For our first featured interview post, I'd like to introduce you all to Ginny Branch Stelling! She is a SCAD graduate, stylist, illustrator, fashion girl (she once worked at Marc Jacobs! hello dream job!) and blogger extraordinaire! Her style is not only unique but romantic and charming, and her blog is the dreamiest of them all. You can learn more about her by heading over to My Favorite Color is Shiny and also peruse her lovely posts at Design*Sponge. But first, let's get to know Ginny a bit more & hear about her time in Savannah!

First off, thank you so much for agreeing to answer these questions! I've been a huge fan of your blog and your work with Design*Sponge for a while! I understand that you graduated from the Savannah College of Art & Design in 2007. What are some of the things that loved about being in Savannah?

Thank you so much, that's such a lovely thing to say! I loved biking
around the city on my pink cruiser wearing vintage dresses! i loved
buying stacks of magazines at home run video and poring over them
while downing massive amounts of coffee at gallery espresso. i loved
biking through the park in the early spring(when it was still kind of
cold) and getting lime-ade's from the sentient bean. back in the day
bakery was one of my absolute favorite spots in the WORLD! i would
hang out with cheryl and eat copious amounts of vanilla/vanilla
cupcakes. i loved the architecture. the houses are so big and
beautiful and romantic. i lived in this one house on gordon st that
was a brick town house being swallowed in ivy. three floors, every
room had a fireplace mantle and every floor had at least one GIANT
walk-in closet. i could have lived in that house forever!!!

i also loved the people i met the most. i am getting teary-eyed just
thinking about all of them. some of the best people i have met in my
whole life.

Just by being around all of the beautiful architecture, mossy trees and quirky Savannah characters, it's hard to not feel motivated in this tiny city. What were your favorite spots to go to in the city during your downtime to inspire your creativity?

biking up and down jones st really made me feel happy and alive. i
also spent many hours falling in love with the store @ home (both
locations) and paris market (both locations). each store was chock
full of beautiful, sentimental objects that inspired many college
projects and truly shaped my aesthetic.

 Your blog really evokes this beautiful, feminine & romantic feeling that is truly enjoyable as a reader. What are some things in your life, past & present, that influence your current style?

thank you again! my style is influenced by so many things, i have a

lot of love for... 1920s workwear, 1920s flappery beaded things and

lingerie, victorian photographs, literature, undergarments,  and

interiors (and hairstyles), tomboyish style from the 60s, jeffrey

mcdaniel's poetry,  pablo neruda's poetry, little edie beale and grey

gardens, things that are dilapidated(beautiful decay), peeling paint,

chipped and broken pottery, clothing that is threadbare or shows signs

of mending/darning, the unusual(curiosities and oddities), maison

martin margiela, simone shubuck(artist), partners &

spade(designers/artists/retail owners)

i worship at the altar of

sibella court( my favorite stylist in the world), i also fancy mary

randolph carter and mark & sally bailey, RRL and ralph lauren's

vintage stock, southern hospitality, vintage scrapbooks and journals,

old ledgers, flower(fresh, dried, and pressed-all of the above),

mixing humble materials (burlap, muslin, canvas with like dirty,

grungy vintage sequins and beading), collections(any and all- i find

groupings of things fasinating, and the psychology behind it), maira

kalman(artist), cedric smith(painter), henry dragger(artist), collage

art. i'm also loving the trend(hate that word) of general

stores/mercantiles. in new york there are a lot of them, and i'm

obsessed with objects that are so authentic and purposeful and humble.

it balances my love for tacky, flashy things.

If you had to describe one constant thing about your style & overall outlook on design, what would it be?

as far as my styling or illustration work... i really like combining

nostalgia and the feeling of being in love OR i like juxtaposing

something seemingly sweet or childlike with something somewhat

sinister or uncomfortable(if i'm feeling bold-ha). i'm allowed to be

bolder when i blog or illustrate because it is more for my personal

enjoyment. if i'm working for a client, that is typically not the kind

of direction they want to go in (basically i try and keep it light and

lively for magazine work).

 Being from the New York area, I know how different it feels up north from how it feels down here in the south. What were some of the things that you loved about your time in New York City that differed from your time in Georgia?

honestly, i really, really miss the diversity. in every way new york is truly a melting pot of thoughts, religions, manners of dress, social statuses, neighborhoods, lifestyles... just about everything. i loved having so many different kinds of people living in one tiny island. i was constantly learning new things and trying new restaurants and discovering new places to shop and hang out. i miss the stimulation and creative energy of the people who lived there. georgia(especially atlanta, savannah, and athens) has a lot to offer creatively, it is just more spread out. new york was so accessible. you could be poor and still live a full life there(even though rent was just the pits).

If you weren't doing what you are doing right now, and had to go back to SCAD all over again for an entirely different degree, what would it be?

graphic design! i would go back today and get a MFA in it (if i had

the money). I'm naturally a very tactile, hand-crafted girl that I

would love to be trained in all things tech. Mixing the two

sensibilities is the jam! or i'd do something completely different like go to circus school.

seriously. i think that would be amazing and almost took some circus

classes at coney island!

