Where
April 2009

ATLANTA on a budget

You get a lot of clothes for your buck at owner Shannon Kitchen’s fashionable boutiques-most items are under $100.

Sage isn’t all green, all the time, but you wouldn’t know it this month.
Patrons who bring in gently worn clothing April 22-26(which will be donated to The Salvation Army) will receive 22% off new clothing. Additionally, buy a recycled Sage bag for $5 and you can use it every time you shop for a regular 10% discount. Three locations: visit www.sageclothing.com for info.

Jezebel
March 2009

Spring Fashion Blue Hues

From new styles of denim to mini-dresses and more, no spring wardrobe will be complete without shades of blue throughout.

FLYING TOMATO strapless cotton pinstripe peasant top with lace detail. $44, Sage

"Hottie" light-wash denim with bootcut leg by IT JEANS. $89, Sage

Lucky
March 2009

Sage

Northern Suburb Style

Cumming is the site of this local chainlet’s third location, which is filled with a similarly chic and reasonably priced selection of Miss Me ruffled blouses, Tulle cropped pintucked jackets, and more. Save on any one regularly priced item, not including accessories. 410 Peachtree Pkwy., 770-888-0363

Atlanta Magazine
March 2009

Great Style, Guilt Free

The season’s must-have is a fabulous price. With a little swagger and a smart ensemble (all of these finds are $150 or less), you can go anywhere.

Tullette skirt, $40, SAGE, Buckhead, 404-233-8280

Great Looks for Less

And you don’t have to spend a lot – reigning supreme for style at bargain prices are chains such as H&M, Forever 21, Zara, and Target, as well as local boutiques such as SAGE, where most items are under $100.

Shannon Kitchens, the busy owner of SAGE and a mom of a toddler, gets her hair colored every eight weeks and “desperately needs” her biweekly massages, but she’s ditched the salon mani-pedis. “I do my own now.”

Designer jeans – You can never go wrong with a great pair of jeans. Go for a straight leg if you petite (under 5 foot 4) and a boot cut if you’re taller. Once you find a brand that works well, there are deals to be had: Kitchens gets her True Religion at an Off 5th outlet near her home for half off the price of a denim boutique. “They might technically be last season, but they still fit the same!”

Jezebel
January 2009

Retail Fashion Best of What’s New

Northern Suburb Style

Sage 410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 130/Cumming/sageclothing.com/770-888-0363

A favorite among Atlanta’s fashionable femmes who are interested in the latest styles and trends in clothing, handbags and jewelry at inexpensive prices, Sage has opened a third location in The Avenue Forsyth.

Atlanta Business Chronicle
January 23, 2009

Buckhead Market Report

Uncertain Year -Boutique owners like Shannon Kitchens are focusing on promotions amid a declining market.

This may actually be benefiting Shannon Kitchens’ Buckhead boutique Sage, which keeps all inventory under $100.

“We are a little off from last year, but I think that is a benefit for us,” Kitchens said. “I may be capturing a new customer now because the high-end luxury customer is cutting back.”

Despite the store’s attractive lower prices, Kitchens said she is still putting a heavy focus on marketing and promotions and has cut staff and adjusted her inventory levels to match demand. While she hasn’t heard of any Buckhead boutiques closing their doors, she said she has noticed a lot more markdowns.

AJC Sunday Living-Style
December 7, 2008

From day to dazzling

Strapless dress. $79: white ruffle front short-sleeved shirt, $44; cotton cardigan, $49; all available at Sage boutiques. Lose the shirt and cardigan, add bold necklace, $36, Macy’s, and a stylish clutch, $70, Deux Lux at Sage boutiques.

Atlanta Peach
October 2008

Shop Talk

Sage
Looking for that perfect coat to transition from summer’s light wardrobe to the chillier fall nights, but don’t want to break the bank? Head to SAGE, where president and founder Shannon Kitchens has perfected chic shopping at affordable prices.

