11.09.2009
WHO.WHAT.WEAR
Here's a sample explaination of the above lovely lady in black and red:
"A few red accents add interest to a neutral outfit.Becca, 24, from New York, is an ideal candidate to launch us into cocktail season. Her black and white ensemble is all-occasion appropriate, yet her choice of strategically placed color makes said outfit all her own. We love her oversized floral purse that is both cheeky and ladylike and adds some whimsy to her prim-and-proper look. Plus, the addition of a vibrant lip color and nail polish also livens up her ensemble and makes it youthful and fun. Grab a bag akin to Becca's by opting for Valentino's Petale Satchel ($2495), or go for Steve Madden's Bruffle Bag ($88) for a dose of raspberry-colored ruffle that's less of an investment. As for her eye-catching pout, we recommend shu uemura's Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine Lip Color ($30) in Rd165 for its bold color and sleek clutch-ready capsule. Finally, we'd hand our lovely manicure over to the experts at Sephora by OPI and opt for Nail Colour ($9) in Madame President, a perfect, primary red."
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11.08.2009
11.06.2009
Poleci, Versace, Linda Asaf and Alexandra King for Saturday's 2nd annual Runway to Heaven Charity Fashion Show at the Austonian
'What does it take to be a major fashion designer these days?" I asked Jeffrey Chow on the phone (pictured right).
He didn't hesitate with his answer. Chow, no stranger to industry buzz, got Vogue editor Anna Wintour's stamp of approval seasons ago.
"It's a little bit harder than 20 or 30 years ago to do a brand," said Chow, who now designs the line Poleci. "You have to be much more show-show. It's much harder to do it from scratch. People are buying less, and (they are) more demanding about what goes into a garment and design. It's our job to give them a reason to buy."
Certainly, we learned the tough lessons of the fashion business from the revealing documentary "Valentino: The Last Emperor," and we know fashion designers and design houses have gone to great lengths during the recession to stay relevant and keep costs down while trying to make sure their voices are heard.
Perhaps that's one reason Chow and Poleci executive Jean Claude Huon will make an appearance in Austin this week for Saturday's Runway to Heaven Charity Fashion Show at the Austonian (200 Congress Ave.). Doors for the event open at 6:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Poleci will share the runway with Austin designer Linda Asaf, emerging designer Alexandra King and heavy-hitter Versace, which is going through its own shake-up during this economic decline. Hair and makeup for the show will be done by a team from the popular Australian-based Kevin Murphy. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Austin Children's Shelter and Dell Children's Medical Center.'
Photos courtesy Luis Banuelos Arechiga
11.05.2009
2nd Street District Holiday Give & Get
Come into participating 2ND Street District businesses any Friday afternoon in November from noon-5p.m. (free validated parking in City Hall).
Just $25 gets you special VIP savings, free gifts, a chance to win holiday spending money and the opportunity to support one of four much-loved Austin non-profits: Art Alliance Austin, Austin Dog Rescue, Bikes for Kids or Capital Area Food Bank. $20 goes directly to the charity of your choice and $5 will go toward a raffle including holiday spending money and hundreds of dollars in gift certificates to 2ND Street District businesses. The raffle will be drawn on Thursday, December 3—the night when most 2ND Street District businesses will officially celebrate the holidays with parties, trunk shows and other special events.
11.04.2009
Buy a Shirt, Feed a Child for a Month
Buy a cool shirt for $38 and feed a child in Africa for a month.
There are dozens of designs; get one or two here. Great for Christmas gifts!
11.03.2009
Beth Ditto & the Gossip
I know, I know, I'm a little behind the times, but my friends just went to this show last week and said it was amazing. I am jealous I didn't go, therefore I want to share one of their hit songs with you so that you too do not miss out on Beth Ditto and the Gossip's insane performance when they are in your area...
For a list of their concert dates go here.
11.02.2009
Scarf-sanity: The Top 4 Ways to Rock Neck Candy
"White People’s body temperatures do not operate on logical or consistent levels, and because of this white people are often forced to wear clothing combinations that might seem strange or illogical...
...During winter months, it’s no surprise to find white people all bundled up with scarves around their neck – it just makes sense. But even as the weather warms up and the other layers start to fall off, the scarf remains...
...It is not uncommon to see a white person in jeans, a sweater and a scarf. In fact, it’s not a rare occurance to see a white person in a t-shirt, jeans, and a scarf. Thats right. A thin cotton t-shirt paired with a scarf to enable maximum temperature control in bars and places with air conditioning."
