Thread Conscious

October 27, 2011

Statement Jewelry: October Owls

Large Pendants

I absolutely love owl jewelry.  A symbol of mystery and wisdom, I’ve been fascinated with owls since childhood.  They’re also the mascot for all things super nerdy.  And if you’ve been reading this blog you know that things can get quite nerdy!  Best of all, this collection is a steal, ranging from only $5-$28 per piece.

I love statement jewelry, and the pendants above make a bold statement.  I believe that all but one came from Eastside Antiques in Fort Worth.  My aunt gave me the white owl pendant- how cute is he with his wing hiding his face! 

Bling Bling

 Sometimes, you just need some bling in your life.  These are medium-sized pendants, rather modest in my opinion.  However, what they lack in size they more than make up for with sparkle.  These necklaces are perfect for dressing up any casual look. 

Abstract Pendants and Ring

 Like art, jewelry can be a literal representation of a real-world object, or more abstract.  I love when jewelry takes a more artistic approach and suggests an idea or object, rather than simply replicating it.  These owl pendants and two-finger ring (top right) are fun and visually interesting.  I just got the green one from Dolly Python Vintage in Dallas, and it’s my new favorite of the collection. 

Little Cuties

 This is a grouping of my smaller pieces, which includes brooches, a ring and a necklace.  I love the little guy with the argyle sweater.  I just remembered that I forgot to include another brooch- it’s a gold owl with eyeglasses that actually move up and down!  It’s so adorable.  I got it at the Montgomery Street Antique Mall in Fort Worth.  The ”shadow box” necklace came from Charming Charlie in Virginia a couple of months ago. 

Rock Stars

This group incorporates natural stone into the design that gives each piece a vintage feel.  The necklace at the top also came from Dolly Python in Dallas.  The bottom brooch has a lovely red stone with silver and gold detail.  It reminds of the bird in that really old- I mean really really old- movie “The Clash of the Titans.”  It’s an oldie but a goodie.

Speaking of an oldie but goodie, it’s almost time for Thread Conscious’s TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!  My, how time flies when you’re having fun.  : )

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

 

October 9, 2011

Anniversary Gifts: The Bold and the Beautiful

Filed under: Trends,Vintage — Tags: , , , — Nik @ 4:31 pm

I just have to give my sweetie props for the thoughtful gifts given this year…perfection.

Vintage-inspired Diamond Earrings

I absolutely love these earrings.  They’re classic, timeless and distinctively vintage.  I think they’ll look great at the office and also nicely dress up any casual ensemble.

Rare Louis Vuitton Satin Monogram Ange Noir Evening Bag

What an adorably elegant bag!  I love the subtle monogram pattern paired with the bold metallic accents in the side panels, clasp and mesh handle.  This limited-edition purse was sold in the late 1990′s and is rather difficult to find these days.  This is definitely not an everyday bag, but is perfect for an anniversary celebration.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

 

October 5, 2011

Thread Thursday: Vintage Glamporium in Austin Oct. 8-9

Laced with Romance- Matt McCoy

Dear Fashionistas,

Are you ready for Vintage Glamporium, “an exhilarating shopping experience that brings together the best vintage clothing and accessory vendors of Texas and beyond?”

This Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th, at ZACH Theatre, be sure to check out a host of top notch vintage vendors, who have carefully curated the best ensembles and accessories for men and women. 

Vintage all-stars include local favorites such as Laced with Romance, Big Bertha’s Bargain Basement, Fabulous Mess Vintage, and Feathers Boutique AND  stylish neighbors such as Vintage Martini (Dallas, TX), Style Station (Waco, TX), Cheap Thrills (Tulsa, OK) and The Vintagemobile (Dallas, TX).

This is a weekend you won’t want to miss!  And PLEASE, for those attending please snap a few photos to share with the rest of us.  I would be there myself, but I have other fabulous events to attend, as two of my dear friends are getting married this weekend- to each other!  Also, I’ll be celebrating my own one-year anniversary!  Ah, l’amor!  :  )

WHO: Founded by Angie Ferrer Domecq Owner of Angelica DeBiase online boutique & Masha Harmeier Co-owner of Feathers Boutique

WHEN: Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sunday, October 9, 2011 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

WHERE: ZACH Theatre 1426 Toomey Rd. Austin, TX 78704 ADMISSION: Daily Early Shopper Tickets (12:00 pm – 1:00pm): $10 Daily General Admission: $5 Tickets are CASH ONLY and are available at the door PARKING: Free parking in the Zachary Scott Theatre lot or on the street

WEBSITE: http://www.vintageglamporium.com/vintage/Welcome.html

 http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=209440835745466

*Note some vendors will accept cash or credit, others will accept cash only

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

September 24, 2011

Love at First Sight: Langford Market in Austin

I first discovered Langford Market during Austin Fashion Week this year and what a pleasant surprise it was!  First, the boutique itself is such a lovely space.  It somehow pulls off a modern-retro-rustic decor- not an aesthetic I’d usually respond to, but here, it’s executed so well and only adds to the charm of the boutique.  I can’t quite describe the energy in this place, but it definitely has a certain… well, je ne sais quoi.

Second, the selection of accessories, housewares and clothing are divine.  Styles range from classic (think chic black lace blouse) to edgy (large satchel slashed with gold zippers).  Third, the pricing is so reasonable!  I saw so many gorgeous accessories under $50- I must’ve spotted at least ten items I wanted on my trek from the front door to the check out counter. 

