this is life in austin & aspen » boutique

Try it on: Tie Dye Chic (+ exclusive discount!)

Lyssa — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:42:09 +0000

Today we’re featuring a guest post from Electric Frenchie, an online boutique based out of Austin. They specialize in designer fashion at affordable prices (40-70% off retail!), and offer tons of cute, high-quality women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories as well as a 100% designer brand sales rack.

Tie-dye T-shirts are an iconic late 1960s and early 70s fashion style closely associated with the age of free love and rock & roll. Worn
on college campuses, around drum circles, and at Woodstock music festival, this style was made popular by legends such as Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. This season, fashion designers pay homage to the summer of love, reviving tie-dye fashions and recreating them as boho-chic styles.

In its current reincarnation, tie-dye is cool, breezy, and surprisingly sexy. Celebrities have perfected the laid-back look by keeping it glam in body conscious cuts and muted color palettes. A favorite look of celebs is the tie-dye sundress, like this one from Electric Frenchie boutique.

Steal some style inspiration from these celebs and you’ll be looking boho-sexy look all summer long.

Katy Perry knows that going for a bold print means keeping accessories streamlined and simple. Take a cue from this California girl, and accessorize your tie-dye dress with flat metallic sandals, a floppy sun hat, and dark oversized sunglasses.

Leave it to a Victoria’s Secret model to make tie-dye look sexy yet effortless. Check out how Alessandra Ambrosio relies on bold but
simple pieces to jazz up her maxi dress. A skinny belt creates a sexy shape while a fringed leather handbag, sandals, simple hoops and long flowy hair bring everything together. Gorgeous!

Want to look like a supermodel on her day off? Here, Aussie supermodel Jessica Hart toughens up her tie-dye maxi dress with rock
and roll accessories including a studded back handbag and white Chuck Taylor’s. The result is a look that’s edgy yet chic. We love it!

Order anything online at electricfrenchie.com and use code LIFEINATX for 15% OFF your total order.

Lyssa’s note: I LOVE tie-dye, so I’m very excited Electric Frenchie rounded up these looks for us! In fact, I just bought a tie-dye dress myself …

Austin: Benevolent Saturday’s Good Karma Bazaar and Poker Tourney

Lyssa — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:58:18 +0000

I’m pretty excited about Nectar’s 1st Annual Good Karma Bazaar, A Day of Selfless Spending. Nectar is a unique fair trade thrift boutique that donates 100% of its proceeds help to fund humanitarian service projects in Austin & worldwide (click here for yelp reviews). The Good Karma Bazaar includes the regular shopping plus a fashion show, food from Contigo, and live music from Joel Laviolette from RattleTree Marimba.

Facebook event here /1006 S. 8th Street, Austin, TX 78704 / 4-8pm / $8 suggested donation, kids under 7 free

Or, get rowdy with some charity poker:

EVERYONE at the final table receives a prize package. Register here.

Austin: Do You Want This Ring?

Lyssa — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:12:35 +0000

Because I love it. It’s rough yet refined. Go to new jewelry boutique Schatzelein (shots.a.line) to buy it.

Featuring high-quality materials, up-and-coming designers, and both new and vintage finds for gals and guys, Schatzelein is a must-see destination for jewelry and accessories.

1713 S. First / schatzeleinaustin.com

Austin: Gilda Grace Opens Friday

Lyssa — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:57:59 +0000

As if my neighborhood wasn’t cool enough already (Snap Kitchen? El Arbol?), a new boutique graces the Brykerwoods area. Gilda Grace Collections opens Friday, November 19^th at 10am. Gilda Grace is assembled like a woman’s closet, albeit one curated by Austin-based entrepreneur and designer Nere Emiko.

The multi-level boutique features Emiko’s Beth Elis line, a high-end wedding dress line. Beth Elis has been featured in Brides, The Knot, and The Wedding Channel. Because Emiko is a study in contradictions–her degree from Carnegie Mellon is in Electrical and Computer Engineering–naturally her boutique would feature all sorts of fashions, from casual to formal, relaxed to stiff, practical to impossible … plus hard-to-find books, antique furnishings, and rare paper products.

Want some names? Try chocolates from Maison Bouche, leather pillows from Beirn, books from DAP and Assouline, and all sorts of goodies from Ittala, Lafco, Soolip, Libretto, Triple C Design, Modern Alchemy, and Design Abroad.

Of course, there’s still the outdoor garden for dinner parties, baby and bridal showers, teas, happy hours, and even small weddings. What more could you want, really?

Welcome to the nabe.

Aspen: Shop and Eat in New Places!

Lyssa — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 03:02:10 +0000

New places to shop (I still love Susie’s):

WeSC, which stands for “WeAretheSuperlativeConspiracy”, opened its Aspen concept store this August. The Swedish born street-fashion brand is designed “For intellectual slackers,” it means for hipsters with cash to spend and attitude to spare (461 East Hopkins).

Courage. B boutique will open “soon” and specialize in fashionable women’s apparel and accessories. From ballet flats to Hermes-inspired Kelly bags to knit shifts with matching cardigans, you’ll find everything you need to update your wardrobe … if you’re a tourist, probably.

Yoga studio 02 Aspen is opening a retail store in the Aspen Square building by Thanksgiving … while I think it’s amazing a lululemon hasn’t opened here yet despite the fact that you can’t GO to a yoga class in Aspen without seeing the silly om sign, the luxury yoga line is just one of many carried at 02′s main street store, but lulu’s shorts are marked up 150%. Unless there are some serious sales, I still have my fingers crossed for a local lulu (and you know my loyalty lies with King Yoga).

