New Website!

I have switched to Wordpress!  Please go check out the new and updated site at www.keepaustinstylish.com.

And make sure you update your RSS feed or Google Reader to the new site!

Thanks!

Joanna Wilkinson
keep austin stylish

Upcoming Event: High Tea with Spartan

If you want to get a little away from the SXSW madness, this event next Thursday sponsored by Dripping Springs Vodka at Spartan/Bows + Arrows is a lovely option.

Urban Outfitters Live in Austin

I accidentally stumbled upon this event a couple of years ago when I was out shopping during SXSW.  You can check out what bands are playing at Urban Outfitters this year and the schedule here.

Joanna Wilkinson
keep austin stylish

Belle Sleeves

Blakesley King

Spotted: Beauty Bar

Favorite Austin spot: Haddington's

Occupaton: Soda jerk at Big Time Candy Shop

Joanna Wilkinson

keep austin stylish

Upcoming Event: Buy Defintion and Dog & Pony Fever For Spring Sale

Need to do some last minute shopping for SXSW?  Dog & Pony is having a sale this weekend just for you.

More Stylish Free Events During SXSW

Poshmark Presents TxSC Posh Party

Sat. March 10th 7-10pm

Posh App

• The physical Posh party is closed and open only to Texas Style Council attendees, but you can shop the closets of the Posh Party attendees (including myself and many other stylish bloggers) via the Posh app for your iPhone- pretty cool!

Warby Parker Citizen's Circus

Mon. March 12th - Wed. March 14th

French Legation Museum (8th St. and Embassy Dr.)

• all ages event
• drinks and snacks
• live music
• more info here

Fashion Freakout 5

There are plenty of fashion shows in Austin (and dare I say a majority?) that are thrown together last minute, lacking good styling, or just simply sad.  But Fashion Freakout is not your typical Austin fashion show.  Fashion Freakout does what other fashion shows don't by capturing the youthful, fun, and stylish fashion scene happening in Austin with its playful models, creative styling of vintage clothing, and time and dedication put in by everyone behind the scenes.  Last night Fashion Freakout 5 lived up to the Fashion Freakout legacy by going above and beyond other shows I have seen in Austin.  Once again the Freakout proves that our town is full of creative people with an eye for fashion who can put on an entertaining show that draws a large lively crowd.

This year Charm School Vintage, the newest store of the bunch, had a very memorable collection with its 1930s inspired show which gave nods to burlesque and old Hollywood glam.  Every Charm School Vintage outfit had a cinematic quality and brought its own character to the show which helped to tell the Charm School story.  The veterans of the group, Prototype Vintage Design, gave us a more modern take on vintage with a collection fit for a young urban partygoer.  The mixture of floral prints and pretty party dresses with spiked punk accessories and pops of neon color combined to make a stylish contradiction.  Buffalo Exchange's first half of the show simply used color (red and black) as a way to tie the collection together.  The second half of the Buffalo Exchange show was more visually interesting than the first.  Buffalo Exchange's second half of the show told a unique story that felt like a modern take on a Greek tragedy by combining white flowy goddess-like dresses and feathers with punk spikes (I spy some Dog and Pony assistance) and goth inspired makeup by Avant Salon and Spa who handled the hair and makeup for the whole show.

SXSW Stylish FREE Events!

Overwhelmed by SXSW events?  Me too!  If you're unsure what to go to and you're looking for some style and fashion focused events, here are my recommendations for you!  These are all free events that don't require a badge, and some don't even require an RSVP.  But make sure you RSVP to the ones that do have an RSVP.  

See ya at SXSW!  And check back as I'll continue updating this list and adding more details...

