.

Lullaby Gowns: Often times these babies are a pound, or less, and are barely the length of an adult hand.  Following the lead of others, TMFSI plans to turn donated wedding gowns into lullaby gowns for the newly born.

Edwin the Elephant: Mothers will receive Edwin with a TMFSI contact card so they do not leave empty handed. Mothers are encouraged to hold onto Edwin until they are ready to let go. TMFSI will have the baby’s name and birth information embroidered on the ears.

Impression Kits: No matter how big or small, having an impression of your child’s hand or foot when born is something always cherished. TMFSI hopes to help supply the hospital(s) with special kits, made especially for such tender skin, so that such a gift can be available.

Tiny Flower Pot: To recognize loss by miscarriage, TMFSI wants to provide mothers with a tiny flower pot containing an elephant shaped seed. This will bloom in memory.

Pin for Nurses: Nurses are on the front lines with patients during pregnancy and child loss. TMFSI wants to recognize nurses experiencing their own feelings of loss.

The elephant has become the symbol of Tender Mercies Foundation. The elephant is the only known mammal that actually grieve for their loss. When an elephant is pregnant, other elephants will circle the mother to offer support like a doula.

Help us help Tender Mercies Foundation of Southern Illinois. Each donation will make a difference for a very important foundation in our communities.

XO,
The Eccentrics Team