Mode Around the Globe: Arlie Kontic
Mode Around The Globe: Nashville
Trulee Rodney
@trulee
Photography by Jessica Spohr
@jessicaspohr
Location: The Union Station Nashville Yards
@unionstationhotelnashville.com
What was your favorite part of the Nashville getaway?
My favorite part of the Nashville getaway was the girls! Each and every one of them made me feel beautiful and cared for in a way a girl can only hope for.
What surprised you most about Nashville during your stay?
Honestly, the southern hospitality surprised me the most. It’s something you hear about and see in the movies, but here everyone truly does smile at you and says hello. It’s refreshing.
What was your most memorable moment from the trip?
The most memorable moment was being up on the rooftop of Jason Aldean’s, and Miss Frankie saying something like, “Wow, we’re looking over Broadway!” It really just made me feel lucky to be there.
What did you love most about Union Station Nashville?
On my last night of the stay, I got really sick and could barely get out of bed. Guest services provided me with flu medicine, emergency vitamin C packets, and a much-needed humidifier in my gift basket that truly brought me back to life. I felt truly cared for.
Which outfit ended up being your “hero piece” for this trip?
My sequins gown. That day I began to feel sick and had a more thought-out outfit planned, but I just couldn’t bring myself to be creative, so I threw on this sequins gown I packed “just in case.” I think, and hope, I looked pretty darn good!
What was your favorite beauty or self-care product you used while getting ready in Nashville?
The One Skin products I used are what I use at home to this day, as well as the Native Spa Quinoa products — my whole family loved the hand cream scent!
What was your favorite experience from the curated itinerary?
The photoshoot was beyond special. Being my first photoshoot for a magazine, it was surreal — a real “pinch me” moment, you know? Each dinner was also amazing. Being around strong, beautiful, intelligent women was incredibly empowering.
What’s a fun fact about you that your fans might be surprised to hear?
I’m much shorter in real life than I look online! I feel like that’s the first thing people say when they meet me. I stand at a whopping 5 feet tall.
What was your favorite dish or dining experience in Nashville?
My favorite dish was the Union Station Chicken Caesar Salad (anchovies on the side). Each day, one of the girls would order it, and finally, I gave in and had it delivered to my room. I’m still thinking about it!
What’s one thing you learned or discovered about Nashville that you didn’t expect?
Again, the southern hospitality and genuine niceness throughout Nashville were incredible.
Which part of the getaway made you feel most inspired or creatively energized?
The freedom to be myself throughout the shoot was liberating! I had the freedom to express myself through fashion the way I love, and the photographer Jess and Erin were beyond sweet to me. They complimented me on every frame. I felt like a princess!
What did you enjoy most about shooting content in Nashville?
I loved how easy shooting was in Nashville. Usually, you get mean glances or irritated half-smiles from onlookers as you shoot, but everyone around was kind and intrigued in a positive way.
If you could bring one thing from Nashville back home with you, what would it be?
I’d bring the southern hospitality back home to Arizona. I truly feel like no one smiles at each other or says hello randomly anymore, and I’d like to bring back the whimsy of being kind to strangers.
What was your favorite off-camera moment with the group?
My favorite off-camera moment was probably when Kat tried bull riding for the first time. It was a “had to be there” moment that genuinely hurt my cheeks and stomach from laughing so much.
What Nashville memory from this trip will stay with you the longest?
Just being able to say I did a photoshoot for a real-life magazine! It was surreal and something I’ll tell my kids about.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone visiting Nashville for the first time?
Don’t worry too much about planning a whole itinerary ahead of time — Nashville has a way of surprising you with beautiful little hole-in-the-wall spots.
What’s something from this trip that you’re grateful for?
I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to be on a trip like this. Being in a magazine was a bucket-list item I got to check off, and even being considered for such a huge opportunity is something very special.
What upcoming project or moment in your life are you most excited about right now?
Honestly, I’m most excited about my mom’s health. This whole year has been centered around getting her healthy again, so work hasn’t been my highest priority. I’m mostly excited to see her back to herself again.
