18 Luxurious Southern FINDS for Summer 2025
119
SHARES
45
In this month's 'Luxe Loves' edition of FINDS, we're focusing on some seriously indulgent items that have caught our eye at retailers around the South. Whether you're ready to splurge or just looking for a little eye candy, feast your eyes on these swoon-worthy pieces from Southern brands and boutiques.
HOME
Basket artwork
Multi-talented Kentucky artist Emily Ridings blurs the line between function and fine art. This funky oblong basket has cool slices of open thatching to show what's inside or make a stand on its own. Made from woven reed on a hickory wood base, the basket is two feet tall and $640 at Emily Ridings.
Pin
Hand-blown wine glasses
Hand-blown in North Carolina, these stemless Flemish wine glasses are little sculptures you can sip from while any varietal remains the perfect temperature. The rounded tulip silhouette feels modern and weighty in hand, while the elevated foot adds a splash of drama. They're the ideal gift for any oenophile or host extraordinaire. A pair is on sale for $115 (reg. $130) at Haand.
Pin
Tortoise and mother-of-pearl tea caddy
This tea caddy is the kind of treasure you don't stumble upon twice. Circa 1960s, it features a stunning mother-of-pearl exterior and an incredibly rare tortoiseshell and blue velvet interior. It's a true collector's piece — equal parts objet d'art and conversation starter. Find it at Dallas home curio emporium, Blue Print, for $6,800.
Pin
JEWELRY
Slide-on diamond initial
The oversized diamond-encrusted initial by Helena Rose takes the classic (and trendy) letter charm to the next level. Set with more than 40 baguette-cut diamonds, it's made to stand out and will easily slide onto a chain you already love. It's luxe, yes, but with this level of sparkle and craftsmanship, it's one you'll wear forever and pass down with pride. All letters are available at Tulipano for $5,200.
Pin
Diamond studs
Delicate but dazzling, these are everyday diamonds with the right amount of sparkle. Crafted in solid 14-karat yellow gold, each earring features three bezel-set round diamonds in graduated sizes for subtle dimension. Wear them vertically or as mini climbers in a second piercing. With a total of .13 carats of full-cut diamonds, these petite studs are effortlessly elegant and made to last. The pair is $650 at Brooke Worthington Jewelry.
Pin
Pearl necklace
This necklace is pure coastal glamour with its luminous Japanese Biwa pearls on a custom-dyed pale green thread. It brings texture, elegance, and a touch of the unexpected to any necklace stack or on its own, whether you're in a cover-up or dressed to the nines. Shop this for $500 at Coral Strands.
Pin
Emerald bracelet
Flanked by a thick 14-karat gold link chain, this stunning bezel-set emerald adds the perfect amount of wow to your wrist. It's the kind of piece you'll reach for every day, but it still feels special. This luxe love comes from Theodosia for $6,000.
Pin
WARDROBE
Hand-knit fish vest
Fish seem to be on everything right now, but we are smitten with this slow-fashion, hand-knit piece from Nashville designer Kelsey. She knits each piece in her Music City studio and then hand embroiders the dots on the fish, giving it additional texture and ensuring no two pieces are the same. The fit is cropped and boxy for effortless layering. This delightful fish vest is $850 at Studio Kelsey.
Pin
Oyster clutch
Cast from metal in an intricate oyster shell design, this structural clutch is hard to miss. The interior is lined, and the chain shoulder strap is removable. At nearly nine inches wide, it's perfect for evening essentials and turning heads. It's available in gold or silver for $495 at Thirty One Jane.
Pin
Kaftan dress
A Sue Sartor kaftan is that versatile piece you'll reach for all seasons. The airy flutter sleeve paired with a dramatic A-line skirt makes it work with sneakers and stilettos. The fully buttoned front and lightweight, hand-loomed silk taffeta in a hand-dyed navy make it the perfect, event-ready dress for all occasions. It's $595 at Sue Sartor.
