Paper City Article

Of Blahniks and Benevolence

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:07:42 GMT

Is there anything better than being chic and charitable? I think not.

Saks Fifth Ave. offers the perfect oppurtunity to do just that this month with its freshly minted in-store charity program. Through February 29 five percent of all registered purchases made with a Saks card go to the local charity of you chosing, which include: CancerForward: The Foundation for Cancer Survivors,%26nbsp;Hermann Park Conservancy,%26nbsp;Children%26rsquo;s Assessment Center,%26nbsp; The Leukemia %26amp; Lymphoma Society,%26nbsp; and%26nbsp; Texas Alzheimer%26rsquo;s Research %26amp; Care Consortium. This marks the first month of what will be a continued effort to give back to the communties in which Saks stores do business.%26nbsp;

As if we needed a reason to shop.

Pumped-Up Baroque

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:46:11 GMT

Models Alex Long and Kaylin Rogers for Kim Dawson Agency; Lexi Russell for Wallflower Management. Makeup Leslie Belcher for the Campbell Agency. Hair Mateo Sifuentes for Kim Dawson Agency. Photo assistant Austin Lockheed. Fashion assistants Emerald Stocker and Erin Oppenheim.

Fashion Flashback. From left: Thakoon tiger-lily silk twill peplum top $860, and paisley full shorts $1,275, both at Atrium, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom. Thakoon booties at thakoon.com. Senti bangle $195, at Neiman Marcus. Center: Dolce %26amp; Gabbana silk sequin and lace dress, price upon request, to order at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. Dolce %26amp; Gabbana velvet pumps $575, at dolceandgabbana.com.Jose %26amp; Maria Barrera earrings $240, at Neiman Marcus. Simon Sebbag gold bangles $249 each, at Ann%26rsquo;s Fine Gifts, Nordstrom. Right: Thakoon Indian cotton shirt $860, and zigzag Lurex chiffon mini skirt $1,190, both at Atrium, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom. Viktor %26amp; Rolf heels a shopbop.com.

Curly Cues. Marni Swiggles sleeveless top $732, and Squiggles skirt $906, both at Saks Fifth Avenue. Isharya earrings $249, at net-a-porter.com

Bondage Babes.%26nbsp; Versace mint-colored, studded dress $6,295, at the Versace boutique, Tootsies. Oscar de la Renta crystal drop earrings $295, and bracelet $385, both at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. Right: Herv%26eacute; L%26eacute;ger by Max Azria dress $2,600, at the BCBG Max Azria boutique, Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. Roberto Cavalli serpent necklace $1,235. Dian Malouf ring $740, at Chard%26eacute;, J. Silver, Linda Cunningham.

Keep It Short. Prada cotton-and-satin bodysuit with superpos%26eacute; embroidery and bag, prices upon request, at the Prada boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. Versace Seahorse wedges $1,395, at the Versace boutique.

Prints, Please. Emilio Pucci printed long scarf dress $6,995, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies. Emilio Pucci sandals $1,275, at emiliopucci.com. Devi Kroell wooden clutch $2,700, at Katia Boutique. Ricardo Martin pearl and gold floral earrings $17,500.

Knockout Knickers. Roberto Cavalli jacket $1,965, bandeau top $1,325, and trousers $2,255, all at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies. Lulu Frost bracelet, at Joseph.

Bold and Blue. Viktor %26amp; Rolf dress, at Forty Five Ten, Dallas. Oscar de la Renta cuff bracelet $535, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. Jose %26amp; Maria Barrera earrings, at Neiman Marcus.

Brocade Parade. Left: L%26rsquo;Wren Scott silk chiffon dress with embroidery $5,990, and Lady Fan shoes $990, both by special order through Barneys New York. Center: Gucci strapless sequin-and-embroidery dress $8,900, at the Gucci boutique, Saks Fifth Avenue. Gucci platform pumps, at the Gucci boutique, Neiman Marcus. Right: Christopher Kane brocade Sara dress $2,785, at net-a-porter.com. Oscar de la Renta earrings $290, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. Roberto Cavalli sandals with serpent detail $1,340.

Strong Stripes. Carolina Herrera stripe-print chiffon gown with matching leather wrap belt, price upon request, at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue. Devi Kroell wooden clutch with mirror python and coral clasp $2,300, at Katia Boutique. Oscar de la Renta crystal drop earrings $295, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. Isharya ring $185, at net-a-porter.com.

Gifted and Talented

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:30:06 GMT

Rob Brinkley,%26nbsp; Editor

For you and 23 very lucky friends (or fewer, thirstier ones), Mo%26euml;t %26amp; Chandon%26rsquo;s Gold Imperial Jeraboam in 14K gold leaf, complete with indelible marker for scribbling memories of the night %26mdash; and saucy thoughts? %26mdash; onto it. The three-liter, burnished beauty pours 24 perfect glasses. $995, at select retailers; moet.com.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

My kind of game-playing: a sumptuous backgammon set made in England, of hand-bound leather for the case, inlaid wood for the playing field and sleek nickel playing pieces trimmed in exotic veneers. Let%26rsquo;s roll. $4,995, at Barneys New York.

The freshest sushi in town: designer Yumiko Yamada%26rsquo;s four-inch-tall porcelain teacup, displaying a whirl of neta %26mdash; ingredient toppings %26mdash; for sushi in a most whimsical way. $5 each, at The Lotus Shop at the Crow Collection of Asian Art.

Put %26ldquo;Ultimate%26rdquo; in any name, and I want it. Behold the wildly posh Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, fitted with reclining rear seats, an aluminum laptop table between them, a drinks chiller, Apple iPads on the backs of the front seats, even a teak floor in the cargo hold. Land Rover is sending less than 50 to the U.S. %26mdash; one of them had better be under my tree. $170,000, through Land Rover, landrover.com.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Happy place, happy place. A pair of highly collapsible Swedish headphones for all your i-devices %26mdash; phone, pad and pod %26mdash; by Urbanears. These are so sleek, any modern-day Mies van der Rohe will love them for his Mozart, his Maroon 5, his Metallica %26hellip; $60, at Nordstrom, nordstrom.com.

Is someone squinting to see the time on his smartphone? Problem obliterated %26mdash; in a most lofty and dapper way. Tsovet%26rsquo;s thoroughly modern riff on old-school airplane instruments, in matte stainless steel and black Italian rubber. $550, at Pockets Menswear.

For the architecture-obsessed, a calendar folio of Dallas and Fort Worth icons, as seen by photographer Laura Wilson, commissioned by the Dallas Architecture Forum. The 11-by-14-inch photographs are printed on archival paper as individual images, so in 12 short months, you%26rsquo;ll have a portrait gallery of sorts on your walls: Pei, Piano, Koolhaas, Mayne, et al. $44, at dallasarchitectureforum.org and Nest.

Roaringly chic, for his office or his den. (Just watch it with the tiger jokes.) A hand-numbered Bengal tiger by Daum, French crystal house since 1878 and counting. $2,660, at Champagne%26rsquo;s Luxe.

It will remind them of your explosive %26mdash; but highly illuminating %26mdash; personality. The White Flax chandelier, a breathtaking burst of 350 handmade porcelain-ceramic leaves, from New Zealand artisan Jeremy Cole. Price upon request, through Scott + Cooner.

To drizzle, to dash, to delve into: For your choosiest gourmand, get to 5627 West Lovers Lane for bottled extra-virgin olive oils in flavors that will please that discerning palate %26mdash; think black truffle, white truffle, wild mushroom, even Italian balsamic vinegars. From about $15, at Lovers Lane Oil Company.

For roadside picnics of rarefied leanings, two stainless-steel flasks in a fitted leather case, by Ettinger of London, a family concern founded in 1934, where each craftsperson is trained for a minimum of five years. (Why rush things?) Oh, how grand they%26rsquo;ll be in your beloved%26rsquo;s glove compartment. Approximately $600 the set, at ettinger.co.uk.

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Christina Geyer, Assistant Editor

Here%26rsquo;s hoping the weather gets frightful so you and your darling can snuggle by the fire. Warm up with Peacock Alley%26rsquo;s woodsy, faux-fur throw and pillow. $585 and $300 respectively, at Peacock Alley.

For the would-be expatriate seeking a taste of San Miguel de Allende, a limited-edition sipping tequila by Casa Dragones, based in said Mexican city. The bottle %26mdash; a stunning hand-engraved crystal collectible %26mdash; is as well-designed as the delicious elixir that fills it. Casa Dragones, at liquor stores.

The Jean Paul Gaultier addict will love unwrapping shady spectacles from the designer%26rsquo;s first-ever eyewear collection. These avant-garde paparazzi-blockers are a collab between Gaultier and eyewear artisan Alain Mikli. From $285, exclusively at L%26rsquo;Optique of Dallas.

For someone on your list who looks smashing with their top down. BMW 650i xDrive convertible, stuffed with a 400-horsepower engine, a Bang %26amp; Olufsen surround sound system and rich nappa leather upholstery. From $90,500, at BMW; bmwusa.com.

The best gifts, indeed, often come in the smallest packages.I count this grand stocking stuffer of the Cathy Waterman variety %26mdash; an antique-coral bead bracelet with dragonfly clasp %26mdash; in that category. $28,800, at Ylang 23.

A Chinese garden stool from Wisteria in an electroplated metallic finish makes the perfect golden companion to all that silver tinsel. $129, at Wisteria.

Gift your hopeless romantic a perfect pas de deux as danced by American Ballet Theater during the company%26rsquo;s second-ever Dallas performance at the Winspear Opera House, presented by TITAS, January 20 to 21, 2012. Tickets 214.880.0202; titas.org. Image: American Ballet Theater dancers Stella Abrera and Gennadi Saveliev in Seven Sonatas. Photo by Gene Shiavone.

For the discerning nez, a modernist diffuser from master French perfumer Fr%26eacute;d%26eacute;ric Malle: the Fleur M%26eacute;canique, a candy-apple-red, chargeable, 11-centimeter cube that disperses Malle%26rsquo;s floral fragrances silently. $300, at Forty Five Ten.%26nbsp;

While I slip into an eggnog-induced slumber, these peeping rings from Bottega Veneta will keep an eye out for Saint Nick. From $260, at the Bottega Veneta boutique.

Because her vault needs these: a pair of Margot McKinney rose-cut diamond and turquoise stunners to duly impress the glamazon who has it all. (McKinney can tell you all about them herself: She%26rsquo;ll be in-store at Neiman Marcus Downtown, December 10 through 13.) $99,500, exclusively at Neiman Marcus Downtown.

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Lauren Mang, Assistant Editor

For the mini bookworm: Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden and other Penguin classics, bound in colorful, stand-out-on-the-shelves canvas. $17 to $20, at Anthropologie; anthropologie.com.

It%26rsquo;s just the thing for canoodling or long conversations %26mdash; or both. Curl up in the Albert sofa, all sumptuous velvet and bronze handles. Price upon request,
at M%26iacute;nolochi/Promemoria.

Sedans? So last season. Give the two-door Cadillac CTS, loaded with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine and, for the Premium model, a luxe new Touring Package with 19-inch polished-aluminum wheels, microfiber suede seat inserts, even gorgeous alloy pedals. Big red bow not included. From $38,700, at Cadillac, cadillac.com. Image: Photo courtesy of GM Company

It%26rsquo;s the sweetest gift for your gourmand: Original Whipped Honey, locally harvested by husband-wife bee lovers and wranglers Susan and Brian Pollard of the Texas Honeybee Guild. $16, at Bolsa.

A stocking stuffer for your favorite beauty: Butter London%26rsquo;s nontoxic nail paints, this one in a delightfully festive, f%26ecirc;te-ready hunter green. $14, at The Spa at Equinox;
butterlondon.com.

For chilly winter eves %26mdash; the few we get around these parts %26mdash;%26nbsp;a chic, fitted cotton jacket by Ivan Grundahl. I think of it as a Victorian vixen gone modern. Price upon request, at Cicada Collection.%26nbsp;

To be the recipient of this stainless-steel and 18K-gold David Yurman beauty? How lucky. I%26rsquo;m mad for its mother-of-pearl dial and its bezel full of glinting white diamonds. $7,200, at the David Yurman boutique NorthPark Center and Saks Fifth Avenue.%26nbsp;

It%26rsquo;s the one statement bauble I have to have (other than my engagement ring, of course). The Mischa ring is dendrite agate set in 14K and 18K blackened gold with diamonds. $3,250, at Jerry Szor Contemporary Jewelry.

Leave the pruning to the gardeners. I%26rsquo;m smitten with these real boxwood topiaries in tapered pots %26mdash; beautifully preserved forevermore. As pictured: $35, $35, $60 and $110, at Into the Garden. Image: Photo by Justin Clemons.

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Holly Moore, Editor in Chief

Tiffany %26amp; Co. opera-length gloves in nappa leather have such throwback elegance. $295, at Tiffany %26amp; Co.

I%26rsquo;m mad with jealousy for Christian Louboutin men%26rsquo;s Mikaraji patent calf slippers with grosgrain and jeweled tassels. $2,095, at the Christian Louboutin boutique, christianlouboutin.com.

Here%26rsquo;s a bit of %26rsquo;70s glamour: Alexandra von Furstenberg%26rsquo;s chunky acrylic charm bowls in neon-orange, black and golden-yellow. $358, at Dahlgren Duck, Madison.

In a new collaboration, these stunning Fortunytumblers by L%26rsquo;Objet Pour Fortuny are made of earthenware and detailed with 24K gold. $175 for set of four, at Neiman Marcus NorthPark.

Nothing is better than the scent of old leather books (except perhaps for the scent of old money). Assouline library votive candle set $95, at Forty Five Ten.

How chic are these: Herm%26egrave;s jumping boots in techno canvas and calfskin in hot pink/white, Day-Glo orange/white or purple/white. $2,250, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

Love Alexis Bittar%26rsquo;s Miss Havisham Collection, especially the crystal-encrusted cuff with labradorite stones. $425, at Ylang 23.

Bold or not at all. I love this encrusted buckle cuff by Angelique de Paris, with moss-colored stones lined in leather. $1,155, at Tootsies. Image: Photo by Kennon Evett.

For rowdier parties, break out the Baccarat for Williams-Sonoma. I especially love the Perfection plain square decanter ($495) and the Vega whiskey decanter ($425). Exclusively at Williams-Sonoma; williams-sonoma.com.

Surprise your favorite decorator with signed design books by Bunny Williams, Scrapbook for Living ($60); Kathryn Ireland, Summers in France ($35) and Classic Country ($40); Celerie Kemble, Black and White ($50); Hutton Wilkinson, More is More: Tony Duquette ($80); Suzanne Kasler, Inspired Interiors ($50); Jan Showers, Glamorous Rooms ($50); and David Kleinberg, Traditional Now ($60). Order through curatebooks@papercitymag.com. Image: Photo by Jenny Antill

Fornasetti%26rsquo;s Theme %26amp; Variations plates are hauntingly beautiful. $185 each, at Barneys New York.

Such deep-seated glamour: Lydia Courteille African elephant ear and mask cuff in 18K blackened gold with 653 diamonds, ebony and rare petrified coral. $45,430,
at Grange Hall.

Do you not love this Fiat 500 by Gucci? Yes, this is a real car %26hellip; with the signature Gucci web stripe along the bodyside of the Fiat 500 and across the power-retractable cloth top of the 500 Cabrio. And both have GG hubcaps; leather seats with Guccissima print on the back; iconic Gucci web stripes on the seats, floor mats and seat belts; and GG on the chrome shift knob. Can you stand it! Fiat 500, from $23,500; 500 Cabrio, from $27,500, available December 2011/January 2012 at Q Fiat in Irving; information and pre-orders fiatusa.com/gucci.

%26nbsp;

Laurann Claridge, Features Editor

Big, bigger, biggest. Make an extravagant impression with Diptyque oversized jar candles. $275, at Forty Five Ten. Image: Photo by Kennon Evett.

Don%26rsquo;t forget to pick out something special for your four-legged friend, like this adjustable rope dog leash. $64, at foundmyanimal.com.

I%26rsquo;m all about pearls and pav%26eacute; %26hellip; DeVille%26rsquo;s 18K white-gold and diamond (love) knot ring is a stunner. $4,570, at devillefinejewelry.com.

I adore giving a Juliska vide pouche. My new favorite pattern includes a chic gift box. $42, at Neiman Marcus.

I%26rsquo;m mad about this carryall by Boulevard. $158, to order at iloveblvd.com.

The classic pea coat, only in gray by Thom Browne for Black Fleece. $1,250, at Brooks Brothers.

Inspire them to cook like superstar chef Ferran Adri%26agrave; of el Bulli with The Family Meal: Home Cooking with Ferran Adri%26agrave; (Phaidon Press, $29.95). At local booksellers; amazon.com.

Give an armful of crossed brass bangles by designer Olga Prieto. $26 each, at olgaprieto.com.

No other little lacy thing is more chic worn inside or out. VPL cami top $225, and shorts $85, both at Barneys New York.

%26nbsp;

Kate Allen Stukenberg, Fashion Editor

Try just a touch of fur for fun. Elie Tahari Kelly scarf $698, at the Elie Tahari boutique.

Another gilt-y pleasure for my jewelry box is this Oscar de la Renta Folkloric necklace. $575, at the Oscar de la Renta boutique, Neiman Marcus.

I desire local designer David Peck%26rsquo;s simple silk blouses, in colors that change from season to season. Celia blouse $145, at Tootsies.

