Sweet Tea Vintage Bridal

Sweet Tea Vintage Bridal is the embodiment of the great things the current Nashville fashion scene can offer not only it's community but the rest of the country as well. But, more importantly, it's owner embodies the spirit of Music City by being a forward-thinking entrepreneur that hasn't abandoned her sense of responsibility for doing the right thing.

The truth is that owner Krystle Ochsner Ramos and I have been conversing for almost a year now about her flagship shop, Pura Vida Vintage. The building that houses the shop and adjoining Only One Tailoring alterations is not wheelchair accessible. To make matters worse, the building is one of many in Music City that are not legally required to be handicap accessible. Ramos is only leasing the space and has had a hard time convincing the owner that installing a ramp is a win-win for everyone involved. She has been promised the job will be done this Summer, so the Roll Models are on standby until September. If there's no ramp by then we'll get to launch our very first Social Media campaign to convince the owner that access should be for everybody.

But I digress. Because Sweet Tea Vintage Bridal is located on the basement level of the same building I was invited to the grand opening, which took place during Nashville Fashion Week. 

The premise is simple. Give brides the option of shopping for a vintage bridal gown in the store by appointment or on the 'net at a price that trumps the retail market. Offer on-site alterations, a very reasonable return window, and a selection of accessories including fascinators by Sunny Band. 

How can you go wrong?

Listen to Ramos as she explains her concept in detail and shows me some of the gowns she currently has for sale.

I like Krystle very much, and I admire her tenacity. She's good at what she does, and you should giver her your business if you're in the market for a wedding gown or just a cool piece of vintage clothing. Don't shoot the messenger. The accessibility situation will be resolved one way or another. Speaking if which, it's only right to state that I had a little trouble getting through the gravel and over the threshold to Sweet Tea - but I did get in - and I know that this hiccup can be taken care of fairly easily. If you're in a wheelchair I recommend going with an able-bodied friend to help you until I give it a 100% accessible thumbs up.

You'll recognize the Marketplace: Handworks of India tunic from A Day In My Life During Nashville Fashion Week. More on that later this month. More Nashville Fashion Week runway looks next time.

Linking up with Share in Style, Monday Bloom, Monday Mingle and Creative Mondays Blog Hop.