Southern Living recently wrote an article called "50 People Changing the South in 2015." That's where I found Hillary Crittendon and Laura Martin of The SoGood. The description of their business was so intriguing, I knew I had to know more...
Laura and Hillary make it a breeze to find the best local purveyors in a city with the SoGood app. Covering seven Southern towns, with more coming this year, each business listed in the app has been vetted by SoGood girls, as well as other users who weigh in to boost the locale’s or artist’s street cred. Members also have access to travel guides for each city created by local tastemakers. Last month, the ladies took the show on the road with a series of pop-up shops that feature brands from the network, like Nashville’s Peter Nappi and Charleston’s Proud Mary, bringing the experience of curated, online shopping to life.
Source- Southern Living
I went to their website, intrigued by the businesses they recommended and the travel guides. Right away I went to the Atlanta section and saw Beth Webb, Sally King Benedict, Catherine Kraft Designs and Honeysuckle Gelato. Those are all companies/people who I really respect, so I immediately knew Hillary and Laura were legit. ;)
The other day my friend Morgan (of Morgan Kylee) and I were talking about how when you travel to a new place, you would rather take a friend's advice about where to stay, what to do, and where to shop over a website or travel guide. That's what makes the SoGood App such a wonderful idea! Going on there is like getting advice and recommendations from a friend. Go to the website and download it! I am personally LOVING the Charleston section! That's one of my favorite cities in the South, and I love the insider knowledge it offers!
10 Questions with Hillary and Laura
1. If you could choose one celebrity and raid their closet, who would you choose?
Blake Lively—because we have similar style but hers is 100x cooler. I love the way she pairs classic tops, blazers and dresses with statement jewelry. Her look is crisp and uber-chic. And who doesn’t ask for Blake Lively hair every time they get a blowout?
2. Who is your favorite artist?
It’s hard to pick just one! The late Rene Ricard, who later in life took his poetry to painting, was both a dear friend and a masterful artist. A recent discovery & new favorite is the New Orleans based artist Mallory Page.
Source: Mallory Page Facebook Page
3. Describe your prefect Atlanta date night.
We don’t profess to be Atlanta experts but a casual wine tasting at Perrine’s, followed by dinner at JCT Kitchen would be a pretty good place to start.
Perrine's - Source
JCT- Source
4. Where is your favorite place to shop for clothes?
We love shopping with designers directly when possible. Ann Mashburn is a favorite in Atlanta. In Charleston we love Troubadour and Lauren Lail. Cece Colhoun, owner of New Orleans boutique Cece Shoe & Mimi, buys extremely well and we are hard-pressed to leave her shop empty handed.
Ann Mashburn - Source
Source - Troubadour
Source- Miminola.com
5. What did you want to be when you were young?
We’ve been best friends since second grade and have always had very similar interests. We grew up doing theater together and both dreamed of acting on Broadway. Our second dream was to open a frozen yogurt shop on an island somewhere and live in a grass hut.
6. What book made a difference to you?
7. What is your favorite recipe to cook at home?
This salad is pretty delectable and perfect for this time of year. Add a protein and pair it with a Grenache Blend and you’ve got an easy and delicious dinner.
Source: SoGood App
8. What was the best purchase you made last year?
Two Sally Benedict prints and a diaper genie.
Source - Sally King Benedict
9. Where is your favorite place to buy things for your personal home?
You can always find beautiful things at Gramercy Fine Linens. We also love the i.d. Lab and find Chris’ custom work extremely beautiful.
Source: Gramercy
Source: i.d. Lab
Hillary and Laura, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I cannot believe how much I learned! I've never been to i.d. Lab or Perrine’s. Am I living under a rock? And the clothes! Those are unbelievable! I'm a true believer and will be using the SoGood App daily!
I really appreciate it!