Look luxe in luscious Herm%26egrave;s lacquer bangles. $225 to $245, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

Louis Vuitton has launched a seven-piece collection dubbed Louis Vuitton Icons: leather leggings, a trench, jumpsuit, jeans, bomber jacket, cardigan and, my personal favorite, The Perfect Parka. $2,150, at the Louis Vuitton boutique.

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The Roberto Cavalli boutique is loaded with fabulous costume jewels. I must have these green fishbone crystal earrings. $1,215, at the Roberto Cavalli boutique.

Get graphic with Ivanka Trump%26rsquo;s octagonal-link band with diamonds. $1,990, at Deutsch %26amp; Deutsch.

Melanie Fascitelli, founder of Closette, has designed closets for well-dressed ladies Tory Burch, Lauren Santo Domingo and Beyonce. Now she%26rsquo;s debuted a chic storage and organization collection dubbed Closette-Too at Neiman Marcus. I can%26rsquo;t wait to get my hands on her colorful signature hangers with brass accents and sweater folding boards. For now, I%26rsquo;m hoping the Closette-Too Deluxe VIP Launch Kit ($470) will be under my tree this season. At Neiman Marcus.

%26nbsp;

Catherine D. Anspon, Visual Arts Editor

This velvet, patent-leather and satin cincher by the masterful Monsieur Gaultier, made in France, is exclusively available at the Dallas Museum of Art during the run of the blockbuster %26ldquo;The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk%26rdquo; (through February 12). $1,495, at the Dallas Museum of Art. Image: Jean Paul Gaultier Tartan Corset

Collect the history of art in alluring globes, which capture the modern and contemporary scenes%26rsquo; greatest movements, fauvism through video. They%26rsquo;re memorialized in limited-edition collectibles from provocative collaborators Ligorano/Reese. $400 each, $7,200 set of 20; at Artware Editions; artwareeditions.com.

David A. Leffel%26lsquo;s evocation of light upon closely observed objects reminds me of American 19th-century greats William Merritt Chase and Martin Johnson Heade. $24,000, at New Gallery; newgallerydallas.com. Image: David A. Leffel%26rsquo;s Roman Glass with Oranges, Garlic and Grapes, 2008

Move over, Murakami; get lost, Godzilla. There%26rsquo;s a new nemesis in town. Dallas artist Billy Zinser%26rsquo;s endearing desk-sized Macrodons beg for their own cartoon network. $40, at the Nasher Sculpture Center. Image: Billy Zinser%26rsquo;s Macrodon

For the stylishly casual on your list, the newest entree from Claridge + King: a cashmere sweater with leather-trimmed bell sleeves. When it%26rsquo;s time to order another, I only have to check in with my colleague, PaperCity features editor Laurann Claridge: she co-founded the line with her sister. $230, at Indulge, Kuhl-Linscomb; claridgeandking.com. Image: Claridge + King sweater; photo by Kennon Evett.

Dallas-based Pamela Nelson%26rsquo;s canvases connect to the craft kingdom as well as the tradition of typography and hand-lettered vernacular placards. $4,500, at Craighead Green Gallery. Image: Pamela Nelson%26rsquo;s Self Without End, 2011.

Keith Carter%26rsquo;s recently re-released From Uncertain to Blue documents previously unsung little Texas towns (UT Press, $55). The stop of Oatmeal is depicted here in one of Carter%26rsquo;s most beloved images. Limited-edition 15-by-15-inch print $2,000, at Photographs Do Not Bend. Image: Keith Carter%26rsquo;s Oatmeal, Texas, 1986

The 2011 Huntington Art Prize winner Leigh Anne Lester went home with the $50,000 award. Her whispery graphite studies of nature drawn on Mylar, are nuanced, quiet and profound. $6,000, at Kirk Hopper Fine Art. Image: Leigh Anne Lester%26rsquo;s Echidiananemdryonocethusonepterreusis Berlsylvpulsfilian-
diestratilxeriisla-Mas, 2009; photo courtesy the artist and Kirk Hopper Fine Art.

%26nbsp;

Brooke Hortenstine, Editor at Large

Finally, a photo album worthy of placement on Mies%26rsquo; Barcelona coffee table: the Velvet Rapture album, in four colors and encased in clear acrylic. $285 to $295, at Nest.

No time to season in Gstaad? Then invite the scent of the Alps to your city manse with a Feu de Bois Ski House candle set from the LAFCO house and home candle collection. $85 set of three, at lafcony.com.

Elevate holiday envelopes with a custom-calligraphy return-address stamp, in four hand-lettered options. Choose from the smart color palette of a black, brown or navy archival inkpad. $65, at paperpastries.com.

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Wrap up deliciously bright vessels %26mdash; in spirited shades of aqua, lemon, blueberry, lime and mandarin %26mdash; for extra-special hosts and hostesses. $125 each, at Stanley Korshak.

Get wrapped up in the holiday spirit with Toledano%26rsquo;s Bondage crystal clutch. $1,675, at Gregory%26rsquo;s, gregorysshoes.com.

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Diane Dorrans Saeks, Contributing Interior Design Editor

Stylish new Taffin candle trio, by jeweler James de Givenchy. My favorite fragrance: Bois de Lilas. $65 each, at Barneys New York, barneys.com.

Glitter me with jeweled evening clutches and the most glamorous rings by Bulgari. From $5,500, at the Bulgari boutique; bulgari.com.

This brilliant Christian Dior book was created by photographer Patrick Demarchelier (Rizzoli, $125). Iconic gowns from Dior haute couture collections from 1950s to today %26hellip; delicious. At local booksellers; %26nbsp;amazon.com.

L%26rsquo;Objet Bambou collection: a divine stainless-steel bowl with 24K-gold-plated bamboo handle %26mdash; chic and classic. $250, at l-objet.com.

Mish Ratu ring with brown tourmaline cabochon and champagne and cognac diamonds. $27,500, at mishnewyork.com.

New Bellocq tea canisters. I adore Majorelle Mint, Noble Savage and Bellocq Breakfast. From $22, at bellocq.com.

Bravo, Gucci, for bringing back %26rsquo;60s elegance, including the Jackie bag in red leather. $1,890, at the Gucci boutique; gucci.com.

Take me to the utterly romantic Le Royal Monceau Hotel in Paris, with its brilliant design by Philippe Starck. I especially love La Librarie des Arts with its collection of 700 books and collectibles dedicated to contemporary art, design and architecture, and an art curator who%26rsquo;ll get you into all top galleries and exhibits, and help with art purchases. Bliss. raffles.com.

%26nbsp;

Greg Fourticq, Contributing Style Editor

No one loves tequila like a Texan. Gran Patron Burdeos is the best of the best. Real men drink it neat. $649, at liquor stores.

Now that I%26rsquo;ve had to turn in my running shoes, my new way to enjoy the outdoors is on my new bicycle, a 2011 Salsa Cycles Spearfish 29er. Great for the trails along Buffalo Bayou and quite a good workout! $2,649, to order at Oak Cliff Bicycle Company.

Michael Tracy jewelry is beautifully crafted and completely unique. Tracy%26rsquo;s use of stones is like no one else%26rsquo;s. These are truly heirloom pieces: pair of butterfly brooches in black diamonds, white Golconda diamonds and 18K yellow gold with a black rhodium polish. Price upon request, through Maya at 214.926.6292.

It%26rsquo;s imperative that every so often we go on a journey to a place that%26rsquo;s completely foreign to us (no shopping, fine dining) and truly experience and explore it. Each Smithsonian Journeys trip is led by an expert who has spent years studying the region. I%26rsquo;m obsessed with the idea of their Amazon River Cruise (February 10 through 19, 17 through 26, 2012). From $4,195, through 877.338.8687; smithsonianjourneys.com.

French company Cire Trudon, established in 1643, produces the purest and most refined scented candles on the market. The Nazareth candle has hints of clove, cinnamon and orange %26mdash; the ideal hostess gift. A portion of sales go to Terre d%26rsquo;Abeilles, a foundation dedicated to the protection of bees and other pollinating species, which are critical to the growth of so many of the natural elements used in Cire Trudon fragrances. $85, at Barneys New York, Grange Hall.

Bals: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century is a beautifully crafted book from Assouline with amazing photography. Quite a social case study. $175, at Nest and local booksellers; amazon.com.

James Drake drawings %26mdash; each one a study for his most recent work, %26ldquo;Red Mirror Project.%26rdquo; Sold in limited quantities, each is an intricate study showing Drake%26rsquo;s talent in a very different light. Perfect gift for an established collector and priced as an affordable gift for someone looking to start a collection. $4,500 each (unframed), at Moody Gallery, 713.526.9911; moodygallery.com. Image: James Drake%26rsquo;s Red Drawing #29, 2011; photo courtesy of the artist and Moody Gallery.

%26nbsp;

Ceron, Contributing Style Editor

Finally, Herm%26egrave;s makes this classic cuff in a size large enough to fit man hands. Herm%26egrave;s Collier de Chien cuff in leather and silver hardware $1,050, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

Here%26rsquo;s a bit of man glam: Kimberly McDonald Black Diamond Slice cuff links. $16,800, at Forty Five Ten.

One%26rsquo;s iPad needs equal-opportunity glam. Herm%26egrave;s Etui iPad station in calfskin $1,400, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

Who doesn%26rsquo;t want a simple Herm%26egrave;s Birkin bag %26hellip; it%26rsquo;s life itself! Herm%26egrave;s HAC 50 Bag in chocolate calfskin $11,800, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

For running around Venice. Christian Louboutin men%26rsquo;s Loubi brogue with embroidery. $2,295, at the Christian Louboutin boutique, christianlouboutin.com.

Tom all the time. Tom Ford cashmere overcoat with mink collar, price on request; Wetherby double-pleat wool mohair Prince of Wales trousers $990; and crocodile Foster loafers. All at Neiman Marcus.

I so love an oversized evening tie in rich, rich velvet. This one is by Hadleigh%26rsquo;s Bespoke. $175, at Hadleigh%26rsquo;s.

Everything deserves to be covered in crocodile. Alex Knight iPhone 4 cover in orange alligator $350, at alexandraknightonline.com.

I%26rsquo;m mad for Alex Prager photographs, especially Eve, 2008. So Tippi! 36 x 72, price upon request, at M+B Gallery, 310.550.0050; mbart.com. Image: Photo %26copy; Alex Prager 2008, Courtesy of the artist and M+B Gallery.

I debuted these made-to-order encrusted jeans at TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art, and they were a sensation. Embellished jeans by Castillo laden with crystals, metals and skulls. From $3,000, by special order through stylist Vanessa Castillo, vanessacastillo@gmail.com.

This tux is like going to a party with Tom! Tom Ford Wetherby cocktail coat in liquid velvet $3,590, Wetherby evening trousers $1,200, voile evening shirt $510, and satin bow tie $235. All at Neiman Marcus.

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Jenny Antill, Photo Editor

Tee as collectible: Stella Rose minimalist, vegan-approved shirts designed by PaperCity%26rsquo;s own Celeste Tammariello. From $28, at stellarosestudio.com. Image: Photo by Jenny Antill.

It%26rsquo;s Deco-rama with this black onyx and diamond fan bracelet in platinum. $165,000, at Tiffany %26amp; Co. Image: Photo by Carlton Davis.

I%26rsquo;m loving the low-tech. Say cheese for this ultra-wide-angle 35mm camera, which produces saturated colors and evokes a hip vintage vibe. La Sardina camera and flash $109, at shop.lomography.com.

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Gifted and Talented

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:44:00 GMT

Laurann Claridge, Features Editor

Big, bigger, biggest. Make an extravagant impression with Diptyque oversized jar candles. $275, at Longoria Collection. Image: Photo by Kennon Evett.

Don%26rsquo;t forget to pick out something special for your four-legged friend, like this adjustable rope dog leash. $64, at PH Design Shop.

I%26rsquo;m all about pearls and pav%26eacute; %26hellip; DeVille%26rsquo;s 18K white-gold and diamond (love) knot ring is a stunner. $4,570, at DeVille Fine Jewelry.

I adore giving a Juliska vide pouche. My new favorite pattern includes a chic gift box. $42, at Indulge.

The classic pea coat, only in gray by Thom Browne for Black Fleece. $1,250, at Brooks Brothers.

I%26rsquo;m mad about this carryall by Boulevard. $158, to order at A Bient%26ocirc;t.

Inspire them to cook like superstar chef Ferran Adri%26agrave; of el Bulli with The Family Meal: Home Cooking with Ferran Adri%26agrave; (Phaidon Press, $29.95). At local booksellers; amazon.com.

No other little lacy thing is more chic worn inside or out. VPL cami top $225, and shorts $85, both at La Mode Lingerie.

Houston photographer David Bates has captured myriad colorful birds, from woodpeckers to hummingbirds, in his hauntingly glorious %26ldquo;Feathery Fates%26rdquo; still lifes. From $595, at batesphotostudio.com. Image: Photo by David Bates.

Give an armful of crossed brass bangles by designer Olga Prieto. $26 each, at Gift %26ndash; Curated Shopping by Peel (West Ave).

Not born with a silver spoon in your mouth? Let your progeny dine from a silver ladle made in London, circa 1766. $300, at David Lackey Antiques at Antiques of River Oaks.

Break open the bottles with this cool brass bottle opener. $68, at PH Design Shop.

Dazzling on a bar cart or in your bath, this Georgian decanter dates to the late 18th century. $495, at Town %26amp; Country Antiques and Accessories at Antiques of River Oaks.

I%26rsquo;m loving Luisa Cerano%26rsquo;s elegant take on the cardy. $595, at Linda Cunningham.

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Kate Allen Stukenberg, Fashion Editor

Cake Balls from new bake shop Petite Sweets are even sweeter in special holiday flavors: gingerbread, pumpkin, chocolate peppermint and eggnog. Perfect for stockings or holiday party hostess gifts. $2.25 each, at Petite Sweets.

I desire local designer David Peck%26rsquo;s simple silk blouses, in colors that change from season to season. Celia blouse $145, at Tootsies.

Prada is known for its witty goods %26mdash; these gators certainly made me smile. Resin earrings $230, at the Prada boutique opening this month at the Galleria.

This beaded ikat clutch is just small enough for a stocking surprise. $144, at Haut Chocolate. Image: Photo by Kennon Evett.

Another gilt-y pleasure for my jewelry box is this Oscar de la Renta Folkloric necklace. $575, at Atrium.

Lenny e Cia stocks Rare Eyewear, a unique sunglasses distributor focusing on stylish, never-worn vintage shades by such sought-after designers as Christian Lacroix and Guy Bourdin. Even the packaging is original, so you%26rsquo;ll know they%26rsquo;re the real deal. Prices vary, at Lenny e Cia.

It%26rsquo;s always fun perusing the cases at Past Era for unique vintage jewelry finds. On my last visit, I fell in love with this Louis-Philippe I onyx and rose-cut diamond cameo brooch, circa 1840. $6,950, at Past Era Fine Antique Jewelry.

Try just a touch of fur for fun. Elie Tahari Kelly scarf $698, to order at Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf.

Get graphic with Ivanka Trump%26rsquo;s octagonal-link band with diamonds. $1,990, at Deutsch %26amp; Deutsch.

These mini Miu Miu bags are max on style. Pick one up at the new Miu Miu boutique at the Galleria, opening this month. Ostrich Mini bag $1,850, at the Miu Miu boutique.

Look luxe in luscious Herm%26egrave;s lacquer bangles. $225 to $245, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

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Holly Moore, Editor in Chief

Tiffany %26amp; Co. opera-length gloves in nappa leather have such throwback elegance. $295, at Tiffany %26amp; Co.

I%26rsquo;m mad with jealousy for Christian Louboutin men%26rsquo;s Mikaraji patent calf slippers with grosgrain and jeweled tassels. $2,095, at christianlouboutin.com.

Your baby wants a palace, but it%26rsquo;s not in the cards. Instead, opt for a more practical stacking porcelain palace that doubles as soup bowls or salad plates. $168 to $500, at Sloan/Hall.

In a new collaboration, these stunning Fortunytumblers by L%26rsquo;Objet Pour Fortuny are made of earthenware and detailed with 24K gold. $175 for set of four, at Neiman Marcus.

How chic are these: Herm%26egrave;s jumping boots in techno canvas and calfskin in hot pink/white, Day-Glo orange/white or purple/white. $2,250, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

Nothing is better than the scent of old leather books (except perhaps for the scent of old money). Assouline library votive candle set $95, at assouline.com.

The Burlesque No Evil Monkey candelabra from Italy is slightly decadent and a whole lot chic. Black resin, 24 inches tall. $350, at Gift %26ndash; Curated Shopping by Peel, Peel Gallery%26rsquo;s pop-up store for the holidays in West Ave, 713.520.8122; info@peelgallery.org.

Surprise your favorite decorator with signed design books by Bunny Williams, Scrapbook for Living ($60); Kathryn Ireland, Summers in France ($35) and Classic Country ($40); Celerie Kemble, Black and White ($50); Hutton Wilkinson, More is More: Tony Duquette ($80); Suzanne Kasler, Inspired Interiors ($50); Jan Showers, Glamorous Rooms ($50); and David Kleinberg, Traditional Now ($60). At Curate: PaperCity Pop-Up Bookshop in Uptown Park. Info: curatebooks@papercitymag.com. Image: Photo by Jenny Antill

Fornasetti%26rsquo;s Theme %26amp; Variations plates are hauntingly beautiful. $185 each, at barneys.com.