Atlanta Magazine
October 2008

Atlanta Great Deals

If you hyperventilate at boutique prices, you can breathe easy inside Sage. Owner, Shannon Kitchens, opened the first store eleven years ago to fill what she saw as a void of affordable boutiques.Her prescience paid off and today, Sage’s three locations -in Buckhead, Midtown and a brand new spot at The Avenue Forsyth, real in shoppers with playful Nelli dresses, bright Frenzii knits, Miss Me denim,and locally designed jewelry, nearly all of which sells for under $100. Sweet sidewalk sales and the promise of new inventory every Friday keep us coming back.

Naughty Monkey Pumps, Sage $88

404 FOR-EVER shirt by Festa, $29 Sage

The Sunday Paper
September 14, 2008

SP 100 Atlanta’s IT List-Style

SAGE

WHY: Shannon Kitchens is a pro at stocking her 11-year old boutique with affordable fashions from hotter-than-hot designers like Tulle, Nelli, (an Atlanta exclusive), Miss Me denim and Frenzii, as well as West Coast-inspired, laid-back chic pieces from BY Boe jewelry and Dolce Vita knits. Sage is so beloved that it’s opening its third location at the Avenue Forsyth in Cumming in October; the other two are in Midtown and Buckhead.

WHERE: Multiple locations. www.sageclothing.com

The Family Groove.com
April 2008

APRIL'S FIVE EASY PIECES
LOCAL RETAILERS PICK THEIR FAVORITES
At THE FAMILY GROOVE, we say: "Think Global, GET IT Local." It's our mission to deliver the groove right to your doorstep—or computer screen, as it were. In TFG's global village, local stores share the stage with national and international ones. Each month TFG will introduce you to regional retailers who have got it going on.

2. THE LOOK

Shannon Kitchens of the affordable luxe Sage Couture in Atlanta, Georgia, loves this casual-cool ensemble for spring.

“I am a jeans and jacket kind of gal, and for spring I am loving trousers from IT Jeans paired with this great metallic linen jacket from Tulle.”

$93, Tulle Jacket, and $79, IT Jeans

Sage Couture

www.sageclothing.com

37 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA

404.233.8280

Sunday Paper
February 2008

Situated in the heart of Buckhead, Sage Clothing Co.’s prices belie its high end location. Looking around owner Shannon Kitchens’ newly expanded boutique, it’s hard to find more than a handful of items that cost more than $100. The Atlanta native says that is what is so … well, sage about her store. “I know from experience that you don’t have to bankrupt yourself to look fashionable,” she says.

Were it not for that experience, Atlanta patrons might not be able to enjoy the fruits of her labor, which includes a degree in fashion design and marketing at Atlanta Intercontinental University. After graduation, Kitchens, 32, headed west to pursue her dream of becoming a wardrobe stylist and costume designer. She landed at the renowned Cloutier Agency, and though she loved the work, Kitchens says, “I got really homesick.”

Originally located in Dunwoody when it first opened in 1997, the storefront décor combines Kitchens’ love of the old and new, with a vintage-inspired sitting room, a black chandelier and modern beech-wood floors, a throwback to her days in Los Angeles. The stock also is a reflection of Kitchens’ personal style: very girlie and fashion-forward, yet still casual and most of the merchandise coming from California. “Some of our best sellers are Tulle’s sweaters, jackets and coats, and Frenzii jersey knit tube dresses that can double as skirts,” she says. Kitchens also stocks Nelli, an Atlanta exclusive, silk dress and coats, as well as jewelry by local designer Lauren Elizabeth which Kitchens describes as “dainty and feminine, semiprecious unique creations.”

At the newly expanded 700-square-foot Buckhead location (the second location is in Midtown), Kitchens is adamant that Sage caters to every woman. “From the young professional to the party girl to teenagers and everyone in between, Sage has something that they are all sure to love and can definitely afford,” she says. Jean-iuses need not worry—Kitchens also carries lines like L.A.’s (natch) Miss Me Denim in wide-leg trouser style as well as tapered-leg jeans. “I can’t live without my jeans, so it’s a sure bet that you’ll see them on the floor,” she explains.

