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

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

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.