Bold or not at all. I love this encrusted buckle cuff by Angelique de Paris, with moss-colored stones lined in leather. $1,155, at Tootsies. Image: Photo by Kennon Evett.

Do you not love this Fiat 500 by Gucci? Yes, this is a real car %26hellip; with the signature Gucci web stripe along the bodyside of the Fiat 500 and across the power-retractable cloth top of the 500 Cabrio. And both have GG hubcaps; leather seats with Guccissima print on the back; iconic Gucci web stripes on the seats, floor mats and seat belts; and GG on the chrome shift knob. Can you stand it! Fiat 500, from $23,500; 500 Cabrio, from $27,500, available December 2011/January 2012 at Sterling McCall Fiat; information and pre-orders fiatusa.com/gucci.

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Catherine D. Anspon, Visual Arts Editor

This little Louis Vuitton with touches of pink gator suggests the headdress of an Indian princess. I%26rsquo;m equally enthralled by this demure envelope bag fashioned from Camel Cigarette wrappers. Louis Vuitton $2,020, cigarette-wrapper clutch $275, both at The Vintage Contessa; thevintagecontessa.com. Images: Louis Vuitton limited-edition Velours and Alligator Irvine bag, 2004 - 2005 collection; Camel Cigarette-wrapper clutch, circa 1950s.

Help the homeless quench their thirst while empowering them to live a new life. Read how via the truly inspiring mission of Houston-headquartered I Am Waters Foundation in the volume Dream. $100 donation, at iamwaters.com.

For a high-impact gift, give an entrance-making Russian pouf fashioned from fox fur. $1,800, at Sakowitz Furs.

This exquisite iridescent glass vase could have been unearthed from Tut%26rsquo;s tomb. Its simplicity and power transcend the centuries %26mdash; but its origins lie in the Deco period and the famed German Myra glass works. $1,650, at L.R. Antiques. Image: Myra iridescent glass vase.

When top patron Lester Marks of the assiduous eye became an artist, those in the know held their breaths. Now fellow collectors are scrambling to gobble up his limited-edition photographs, which marry saturated clouds of color with a wink and a nod to the everyday. From $600, at New Gallery/Thom Andriola and, coming 2012, PaperCity Acquire. Image: Lester Marks%26rsquo; Untitled from the %26ldquo;Personages Series,%26rdquo; 2011.

We%26rsquo;re scooping up bottles and jars crafted by Houston%26rsquo;s own Bill Davenport and JoAnn Park, respectively, whom PaperCity has tapped for a new series available exclusively at Curate. $75 each, at Curate: PaperCity Pop-Up Bookshop, Uptown Park. Image: Bill Davenport and JoAnn Park%26rsquo;s collectibles.

Nothing%26rsquo;s droller than this collaboration between Houston artistic duo Elaine Bradford and Seth Mittag. Bradford whipped up the knitting that covers Mittag%26rsquo;s deer. Watch out for the one with a naughty message in its antlers. $300 each, set of three $900, at Art Palace. Photo: Elaine Bradford and Seth Mittag%26rsquo;s Untitled (****ing Deer), 2011.

I%26rsquo;m wild for the sinuous curves of Art Nouveau, exemplified by this turn-of-the-century, silver-and-silver-gilt American gem from Heritage Auctions, featured in the December 7 sale. Starting bid $200; ha.com. Image: Unger Brothers%26rsquo; silver-and-silver-gilt match safe, circa 1900.

Houston sculptor Jonathan Clark usually works on a gargantuan scale, but now he hones his craft down to desk-size with artful bundled pencils. $75 to $175 each, set of all three sizes $300, at Peel Gallery and Curate: PaperCity Pop-Up Bookshop, Uptown Park. Image: Jonathan Clark%26rsquo;s pencil sculptures.

This wildly inventive video vignette, an editioned work by Swiss video artist Katja Loher, pairs Busby Berkeley style choreography with 21st-century cinematic sampling.%26nbsp; $15,500, at Anya Tish Gallery. Image: Katja Loher%26rsquo;s Supper for Two, 2011.

Heights neighbor and dear friend Susan Plum is an artist of global vision. Her latest, a series of Buddhas nesting in flame-worked glass compartments, also add elements of nature %26mdash; including cast pomegranates and tropical blooms. From $1,200, at PG Contemporary. Photo: Susan Plums%26rsquo; Red Buddhas, 2011.

Snap up Houston provocateur Thedra Cullar-Ledford%26rsquo;s debut volume, the strange and surreal Fifty Dolls, which comes with its own original drawing. $250, at Curate: PaperCity Pop-Up Bookshop, Uptown Park.

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Rob Brinkley, Dallas Editor

%26nbsp;

Brooke Hortenstine, Editor at Large

The ultimate Sloe Gin Fizz and trippy illustrations by artist Chris Gall? Make mine a double. The PDT Cocktail Book: The Complete Bartender%26rsquo;s Guide from the Celebrated Speakeasy by Jim Meehan includes than 300 cocktail recipes from New York bar PDT, all garnished with Gall%26rsquo;s lush, otherworldly scenes %26mdash; faintly %26rsquo;50s, certainly fabulous (Sterling Epicure, $24.95). At local booksellers.

Get wrapped up in the holiday spirit with Toledano%26rsquo;s Bondage crystal clutch. $1,675, at Gregory%26rsquo;s, gregorysshoes.com.

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Love Geoffrey Parker%26rsquo;s watersnake Rubik%26rsquo;s cube. $150, at barneys.com.

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Jenny Antill, Photo Editor

Tee as collectible: Stella Rose minimalist, vegan-approved shirts designed by PaperCity%26rsquo;s own Celeste Tammariello. From $28, at stellarosestudio.com. Image: Photo by Jenny Antill.

It%26rsquo;s Deco-rama with this black onyx and diamond fan bracelet in platinum. $165,000, at Tiffany %26amp; Co. Image: Photo by Carlton Davis.

I love this original Repetto cherry red ballet flat. $265. at BHLDN.

Slouching is okay with Marie Turnor%26rsquo;s Picnic clutch. $170, at Gift %26ndash; Curated Shopping by Peel, Peel Gallery%26rsquo;s pop-up store for the holidays in West Ave, 713.520.8122; info@peelgallery.org.

Curated collecting opportunities this spring are all about photography. The Russians are coming to FotoFest and also on the block at the FotoFest Biennial International Fine Print Auction on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Meanwhile, the Houston Center for Photography unfurls its Print Auction on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 %26mdash; get your preview tickets online. Information fotofest.org, hcponline.org. Images: FotoFest Auction Lot, Gregori Maiofis%26rsquo; Politics Makes Strange Bedfellows, 2006; Houston Center for Photography Lot, Lou Vest%26rsquo;s Big Wake, Little Wake, 2011.

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Seth Vaughan, Editorial Assistant

What better antidote to post-gift-opening malaise than a wildly competitive backgammon game? T. Anthony leather tournament backgammon set $1,200, at tanthony.com.

Rubber driving shoes that can be worn in the rain and cleaned with soap and water. M: Zero II $145, at Lenny e Cia.

The documentary Bill Cunningham New York is required watching for anyone interested in fashion reportage. $29.99, at Barnes %26amp; Noble, amazon.com.

This handsome replica by French sculptor Alfred Barye Fils, estimated at $1,000 to $1,500, will delight anyone who appreciates the thrill of the steeplechase. Your only hurdle: It hits the block December 11. Morton Kuehnert Auctioneers, mortonkuehnert.com.

Spoil a loved one (or yourself) rotten with the epitome of luxury stuffed into a stocking: cashmere socks. Six pairs $98, at Neiman Marcus.

Any man will get a kick out of ties by Boast, the favored brand of %26rsquo;70s tennis and golf mavericks. These are emblazoned not with a marijuana leaf, but with a Japanese maple. $120, at boastusa.com.

No gentleman%26rsquo;s wardrobe is complete without dignified bedroom slippers. And nothing says %26ldquo;dignified%26rdquo; quite like Bottega Veneta. From $470 for the Espresso suede slippers to $1,180 for the Dakar Caiman slippers, at the Bottega Veneta boutique.

Shave like a president with Caswell-Massey%26rsquo;s all-natural 1752 shaving staples in Almond, the scent preferred by Dwight D. Eisenhower. From $9 for a single bar to $18 for exfoliating face wash, at caswellmassey.com. Image: Photo by Kennon Evett.

Jot down your New Year%26rsquo;s resolutions with a Pilot Varsity fountain pen. With one of these biros, returning to work after the holidays will be just a little easier. $27 for pack of seven, at Avalon Stationery %26amp; Gifts. Image: Photo by Kennon Evett.

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Diane Dorrans Saeks, Contributing Interior Design Editor

Stylish new Taffin candle trio, by jeweler James de Givenchy. My favorite fragrance: Bois de Lilas. $65 each, at barneys.com.

Glitter me with jeweled evening clutches and the most glamorous rings by Bulgari. From $5,500, at the Bulgari boutique; bulgari.com.

Mish Ratu ring with brown tourmaline cabochon and champagne and cognac diamonds. $27,500, at mishnewyork.com.

Bravo, Gucci, for bringing back %26rsquo;60s elegance, including the Jackie bag in red leather. $1,890, at the Gucci boutique; gucci.com.

New Bellocq tea canisters. I adore Majorelle Mint, Noble Savage and Bellocq Breakfast. From $22, at Restoration Hardware; bellocq.com.

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Greg Fourticq, Contributing Style Editor

No one loves tequila like a Texan. Gran Patron Burdeos is the best of the best. Real men drink it neat. $649, at Richard%26rsquo;s Liquors and Fine Wines.

Bals: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century is a beautifully crafted book from Assouline with amazing photography. Quite a social case study. $175, at Curate: PaperCity Pop Up Bookshop and other booksellers.

What to give someone who already has everything: Consider funding a book for the collection of the Hirsch Library at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which is utilized by generations of art scholars. Each book receives a personalized bookplate, letter to the donor and honoree, and a credit line in the online catalog. Match the book to the honoree%26rsquo;s interests. Contact library director Jon Evans at 713.639.7393; jevans@mfah.org.

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Ceron, Contributing Style Editor

Here%26rsquo;s a bit of man glam: Kimberly McDonald Black Diamond Slice cuff links. $16,800, at fortyfiveten.com.

One%26rsquo;s iPad needs equal-opportunity glam. Herm%26egrave;s Etui iPad station in calfskin $1,400, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

For running around Venice. Christian Louboutin men%26rsquo;s Loubi brogue with embroidery. $2,295, at christianlouboutin.com.

Who doesn%26rsquo;t want a simple Herm%26egrave;s Birkin bag %26hellip; it%26rsquo;s life itself! Herm%26egrave;s HAC 50 Bag in chocolate calfskin $11,800, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

Tom all the time. Tom Ford cashmere overcoat with mink collar, price on request; Wetherby double-pleat wool mohair Prince of Wales trousers $990; and crocodile Foster loafers. All at Neiman Marcus.

I so love an oversized evening tie in rich, rich velvet. This one is by Hadleigh%26rsquo;s Bespoke. $175, at hadleighsbespoke.com.

Everything deserves to be covered in crocodile. Alex Knight iPhone 4 cover in orange alligator $350, at alexandraknightonline.com.

Dapper is as dapper does. Tom Ford%26rsquo;s country jacket in sharkskin double-check with suede elbow patches $3,248; Wetherby double pleat trousers $990; silk jacquard bow tie $235; and black crocodile Edward brogue cap-toe lace-up shoes, price upon request. All at Neiman Marcus.

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Mad Moms

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:52:16 GMT

Models Emily Campbell and Heather Hausman, both for Kim Dawson Agency. Hair Al Tidwell and makeup Ashley Robinson, both for Kim Dawson Agency. Props and set Marisa Dukowitz. Photo assistant Kathy Miller. Special effects Josh Martin. Fashion assistant Carson Eisenhart.

No matter how you slice it. Left: Jason Wu silk faille sculpted dress $3,195, at Stanley Korshak, Neiman Marcus. Fragments bib necklace $370, at Neiman Marcus. Right: Jason Wu Silk Faille Falling Leaf lace sculpted dress $4,995, at Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak. Tiffany %26amp; Co. glazed crocodile Maddie lunchbox $8,500, at Tiffany %26amp; Co. Rollins Hortenstine as the birthday boy.

%26ldquo;Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle!%26rdquo; Alberta Ferretti printed wool dress $1,695 at Forty Five Ten. Nina Ricci multi-strap, open-toe calfskin pumps $790. Elsa Peretti cabochon ring $2,145, and Sevillana cuff $1,850, both at Tiffany %26amp; Co. Infant Pruitt Bania Menter in a vintage pram.

%26ldquo;I%26rsquo;m merely traveling incognito.%26rdquo; Christopher Kane crochet leather T-shirt $1,920, and miniskirt $1,730, to order at Barneys New York. Elsa Peretti Sevillana earrings $550, and lacquer bangle $425, both at Tiffany %26amp; Co.

%26ldquo;It comes from the bottom of my damaged, damaged heart.%26rdquo; Rodarte double-collared cotton lace dress $6,900, to order at Barneys New York.

%26ldquo;The sanitarium was very expensive.%26rdquo; Maison Rabih Kayrouz knit dress $3,195, at Neiman Marcus. Ippolita ring $1,995, at Forty Five Ten, Neiman Marcus,
Saks Fifth Avenue. Kara by Kara Ross bracelet $315, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.

%26ldquo;No crying in the break room.%26rdquo; Valentino Meadow Flowers gown with button front $7,900, at the Valentino boutique, Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak. Tiffany
%26amp; Co. satin Bracelet bag $795, and Elsa Peretti cabochon ring $2,145, both at Tiffany %26amp; Co.

%26ldquo;One day you%26rsquo;re there. And then all of a sudden there%26rsquo;s less of you.%26rdquo; Moschino jacket, at Forty Five Ten. The Row cashmere Romby dress $3,390, at Forty Five Ten. Jimmy Choo Cosmic pumps $695, at the Jimmy Choo boutique, Neiman Marcus.

%26ldquo;I%26rsquo;m not a solution to your problems. I%26rsquo;m another problem.%26rdquo; Gucci matte creponne pois satin dress $2,650, at the Gucci boutique, Neiman Marcus. Christian Louboutin%26nbsp; Cle clutch $1,495, at Stanley Korshak. Barrera necklace $665, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.

%26ldquo;If you don%26rsquo;t like what%26rsquo;s being said, change the conversation.%26rdquo; Cacharel dress $695, at Forty Five Ten. Fendi Chameleon shoes $950, at Stanley Korshak, Saks Fifth Avenue. Wendy Yue ring $29,350, at Stanley Korshak. Elsa Peretti lacquer bangle $475, at Tiffany %26amp; Co. Rollins Hortenstine as the young cowboy.

%26ldquo;Am I to entertain your ballad of dissatisfaction, or has something actually happened?%26rdquo; Miu Miu crepe coat $2,750, Mink fur $8,215, and glitter-and-suite open-toe booties $890, all at the Miu Miu boutique, Houston (opening next month). Lanvin cuff bracelet, at Neiman Marcus.

%26ldquo;You%26rsquo;ve got to climb Mount Everest to reach the Valley of the Dolls.%26rdquo; Carolina Herrera Jasper flannel caplet jacket with velvet belt $3,290, and flannel pencil skirt $1,390, both at the Carolina Herrera boutique, Stanley Korshak. Kara by Kara Ross bracelet $315, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies. Stephanie Anne earrings $195, and ring $2,350, both at the Stephanie Anne boutique, Neiman Marcus.

%26nbsp;

Mad Moms

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:40:54 GMT

No matter how you slice it. Left: Jason Wu silk faille sculpted dress $3,195, at Atrium. Fragments bib necklace $370, at Neiman Marcus. Right: Jason Wu Silk Faille Falling Leaf lace sculpted dress $4,995, at Atrium. Tiffany %26amp; Co. glazed-crocodile Maddie lunchbox $8,500, at Tiffany %26amp; Co. Rollins Hortenstine as the birthday boy.

%26ldquo;Sparkle, Neely, Sparkle!%26rdquo; Alberta Ferretti printed wool dress $1,695 at Tootsies. Nina Ricci multi-strap, open-toe calfskin pumps $790. Elsa Peretti cabochon ring $2,145, and Sevillana cuff $1,850, both at Tiffany %26amp; Co. Infant Pruitt Bania Menter in a vintage pram.

%26ldquo;I%26rsquo;m merely traveling incognito.%26rdquo; Christopher Kane crochet leather T-shirt $1,920, and miniskirt $1,730, both at net-a-porter.com. Elsa Peretti Sevillana earrings $550, and lacquer bangle $425, both at Tiffany %26amp; Co.

%26ldquo;It comes from the bottom of my damaged, damaged heart.%26rdquo; Rodarte double-collared cotton lace dress $6,900, at net-a-porter.com.

%26ldquo;The sanitarium was very expensive.%26rdquo; Maison Rabih Kayrouz knit dress $3,195, at Neiman Marcus. Ippolita ring $1,995, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Zadok Jewelers. Kara by Kara Ross bracelet $315, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.

%26ldquo;No crying in the break room.%26rdquo; Valentino Meadow Flowers gown with button front $7,900, at the Valentino boutique, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom. Tiffany %26amp; Co. satin Bracelet bag $795, and Elsa Peretti cabochon ring $2,145, both at Tiffany %26amp; Co.

