Huge thanks to Phoenix Style Collective for having me. It is always a pleasure seeing you guys. Amy- thank you for attending the event with me! To the panelists, lovely meeting you all! The Hotel Palomar- beautiful venue and I hope to stay with you next time I’m in Phoenix!

For more information on Sue Wong’s brand, go to SueWong.com.

Happy Birthday Sue!!

The event wasn’t as big as I had hoped, but I was happy to have connected with local brands, casually shop and catch up with brands that I’ve known for a few years now, like Rojas. Designer Freddie Rojas offered fun new products such as chic bustier tops in vintage-inspired fabrics and trendy floral crowns. Blogger and vintage shop owner Chanelle Laurence had a booth set up full of vintage goodies. Her friend and fellow blogger- Jasmine of Glitter on the Ceiling was also there helping at the booth. Jasmine, if you are reading this, it was a pleasure meeting you!

The event was a huge success and I left feeling very inspired for when I am able to attend Coachella or another fun music festival. Check out ConnectedFest.com for additional information and to stay in the loop for future events.

Glitter Lifestyle Boutique is located 206 W. Bonita Avenue K-2 {Upstairs}. Their hours are: Tues and Sat: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Hello Lucky (The Heights)

These boho looks were designed by the owner of Hello Lucky-Teresa O’Connor. Hello Lucky, located at 1025 Studewood (in the Heights) is a boutique that offers upcycled and one-of-a-kind creations for men, women and children, along with artwork for the home. Both looks that were featured on the runway were upcycled from reclaimed and vintage fabrics.

The Little Bird (River Oaks/Galleria)

The above looks were created from clothing from The Little Bird, located at 1735 Post Oak Blvd in the heart of the Galleria. The boutique offers unique, gently used and vintage designer apparel and accessories that mixes ‘Houstonian Socialite’ with a touch of ‘New York City Uptown.’ The first look, the model wears a white Jean Paul Gaultier halter top with Chanel tweed shorts and a Chanel fanny pack. For the second look, the model wears a metallic tank by Jason Wu, along with bold printed Pucci pants. The last look consisted of a dress from Valentino that served as a great alternate to the traditional “LBD.”

Fashion Plate Boutique (Montrose)

The last batch of looks comes from Fashion Plate Boutique, located at 4317 Montrose Blvd. Fashion Plate offers vintage, re-purposed and gently used clothing that the buyers specifically pick out with one thought in mind: that the new owner of the garment will love it like it’s brand new. All the looks in this group were comprised of vintage and re-purposed garments and accessories. The vintage straw oversized totes that were showcased definitely stood out for me as one of my favorite Spring 2013 trends.

Pictures from the rest of the event:

I love that Houston offers this fun, family-friendly festival that helps spread the word on environmental sustainability. I had the chance to view the local art/music/fashion/food/drink flare and witness some spectacular hola-hooping by two talented ladies. Huge thanks to comedianne Dusti Rhodes for emceeing the event, to event producer- Ahshia Berry of Zapatero Bucaram Public Relations and rest of the staff/sponsors who took part in the fest.

~Go for Color- From pastel to POW!~

Brands for these examples are: 3/4 Sleeve Sheer Top from Vince ($89), “The Skinny” Ultra Slim Fit Jean in 5 Colors + Denim Washes from Joe’s Jeans ($99), Open Back Sleeveless Knit Dress from Wilster ($79), Sleeveless Blouse with Tuck Details from Rachel Roy ($169), Matching Relaxed Cut Pant from Rachel Roy ($185).

~Blue Notes~

Brands for these examples are: 3/4 Gathered Waist/Peplum Blouse from Parker ($99), Black Knit Pencil Skirt from BCBG Max Azria ($89), Sleeveless Halter Blouse from BCBG Max Azria ($99), Knit Bandage Skirt from BCBG Max Azria ($79), Knit Blazer from Elie Tahari ($115), Ribbon Trim Blouse with Stretch Jersey Sleeve from Elie Tahari ($89), High Waist Short Rise Flared Leg Pant from Elie Tahari ($79).