1. The No-Tie Tie. Just drape it around your neck for that 'I'm so cool, I don't even tie my scarf" look.
2. The Backwards Wrap Tie. Drape your scarf backwards around your neck, so that the center is flush against your throat and the tails fall down your back. Take the tail falling over your right shoulder blade and bring it across your back and over your left shoulder so it falls down the left side of your chest, and repeat with the opposite side. This way says, "I can't wait to become an ex-pat, I'm so cool."
2. The Backwards Wrap + Knot Tie. Complete look # 3, then tie the tails. Presto Scarf-o! When to do it: Under a buttoned up blazer with the tails hanging out past the hem, when your scarf is super long. When you want your neck to be extra cozy.
4. Button-Hole Tie. Fold your scarf in half (making it half as long) and drape it around your neck so that you have both tails hanging over one shoulder and the folded center over the other. Open up the folded center a bit to create a button-hole, and thread the the tails through the hole.
Calling All BoozeHounds: Yelp Drinks Week!
LA CONDESA
Enlightened Austin Martini (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6
El Cubico (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6
Las Ascendentes (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6
CEDAR DOOR
Austin Ultimate Mexican Martini (reg $11) During YDW $5.50
Treaty Oak Lemonade Martini (reg $11) During YDW $5.50
Pinky Friedman (reg $11) During YDW $5.50
MAX'S WINE DIVE
Sangria Max (blend of red + white wines w/ select fruit juices)(reg $6) YDW $3
Luxury White (Cape Mentelle Chard) (reg $13/glass) During YDW $6.50
Luxury Red (Beringer Knights Valley Cab) (reg $13/glass) During YDW $6.50
CISSI'S WINE BAR Sake Mojito (reg $5.75) During YDW $2.88
Sangria (reg $5) During YDW $2.50
Spiced Apple Cider (reg $5.75) During YDW $2.88
ROARING FORK (Downtown) Huckleberry Rita (reg $7) During YDW $3.50 Blackberry Madras (reg $8) During YDW $4
Category 6 Lemonade (reg $9) During YDW $4.50
MARKER 10
Dr. Tito's (reg $10) During Yelp Drinks $5
Candy Corn (reg $10) During Yelp Drinks $5
Pumpkin Espresso Martini (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks $6
HOUSE WINE
2006 Zinfandel, Cycles Falcon, California Reg. $9 glass / During YDW: $4.50
2006 Tempranillo, Tinto, Paso A Paso, Spain Reg. $8 glass / During YDW: $4
2008 Reisling, The Stump Jump, Australia Reg. $8 glass / During YDW: $4
NOMAD
Pisco Sour (reg $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50
Caphirinha (reg. $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50
Fernet and Coke (reg $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50
PAGGI HOUSE
Raspberry Lemonade (reg $8) During YDW $4
Elderflower Royale (reg $10) During YDW $5
Blood Orange Margarita (reg $8) During YDW $4
IMPERIA
Kung Fu Cosmopolitan (reg $9) During YDW $4.50
The Imperia Pearl (reg $9) During YDW $4.50
The Jade Martini (reg $9) During YDW $4.50
THE BELMONT
Belmontini (reg $10) During YDW $5
Classic Mojito (reg $8.50) During YDW $4.25
French 77 (reg $12) During YDW $6
ANNIE'S
The Old Austin (reg $9) / During YDW $4.50
The Diablo (reg $9) / During YDW $4.50
DRUNGO ICE HOUSE 512 Wit (reg $3.75) / During YDW: $1.88
Austin Amber $3.75 (reg $3.75) / During YDW: $1.88
Drungo Michelada (reg $3.75) / During YDW: $1.88
BUFFALO BILLIARDS
Raspberry Lemonade (regular price is $5.50) / YDW $2.75
Peach Tea (regular price is $5.50) / During YDW $2.75
Pyramid Hefeweizen (regular price is $4) / During YDW $2
EDDIE V'S (Arboretum) The Red Dragon Mojito - (reg. $8) / During YDW $4
Mayfair Martini - (reg. $10) / During YDW $5
Purpletini - (reg. $9) / During YDW $4.50
CLUB DE VILLE Margarita (reg price $6) / During YDW $3
Lone Star (reg price $3) / During YDW $1.50
Jager (reg price $6) / During YDW $3
THE GINGER MAN
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50
Deschutes Black Butte Porter (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50
Sunner Original German Kolsh (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50
THE GHOST ROOM
XX (draught) (reg $4) / during YDW: $2
Shiner (draught) (reg $4) / during YDW: $2
(well) vodka & soda (reg $4) / during YDW: $2
CHUPACABRA
Frozen Margarita (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75
Spicy Mango Margarita (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75
Frozen Sweet Tea Vodka (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75
Read more here.
