Thread Conscious

June 6, 2011

Media Monday: The Cool Hunter

Filed under: Art and Culture,Fashion Blog,Media Mondays — Tags: , — Nik @ 11:02 pm

I try to keep up with a lot of different fashion blogs.  Alas, with my frenzied travel schedule as of late, relocation and business meetings, it’s proven difficult to get in my daily read.  But there’s one blog that is truly a must-read, and should be on regular rotation in your subscription list.  I speak of none other than The Cool Hunter.  It’s the perfect treat for the fashion enthusiast and style intellectual (and music, food, architecture and design lover).  Smart, sharp and to-the-point, The Cool Hunter eloquently covers all things artsy without an ounce of pretentiousness- which makes it that much cooler.  And with its focus on creativity and emphasis on a global perspective, it has something for everyone.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

(Photo Credit: http://genericfashion.blogspot.com)

May 9, 2011

Weekend in the Bay: Palo Alto, San Francisco & Monterey

Filed under: Art and Culture,Clothing Store,Food/Restaurant Review,Foodie Fridays — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

Dear Fashionistas,

My honey flew in from Texas to visit this weekend and we went on a weekend tour of the Bay.  (Read: We ate at a bunch of restaurants throughout the Bay.)  First up, Palo Alto, then San Francisco, followed by Monterey.  Enjoy!

OSTERIA ITALIAN RESTAURANT- PALO ALTO, CA

 

THANH LONG VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT- SAN FRANCISCO, CA

(Roast Crab and Garlic Noodles- YUM!!!)

 

THE FISH HOPPER & SURROUNDING AREAS- MONTEREY, CA

Just a quick note:  I did stop by an adorable boutique called “slb women’s clothing.”  Unfortunately, we were in a hurry to see as much of Monterey as possible before heading back, so I didn’t have a chance to take pictures of the shop.  I did chat with the lovely Sophia though, who runs the store with her sister.  The boutique’s selection of tops, dresses and accessories were young, yet sophisticated, on trend, yet refreshing.  Sophia herself embodied the spirit of boutique, with her effortless mix of laid back California cool and hippie chic.  If you’re in Monterey, this Cannery Row boutique is a must-see.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

April 28, 2011

Cristobal Balenciaga at de Young Museum in San Francisco

Filed under: Art and Culture,Fashion Blog,Food/Restaurant Review,Foodie Fridays — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Nik @ 10:46 pm

This weekend proved inspiring…and exhausting.  I boarded Caltrain at 11:30am on Saturday and didn’t return home until a little after 8pm!  The excursion was well worth the time spent, as the de Young Museum is currently hosting an exhibit of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s greatest creations, curated by Hamish Bowles, no less.

As Balenciaga and Spain was a special exhibit, no photography was allowed.  Despite this customary practice, such a display of technical prowess and marked ingenuity won’t soon be forgotten.   As patrons wound their way through elaborate evening dresses, bold coats and cheeky little hats, each moment was pleasantly punctuated by whispered adorations, reverent silence and gasps of delight.  Unbeknownst to me, even Madame Chanel recognized Balenciaga’s talent and influence, deeming him “the only couturier.”

 If you’ll be in the Bay Area soon, I do recommend stopping by de Young.  The Balenciaga exhibit ends July 4, 2011.  Also I must mention that the Legion of Honor Museum is currently exhibiting “Pulp Fashion: The Art of Isabelle Borchgrave” through June 5, 2011.  Ms. Borchgrave is renowned for her elaborate “couture” costumes- constructed entirely of paper!  Reminiscent of  Borchgrave’s work are these paper cut wigs I saw on the Neotraditionalist blog last month.  An incredible feat within themselves, the wigs are no match for Borchgrave’s ensembles! 

I ended the evening with a dinner of samosas and palak paneer at Masala Indian Cuisine on 9th Street, and boarded the Caltrain, tired and happy, for my return home.