~Orange Zeal- The newest neutral~

Brands for this examples are: Sleeveless Chiffon/Pleated Halter Dress from Romeo & Juliet ($79), Open-Shoulder Long Sleeve Blouse from Equipment ($119), Jodhpur Legging from Romeo & Juliet ($59), Canvas Jacket from XCVI ($99), Twisted Neck Tank from Neiman Marcus Collection ($35), Ombre Finish Canvas Jean from XCVI ($109).

~Strictly Stripes~

Brands for this examples are: Knit Striped Cap Sleeve Dress from French Connection ($59), Jersey Knit Striped Blazer from Neiman Marcus Collection ($75), Scoop Neck Tee from Velvet by Graham & Spencer ($49), Ponte Stretch Pant from MICHAEL Michael Kors ($79).

~Printing Press- All about prints, especially when mixed.~

Brands in this examples are: Long Sleeve Jersey Knit Geometric Pattern Dress from MICHAEL Michael Kors ($85), Sleeveless Sheath Dress from Elie Tahari ($129), Striped Sun Dress from Alexia Admor ($199), Long Sleeve Jersey Knit Mixed Shape Pattern Dress from Ali Ro ($149), Striped Halter Dress with Scenic Pattern from Muse ($149).

~Just a Pretty Lace or Amazing Lace~

Brands for this examples are: Sleeveless Lace Tank Dress from BCBG Max Azria ($149), Hi/Low Lace Tank Sun Dress with Lining from Madigan ($69), Sleeveless Sunflower Sheath Dress from Alexia Admor ($199), Black Lace Overlay Blazer from Tart Collection ($119), “Tana” Cap Sleeve Blouse from BCBG Max Azria ($99), Black Lace Overlay Boy Short from Tart Collection ($49).

~Flat Out Fabulous~

Shoe brands for this examples are: “Instinct” Ballet Flat in 4 Colors from ASH Italia ($99), Ballet Flats in 7 Styles from Neiman Marcus Collection ($99).

~Big, Bold and Colorful~

Accessory brands for this examples are: Tote with Adjustable Leather Handles from MICHAEL Michael Kors ($155), Five Stone Pastel Necklace from Kendra Scott ($120), Blue Beaded Elastic Bracelet from Kenneth Jay Lane ($35), “Good-N-Plenty” [yes, named after the candy] Necklace from R.J. Graziano ($55), Twisted Coral/Tangerine Necklace from Greenbeads ($110), Hammered Metal Coral/Tangerine Elastic Cuff from Greenbeads ($40).

~Strappy Happy Sandals~

Sandal brands from this examples are: “Palanee” Sandal in 7 Colors from Boutique 9 ($55), “Grenna” Gladiator Sandal from Sam Edelman [which I purchased] ($79), “Ginger” Gladiator Sandal from Sam Edelman ($79).

~Snake Charmer~

Accessory brands for this examples are: “Ilane” Snake Print Open Toe Platform from L.A.M.B ($249), Black/White Pyramid Shopper from Neiman Marcus Collection ($75), Brushed Suede East/West Tote from Neiman Marcus Collection ($69).

Photos from the rest of the event…

Along with previewing the latest Spring trends from Last Call, we also were shown a few new additions to Katy Mills- Juicy Couture, Michael Kors and A&F Factory Store (which has the brands A&F, a&f, Gilly Hicks and Hollister). We each went home with a gift bag, which included a $25 Simon/AMEX card.

Huge thanks to Bitner-Goodman, Phillip Wilson and the rest of the Last Call-Katy Mills team for your hospitality and for having me.

I teamed up with my friends- Devon and Mark of The Stylist Handbook and we took The Neighborhood by storm. We attended three panels and checked out the pop-up shops and Bollare lounge. There were two official pop-up shops (along with some of the 2nd Street boutiques that had small events happening in-store) that carried brands like: 31 Bits, Wren + Glory, Bedstu, Bucketfeet, Lilly Lorraine, Pura Vida Bracelets, I/O Denim, Copper Peace, ESPEROS, Electric Picks, Feelgoodz, Teysha and Paleo Denim.

