Music Valley Archive makes clothing & collectibles to help you rep Nashville's old school soul. Here on 5 Archive, Music City-based artists, creators and small business owners share their 5 current obsessions.
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Camille Alston is the owner and designer behind N.B. GOODS in Nashville, TN. After 15 years of making other people's dreams come true in the music industry, Camille stepped out into the small business world, combining her love for genderless style with classic nostalgia. Specializing in apparel, headwear, and accessories, N.B. GOODS opened its doors in October of 2020 at the Shops at Porter East in East Nashville. She lives in Madison with her husband Kevin and their five (yes five) dogs, and dreams of having a second home at the beach in Asbury Park, NJ.
"Every Second Counts" from The Bear
I always love a little dose of inspiration via pop culture. I am a huge fan of this show and the humanity of all the characters. I've also been a fan of a lot of the actors in previous works, and seeing them all together is perfect. The last time I was obsessed with a TV show mantra this much was "clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose" from Friday Night Lights, and I got it tattooed on my forearm when I left NYC for Nashville in 2012. TV can get a bad wrap but I think there's something beautiful about shows that can create a level of collective emotion in all kinds of people.
Bruce Springsteen
I'm kind of cheating because I am always obsessed with Bruce and look for any excuse to talk about him. Since he is currently on tour, I am allowed to count this as a "current" (versus recurrent) obsession. This year I've been to two shows on the tour. The first marquee item for N.B. GOODS was our United States vs. Bruce Springsteen trucker hat. It will forever hold a special place in my heart as it's such a conversation piece and has connected me with so many new friends, and even a few folks in The Boss' world.
Soccer in Nashville
When I moved to Nashville in 2012 from the New York/New Jersey area, one thing I really missed was the deep sports culture. During the 2010 World Cup I was living and working in New York City and the mayhem and joy surrounding the event was something I will never forget. I grew up playing soccer, and played in some rec leagues as an adult. Seeing NSC grow in the last few years has been very cool to watch. The addition of Geodis Park, and then just one season later hosting the Leagues Cup Finals with Messi in tow, has been unbelievable. I think soccer fans bring a different culture and vibe that is much needed here. Also a few of the players are East Nashville stans and it's cool to see them supporting the city back.
Cutting the hem off of my clothes
I'm no fashionista, but my previous career was in artist management and I spent a lot of time around some of the best stylists and tailors in Nashville and LA. Although I can't afford those clothes or tailors, I became familiar with the notion that clothes don't have to be whatever they are off the rack. If you love something and it doesn't quite fit, there's probably a way to make it work for you if you're willing to make the investment or spend a little time on it. For me a quick fix is cutting the bottom hem off of all my t-shirts and jeans. It looks intentional, not sloppy, and I find the fit to be better for my style and body type. And it costs nothing.
H&S Bagels
As a born and raised New Jerseyan, bagels are life. When I first moved to Nashville there were not a lot of options for a bagel that felt like home. H&S opened and my life was changed. It has the perfect Northeast deli vibe and extra mega bonus points because they have a pork roll egg and cheese sando (even though they call it Taylor ham, all is forgiven).
We invite every guest to add 5 songs to the WMVA 61.5AM Sunday Mornings Playlist, a collection of music for, well, mellow Sunday mornings. Here are Camille's picks:
- Brandon Flowers, "Between Me and You"
- Marvin Gaye, "Mercy Mercy Me"
- Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, "Cast Iron Skillet"
- Bruce Springsteen, "If I Should Fall Behind"
- Dottie West, "A Lesson In Leavin'"
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