The Critical Consumer

Completely drawn in by the colorful window display and huge sign stating “Nashville’s #1 Women’s Boutique by Toast of Music City,” I stopped in to visit the brand new Blush boutique in Belle Meade on Saturday afternoon. When I saw the store from the outside, I figured it would be another overpriced, or at least out of my price range, store that would maybe last a few months, but I decided to go in anyway. I didn’t know it was their first day open until I asked about the arrangement of shoe sizes and the owner said they hadn’t had the chance to put out the shoe size signs yet.

Seeing how cute the shoes were, I hesitantly turned one over to see the price and I was astonished at how inexpensive they were. And the brands are well-known designer brands, like Steve Madden, Nine West, Carlos Santana and BCBG, ranging from $39-$120, but most in the lower end of that range. Unfortunately, I would only allow myself to buy a pair if I could wear them to work and none of these would fly at my 9-5 job. Even if they would, there’s no way I could walk around in them for 8 hours.

The clothes were just as exciting. Great brand names and designs for prices you’d never see in a boutique. The styles were so varied, it took me 30 minutes just to get a glimpse of them all. I tried on a few items and ended up walking away with a $300 BCBG dress for $65.

Not only was the merchandise good-looking, but the owner and his staff were very well groomed and had that couture look. That didn’t stop them from helping me the second I walked in. They were friendly and welcoming and offered to get other sizes from the back if I didn’t see what I wanted on display.

The wannabe luxury shopper in me will definitely be back to Blush. I hope they do well in that location, and judging by the number of women who came in while I was there, I would say they won’t have any trouble meeting their clientele’s expectations. Heck, I called two friends to tell them about the store while I was in the middle of shopping for myself.

In my opinion, they might as well call it Lush because I was intoxicated the moment I stepped in the door.