Living Locally: The Mustache {Bentonville & Fayetteville}

April 16, 2013 by · 14 Comments
The Mustache
Photo Credit to Rebecca Pilotte Photography

As part of my “Living Local” series I’ve started this spring, I decided to poll my friends on Facebook and  ask others in person, what their favorite local places to shop were. Most people got excited about 1 or 2 stores and had a quick sales pitch of why they liked that place. After talking to a few hundred people who live in this area, I felt that I had a good idea of what most locals and blog readers like. Last month I decided to visit each store recommended to me. I was able to chat with the owners and learn about what makes them special and unique– as well as do a fun fashion shoot with a friend!

I felt that this series also fit in perfectly with April’s theme of Inner & Outer beauty.  (Read my intro post to the Beauty Series) and see last week’s fun post.

Over the next few weeks I’ll share some of the best places to shop in Northwest Arkansas based on YOUR suggestions. Even if you don’t live in NW Arkansas, you will probably still enjoy all the posts because we are getting fashion tips from the experts! With a wide variety of shops visited, there is something for everyone.

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When I think of someone who is beautiful inside and out, I immediately thought of Claire Bailey. Claire recently contributed an amazing blog post. I asked her to come by and to have  some fun shopping. I mean, I love fashion but how much more fun is it to have a friend to shop with and get their insights and see what they loved? I feel having a shopping partner took the focus off of me and spotlighted them in a fun, guest post kind of way. Diverse fashion choices are great! Just my opinions would get old!

I’ve known Claire’s family for YEARS and got the opportunity to know her better when she was in high school. She had an independent but down to earth fashion even then and her confidence was pure. She fell in love with a twirly dress as I found a dress from the Mad Men era that was perfect for a curvy girl. I had no idea mint and navy were a thing! 

I was able to talk to the owners, Ashley and Brian, and was able to get a glimpse into their passions and heart for their business, The Mustache. I asked a few questions about who they really are and below are their answers:

The Mustache {Bentonville & Fayetteville}

The Mustache
Q.  How was your store concept dreamed up? You have such a diverse, amazing collection of items! (Check out one of my personal faves- Gingiber’s little fox pillow!)
A.  The concept of the store was born on an 18 hour drive from Phoenix, AZ to Fayetteville, AR in late 2010. There was this perfect space open on the square and Brian has always wanted to own a shop. It seems like a perfect opportunity to make this a reality. The actual concept of what we would carry went through a few revisions. We settled on the idea of a shop with all the lovely goods we ourselves are passionate about and love. We wanted to focus on things you couldn’t find in NWA and a heavy emphasis on carrying brands from other mom and pop companies and ‘do good’ companies (companies that give back in some way). We wanted a store anyone could walk in and feel comfortable in, have a little laugh, enjoy a short visit! We wanted things for those young and old, guys and gals! Our name came a few months into the process when we were thinking of a way to pay homage to the old building we were moving into. We wanted something with an ‘old timey’ feel and settled on ‘The Mustache’. It’s catchy, we came up with a great logo, and it’s just fun! Who wouldn’t want to walk in a store called The Mustache! Goods and Wears came afterwards since we carry a variety of gifts, t-shirts, and clothing. We love the vibe we’ve created and the fact a wide array of folks stop in each week!
the mustache
Q.  How do you choose Fashion for your store?
A.  I don’t like to wear the same thing as everyone else. I want my style to be unique, stand out (in a good way!), and one of a kind! So, we purchase only 1 or 2 of each size in our clothing. Once it’s gone, it’s gone! We want each guy and gal to feel special in the clothing they put on and know that they won’t be wearing the same thing as everyone on the street! As for the style, I love the late 1950’s/early 1960’s style and you’ll see that reflected in what I buy. I like classic cuts with fun prints. I like statement dresses…pockets….and a good classy cut! I don’t always follow trends with our clothes – I buy things that catch my eye or make me smile! This spring I was inspired by the shift dresses of the 1960’s, clogs, mint green, and arrows!
the mustache
Q.  Well, clearly we loved your fashion choices! What else?
A.  We also design and partner with local folks to design our t-shirts. We just like to have fun with our t-shirt line. We love to swap up colors, styles, and try new styles. Mr. Mustache (Brian) is the t-shirt guy of the shop and he does a great job with variety and trying new styles each season! One of our biggest passions as a company is to be a good steward of what we are given and what we carry. Many lines in the shop have a give back component or fair trade component to them. We try to support local products and artists and carry a few of our favorite local designers in the store. Not only do we sell ‘do good’ products, but we try our best to reinvest into the great community we have in Northwest Arkansas
the mustache
This post doesn’t even begin to show all that the Mustache has to offer! I highly recommend the next time you are in either Fayetteville or Bentonville to check out one of their locations. They have a wide collection of products that would be perfect for just about any occasion.
In the interest of being 100% transparent, I did not receive ANY financial benefit (whether gift cards, discounts, coupons, etc) in any way for doing this series. I wanted to educate my readers and have a fun series on beauty, fashion and living in Northwest Arkansas.
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  • Becky

    If you want a fun gift idea, this is the place to go! It’s perfect because you can get your fun, random gift, you can also get the outfit to wear to the party! Love this store!!

  • Jacqueline Presley

    Super cute clothes!!! Love the Mustache !!!!

  • TheBusyNothings

    They are so amazing!

  • TheBusyNothings

    You were amazing Becky!

  • TheBusyNothings

    Thanks Lindsey!

  • http://twitter.com/NotSoCrunchy Adrienne G.

    I think my favorite gift when I was pregnant with Ladybug was a gift certificate to The Mustache. I got her the cutest “Made in Arkansas” onsie! I wish it still fit on her.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=20620796 Katy Nelson Schmidt

    Can I order online?? That green necklace with the dress is gorgeous! Very flattering and youthful!

  • TheBusyNothings

    RIGHT?! I love it! It made me look all Mad Men era. 😉 Curvy girls rock! ;))

  • TheBusyNothings

    I LOVE those onesies! I feel like I barely touched on all that the Mustache had to offer in their store!

  • http://twitter.com/kidto3moms Sarea Clark

    Think I might have to check this place out! I need some ‘fashion’! 😉

  • Kitty Osmon

    We love to shop at the Mustache in Bentonville. The shop girls engage amazingly well with my kids (almost 6, 4, almost 2)!

  • http://twitter.com/blaire_cailey Claire Bailey

    This was so much fun Heidi!! So glad I could randomly meet up and be a fashionista with you :) The mustache so gets us.

  • TheBusyNothings

    I love the Mustache in bentonville! I think one of their moms runs it and she was so sweet when I went in!

  • TheBusyNothings

    HAH! and yes, Claire, you are right… they totally get me. :) I could own everything in that store.