Specialty retailers tap into turnkey e-commerce solution and create an online community of the best shops and products online; stylized and edited by Creative Director Julia Reed.

Nashville, Tenn. – September 8, 2010 One year, 59 specialty boutique shops, thousands of designer items, 30,000 registered online shoppers from 128 countries later; Taigan.com celebrates its one-year anniversary. Taigan’s first 12 months add up to industry awards, editorial acclaim, online retail growth and international expansion – the exception to the norm in a sluggish bricks and mortar retail year. With 83 percent of consumers shopping online at least once a week, Taigan helps bridge the gap between savvy online shoppers and specialty retailers with an e-commerce solution that is catching the eye of investors, retailers, fashion industry media and shoppers.

A recent winner of the Retailer of Excellence Award in the Internet Innovation category, and a finalist for Technology Start-up of the Year, Taigan’s one year marks a list of milestones. As Reed reports the elusive fashion finds in Taigan’s Fetch, its exclusive online magazine aimed at the curated lifestyle; shoppers continue to find, follow and friend the online retailer on its social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter and multiple blogs.

Launched in September 2009, Taigan quickly grew into an international online shopping hub featuring a highly edited collection of shops in the US and abroad, representing designer apparel, gifts, home decor, gourmet food, wine, cigars and more. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Taigan welcomes shoppers from over 128 countries monthly, adding new shops and thousands of items each month.

From Tuscan olive oil grove in Tuscany to natural skin care and cosmetics like Woo skincare and cosmetics, to children’s designer shops in Aspen to notable menswear designer Sid Mashburn, Taigan gathers an eclectic yet well-heeled collection of talent and their wares.

“Taigan makes it possible for consumers to shop at their favorite boutiques and takes the pain away from retailers setting up individual e-commerce solutions. We’ve connected online shoppers with specialty retailers and designers all over the country and also globally,” said Taigan founder Elizabeth Nichols. “It is so gratifying to see some retailers who weren’t sure if they were going to weather the last yearn, now thriving on Taigan.”

As retailers look toward the rapidly approaching holidays, uptick in spending is predicted— consumers say they will be spending as much or more this holiday season compared to last according to experts at Compete.

For more on Taigan stay connected on Taigan’s Facebook Fan Page or Follow us on Twitter @TaiganFinds.

About Taigan

Named for the famed sight hound known for its keen hunting abilities, Taigan.com is a highly edited collection of the world’s best shops from across the country and abroad. Showcasing specialty retailers of women and men’s fashion, home décor, art, antiques, jewelry, gourmet food and fine gifts, Taigan brings the best shops to your fingertips. For the shopper, the collector, the epicure… Taigan delivers an extraordinary and ever-expanding collection of shops and purveyors. Shopping is free, guests are asked to provide their email address to use the site’s messaging service with Taigan shops.

Online shopping site Taigan has been recognized as the top Internet Innovator by Gifts & Decorative Accessories Magazine at its 59^th Annual Retailer of Excellence Awards.

Nashville, Tenn. – August 16, 2010 Gifts & Decorative Accessories Magazine announced the winners for the magazine’s 59th annual Retailer of Excellence Awards and Taigan.com has been awarded top honors in the category: Retail Internet Innovation.

Launched in September 2009, Taigan has quickly grown into an international online shopping hub featuring a highly edited collection of shops in the US and abroad, representing designer apparel, gifts, home decor, gourmet food and wine and more. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Taigan welcomes shoppers from 128 countries monthly, adding new shops and thousands of items each month.

Winners were named at a gala dinner during the New York International Gift Fair on Sunday, August 15 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in New York City overlooking the Hudson River.

The Retailer of Excellence Awards are sponsored by Gifts & Decorative Accessories Magazine and the New York International Gift Fair, along with Dallas Market Center, 7W New York, 230 Fifth Avenue, Chicago Market Living and Giving, California Gift Show and Wellspring.

Gifts & Decorative Accessories serves retailers, manufacturers, and vendors of general gift products, decorative accessories, stationery, greeting cards, collectibles, personal care products, jewelry, and gourmet food items. Founded in 1917, Gifts & Decorative Accessories currently boasts a circulation of 27,000. Industry news, trade show news, new product introductions, and trend information highlight Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ monthly coverage.

For more on Taigan connect on Taigan’s Facebook Fan Page or Follow us on Twitter @TaiganFinds.