%26ldquo;One day you%26rsquo;re there. And then all of a sudden there%26rsquo;s less of you.%26rdquo; Moschino jacket, at Tootsies. The Row cashmere Romby dress $3,390, at Tootsies. Jimmy Choo Cosmic pumps $695, at the Jimmy Choo boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies.

%26ldquo;I%26rsquo;m not a solution to your problems. I%26rsquo;m another problem.%26rdquo; Gucci matte creponne pois satin dress $2,650, at the Gucci boutique. Christian Louboutin
Cle clutch $1,495, at Joseph, Neiman Marcus. Barrera necklace $665, at Tootsies

%26ldquo;If you don%26rsquo;t like what%26rsquo;s being said, change the conversation.%26rdquo; Cacharel dress $695, at Tootsies. Fendi Chameleon shoes $950, at the Fendi boutique, Neiman Marcus. Elsa Peretti lacquer bangle $475, at Tiffany %26amp; Co. Rollins Hortenstine as the young cowboy.

%26ldquo;Am I to entertain your ballad of dissatisfaction, or has something actually happened?%26rdquo; Miu Miu crepe coat $2,750, mink fur $8,215, and glitter-and-suede open-toe booties $890, all at the Miu Miu boutique (opening in the Galleria next month). Lanvin cuff bracelet, at Neiman Marcus.

Kendra Scott

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:08:31 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Kendra Scott, manager Courtney Kemp, assistant manager Leslie Fearka.

Let%26rsquo;s Hear it for the Girls: Consider bauble shopping at Kendra Scott a chance to expand your clique of gal pals. First, we insist you meet Danielle, a now-famous, elongated-oval earring in 20 possible gemstones that has made its way into British Vogue and Us Weekly. Then there%26rsquo;s Ashton, a statement-making chandelier earring that we love in turquoise; she goes splendidly with Grayce, a collar necklace in a mix of peach, yellow and smoky quartz, and Celeste, a mod, feather-etched metal cuff. %26ldquo;I name all of my pieces after girls I know,%26rdquo; the Austin-based Scott tells us, between latte sips and chitchat about her new West Village digs. The bright boutique is Scott%26rsquo;s third, after storefronts in Beverly Hills and Austin. Like Scott%26rsquo;s kaleidoscopic gems, the store is colorful and feminine, with polished furnishings, elegant chandeliers and, outside, loopy, golden fretwork that makes abstract lotus flowers all over the fa%26ccedil;ade. Back inside, should you prefer to create your own fanciful friends, head for the color bar, where you can design your own jewelry by selecting the style, metal and stone. With a color spectrum of gems ranging from green onyx to pink jade to orange coral, you may just go home with a dozen or so new besties. 3699 McKinney Ave., Suite C305, in West Village, 214.528.4800; kendrascott.com.

Image: The Grayce necklace in mixed metal $275, at the Kendra Scott boutique

Tricks of the Trade

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:19:49 GMT

We can never resist a trip to Neiman Marcus Downtown, especially when NM%26rsquo;s legendary vice president and fashion director Ken Downing is involved. Downing, you should know, was the man of the hour at a private couture runway show, where he offered up a perfect mix of fall fashion styling tips amid models swanning down a deep-purple walk. Herewith, our account of Mr. Downing%26rsquo;s never-fail advice: %26nbsp;

%26bull; "Pumps never go out of style," Downing says, pointing to a model wearing merlot-colored %26lsquo;60s-style heels.

%26bull; His much-adored color combo? Hot pink and cranberry. %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s one of my favorite mixtures whether in clothes, accessories or even precious stones.%26rdquo;

%26bull; %26ldquo;Dressing up is important,%26rdquo; he says. %26ldquo;Even when you%26rsquo;re holding a daytime handbag, carry it by its top just like you do a clutch to add a feminine and sophisticated feel."

%26bull; The old adage "never match your shoes with your handbag" is in Downing%26rsquo;s opinion, simply old. %26ldquo;I%26rsquo;m very loyal to classic, ladylike fashion.%26rdquo;%26nbsp;

%26bull; Try wearing furs, coats and outerwear over the shoulder rather than through the arms, as many of the couture models demonstrated.

%26bull; Other emerging trends Downing loves? Leather, color-blocking, and yellow.

%26nbsp;

Fashion Houston: What A Week It's been!

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:09:22 GMT

Bravo! After a week%26rsquo;s worth of shows and parties capped off Thursday evening with an ode to Bayou City style icon Becca Cason Thrash we%26rsquo;re left wanting more, more, more! Highlights from the week included seeing Cesar Galindo deliver not one, but two shows; Norman Ambrose%26rsquo;s incredible ensembles featuring detailing of the highest quality; and Fabiola Arias%26rsquo; fascinating fascinators. Stay tuned for complete coverage in our December issue. And most importantly %26mdash;%26nbsp;see you next year!

TO SEE PICTURES CLICK 'LAUNCH SLIDESHOW'

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Runway Reality

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:41:37 GMT

Last fall, Fashion Houston was the fashion f%26ecirc;te of the season %26mdash; a four-day fashion extravaganza that had the style set chattering for weeks. Fashion Houston Presented by Audi rolls out the red carpet at the Wortham Theater Center Grand Foyer for year two. Expect local and national talent to send their best down the catwalk Monday through Thursday, October 10 through 13, with back-to-back shows every night. Boldfaced names unveiling their latest collections at the Audi Houston%26ndash;sponsored event include Houston talents Jerri Moore, Cesar Galindo and Chloe Dao; national designers Douglas Hannant, Carmen Marc Valvo, Robert Rodriguez, Norman Ambrose, Fabiola Arias, Barbara Tfank, Camilla Franks, Bibhu Mohapatra, Project360 and Kate Kills Pretty by Aries Milan; as well as the Best of Fall/Winter Men%26rsquo;s Collections from Saks Fifth Avenue. This year%26rsquo;s Fashion Icon? Miz Becca Cason Thrash. See all the details in the Fashion Houston special section in this issue of PaperCity. See you on the front row! Tickets 713.222.5400. Information fashionhouston.net.

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Clockwise:

Carmen Marc Valvo, Robert Rodriguez and Douglas Hannant

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The Curious Case of Fall Fashion

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 08:35:27 GMT

Fall%26rsquo;s dapper touches put us in mind of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, with a hint of Nanny McPhee and a slice of Willy Wonka. Or perhaps it%26rsquo;s really the specter of Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, Emma Thompson and Johnny Depp that illustrates this strange mixture of curious menswear and eccentric assemblages, all in the guise of a loopy PaperCity drawing-room comedy.

Photography Maxine Helfman. Styling Kate Allen Stukenberg. Models Cali Stewart and Brandon Davidson for Kim Dawson Agency. Hair and makeup Al Tidwell for Kim Dawson Agency. Animal masks made by hand by Marisa Dukowitz. Animal accessories by Neely Coker. Fashion assistant Carson Eisenhart, Krystal Schlegel, Georgia Raines, Chandler Richards, Grace Roberts, Rebecca Marin.

You Animal. Stella McCartney stretch jumpsuit $2,395, at the Stella McCartney boutique, Neiman Marcus. Ranjana Khan earrings $225, at Neiman Marcus.

Drumroll, Please. Marchesa embroidered organza flare long-sleeve top with python pants, prices upon request, at Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak.
Todd Reed earrings $4,290 at Ylang 23.

Musical Bears. Paul Smith London velvet jacket $1,015, at Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, mrporter.com. Giorgio Armani velvet slippers, at the Giorgio Armani boutique.

Step Right In. Hadleigh%26rsquo;s velvet jacket $2,850, slacks $650, velvet slippers $395, and scarf $695, all at Hadleigh%26rsquo;s. David Yurman Signet ring, price upon request, at the David Yurman boutique, Neiman Marcus.

Foxy Lady. Louis Vuitton Tec blouse $1,300, cashmere briefs, price upon request, and Vuitton Fetish strap pumps $1,045, all at the Louis Vuitton boutique. Angelique de Paris Maxi Pav%26eacute; shagreen stingray cuff with brilliant pav%26eacute; stones $1,050, at Tootsies. David Yurman Cable Ball rings with black diamonds in black rhodium, price upon request, at the David Yurman boutique, Neiman Marcus. Assorted macaroons $15 per dozen, at Tart Bakery.

Buttoned Up. Celine jacket $2,800, and trousers $1,000, both at Barneys New York, Forty Five Ten. Billy Reid one-pocket shirt $175, at the Billy Reid boutique. Christian Louboutin Rollerbille slippers $1,495, at the Christian Louboutin boutique, Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Stanley Korshak. On lap, Fendi stingray chameleon clutch $4,260, at Neiman Marcus.

%26nbsp;

Made for TV. Louis Vuitton wool Amish jacket $3,885, and trousers $925, both at the Louis Vuitton boutique. Billy Reid Olden boots $425, at the Billy Reid boutique.

%26nbsp;

Stare Bear. Paul Smith London velvet jacket $1,015, at Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, mrporter.com. Giorgio Armani velvet slippers, at the Giorgio Armani boutique. She wears Allesandra Rich taffeta-and-lace gown $4,165, at netaporter.com. DSquared corset with bustle $855, at Forty Five Ten. Ring at Neiman Marcus.

Counting Sheep. Derek Rose Pyjama set $255, at Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak, mrporter.com. Hadleigh%26rsquo;s velvet slippers $395, at Hadleigh%26rsquo;s.

Birds of a Feather. Gucci silk chiffon gown $8,500, at the Gucci boutique, Neiman Marcus. Angelique de Paris Maxi Pav%26eacute; shagreen stingray cuff with pav%26eacute; stones $1,050, at Tootsies. Custom painting, used as backdrop, by Dallas fine artist Judy Buckner.

Portrait of a Lady. Ralph Lauren embroidered Fontaine wrap coat $18,000, Derek jacket $2,298, Yvette pants $1,298, and velvet heels $695, all at the Ralph Lauren boutique. David Yurman Starburst diamond ring, price upon request, at the David Yurman boutique, Neiman Marcus.

Wolf in Chic Clothing. Balmain pea coat $3,455, and Givenchy button-down shirt $250, both at Forty Five Ten. Edward Armah bow tie $95, at Stanley Korshak. Dolce %26amp; Gabbana trousers $470, at Barneys New York. Billy Reid Olden boots $425, at the Billy Reid boutique.

The Who. Herm%26egrave;s double-breasted jacket $4,450, lambskin skirt with knife pleat $4,075, and lambskin leggings $4,975, all at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique. Louis Vuitton Fetish strap python pumps $1,430, at the Louis Vuitton boutique. Valentino feather-print pony-skin handbag $2,575, at the Valentino boutique, Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak.

Animal Magnetism. Emilio Pucci lace dress $3,890, at Neiman Marcus. Miriam Haskell for Marchesa two-finger floral ring with European filigrees and Swarovski crystals $520, at Stanley Korshak, Swag, Tootsies.

A Horse, of Course. Hadleigh%26rsquo;s sports coat $2,495, plaid trousers $850, and velvet slippers $395, all at Hadleigh%26rsquo;s. Ralph Lauren dress shirt $550, and tie $185, both at the Ralph Lauren boutique, Stanley Korshak.

The End. He wears a Ralph Lauren suit $5,000, and tie $185, both at the Ralph Lauren boutique, Stanley Korshak. Paul Smith London floral sport shirt $285, at Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus. Salvatore Ferragamo lace-up shoes $470, at the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique. She wears The Row Chantilly lace gown $3,625, at Barneys New York, Forty Five Ten, net-a-porter.com. Badgley Mischka Red Flower teardrop earrings $175, at Neiman Marcus. Ralph Lauren velvet heels $695, at the Ralph Lauren boutique.

The Curious Case of Fall Fashion

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 07:49:12 GMT

%26nbsp;

Fall%26rsquo;s dapper touches put us in mind of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, with a hint of Nanny McPhee and a slice of Willy Wonka. Or perhaps it%26rsquo;s really the specter of Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, Emma Thompson and Johnny Depp that illustrates this strange mixture of curious menswear and eccentric assemblages, all in the guise of a loopy PaperCity drawing-room comedy.

You%26rsquo;re An Animal. Stella McCartney cotton stretch polka-dot mesh jumpsuit $2,395, and Ranjana Khan drop earrings $225, both at Neiman Marcus.

Drumroll, Please. Marchesa embroidered organza flare long-sleeve top with python pants, prices upon request, at Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. Todd Reed earrings $4,290, at ylang23.com.

Musical Bears. Paul Smith London velvet jacket $1,015, at Neiman Marcus. Giorgio Armani velvet slippers, at the Giorgio Armani boutique.

Step Right In. Hadleigh%26rsquo;s velvet jacket $2,850, slacks $650, velvet slippers $395, and scarf $695, all at Hadleigh%26rsquo;s, Dallas. David Yurman Signet ring, price upon request, at the David Yurman boutique, Neiman Marcus.

Buttoned Up. Celine jacket $2,800, and trousers $1,000, both at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. Billy Reid one-pocket shirt $175, at the Billy Reid boutique. Christian Louboutin Rollerbille slippers $1,495, at Joseph, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue. On lap, Fendi stingray chameleon clutch $4,260, at the Fendi boutique, Neiman Marcus.

Made for TV. Louis Vuitton wool Amish jacket $3,885, and trousers $925, both at the Louis Vuitton boutique. Billy Reid Olden boots $425, at the Billy Reid boutique.

Stare Bear. Paul Smith London velvet jacket $1,015, at Neiman Marcus. Giorgio Armani velvet slippers, at the Giorgio Armani boutique. She wears Allesandra Rich taffeta-and-lace gown $4,165, at net-a-porter.com. DSquared corset with bustle $855, at Forty Five Ten, Dallas.

Counting Sheep. Derek Rose Pyjama set $255, at mrporter.com, Norton Ditto, Saks Fith Avenue. Hadleigh%26rsquo;s velvet slippers $395, at Hadleigh%26rsquo;s, Dallas.

Birds of a Feather. Gucci silk-chiffon gown $8,500, at the Gucci boutique, Saks Fifth Avenue. Angelique de Paris Maxi Pav%26eacute; shagreen stingray cuff with pav%26eacute; stones $1,050, at Tootsies. Custom painting, used as backdrop, by Dallas fine artist Judy Buckner.

Wolf in Chic Clothing. Balmain pea coat $3,455, and Givenchy button-down shirt $250, both at Forty Five Ten, Dallas. Edward Armah bow tie $95, at edwardarmah.com. Dolce %26amp; Gabbana trousers $470, at Neiman Marcus. Billy Reid Olden boots $425, at the Billy Reid boutique.

Animal Magnetism. Emilio Pucci lace dress $3,890, to order at Neiman Marcus. Miriam Haskell for Marchesa two-finger floral ring with brass-plated European filigrees and Swarovski crystals $520, at Tootsies.

A Horse, of Course. Hadleigh%26rsquo;s sports coat $2,495, plaid trousers $850, and velvet slippers $395, all at Hadleigh%26rsquo;s, Dallas. Ralph Lauren dress shirt $550, and tie $185, both at the Ralph Lauren boutique.

The End. He wears a Ralph Lauren suit $5,000, and tie $185, both at the Ralph Lauren boutique, Saks Fifth Avenue. Paul Smith London floral sport shirt $285, at Neiman Marcus. Salvatore Ferragamo lace-up shoes $470, at the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique. She wears The Row Chantilly lace gown $3,625, at net-a-porter.com. Badgley Mischka Red Flower teardrop earrings $175, at Neiman Marcus. Ralph Lauren velvet heels $695, at the Ralph Lauren boutique. Custom painting, used as backdrop, by Dallas fine artist Judy Buckner.

Lush %26 Lacquered

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 03:27:44 GMT

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It was a time when Duesenbergs purred up and down the boulevards, gin flowed nonstop, and the parties roared from dusk to dawn. The painter Tamara de Lempicka captured it all %26mdash; in a style that was at once lacquered and lush. She painted socialites, dukes, kings, queens and the haute bourgeoisie. Her women? Fiercely independent, coolly distant. Indeed, her 1920s and %26rsquo;30s were the stuff of streamlined dreams. Inspired by fall%26rsquo;s fantastical Deco dressing %26mdash; long and linear, with diaphanous draping %26mdash; and captured inside the Deco-fabulous Hall of State in Dallas%26rsquo; Fair Park, we present modern-day de Lempickas.

Photography Maxine Helfman. Styling Kate Allen Stukenberg. Hair Ceron for Ceron Salon. Makeup Ro Vielma for Kim Dawson Agency, Dallas. Model Alexandra Grady for Wallflower Management, Dallas; Adrian Hilliard for Kim Dawson Agency, Dallas. Photo assistants Austin Lockheed, Alex Piper. Ceron%26rsquo;s assistant Bastien DeWitt. Fashion assistants Emerald Stocker, Erin Oppenheim, Katie Broder.%26nbsp;

Velvet Crush. Martin Margiela sleeveless velvet dress with corset belt $1,560, at Forty Five Ten. Patricia von Musulin maple Ram%26rsquo;s head cuff with silver rods $4,500, at Stanley Korshak. Pamela Love resin bone Tribal Spike cuff $175, at Grange Hall, V.O.D.

Pearl Girl. Ralph Lauren georgette beaded Kristen dress $7,000, at the Ralph Lauren boutique, Stanley Korshak. Pearl and diamond Tassel earrings with onyx $8,900, at Bachendorf%26rsquo;s

Riveting Rouge. Diane von FurstenbergMarisa gown $1,600, at the Diane von Furstenberg boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies. Pamela Love antique bronze cuff $675, at Grange Hall, V.O.D.

