And a Happy New Year

#$*% 2009! 2010 is about to be here. Here's some inspiration for New Year's Eve. I've noted which items are from local stores.

top and necklace: Blue Elephant
hat: Room Servicejacket: Goodie Two Shoes

ring: SoLa


have a fun and safe new year's!
and

keep austin stylish

SoLa Dresses 20% off for New Year's!

Haven't found the perfect outfit for New Year's Eve yet? All dresses at SoLa are 20% off today and tomorrow only. This offer is for people on the SoLa email list only. If you aren't a SoLa rewards member, then you can easily become one by signing up in the store. It doesn't cost anything and they only send a few emails a year to let you know when their sales and events are, so that you can keep austin stylish and save. Check out some of these super cute SoLa New Year's Eve dresses

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Rodarte for Target: Deal or Dud?

Designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy have taken their fashions from the runway to the mass market with their Rodarte line for Target. The line has been out at Target stores for about a week now and I have finally gotten a chance to check it out. Rodarte for Target will be at Target through January 31st.

When I first got a glimpse of the clothing online I thought it looked like there was some potential for cool clothes at affordable prices. Unfortunately a majority of the time, cheap prices = cheap product. After seeing the clothes in person, I have to say that I was very displeased with the fabrics. Cheap fabrics just do not look or feel good in person and the Rodarte for Target fabric choices were a major turn off for me.

The style of the pieces are definitely funkier than you would normally see at a discount department store, and some of the pieces appear kinda cute. However, the funky high fashion aspect of the clothes seems to get kind of lost in the Target atmosphere. I'm not sure that most Target shoppers would look at a see-through pink blouse and feel like trying that on in a store where you can also purchase light bulbs and milk. Usually tops that you have to wear a camisole under, have the camisole attached to it in stores such as a Target, and I think there is a reason for this. This top just looks bizarre in the Target context.

I really didn't see any pieces that I felt were outstanding. Although, I find that the fashionable lines at Target are always really picked over by the time I get to them. This swimsuit looked like it might have potential with a cute pattern and style, but I didn't have time to try it on.


Overall I would have to give the Rodarte Target line a D. I felt like this line was something that came out of fashion school. It's as if the designers thought "how can we make this skirt fashionable? Let's add some tulle." This line is supposed to be avant garde fashion for the masses but it just looks like cheap clothes for the unfortunate. It looks like more of a dud than a deal to me.


To check out the full collection online click here


keep austin stylish

Local After Christmas Sales

I've got the scoop on 2 local Austin sales for after Christmas.

Adelante Boutique is having a huge ONE DAY ONLY sale the day after Christmas, December 26th. Everything at Adelante (except already discounted merchandise) will be 20% off.

Soigne Boutique is having a dress sale that starts December 26th and lasts til January 1st. All dresses are 20% off.

If y'all know of any other local stylish after Christmas sales, post em here. And I don't know about y'all, but I am excited to see what the stores are gonna get for Spring. I will be posting about what to look forward to with Spring fashion soon. So stay tuned!


keep austin stylish

Holiday Sale at Minx!

Minx Boutique is one of the many awesome boutiques in the 2nd St.District. Minx is having a holiday sale right now where everything (except already discounted items) is 25% off. If you haven't been to Minx before, then this week might be a good time to check them out. This is a higher end boutique so 25% off will make a big price difference. Check em out.

Local Costs Less: The Bib Necklace

The bib necklace is the current standout jewelry piece that will definitely get you noticed. One of the things that makes this necklace so great is it's versatility. Wear it with a nice dress and heels for a fancy affair, or throw it on with a t-shirt and jeans to add some sparkle and interest. When you want to create an outfit but are feeling stuck, you can put on the bib necklace and instantly you look like a fashionista with little effort.

Harper's Bazaar featured the bib necklace in their November issue. You can get the Oscar de La Renta bib necklace at Saks Fifth Avenue for $750.

But luckily, you Austin gals can get this look for less at one of your favorite local boutiques, SoLa for only $35.



keep it stylish
keep it austin

and

keep austin stylish

Bows, Arrows, Clothing, Shoes, and More

If you haven't heard of Bows and Arrows, it is a super cool little boutique on South Lamar that approaches Austin style from a high fashion point of view, still keeping it casual and creative. I especially recommend this place for guys (or girls shopping for their guy). They have a lot of classic button downs with an Austin feel.