The elusive find for Dad goes beyond goofy golf balls, nerdy neck ties and cheap cologne when shopping online at Taigan.com. For the shopper, the collector, the epicure… Taigan delivers an extraordinary and ever-expanding collection of shops and purveyors, not to mention the perfect outlet for Father’s Day gift shopping.

From Peter Elliot’s famous Boat Shoes to a one-of-a-kind shaving set from Aidan Gill or a nostalgic Suede Chess Set from Stationer of New Orleans, the hunt starts at Taigan.com- an incomparable collection of shops.

Aidan Gill @ Taigan.com

Celebrate the finest in men’s grooming with a 3-piece Stag Horn Shaving Set from Aidan Gill for Men. Handmade in Italy, including a medium grade badger bristle shaving brush and brush stand. Guaranteed to keep his skin clean, smooth, and ageless! http://www.taigan.com/shops/aidangill/items/442/

Peter Elliot @ Taigan.com

For the man looking to reinvent himself as the Father’s Day tally rises, an escape from the norm with these unique, embroidered linen loafers with such inventive designs as octopus, bulldogs, devils and pirates and so much more, all from New York City’s Peter Elliot. Available in sizes 8-12, they make a statement… http://www.taigan.com/shops/peterelliot/items/6094/show_to_friend

Stationer @ Taigan.com

Something fun, nostalgic and practical for Dad this year is the Suede Chess/Checkers Set from Stationer of New Orleans. Portable for road trips and weekend family vacations , give a gift that says “we enjoy your company” with these classic games on a 2-tone suede stitched playing surface. http://www.taigan.com/shops/stationernola/items/5815

Zanetti @ Taigan.com

Perhaps the best gift is an experience shared. A one- of-a-kind experience under the Tuscan sun toured by epicurean and Italian olive grower/estate ower Marco Zanetti. Take a tour with the family and enjoy, partake and become accustomed with some of the world’s finest foods, vintage wineries, ancient landmarks, remarkable tours and breathtaking sites throughout the beautiful countryside. Schedule your tour on Taigan.com for the ultimate ease in giving a great gift. http://www.taigan.com/shops/zanetti/items/5932

The Mercantile @ Taigan.com

Hit the road this summer with a perfect Travel Companion Accessories from Taigan’s home furnishings boutique, the Mercantile. Whether short trips or long journeys, he will enjoy this collection of dop kit, passport cover, hip flask, thermos, and luggage tags, each covered in Charles Buchanan Monthly football imagery, for a taste of nostalgia. http://www.taigan.com/shops/themercantile/items/2563

Star Provisions @ Taigan.com

Always a winner with Dad – a set of Spiegelau Wheat glass from Star Provisions. Perfect for his favorite iced Pilsner. http://www.taigan.com/shops/starprovisions/items/992

Taigan’s online collection of shops showcases some great fashions, from basics to the latest trends and everything in between. Shopping from the comfort of your own home does have its advantages. You can browse and browse without any salesperson approaching you or pressuring you to buy. Taigan is the best of both worlds – no stuffy sales person following you around, but the shop owners are available by phone or email to answer your questions, make suggestions/tips or help you complete an outfit.

Taigan’s online magazine, fetch, also offers you great articles about the latest in style, trends and the elusive. What to wear, find the perfect fit, the latest Spring trends and so much more. With the help of RealSimple.com, Taigan brings you all the juicy details of shopping for a great pair of slacks. Read, learn and shop.

To create the longest possible line, pants should be an inch from the floor, with the hem breaking over the instep. You can either buy two pairs of pants, one hemmed for a specific heel and one hemmed for another or a flat if you wear those frequently. If you rather buy just a one-size fits-all type of pant, try to wear a maximum heel of two-inches, also known as a kitten-heel.

If you’re dealing with gaping issues at the waist because of fuller hips and a slim waist, try to find low-rise pants that sit on your hips or try a pair that has a contoured waistband. If you find a pair of pants that doesn’t fit that mold but you really like them, you can try going to the tailor and make some adjustments.

For a fuller figure, the bootcut pant can really work well. It’ll balance your hips and make you look great. Stay away from tab closures and belts, because these can add bulk. Slanted pockets aren’t also the best because they emphasize hips. Look for well-structured and fitted bootcut pants on Taigan. Become a Taigan member and take advantage of all the great perks not to mention the fact that you’ll have access to fantastic boutiques from across the U.S. from Atlanta to New York to Dallas and more. So you can be living in Florida and buy trendy clothes and shoes from New York.