Pin
Suede loafers
Classic, seasonless, and with some subtle sparkle on the structural metal heel, these Italian-made suede loafers will walk with you from the boardroom to the bar and anywhere in between. Shop these for $645 at Capitol.
Pin
ENTERTAINING
Rumi game set
It's time to retire your beat-up Rummikub set and replace it with this funky, ultra-chic upgrade. With sleek acrylic racks and bold blue details, it adds a splash of fun to game night and is proud to be displayed in between. This set has four racks, 106 weighty tiles, and two jokers. It is $350 (and comes in multiple colors) at Odd McLean.
Pin
Champagne bucket
This showstopping hammered silver champagne cooler by renowned silversmith Emilia Castillo is reason enough to throw a party. Adorned with cabochons and paired with a matching silver underplate, it holds up to four bottles and radiates celebration. Designed exclusively for Houses & Parties, it's more than a cooler — it's a centerpiece at $3,398.
Pin
Scalloped napkins
These scalloped napkins have Southern charm and a tailored twist. A Matouk table linens collection staple, the textured diamond cotton pique is finished with crisp, white piping. They're ready to make Tuesday taco night feel like a garden party. The set of four napkins comes in white or spring green for $174 at Charlotte's.
Pin
Custom stationery
This Mississippi paper designer turns your everyday stationery set into keepsake-worthy notes you're excited to write. This motif features hand-illustrated floral borders and your name (or names) in whimsical script on thick, creamy paper. Sets of 25 cards start at $192 at Lucky Luxe.
Pin
FOR MEN
Lightweight blazer
Meet the Ghost Blazer: Sid Mashburn's go-to jacket and one of his all-time favorite pieces. Made from airy, high-twist English wool, it's unlined and ultra-lightweight to give that polished look without the weightiness of most sports coats. Next-level details include subtle pick stitching, sculptural brass buttons, and cleverly designed flap pockets that tuck in cleanly. It's as sharp over a tee as it is with a tie. A true wardrobe chameleon, this is $995 at Sid Mashburn.
Pin
Two-day briefcase
Part briefcase, part carry-on, part weekender, this handsome, utilitarian bag will last for years. Made in Italy from buttery leather and meticulous tailoring, it's got a place for everything — tech, papers, travel essentials — and even a hidden compartment that transforms into a trolley to go over your wheeled bag handle. It's $4,050 at ByGeorge.
Pin
Retro Fieldbar cooler
The South African-made Fieldbar cooler marries vintage style and modern cooling tech. Designed to look like a chic travel case, it keeps your bevs frosty for up to 50 hours. With leather handles, brass hardware, and serious insulation, it's ready for tailgates, road trips, and picnics galore. This comes in four fabulous colors for $250 each at Epergne.
Pin
For daydreaming — and maybe a splurge or two — we certainly hope this list was fun!
This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
**********
Want to see more of our Southern FINDS? Follow us on Instagram!
