My family sent me off to New York in perfect Southern style this weekend. My parents gave me a large coffee table book entitled, of course, "Sweet Home Alabama." Grandmom gave me a copy of her church's recipe book, and cooked my favorite Red Velvet Cake. Most importantly, my Mom taught me the required Southern skill to take to New York: how to make cornbread and fried okra.
Because I will be putting the days of daily suits and ties behind me, I stopped in on Florence, Alabama's best-kept secret, Billy Reid at Pickett Place. Clothing designer Billy Reid took a historic home and converted it into a store to showcase his original men's and women's clothing, all of which is made in Italy.
His look is traditional with just enough unique and contemporary detail to make it fresh, sort of Gothic Southern hip meets Ralph Lauren. After winning the prestigious Perry Ellis designer-of-the-year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2001, and after introducing a collection to rave reviews on September 10, 2001, the events of 9/11 convinced Billy and his Alabamian native wife to move back to Florence to raise their family. He has since opened stores in Houston, Dallas, and Charlotte, and is looking to open in Atlanta and New York.
Talk about service. Although the store was closed, when we drove by Pickett Place, Billy himself was out front trimming the bushes. Since he knows my parents, Billy took us inside and helped me assemble a work and weekend wardrobe that not only fits amazingly well, but can also be mixed and matched, dressed up or dressed down. How many people (that aren't rich or famous) can say that they have had their wardrobe selected by the designer himself? Most importantly, he was a nice --and fascinating-- guy that loves his craft, and it shows in his work.
As if my family were not reason enough, Billy Reid's store will keep me coming home as often as I can. If you are in any of the cities that have a Billy Reid store, definitely stop in for some unique classics.
Well-clothed and even more well-fed, I climbed into the Volvo for my last long drive before trading it in for subways and taxis. Grandmom shed some good-bye tears, but my Mom stayed strong, thank goodness. Grandmom was hard enough, but when my Mom cries, I can lose it for hours.
Now is the final week in Atlanta. I have a ton to do. Better get started.