Texas Style Council Conference

Tickets for the Texas Style Council Conference are already sold out, but that doesn't mean you can't still partake in some of the stylish fun and network with Style Council attendees:

• Friday March 9th, 4-6pm - Happy Hour at Taverna (258 W.2nd)
• Friday March 9th 6-10pm- Swapaholics clothing swap at TxSC 2nd Street District Headquarters (202 W. Cesar Chavez), RSVP here

Plain Ivey Jane 2nd Birthday Bash

Saturday March 10th, 2-7pm
Plain Ivey Jane (408 W.2nd)

• on site custom screen printing by Racecar
• custom handmade wallets by local designer AnneMarie
• artwork by Mary Central Studio
• drinks by Deep Eddy Vodka
• DJ Mr.Burnz

Spikey in Pink

Everyone knows I like a good juxtaposition, so, hard spikes on a pretty pink jacket?  I'm in love!  I ran straight towards these spiked up jean jackets at the Dog and Pony pop up shop at Beauty Bar last night and had to try on this pink one.  I just can't seem to get enough of Star's DIY denim adventures.  Owner Star Lee and her gang have been hard at work preparing tons of jean jackets and shorts for SXSW.  You can go check out more of the fabulous spiked up denim at Dog and Pony. 

P.S. I got my hair re-dyed right before this party, so it's lookin a little on fire in this photo!  What do y'all think?


Joanna Wilkinson
keep austin stylish

Fun Fashion Find: Snakeskin Wedge

Just when I thought I would never get into the snakeskin trend, these Jeffrey Campbells have me second guessing the look.  I especially love the hint of blue in these funky wedges.

Kelsey by Jeffrey Campbell, $162

Found at: Stella Says Go

Joanna Wilkinson

keep austin stylish

Christine Fail's Schatzelein

Just as hard as it is to pronounce this local boutique's name, Schatzelein (pronounced shots a line), it is just as easy to become enamored with its selection of jewelry.   Schatzelein owner, Christine Fail, has carefully curated a variety of handmade designer jewelry from around the world for this special Austin jewelry boutique.  Among the international artists, Schatzelein also proudly offers several Austin based designs including owner Christine Fail's own line of simple yet modern pieces.

This South 1st accessories boutique has been around for a little over a year now.  I have been meaning to check it out for awhile, but only recently made it inside and I am so glad I did!  This boutique contains many beautiful pieces and several different styles from antique inspired chunky rings to lightweight understated earrings.  While the selection of styles is varying, the quality is not.  Every brand carried at Schatzelein is well-made and has been thoughtfully selected.  But while the designs are high quality and handmade, the prices are not outrageous.  I have my eye on a few pieces and will definitely be back. 

Check out my photos of Schatzelein and its beautiful jewelry:      

Glitter and Gold

Lizzy Newsome

Spotted at: Glitter & Gold Poshmark party at Etcetera Etc.

What she does: Toy curator of Toy Joy

Favorite Austin spot: Xanadu Karaoke Room at the Highball

Joanna Wilkinson

keep austin stylish

Upcoming Event: Bleach Online's Tokyo Plum Release

Bleach Online launches their newest issue at Beauty Bar this Wednesday.  Should be a great event to do some style watching.  Plus 2 of my favorite Austin shops, Laced with Romance and Dog & Pony, will both be setting up pop up shops!

Event details below:

Tiffany's Boy Blue

Alexander Comsudi

Spotted: South Congress

What he does: Merchandiser for Zara

Favorite Austin place: The Greenbelt

Joanna Wilkinson

keep austin stylish

Kitty Cat Eye

Lauren Vitello

Spotted: South Congress

What she does: designs jewelry at Corvus Noir

Favorite Austin place: she doesn't know yet because 

she's from NY but is moving to Austin soon

Joanna Wilkinson

keep austin stylish

Fun Fashion Find: Mickey Hat

I know that it was like 90 degrees today and Austin is about to start melting so there's no more use for winter hats, but this Mickey Mouse hat is just too much fun to ignore.

 Sauce Mickey Hat, $38

Found: Etcetera, Etc.

Joanna Wilkinson

keep austin stylish

Upcoming Event: Leap into Spring with Fawn + Raven

Spring is almost here, and Fawn + Raven is leaping in with a party to celebrate the new season.  With complimentary drinks from Deep Eddy Vodka, March 8th is a great time to shop at Austin's new boutique Fawn + Raven.  

Please note that this event was previously scheduled for a different time and has been moved to Thursday, March 8th!

Event details below:

Casually Crested

I have a lot more free time now that I am doing strictly freelance work, so I'm taking the opportunity to shoot more Street Style photos.  Plus, I plan on taking a ton of Street Style photos during SXSW because  that was my favorite part of SXSW last year.  So, if you're gonna be out and about, make sure you are keeping Austin stylish!