New brands that I wanted to spotlight:

Bucketfeet is a sneaker brand that was launched in Chicago in Spring 2011 by Raaja Nemani. Bucketfeet is actually the first and ONLY sneaker brand in the Chicago area. They collaborate with over forty artists from twelve countries and it’s up to each artist to design each shoe that showcases their own unique personality. It’s the mission of Bucketfeet to not only create global awareness for the artist but also to ensure quality, comfort (our pal Mark can vouch for their extreme comfort) and affordability (and at $65, it really sounds great for the wallet). During SxSW, we learned of their collaboration with Sophie Roach- their first Austin, Texas artist. They are releasing three different shoes with her artwork. “We think Sophie’s art is super unique and lends itself very well to footwear. Given her talent, like all of our artists, we believe she deserves more exposure. Art isnt supposed to hang on a wall where very few can see it- it is meant to be seen and appreciated by many!” Nemani explains. I always love learning of (and sharing) a brand who has strong core values, helps the community and is wearable. Please go to bucketfeet.com for additional information and to shop the collection.

Los Angeles-based Copper Peace was founded in 2008 by designer and musician- Johnna Lynn. The brand started out by focusing on guitar straps, which were highly sought-after by the likes of Katy Perry, Gwyneth Paltrow, Weezer, Michelle Branch, etc. It wasn’t until recently…2011 to be exact…that the brand expanded into doing handbags, starting with the “Concert Clutch.” Johnna’s inspiration of the SoCal music scene and the ‘fashionable yet relaxed’ West Coast style is reflected on the handbag collection. The collection was designed to be simple, yet chic and made from the the highest quality of materials that are meant to withstand the test of time. This brand is THE go-to brand for musicians, hipsters, concert-goers and fashionistas alike! My two favorite bags are the “Lanny Pack” (leather fanny pack) and the “Only One Portfolio Bag.” Find out more information on this SxSW fan favorite at CopperPeace.com!

Lilly Lorraine Inc. was one of the first brands that immediate caught our eye as we walked around the first pop-up shop. My eyes focused on the rich textures, textiles and simple yet elegant silhouettes. The Fall 2013 collection we viewed was titled- “Rendezvous in the Moonlight” and was inspired by neutral tones and textures that are comprised of the Earth’s natural architecture, the surprises revealed by a moonbeam or a gust of wind that reveals colors, texture and flowing movement that can awaken the sense of romance beyond the night’s shadows. Austin-based Lilly Lorraine Inc. is the brainchild of Christi du Mesnil Craven and was named after her Grandmother. Christi was always passionate for fashion and while in college, explored various degrees such as: fashion design, psychology and interior design. Her overall success throughout the years inspired her confidence to launch her line in March 2012 during Style X. Her line earned rave reviews (and upon seeing it in person during The Neighborhood, I can sure see why). The unique bamboo and wool textile that Craven uses in this collection currently has a patent pending. I literally wanted to buy every garment from the rack that day… especially the long red dress and the white turtleneck top…just dreamy…Check out more information on the brand at LilyLorraineInc.com!

The last brand I’m going to spotlight is Paleo Denim. Paleo Denim was born in 2011 in East Austin by Richard Cole, whose inspiration came from years of fossil hunting with his dad- an amateur archeologist. Richard is a self-taught sewer who began making his own jeans back in 2008. As Cole goes on to explain, “Fossil hunting leaves lots of time to pond change and evolution, it’s also devastatingly hard on gear and clothing. So everything that comes out of my workshop has to reflect that. It has to be designed to handle rough use but still become different and beautiful as it ages…The jeans are a pretty good example. All of them start off raw and untreated from the fabric roll. Most of the denim comes from small batch productions out of the USA or Japan, most of it is narrow shuttle loom selvedge. The indigo will fall away as the user wears it, creating a story of both the wearer and the textile at the same time. Romance aside, it’s still denim and still really hardy, durable stuff that will last a lifetime. Same goes for the leather.” Cole’s designs are influenced by Americana and the Japanese interpretation of Americana, as well as hints of modern industrial design. Prices for the collection are wallet friendly and range from $50 for billfolds and small wallets, $65-150 for larger wallets, $185 for standard denim and up to $300 for full custom denim. My faves from the brand include the leather bracelets, wallets and the iPad covers (which I thought were oversize clutches at first, BUT would love to use it as a clutch!). Find out more information on Paleo by going to Paleodenim.com.