Picture Perfect. Vera Wang multi-pleated V-neck gown with sheer back panel $2,495, at Stanley Korshak. Erickson Beamon Safari Tiered necklace $1,160, at Barneys New York, Nordstrom. Nancy Gonzalez clutch purse $995, at Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak.

Gold Rush. Lanvin dress $3,990, at Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak. Lor%26eacute;e Rodkin pav%26eacute; feather hand-ring $46,250 at Stanley Korshak. Alexis Bittar ring $295, at Nasher Sculpture Center, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ylang 23. Jessica Kagan Cushman pav%26eacute; diamond and ruby hamsa pendant necklace $4,500, at Stanley Korshak.

Posh Pleats. Stella McCartney pleated georgette deep-V dress $2,895, and Plexie Erica round clutch $1,995, both at the Stella McCartney boutique, Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.

Gilt Groupie. Temperley Cachea dress $1,450, at Gregory%26rsquo;s. Pamela Love Arrowhead ring $530, at Grange Hall, V.O.D. Alexis Bittar snake cuff $350, at Nasher Sculpture Center, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ylang 23.

Zip It. Alexander Wang zip-trimmed dress $695, at Neiman Marcus, net-a-porter.com, Stanley Korshak, V.O.D. Alexis Bittar ring $245, at Nasher Sculpture Center, Neiman Marcus. Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ylang 23. Kara by Kara Ross Dragon Scale all-skin earrings $295, at Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak, Tootsies. Elaine Turner minaudi%26egrave;re $250, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.

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Lush %26 Lacquered

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:34:08 GMT

Velvet Crush. Martin Margiela sleeveless velvet dress with corset belt $1,560, at Forty Five Ten, Dallas. Patricia von Musulin maple ram%26rsquo;s-head cuff with silver rods $4,500, at Stanley Korshak, Dallas. Pamela Love resin bun Tribal Soike cuff bracelet $175, at Peel Gallery.

Nice Pleats. Stella McCartney pleated georgette deep-V dress $2,895, and Plexie Erica round clutch $1,995, both at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Tootsies.

Pearl Girl. Ralph Lauren georgette beadedKristen dress $7,000, at the Ralph Lauren boutique.

Head of Brass. Diane von Furstenberg Marisa gown $1,600, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies. Pamela Love antique bronze cuff $675, at Peel Gallery.

Star Power. Andrew Gn gown, price on request, at Tootsies. Elaine Turner minaudi%26egrave;re $250, at the Elaine Turner boutique, Tootsies. Stuart Weitzman satin platform shoes $425, at the StuartWeitzman boutique.%26nbsp;

Silver Siren. Temperley knights dress $1,395, at Gregory%26rsquo;s. Alexis Bittar Snake cuff $350 at Charde, Dimensions, Events, J.Silver, Joseph, Kuhl-Linscomb, Longoria Collection.

Picture Perfect. Vera Wang multi-pleated V-neck gown with sheer back panel $2,495, at Stanley Korshak, Dallas. Erickson Beamon Safari tiered necklace $1,160, at Joseph, Nordstrom. Nancy Gonzalez clutch purse $995, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies.

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Tut Tut Tut

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 06:36:43 GMT

It’s going to be all things gold at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Grand Gala Ball October 1, “An Egyptian Fantasy,” which heralds the museum’s fall blockbuster exhibition, “Tutankhamun: “The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” (unveiling October 16), proving that New Kingdom/18th Dynasty style rocks the ages.

Gilded Gowns

Reem Acra tulle embroidered gown $11,295, at Casa de Novia, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Gucci silk-chiffon gown with embroidered organza shrug $9,000, at the Gucci boutique.

Bottega Veneta corset evening gown $17,000, at the Bottega Veneta boutique.

Walk Like an Egyptian

Miu Miu glitter pumps $630, at the Miu Miu boutique (opening at the Galleria in October).

Christian Louboutin Pigalili Plato pumps $3,595, at Joseph, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Jimmy Choo Domino stilettos $1,095, at the Jimmy Choo boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies.

Pierre Hardy crystal-encrusted suede sandals $2,395, at Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter.com.

Gold Bars

Bulgari Serpenti clutch $4,600, at the Bulgari boutique.

Giorgio Armani clutch, right, $3,650, at the Giorgio Armani boutique.

Tut Treasures

Elsa Peretti Scorpion necklace (surrounding caption) $8,800, at Tiffany %26amp; Co.

intage gold vermeil snake cuff with tiger eye $1,600, at Sloan/Hall.

Kara Ross Double Head Snake Bite cuff $265, at Tootsies.

Egyptian Revival bangle, circa 1920, $975, at Past Era Fine Antique Jewelry.

Chanel filigree bracelet with glass pearls, at the Chanel boutique.

Victorian enamel and gold bracelet with Egyptian hieroglyphics $4,900, at Tenenbaum %26amp; Co.

H. Stern Copernicus ring $3,800, at Neiman Marcus, Zadok Jewelers.

Auction Block

MFAH Grand Gala Ball chairs Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs commissioned Houston jeweler Wayne Smith to design gold gobsmacker original pieces for the ball’s silent auction, including this 30-carat carnelian ring with detailing.

Nail It

Nars Kismet gold nail polish $17, at Kuhl-Linscomb, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora, Solution for Hair.

King Tux

Ermenegildo Zegna tuxes with a glint of gold, at the Ermenegildo Zegna boutique.

Then and Now

Fri, 27 May 2011 04:11:37 GMT

But %26mdash; isn%26rsquo;t there something so fabulously proper about weddings with dignity and decorum? A polished, serene ceremony. A glorious supper. Getaway cars that gleam with history. Herewith, all the new ways to achieve old-school wedding perfection.

The just-right jewelry: The just-right jewelry: Jacqueline Kennedy, the Duchess of Kent and Queen Elizabeth all wore classic pearls on their wedding day %26mdash; you should, too. (Think of them as bits of wisdom, kept close.) Mikimoto one-of-a-kind pearl necklace, to order at Bachendorf%26rsquo;s

Images: Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen; Romona Keveza at Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak; Monique Lhuillier at Neiman Marcus, Warren Barr%26oacute;n Bridal; Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, 1956
The dress, divine: Lace + Grace + Kate = the most ravishing way to walk the aisle. Lace is officially, beautifully back.

The sublime shoe: Walk like a lady in the definitive wedding-day shoe by Manolo Blahnik, the Sedaraby stiletto. At Neiman Marcus.

The much-needed charm: %26ldquo;%26hellip; and a lucky sixpence in her shoe!%26rdquo; That%26rsquo;s the oft-forgotten coda to the advice about things old, new, borrowed and blue. Brides who pay attention to tradition slip a shiny dime into their left shoe; Grace Kelly, for good karma, had a copper penny built into her right one. Either way, what price luck?

Sartorial slip-on: The groom should mark the special occasion with monogrammed velvet evening slippers embroidered with 18K-gold-wire thread. Stubbs %26amp; Wootton bespoke evening slippers, starting at $900, at Stubbs %26amp; Wootton, 212.249.5200; stubbsandwootton.com.

The new standard: Kate and Wills%26rsquo; oh-wow nuptials have moved the wedding bar firmly into the 21st century. The details were equal parts established and edgy. Middleton%26rsquo;s marvelous dress? A thoroughly modern silhouette in satin gazar, designed by Sarah Burton for the house of Alexander McQueen, but augmented with lace that had been hand-worked using an 1820s Irish technique. The prince%26rsquo;s scarlet tunic celebrated his newly minted status as a Colonel of the Regiment of the Irish Guards, but it was made by the same British firm that supplied uniforms to both armies in the Battle of Gettysburg. The music for the daytime ceremony was laden with traditional British compositions, but the nighttime reception was headlined by 24-year-old Ellie Goulding, whose first album %26mdash; a whirl of %26ldquo;electro-folk-pop%26rdquo; %26mdash; debuted just last year. Even the cars that whisked the wedding party around (contemporary Bentleys and Jaguars mixed with pedigreed old Rolls-Royces) made for a parade of the past and present, seamlessly blended. What to take away from it all? When it comes to your big day, cleave to honored traditions, but touch off a few new ones, too.

The fabulous flowers: Carry a small posy of lily of the valley: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy did.

Image: Grace Kelly arriving for her wedding, 1956
"%26hellip; the chauffeur wears a small bunch of white flowers on his coat, and white gloves, and has all the tires painted white to give the car a wedding appearance.%26rdquo;%26hellip; the chauffeur wears a small bunch of white flowers on his coat, and white gloves, and has all the tires painted white to give the car a wedding appearance.%26rdquo; %26mdash; from Etiquette In Society, In Business, In Politics, And At Home (1922) by Emily Post
The most romantic ride: Miss Middleton got to the church (on time) in a vintage Rolls-Royce. Princess Grace and Prince Rainier paraded to the reception in their new one, circa 1956. Forgo a limousine in favor of a terribly proper icon %26mdash; with patina. Information cloud9coach.com, romanticremembrances.com.

The tasteful tunes: Grace and Rainier had Georgia Gibbs. Jackie and John had Meyer Davis. Everybody else had Lester Lanin. Thanks to iTunes, you can have them all at your reception %26mdash; from Gibbs crooning %26ldquo;My Old Flame%26rdquo; to Davis steering his orchestra through %26ldquo;The Night They Invented Champagne.%26rdquo; Prim, percolating, perfect.

Image: Sapphire-and-diamond ring from the deBoulle Estate Collection, price upon request, at deBoulle
"Just imagine the endless stories a true romantic can create knowing their piece has been passed down through time.%26rdquo; %26mdash; Denis Boulle, owner, deBoulle

Images: The Gardens at Lee Park; Jackie %26amp; John, 1953
The lush location: Nothing feels as deliciously old-school as an outdoor reception. Host yours in a beautiful garden, as Jackie and John did in 1953 at her stepfather%26rsquo;s estate in Newport, Rhode Island. Plan your day at The Gardens at Lee Park, nine acres of landscaped parkland with arbors, waterfalls and pavilions.

The elegant whiff: Creed%26rsquo;s unforgettable Fleurissimo %26mdash;%26nbsp;a concoction of tuberose, violet, Florentine iris and Bulgarian rose %26mdash; commissioned from the French fragrance house by a certain prince of Monaco for his certain graceful bride. It will give your day an air of royalty, indeed. 2.5 ounces $225, at neimanmarcus.com.

Place settings with pedigree: Use pieces of the family%26rsquo;s silver, or set the bride%26rsquo;s table with antique china and crystal, suggests Dallas event designer Tom Addis.

"Find the right stationer who is well-versed in etiquette. Your invitation serves as much more than a date planner: It is an introduction of you, an indication of your aesthetic and a foreshadowing of the type of event you are asking your guests to attend.%26rdquo; %26mdash; Heather Wiese-Alexander, owner, Bell%26rsquo;Invito Letterpress Studio

Requesting the honor of their presence: Heather Wiese-Alexander of Bell%26rsquo;Invito Letterpress Studio gives you the perfect primer for a traditional invitation.

For your save-the-date:
%26bull; Send six to eight months ahead of the wedding. %26bull; Only include the names of the couple to be married %26mdash; no parents. %26bull; Set the tone for the invitation to come, without revealing too much. %26bull; Send six to eight months ahead of the wedding.

For your invitation:
%26bull; When talking to your stationer, ask that the minimum weight of the card stock be 600 g/sm (grams per square meter) for European paper and 200 lb for domestically produced paper. %26bull; Painted or gilt-edged papers are a lovely way to add color, dress up or finish off a formal wedding invitation. %26bull; The outer mailing envelope should be lined if there is no inner envelope, and should not be lined if there is an inner envelope.%26bull; Your invitation should contain the appropriate, traditional wording, fully spelled out %26mdash; dates and all. %26bull; An all-script or calligraphy invitation has historically been required. A well-designed, properly spaced invitation that mixes no more than two opposite typestyles is appropriate. %26bull; Printing should be engraving or letterpress. %26bull; The cost of postage should be covered by a single, elegant stamp. Never affix multiples.

Image at top: Photograph Thom Jackson for Photo Division, Dallas. Model Alex Long for Kim Dawson Agency. Styling Jon Tutolo, makeup Ro Vielma, both for Kim Dawson Agency. Hair Mateo Sifuentes for Halo Salon. Alex wears Ralph Lauren lace ruffled blouse with crystal detail $3,298, at the Ralph Lauren boutique, Neiman Marcus. Custom headpiece, special order through Grange Hall.

All Dressed Up

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:06:13 GMT

Bliss Bridal
833 Foch St., Fort Worth, 817.332.4696; watters.com
June 17 %26ndash; 19: Fall 2011 Watters Brides and Wtoo Brides

The Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus Downtown
1618 Main St., 214.573.2663; neimanmarcus.com
June 3 %26ndash; 11: Amsale
June 24 %26ndash; 25: Kenneth Pool
Aug. 18 %26ndash; 20: Best of Vera Wang
Aug. 26 %26ndash; 27: Anne Bowen
Sept. 9 %26ndash; 10: Christos
Sept. 16 %26ndash; 17: Junko Yoshioka
Sept. 23 %26ndash; 24: Monique Lhuillier
Sept. 30 %26ndash; October 1: Carolina Herrera
Oct. 7 %26ndash; 8: Amsale
Oct. 28 %26ndash; 29: Anne Barge
Nov. 4 %26ndash; 5: Elizabeth Fillmore
Nov. 18 %26ndash; 19: Romona Keveza
Dec. 2 %26ndash; 3: Reem Acra
Dec. 9 %26ndash; 10: Kenneth Pool

The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak
500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com
June 16 %26ndash; 25: Jenny Packham
July 8 %26ndash; 9: Amsale
Sept. 16 %26ndash; 17: Romona Keveza Couture
Sept. 23 %26ndash; 24: Amsale bridesmaid
Oct. 21 %26ndash; 22: Ines Di Santo
Oct. 28 %26ndash; 29: Liancarlo bridal and evening collection with Alan Belitsky
Nov. 11 %26ndash; 12: Badgley Mischka
Nov. 18 %26ndash; 19: Rivini
Dec. 16 %26ndash; 17: Amsale
Jan. 26 %26ndash; 28: Watters Bridal

Carolina Herrera
31 Highland Park Village, 214.219.6060; carolinaherrera.com
Nov. 10 %26ndash; 12: Fall 2012 Bridal

Lulu%26rsquo;s Bridal Boutique
2728 Routh St., 214.871.9610; stardustcelebrations.com
June 17 %26ndash; 19: Pronovias
Sept. 9 %26ndash; 11: Pronovias

Patsy%26rsquo;s, A Bridal Boutique
4244 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.528.1227; patsysbridal.com
June 16 %26ndash; 18: Biannual Sample Sale
July 1 %26ndash; 2: La Sposa event
July 22 %26ndash; 23: Martina Liana preview

StarDust Celebrations
6464 West Plano Parkway, 972.781.1619; stardustcelebrations.com
June 3 %26ndash; 5: Alvina Valenta
Sept. 9 %26ndash; 11: Alvina Valenta
Sept. 23 %26ndash; 25: Simone Carvalli
Sept. 30 %26ndash; October 2: Victoria Nicole
Oct. 28 %26ndash; 30: Jim Hjelm
Nov. 4 %26ndash; 6: Bliss by Monique Lhuillier
Nov. 25 %26ndash; 27: Lazaro

Terry Costa
12817 Preston Road, 972.385.6100; terrycosta.com
July 15 %26ndash; 17: Impression Bridal
Sept. 3 %26ndash; 4: Terry Costa Bridal Fair
Sept. 10: Tony Bowls
Sept. 16 %26ndash; 18: Mori Lee Bridal
Sept. 23 %26ndash; 25: Maggie Sottero
Sept. 30 %26ndash; Oct. 2: Allure Bridal
Oct. 7 %26ndash; 9: House of Wu
Oct. 21 %26ndash; 23: Impression Bridal

The White Gown Showroom at the Wedding Party Studio
2422 Allen St., 214.296.4908; wgowns.com
June 4 %26ndash; 5 : Mia Salona
June 24 %26ndash; 25: Caroline Devillo
June 24 %26ndash; 25: Brides Head Revisited headpieces
June 24 %26ndash; 25: Samantha Rose jewelry
July 22 %26ndash; 23: Justin Alexander

Warren Barr%26oacute;n Bridal
53 Highland Park Village, 214.526.8400; warrenbarron.com
Sept. 1 %26ndash; 3: Lela Rose
Sept. 8 %26ndash; 10: Mon Vieve
Sept. 22 %26ndash; 24: Elizabeth Fillmore
Oct. 27 %26ndash; 29: Monique Lhuillier
Nov. 17 %26ndash; 19: Vera Wang
Dec. 8 %26ndash; 10: Marchesa

Image: Watters at Bliss Bridal and The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak.

Manolo Steps into Saks

Thu, 26 May 2011 01:34:59 GMT

KS: So, you%26rsquo;re finally selling at Saks Fifth Avenue. Why now?
GM: I think you would have to say that the Saks team kept asking and became so persuasive that I was finally persuaded by their persistence. That always pays off with Manolo Blahnik, so I applaud their persistence. We%26rsquo;re now in Saks stores in Las Vegas, New York and Houston.