 As a little girl, did you always have dreams of working in fashion or did the desire come later on?

since i was in the 6th grade i always, always wanted to be a fashion designer. now, less so, because i'm a pitiful seamstress and am lousy at the basics(pattern drafting and draping). also, my personality is not best suited to be a fashion designer. it's an extremely, extremely tough profession and is not for the faint of heart. i love styling because i think my skill set is better suited for the kind of job requirements. i love being able to create moods and stories (and shop for beautiful things). styling there is a narrative and i feel i get to enjoy the entire development process more. fashion design in new york is very fast-paced, demanding, and very, very business-y.

i need to be in a field where i can have more creative control and is less about meetings and numbers and sales. but that is just me, and i don't say that to sound cynical! a lot of my friends currently are at design houses in new york and are very successful at what they do!

 It's starting to get a little bit chilly here in Savannah. What are some of your favorite current trends right now for cold weather?

i love a 1960s camel coat( like ali macgraw's in love story), chunky

chunky fisherman sweaters, and if i was a little edgier i would

totally rock a leather pilot jacket with all the yummy shearling(

total amelia earhart style).

 Your personal style is so wonderful and eclectic, so I must ask..do you have any favorite Savannah thrifting spots or tips to scoring perfect second hand gems?

aww, that's awfully generous! i can't remember where i used to shop... one is this antique shop that is in an old gas station on bull st maybe? it's near jones st, i think. i also loved peddler jims, @ home, paris market, the goodwills and salvation armies, this vintage shop that used to be in starland gallery. and there was this other awesome vintage clothing store that closed (it was in a two floor townhouse that was by the sorrel weed house, i think). savannah has changed so much, i feel like i don't know any cool spots anymore!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions!  On behalf of Savannah Street Style, it's a pleasure to see your wonderful visions on your blog, representing SCAD so well & we look forward to seeing what you do next :]

thank  you so much! i'm sorry if i rambled... i talk a lot!

lovelane designs

if you're a fan of filling your life & home with kitschy & vintage inspired handmade items, then you're going to need to head over to Lovelane Designs for the perfect little pieces. Designer Lane Huerta has been in Savannah since 2006 and finds the city's quirkiness to be a huge inspiration for her creations. I can't wait to see more of her work. The dishtowels are so adorable that if I owned them, I would most likely forbid anyone to actually wipe their hands on them.

the heavenly macaron (& where to get one in savannah)

recently, macarons have been all over the place. they're about as glamorous and pretty as a quilted Chanel purse. Like the cupcake, the macaron has quickly become a trendy 'fashion' food that is as beautiful to look at as it is to taste. a dessert that was born in paris, the macaron has been easy to find in adorable little bakeries in most cities across the country (and even some small town bakeries) and are ready to order online but in Savannah? Why, yes. Even Savannah can offer you this petite delight.

The best macaron i've had in Savannah came from the absolutely gorgeous French eatery Papilotte on Broughton Street. The second you step foot into the place you are greeted with not only smiling faces (nicest employees there, i must say.) but with an intoxicating scent of French cuisine that will make you melt.

For a $1.85 each you can be the proud owner of, yes you guessed it, a macaron. With changing flavors every day, you must have a taste! On top of having delicious desserts, there are plenty of mouthwatering savory meals  to choose from (one of my personal favorites: their brioche bread). The best part of going in there is that you're bound to leave with something, and there is no pressure to sit right there to eat it. You can take out, in fact it seems encouraged which is a breathe of fresh air since Papilotte's menu is a unique and fancy arrangement of dishes. But do not even worry because the menu may exude a somewhat intimidating French foodie sensibility but there is nothing stuffy or intimidating about this place. It is just as comfortable as it is pretty. 

photo credit here & here

back to school weekend

it's the first weekend back for many SCAD kids returning from winter break. there are a lot of fun things going on, so keep your eyes and ears open! Two of the bars mentioned in the previous post, Hangfire & the Jinx, have some especially exciting things planned over the weekend.

First up is Friday night at Hangfire is a "COUSIN DAN/CE Party". Promising disco balls, lazer lights and plenty of 'eargasm' worthy music, it should be something to absolutely check out.

Then on Saturday, you've got a tough decision to make. At the Jinx, one of Savannah's favorite bands CUSSES is playing with Today The Moon Tomorrow the Sun and Death Cheetah at 10pm.

Now whether you choose to go to the Jinx or to Hangfire on Saturday night, you must know that another great Savannah band Sunglasses is playing around 11pm at Hangfire, with another local (and just as good & trippy) band called Aux Arc. 

So there you have it, folks. What a magical & musical Savannah weekend so go have fun.

So You're In Savannah....Where To Drink

One of the features on the 'new and improved' (ahem.) Savannah Street Style blog will be called "So You're In Savannah.." which will focus on certain areas/ideas/things to do in the city. People often come to Savannah and think they've covered it all when in reality, they might have passed a lot of hidden gems that could wind up being some of their favorite places ever. So if you're one who appreciates 'off the beaten path' finds, you will probably be into these suggestions. Or not! But hey, let's be friends and hear each other out!