As well as doing a little shopping, we also attended three (of many) panels that were presented by Joah Spearman and Huff Post Style. Discussions included: Content, Commerce, And Everything in Between (Jennifer Margolin-founder of Social Edge Summit, Jen Yen-founder/CEO of Purlisse, Hilary Peterson- VP of Business Development for Lyst and Caroline Waxler- Festival Director at Internet Week); Bringing Style to the People(who included Style Caster‘s Ari and David Goldberg, Neiman Marcus VP of Corporate Public Relations Gabrielle de Papp and Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller) and a discussion with the John Varvatos. Each discussion was quite informative and it was interesting hearing each person’s personal view on the different subject matters.

Throughout the course of my first SxSW journey, we were able to enjoy the Relax and Recharge Lounge provided by Bollare. They had complimentary juices provided by Blue Print, cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka during Happy Hour, a photo booth from Mondrian, goodie bags and VERY convenient phone case chargers provided by Boostcase. We attended the Style Caster x CUSP by Neiman Marcus party, which included dancing, socializing and shopping/viewing the PJK x Man Repeller line. We also checked out the Facebook party- held at their Austin offices. While there, we left our mark on the wall and took numerous photos to remember our visit by. Even though we didn’t have the badges this time, we were still able to check out the multiple free shows and events and took place around the downtown area. Auditorium Shores had shows going on, as well as a food court, Michaels DIY craft station and a shopping area. While browsing the vendors, I bumped into Julie Wheat of Charleston, SC based brand- The Cavortress who had a vintage booth there. The selection was great and prices were fair. Devon ended up getting a cute vintage polka dot dress and I got a pretty green top.

All in all, our first SxSW (fashion edition) was great! Aside from needing a few more signage and perhaps a program with schedule of events and map of boutiques and such that were offering events in conjunction with The Neighborhood, the first Neighborhood was quite successful. I look forward to seeing how it continues to blossom with SxSW in years to come.

This article has also been published in The Stylist Handbook!!

For those wishing to shop the Stella & Dot portion of my trunk show, you can HERE and you have until March 17th.

I want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to: Gay Isber for loaning out a room of the Sugar Factory for the event, to Anastasia for assisting in the shop that day, to my co-host Whitney, to Cupprimo for graciously sponsoring the yummy cupcakes, to Andee, Michelle W., Michelle Z., Miranda, Hannah for the love and support!

The “Passport to Bali” event showcased the tropical-inspired suits that are offered in three collections: ‘Glam,’ ‘Chill,’ and the ‘Mix n’ Match.’ The ‘Glam’ collection focuses on edgy styles with signature hardware, suits with laser-cut detail (my fave) and embossed fabrics. ‘Chill’ focuses on prints and solid colors at a lower price point. ‘Mix n’ Match’ consists of over twenty different cuts for women to create their own look. The boutique also carries beachy accessories, such as: totes, embellished and laser-cut sandals, statement necklaces (LOVED the laser-cut necklaces!) and other fun jewelry, cover-ups and pareos. Price points for the swimwear range from $40-150 for a set. Again, all items are environmentally sustainable in that they don’t use any animal-based products and the leather looks are created using cotton wax. Models showed off a few looks throughout the night and there tropical drinks and sweet treats from Hill Country Cakery. Henna artist- Niki Pham was on hand to provide Indonesian-inspired Henna tattoos to guests. Stylist Thea Wood provided fashion advice and helped guests put together trendy looks for the upcoming beach/pool weather. Brilliant Imports provided Balinese pillows and other themed decorative items to display at the event. 10% of sales from the evening were donated to “You Are Good Tees”, an organization that helps promote and protect children who have been abused or neglected.

Be sure to stop by Blue Glue Bikinis Austin (located in between Burberry and Tommy Bahama- 11506 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 108 Austin, TX 78758 PH: (512) 833-9113 ) to get a total Summer swimsuit and accessory makeover!