Right next door to Bows and Arrows is their sister store, Spartan, which specializes in home decor, gifts, and accessories. Things like their "really fuckin cute" gold heart necklace and wooden Iphone case, show off what they are all about. This place is a good Christmas shopping destination for those looking for quality pieces with an edge.

Today they are having a jewelry trunk show with Erica Weiner Jewelry. Erica is a jewelry designer out of Brooklyn who makes unique and somewhat edgy jewelry with a vintage vibe. Check out this fab scissors necklace on her online store.


keep austin stylish

December is Local Artist Month at Adelante

Adelante Boutique (that store in the 26 Doors Shopping Center that you always want to go shop at after eating mexican food at Santa Rita) is having local artist month this December.

Local Austin fashion designers will be in the store to show off their collections and answer any questions you have !

Here's a list of the designers that will be at Adelante:

December 4th and 5th
Tasty Jewelry by Diane Petkoff

December 10th
Ornamental Things by Natalie Tischler

December 11th
People for Fresh Clothing by Hazele Samson

I ran into People for Fresh designer Hazele Samson last summer during Fashion Week and she was super sweet. I purchased one of her tops because I really liked the unique print. I can't wait to see what new stuff she has to show.

Decemebr 12th
Apron Allure by Lori Humphrey

December 17th
Leigh Helena Enamel Collection by Leigh Helena

December 18th
Shimmer and Bliss Accessories by My-Cherie Haley and Mary McBride

December 19th
Katinka Pinka Designs by Kat Wallace

December 21st
I-ROK Jewelry by Kori Jones

December 22nd
Stephanie Jimenez Designs by Stephanie Jimenez


keep austin stylish

2nd Street District Holiday Celebration

Tomorrow night, December 3rd, is going to a fabulous night for Austin fashion. The 2nd Street District boutiques are all celebrating the holidays with trunk shows, discounts, live music, and more!

The celebrations will begin at 6pm and last til 9pm. Several clothing boutiques are participating. I've got all the details right here for you to choose which stores you want to go:

1) Gallery D and Finch (a high end women's boutique with clothing and art, and a very cool home decor boutique with unique gifts and accesories)

If you don't want to take the time and effort to hop around to several different boutiques, this is where you should probably spend your night. Gallery D and Finch are teaming up together to host a local designer trunk show! Yes, that's right, local Austin screen printers Studio 3 and artist Stephanie Nance will be in the stores to chat with you and show off their collections. Stephanie Nance has some unique had cut earrings on her Etsy store which includes these made from recycled vintage tea tin.

Both Gallery D and Finch will be offering a 15% discount off all purchases and there will be live music by local band OHN. This is a celebration of local Austin at it's finest. And although Finch has mostly home decor and gifts, I happen to know that right now Finch has some fabulously unique handmade wooden rings made from thrift store finds.

2) Minx (a high end women's boutique)

Minx will be hosting a Jodi Arnold trunk show. Jodi Arnold is the fashion line out of New York previously named MINT.

3) Wee (everything you need to keep your baby stylish)

Wee is offering 20% off all in store purchases (except Orbit Baby strollers) and they will have wine and snacks. Mmm. This is where you want to go if you are a stylish mom.

4) Beyond Tradition (boutique specializing in jewelry, art, and accessories)

Beyond Tradition will also have local Austin designers in their store. You can check out their collections while enjoying hor d'oerves from III Forks and cocktails by Paula's Texas Spirits.

5) Eliza Page (jewelry and accessories boutique)

Eliza Page is hosting a jewelry trunk show by Branch made by LA designer Michele Scholnick. Michele will be in the store to present her nature inspired 18 carat gold and sterling silver collection. Here's a look at Branch:



So, come celebrate local fashion in the 2nd Street District!

Here's a simple map of the places I have listed, so you know where to go.




keep austin stylish

Rebecca Lankford Trunk Show at By George

By George, on North Lamar and 6th, is having a trunk show with jewelry designer Rebecca Lankford. According to her website, "Rebecca's jewelry designs range from Bohemian to Sophisticated."


Rebecca herself will be in the store on Friday December 4th from 10am - 6pm to show you her collection. This trunk show continues through Saturday December 5th from 10am - 6pm.


keep austin stylish