10 Day Salute to Sausage- that's what she said...
Huge brat loaded with sauerkraut and spicy mustard? Check.
Turkey legs and funnel cakes? Check, check.
German bands at different stages, the chicken dance and true German attire? Check, check, CHECK!
If you have never been to Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Texas this is your year to go. It is honestly one of my favorite weekends of the year, just behind TX/OU weekend, I might even like it more than Christmas. This will be my 5th Annual Wurstfest and every year it gets better.
I have had pledges, parents, and buses drive me…but whatever your form of transportation, make sure you are NOT the driver! Pitchers upon pitchers of beer will be entering your bloodstream but don’t fret, you get to take a souvenir home with you. All cups and pitchers are yours to keep,
and I promise you will have a tower.
Last year was the first time I actually ventured from the Big Tent/Little Tent area. (It is very easy to get caught up dancing with cute old men to German music.) They have rides that are sure to entertain you while you are not drinking, eating, or dancing.
2008 Winners of the Wurstfest Waltz Contest (left)
Wurstfest opens on weekdays at 5 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am. Wurstfest closes at 12 Midnight on Thursday and Frid
ays, 10 pm Sunday through Wednesday, and 1 am on Saturdays and at 10 pm on the last Sunday.
Festival admission is $8.00 ($6.00 if purchased by Thursday, October 29) and
includes access to all entertainment areas including the Wursthalle. For group rate information and special day discounts, call 830/625-9167 or 1-800-221-4369.
The festival begins this weekend, October 30, saluting sausage for ten days ending Sunday November 8. Get your crew together and get a driver and I will see you in New Braunfels! After all… THE BEST TIMES ARE THE WURST TIMES!!!
New Monday Music Courtesy of Austin RiffRaff
Check out the rest of Austin RiffRaff's excellent music selections here.
10.31.2009
10.30.2009
The Do's and Don'ts of the Boyfriend Blazer
Do wear them with leggings/jeggings (read about jeggings here).
Don't actually wear your boyfriend's blazers- they'll probs look too boxy!
Do wear them with skinny jeans.
Express Long Boyfriend Jacket, $79.50
Don't wear them with wide-legs or flares. Think proportions people.
Do wear it with a tunic to class is up.
Do wear them with dress shirts. I heart menswear.
Do wear them with frilly and flow-y tops. Tres trendy.
Do wear them with booties and platform heels.
Do wear them with flats to work or out, give your feet a break.
Elizabeth and James Core Blazer, $395
Don't wear them with high boots unless it's a cropped version. Doing so will break up your proportions the wrong way and shorten your legs. Unless you are a giant like me.
Do roll up the sleeves if it has a white lining.
Do push up the sleeves onto your forearms. Very cool right meow.
Do accessorize with lots of jewelry to femme up the ensemble. Think big collar necklaces like these.
10.29.2009
It's Mickey Avalon on the Microphone
November 13, 2009
Doors @ 10 p.m.
Buy your tickets for $18 here for the most ambiguously sexual yet attractive concert ever.
This is exactly what this concert is like... Aka worth $18.
Mickey Avalon talks about getting started, the Roxy, this Gig on Melrose, Rod Stewart, Andy Dick, his first show, tap dancing with his family and his fans. Riddle me this: why are his manners so bad?
"Isn't it always what you joke about that comes true?" - Cisco Adler NYLON TV finds MySpace pop star Mickey Avalon, Cisco Adler, and Rainbow Jeremy of Whitestarr explaining the origins of "Jane Fonda."
You Need Over The Knee Boots
Then, my friends, I have the pair for you. As usual Top Shop brings it with these Dolan Over the Knee Boots and at $170 they won't break the bank, not to mention they won't make you cringe when this style is out next season. Also, they come in such a clean brown color and classic style that they will fit into your wardrobe seamlessly while giving you that hip-to-the-now look.
Get them here.
10.28.2009
Debut of John Renaud's Senior Thesis Collection
He is SO talented it blows my mind.
