Blogger Awards

I was thrilled to find out today that I was nominated for an Austin Blogger Award!! Thank you so much to all of you who nominated me for Best Style Blog.  I am in great company with the other nominees and I am thrilled to have even been nominated.

If y'all are diggin my blog please vote for me here.  There are also some other cool blog categories you can vote for.  Check it out.

The Blogger Awards presented by Austin Eavesdropper and Ultra 8201 will be given out this Friday at the Bleet Up which I am super excited about!  RSVP here

Joanna
keep austin stylish

Moss Grand Opening

A couple of months ago, the ladies behind one of the best vintage boutiques in Austin (Feathers), announced they would be opening up a different store that would have designer consignment.  This other store is called Moss and it is opening on December 9th!

To celebrate, Moss will be hosting a Grand Opening Party.  Check out the details below and RSVP.

Black Friday Sales

Honestly I have never even really tried to do shop on Black Friday for fear of being run over by over ambitious shoppers and crowded mall parking lots.  But, if you want the benefit of Black Friday sales without the fear of injury, I suggest trying to shop at some local stores.  Your chances of being run over by a shopping cart at a local boutique are slim to none.

Here are some of the local boutique Black Friday sales that will be going on this weekend:

Fashion FAIL: Bathrobe in Public

photo submitted by Patrick Meredith

I like to be somewhat lenient on my Fashion Fails because it's Austin and we are known for being weird (and sometimes this includes wearing weird things).  But in the case of this photo...this is fashion laziness, and just laziness in general.  A pink polka dotted bathrobe is a cute clothing item for the BATHROOM or lounging around the house.  This is not an acceptable thing to wear outside the house even if you are just going to Thundercloud to get a sandwich (which is what is happening here).  At least put on some pants! Geez.

I'd like to note that as a nice contrast to the bathrobe FAIL, the girl next to her has on some killer heels that I'm pretty sure are the same ones I have and wore in this photo shoot.


Joanna
keep austin stylish

Hey There, Cupcake Sweater

It was way back in April that I purchased this cupcake sweater at Top Shop when I was visiting my friend in New York.  Ever since then I have been imaging wearing it at one of my favorite local cupcake spots, Hey Cupcake.  And even though it is a lightweight sweater, it really hasn't been cold enough to wear it...until now!  

Yesterday was the second time I have worn the cupcake sweater and this time I decided it was time to have my photo taken in it.  Luckily via twitter, a special photographer and friend of mine agreed to come have a cupcake photo shoot with me on the spur of the moment.   This shoot was way too much fun.  And this coat I got from local boutique Adelante a couple of years ago has the perfect whimsical and happy vibe  to match the cupcake sweater.

Style Watch: UFG Fall Fashion Event

Where: The Launch 787/ Megan Summerville Patio

When: Friday, Nov. 12, 2010

What the University Fashion Group kids wore to the UFG event last Friday.  Plus some of the winners of their fashion awards:

Giveaway Winner!

Last night I found a winner (actually a winner found me) for my first giveaway ever!  It was kinda way too much fun wandering around Austin in my panda hat waiting for someone to spot me.  I gave out clues on my facebook and twitter where I was/ would be.  Last night at the Eastside Knit Night, a follower of my blog, Jillian, found me and claimed the VINCA bear ring!

Style Watch: SoLa Fashion Show

Where: SoLa on South Lamar

When: Thursday Nov. 11, 2010

What Austinites were wearing at the SoLa Fashion Show last Thursday night:

Recap: SoLa Fashion Show

Last Thursday I went to check out the SoLa Fashion Show at their location on South Lamar.  This year instead of the typical runway style show, they chose to have static models pose in the front windows and inside the store to show off the outfits.  I liked this set up a lot because it gave everyone a chance to really check out the details of the outfits.  I think the selection at SoLa right now has some really great options for holiday party outfits.  Check it out:

The unofficial SoLa mascot is their dog Venus who was feeling very confident at the show and thought she was supposed to help model.  If you're lucky, Venus will be hanging out at the store the next time you stop by SoLa.  She frequents both the South Lamar and the Triangle location.

Giveaway: VINCA happy bear ring

This is my first Giveaway ever on the blog, so I am really excited about this!  I came up with this idea on the spur of the moment the other night and tweeted it, but since it was so last minute I decided I should extend this idea and give y'all a week in order to win.

So, here's the idea:
This week I will be wandering around town wearing my new panda bear hat that I bought at Urban Outfitters (yes, this hat is kind of ridiculous but isn't it also kind of adorable?)