If you’re a little on the shorter side, stay away from pleats, cuffs and tapered or cropped pants. They’ll just widen your fame and do nothing for you. To look longer and leaner, match a pointy heel to the color of your pants for a great look.

As a general rule, just take the time to browse through the online merchandise until you find something that you think will have a great fit and you’ll feel comfortable in. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you’ll seem and that’s great energy to give off, in the workplace or on a night out on the town.

It’s Springtime and besides Spring Cleaning, there’s something a lot more fun to do … and that’s renewing your wardrobe.

Taigan offers you tips on how to get fresh new clothes in that lovely closet (or two) of yours. Summer clothes are slowly going to make their way into your dressers and closets while Winter clothing will be stored away until next season, so you’ll have all the space in the world that you must fill up with this season’ must-haves as well as some of your own articles clothing that define your style.

To make room for this season’s fashion you can recycle some of your old clothes. Look at everything you have and make sure everything still fits well. Because even with timely style, it’s all about fit and silhouette. Remember that a lot of your clothing can be matched up with newer pieces that you’ll eventually get, especially the designer duds and accessories you’ll find online on Taigan. With Taigan’s growing collection of specialty boutiques, you’ll find great structured classics as well as the latest trends.

A tip when re-visiting/re-fitting your closet is to keep the basics. A black tank top, a navy blue jersey dress, a great pair of jean shorts, a clean white fitted tee, gray slacks, those are all great basics that can be matched up with any of the designer wear you’ll find in Taigan’s boutiques from the H. Audrey shop to Mimi to Sabot and others that make up our fantastic collection of shops online. Make sure all your recycled clothes are washed after being in storage for a few months. And remember to iron some of them for a clean and fresh look.

Don’t forget you can always make some adjustments to your clothes. If last season you really took advantage of a great skirt, feel free to give it a new look by shortening it or jazz it up with a few rhinestones here and there. A Spring wardrobe can definitely be a lot of fun and can unleash your creative side too. Look on Taigan.com for some inspiring looks. You can swap buttons, you can add shoulder pads, add patches, just as long as you don’t overdo it. Sometimes even pulling up your sleeves or adding a belt to an outfit can make a world of difference. Enjoy your new Spring wardrobe.

So Fashion Week in New York City is finally over, it seems like that’s all everyone in the fashion world was talking about for a few months now. Bryant Park, the white tents, the celebrities, the fashion designers, it was all about Fashion Week for quite some time. But now that it’s over, in New York City at least, we can all take a moment and recap the best of the best in terms of the clothes, the makeup, the hair and everything in between.

Everyone online is posting about Fashion Week, blogging about the highlights and the must-have pieces of the season, so Taigan is joining in on the conversation.

According to an article posted on StyleList.com, the tousled bed hair and smoky eyes inspired by Bridget Bardot and Catherine Deneuve at the Vera Wang show was a total hit. And at Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. show, the smoldering smoky eyes and vibrant red lips were the most fun beauty look.

According to the article, there wasn’t a lot of blush on the models walking the runaway this year. The look was more natural and tawny . The fishtail braids Redken’s Rudi Lewis created for Adam Fall 2010 were a favorite hairstyle. Derek Lam’s show, ‘Myth of the West’ had a parade of blue jeans eyes on the catwalk.

In terms of popular clothes for the Fall season, About.com reports that last year’s jacket is being replaced with this year’s vest. It’s easily wearable by most women and matches different sizes and shapes. One trend that was also mentioned on the website is Colorblocking. After seasons of frills and prints, colorblocking is more about strong graphics and is bright and bold. Lacoste is doing it as well as DKNY. Marc Jacobs collection was all grown-up and sophisticated, filled with wearable furs.

Another trend during this year’s Fashion Week is the whole digital world and technology merging with fashion. Some designers were streaming their fashion shows online, some were Twittering about it, and even some of the clothes were inspired by the 2.0 world. From cool prints to cutouts, manipulated fabric to hi-tech fabrics, fashion has definitely gone digital.

For your very own Fashion Week or Fashion Month for that matter, visit Taigan to shop the many styles of the season in clothes, shoes, accessories and jewelry from an ever-growing collection of shops. You’ll find specialty boutiques like H. Audery, Amanda Pinson Jewelry, Pied Nu, Style Paris by Susan, Migliore and so many more.

Fashion Week is over in New York but it’s about to start for you!