During Fashion Week, several boutiques teamed up to showcase dynamic local designers and Langford Market partnered with design duo Victoria and Jessica Alt of Song Fashions.  I first met the Alt sisters and their friend, model Chelsea Salisbury, at the Fashion Week Kick Off Party.  One of my favorite items by these talented sisters are their fun, exotic embroidered necklaces.  These are genius for folks like me with sensitive skin (sometimes costume jewelry and my skin don’t agree), and the vibrant colors elevate any outfit to another level. 

Alright, as you can probably tell by my lack of stories this past week, I’ve been super busy, but as soon as time permits, I will be paying Langford Market another visit!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Victoria, Jennifer and Chelsey wearing necklaces by Song Fashions at the AFW Kick Off Party

Langford Market during Austin Fashion Week 2011

 
 
Chic Lace Blouse layered with Edgy Bib Necklace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 11, 2011

Charming Charlie Comes to Fort Worth

 

 

 

 Charming Charlie has made its way west to Fort Worth.  I visited my first location in Houston during a Thanksgiving holiday about a year ago.  I cannot tell you how excited I was to see this accessories mega store right on Hulen and Bellaire, not too far from Texas Christian University, which will make it convenient to shop for all those Rush/Sorority events throughout the year.

What sets Charming Charlie apart from other retailers such as Forever 21, is its super organized and super color-coordinated arrangement of clothing and accessories.  This makes shopping efficient and satisfying.  We all know how frustrating it is to rummage through mounds clothing or tangled accessories only to leave the store empty-handed because we could never actually find anything in all the clutter.

Additionally, Charming Charlie’s  kaleidoscopic offerings are economical, with all the quality, glitz and glam of more expensive pieces.  You can find everything from simple, dainty necklaces, to bold bib necklaces, cocktail rings, purses and more.  If you’re in Tarrant County, I highly recommend you check it out and see for yourself. 

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

CHARMING CHARLIE

Trinity Commons
300 S. Hulen St., #136
Fort Worth, Texas 76109

Phone: 817.377.1029

Mon:10 am – 9 pm
Tues:10 am – 9 pm
Wed:10 am – 9 pm
Thurs:10 am – 9 pm
Fri:10 am – 9 pm
Sat:10 am – 9 pm
Sun:Noon – 6 pm 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

August 23, 2011

Austin Fashion Week Kick-Off Party: Betsey Johnson and Harley Davidson

 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

August 21, 2011

H&M Grand Opening Preview Party at Northpark

 

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 

 

 

July 25, 2011

Media Monday: Fashion Tech Mash Ups

Hello Fashionistas,

I’m wrapping up a week-long birthday celebration, but I wanted to take a breather to let you in on some very interesting fashion/tech news.  Here goes:

1.  Starting TODAY (7/25/11), Gilt Groupe, Banana Republic and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant  offer you a collection of vintage-inspired pieces that even Don Draper would approve of.  See the capsule collection here.

2.  What’s in a name?  That which we call Avelle is now called Bag Borrow or Steal, again.  BBOS catapulted to fame in 2008′s Sex and the City movie, whose HBO series became the holy grail for aspiring fashionistas world-wide.   I never understood the name change (even after pouring over BBOS’s SEC filings for a graduate school paper- yes, I’m a nerd), but I’m glad Bag Borrow or Steal is back.  

3.  Rent the Runway has now partnered with ShopStyle, offering a one-stop shopping experience for women who like to try before buying.  “This partnership expands on this vision by allowing us to give women greater access to designer dresses and the flexibility to rent v. buy depending on her fashion needs,” explained Melissa Davis, VP of ShopStyle, US.  I’ve always been a fan of options, especially designer ones.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

July 7, 2011

Austin Street Fashion: Color-blocking for Men

Filed under: Street Fashion,Trends — Tags: , , — Nik @ 10:00 am

Fashionistas,

This is Eric.  Doesn’t he look smart?  When I saw his ensemble, I thought “what a perfect example of color-blocking for men!”  This look is chic, subtle, effortless and has “Austin-cool” written all over it.  The palette of blue, purple and coral with anchors of brown in the tortoise shell glasses and shoes is seriously fashionable, while maintaining a thoughtful playfulness.  Well done Eric!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

July 4, 2011

Patriotic Fashion: July 4, 2011

There are some looks that just stay with you forever.  They are iconic, memorable and meaningful, and engrain themselves in your satorial psyche.  For me, the American Flag’s prominence in fashion has been with me since childhood and I’ve found my #1 favorite look featuring the flag, followed by a less literal, but just as memorable piece.

It’s summer so what’s more apropros than the American Flag bikini?  So many celebs have sported one version or another of this stylish, simple and straight-forward interpretation of American freedom.  I’m not sure where, or on whom, I first saw this design, but I’ve thought that it was so cute since I was a teen.  You can find many versions of this in mono-kini’s and one-pieces as well. 

Photo credit: www.allamericanbikini.com.

Photo Credit: www.overbrides.com

I absolutedly love this dress on actress Zoe Saldana.  Somewhat literal with the stripe detail, but stopping short of the stars on blue motif, this Armani evening gown still references the American flag in a bold but elegant manner.  Zoe kept her jewelry to a minimum, as the dress itself makes enough of a statement.

Take today to show off your patriotic style- Happy 4th of July!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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