The first person to find me in my hat and mention this giveaway will win an equally adorable bear themed fashion item, this "happy bear" ring by local designer Amanda Dimova of VINCA.

Juxtaposition Fashion Show

The Juxtaposition Fashion Show happening this Sunday is featuring looks by local designers Shannon Kramp, Sabra Johnson, and jewelry by Shalena Designs.  You can enjoy hor d'oeuvres and drink specials at the fabulous Paggi House.

Unfortunately you can't enjoy this great night of fashion for free.  VIP tickets are $80 and include access to a VIP after party.  Regular tickets are $50.  For tickets and more info click here.

Old Hollywood Glamour

Okay so, the other day I showed y'all a behind the scenes look at the photo shoot I did with model Arianna McKinney, hair and makeup stylist Keith Patillo of Shine Salon, and photograhper Gregg Cestaro.  Here is the end result.  The awesome photos by Gregg Cestaro...

Once again, thank you to the local stores who provided me with amazing pieces to show y'all: Adelante, SoLa, Mana Culture, Amelia's Retro-Vogue, and Megan Summerville.  Everything borrowed from local stores are in stores now and available for purchase.

Peacock feather hair clip: SoLa

Earrings: Model's own

Dress: Stylist's own (mine)

UFG Fall Fashion Event

In case y'all were unaware, there is a group for people interested in fashion at UT called University Fashion Group.  I was a UFG member for a couple of years when I went to UT and I loved it.  It gave me my first experience working behind the scenes at fashion shows.  (It also led to an eye opening experience that I can't really discuss on my blog, but you can ask me about that in person someday if you'd like.)

But anyway, tomorrow UFG is holding a Fashion Fall Event at the Megan Summerville/ Launch787 Patio.  If you've never been, it's a really picturesque backyard area where you just wanna hang out and sip cocktails.  (I honestly don't know how Megan gets any work done over there.)

In addition to complimentary food, a live DJ, and activities like t-shirt reconstruction, there will also be a a fashion competition!  The categories for the competition include: most glamorous, most trendy, most original, most eco-friendly, most thrifty, the "Keep Austin Weird" award, and overall best dressed.  There will also be raffles throughout the night for prizes.

This event is free for UFG members and $7 for non-members.

Behind the Scenes

This past weekend I had the opportunity to be the wardrobe stylist for a photo shoot with model Arianna McKinney.  Arianna wanted to do an old-school vintage Hollywood glamour type of shoot in order to add some vintage inspired photos to her portfolio.  I was so excited to get to style this shoot for many reasons.  For one, this was the first shoot I styled for someone other than myself.  Secondly, I am really into old-school movies and vintage glamour.  And thirdly, I got to work with a fabulous photographer, Gregg Cestaro, and make up and hair stylist, Keith Patillo of Shine Salon.

I of course went to some awesome local boutiques to borrow clothes for this shoot.  I'm really glad I got the opportunity to show the local resources we have here to create an old Hollywood look.  Thank you to Adelante, SoLa, Mana Culture, Amelia's Retro-Vogue, and Megan Summerville for providing me with some amazing pieces.

In addition to borrowing from these stores, I also pulled pieces from my own personal collection, as well as Arianna's.  The end result is awesome and I can't wait to show y'all the photos that Gregg took.  But for now, you get a behind the scenes sneak peek from the photos I took on set at Arianna's pretty house:

SoLa Roaring 20's Fashion Show

This Thursday there are 3 fashion shows going on.  Yes, 3!

First of all, it's time for the annual fashion show by local boutique SoLa.  SoLa is my old stompin grounds, so I know first hand that they put on a great show.  They are doing things a little bit different this year though.  Instead of the typical runway show, they will be showcasing the outfits on live mannequins/models throughout the store.  This will give everyone the opportunity to spend time looking at the fashion instead of it all being a blur.  It will also give photographers (like me) the chance to actually get some good photos!

The theme this year is a roaring 20s feel with lace, ruffles, volume, and prints.  They will be serving up some beverages by Paula's Texas Spirits and Dripping Springs Vodka with DJ Ozone and Mike Sway providing the music.

5% of the sales from this night will benefit SafePlace.

Please RSVP here to the SoLa Fashion Show.

