May 3, 2010
Lately the world has seemed pretty small–a former job applicant turned freelance writer and friend of mine in Austin is best friends with the roommate of a girlfriend of a friend of my boyfriend’s in Aspen who was in Austin this weekend for his birthday party. What the what? Then I got an email about a new boutique from a former roommate and high school friend of mine, and later got an email from a basketball teammate’s little sister who I CrossFit with now whose cousin opened a new boutique … and it was the same girl!
Peacock Plume is a new online-only boutique started by besties Holly and Cara, who have this to say for themselves:
Think of us as your personal fashion spam filter! We’ll sift through miles of racks filled with absurd prices and pieces you’d never wear so you don’t have to…
Our site is unique in that we are offering a boutique style shopping experience but we cut out the snobbery and high prices.
I think their site is unique because they offer super cute outfit combos and actually tell you where to wear them and how to buy them, for around $140 for everything: top & bottom or dress, shoes, purse, accessories. Think:
The ladies do have an eye for fashion on the cheap–women after my own heart.
And, they launched on Tuesday and by Friday had a D Magazine mention … no small feat for a startup company!
Check it out. Peacock Plume.
Posted in Good people/services, Shopping |
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June 24, 2009
For such a hipster place, it can be hard to find clothes to wear in Austin. How to achieve that laid-back but perfectly-put-together look we’re so famous for? And keep our sweat stains from showing at the same time? The cool kids can shop SoCo’s vintage stores, but some of us just don’t have time or talent for that–it’s like a full-time job. Enter two new fashion events in Austin, one BIG and far-off, and one smaller but very soon.
The deets on Austin’s first Fashion Week have been released by Launch787:
Austin Fashion Week is July 13-19. It will feature ~120 events. Participating boutiques and salons will host one Austin-based designer. It’s free to attend most of the events, but you can also buy a “Passport to Fashion” starting Thursday morning through the official Austin Fashion Week website. Passports are $20 and give you a 10% discount at all of the participating boutiques and salons.
Then, the Austin Fashion Awards will take place on Sunday, July 19 from 5:30-9pm inside Dell Hall at the Long Center. Featuring fashion from the UT Fashion Design School, Project Runway’s Kayne and others, there’s also live music from The Octopus Project, Alpha Rev, Mike Relm, The Soldier Thread and Ume. Tickets are $39.
Then then, the Austin Fashion Awards After Party is Sunday, July 19 from 9pm until Midnight. At the Sky Lounge at Ashton on Town Lake, DJ Mike Relm of opening for Moby fame will spin amongst drinks from Tito’s and Sweet Leaf along with food from 2nd Street District restaurants. An EXTREMELY limited number of tickets will be available through FashionWeekAustin.com.
Austin Fashion Awards public voting will begin Thursday morning also through FashionWeekAustin.com. You can vote for your favorite boutiques, salons, designers, models, photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists. You decide who the winners are!
So there’s that. But then there’s also an awesome Trunk Show-stravanganza (I don’t want to weigh them down with just the trunk show moniker) this Sunday at United States Art Authority (near Spiderhouse) from 4-8pm. Basically a big girly playground, the event features clothes from ethical/sustainable-fabric designer René Geneva and jewelry from Leigh Elena. Makeup by Myka plus free samples of Myka’s sugar scrubs, free bang trims and quicky up-dos by Waterstone, new nail wraps by Pink Salon (where I get my hair did by my fave stylist Johanna, who I LOVE), plus Jay B. Sauceda snapping photos. Rounded out by Innocent Chocolate, snacks, and free mimosas, the event is going to be total fun–oh, and it benefits the Geneva Foundation for Women and the Arts™. Natch.
MUST RSVP: info@thetrunkshowaustin.com
Posted in Beauty, One-time event, Shopping, fashion, free |
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May 8, 2009
So I’ve been meaning to post for awhile on the new (not so new now) boutique I serendipitously stumbled upon one morning while waiting for a table at the original Kerbey Lane. Caroline’s is an amazing boutique in the old lululemon spot. Caroline’s features fresh, affordable pieces, all walking that amazing line between perfect for a creative work environment and dinner/drinks/dates. LOVE IT. I bought a dress and a scarf, and whenever I’ve worn either, I’ve gotten compliments. Despite the fact that it’s mere blocks from my house, I haven’t revisited–but then this came into my inbox:
Drumz is having a drum circle in our parking lot tonight! There will be free fair trade coffee and chocolate, handicrafts from around the world, and wonderful music making! We [Caroline's] will be staying open late for this event. And here is the kicker–offering a discount! We will be offering 15% off your entire purchase from 7-9pm. Caroline’s also just got a shipment of new merchandise. We hope to see you all here for the great new deals!