Dannenmann-Pure was such a hit during Aspen Fashion Week this year that German fashion designer Petra Dannenmann is bringing her signature 100 percent organic pure boiled wool fabric produced with no chemicals to the little ski town that could (525 East Cooper).

Eating

Some of us are stuck with the off-season deals (though I can hardly say stuck when Matsuhisa offers $5 rolls), but for everyone else there are some new grub-gettin’ places in town:

The Silver Queen opened in September 2010 occupying the former famous Syzygy space. Chef Jamie Flatt, formerly of Willow Creek and known for some incredible use of truffle in his sweet potato fries, is overseeing the kitchen. The cuisine is American-eclectic with an Aspen-reasonably priced bar menu (520 E. Hyman).

Pitkin County Steakhouse & Pitkin Tavern opened in August of 2010 replacing Double Dog and Steak Pit on the corner of restaurant row. The steakhouse serves dry aged steaks, fresh fish, and a salad bar stocked with local produce, while the tavern is a classic locals’ hangout with a full menu, shuffleboard, and 12 beers on draft (305 East Hopkins).

Casa Tua restaurant and private club is slated to open mid-December across from Belly Up. Can another “private club” make it in a Caribou Club town? Look for the restaurant to offer fine Italian fare with French and Swiss influences, while the upstairs club will offer an “Italian oasis” for members only. Do we have that many Italians visiting Aspen?

Hopefully C & P Burger will fill Aspen’s much-needed quick-n-dirty dining scene. Austin has its food trailers, why can’t Aspen have some grab-and-go options? Lunch, dinner, and adult beverages, will include locally grown beef burgers (yum!), LuLu Wilson’s famed Kale salad (better than Peaches?), truffle parmesan fries (sign me up), soft-serve yoghurt with seasonal fresh fruit (ha! it was only a matter of time…). It opens “soon” so keep your eyes peeled!

Peacock Plume

Lyssa — Mon, 03 May 2010 10:36:47 +0000

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.

Fashion in this town ups the ante with 2 events

Lyssa — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:22:25 +0000

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

Friday Night Happs + Sweet Caroline’s

Lyssa — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:36:06 +0000

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.

More Thursday Happs

Lyssa — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:24:55 +0000

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.

Fashion-filled (and free) Thursday!

Lyssa — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:19:57 +0000

From after-work until the wee hours, you could party your Thursday away at some stellar events:

Soigne Expansion Party – brother store Slate closed, but Soigne expanded into the space and is throwing a party to celebrate! Reopening event with free food and drink, plus 20% off! Check out a lovely spring fashion show too. 6-8pm, 4800 Burnet Rd., Suite 410

Pop-up & Play at Malverde - Cities like New York and LA get fun pop-up shops all the time, but Austin is getting what may well be one of the first (at least not centered around a fest). Austinite designer Elisa Jimenez, a Project Runway: Season 4 contestant and one of Vogue‘s emerging designers to watch, and bag maker Moe Nadel are joining forces for a one-day-only showcase. Look for pieces from three of Jimenez’s lines: Urban Nomads, Hunger World, and Other, from $20 to $225. Nadel will have her sculptural bags on display. 6-9pm, Malverde, 2nd & Guadalupe

Tribeza Happy Hour at El Sol Y La Luna’s new location. Enjoy drink specials and free apps like pork skewers with pineapple and cilantro and smoked salmon dip. Grupo Gruvo’s jazz tunes will fill the night. 6-8pm, 600 E. 6th

Last but certainly not least, we have the private VIP party that kicks off Texas Relays Weekend … I’ll let them say it best with a flyer:

Video Invitation: http://www.allprotexasrelays.com

THE MADISON INCIDENT: A Kick-Off to the celeb-studded weekend I posted on here, this event at The Madison promises lots of Texas Exes football studs getting rowdy. Complimentary VIP admission before 11p, email madison@allprotexasrelays.com by 4pm today.

Here’s the good part, kids; your celebrity hosts:
Michael Huff Raiders
Rod Walker Texas / TEAMBBC.COM
Dr. Miles Gray TEAMBBC.COM
Shannon Ridley TEAMBBC.COM
Doug Gabriel Raiders
Cedrick Benson Bengals
Antoine Harris Falcons
Michael Griffin Titans
Chris Houston Falcons
Derrick Johnson Chiefs
Chris Johnson Raiders
Dominic Rhodes Colts
Play n Skillz Grammy Winning Super-Producers
Aaron Ross Giants
Stanford Routt Raiders
Trenton Shelton Seahawks
Rody White Falcons
Dominique Zeigler 49′ers
Roy Williams Cowboys
Fabian Washington Ravens
Tim Crowder Broncos
Skip Cheatham K104 Radio Program Director
Jonathan Scott Bills
Kasey Studdard Texans

Yep, that’s about a billion Texas Exes.

In the same vein, put in your schedule: THE BELMONT SIGNATURE, a private Texas Relays NFL Celebrity Event by TEAMBBC, Dinner 5p to 12p • Dance until 2a with Dj Gumbo : Top 40 – Hip Hop – Mash Ups

VIP Tix: http://allprotexasrelays.eventbrite.c…; RSVP for VIP admission before 9p at http://www.going.com/texasrelays09