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Shop. Taste. Empower. Holiday Event @ The Cottage Shop

Nov 22 2015

The Cottage Shop recently held their Shop. Taste. Empower event in celebration of the upcoming holidays. Guests enjoyed shopping gently used clothing (men, women and children’s) and home goods; as well as newer clothing, accessories and gifts that have been generously donated (thank you Francesca’s and Tres Chic), at incredible deals. For guests who wanted some tips on holiday (or general) styling, they could turn to vintage style expert Dawn Bell, Houston Chronicle‘s Joy Sewing or fashion designer Becky Hollands. Yummy treats were provided by Jodycakes, Paulie’s and Whole Foods Montrose, while sips were provided by Greenway Coffee and Topo Chico. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on a Happy Hour for 8 at Boheme, Barista 101 class for 15 guests taught by David Buehrer of Greenway Coffee, jewelry from Burdlife, plus much more.

I had a photo shoot after the event, so luckily, a complimentary beauty bar and its’ Holiday Glam Squad were on-site to give shoppers a makeover, while hairstylists demonstrated quick holiday up-dos. Beauty blogger Nicole Kestenbaum used LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and gave my lips and eye lids a fresh start, while Dani- makeup artist for By Terry Cosmetics finished off the look. The other makeup artists on hand were: Lydia Lutz (Artistry by Lyd), Justine Hernandez and Kenya Hunt (Makeup by Kenya). Special thanks goes to The Make-Up Artist Project and Shany Cosmetics for also helping to sponsor the Beauty Bar.

I ended up making a beeline for the vintage section (obvs) and picked out an adorable pastel green with lace and bows on side nightgown (thanks Dawn!) and a two-piece floral duster and long nightgown lingerie set…all for under $20. Not only do I LOVE thrifting, but knowing that my money goes for such a great cause really made the experience more worthwhile.

Next time you are in the Montrose neighborhood of Houston, definitely check out The Cottage Shop!

Shop. Taste. Empower. VIP Blogger Preview Party – Holiday Edition

Nov 03 2015

The Cottage Shop in Montrose invited local bloggers to attend their Shop. Taste. Empower. VIP Blogger Preview Party- Holiday Edition last night to shop the store and check out the newest arrivals before their big Shop. Taste. Empower. event on November 15th. Guests enjoyed sweets provided by Phoenicia Foods and sips provided by Topo Chico. A make-up artist was on hand demonstrating the By Terry cosmetics line. Francesca’s also generously donated items that we were able to pick 3 (necklace, bracelet or earrings, scarf or accessory) pieces as gifts, while the rest was available for purchase.

We enjoyed discounts on top of the already generous prices:

50% off regular clothing and shoes (Monday)
25% off vintage and boutique clothing
25% off jewelry and accessories

We mixed, mingled and of course… shopped. Proceeds from The Cottage Shop go to benefit The Women’s Home.

If you are local to Houston and would like to check out their actual Shop. Taste. Empower. event on Sunday November 15th from 1- 4pm, go HERE to register for tickets. The free event gives shoppers an opportunity to find incredible gifts, receive styling advice from Houston’s fashion experts- Dawn Bell, Becky Hollands and Joy Sewing and nosh on sweet refreshments provided by: Greenway Coffee Company, JodyCakes, Paulie’s, Topo Chico and Whole Foods. Most importantly, donate women’s winter clothing to those in need.

** The first 250 guests to bring a clothing donation to the event will receive a free swag bag! **

The Cottage Shop first opened its doors in 1971 and has been a gem in the Montrose area. It provides job training for the residents and generates 20% of The Women’s Home’s operating income. Since it’s most recent renovation, it now sells new and gently used clothing, accessories, furniture and household goods. There is also a designer and vintage boutique within the shopping area. The Cottage Shop is located at: 811 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006.

The Women’s Home was established in Houston in 1957 and built around the mission to help women in crisis to regain their self-esteem and dignity and empower them to return to society as productive individuals. Their programs are targeted to women in the Houston area who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness, with many residents suffering from addiction or mental illness, or both. With nearly 60 years of service, they have helped countless women through their long-term residential treatment program in Montrose and their permanent supportive housing program in Spring Branch. Both programs offer a solution to women who seek a safe, sober and drug-free community where they can recognize and reach their unique potential for success. For more information, please visit their WEBSITE.

HUGE thanks to Nikki, Bethany, Tina, Cherie, Chau and the The Cottage Shop for hosting us!!

Giuseppe Zanotti's Rare Texas Visit

Nov 07 2013

I had the pleasure of experiencing a rare occurrence- shoe designer to the stars (like Beyoncé, Rhianna, Lady Gaga and Kanye) – Giuseppe Zanotti made a rare appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue at Houston’s upscale Galleria mall. The event consisted of a Q&A session with the designer and Joy Sewing, passed champagne and light bites and a glimpse of the latest collection. The event benefited Recipe for Success Foundation– which was launched in 2005 by Gracie Cavnar. This charity caters to helping to fight childhood obesity by changing the way children understand, appreciate and eat their food; as well as educating and mobilizing the community to provide a healthier diet for children all over the city of Houston.

There was a large audience in attendance to hear the Italian designer speak with Houston Chronicle reporter-Joy Sewing. It was such a joy to hear the “master shoe designer” himself speaking about how he got started in the business and his perspective on his brand, etc. He was very down-to-earth and had some great advice. We were even introduced to one of his sons- Ricardo, who was looking dapper in a sneaker from his father’s menswear collection. Here are some highlights from the Q&A session:

*His love of shoes and fashion (which started at a young age) comes in second prior to his love of music.

*He still has his first pair of shoes from his Mother, which he acquired when he was around 7 or 8 years old.

*He was a radio DJ in Italy before his rise to fame as shoe designer.

*He owns over 17,000 pair of shoes. Those of which are from his brand and also shoes he buys from all over the world.

*He designed the shoes for the ‘Mrs. Carter World Tour.’

*He designs 800 shoes every six months.

*Twenty years ago during his first season, he sold 700 pairs of shoes. Now he sells over 500,000 pairs per year.

*When asked about making mistakes as a designer, Mr. Zanotti replied, “I don’t want to follow what the other designers are doing…If you follow everybody else, you can lose that direction. It’s better to be passionate. Sometimes you need to do something wrong to learn…”

*His suggestion to young designers: “Be passionate, learn and then dream. Think. Fly very far with your mind. Pick something and take a risk. Take your risk and follow yourself {not everyone else}.”

*He designs for beauty and not so much comfort.

*When asked if his shoes had a song, he replied, “ABC by the Jackson-5.”

*He doesn’t have just one muse. “When I close my eyes, I have to think ‘woman and wardrobe.’ {I have to have a shoe for every occasion}. I get excited when I see something cool…like an outfit or in the street. Or a great tattoo or expression or personality. Also, beautiful vintage jewels or a super-chic classic dress with a nice cut…all is inspiration…”

It was great listening to this amazing and very humble designer speak about some of his life and design experiences. I also had the extreme honor (and the equivalent of star-struck, but in the fashion sense) of meeting him. Total highlight of my week!

Thank you Saks and Recipe for Success for allowing me to attend!

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