Stancey Moore

Found: 2nd St. shopping district

Occupation: Architecture student

Favorite Austin spot: Book People

Joanna Wilkinson

keep austin stylish

Upcoming Event: Fabricker Grand Opening

Fabricker has only been open about a month, but has already gathered a following of local designers and crafters who are loving this new fabric store's unique selection of carefully curated fabrics.  Next Friday is a great excuse to come check out the store is you haven't already because Fabricker is throwing a Grand Opening party!

Event details below:

Fawn + Raven

It took me awhile to find Fawn + Raven.  Even though I'm directionally challenged, you can't really blame me.  Tucked away on W.35th, this new little boutique is easy to miss.  But what's behind the big wooden door of this tiny grey house should not be overlooked.  With its wallpapered walls, dark moody interior, and belts hidden away in drawers, it really feels like you're in your own closet when you're inside this boutique.  Or rather, this is what you would want your closet to be if you could have one of those luxurious Real Housewives type of walk-in closets. 

The small setup of Fawn + Raven definitely lends itself to an intimate customer service shopping experience, which is what store owner, Kim Sierra, specializes in.  Kim encourages customers to set up an appointment if they need some one-on-one styling help.  Besides the personal styling, one of the things that makes Fawn + Raven unique is its selection of brands you won't find much of in Austin- Gypsy Junkies, House of Harlow, Beatrice from Italy, and Clover Canyon, to name a few.  But Kim likes to mix in a few lower end brands like Ark & Co. as well so clients can meld lower end pieces with higher end pieces.  "As long as its made well, we will carry it" says Kim.  She's also keen to carry local designers and has many jewelry pieces by local Austin designer Rene Guest.

Upcoming Event: Fashion Freakout 5

If you're really into the fashion scene in Austin, or even if you're not really into the fashion scene in Austin, this is the one fashion show you have to check out.  Put on by Prototype Vintage Design, Fashion Freakout now in its fifth year, brings together local vintage clothing with live music performances to create a rock star fashion show.  Of all the fashion shows I have seen in Austin, this show is the best at capturing the vibe of Austin's fashion scene - unique, eclectic, and fun!  Check out my photos from last year's Fashion Freakout to see what I mean.  (I also had a video of last year's show but youtube took it down because they are evil.)

I can't wait for this show!  I'm especially pleased to see that new local favorite, Charm School Vintage is involved this year.  Last year Laced with Romance stole my heart with their unique looks and bold styling.  Who will make my heart flutter this year at Fashion Freakout 5?

Event details below:

Puppy Love

Happy Valentine's Day from me and my lovable cuddle bear.

hat: Laced with Romance

beaded top: Feathers

adorable dog: Boo

xoxo
Joanna Wilkinson
keep austin stylish

Fun Fashion Find: 1960's Acid Yellow Dress

Amelia of Amelia's Retro Vogue says this color was unusual for the time it was made, the mid 1960s.  However, Amelia notes that this bright unique color is actually a neutral and can be paired with many different colors.  I agree!  I love this color. 

Vintage Acid Yellow 1960's Beaded Dress, $60

Found at: Amelia's Retro Vogue

Joanna Wilkinson

keep austin stylish

Fun Fashion Find: Heart Pendant

Not your typical heart necklace.  A unique and edgy Valentine present idea for a unique and edgy girl.

Anatomical Heart Pendant by Rima Hyena

Found at: Laced with Romance, $120

Joanna Wilkinson

keep austin stylish

Upcoming Event: Las Cruxes Re-opening Party

Las Cruxes, a local boutique specializing in handmade and vintage clothing as well as art, has moved into a bigger space.  Las Cruxes is now located upstairs from their old location which was below the Fresh Up in the courtyard of Spiderhouse Coffee.  You can come celebrate the Las Cruxes re-opening at their party Friday night at their new location.  

More event details below:

SXSW What to Wear?!

We are only one month away from the free booze, free tacos, live music, and complete madness that is SXSW.  Because SXSW comes at an awkward seasonal transition time in Austin where the weather is as moody as a pregnant woman, it's essential that you put some thought into your wardrobe.  SXSW brings in people from all over the country and even the world, so it's also important to show Austin style in a good light.  (Plus, you'll wanna look good if you want to score with that cute out of towner.)  

