Dear Fashionistas,
Thursday presented one of those rare occasions where I had a little bit of free time. Being Fashion Week and all, I decided to do a quick cameo at a couple of free events, both on 2nd Street. I saw some familiar faces and some fabulous fashions. Check out Eliza Page and Langford Market.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Eliza Page Boutique
Maslo at Eliza Page
Mari Andrade at Eliza Page Boutique
Langford MarketLangford Market
Langford MarketLangford Market
Langford Market
Langford Market
Austin Fashion Week 2011 is upon us! Saturday’s “Style, Speed and Glory” Kickoff event was a playful mash up of pretty models and tough motorcycles. Present by Lincoln and held at the Cowboy Harley Davidson Showroom, guests were treated to a visual feast courtesy of Betsey Johnson and MotorClothes by Harley-Davidson. Unapologetic, fearless and iconic sums up these two American brands, often consumed by those who have a streak of rebel in them and embrace freedom of self-expression to the fullest.
In furtherance of the spirit of collaboration, Wilhelmina Brown models sported looks by Mash Up Teams, mega-glam squads consisting of talented photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists and designers a girl could only dream of. Vote for your favorite Mash Up here. Winners will be announced at the Austin Fashion Awards at ACL LIVE on 8/27.
Guests were treated to sips and nibbles by SugaPlump Pastries (watch out Holy Cacao, there’s a new cakeball in town), Cantina Laredo, Tito’s Vodka and more.
Some events, like the Kickoff Party, require a ticket, but there are plenty of FREE events going on throughout the week. For the scoop on where to see and be seen, check out the full Fashion Week schedule here.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Ashley Austin and Perez James
Designer Lana Chu (R) and Jessica
Victoria, Jennifer and Chelsey wearing necklaces by Song Fashions
Catherine Nicole, Rianna Alberty and Jacqueline Falcon
SUGAPLUMP PASTRIES
Dear Fashionistas,
This week marked a momentous occasion for thread-conscious fashion enthusiasts in Texas… our H&M has finally arrived.
If you’re like me, chances are you’ve been waiting years for H&M to move to Texas. And while it’s been a long time coming, I can tell you, it was worth the wait. (Even socialite Gregg Asher made an appearance.)
So, why Dallas, why now? Well as it turns out, H&M has been eyeing the Dallas market since it opened its first U.S. location (New York) in 2000. And the clothing giant has plans to expand to even more Texas markets in the future, said spokeswoman Jennifer Ward.
The two-story, 24,000 square-foot shopping mecca is brimming with a variety of styles to suit every discriminating Dallasites’ taste, at any age (teens, adults and children) and for any occasion (casual, business, and party wear). Fortunately, H&M will continue its practice of collaborating with the world’s hottest designers to bring us high-end, yet affordable, clothing. (BTW, I died for the Lanvin collection.)
After all, high-end, yet affordable, fashion is what H&M is known for and what sets it apart from other retailers world-wide. Accessories start as low as $5, denim as low as $15 and dresses $30…you can spend less than $100 for an entire ensemble and still look like you stepped off the runway. This is the magic of H&M, which I witnessed firsthand during its Papercity Preview Party this week.
So without further adieu, I present to you our H&M.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Quick Note: Austin Fashion Week is under way and I will be covering select events! Be sure to check my Facebook and Twitter pages for updates as well.
Lots to see on Thread Conscious in the coming weeks: from H&M’s Grand Opening in Dallas to Austin Fashion Week and more! (Oh, don’t forget it’s Tax Free Weekend. : )
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Adelle McElveen of Fashionista Lab
Dear Fashionistas,
I just wanted to show some blog love for my fellow fashionista, San Francisco’s Adelle McElveen of Fashionista Lab. You’ll remember I spent some time in the Bay Area on business, and I had the pleasure of meeting Adelle during that visit.