Downtown Debauchery

Last Saturday a bunch of us fashion minded girls got together to have a night of downtown shenanigans.  One of the best parts about going out with a group of stylists, make up artists, and fashion bloggers is that getting ready to go out is half the fun of going out.  Laura Martinez helped all of us out with our makeup and we got to experiment with something I have never tried before- fake eyelashes.  Trust me, if I tried to put on fake eyelashes by myself at home I would probably end up looking like a drunk tranny.  With the help of Laura, it actually looked pretty cool.  Probably not something I will do in the future though.  Why?  

I learned this weekend that I am a pretty low maintenance girl.  While fake eyelashes are fun to look at, the whole night I was afraid my eyelashes were going to fall off (not an unlikely scenario).  And while we made our way to clubs on west 6th street that I had never heard of, I realized that I am just as happy hanging out on the dirty side where I can get free drinks and I'm scared to touch anything in the restrooms.  

Speaking of restrooms, the ones on the west side are filled with beauty products in case you need to touch up your hair spray in the bathroom.  Yeah...the way my hair looks is probably the least of my worries when I'm downtown.  The worries usually read more like: "Wait, where's my phone?" " How am I going to get home?" " I really need to pee!"  And while I have learned how to wear heels downtown without embarrassing myself or dying from pain, I only wear heels that I know will allow me to dance.  This is why I am obsessed with wedges.  I can actually walk around or dance for hours in wedges and still be comfortable.   

Enjoy these photos that tell the events of the night:

Rawr!

I wore this outfit to the fashion show I went to last Thursday.  I was really excited about figuring out a way to wear my new leopard print tights.   I was in a really good mood this night and met some fun people at the show.  I came home and had to have an improptu photo shoot.  In case you haven't noticed, animal prints are a big trend right now.  Rawr!

STYLE Watch: Fall Fashion Show with Hem, Stanton, and Estilo

Where: Embellish Nail Salon & Boutique in Westlake

When: Thursday Nov. 4, 2010

Recap: Fall Fashion Show with Hem, Stanton, and Estilo

Thursday night I went to the Fall Fashion Show put on by Hem Jeans, Stanton, and Estilo.   The fashion show was hosted at Embellish Nail Salon & Boutique in Westlake.  Seeing as I'm not a wealthy mom, I don't spend much time in that area of town, so it was kinda fun to hang out in a different area.  

The Embellish here was a lot bigger, a lot pinker (pink walls pink ceiling, pink everything),  and had a lot more accessories than the Embellish in the Triangle.  They actually had a cute selection of shoes and accessories including jewelry, sunglasses, wallets, and more. 

Stella Says Go

I've praised Stella Says Go on this blog many times before, so by now you should know that Stella Says Go is THE best local shoe store.  You will not find a better or wider selection of shoes at any other local boutique.  And honestly their selection is like you weeded through all the ugly shoes at a bigger chain store to leave only the cute shoes to look at.

Now that you know that, you should also know that Stella Says Go is having a SALE.  Starting today and ending Sunday you can get 30% off select fall styles (including boots!).  It's finally time to put away the flip flops (in my opinion it's always time to put away the flip flops) and wear some boots.

Stella Says Go is located on the corner of 5th and Lamar.  Sale ends this Sunday!



Joanna
keep austin stylish

Movember

The month of November is now known as Movember.  "Huh?"  Let me do a little explaining.

While October was breast cancer awareness month and products everywhere were made pink in support, the moustache has become the "pink ribbon" for men's health.  So if you are (hopefully) a dude and you want to show your support for the fight against cancer, then all you have to do is not shave for the month of Movember and rock that stache.  Since a lot of the guys in Austin already have a stache this won't be too hard.  The funds raised through Movember's campaign will benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG.

Guys click here to register and participate in Movember!

Ok, but, besides giving moral support, what can the ladies do to help this cause?  TOMS has a limited edition Movember TOMS.  Check this out y'all.  A mustache on your shoe!

Hem and Stanton Fashion Events

Hem Jeans and Stanton Clothing Co. are having 2 fashion events this week.

First, Hem and Stanton are teaming up with Estilo to bring you a Fall Fashion Show this Thursday hosted by Embellish Nails & Boutique.  There will be complimentary cocktails and cupcakes (whoo!).  They will also be giving out swag bags to the first 75 guests and everyone can enjoy 20% off any purchases.  DJ Johnny Bravvo (does Johnny Bravvo with two v's look like Johnny Bravo the cartoon?) will be providing the music.

Halloween Costume Creativity

Costumes made with paint chips from Home Depot.  What an awesome idea!

Thank you Valeri for this photo.

What was your favorite costume you saw this past weekend?


Joanna
keep austin stylish