About the Author Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Japan Forward
Life as It Wasn't: Uncovering Wartime Propaganda Photos
"At first glance, it may look like a nostalgic snapshot, but given the magazine it appeared in and the historical context, it's far from heartwarming," says Mari Shirayama, who has long been involved in photo research and exhibition planning at the Japan Camera Industry Institute (JCII). The Second Sino-Japanese War began in 1937. As the conflict escalated, starting around 1938, photography was increasingly used as a wartime propaganda tool to boost public morale. These images came to be known as kokusaku shashin , or "national policy photographs." The photo magazine Shashin Shuho was launched to support this effort. Smiling boys holding model airplanes. During the war, the Ministry of Education organized workshops for teachers on how to build and fly gliders. The hope was that children learning about aviation at school would grow up to support the aviation industry. Published in "Shashin Shuho," April 10, 1940. (Photo by the Cabinet Information Bureau) Even seemingly casual snapshots were carefully staged and paired with headlines and articles designed to shape public opinion during wartime. Notable photographers such as Ihei Kimura and Ken Domon, who later became leading figures in Japanese photography, also took part in these activities as part of the government's total war mobilization. A procession of horsemen marches past Nihonbashi Takashimaya, with crowds filling the streets all the way to Yasukuni Shrine. The "Koa Horse Riding Tournament" was held to promote awareness of equestrian activities during the war. From the Koa Horse Riding Tournament Commemorative Photo Album. After the war, the national policy photo archive was inherited by the Japan Travel Bureau (JTB). While most of the materials were later transferred to the National Archives of Japan, a collection of black-and-white film that remained at JTB was donated to JCII in 2018. Actress Kinuyo Tanaka is shown reading a German magazine. The photo was taken around 1940, shortly after the Japan-Germany-Italy alliance was formed, likely to promote goodwill between Germany and Japan. (Photographer unknown) According to the foundation, research into the archive is still ongoing. Many of the negatives have been confirmed to date from the prewar period. Digitization is also in progress, with about 20,000 images already processed. The collection is extensive, and its full scope has yet to be revealed. A boy works hard running the family shop while his father is away at war. The article featuring this image was written as a letter to the front, ending with a heartfelt wish for his father's courage and success. Published in Shashin Shuho, September 27, 1939. (Photo by the Cabinet Information Bureau) "Preserving, studying, and exhibiting these valuable negatives is essential to passing them on to future generations," Shirayama emphasizes. National policy photographs may have fulfilled their original purpose during the war, but 80 years later, it is time to reconsider their significance — as a way to remember the war and pass on its lessons. Storage area for materials collected by the Tokyo City Disinfection Office. To secure resources for making weapons and ammunition, government offices and public organizations led metal collection efforts. They gathered not only large items like iron doors and rails but also small objects such as fasteners from traditional tabi socks. Published in Shashin Shuho, April 23, 1941. These wartime photos and other historical materials are currently featured in the exhibition "Japan Through the Former JTB Stock Photo Collection: Demonstration and Propaganda – National Policy Photography During the War, Part 1," on view until July 27 at the JCII Photo Salon in the JCII Camera Museum in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. This photo appeared on the cover of the special issue titled "Showa." The article encouraged a positive attitude toward daily life during wartime, with slogans like "Work with a smile." Published in Shashin Shuho, April 2, 1941. (Photo by the Cabinet Information Bureau) ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Katsuyuki Seki, The Sankei Shimbun
Style Blueprint
2 days ago
- Style Blueprint
The South's Biggest State Fairs