Have happy days!
Yes, yes, I will indeed have a happy day and night shopping at Caroline’s. (Original Kerbey Lane, off of 35th)
Once you’ve drummed and shopped yourself silly, head to Birds on S. Congress for their 3-D GRAND OPENING at 9pm:
Come and break in the new shop with dancing, music, and viewings of the best old school 3-D films possible, including “Comin At Ya!” The event features free performances from indie hip-hop superstar Astronautalis, local boat party enthusiast Neiliyo and the Dj-ing skills of Andy (the Mouth) all night long. We’ll have a free 3-D photobooth, video installations and plenty of 3-D glasses to properly view the shop’s mural by local artist Luther Himes. Drinks will be provided by Sweet Leaf Tea, Tito’s Vodka, and Lone Star Beer. In other Birds news, we’re giving away a free shampoo to anyone who shows up on a bicycle at any of our four locations. May is Bike Month, but we’re throwing in hair washes for cyclists all summer long.
Posted in Going Out, One-time event, Shopping, fashion, free |
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April 16, 2009
If you can’t make it out to Westlake for Tidbits, don’t fret: three other Thursday happs should keep you entertained, fed, and liquored up for free.
903Theresea Open House & Art Show
5-9pm: drinks, DJ, art show & giveaway! See two green, mod homes and enjoy free drinks, food–including new Cupcaker L’s Cupcake Cafe–music, and art show. www.903theresa.com/
Ligne Roset Opening Reception
6-8:30pm: The first-ever Ligne Roset concept store in Austin is opening this Thursday in the 2nd Street District. Ligne Roset is a furnishings company based in France making its debut in Austin. Free St. Germain’s specialty cocktails infused with elderflower liqueur. RSVP here.
1/2 Price Day at Little Woodrow’s on the Drag
3pm-2am: Half-price EVERYTHING at Little Woodrow’s. 100+ beers, bottles, draft, can, mimosas … 3-7p is Happy hour and you can combine the two to get even cheaper beer. What?!
The regular Thursday night special is Giant Mug Night with $4 domestic & premium drafts. $3 mimosas. Half price applies to this too–Little Woodrow’s is practically GIVING BEER AWAY. Geez. Do it.
Posted in Eating, Going Out, One-time event, Real Estate, Shopping, design, free |
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March 12, 2009
As usual, Thursday night is packed with stuff. Don’t let the cold, dreary rain keep you from partying! This particular Thursday is the last before the SXSW madness strikes, but Cuatro’s is getting in on the fun early with some sort of college party, see my spreadsheet (tab: SXSW 2009) for more details.
As far as the other events go, not gonna lie, often a jewelry launch or boutique party is just like every one before it. But this one features some snacks and drinks I particularly love, so I can’t help but be excited for local vodka Savvy, the delicious Blue Note Bakery I discovered at a wedding event, and the sushi of Imperia. Three things I like, jewelry is just an added bonus.
Sabia’s Spring Mixer, 5-8pm
The spa extraordinaire and apothecary is settling into new 5th Street digs and throwing a Spring Mixer to celebrate, featuring champagne and treats, chair massage, woods lamp skin analysis, & a gift with any $100 purchase. 1213 West 5th Street, Suite B1
TRIBEZA Happy Hour, 6-8pm
Join TRIBEZA at Austin’s newest upscale lounge Submerged. Located at 2nd & Trinity (333 E. Second St.) across from the Austin Convention Center, enjoy complimentary appetizers from across the street neighbor Fleming’s. DJ Ntenz spins.
Posted in Beauty, Eating, Going Out, free |
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February 5, 2009
The good thing about weddings? Champagne and cake.
Even better?
As wedding season rolls around, there are a ton of events centered around weddings where you get to sample the aforementioned champagne and cake. YUM!
