How I Choose Every Piece at Southern Sass

I look through hundreds, sometimes thousands, of clothing options. Most of them never make it to Southern Sass.

People sometimes assume boutique owners buy whatever is trending. I go a little further than that. Before I place an order, I ask myself a few simple questions.

First...Would I Wear It?

If I wouldn't be excited to put it on myself, it doesn't make the cut.

Then I Look at the Fabric

This is probably where I shop very differently than I used to.

I can't tell you how many times I've fallen in love with a print...then looked at the fabric label and put it right back.

A few years ago, I probably would've bought it anyway. Today? Not so much.

I've learned that how something feels is just as important as how it looks. That's why linen, cotton, Tencel, quality rayon, and viscose almost always catch my attention before polyester. I know how much of a difference those fabrics make, not just in comfort, but in whether you'll reach for that piece again and again.

Real Life Matters

I also think about real life.

Can you wear it to lunch with friends, work, church, a baby shower, vacation, or dinner? I love pieces that can do more than one job because that's how most of us get dressed.

Everyone Deserves Great Style

Finding beautiful pieces in both regular and plus sizes is incredibly important to me.

Here's a little insider secret: clothing manufacturers often buy the same fabric. If it's a gorgeous print on a quality fabric, you'll probably see it used in several different styles from several different brands.

So, if I find a print I love that's only available in one size range, I'll spend hours hunting for another manufacturer using that same fabric so I can offer it to more women.

I don't believe great style should stop at a certain size.

Every Piece Has to Earn Its Place

Just because something is cute doesn't mean it belongs at Southern Sass.

I want every piece to be something you'll wear on repeat, not something that hangs in your closet with the tags still on six months later.

I'd rather offer fewer pieces I truly believe in than fill the website with clothes that don't fit my vision.

Is Polyester Off the List?

Not at all.

Some of my favorite brands, like Flying Tomato, create beautiful collections that include both natural fibers and polyester. If I find a piece that's unique, flattering, and well made, I'll absolutely bring it in.

That said, you'll notice I naturally gravitate toward breathable fabrics whenever I can. They are what I personally love wearing, and they've become a big part of what Southern Sass is known for.

Why I Do It

My goal isn't to sell the most clothes.

It's to help you find pieces that make you feel comfortable, confident, and excited to get dressed.

The very best compliment I can receive isn't that you loved something when it arrived. It's when you come back and tell me,

"I wore that outfit and got so many compliments."

Even better? When you tell me it happens every time you wear something from Southern Sass.

That's when I know all those hours searching were worth it.

Because that's what Southern Sass is about:  helping you wear something worth noticing.