Don't forget to attend his party on Saturday, Nov. 7th from 1 to 4 p.m. at Buy Definition on South Congress.
See John as zee one and only Karl Lagerfeld. .. What a brilliantly appropriate Halloween costume, no?
Check out his bio and his work for Peaches here.
Check out his portfolio on his website here.
Pablove Benefit Concert Tonight @ Emos Benefiting Pediatric Cancer Research
I was listening to Woxy.com’s live streaming yesterday and my afternoon jam sessions were interrupted by a sad, sad story. Jeff Castelaz, founder of Dangerbird Records, was on air talking about the Pablove Foundation. Jeff lost his son to cancer last year and started this amazing foundation that raises money to improve the lives of children with cancer. An excerpt from Pablove.org:
“As we carry out our mission, we wave a flag for anyone to see. On it are these words: Kids get cancer too. They need your help. It’s not somebody else’s problem.”
I almost started crying listening to Jeff’s story yesterday, but luckily there’s something we can all do to help! There’s a benefit concert TONIGHT at Emo’s. Tickets are available here and all proceeds directly benefit the Pablove foundation.
Here's some videos from the artists that are playing tonight @Emo's:
Girls Night Out for a Good Cause: TONIGHT!
As the temperatures turn cold, stock up on the season's cutest winter clothes tonight at a
Girls Night Out!
1206 West 38th Street26 Doors Shopping Center
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy wine and light appetizers as you shop and visit with friends!
Benefiting Partnerships for Children
PFC provides critical resources to abused and
neglected children in our community who are
in the care of Child Protective Services.
(5% of all sales will go to PFC.)
Please bring an item to donate to
PFC’s Rainbow Room. Visit
www.partnershipsforchildren.
for their wish list.
Misty Bra
Lisa Tully*rsvp mistyhbray@yahoo.com
10.27.2009
Need a Scary Movie for Your Halloween Fix?
Needless to say if you like scary movies, this one does a pretty solid job blending immediate danger, suspense and torturous taunting that leads to killing. It will scare your socks off.
Want to be scared? Rent this bad boy today. What truth is in the true story claim you ask? Here's what a genius (or a person with too much free time) on Yahoo! Answers had to say:
The True Story Behind the New Movie "The Strangers" is a mixture of three stories.
The killers, a principle male assailant and female accomplices, is based upon Charles Manson and the Manson killings.
The frantic "there's blood everywhere" 911 phone call and "bounding to a chair and stabbing" was based on the killings in Cabin 28.
The basic story of a couple being terrorized by a group of people was based on the famous killing in the Czech Republic, which was also made into a French Film titled Ils, translated to mean "Them."
In the Czech Republic murders, an Austrian couple are terrorized in their vacation home by three teenagers and are later killed in the forest when they try to escape. BUT, a concrete source for this alleged crime has yet to be found other than countless blog postings, leading most people to believe that the story was engineered much like the Blair Witch Project, to give Directors a legal excuse to claim that it was based on a "True Story."
In the Cabin 28 murders, the daughter of a woman walks into a cabin where her mother, brother, and brother's female friend were staying only to find them stabbed and hammered to death. She calls 911 frantically repeating "there's blood everywhere," which there was although no one heard anything all night.
10.26.2009
Decadence on a Dime: Easy Breezy Spicy Tomato Sauce
It’s Monday, and I don’t know about you but I need a pick-me-up. I want something healthy but filling/hearty/delicious (I try to save Mexican food for the weekend). This spicy tomato sauce comes from Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, CA. Their entire menu is healthy and delicious and this easy sauce is no exception. This sauce is a mainstay in my house. The ingredients are simple and cheap, but the sauce itself is extremely versatile. I serve this over fish, vegetables or pasta, that is if I can keep from eating it right out of the pot as its cooking. It’s that good.
3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
½ large yellow onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 (15 oz) can diced Italian plum tomatoes with juice
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes, to taste
Salt and pepper
In a medium sauce pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking and stirring until onion and garlic begin to caramelize, about 4 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, oregano and basil (and pour yourself a glass of wine). Bring to a simmer and then cook, uncovered, until thickened. 10 to 15 minutes. Season to taste with red pepper, salt and pepper.
Serve immediately. The sauce can refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze for 3 weeks. My favorite way to serve this sauce is over pan seared tilapia and steamed broccoli. It’s a very healthy, but hearty dinner.