Here are my suggestions of what to wear during SXSW in order to stay both comfortable and stylish.

The Pattern of Coffee and People

It's unusually fitting that a coffee house named after a classic fabric pattern would mix coffee sipping with vintage shopping.  With "Fancy Fridays" happening every Friday for the month of February, Houndstooth Coffee welcomes you to put on your "fancy" frills, enjoy some hand brewed coffee, and maybe walk out with a special vintage find.  But don't let the word "fancy" turn your t-shirt wearing self away.  The people behind Fancy Fridays say "fancy" is subjective and open to interpretation.  Good thing, because this is Austin after all and the phrase "casual Fridays" is much more likely to get participators.  However, I did really appreciate the well dressed baristas and customers that I saw on Friday, so I encourage everyone to embrace it if you're feeling fancy. 

Last Friday was not only the first Fancy Friday for Houndstooth Coffee, but was also the first pop up shop ever for Hold Vintage owner Stephanie Press.  While the selection was seemingly small occupying just a tiny corner of the coffeehouse, there were surprisingly many great appropriately priced pieces.  Stephanie is pretty new to the vintage game, having been curating vintage for only about a year now.  However, Stephanie already has a great collection of not only vintage clothing and accessories, but housewares and decor as well.  Stephanie showed what she called her "Urban Pioneer" collection with Southwestern printed bags, gingham dresses, plaid button downs, and bolo ties to name a few.  Stephanie plans on having the pop up shop themed differently every Friday.

Austin Fusion Launches With a Fun Floral Fashion Show

Photography by John Paul and Fuzebox, as well as art by Charlie Terrell added color (and thanks to John Paul some slight nudity) to the white walls of the Swan Dive last night.  Austin creatives and stylish spectators gathered at the home to Vintage Vivant in order to party for the launch of Austin Fusion.  This new online magazine celebrates the many talented artists who put their heart and soul into keeping Austin interesting, artistic, and yes, weird.

To get the party started last night, models (with some killer bods) walked a runway sporting clothing from Electric Frenchie, jewelry by Gay Isber, floral headpieces from Bloomers, lingerie by designer Sabra Johnson.  Hair and makeup was provided by Kelli Wilson and Bobbi Douglas as well as Russ & Co.  I have to give it up to Edith Henry for styling the show as it was a cohesive and pleasing fashion show to view.  The stand out pieces from this show were the floral headpieces from Bloomers which really pulled the show together, made it cohesive, and made the outfits runway worthy.  I'm now dying to make one of these!  Don't judge me if this Spring I walk around looking like a flower pot.

Style Profile: Shari Gerstenberger

The first time I walked into the stylish collective house on the east side known as Maison d'Etoile, I was greeted by a smiling face bubbling with enthusiasm and excitement.  Shari Gerstenberger, the owner of Charm School Vintage, always lights up a room and fittingly charms others as much with her cute and quirky personality as she does with her cute and quirky clothing.

Although the South Carolina native planned to pursue journalism after she graduated college from Colorado in 2007, the now vintage boutique owner ended up in Austin first as a buyer for Buffalo Exchange.  Her job working for Buffalo Exchange was Shari's first introduction to vintage and the notion that loving clothes could be a job.  With no plans of opening up her own store, the opportunity to join the Maison d'Etoile collective was something that fell into Shari's lap.  With doubts of entering a scene seemingly already saturated with vintage, Shari soon realized that Austin was in fact missing moderately priced, well-edited vintage on the east side.  Shari says the east side definitely needed the magic, glamour, and possibility for total transformation that Maison d'Etoile provides from combining vintage clothing with wigs, make up, and salon.  "Nothing else like this exists, maybe in the whole country.  It’s really exciting to be part of a space so magical!"