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit There's something undeniably charming about a state fair — the smell of funnel cakes in the air, the echo of live music, and the thrill of a Ferris wheel ride under the stars. And perhaps unsurprisingly, the best state fairs in the U.S. are in the South. These fairs go far beyond corn dogs and carnival games (though we love those, too). They showcase the spirit of the region through local food, homegrown talent, and traditions that bring communities together year after year. Whether you're road-tripping for a weekend of blue-ribbon pies and prize-winning livestock or just craving a taste of small-town nostalgia, these fairs are well worth the drive. State Fair of Texas Dates: September 26-October 19, 2025 More Info: Everything's bigger in Texas, including the state fair. As one of the best state fairs in America, the State Fair of Texas is a must-visit celebration of Lone Star pride and over-the-top experiences, drawing more than 2.5 million people each year for 24 days of nonstop food, fun, and festivities. Held at historic Fair Park in Dallas, the fair is the largest and longest-running in the country, and it delivers on every front: deep-fried everything, award-winning livestock shows, nightly concerts, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. And, of course, no visit to the State Fair of Texas is complete without an Instagram-worthy photo of the Big Tex statue, a true Texas icon. Pin North Carolina State Fair Dates: October 16-26, 2025 More Info: Rooted in tradition, the North Carolina State Fair is the kind of event that keeps families returning year after year. Held each October at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, it's the largest annual event in the state … and has been for more than 150 years. For 11 straight days, more than one million visitors flock to the fairgrounds for high-flying rides, live music, nightly fireworks, and every kind of deep-fried delicacy imaginable. But it's the intense focus on North Carolina's agricultural heritage — through exhibits, competitions, and showcases — that gives this fair its enduring heart. Pin Tulsa State Fair Dates: September 25-October 5, 2025 More Info: Though Oklahoma's status as a Southern state is debated, we're including it here because it boasts more than a century of tradition and over one million visitors each year, making it an experience worth planning a trip around. Held each fall, the Tulsa State Fair 11-day event brings together the best of Oklahoma — heart-pounding rodeos, live concerts, livestock competitions, deep-fried classics, and even Disney On Ice. Rooted in heritage and community, the fair offers something for everyone, from educational exhibits to high-energy rides and family-friendly entertainment. If you're looking for a festive fall getaway with big personality and even bigger fun, Tulsa delivers. Pin Georgia National Fair Dates: October 2-12, 2025 More Info: Set against the backdrop of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, the Georgia National Fair is a true Southern celebration of agriculture, community, and family fun. Now in its 36th year, the fair draws more than half a million visitors over 11 lively days each October. From livestock shows and blue-ribbon competitions to concerts, carnival rides, and an impressive midway, the fair offers something for all ages. Pin Kentucky State Fair Dates: August 14-24, 2025 More Info: The Kentucky State Fair has been a beloved tradition for over 120 years. Held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville for over 11 days each August, more than 600,000 visitors experience the best of the Commonwealth thanks to a mix of livestock shows, blue ribbon culinary competitions, live concerts, shopping, and classic fair fun. It's a celebration all about agriculture and community, but there's so much more to discover around every corner, from treats to toe-tapping tunes. Whether you're there for the animals, the eats, or the entertainment, the Kentucky State Fair offers an authentic taste of the Bluegrass State. Pin Florida State Fair Dates: February 5-16, 2026 More Info: Trade in the winter blues each February for sunshine and something quite spectacular at the Florida State Fair. Held in Tampa, this 12-day celebration delivers a whirlwind of culture, color, and creativity from the country's largest midway (yes, more than 90 rides!) to quirky culinary creations you didn't even know you needed. From crafts to cooking, living history museums to pig races, the annual event makes a compelling reason to plan a winter getaway to Tampa. In fact, it already draws more than 500,000 visitors each year. Pin South Carolina State Fair Dates: October 8-19, 2025 More Info: The largest event in the state and a tradition since 1869, the South Carolina State Fair means so much more than funnel cakes and Ferris wheels (though visitors can enjoy plenty of both). Held each fall in Columbia, this long-running event is a fair with a mission. Besides the lively midway, deep-fried favorites, and creative competitions, the fair highlights the state's rich heritage with agricultural showcases, 4-H presentations, and homegrown talents — from quilting to gardening. It even supports the 'Ride of Your Life' scholarship program, annually awarding $500,000 to high school seniors planning to pursue in-state collegiate studies. Pin Mississippi State Fair Dates: October 2-13, 2025 More Info: Each October, the Mississippi State Fair transforms 105 acres in the heart of Jackson into a vibrant southern celebration. With more than 700,000 visitors making their way through the gates, it's a can't-miss fall event packed with all the classics — twinkling rides, classic fair food, and plenty of music. But