KS: Houston is so lucky! Is it because Houston women are just that wonderful?
GM: Actually, let me tell you a funny story about Houston. So, Manolo is madly in love with Lynn [Wyatt], and she is in love with Manolo. We%26rsquo;ve known Lynn for a long, long time, and she invited us to a luncheon at her house about 10 years ago, when she was still in River Oaks and had that wonderful, wonderful Texas home. Manolo is actually very shy, and about 50 women were coming to this luncheon in his honor. Lynn said, %26ldquo;Dahling, you%26rsquo;re going to say a few words.%26rdquo; And he said, %26ldquo;Oh no, I don%26rsquo;t speak in front of people.%26rdquo; And she just said, %26ldquo;These are all friends, and they all love you and your shoes.%26rdquo; And so he said to me, %26ldquo;George, I don%26rsquo;t know what to say.%26rdquo; I told him, %26ldquo;Manolo, all you have to do is say %26lsquo;I love Houston%26rsquo; and %26lsquo;I love Texas.%26rsquo; I mean, nobody would ever fault you for that.%26rdquo; So we rehearsed and rehearsed, %26ldquo;I love Houston. I love Houston. I love Houston.%26rdquo; At the luncheon, we were served mimosas and this incredible chicken salad that Lynn%26rsquo;s housekeeper of many years made for lunch. Then Lynn said, %26ldquo;Okay, honey, now it%26rsquo;s time for you to say a few words.%26rdquo; So, Manolo looked at me, and I said, %26ldquo;You know, all you have to say is %26lsquo;I love Houston. I love Houston,%26rsquo;%26rdquo; and he said, %26ldquo;I know, I know, I know. I have it down pat.%26rdquo; And then he stood up and said, %26ldquo;Houston
loves me!%26rdquo;

KS: Well, we do all love Manolo. So that%26rsquo;s perfect.
GM: And Manolo does love Houston.

KS: What%26rsquo;s new for Manolo Blahnik this season?
GM: I think the key thing is that Manolo has never really followed fashion, but in a funny way this season, fashion is following Manolo Blahnik. So it%26rsquo;s all about single-soled shoes. It%26rsquo;s all about incredibly lady-like shoes. We%26rsquo;ve never addressed platforms or any heavy, trendy shoes %26mdash; sometimes at our cost, because platforms have basically been part of the fashion wordplay for a long time now. But we%26rsquo;ve lived through that, and our customers have actually come up to Manolo and me and said, %26ldquo;Thank God you didn%26rsquo;t do platforms, because I wouldn%26rsquo;t have known who to go to as a designer.%26rdquo; It%26rsquo;s fine if a woman wants to go there, but we believe in the long time frame of fashion. When you%26rsquo;re a woman that%26rsquo;s spending $800 to $900 on a pair of shoes, it should be on something that she can keep. So if you buy a pair of evening shoes to go out to a party, like Cinco de Mayo, and you go to a party and someone asks you, %26ldquo;Kate, is that a new Manolo Blahnik?%26rdquo; you can say, %26ldquo;No, I%26rsquo;ve had these for 10 years.%26rdquo; Although most women don%26rsquo;t want to admit they%26rsquo;ve had them for 10 years! You would say, %26ldquo;Yes! I just bought them at Saks!%26rdquo; So that is something that he%26rsquo;s always been about. What%26rsquo;s new for us is this great sort of return to the pump %26mdash; the simple pump of the 1950s. Whether you look at Italian movies from the %26rsquo;50s or at Sophia Lauren or Marilyn Monroe in images from the %26rsquo;50s, women just wore pumps, pumps, pumps. So it%26rsquo;s about the return of the pump, and we%26rsquo;ve done this incredible pump called the BB. I%26rsquo;m showing it for the first time today.

KS: Wow. More details, please.
GM: It%26rsquo;s a very high-heeled pump, and we%26rsquo;re bringing it to a lower heel and then a mid-heel. The bootie is also something we%26rsquo;re embracing. Not so much the over-the-knee boot that was the fashion lingo last year, but the bootie %26mdash; the short boot to wear with pants or skirts.
%26nbsp;
KS: What is your favorite shoe?
GM: I would have to say this season the BB pump is my favorite. There%26rsquo;s something that is incredibly sort of staid about it. It is a pump, but there%26rsquo;s newness to the cut of it, and there%26rsquo;s newness to the heel. It%26rsquo;s very, very pencil %26mdash; almost like a pencil skirt %26mdash; which does amazing things for the leg.

KS: Makes them look longer?
GM: Yes, it elongates the leg dramatically.

KS: anything else new with Manolo?
GM: I think he%26rsquo;s just embracing the fact that it%26rsquo;s all about lady-like shoes %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s something that he%26rsquo;s been doing all along. He likes the fact that it%26rsquo;s coming back around. He%26rsquo;s always done that, and he%26rsquo;s stayed true to it.

KS: Does he have a favorite shoe? Or is it like picking a favorite child?
GM: He loves this new lattice boot that has been done in some special ways exclusively for Saks.

KS: Are there shoes that have been retired and then become popular again that Manolo reissues?
GM: Yes, we actually do that quite often %26hellip; On his trips to America every two years, we spend a lot of time talking to the ladies at his personal appearances and [someone will] say, %26ldquo;Why don%26rsquo;t you do that shoe anymore that I bought six years ago when I went to my daughter%26rsquo;s Bat Mitzvah?%26rdquo; After you hear a few women reference the same shoe, we reissue it.

Manolo is a big, big customer of Ralph Lauren. He just loves Ralph Lauren and admires him so much. Anyway, he also loves khakis, and he wears a lot of American chinos. We%26rsquo;ll go into Ralph Lauren on Madison Avenue, and he%26rsquo;ll say, %26ldquo;I want the same pair of chinos that I got last year.%26rdquo; And they%26rsquo;ll say to him, %26ldquo;We don%26rsquo;t make those anymore. This year we do flat fronts and no pleats.%26rdquo; He%26rsquo;ll say, %26ldquo;Shoot, I love the other ones. If I had known that, I would have bought 12 pairs.%26rdquo; So what we do is try to listen to women and say, %26ldquo;You%26rsquo;re right. That was a great shoe, why not bring it back?%26rdquo; After five or six years, we often do that.

Bernardo is Back!

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 02:25:17 GMT

Does the name Bernard Rudofsky ring a bell? If you%26rsquo;ve ever slipped your toes into a pair of Bernardo sandals and never wanted to take them off, you have this architect/shoe designer to thank. For more than two centuries before his arrival on the fashion scene, women%26rsquo;s feet were bound in high heels and boots or smothered in flats. Rudofsky, who%26rsquo;s credited with creating the modern-day sandal, broke free of convention in 1946 and finally freed the foot. And the style set took notice.

For more than three decades, fashion magazines from Vogue to Harper%26rsquo;s Bazaar ordered his sandals for their layouts, shot by such luminary lensmen as Horst, Irving Penn and Helmut Newton. Fans included Twiggy, Jane Birkin, songbird Carly Simon, Lilly Pulitzer and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who reputedly owned 16 pairs of the Miami thong in myriad colors, catapulting them into the must-have summer slip-on for preppies summering everywhere from Kiawah to Mount Desert Island.

Image: Horst (1946): Legendary photographer Horst P. Horst and Rudofsky both studied architecture under the icon Le Corbusier. This corset-like flat bears a resemblance to Horst%26rsquo;s most famous image, The Mainbocher Corset, $229; The Moore (circa 1964) was immortalized that same year in a photo with gold-painted models%26rsquo; limbs that ran in Harper%26rsquo;s Bazaar, shot by photographer James Moore, $350.

After the deaths of Rudofsky and Eva Sonnino, who had taken over designing for Bernardo, the Italian-crafted%26nbsp; sandals fell into semi-obscurity. That is, until designers Dennis and Lynne Comeau, along with Roy and Jean Smith of Houston (owners of the Accent%26eacute; chain of 22 stores) ,purchased the brand in 2001. %26ldquo;I had reservations,%26rdquo; Dennis admits. %26ldquo;I know how difficult it is to revive a line.%26rdquo; After much convincing by Roy Smith, the design partners signed on the dotted line. %26ldquo;We launched it in Houston in 2001, right in the aftermath of 9/11 %26hellip; We had a very rough start and bled through a lot of cash, then all of a sudden Neiman Marcus bought the line, and that turned things around.%26rdquo;

Fast forward to 2011. This spring marks the launch of Bernardo Vintage Couture. Unlike Bernardo%26rsquo;s readily accessible entr%26eacute;e into the world of shoes and sandals (the Miami retails for $109), the Bernardo Vintage Couture pieces %26mdash; culled from archives dating from 1946 to the 1970s %26mdash; are handcrafted in a small factory in Italy and are reissued as limited editions with collectible embossed boxes, priced $200 to $600 a pair. %26ldquo;Typically designers launch their signature, higher-priced lines and then, once established, follow up with a lower-priced diffusion line,%26rdquo; Dennis says. %26ldquo;We did the exact opposite of that, which most marketing experts would probably advise against. But it worked.%26rdquo; The BVC pieces are true to the originals, save for a few small technical changes, he says. High-end retailers Tootsies in Houston, as well as Bergdorf Goodman, Maxfield, Jeffrey and Harvey Nichols in London, among others, are carrying the collection.

Image: Tie (1969): Channeling the %26rsquo;70s vibe, this ankle-wrapped sandal appeared 11 times in the pages of Vogue, where it was first photographed by Irving Penn, $198; Big Button (1946): Culled from Rudofsky%26rsquo;s first sandal collection in 1946, $225. This design is in the permanent collection at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Two of the styles that have been revived are the result of a %26lsquo;70s-era collaboration between Emilio Pucci and Bernardo. Back in the day, Rudofsky created sandals for forward-thinking couturier Elsa Schiaparelli %26mdash; styles that Dennis and his team would love to reissue. %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s on our very long to-do list,%26rdquo; he teases. On the more immediate horizon, watch for the return this fall of the vintage driving mocs that Eva Sonnino first brought to the American market in the 1960s.

In the meantime, we%26rsquo;re lining up for Bernardo Vintage Couture pieces including Jingle Bells (1965), which graced the back cover of Bergdorf Goodman%26rsquo;s Spring 2011 catalog; the Moon (1967), inspired by sandals traditionally worn by monks with simple circle adornments; the Tie (1969), an ankle-wrapped flat that was a forbear of the modern-day gladiator sandal; and the Moore, the bejeweled sandals that, along with the Goldfinger and the Twiggy (all circa 1964), gave rise to the spectacular James Moore layout in Harper%26rsquo;s Bazaar where the models%26rsquo; legs were cloaked in gold body paint.

Image: The Emilio (1960s): Bernardo%26rsquo;s collaboration with Emilio Pucci was one of the first capsule collections ever. This is the silver version with sparkling crystals, $375.

Bernardo Vintage Couture at Tootsies. Bernardo sandals at Loop, soho, Tootsies.

Image at top: Jingle Bells (1965) showed up in Vogue%26rsquo;s pages time and time again in the 1960s, $295.

The Threads That Bind Us

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:55:13 GMT

The most memorable objects have a thread attached to another object, shaking up the memory cells to relate to a movie, a book, a painting. Here, some of the most unforgettable runway looks and accessories for spring.

Images: YSL; Fendi; Marc Jacobs; Etro
Inspired by %26hellip; %26lsquo;70s boho bonhomie! Even Yves Saint Laurent dipped into its archives to highlight the iconic style. Yves Saint Laurent cotton bustier dress with silk-toile ruffles $6,325, at the Yves Saint Laurent boutique, Neiman Marcus. Marc Jacobs cotton peasant blouse $1,200, gathered skirt $1,100, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Fendi silk linen peasant dress $1,980, at the Fendi boutique. Etro peasant gown $2,646, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.

Love! %26hellip; A kiss from a Fendi girl would leave a mark on your cheek in vivid coral. M-A-C Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Gotta Dash $14.50, at the M-A-C boutique.

Reminds us of%26nbsp; %26hellip; fabulous Cher in %26ldquo;Half-Breed.%26rdquo; Roberto Cavalli fringed trousers and vest, price on request, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.

Love! %26hellip; For him, D%26amp;G%26rsquo;s chic canvas sueded moccasin $215, at store.dolcegabbana.com.

Inspired by %26hellip; the monochromatic garden scene from the arch film Last Year at Marienbad. Chanel black-and-ecru guipure tulle blouse $8,865, and black-and-yellow worked-denim jeans $1,580, at the Chanel boutique and Neiman Marcus. Chanel hair part, right, drawn with Chanel Automatic Liquid Eyeliner.

Love! %26hellip; Bulgari Leoni %26amp; Gemma chevron canvas bag with colorful calf-leather-trim handles $1,550 and $1,900, at the Bulgari boutique.

Reminds us of %26hellip; Pauline de Rothschild%26rsquo;s bedroom in Paris covered in 18th-century Chinese wallpaper. Alexis Mabille couture gown, price on request, inquiries through Gregory%26rsquo;s.

Love! ... Louis Vuitton Giraffe ankle-strap sandal $1,575, at the Louis Vuitton boutique.

Love! %26hellip; Ermenegildo Zegna silk seersucker suit $2,695, and cotton dress shirt $325, at the Ermenegildo Zegna boutique, Neiman Marcus.

Reminds us of %26hellip; country-club waiters. Tommy Hilfiger white cotton Newport tux $898, at tommy.com.

Inspired by %26hellip; Victoria %26amp; Albert Museum%26rsquo;s recent exhibition %26ldquo;Diaghilev and the Golden Age of the Ballets Russes, 1909-1929.%26rdquo; Erdem shows lots of loveliness and no end of florals in his ethereal ballet-inspired dresses, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.

Images: Pucci; Andrew Gn; Pucci
Reminds us of %26hellip; Sicilian women. Andrew Gn silk knit dress with trumpet sleeves $3,160, turban $320, tie $280, at Tootsies. Pucci black embroidered georgette caftan $9,995, chiffon dress with halter neckline $9,995, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.

Love! %26hellip; Kara Ross faceted coral and pav%26eacute; white sapphire ring from her new Gemstone II collection $595, at Neiman Marcus.

Images: Heinrich K%26uuml;hn%26rsquo;s "Red and White Geraniums," circa 1912; Carolina Herrera
Reminds us of ... the exhibition %26ldquo;Heinrich K%26uuml;hn: The Perfect Photograph%26rdquo; at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (through May 30). Carolina Herrera floral impressionist jacquard cocoon dress, price on request, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Love! %26hellip; Unstructured linen suits in moody blues are all the rage for best-dressed gentlemen. Ermenegildo Zegna blue linen suit $2,695, at the Ermenegildo Zegna boutique, Neiman Marcus.

Love! %26hellip; Fendi%26rsquo;s singed voile dress $4,440, at the Fendi boutique.

Inspired by %26hellip; redwood trees. Rodarte leaf-like lace top, bark-patterned skirt, prices on request, at Neiman Marcus.

Love!%26nbsp; %26hellip; Santiago Gonzalez, the offspring of luxe lady-bag designer Nancy Gonzalez, has launched a chic collection of gentleman bags and accoutrements, starting at $125, available in June exclusively at Neiman Marcus. Pictured: Crocodile duffle $6,450, by special order at Neiman Marcus.

Inspired by %26hellip; stucco at Le Petit Trianon and marbled floors at Versailles. Giambattista Valli silk organza tunic with coral Versailles print $1,840; silk organza shift dress with gray stucco print $3,340, at Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies.

Always love! %26hellip; shoes. Gianmarco Lorenzi limited-edition, numbered, Swarovski Crystal wedge $3,395, at Gregory%26rsquo;s. Reed Krakoff boar-hair sandals in silver python/pewter leather, $850, at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Love! %26hellip; Lanvin%26rsquo;s stretch washed gabardine dress in blue and dark brown $3,440, at Neiman Marcus.

Reminds us of %26hellip; Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct. Reed Krakoff double-face linen coat vest $1,290, cotton matte jersey shift dress $840, and asymmetric gray-painted-alligator mules $3,525, at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Reminds us of %26hellip; the spunky and adorable Doris Day as Calamity Jane. Ralph Lauren Jameson stitched leather jacket $3,998, and pants $3,498. Satin jacket and suede embroidered and fringed Shannon pants $7,498. At the Ralph Lauren boutique.

Images: Pucci; Giambattista Valli; Prada; Diane von Furstenberg
Reminds us of %26hellip; the book Baroque Baroque. Pucci wool silk blazer $2,190, cotton voile top $2,350, and Greek bleached Mikado shantung trousers $1,945, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies. Giambattista Valli silk organza tank with yellow Versailles print $1,315, and skirt $3,185, at Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies. Prada striped skirt $650, and white gabardine top with embroidery $1,535, at Neiman Marcus. Diane von Furstenberg Bunnie top $225, and Bessie skirt $285, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies.

Reminds us of %26hellip; Harry Belafonte in Island in the Sun. Herm%26egrave;s poplin and cotton pique honeycomb shirt $720, cotton poplin pajama trousers $850, Chypre espadrilles $375, Complice bridle-leather belt $1,300, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

Love! ... Tiffany %26amp; Co. modern multifunctional tote. One side is a subtle suede that reverses to a statement-making metallic. $395 to $595, at Tiffany %26amp; Co.

Images: Frida Kahlo%26rsquo;s "Demolished," surrealist self portrait; Herm%26egrave;s; Reed Krakoff; Burberry Prorsum; Alexis Mabille; Chanel
Reminds us of %26hellip; harnesses and Frida Kahlo bondage. Herm%26egrave;s cotton shirt $970, leather cardigan $7,200, crepe viscose high-waisted black pants $1,950, Catalogne leather hat $2,775, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique. Reed Krakoff halter crossback chiffon jersey gown with leather straps $2,990, to order at Saks Fifth Avenue. Chanel silk-and-tulle dress, price on request, at the Chanel boutique and Neiman Marcus. Alexis Mabille couture gown, price on request, through Gregory%26rsquo;s. Burberry dress with leather, price on request, at the Burberry boutique.