 

In closing, I hope you had a wonderful Easter holiday; I know I did.  Stanford Memorial Church was a lovely sight on Sunday morning, which I promptly followed up with brunch and a long nap.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

 

March 28, 2011

San Francisco, Japantown & Keanu Reeves (Sort Of)

Filed under: Art and Culture,Magazine — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Nik @ 12:46 am

I’m making the most of my West Coast visit and this past weekend I met a friend at the Japan Center Mall in San Francisco’s Japantown.  We had sushi for lunch at Mifune and then promptly made our way through the mall looking for souvenirs.  We stopped by an adorable gift shop called Nippon-Ya and my friend picked up a few gifts for family members.  The highlight of this outing, however, was 1) discovering that Keanu Reeves had dined at Fuku Sushi in this mall (I know, random- but I’m a huge fan) and 2) perusing the Kinokuniya Bookstore for my favorite Japanese fashion magazine, Baila.  Enjoy the pictures! 

Fashionably Yours,

 Nik

 

 

” Thank you for the delicious sushi.  My friends, who were visiting from LA, and I had a lovely time.”

March 21, 2011

Austin Before SXSW: The Quiet Before the Storm

Filed under: Art and Culture — Tags: , , , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

As you all know, I’ve been traveling a bit and though I love DFW, Austin holds a special place in my heart.  The capitol of my beloved State, a cultural and artistic epicenter…Austin feels new and familiar all at once.  Austin feels like home.

As the City swelled with visitors for SXSW, I had a fleeting pang of regret that I would not be attending this year.  I was comforted by the fact that festivals aren’t what keep me coming back; it’s my good friends, good food and good fashion.  It is the intangible qualities that inspire folks to wear those “Keep Austin Weird” t-shirts.  I suppose what I like most about Austin, besides the friendships I have there, is the Spirit of the City, how it lives and breathes.  Yes, I definitely feel Austin has a Heart, and a Soul.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

March 16, 2011

March 2011 Events: Nordstrom Rack Opening Soon and Much More!

Filed under: Art and Culture,Charity,Great Sales,Shopping Event — Tags: , , , , , , — Nik @ 12:54 am

Ok, I don’t know about you, but it seems that lately the DFW shopping scene has been slow!  I am style starved!  But alas, folks have slowly been reaching out to me to let me know about their upcoming events.  (Huge thanks to the jewelry designers and boutiques that keep me informed!)

Here’s the line up so far: Nordstrom Rack Opening Mar. 17, Fashion Cited Charity Event Mar. 24, The Dallas Flea Mar. 26, Glam Shop Girls Mar. 30 and the Dallas International Film Festival Mar. 31-Apr. 10. 

1. Nordstrom Rack opens this Thursday, March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day) at the Parks at Arlington Mall.  I did a preview walk-through of the store recently and I can tell you that this store is bursting at the seams with designer goodies with your name on it.  The Rack has unbelievable discounts so you only pay a fraction of the retail price!

Men: Ben Sherman, Bugatchi, Burberry (galore!), Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, 7 For All Mankind (great selection of jean brands too),  and more.

Women: Juicy Couture, Burberry, Fendi, Michael Kors, Leifs Dottir, Kate Spade and much, much more.

Now, listen to Nik, I’m your friend and I want the very best shopping experience for you.  Are you ready for this?  GET THERE EARLY!  As in Thursday.   Before 8:30am.  Do not wait until the weekend.  There will be a Race Through the Rack Sweepstakes drawing on opening day that you won’t want to miss!  Click here for details.

Good luck!  (Not that you’ll need it on St. Patrick’s Day.)

2. Fashion Cited Charity Event Benefiting Legal Hospice.

3. The Dallas Flea is upon us once again, this time on Mar. 26th, 9am-4pm at 1409 S. Lamar Street.

Same formula, same fun: Only $5 bucks to get in and shop a huge selection of vendors with handmade, high-end, one-of-a-kind clothing, home decor and jewelry like these gorgeous finds from The Silver Importer:

The Dallas Flea- The Silver Importer

The Silver Importer- Statement Pearl Necklace

The Dallas Flea- The Silver Importer

The Silver Importer

4. Glam Shop Girls- I have never attended this but I think it’s similar to Shecky’s Girls Night Out, which I love.  Glam Shop Girls features chic shopping events in Dallas, Houston and San Francisco.  This event is held in the same building as The Dallas Flea.