As to her plans for the coming year, Kitchens excitedly admits “being a mom is my next adventure!” Now two months old, Kitchens new son joins mom at work as she continues to offer up West Coast–inspired laidback chic pieces from By Boe jewelry and Dolce Vita knits. Kitchens, who has a self-confessed “shoe fetish: I have more than 200 shoes,” plans to sell shoes in the near future, and—perhaps later on—tinier pieces to reflect her most precious creation.

“We will eventually set up our web boutique, but my focus is to continue to distinguish ourselves by stocking stylish, inexpensive clothes,” says Kitchens. “That is our trademark.”

Real Simple
January 2008

What she sells: Items that generally retail for less than $100, including girlie going-out clothes, elegant basics, trendy shoes, and handmade jewelry by local designers.The store carries a range of styles that appeal to women ages 15 to 50.

Why she opened the shop: “In the mid-90s, I was studying fashion merchandising and design in Los Angeles,” says Kitchens, 33. “I went to all these great little shops on Melrose filled with cute stuff that was affordable. Back in my hometown of Atlanta, the only boutiques were really expensive. I’m a southern girl at heart, so I moved home and started this store. My goal was to create that same boutique atmosphere, but without the boutique price tag.”

Her biggest challenge: “Learning to delegate.When I started the store, I had to do everything myself. But as the business grew—I now have two stores in
the area—it became impossible to oversee every aspect. I’ve realized that I have to trust other people to do certain things, and that even if they don’t do
something exactly like I would do it, I have to be OK with that. I try to look at the big picture and not get too overwhelmed by the little stuff.”

Her favorite things: “That changes constantly. One of the things Sage is known for is getting new items in every Friday. I travel to Los Angeles about once
a month to buy directly from several small companies based there. Since I usually only get about six of every item, you’re never going to see yourself
everywhere. But there are a few staples, like Miss Me denim jeans, which sell in my stores for $79 to $99. I probably own 10 pairs.The fit is great, and I’ll literally wear them until they give out. And I get wonderful T-shirts that are perfect for layering from Alternative Apparel, a local company.”

What’s next: “Selling the store’s merchandise online. It’s definitely something I foresee happening in the future, but since I am just starting a family, it’s on hold for the moment.”

AJC
December 2007

Atlanta, like so many other cities, is undergoing a retail revolution. Rapid residential development has sent retailers large and small flocking to newly discovered or rediscovered neighborhoods. Even the shopping savvy have trouble keeping up with the comings and goings of local boutiques. For the ones that are still around, staying relevant has been a lesson in knowing – and sometimes redefining – their customers.

“Even though there are boutiques popping up, they are more high-end,” said Kitchens, who was intent on bringing the feel of Los Angeles’ Melrose Avenue stores to Atlanta. She always aimed for the shopper in the middle.

AJC
December 2007

For another expecting local fashionista, foregoing maternity wear was all about proudly displaying her bump.

“I’ve tried to get styles that are fitted to show off my belly,” said Shannon Kitchens, owner of Sage boutiques. “I wanted to show off and be excited about my pregnancy.” In the summer, Kitchens, who is eight and a half months pregnant, wore lots of jersey with her jeans.“I was able to go in my own closet and my own store to find things that fit,” she said. She chose flirty tops with empire waistlines and sweaters with trim silhouettes. “I didn’t want to look like I had a muumuu on, ”Kitchens said. For evening, she urges pregnant women not to shy away from prints.

AJC - Access Atlanta
2007

Best of Atlanta

Atlanta cast 75,727 votes to select the best restaurants, bars, shop, media personalities and more. Sage was one of 5 to be voted best boutique in Atlanta!

Hip fashions at affordable prices. Sage features designs fresh from the Los Angeles garment district and jewelry from up-and-coming Atlanta artists.

Daily Candy
June 18, 2007

She’s Gotta Have It

A life driven by impulse (The glitz! The rush!) is so exciting. But more often than not (This weekend! And last!), it’s just so darn expensive (The tab! The last-minute fares!).

Except in the case of new cheapie line It Jeans, with fancy-pants styles all ringing in at under $100.