beyond that, it's the agricultural showcases and hometown charm that give this fair its staying power. From handmade crafts to prize-winning livestock — including racing pigs — the fair honors Mississippi's roots while offering fun for every age. Pin Tennessee State Fair Dates: August 14-23, 2025 More Info: The Tennessee State Fair is held annually in Lebanon, and it has evolved into a celebration that draws more than 100,000 visitors each August to partake in a diverse range of attractions for all ages, from rides and fair food to music performances. A highlight of the fair is the impressive livestock competitions, where farmers and 4-H members showcase their prized animals. Additionally, the fair's commitment to education is evident through its support for youth programs and scholarships, ensuring that the next generation continues to benefit from this cherished annual tradition. Pin The State Fair of Louisiana Dates: October 30-November 16, 2025 More Info: Louisiana knows how to throw a party, and the State Fair of Louisiana in Shreveport proves it year after year. Now in its 119th season, this fall tradition is packed with flavor, fun, and a whole lot of Cajun flair. From the largest carnival midway in the state to the LRCA Finals Rodeo and hands-on ag experiences like AgMagic, the fair is a lively mix of entertainment and education. Expect the kind of food Louisiana is famous for — bold, savory, and uniquely regional — alongside classic fair treats and a festive lineup of live music and cultural showcases. With livestock shows, an interactive zoo, contests, and exhibits around every corner, it's an easy excuse to hit the road for a one-of-a-kind fair experience. Pin With so many standout state fairs across the South, consider this your sign to plan the road trip and soak up the fun, one corn dog and funnel cake at a time! ********** Find more fantastic Southern destinations in our Travel archives. About the Author Paige Townley Paige Townley is a Birmingham native with a soft spot for good stories, interesting people, and beautifully made things. When she's not writing about places that inspire or people who shine, she's likely spending time with her family, planning her next adventure, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.
Style Blueprint
2 days ago
- Style Blueprint
Lockeland Table's Cult-Favorite Peach Pizza Returns — But Not for Long
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit When Chef Hal Holden-Bache opened Lockeland Table in 2012, it quickly became a darling of the East Nashville dining scene. Now, more than a decade later, it's still one of those rare spots that combines neighborhood charm with culinary excellence — and perhaps nothing captures that spirit better than the restaurant's near-cult-favorite Southern Hawaiian pizza, which is only available for a few weeks each year. 'Many years ago, I think with the help of some current employees at the restaurant, we were just talking one day, and somehow the Southern Hawaiian was born,' Hal recalls. A playful riff on the traditional ham-and-pineapple pizza, this version swaps tropical fruit for something much closer to home — sweet, juicy Tennessee peaches. Thin-sliced, prosciutto-style ham from Bob Woods' The Hammery, in Murfreesboro, adds a salty depth that pairs perfectly with the peaches. 'We use Bob Woods' Tennshootoe-style ham from Murfreesboro, TN,' Hal explains. 'I've always been a big fan of Bob's products and have always used his Tennshootoe in my kitchen. The peach and the ham, with the jalapeño, aged provolone, raw red onion, and then the hot honey afterward — it's just a real solid pizza. It's always been one of my favorite pizzas.' It's not just a fan favorite; it's a bit of a summer ritual. 'It's always a big deal at Lockeland Table when peaches come back in season,' Hal says. The pizza is typically offered for just three to five weeks, and with only a couple of weeks left before local peach season wraps, now's the time to make a reservation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lockeland Table (@lockelandtable) And if you're going all in on peaches, order the peach cobbler with homemade granola for dessert. Of course, no one would fault you for choosing the skillet cookie made with local Olive & Sinclair chocolate, topped with Bravo Gelato. Or the decadent banana foster bread pudding. In true Lockeland Table fashion, every option is a winner. As for the perfect pairing? A crisp glass of prosecco or any light, bubbly cocktail balances the richness of the pizza beautifully. Consider this your official peach-season PSA: Get to Lockeland Table while the Southern Hawaiian is still on the menu. It's not just pizza — it's a celebration of summer, Nashville-style. Book your reservation at Lockeland Table here. ********** Love sandwiches? Check out our 17 favorite local Nashville sandwiches HERE. About the Author Liza Graves As CEO of StyleBlueprint, Liza also regularly writes for SB. Most of her writing is now found in the recipe archives as cooking is her stress relief!