My Outfit: Cowgirl Clothing

I always make sure to head north on I-35 around this time of year.  Even though my family owns a farm, I don't consider myself to be much of a country gal.  But it's fun every now and then to play up this cowgirl vibe I have deep inside me from growing up in Cowtown.  I've been going to the Ft. Worth rodeo since a little kiddo and I have many memories of spending time sitting in those same seats every year with my friends and family.  The last time I spent with my Dad before he passed away was when I came into town for the rodeo.  My Dad and I walked around the Stockyards, just the two of us, and he willingly and proudly took photos of me for my blog.  It was a surreal experience to come back this year and experience the rodeo without my Dad.  I miss him more than I could easily explain and still almost a year later can't believe he is gone.

Upcoming Event: Le Garage Sale

The best part about the winter Le Garage Sale (besides being able to get great deals) is knowing that stores will now be stocked with their Spring clothing (wooo)! Le Garage Sale is back and this time the huge sale that takes place twice a year is at a new location.  Previously held at the Palmer Events Center, Le Garage Sale has now moved to the Austin Convention Center.  If you've never been to Le Garage Sale, what you can expect to find this weekend is discounted merchandise from an array of local boutiques.  

What:

• discounted winter merchandise from local boutiques
• $10 cash entry at the door

When:

• Saturday Jan. 28, 11am - 6pm
• Sunday Jan.29, 12pm - 5pm

Where:

• Austin Convention Center

View Larger Map

Upcoming Event: Veronica Sheaffer Trunk Show

Attention all brides-to-be!  Chicago bridal designer Veronica Sheaffer is having her first ever trunk show outside of Chicago here in Austin.  You can go check out Veronica's Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 collections at Unbridaled from Feb. 9 - 16.

Pulling inspiration from white-washed furniture on summer porches, the Spring 2012 collection features layers of soft, floating fabrics and flowers.  What I love the most about Veronica's gowns, is they are feminine and not too overworked while still remaining sophisticated and unique.   Collection gowns range from $1,600 to $5,600 and accessories range from $250 to $450.

A few photos of the types of handmade gowns you can expect to see at Unbridaled from Veronica Sheaffer:

North Loop to Lose Splendor

Feel, smell, and fit.  These are 3 things that are impossible to experience via online shopping.  This is why I was a little bummed to learn that local vintage boutique Splendor was closing its brick and mortar door to focus solely on their online shop.   Owner Stephanie Jimenez describes the change as bittersweet.    "I have built so many great relationships and the support and feedback of the store has been amazing.  I have been blessed with great customers.  I will definitely miss them."  However, due to the success of Splendor's online store, Stephanie says it just made more sense to add more focus to it.

Splendor had started to become one of my favorite stores in Austin to find unique vintage pieces, so I admit that I was a little selfishly sad to hear of its online expansion.  However, Stephanie says she plans on offering her Austin residents a discount!  Plus, Stephanie wants to be a part of as many pop up shops and trunk shows in Austin as possible.  Splendor will take part in the 29^th Street Yard Sale at Spider House every second Sunday of the month, as well as the Rock and Roll at Spider House during the week of SXSW.

Stephanie looks most forward to the time that she will have to travel in search of the best vintage finds, to do shows outside of Texas to expand her market, and most importantly to spend more time with her kids.

Everything at Splendor is 30% off through the end of the month, so go get it in store while you can!


Joanna Wilkinson
keep austin stylish

Friday the 13th Fashion Massacre

Blood glittered from swan-like necks, girls hid their doe eyes behind hockey masks, and machetes were swung in the night.  It was just another typical Friday night in Austin *sigh*.  

Friday the 13th's Fashion Massacre celebrated the move of Austin's collective of independent fashion designers and artisans formerly known as Cypress Vanguard into Sugar Gay Isber's Sugar Factory.  The house on W.Koenig formerly used solely as jewelry designer Sugar Gay Isber's studio and personal home, is now the new showcase for the group of Austin designers.

While the downtown space of the old Cypress Vanguard provided a cute old house feel with a beautiful outside courtyard, the new house allows for more open space and more designs to be displayed.  The central location also adds convenience for potential shoppers and will hopefully expand the newly named Ensemble's clientele.

When a group of totally unique designers with independent aesthetics come together to put on a show, it inevitably turns out to be a bit of a hodge podge.  But, with Sugar Gay Isber's statement necklaces, hair by Ivy Kim, makeup by Lecia Harkins and Coby Simcoe, and Jennifer Cunningham's "frightful" accessories, the show was at least a fun, quirky, and somewhat consistent hodge podge.