GLAM SHOP GIRLS DALLAS 
March 30, 2011 | 5:30pm-8:30pm
Absinthe Lounge & Cigar Bar
(inside S. Side of Lamar Building)
1409 S. Lamar #008
Dallas, TX 75215
RSVP HERE OR PAY $10 @ THE DOOR

5. The Dallas International Film Festival ramps up on March 31st, so if you missed SXSW, here’s another chance to get your film fix.  I missed SXSW too, as I left Austin on the Friday the festival began…oh well, there’s always next year!  Tickets for the Dallas film festival go on sale on March 17th.

In sum, March gives fahionistas plenty of opportunities to sip, shop, save and do a good deed or two.  As always, if you attend these events please share your experiences here, in the comments or by emailing me at nik@threadconscious.com.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

March 7, 2011

Architect Henry Ponce: The Master of Restoration and New Construction

Filed under: Art and Culture,Home Decor — Tags: , , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

I first saw Mr. Henry Ponce’s work on an episode of House Hunters International featuring Merida, Mexico.  I generally don’t like “modern” architecture but what he creates is exceptionally beautiful.  This award-winning architect is a native of Merida and has been at the forefront of the restoration movement sweeping through his native city.  Mr. Ponce is not only accomplished in the art of architectural restoration, but also new construction.  You can take a look at my very favorite Henry Ponce masterpiece below.  Grab yourself a margarita or mojito and relax for the next 3 minutes…I present to you, Casa 64.

Isn’t this a truly spectacular and quite literal “Dream House?”  Can you imagine all the stylish parties you could have there?!  Mr. Ponce, will you take clients in Texas? : )

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

(Video Credit: Henry Ponce Architects)

March 3, 2011

O.P.I.’s Deep in the Heart of Texas

Filed under: Art and Culture,Trends — Tags: , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

 

This is just another instance of an out pouring of love for Texas- this time it’s from O.P.I. Nail Lacquers.  Interestingly enough, O.P.I.’s Texas Collection doesn’t mention Dallas, but Fort Worth is on the list!  My favorite O.P.I. nail color has always been Bubble Bath because of its pink, iridescent tone and the fact that it goes with everything, but I have a feeling that may change.  The Texas Collection includes: Austin-tatious Turquoise, Do You Think I’m Tex-y, Don’t Mess with OPI and It’s Totally Fort Worth It (my favorite in the collection since it’s the closest to gray, my favorite color).  Click on the link below to view the complete list of names. 

OPI Texas Collection 

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

February 28, 2011

From Skateboards to Emery Boards: Chanel Celebrity Manicurist Tom Bachik

Filed under: Art and Culture,Celebrity Fashion,Fashion Business — Tags: , — Nik @ 10:00 am

Photo Credit: Style.com

I love stories like this- I saw it in the February issue of  Vogue.  It proves that fashion is transcendent.  Thanks to Tom Bachik and his cousin for thinking outside the box! 

So, a skater dude in California loves airbrushing and personalizing helmets, skateboards and snowboards.  When the recession hits in the 1990′s, he figures airbrushing isn’t going to pay the bills, especially now that his wife’s expecting.  His (genius!) cousin tells him that the beauty industry is impervious to recessions and that he should paint nails.  Skater dude goes to nail school and gets his license, wins a nail championship, works for Creative Nail Design, gets an agent, works on photo shoots, garners clients like Beyonce and Victoria Beckham and gets signed as Chanel’s very first celebrity manicurist.  Ahh, the sweet life.  Read more about Tom Bachik’s colorful path to Chanel at Style.com. 

Fashionably Yours, 

Nik

February 21, 2011

President’s Day: The Style of Michelle Obama

Filed under: Art and Culture,Celebrity Fashion — Tags: , , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

In honor of President’s Day, I felt it was apropos to highlight Mrs. O, undoubtedly one of the most stylish First Ladies in American history.  Out of all the ensembles she’s donned over the years, this lemongrass Isabel Toledo sheath dress remains one of my favorites.  For me, it represented hope, courage and a fresh perspective, all attributes that embody the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement and Black History Month.  Thank you, Mrs. Obama, for being the epitome of intelligence, grace and style.

Photo credit: Matt Whittaker- Getty Images

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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