28 September 2010

Dallas: PaperCity needs an editor

PaperCity needs an associate or assistant editor to fill the void that Dallas co-editor Brooke Hortenstine is leaving, as she resigned earlier this month. Here are the deets per Rob Brinkley. Have what it takes?

PaperCity magazine in Dallas, Texas, is seeking a passionate, driven, multitasking assistant or associate editor who has an especially deep love of society, charities, fashion, style, restaurants and design — and can capture it all in elegant prose. This editor will work closely with the Dallas executive editor and assistant editor in:

• Producing our famous party pages (covering daytime and nighttime lunches, galas, store openings and balls, and helping manage thousands of mailed-in party pictures)

• Coordinating special charity pages and multi-page charity sections

• Producing and writing features and front-of-book pieces including store openings, restaurants, fashion, trends, culture, design, local/national celebrity profiles, etc.

• Acting as a jack of all trades — helping run the office and juggling myriad duties, while simultaneously painting the town PaperCity red

The job is wildly diverse and rewarding. A degree in journalism or English is preferred; prior magazine writing/editing is an immeasurable plus. PaperCity is a gorgeous, glossy, leading and vibrant publication, founded in 1994, with monthly editions and dedicated staffs in Dallas and Houston, focusing on fashion, style, home design, shopping, dining, travel and, yes, society coverage.

Resumes to
rob@papercitymag.com.

23 September 2010

Houston: Minor Obsessions by Finn

Finn has come out with a secondary line, Minor Obsessions, and the little skull charm necklace, bracelet, and earrings are out just in time for Halloween. Finn is designed by Soraya Silchenstedt and Houston-native Candice Pool and can be found at Barneys.

The prices are a fraction of their namesake line. The 10k skull bracelet - my personal favorite - is $60, the necklace is $250, and the earrings are $160.

21 September 2010

Dallas: Me

Apologies for being MIA the last few days. I'm feeling down and out, a little miffed that I've said yes to too many things far too many times, and really bummed to still be looking at a way overdue book proposal (that April 1 deadline is long gone and seriously, let's not even get into the hysterical metaphor that goes along with choosing the most wrong date ever!) that mocks me everyday as I sit at my desk telling myself a coffee will get me going; no, maybe a run will; no, you know what will really make me write? a trip to Ikea for a $39 sheepskin rug. Yeah, that'll make all those brilliant words flow. Dumb.

So gimme a minute to get it going again, to find a little gratitude, to recognize that I can do this, to get off my ass, to just knock it out, get it done, and have Jan Miller call me a genius.

16 September 2010

Houston: Texas Artists Today

Last night I got to see something pretty fantastic: The unveiling of a book years in the making, Texas Artists Today. Dallas Contemporary board member Karla McKinley worked for three years on this project as book coordinator and last night at the Colton & Farb Gallery in Houston the finished product was shown to the public. McKinley flew a group of her friends down for the celebration of the limited edition tome (only 3,000 have been printed) and art auction at the gallery.
Karla had only seen a blad of the book and when we got off the plane, it was exciting to see her reaction to something she's worked so hard on.
Karla and Faye Walker hold the 260-page oversize book that surveys 62 Texas artists who are changing the way the world perceives the Lone Star State's creative landscape.
Poppy Massey, McKinley, and author Catherine D. Anspon
An Angelbert Metoyer was part of the auction last night.
I wanted this so badly, but was outbid about 10 seconds into it. It's made of inflated steel.
I know that animal prints are in this season, but......
End of the evening. Craig Massey, the book's project manager, artist Angelbert Metoyer, and Madison McKinley with the book.
Proceeds of Texas Artists Today benefit four non-profits including The Dallas Contemporary. The book will be available November 1 at Brazos Bookstore in Houston and The Dallas Contemporary in Dallas.