Reminds us of %26hellip; Joan Jett. Jean Paul Gaultier cr%26eacute;pon pliss%26eacute; dress $2,215, jersey leggings $2,335, at Tootsies.

Reminds us of %26hellip; Peggy Guggenheim%26rsquo;s glasses. Prada sunglasses $390, at prada.com.

Love! %26hellip; Valentino front-tie blouse $1,150, long gilet with leather ruffle and belt $3,980, and shorts $790, at the Valentino boutique, Neiman Marcus,
Saks Fifth Avenue.

Love! %26hellip; that Olivier Theyskens (Rochas, Balenciaga) is at the helm of luxe basics brand Theory this season. What to look for? Beautifully cut blazers, impeccably tailored trousers and torso-lengthening silhouettes. Theyskens%26rsquo; Theory Cola/Fiola tee $100, and Powa/Waspy pants $250, at Tootsies.

Inspired by %26hellip; early motorbike adopters. Her Burberry Prorsum dark-honey cotton crochet contrast biker sleeve and peplum jacket $2,795, and pale-barley scuba jersey mesh-panel leggings $895; his Burberry tumbled-leather studded biker vest $4,795, and slim-fit jersey military trousers $395, at the Burberry boutique.

Inspired by %26hellip; vintage wood-patterned paneling. Rodarte dress, price on request, at Neiman Marcus.

Images: Brian Atwood; Diane von Furstenberg; Prada; Prada; Dolce %26amp; Gabbana; Versace
Reminds us of %26hellip; tourists in 1950s Mexico. Brian Atwood cork pumps with multicolored heels $903, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Diane von Furstenberg embellished top $496, jacket $425, and sarong pants $345, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies. Prada tropical top $885, banana-print skirt $995, and embroidered dress $885, at Neiman Marcus. Dolce %26amp; Gabbana raffia Miss Sicily handbag $1,675, at dolcegabbana.com. Versace tribal cropped top $1,450, and pencil skirt $795, at the Versace boutique.

Love! %26hellip; Versace cropped top with patent-leather detail $1,025, and pencil skirt $1,250, at the Versace boutique.

Images: Ermenegildo Zegna; Gucci; Pucci
Reminds us of %26hellip; Eden Roc. Ermenegildo Zegna%26rsquo;s Jersey knit shirt $325, and linen trousers $695, at the Ermenegildo Zegna boutique, zegna.com. Gucci ink cardigan with python detail, and pencil pants, at the Gucci boutique. Pucci knit dress, price on request, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.

Reminds us of %26hellip; the famed bullfighter from C%26oacute;rdoba, Manolete. Herm%26egrave;s black cotton shirt $970, black leather jumpsuit $6,300, Catalogne felt hat $$1,550, Camelia shoes $1,100, and black leather harness $3,900, at the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

Love! %26hellip; Tommy Hilfiger docksiders with heels $298, at tommy.com.

Image: Men%26rsquo;s wares from Mr Porter; Moda Operandi%26rsquo;s Aslaug Magnusdottir, Lauren Santo Domingo
Love! %26hellip; This spring, two online-shopping havens make their debut. Mr Porter, the brother site of Net-A-Porter, fuses a weekly online men-only fashion mag filled with trends and style tips, while a Wardrobe Manager edits and melds your lists of must-have essentials with the latest collections from Lanvin, Bottega Veneta, Valextra and more. Go to mrporter.com %26hellip; Girls, click to the ingenious members-only site Moda Operandi%26rsquo;s Aslaug Magnusdottir and Lauren Santo Domingo. How it works? Site members have access to flash sales of designer collections within 48 hours of the runway presentation, finally making it possible to snatch up wildly editorial pieces rarely carried in stores. For-sale Fall 2011 collections came from Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler and more. And this month, we%26rsquo;re anticipating a capsule collection from a yet-to-be-named designer. Apply for membership at modaoperandi.com.

Images: Rochas; Pucci; J. Crew; Pucci; Rodarte
Reminds us of %26hellip; a Ming vase. Rochas silk ball gown $4,800, at Barneys New York, Dallas. Pucci Greek bleached chiffon gown with embroidered neckline $6,595, and cotton voile short dress with embroidery detail $3,795, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies. J. Crew Campbell oxfords in Liberty floral, $298, at J. Crew. Rodarte chiffon dress with embroidered top, price on request, at Neiman Marcus.

Spring's Chicest Soles

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:03:08 GMT

All it took was 30 minutes of shopping in Neiman Marcus Downtown's pearly Shoe Salon with Elaine Agather and her daughters Bradley and Lorene to convince us that The Family Place had chosen the right trio to chair this year's Stiletto Strut. (Save the date for Thursday, April 28.)

In preparation for the upcoming Shoe Event Kickoff Party on Thursday, March 10 (also at Neiman Marcus Downtown), the Agathers invited us to join them as they selected their favorite shoes for spring and scouted contenders to wear to this year's Strut. So just what does a typical trip to NM's Shoe Salon look like for this well-heeled family? It's a whirlwind. With Elaine going mad for a pair of pink and orange Yves Saint Laurent espadrilles %26mdash; but not without asking for much-needed daughterly approval. "All the time when I'm getting ready, I ask myself, What would Lorene and Bradley say?" admits Elaine before moving on to a table of Chanel ballet flats. Meanwhile, the daughters Agather are all over the Salon, quickly picking through the sea of shoes and offering no end of insightful fashion expertise. "A platform is so comfy," says Lorene, a sharply dressed TCU junior, as she holds up a purple YSL pump. Perfect, we agree, for that one-block walk around NM's Downtown flagship. Meanwhile, Bradley, a fashion blogger and member of the design team at Fossil, has her eye on something in electric orange. "I'm liking a lot of color this spring," she says, of a pair of vivid tangerine Alexandre Birmans.

It quickly becomes apparent that while these three co-chairs may share a bloodline, their fashion sense could not be more different. From a pair of neon pink Tory Burch ballet flats (one of Bradley's three top picks) to a boho-chic Stuart Weitzman wedge (a fave of Lorene's) and a classic nude Christian Louboutin peep toe (Elaine's first choice), there's no doubt that these gals have discerning shoe style. But, we learn, one thing rings true: Both daughters indulge in borrowing from mom's "amaaaazzzing" shoe closet. "These are my mom's," says Lorene with a smile as she points to her sky-high wedges worn for this afternoon of serious shoe shopping.

Get Their Looks:

Which pairs made the Agathers' lists? Read on for details and head to Neiman Marcus Downtown or neimanmarcus.com to find your perfect pair.

Elaine Agather:

%26bull; Chanel Ballerina Flat

%26bull; Yves Saint Laurent Rope-Heel Sandal

%26bull; Christian Louboutin Very Prive Platform Pump

Lorene Agather:

%26bull; Yves Saint Laurent Tribtoo Pump

%26bull; Tory Burch Jeanine Snake-Print Wedge

%26bull; Stuart Weitzman Crocheted Ankle-Wrap Espadrille

Bradley Agather:

%26bull; Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flat

%26bull; Alexandre Birman Canvas Platform Sandal

%26bull; Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Platform Sandal

For the full scoop and to purchase tickets for this year's Neiman Marcus Stiletto Strut benefitting The Family Place, click to stilettostrutdallas.org.

If You Build It, They Will Come

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:31:30 GMT

To borrow a phrase from its famous biannual sale, Tootsies has taken off. The beloved fashion emporium has left its post in Highland Village after 25 years, and moved into a gleaming new 35,000-square-foot space%26nbsp;at the corner of Kirby and Westheimer in West Ave, the most glamour-gridlocked block in River Oaks.

Tootsies owner, visionary and magician Mickey Rosmarin founded the fashion establishment in 1974, and now, with the help of Gensler Architects, Rosmarin %26mdash; who is also a savvy vintage furniture collector %26mdash; has articulated every detail in his expansive new landscape, with subtle Art Deco%26ndash;era details and wallops of glamour around every curve. %26ldquo;I wanted to see glamour again %26mdash; specifically %26rsquo;30s and %26rsquo;40s glamour meets %26rsquo;50s and %26rsquo;60s modern,%26rdquo; says Rosmarin. And glamour it is. Click across the terrazzo vestibule, open the double-glass doors and step through a soaring entryway where a brass Tony Duquette bursting-star chandelier is suspended, and you%26rsquo;ll be greeted by Bridget, Tootsies%26rsquo; chic new concierge: Fetch an espresso? Signal the valet?

Wander through the expansive space, past designer handbags (Celine, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Etro, Alexander McQueen) and curio cabinets studded with precious minaudi%26egrave;res (parfait for le must gala), and finally to the curved glass wall of shoes that spirals to an alcove filled with museum-like mounts holding Jimmy Choo, Sergio Rossi, Azzedine Ala%26iuml;a, Valentino. A swath of jade-green striated marble soars 14 feet, a nod to designer Kelly Wearstler%26rsquo;s divine use of brilliantly colored stone. Stretching the length of the store: 300 feet of terrazzo, aka a sublime runway for models to walk the walk for charity. Just beyond are brass-and-glass jewelry cases, where one-of-a-kind gems by Miriam Haskell, Stephen Dweck, Armenta, and Katie Decker glitter (with estate jewelry on its way).

It%26rsquo;s a tour de force %26mdash; and one many people thought might never happen. Did Rosmarin need another store? After all, he already had 24,000 square feet at his Highland Village location and robust stores in Dallas at Preston Center and in Atlanta near Lenox Square. Impressive addresses, all. What was the inducement? Not that all Houston isn%26rsquo;t beyond thrilled. %26ldquo;It%26rsquo;s as simple as the fact that my lease was up, and it was time for a reinvention,%26rdquo; Rosmarin says. %26ldquo;In fact, I%26rsquo;ve been so happy with this new store that it%26rsquo;s inspired me to rework my other stores.%26rdquo;

Tootsies%26rsquo; calling card has always been stellar designers adored by those who stay au courant. New names in his fashion circle are Azzedine Ala%26iuml;a, Rick Owens, Erdem, Givenchy, Nina Ricci, Carven, Zuhair Murad, Maurizio Pecoraro, Celine, Roland Mouret, Paule Ka %26mdash; displayed alongside covetable collections Tootsies has long carried: Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen, Michael Kors, Emilio Pucci, Jean Paul Gaultier, Missoni, Lela Rose, Giambattista Valli, Stella McCartney and Donna Karan. And for the important spring and fall designer trunk showings essential to and beloved by the fashion cognoscenti, Rosmarin has erected a glamorous rotunda designed just for that purpose. If you build it, they will come.

Spring Studies

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:12:37 GMT

Models Jessica Cline and Hannah Ferguson for Kim Dawson Agency. Hair Ceron for Ceron Salon. Makeup Ashley Robinson for Kim Dawson Agency. Photography Assistants Chris Rupert and Austin Lockheed. Fashion assistants Emerald Stocker and Lauren Fred.

The delectable detail in spring%26rsquo;s balletomane craze is closely studied by photographer Maxine Helfman. She zooms in on a crush of feathers, tulle, icy sparkles, laser cuts and sheer beauty.%26nbsp;Look closely at her stunning diptychs and triptychs. Isn%26rsquo;t it all tutu much?

For the details and images, click on 'launch slideshow' above.

Image: Mandalay strapless feather dress $1,550, at Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf, Neiman Marcus. Toni Federici tiara $540, at Casa
de Novia.

Spring Studies

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:06:27 GMT

Models Jessica Cline and Hannah Ferguson for Kim Dawson Agency. Hair Ceron for Ceron Salon at Neiman Marcus Downtown. Makeup Ashley Robinson for Kim Dawson Agency. Photography Assistants Chris Rupert and Austin Lockheed. Fashion assistants Sarah Bray and Briana Darensberg. Shot on location at the Kalita Humphreys Theater.

Image: Mandalay strapless feather dress $1,550, at Gregory%26rsquo;s. Toni Federici tiara $540, at Neiman Marcus.

%26nbsp;

Swan Song

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 02:24:17 GMT

Models Jessica Cline and Hannah Ferguson for Kim Dawson Agency. Hair Ceron for Ceron Salon at
Neiman Marcus Downtown. Makeup Ashley Robinson for Kim Dawson Agency. Photography assistants
Chris Rupert and Austin Lockheed. Fashion assistants Sarah Bray, Emerald Stocker, Lauren Fred
and Briana Darensberg. Shot on location at the Kalita Humphreys Theater.

Darren Aronofsky%26rsquo;s powerful film Black Swan, documenting the darker side of the world of ballet, inspired fragile tulle, chiffon and feathers, gracefully long and tutu-short. This month, PaperCity recreates the lightness of this dance and season %26mdash; while next month, we%26rsquo;ll delve into the darker, seamier side of this psychological thriller and the disciplined art.

For the details and images, click on 'launch slideshow' above.

TUTU TRIUMPH: Luisa Beccaria tulle gown $9,875, at Gregory%26rsquo;s, Neiman Marcus. Zeta Graff pav%26eacute; diamond ring $19,500, and Sylva %26amp; Cie Caviar Flower band $5,000, both at Stanley Korshak.%26nbsp;

Swan Song

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 02:22:46 GMT

%26nbsp;Models Jessica Cline and Hannah Ferguson for Kim Dawson Agency. Hair Ceron for Ceron Salon.
Makeup Ashley Robinson for Kim Dawson Agency. Photography Assistants Chris Rupert and Austin Lockheed.
Fashion assistants Sarah Bray, Emerald Stocker, Lauren Fred and Briana Darensberg.
Shot on location at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, Dallas.

For details and images, click on 'launch slideshow' above.

TUTU TRIUMPH: Luisa Beccaria tulle gown $9,875, at Gregory%26rsquo;s, Neiman Marcus. Zeta Graff pav%26eacute; diamond ring $19,500. Sylva %26amp; Cie Caviar Flower band $5,000.

Gotta Have It for Fall

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 06:30:44 GMT

%26nbsp;

1 Over-the-Top Boots.

Nude Valentino over-the-knee boot, at the Valentino boutique, Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak.

%26nbsp;

2 Sheep’s Clothing.
Shearling is so chic. Rick Owens biker jacket $3,395, at Barneys New York, Forty Five Ten. Burberry Prorsum shearling jacket $3,595, at the Burberry boutique. Jimmy Choo Taurus shearling boots $1,295, at the Jimmy Choo boutique, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies.

%26nbsp;

3 Toggle Coat.
Salvatore Ferragamo toggle coat $3,000, at the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

4 Camel is the New Black.%26nbsp;
Giambattista Valli, Dolce %26amp; Gabbana, Stella McCartney and Gucci embraced camel this season. Giambattista Valli Mongolian fur jacket $3,665, and wool skirt $1,195, both at Carla Martinengo, Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak. Dolce %26amp; Gabbana wool jacket $3,395, skirt $995, and bodysuit $1,095, all at Neiman Marcus. Stella McCartney wool dress $1,345, at Neiman Marcus. Gucci cashmere suede trench $5,590, turtleneck $1,210, and riding pants $650, all at the Gucci boutique.

%26nbsp;

5 Happy 40th Anny, Roberto!%26nbsp;
The glam god of fashion is as relevant today as he was in 1970. Roberto Cavalli, circa 1970s. Roberto Cavalli lynx-fur coat, price upon request, at the Roberto Cavalli boutique.

%26nbsp;

6 Lady Like Bag.%26nbsp;
Valentino crocodile bag $10,000, at the Valentino boutique.

%26nbsp;

7 Biker Jacket.
Roberto Cavalli biker jacket $4,735, to order at the Roberto Cavalli boutique.

%26nbsp;

8 Ring of Fur.
Louis Vuitton Ava ring $490, at the Louis Vuitton boutique.

%26nbsp;

9 Color-Punch Pelts.
Color us happy in bright furs. Versace sleeveless fur coat $5,950, at the Versace boutique. Giorgio Armani pumpkin fur jacket $8,495, at Neiman Marcus. Peter Som Mongolian fur coat, price upon request, at Forty Five Ten, Nordstrom, Stanley Korshak.

%26nbsp;

10 Aberlai Paris Shoes.
A new designer we love, Aberlai Paris Rattle stilettos $1,045, exclusively at Gregory’s.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

11 McQueen True Blues.
Persol celebrates Steve McQueen with a re-launch of the actor’s favorite blue-lens sunglasses, the handmade P0 714, in a limited edition of 10,000. $360, exclusively at Sunglass Hut.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

12 Gant by Michael Bastian.
American heritage brand Gant and new designer Michael Bastian are a match made in New Haven. Gant by Michael Bastian Lacrosse Fair Isle sweater $195, at Barneys New York.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

13 Les Khakis De Chanel Nail Lacquer.%26nbsp;
An army of cool girls are wearing Chanel’s new military-inspired nail color. Les Khakis de Chanel $25, at the Chanel boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

14 Hermès “So Black” Kelly Handbag.
Hermès has blacked out the hardware, the stitching and the iconic orange box to make a stunning limited-edition matte croc Kelly in a matching box. $9,350, at the Hermès boutique.