Check out my freaky photos from the Ensemble, Austin Indie Designer's Friday the 13th Fashion Massacre.  This first look worn by model Dandilion Olsen was my favorite look of the night.

My Outfit: Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow

I previously styled this neon yellow dress in the summer with a tribal necklace and clogs, but I'm loving wearing it in the winter as well with a tribal inspired scarf and cropped black leather jacket.  I love when neon is in style because it's so fun and eye catching!  How are you choosing to wear this bright color trend?     

Upcoming Event: Dolls in Space

Upcoming Event: Fabricker Opens Its Doors

Attention fashion designers and crafty crafters!  Back in October I wrote about April King's hope to open a fabric store here in Austin that would meet the needs of this creative town.  April's store, Fabricker is here and opens Tuesday!  I'm excited to check it out for myself.

Style Profile: Jenny Woys

Sequins, Polka dot, leopard print, and lace all in one outfit?  If one person can pull it off, it's Jenny Woys.  Jenny's fashion risk taking always makes me smile when I see her out and about in Austin.  With her expressive and creative style, the transport from Michigan says her fashion choices usually distinguish her from everyone else far more in her hometown of Sagitaw than it does in Austin.  This distinction is a good thing though, Jenny says.  "My entire family is from there, but I can't say there's anything really fashionable about it."  If the Michigan town was not an inspiring scene fashion-wise, how did Jenny become so fascinated with fashion?  If such a things exists, Jenny believes she inherited the style gene from her grandmother who used to sing in night clubs and sew her own beautiful clothes.  For the record, I do think this gene exists and I do think Jenny inherited it.

When she's not putting together her own outfits, Jenny works on the major fashion accounts for Adlucent, a fun online advertising company located in the old movie theater on South Congress.  Jenny also does personal styling for private clients and has worked on projects with Megan Summerville, Tracy Tenpenny, L Style G Style, and Ricky Hodge, to name a few.  In addition to styling, Jenny has also experimented with sewing and crafting outfits and costumes under the name Trendvixen.  You might have caught her and Hunter Lohse's unofficial and underground fashion show during Austin Fashion Week last year which was a big accomplishment for the fashion duo, Champagne Derelicts.

Although their So F*ing Haute Fashion Show, in which Jenny showed some of her own Trendvixen pieces was a success, Jenny says designing has absolutely made her realize that styling is her true love and talent.  Although someday, with a little help, Jenny says she wouldn't mind producing a fashion line.

Check out the photos from our shoot and my Q&A with one of the gals who is keeping Austin stylish:

Co Star Makes South Congress Even Brighter For the Guys

Where do guys shop in Austin?  I often find myself asking this question because it seems to me there aren't many options for guys in this town.  But if there's one area of Austin that has been helping to solve this issue for the stylish men out there, it's South Congress.  With Service Menswear, Stag, and the multiple vintage stores lining the street, this area gives some hope to the guys.  Continuing to help this cause, is the newest store to plant its feet on the SoCo scene, Co Star.  Brought to you by Maya Krauss and Richard Gordoa who already own the South Congress womens boutique Maya Star, Co Star offers selections for both girls and guys.  Although Co Star offers noteworthy brands for the gals with Dolce Vita dresses, Joe’s Collection, Mink Pink, BLEULAB reversible denim (um I kinda want these), and jewelry from House of Harlow and Vanessa Mooney, it's the menswear selection that actually caught my eye while doing some browsing over Christmas break.

Maybe it's simply due to the lack of boutiques offering mens clothing that the clothing for guys got my attention.  But, this attention might be well deserved considering the store offers a vast selection of graphic tees, button downs, denim, and more from well known labels such as Schott, French Connection, Joe’s Jeans, WeSC, G-Star RAW, and Genetic Denim.  It's definitely the premium denim for both guys and girls that would have me coming back to Co Star, as well as suggesting it to my guy friends who (rightfully) hate shopping at malls.  

And for all the guys out there reading this blog post (I know there are at least 6 of you), when purchasing a pair of jeans please keep in mind that this is pretty much ALL YOU WEAR, so please do not be afraid to spend over $100 on quality denim.