14 September 2010

Austin: Herff Christiansen

Herff Christiansen now has their fall collection online. I usually just buy at Forty Five Ten, but it's always fun to look at all the pieces online. HC is super-functional, chic, and because of its tonal color palette always very easy to incorporate into what you already own.
Patterns have never been my thing, so this is so perfectly me in every way.
Some of my favorite pieces include a cowl neck blouse, a extra-long sleeve drapey dress - I love to wear leggings underneath when traveling - a pima cotton tank, tiny bubble shorts with ribbed, and some fantastic pants that I think we're called motorcycle pants and are basically a modern day version of parachute pants.
Mary Herff was just in town last week an appearance at Forty Five Ten for Fashion's Night Out. She and her design partner, Randi Christiansen, made a limited edition scarf for the evening and I'm bummed that I didn't get one.

13 September 2010

Dallas: Red's Pop Shop

Are you a reader of Red's? The Greenville Avenue-based blog is hosting a pop up shop (1802-A Greenville Ave.) on September 18 & 19 and again on September 25 & 26 from 12-6 each day. Bows and Arrows, The Public Trust, Lilco Letterpress, and We Are 1976 are among the retailers who will sell everything from limited edition prints and stationary to books, jewelry and toys.

12 September 2010

NYC: Fashion Week

Just a few of my favorites that've come down the runway so far.
Vena Cava
Cynthia Rowley
Alexander Wang.
Style.com has a great new feature this year where you can not only look at the still shots, but you can click on them and watch them actually come down the runway so you can see how the clothing and fabric moves.

11 September 2010

Houston: Solange Knowles

Check out Solange Knowles spinning last night at Roberto Cavalli on Madison Avenue in NYC for Fashion's Night Out.
Her hair is seriously chic.
My own FNO ended at a decent hour after much fun at Highland Park Village, Forty Five Ten, and The Palomar.
And PS Those Alexa Chung for Madewell high waist jeans that I posted about on Thursday: they do look pretty terrific on.

10 September 2010

Houston: Kim France

Okay, is anyone else bummed that Kim France is out at Lucky Magazine? She's being replaced by Brandon Holley, the former Jane editor-in-chief. I worked for France, a Houston native, from 2003-2006 - very flush years, mind you - as her regional editor and I must say it was a pretty plum job. Conde Nast was pretty good to its freelancers and I can remember more than a few boozy lunches on "Uncle Si."
France is said to be leaving Conde Nast entirely and I can't wait to see what she's going to do next. Whatever it is, it will be amazing, I'm sure.

Photo courtesy of Lucky

Dallas: The Shining

Yesterday popped into new jewelry salon The Shining on Henderson Avenue. Sandwiched between We Are 1976 and Pearl Cup, The Shining caters to macabre minded tastemakers who worship Grange Hall, but can't always spring for the pricey pieces.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing like Grange. Their stunning super- high end jewelry, the dark, moody parlor feel, and the gorgeous flower arrangements are beyond. But if you go there and find yourself looking more than buying, this is great alternative.
There was an assortment of dyed animal tails,
talon pendant necklaces,
bracelets cast in feather molds,
fox head rings,
and little animal skeleton and bone charms

09 September 2010

Dallas: Fashion's Night Out

I hope I see some of you tomorrow during the slew of events happening around town for Fashion's Night Out. Personally, I'll be in Highland Park Village from 6-8 pm and Stanley Korshak from 8-10 and the first person to come up to me and compliment my nail color - Chanel's Khaki Rose, which hits stores tomorrow - will receive the three-color collection of Les Khaki des Chanel polishes on the spot.
F|D Luxe is the official media sponsor in Dallas and here's where you can find some of the staff tomorrow evening:

F|D's stylish leader, Tracy Achor Hayes, will be at Forty Five Ten from 6-8 (along with Kim Dawson models serving drinks) and HP Village from 8-10 talking fall trends at Ralph Lauren.