Alright. So let's get real. You've found yourself in Savannah and you're looking to go out for a drink. This town may look quaint and adorable (and it is!) but this town likes a good drink. Who doesn't? You've come to the right place if you want a lot (but not too many) of alcoholic options. And by alcoholic options, i mean places to go to get your drink on and not prospective mates that may or not be drunk Prince and Princess Charmings. I'll leave that one to a Savannah dating blog. 

Check out these fantastic & fun Savannah watering holes.

Hangfire Bar

37 Whitaker Street

photo courtesy of justin taylor photography

A great bar that you can continuously go to and never get sick of it is very hard to find. Hangfire is absolutely one of those places. You can tell because when you go there every Thursday, or every Friday, or Saturday night you look around and see that everyone else seems to have the same idea. Familiar faces all around. It's a bar that seems to have something cool going on every time you step foot in there. If they aren't having a hilariously fun karaoke night, there is usually a local (good) band playing or a DJ spinning great music that makes everyone get up and dance. Don't fret though, my Savannah friend. The music selection is always a mix of everything that your ears want to hear. And if there is no DJ, just play songs on the jukebox. Or get drunk with their amazing drinks with pretty decent pricing (no minimum on cards which also rules) You better grab a Scorpian Tea, for just $5 served in a mason jar. What's in it? Don't even ask me. Just drink it and enjoy. Write some vulgar stuff on the chalkboard walls in the bathroom while you're at it. Everyone does it. No one will know it's you, unless you want them to know! Fun dancing, great drinks, wonderful music and anonymity at it's finest. Get there. 

The Jinx

127 West Congress Street

The Jinx will always have a special place in my heart since it was the first Savannah bar I had ever stepped foot in. It definitely gave me a very epic "Welcome to Savannah" night. While it kind of has the feel of a 'punk bar', it's filled with a mix of different characters (like most places in Savannah) but most of the characters in there are ones you want to be surrounded by. It's a large space with a huge stage to dance on or watch bands perform. The entire left side of the bar is lined with cozy booths to sit in with old school video games & a perfect view of everyone in the place (if people watching is your thing). Get up and dance, or end your night there and make friends with a few strangers. Dance parties on Thursday nights are always a good time, with $1 well drinks for girls and free admission before midnight. There's always something fun going on at the Jinx and it's one of the most special places in Savannah to go and make memories...or forget them the next morning. Either one, just go and have fun. You will.

Crystal Beer Parlor

301 West Jones Street

Crystal Beer Parlor is definitely more of a cozy, low key Savannah bar experience paired with some of the best comfort food in the city. Closing at 11pm on the weekends, it's not a place to have a drunken all-nighter (which we don't condone on this blog anyway!..... or something) but it's an experience you need to have. Located in the quaint historical district, surrounded by homes instead of other restaurants/stores, it feels like the perfect neighborhood pub. With the best burger in town (Yeah I said it!), and a great selection of classic and delicious beer, Crystal Beer Parlor is the perfect place to begin your night, or just to call it a night. 

Pinkie Masters

318 Drayton Street

One of the best divey bars in Savannah, if not the best. It's small, 'no frills', dark and smokey with a collection of local characters in there at all times. Stick with a PBR, have a seat at the bar or in one of the beat up but comfortable booths and strike up conversation, people watch and select songs on the jukebox. Pinkie's is one of those places that whenever a big name person comes to town, they somehow always wind up there. Drew Barrymore & Justin Long love it, or so I've heard from people who have spotted them there. Best part of any of the bars in Savannah is that you can take a to-go cup and wander around the streets at night (with caution of course). Pinkie's is my favorite bar to get a drink and hang out but then wander around it's surrounding area with a to-go cup and see what you stumble upon. 

The Bohemian Hotel Rooftop Bar

102 Bay Street

Whenever family comes to town or when I give city suggestions, The Bohemian Hotel is always a place that comes to mind. It's a new upscale boutique hotel located near the Savannah River that is just as delicious as it is aesthetically pleasing. Enjoy a fantastic meal at the hotel's restaurant "Rocks on the River" downstairs, and then wander on upstairs to the roof for a true Savannah experience. Drinks are a bit expensive and the crowd definitely isn't the same as the bars listed above, but grab friends or a date and head up there to drool over the dreamy beautiful view. The atmosphere makes you feel like you're miles away from a sleepy historical Southern town, but has enough hints of it to make you still feel warmhearted.

That's all for now but there are PLENTY more! So keep your eyes open & stay tuned. 

hi!

After a hiatus, this blog is going to return. While the main focus will be on Savannah's street style, instead of doing a lot of random 'people on the street' posts, I want to focus on more. So from now on, there will be a mix of shop reviews, different explorations of Savannah's little neighborhoods, bars/restaurant features, different style events, etc. So stay tuned because this winter there will be much more to come! 

brief hiatus!

new posts will be returning shortly! promise!