Tonight, hit Second Street decor store Finch from 5-8pm for a mini-bridal extravaganza. Even if there’s no wedding in your future, free updos and makeup from milk + honey might be enough to lure you in:
If wedded bliss you’d rather miss, then go ahead and head out to Bee Caves for the Anna Gray Grand Opening Party, co-hosted by Austin Monthly magazine and featuring a Kendra Scott trunk show.
The best part here? Free food and wine from The Grove, a FANTASTIC restaurant tucked into a strip mall right off Bee Caves and 360. Once you’re at The Grove, I promise you’ll have no idea you’re in a strip mall and you’ll be loving your tasty and affordable wine flight, nibbling on eight different types of bruschetta, and downing mussels like there’s no tomorrow. Or, if you’re at the Anna Gray event, you’ll be doing the same, only from a cocktail napkin in a jewelry boutique–props to anyone brave enough to open retail right now!
Posted in Beauty, Eating, Going Out, One-time event, Shopping, free |
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January 16, 2009
Not that bankruptcy is ever really a good thing (for the economy, the company’s workers, so on and so on), but for consumers in need of a computer, camera, printer, etc., Circuit City’s announcement today that it is officially going kaput is a little bit exciting.
Circuit City has apparently hired four liquidation companies to handle the sales, which start tomorrow and run until March 31, pending court approval. The website and call center will cease to operate after Jan. 18.
I hope they have start their liquidation with better discounts than Linens ‘N Things, who started their liquidatoin at a paltry (seriously, you’re going out of business, sell it all off!) 30% off and drew it out FOREVER. I mean, March 31 is a long way off too, but you gotta figure by then all they’re gonna have is a few batteries, a Celine Dion CD, and some Disney movies on VHS that someone found in a box in the back.
When I tried to check out circuitcity.com for deals just moments ago, it said “We’re updating our site with new products and special offers. Please come back in a few minutes.” Could it already be starting!?
On another sale note, unconfirmed rumor is that St. Bernard Sports on Third Street is having a midnight madness sale where everything is 30% off. Paltry? They’re not going out of business.
On the unconfirmed rumor note, rumor has it that the big department stores do their inventory on the 15th, so look for big sales this weekend. (Is this common knowledge that I just don’t know? Or is it an industry secret? Or just wrong?)
Posted in Business, Shopping |
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January 10, 2009
Michael Hsu is just all over the place. From a new P. Terry’s (by my house! at 32nd & Lamar) to this Guadalupe 5 condo-type building, Uchi & Olivia’s architect is one busy man.
Celebrate modern architecture, design, and art at the Michael Hsu-designed Guadalupe 5 at 502 West 55th Street. The event will also be the debut for Threshold Interiors, a new interior design & furniture boutique opening in February. Stop by and enjoy wine, champagne, and snacks from The Woodland.
TODAY, 3pm-6pm
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January 8, 2009
While everyone else is “Free Week”ing it–let those live-music lovers revel–I think we should be shopping. Mainly because I’ve found a lot of great deals to share with you! And it seems like all I’m blogging about this week is shopping … stimulate the economy, people, stimulate! Does this make me the Czarina of Shopping?
Apparently there’s a website out there about local shopping called Shop512. Now, snotty native that I am, I don’t think I need this, but surely it could help newbies find some good shopping off the beaten path. Plus, there’s a sales section, and who can resist that?
Also, in the name of shopping and getting pampered at the same time, check out the sweet spa days at Saks this month:
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Armani Facial Event
Every Monday in January
Receive a complimentary stone facial and makeup application with Armani skincare
and cosmetics.
To schedule your appointment, please call 512.231.3787
YSL Spa Event
Saturday, January 10
Let the YSL team professional makeup artist create a sleek, sophisticated look just for you.
Sisley Spa Event
Wednesday, January 14 through Friday,
January 16
Get luminous skin with our Sisley products and learn the secret to beautiful skin.
Sisley International Makeup Artist
Personal Apearance
Saks invites you to meet Alfredo Lizardi,
Sisley’s International Makeup Artist
Friday, January 16
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 512.231.3765
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La Mer Spa Event
Friday, January 23
Get perfect skin with a complimentary facial
from La Mer.
For additional information, please call 512.231.3763
La Prairie Spa Event
Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31
Indulge your skin with a luxurious facial
with La Prairie skincare.
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Posted in Beauty, Shopping, free |
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