Jason Sheeler - you know you want to meet him after reading his fantastic Heidi Dillon feature in this month's F|D - will be at Neiman Marcus NorthPark with Dallas Maverick Jason Terry from 6-8 and Forty Five Ten from 8-10.

Darling Christopher Wynn and resident interiors expert will be at Neiman's Willowbend from 6-8, and Saks Fifth Avenue at the Dallas Galleria from 8-10.

Managing editor Jessica Elliot will be at Barneys from 6-8 and roaming NorthPark Center from 8-10.

Oh, the things happening tomorrow evening are going to be so much fun! It's time to shop! Don't forget to bring that credit card, after all that's what FNO is all about.

Everywhere: Alexa Chung for Madewell

There are very few email blasts that I get excited over, but Madewell's always get a click through from me. Alexa Chung's collection for Madewell is available to shop online today and will be in stores this Saturday, September 11.
Herewith, the pieces that I hope look as good on me as they do online. The Margot skirt:
The Iris blouse. Also comes in red and off-white.
The Aimee fisherman sweater. Why can't I get my hair to look like this?
The Christian jean. Check out the high-waist. Looks like you can actually bend over without showing the world your backside.
The Christian jean short (with Iris blouse). Again, I love where these fall just below the natural waist, it's so 70s, so good.

Photos courtesy of Madewell

08 September 2010

Georgetown: Monument Cafe

I promise I won't always blog about Monument Cafe every time I head south, but it's one of my favorite traditions when I drive home. 35 South, exit 262; 35 North, exit 261. The Austin Avenue cafe is all about local, seasonal, fresh food and it's a nice way to break up the 5-hour drive to San Antonio.
This time around I had to snap some shots of their on-site herb garden that they pull from daily.
Rosemary, basil, thyme, and mint all flourish in the direct sun right behind the restaurant.
It really has me thinking I want to plant a vegetable garden in my backyard. Maybe if I go to class at NorthHaven Gardens I can figure that out this fall.

07 September 2010

San Antonio: Bistro Bakery

Was in San Antonio to see my family this past weekend and one of my first stops is always Bistro Bakery.
Owned and operated by the very French Lucille Watel (she always says "Voila!" when serving you something and I get giddy when referred to as "mademoiselle"), it's a little slice of the Paris in Olmos Park.
The flowering bougainvillea is always in full bloom
And the buttery smell of fresh pastries permeates the entire space
I asked Lucille for two cappuccinos and four of her light-air-croissants - two plain, two chocolate
Then I thought about getting something to go for lunch
When I got to the counter to pay, I saw that she is now hosting cooking classes every other week on Tuesday (pastries), Wednesday (bread) and Thursday (cuisine) afternoons from 2 to 4 pm.
If I wasn't expected somewhere, I would've taken full advantage of the healthy stash of French-language magazines always under the cream and sugar counter. Even though I can't understand a word, it's just as fun to look at the pictures.

03 September 2010

Dallas: Little Bean + Rikshaw Design = !!!

If you're in Dallas, don't forget this fun party tonight to celebrate Little Bean's 1 year anniversary! There will be a Rikshaw Design pop-up shop hosted by Little Bean and Simple Lovely!

Dallas: Amber Venz and one major sale

I adore Amber Venz in a major way and I'm super psyched about a clothing sale the jewelry designer is having next Wed, Sept 8 from 11 to 7 and Thurs, Sept 9 from 11 until she's sold out (which leads me to think that the sale will end at 11:30 because she's got the best style).
Venz is cleaning out her closet and because she did some time at Sebastian's in Snider Plaza she has all kinds of fabulous must-haves like J Brand, Marni, Christian Louboutin, Costume National, Alexander Wang, the list goes on.
I pulled these pics off her website - you have to read it daily, it's pretty good - so you can see for yourself the way she pulls off looks with aplomb
Really? Could she be any cooler? For the location email Amber at amber@ambervenz.com.

Photos courtesy of VenzEdits.com