Published: June 28, 2007 12:05 pm         

Designer denim all the rage at small town boutique

Lindsay Lohan wears this brand of denim. So does Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Hilary Duff, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mandy Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Gisele Bundchen.

It’s Joe’s Jeans. And it can be found at Pearls in the downtown area of rural Nashville.

Owner Debra Hardeman noted that over the past decade the perfect pair of jeans has become a greatly desired and sought after item in fashion. Considered frumpy and cool looking only on cowboys in years past, it has now become the sartorial bread and butter, capable of being dressed up with heels for a night on the red carpet or down with flip flops for an afternoon of fun with the girls.

“Designer jeans are so in right now,” she added.

In addition to Joe’s Jeans, which are known for accentuating the curves in all the right places, Pearls boasts denim by Citizens of Humanity, favored by Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Aniston. Having eliminated the notorious peek-a-boo back effect common in most low-risers, this amazingly hot denim line may be best known for its vintage look, high quality and tailored fit in any position.

Hardeman also keeps Seven for all Mankind jeans, which are known for their fit and ability to look good on virtually all body types, on hand. Considered a closet staple of almost every celebrity, they are favored by Debra Messing and Sarah Michelle Gellar.



“Growing up, I was never a label shopper,” Hardeman shared. “I did not care if it came from Wal-Mart as long as I liked it. However, I have found with some items the quality of the name-brand item is really and truly better.”

Hardeman opened Pearls — named in honor of her grandmother, Pearl Swain — in the City of Dogwoods at 104 East Marion Avenue in mid-October of 2006. She enjoyed a “wonderful end-of-year season” as her boutique became the place for Nashville women, as well as those from the surrounding areas, of all ages to spend their holiday dollars.

“It was great,” she said.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, Hardeman’s first attempt at business ownership came when she moved to St. Simons Island on the coast of Georgia. She went there in search of a new beginning, a fresh start, and ended up opening two stores. She sold one but continues to operate the other, The Eclectic Cottage, which features linens, accessories and gifts.

“St. Simons was a healing place for me,” she said. “But spiritual convictions brought me back home.”

When Hardeman returned to Nashville six years later cancer free, she was both a changed woman and delighted to be close to her mother and father, sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren — one more is due in August. She just needed something to do.

Hardeman realized that her beloved hometown had made great strides while she was away, something she credited to former Mayor Connie Perry. Nashville was no longer the best kept secret in rural Georgia. It was alive and well and thriving.

“I did my research and decided to open a boutique for women,” she said. “It was something Nashville was missing, something that would complement the downtown area. Women like pretty things. They want to feel good about themselves ... to feel beautiful.”

Pearls offers traditional styles with the occasional fad item thrown into the mix for fun. This includes everything from Michael Stars Tees to coordinated sportswear by Sharon Young Inc. to the fashion jeanswear collection by French Dressing. Other labels featured are Isda and Co., Nick & Zoe, Eileen Fisher and Free People, a must-have for teenagers.

A one-stop shop, Pearls also carries accessories like Yellow Box shoes and Matt & Nat handbags as well as undergarments by Spanx and Sassybax, capable of smoothing a woman’s silhouette, eliminating the possibility of bra bulge and providing exceptional comfort as it slims the back and torso. A bath and skincare line from Lady Primrose — found in luxury hotels worldwide — and bedding and pajamas by Pine Cone Hill round out the store’s offerings.

“I am always networking, talking to other boutique owners and asking questions,” Hardeman said. “The boutique has been a learning experience for me, but one I enjoy. I listen to my customers and give them what they want.”