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:

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.

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!"

Women, Style, and Bicycles

I was flattered and super excited when Shari Gerstenberger, the owner of what has quickly become one of my favorite vintage stores in Austin, asked me to model for a new blog.  Shari styled me in some groovy colorful and psychedelic digs from Charm School Vintage for my photo shoot for Femme et Velo.  Check out some of the past stylish Austin gals that have modeled for this cool blog...

Tiffany Tso of Austin is Burning

Recap: So F*ing Haute

It wasn't technically an official Austin Fashion Week event, but it was officially one of my favorite shows of Austin Fashion Week.  Besides actually being f*ing hot (we were all packed in Hush like sardines in a sweaty can), the aptly named "So F*ing Haute" show contained some of the most interesting and unique styling that I saw all week.  What was most surprising about this show is that it was the first ever show by the creative duo, the Champagne Derelicts.  The Champagne Derelicts are a team of stylish Austinites comprised of Hunter Lohse and Jenny Woys, who you may or may not have seen rocking some interesting outfits out and about at fashion events around town. 

Hunter and Jenny, whether it's hit or miss, are always behind clothes that make you stop and pay attention.  I must admit, I can only best describe the looks from Friday night that were styled by Hunter as a 70s porn version of Scott Disick.  It's probably difficult to imagine most guys you know attempting to rock the Dapper Tramp look.  But for an underground sweaty runway show in Austin, it worked.  But, personally, my favorite pieces were worn by the ladies.  When the piece by Tracy Tenpenny that was like a panier skirt made up of nails strutted down the runway, I'm pretty sure my mouth dropped.  Where and when can I wear a bustle made of nails?  Someone create this badass event for me... 

Then to make the show complete, Jenny Woys' designs walked the runway creating a perfect contrast to Tracy Tenpenny's rough and hard designs with her airy and natural aesthetic.  The final looks, which used feathers and hair as materials, were a great mystical end to a fun and inspiring runway show.  I'm intrigued to see what's next for the Champagne Derelicts.

The Dapper Tramp

Recap: Maison d'Etoile & Megan Summerville present Lingerie Cabaret

Maison d'Etoile was HOT... and so was the lingerie Monday night.  Although we were all sweating uncomfortably in the little old East side house that is home to wig shop Coco Coquette, Charm School Vintage, and Salon d'Etoile; we were all able to endure the accidental sauna due to the lovely eye candy in front of us.  Plus, singer Mistress Stephanie not only serenaded us with her lovely voice, but also kept us laughing with her outgoing charm.  If I ever have to sing in front of a sardine packed crowd in a sweaty house I too would probably fan my lady bits with an audience member's hat.  Not only to keep myself cool, but to also keep things classy.

Megan Summerville unveiled her latest lingerie designs at the Maison d'Etoile event for Austin Fashion Week, and although she told me beforehand that she was nervous, I knew she had nothing to be nervous about.   Megan Summerville is easily one of my favorite designers in Austin.  The attention to detail that she puts into her handmade pieces is what amazes me the most.  I love that her looks have a vintage vibe, but aren't too costume-y.  Her designs are unique and special, while still being completely wearable.  The wigs from Coco Coquette and fascinators from Madame Reverie added to the Cabaret vibe of the show and it all came together beautifully (despite the heat.)  

Charmed by Charm School Vintage

"Shhh don't tell her about it." That's what a girl said to her friend who was telling me about a vintage store on the Eastside that I just HAD to go check out.  I don't blame her.  I used to be this way about vintage stores and pretty much anything that I thought was cool.  I felt like if I told other people about it then it would get too popular and instantly would lose it's appeal.  It's especially scary to tell other people about a vintage store because you fear that if it gets too popular then it will be harder for you to make your brilliant finds.  But, obviously I got over this fear because now I have a blog where I shout to the world (the world of Austin at least) my favorite places to shop.

And, I officially now have a new favorite one.  Sorry to the girl who didn't want the world to know about Charm School Vintage... I'm writing about it anyway.