When Stephanie Simon set out to create Simon Says, she wasn’t interested in opening a store just to chase trends or push sales–she wanted to create a space where men can shop without feeling overwhelmed, be curious about fashion, and find the pieces they are actually going to wear over and over again.
Simon Says is a menswear store in the heart of Wedgewood Houston carrying a variety of men’s fashion brands and tailored specifically to the eclectic, art- and music-inspired fashion Simon sees every day on the streets of Music City. Simon hand picks every item in the boutique, which is stocked with one-of-a-kind pieces from local Nashville artists and makers, pristine denim from Sweden and Turkey, and other clothing and accessories she hopes will become her clients’ newest favorite pieces.
“I wanted to open a place that people could come and not be overwhelmed, people could just find pieces that they really really like and want to wear all the time.”
Classic rock comprises the shopping soundtrack, and Simon is known to crack a beer for her clients while they play fashion show and experiment with the unique pieces she carries.
“I love to help people get out their comfort zones…I want to make people feel comfortable and energize them about the clothing that they wear,” she said. “That can be really powerful, and I think sometimes for men, that’s not how they feel.”
The clean, minimalistic storefront is organized partially by color, and Simon pairs together pieces and outfits on the racks that work together so clients can be inspired with different ways to style each piece. She firmly believes shopping should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one.
“Everybody has trouble shopping, it’s not just a man thing. Even I’ve cried in a dressing room!” Simon jokes. “I want to create a space where the energy is good enough that people don’t have to have the meltdown.”
Simon isn’t interested in being overbearing or pushing clients to buy things they aren’t in love with just to make a sale. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t excited to jump in when asked.
“If they want my help, you’re damn right I’m gonna help! We’re gonna have a fashion show, we’re gonna have fun…If someone likes a piece, I like to talk to them about different ways they can style it so they can get the most out of the garment.”
Simon emphasized that she only buys pieces for the store that she is absolutely obsessed with, and right now, that’s rock and roll. On her next trip to pick out pieces for the fall season, she is excited to pick out rock music-inspired jackets, jeans, and other accessories for an edgier look.
Simon also wants everyone to feel welcome and find something they love in their store.
“It’s all about inclusivity, it’s all about carrying all different sizes. Everybody should have access to nice quality clothes,” she said. “I don’t think opening a high-end boutique means you only carry top-level stuff, because there are so many amazing designers out there that are creating things at a lower price point.
In an effort to lift up the amazing Nashville community and give clients and Nashvillians a place to gather and have fun, Simon Says will host an Americanafest event on September 13 with live music performances and other fun for Nashvillians and tourists alike. Simon says this will be the first of many events people can expect from the store.
Visit Simon Says at 701 Merritt Avenue and follow them on social media @simonsaysnashville.
"I love to help people get out their comfort zones…I want to make people feel comfortable and energize them about the clothing that they wear."