Adelle’s take on fashion is orignal, witty and refreshing, with a touch of global glamour. And, boy, does she have a great eye for vintage! She’s been traveling lately, so she’s included a running collection of original and guests posts on Fashionista Lab, including one by yours truly about gorgeous cocktail rings. Safe, fashionable travels Adelle!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Dear Fashionistas,
It was a sad day when H&M closed its “preview store” this past April in anticipation of a grand reopening this Fall. Alas, no need to wait until October; H&M will open its doors August 18th at noon, according to Dallasing.com.
“The August 18 grand opening will take place at noon with the first 500 visitors receiving ‘passes’ valued up to $500.”
Of course, if you attend (and why wouldn’t you?) please snap a few photos and email them to nik@threadconscious.com! Sharing is caring, people.
(Oh, and don’t forget: Fashion’s Night Out at Northpark Center is Sept. 8th, 6-10pm.)
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Dear Fashionistas,
FIG Finale, one of my favorite Dallas shopping events, is back just in time for Fall!
“FIG finale is a spectacular sale during which the area’s top stores come together at FIG and sell their women’s, men’s and kid’s clothing, accessories and shoes to the public at up to 75 percent discount. It is a shopper’s paradise, with numerous great retailers offering their designer merchandise at unbeatable prices.
Some of this year’s designers include Diane Von Furstenburg, Michael Kors, and Trina Turk as well as many Dallas-based designers and stores.
The sale is open to the public Friday, Aug. 26 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Day passes are $15 each and two-day passes are $20.
For those wanting first dibs on shopping, the VIP SHOPPING PACKAGE is the best bet on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 6 – 9 p.m. For $50, VIPs will enjoy the exclusive early access shopping party with complimentary cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live DJ-spun tunes and complimentary valet.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.fashionindustrygallery.com. FIG Finale is held at the Fashion Industry Gallery at 1807 Ross Ave, Dallas, Texas 75201.”
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Recently, movie star Pam Grier visited Fort Worth to promote the ground breaking of the Pam Grier Community Garden, located at 3520 East Berry Street. The Community Garden is the brainchild of Jim and Gloria Austin, founders of the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum.
“We feel very fortunate to have been able to share our vision with Ms. Grier and partnering with her on our mutual vision of empowering the youth in the community by teaching them the benefits of healthy eating and providing a hands-on experience that will teach them how to take control of their own health and wellness when it comes to food and nutrition,” said museum Executive Director Gloria Austin.
I snapped these photos at Ms. Grier’s booksigning at The Dock Bookshop in East Fort Worth. Ms. Grier, eloquently and passionately, spoke about the importance of community, education, health and hope. Fittingly, the Pam Grier Community Garden, even in the beginning stages of construction, already embodies these goals.
To learn more about the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and the Pam Grier Community Garden, click here.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Quick Update: Urban Outfitters to open new location at Guadalupe and 2nd Street in downtown Austin on August 4, 2011! Also taking job applications starting on opening day- cha ching.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Nestled in a quaint neighborhood just east of downtown Austin sits Charm School Vintage. Located in a converted house, owner Shari Gerstenberger shares this space with other Austin-preneurs, resulting in a unique tenancy that is part boutique, part hair salon and part accessories/wig shop (Coco Coquette).
Due to this cozy arrangement with its retail neighbors, I’d venture that Charm School is poised to become the one-stop shopping destination for vintage-loving glamourazzi (Hair cut? Check. Make up? Check. Vintage sequined blouse? Double check). When you’re done you can go straight to the party!
Also, Gerstenberger has done a great job of securing an exceptionally well-edited (and very reasonably priced!) collection of vintage dresses, skirts, blouses and accessories. By the way, the necklaces and sequined tops are to-die-for. Whether you live in or near Austin, or you’re just visiting, Charm School Vintage is a must-see.
Charm School Vintage/2109 E. Cesar Chavez/ 719-640-6484
Charm School Blog/Charm School Facebook
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
(Photo Credit: All photos by J. Moreno.)
COCO COQUETTE
COCO COQUETTE
CHARM SCHOOL VINTAGE
CHARM SCHOOL VINTAGE
CHARM SCHOOL VINTAGE
CHARM SCHOOL VINTAGE- MY FAVORITE!