Imagine: all the premium sensibilities, with cuts that flatter both the narrow of hip and curvy of thigh, at a fraction of the cost. Styles include Twiggy, a slimming straight leg; Bianca, a coal black pant with flap pockets; and Sophie, a low-fitting wide leg that looks good on anyone.

If the bazillion blue washes (pearl, lake, fog) and of-the-moment rinses like black and eclipse (gray) don’t get you shouting, the online fit guide (so helpful!) and long/regular inseam choices will.

No exclamation needed.

Available at Sage, 1745 Peachtree Street, Midtown (404-815-0555). To see styles, go to itjeans.com.

Lucky Magazine
November 2006

Coleccion Luna is featured in Lucky as a stand out designer in Atlanta!
"We love the vintage feel of this roomy embroidered carryall."
Floral Lace Duffel available at Sage Clothing, $50.

InStyle
September 2006

InStyle Magazine features jewelry by Isobel and bags by Coleccion Luna.

Southern Season
June 2006

Claim your stake with Festa Stuff’s territorial tees, including the Sweet and Sassy Southern Girl shirt, available at Sage Boutiques in Buckhead and Midtown. $29.

Daily Candy
May 2006

Frenzii clothing is precisely the opposite: billowing, soft-hewn tops, skirts, and dresses reminiscent of Ella Moss or Twill Twenty Two priced at a fraction of what you’d expect at first glance.

Running the gamut from pleated sea foam tunics to drop-waist minidresses in chickadee yellow, they’re go-anywhere, wear-with-anything pieces that you’ll bond with on the spot. And one twirl in any of the one-shoulder jumpers reveals strategic design that cinches the waist and protects you from headlights and other summer fabric-related situations.

After all, isn’t that also what friends are for?

Available at Sage, 37 West Paces Ferry Road, Buckhead (404-233-8280); 1745 Peachtree Street, Midtown (404-815-0555).

Upscale
April 2006

Upscale Magazine feature: Southern Girl Tee By Festa Stuff, $29 at Sage boutiques.

Some T-shirts allow us to say what we’re thinking without even having to open our mouths, while others are just a testimony of our personal style.

WWD Atlanta
August 2004

Shannon opened her first Sage location in Dunwoody at the tender age of 22. Seven years later, she has transplanted that store to Midtown and opened another in Buckhead.

Sage’s concept – hip, off-the-mainstream lines that sell for less than $100. “My whole purpose with Sage was to have a boutique setting without boutique prices,” she said. "Service is the key. I wouldn’t want to expand so much that we’d lose that atmosphere.”

Daily Candy
April 2006

Coleccion Luna’s eye-catching handbags — the best of both worlds, you might say — will have you rethinking reusables completely. Each one-of-a-kind creation lived its former life as a festive shawl, skirt, or shirt worn by Guatemalan Mayans.

Embroidered necklines and other elements like painted pattern hems are reborn as vivid centerpieces for totes and shoulder bags, at once hinting at old-world jet-setting and the long-forgotten ancient communities that Coleccion Luna fair trades with year after year. Even the vibrant lining and eyelet accents are made from traditional textiles that translate perfectly this spring.

Available at Sage, 1745 Peachtree Street, Midtown (404-815-0555); 37 West Paces Ferry, Buckhead (404-233-8280). To see styles, go to coleccionluna.com.

Deep
March 2004

Molly Ringwald is back!

We love Sage, in Buckhead, where everything is under $100 and just so much fun! Owner, Shannon Marler tells us that the 80’s are back again in fashion’s endless cycle. You’ll see big, bright plastic hoop earrings, miniskirts, and UGG boots in baby blue and pink. Classic jeans and stilettos take on a new look with the addition of a flouncy top.

Deep
January 2004

I think I’m in love…with my favorite store, that is. Newly opened in Atlanta’s trendy Midtown district (with another location in Buckhead), Sage is fun, fashion-forward and best of all, affordable – nothing is over $100!

Owner and stylish Georgia girl Shannon Marler returned to her Southern roots after working in the fashion scene in L.A. She travels continuously between the coasts to keep her shelves stocked with cutting-edge fashions: denim, jackets, dresses, accessories - and my favorite – fresh, flirty skirts with unusual cuts.