%26nbsp;

15 Donna is fabulous.
In one of the best collections of the season, Donna Karan shows she’s at the top of her game. Donna Karan Collection, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

16 Cat Eyes Have it.
Paul Smith Develay sunglasses $255, at Barneys New York, Insight. The Row by Linda Farrow sunglasses $325, at Barneys New York. Tom Ford Nikita shades $360, at Barneys New York, Forty Five Ten, Insight, Neiman Marcus.

%26nbsp;

17%26nbsp; Country-to-City Chic Boots.
We’re lusting after luxe lace-up boots. Diane von Furstenberg $395, at the Diane von Furstenberg boutique, Neiman Marcus, Scoop, Stanley Korshak, Tootsies. Cole Haan Hague boots $395, at the Cole Haan boutique. Fendi Fendishire boots $840 at Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. Reed Krakoff laced military boot $1,050, at reedkrakoff.com.

%26nbsp;

18 Jimmy Choo for Uggs.
Uggs are back — but only if they’re Jimmy’s, $495 to $795, at the Jimmy Choo boutique.

%26nbsp;

19 Craving Kara Ross Cuffs.%26nbsp;
Big cuff in sterling $1,955, at Neiman Marcus. New collection: Kara by Kara Ross honeycomb cuff with stingray $395, at Tootsies.

%26nbsp;

20 Animalistic Furs.
There’s nothing mink-y about these ferocious furs. Fendi Russian sable and goat-fur coat $52,700, at the Fendi boutique, Houston. Altuzarra coat $3,525, at Barneys New York. Chanel Fantasy fur boots, at the Chanel boutique, Neiman Marcus.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

21 Out of%26nbsp; Africa.%26nbsp;
This Louis Vuitton leather-embossed monogram Keepall 45, with a Monogram charm crafted in Africa, is a collaboration with U2 vocalist Bono and wife Ali Hewson, founders of Edun. Proceeds from the bag benefit Technoserve in Africa for the Conservation Cotton Initiative and related programs. $4,900, at Louis Vuitton.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

22%26nbsp; Slim Three-Piece Suit.
Ermenegildo Zegna Centennial Fabric No. 1 Collection three-piece suit, at Neiman Marcus. Ralph Lauren Purple Label pinstripe suit, price upon request, at the Ralph Lauren boutique.

%26nbsp;

23 Ralph’s So-Fine Jewelry.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;
Ralph Lauren Monogram pearl-and-diamond necklace, from his first fine jewelry collection. $145,900, exclusively at the Ralph Lauren boutique, New York.

%26nbsp;

24 Anything Reed Krakoff.
Reed Krakoff’s debut namesake collection is the pinnacle of workmanship. At the Reed Krakoff boutique, New York; reedkrakoff.com.%26nbsp;

Gotta Have It for Fall

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 06:29:17 GMT

%26nbsp;

1 Over-the-Top Boots.

Nude Valentino over-the-knee boot, at the Valentino boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

2 Sheep%26#8217;s Clothing.
Shearling is so chic. Rick Owens biker jacket $3,595, at net-a-porter.com. Burberry Prorsum shearling jacket $3,595, at the Burberry boutique. Jimmy Choo Taurus shearling boots $1,295, at the Jimmy Choo boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

3 Toggle Coat.
Salvatore Ferragamo toggle coat $3,000, at the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

4 Camel is the New Black.%26nbsp;
Giambattista Valli, Dolce %26amp; Gabbana, Stella McCartney and Gucci embraced camel this season. Giambattista Valli Mongolian fur jacket $3,665, and wool shirt $1,195, both at Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies. Dolce %26amp; Gabbana wool jacket $3,395, skirt $995, and bodysuit $1,095, all at Neiman Marcus. Stella McCartney wool dress $1,345, at Neiman Marcus. Gucci cashmere suede trench $5,590, turtleneck $1,210, and riding pants $650, all at the Gucci boutique.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

6 Lady Like Bag.%26nbsp;
Valentino crocodile bag $10,000, at the Valentino boutique. %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

7 Biker Jacket.
Roberto Cavalli biker jacket $4,735, to order at the Roberto Cavalli boutique, Dallas.

%26nbsp;

8 Ring of Fur.
Louis Vuitton Ava ring $490, at the Louis Vuitton boutique.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

9 Color-Punch Pelts.
Color us happy in bright furs. Versace sleeveless fur coat $5,950, at the Versace boutique. Giorgio Armani pumpkin fur jacket $8,495, at the Giorgio Armani boutique, Neiman Marcus. Peter Som Mongolian fur coat, price upon request, at Nordstrom.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

10 Aberlai Paris Shoes.
A new designer we love, Aberlai Paris Rattle stilettos $1,045, exclusively at Gregory%26#8217;s.

%26nbsp;

11 McQueen True Blues.
Persol celebrates Steve McQueen with a re-launch of the actor%26#8217;s favorite blue-lens sunglasses, the handmade P0 714, in a limited edition of 10,000. $360, exclusively at Sunglass Hut. %26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

13%26nbsp; Les Khakis De Chanel Nail Lacquer.%26nbsp;
An army of cool girls are wearing Chanel%26#8217;s new military-inspired nail color. Les Khakis de Chanel $25 each, at the Chanel boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue. %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

14 Herm%26#232;s %26#8220;So Black%26#8221; Kelly Handbag.

Herm%26#232;s has blacked out the hardware, the stitching and the iconic orange box to make a stunning limited-edition matte croc Kelly in a matching box. $9,350, at the Herm%26#232;s boutique.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

15 Donna is fabulous.
In one of the best collections of the season, Donna Karan shows she%26#8217;s at the top of her game. Donna Karan Collection, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

16 Cat Eyes Have it.
Paul Smith Develay sunglasses $255, at The Sunglass Shoppe, Eye Elegance. The Row by Linda Farrow sunglasses $325, at barneys.com. Tom Ford Nikita shades $360, at Joseph, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tootsies.

%26nbsp;

17 Country-to-City Chic Boots.
We%26#8217;re lusting after luxe lace-up boots. Diane von Furstenberg $395, at Neiman Marcus, Tootsies. Reed Krakoff laced military boot $1,050, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Cole Haan Hague boots $395, at the Cole Haan boutique. Fendi Fendishire boots $840, at the Fendi boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

18 Jimmy Choo for Uggs.
Uggs are back %26#8212; but only if they%26#8217;re Jimmy%26#8217;s, $495 to 795, at the Jimmy Choo boutique.

%26nbsp;

19 Craving Kara Ross Cuffs.%26nbsp;
Big cuff in sterling $1,955, at Neiman Marcus. New collection: Kara by Kara Ross honeycomb cuff with stingray $395, at Tootsies.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

20 Animalistic Furs.
There%26#8217;s nothing mink-y about these ferocious furs. Fendi Russian sable and goat-fur coat $52,700, at the Fendi boutique. Altuzarra coat $3,525, at net-a-porter.com. Chanel Fantasy fur boots, at the Chanel boutique, Neiman Marcus.

%26nbsp;

22 Slim Three-Piece Suit.
Ermenegildo Zegna Centennial Fabric No. 1 Collection three-piece suit, at the Ermenegildo Zegna boutique. Ralph Lauren Purple Label pinstripe suit, price upon request, at the Ralph Lauren boutique.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

23 Ralph%26#8217;s So-Fine Jewelry.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;
Ralph Lauren Monogram pearl-and-diamond necklace, from his first fine jewelry collection. $145,900, exclusively at the Ralph Lauren boutique, New York.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

24 Anything Reed Krakoff.

Reed Krakoff%26#8217;s debut namesake collection is the pinnacle of workmanship. Exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

%26nbsp;

Fashion Houston Presented by Audi

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 05:02:25 GMT

Where will you be Monday through Thursday, October 11 through 14? If you%26#8217;ve got a dash of verve, a modicum of wit and a whole lot of style, you%26#8217;ll be poised front and center at Fashion Houston Presented by Audi, the most talked-about assemblage of pr%26#234;t-a-porter collections and couture creations gathered from some very influential design minds. All showing for four fashion-packed days at the Wortham Center Grand Foyer. %26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

fashionhouston.net

%26nbsp;

Here%26#8217;s Where You Need to Be at Fashion Houston

All shows at the Wortham Center Grand Foyer %26nbsp; %26nbsp; %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Monday, October 11, 2010

%26nbsp;

5 pm Audi Pavilion opens its doors and is open until 11 pm.

%26nbsp;

7 pm:%26nbsp; Cesar Galindo. NY designer and Houston native Cesar Galindo toiled for such houses as TSE Cashmere, Dolce %26amp; Gabbana and Calvin Klein Women before collaborating with menswear designer Seth Cohen to launch his eponymous collection of cocktail frocks and eveningwear. Look for Galindo%26#8217;s Spring 2011 to float down the catwalk.

%26nbsp;

7:40 pm:%26nbsp; Lyn Devon. NY designer Lyn Devon%26#8217;s timeless, elegant women%26#8217;s collection is infused with her own bold perspective but inspired by icons such as Audrey Hepburn. Spring 2011 brings forth polished ladylike touches with a touch of playfulness interpreted through color-blocked stripes, dots, windowpane and camellia-covered tulle prints, blouses tucked into marching shorts and the trench re-imagined.

%26nbsp;

8:20 pm: Christian Siriano. Showing his Spring 2011 collection, NY designer Christian Siriano%26#8217;s roster of celebrity clients includes Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga, Pink and Houston%26#8217;s Kelly Rowland. He%26#8217;s an edgy, boldfaced name to keep your eyes on.

%26nbsp;

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

%26nbsp;

5 pm Audi Pavilion opens its doors and is open until 11 pm.

%26nbsp;

7 pm: David Peck %26amp; Elaine Turner. Taking to the stage with the launch of CrOp by David Peck (%26#8220;Creative Opportunities%26#8221;), this new collection is designed in collaboration with%26nbsp; creative professionals with social conscience. The premier collection is created with custom prints inspired by the photographs of artist Jaime Collier, interpreted in shoes and bags by Elaine Turner. A portion of profits benefit the Baylor International Pediatric AIDS initiative in Uganda.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

7:40pm: Lauren Bush. Houston girl turned model turned designer turned stylish philanthropist Lauren Bush %26#8212; creator of FEED Projects (and the eponymous burlap FEED bag) %26#8212; takes to the stage with her label Lauren Pierce and her Spring 2011 collection. This easy-wearing collection is made with environmentally friendly fabrics, handcrafted by artisans in developing countries, and benefits the UN World Food Programme to fight world hunger.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

8:20 pm: %26nbsp;Lela Rose. This Texas-born designer earned her stripes with stints assisting at Christian Francis Roth and Richard Tyler. Her namesake Spring 2011 collection focuses on glamorous, hand-finished dresses, skirts, coats and suits that exude a casual sense of luxury.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

9 pm:%26nbsp; Net-a-Porter. At the famed luxe London online retailer, exemplary customer service and impeccable packaging reign supreme. Net-a-Porter carries the collections of everyone from Balenciaga to Zac Posen and boasts a legion of loyal fans from Dubai to Paris to Houston, who log onto this editorially driven site for their regular fashion fix. Net-a-Porter brings a collection of their top names to the runway in Houston.

%26nbsp;

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

%26nbsp;

5 pm Audi Pavilion opens its doors and is open until 11 pm.

%26nbsp;

7 pm: Chloe Dao. Houstonian Chloe Dao walked away the winner of Project Runway season two. She is showing Spring 2011. 7:40pm: %26nbsp;Toni Whitaker. This Houston designer dresses some of the best-dressed women in town, in pieces inspired by everything from African textiles to a sense of old Hollywood glamour.

%26nbsp;

8:10 pm: Irina Shabayeva. The Russian-born designer pulls together a collection inspired by art, nature and fantasy. A former head designer at Adrienne Landau, she was a winner in the sixth season of Project Runway.

%26nbsp;

8:40 pm: Kiton. Fashion-forward Italian gentlemen%26#8217;s suiting collection.

%26nbsp;

9:10 pm: Marc Bouwer. Having worked alongside one of the icons of American fashion, Halston, NY designer Marc Bouwer is known for his masterful draping and is showing his Spring 2011 collection. %26nbsp; %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Thursday, October 14, 2010

%26nbsp;

5 pm Audi Pavilion opens its doors and is open until 11 pm.

%26nbsp;

7 pm: Emilio Pucci. Who would ever have guessed that when Emilio Pucci sent a mod ski outfit down the slopes for a Harper%26#8217;s Bazaar fashion spread in 1914, he%26#8217;d become an instant fashion phenom whose style would affect the course of fashion for the next 10 decades? Showing the Spring 2011 Pucci collection, Pucci%26#8217;s Laudomia Pucci, daughter of the late great Emilio Pucci and image director of Pucci, and the atelier%26#8217;s creative director, Peter Dundas, will make a personal appearance at Fashion Houston.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

7:40 pm: Lynn Wyatt Presentation. A runway showing of 12 of Miz Wyatt%26#8217;s favorite vintage haute couture pieces chosen from her own collection, with names such as Chanel, Valentino and Dior.

%26nbsp;

8:20 pm:%26nbsp; Tribute to Eileen Ford. The gala evening, %26#8220;Eileen Ford: Six Decades of Defining Beauty,%26#8221; is a multimedia and runway show of Famous Ford Faces, sponsored by Neiman Marcus.

%26nbsp;

Image: Photo by Dustin Mansyur

%26nbsp;

Tickets,%26nbsp; Going, Going%26#8230;%26nbsp;

What: It%26#8217;s been a year in the making; now it%26#8217;s the final countdown to the first annual Fashion Houston event. This four-day stylish romp of runway fashion, pop-up shops, icon tributes and after-parties is presented by Audi Houston. Put on the pretty and make tracks to the Wortham Center Monday through Thursday, October 11 through 14, where fashion takes center stage.

When: Monday %26#8211; Thursday, October 11 %26#8211; 14, 2010 Where: Shows are in the Wortham Center Grand Foyer. Pop-up retail shops are in the Audi Pavilion in Fish Plaza, adjacent to the Wortham. Audi Pavilion opens at 5 pm daily and closes at 11 pm. Must have tickets for entry to Audi Pavilion.

Tariff*

Best Seats (bar none!): $250

VIP Second Row: $175

VIP Third Row: $150

General Admission Rows 4 %26amp; 5: $100

General Admission Rows 6 %26amp; 7: $75

General Admission Row 8: $65

General Admission Rows 9 %26amp; 10: $55

Standing Room: $35

* Four-day ticket packages also available %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Get the Tix:%26nbsp;713.222.5400 www.fashionhouston.net

%26nbsp;

Backstage Beauty at the Laura Mercier Lounge in Audi Pavilion: When makeup artist Laura Mercier launched her eponymous brand, she made it her mission to create flawless foundations %26#8212; from lightweight to luminous, protective to perfecting %26#8212; to enhance every inch of a woman%26#8217;s God-given beauty. When the models walk the catwalk at Fashion Houston and you gasp at their glowing skin, with nary an imperfection in sight, you%26#8217;ll have Mercier, her Global Makeup Artist Jeffrey Tasker and his talented team to credit. To glean your own miraculous maquillage, make tracks to Laura Mercier%26#8217;s Flawless Space in the Audi Pavilion, a one-stop shop for all things beauty, and let the experts custom-design a look for you. Shop makeup trends at the online mobile store, where you%26#8217;ll receive comp shipping and a little swag to take home, too.%26nbsp; %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

(Pop-up %26#8226; Shop)

Definition: A temporary venue that, quite literally, pops up seemingly overnight only to disappear in a matter of days or weeks.%26nbsp; Popping up under the Audi Pavilion at Fish Plaza at the Wortham are curated mini shops by Coquette, More Than You Can Imagine and River Oaks Shopping Center. Galleria Houston%26#8217;s Pop-Up Style Closet invites you to play with a selection of luxury goods from the likes of Bottega Veneta. Have a fashion quandary? Drop in and run your Q%26#8217;s by some of the city%26#8217;s fashion editors and stylists. Shop the pop-ups before and after the shows. %26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Lynn Wyatt%26#8217;s Couture Catwalk

Every city has its fashion icon, and ours is Lynn Wyatt %26#8212; the perfectly manicured, immaculately coiffed, beautifully dressed doyenne of all things tasteful and fashionable. You could say that style is her birthright; as the daughter of Ann and Bernard Sakowitz (the latter, scion of the department store chain Sakowitz), Mrs. Oscar Wyatt grew up enmeshed in the glamorous world of fashion. She%26#8217;s been a couture client for decades and personally calls Valentino, Karl Lagerfeld, the late Bill Blass and Yves Saint Laurent chums. For Fashion Houston%26#8217;s launch, she welcomes us into her storied closet via a style show and Neiman Marcus exhibit, both showcasing her favorite haute couture creations. %26#8220;My golden oldies have held their value,%26#8221; she tells us while rifling through her wardrobe before the show. %26#8220;When one buys un-trendy, well-made clothes, one can rely on one%26#8217;s own closet to fulfill an entire wardrobe %26#8230; I%26#8217;ll occasionally buy something new to update and mix with something I already have and love.%26#8221; See her favorite couture pieces on the runway at Fashion Houston Thursday, October 14, 7:40 pm. %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Vrrrrroooom

Nothing is more stylish than hitting the road behind%26nbsp; the wheel of an Audi.

%26nbsp;

Audi A8: Those craving a sporty sedan will feel a bit like a superhero behind the wheel of the 2011 completely redesigned Audi A8. The A8 delivers performance and handling typically reserved for cars half its size. It all starts with the 4.2 FSI%26#174; V8 engine. Thanks to FSI%26#174; technology, the 4.2 is powerful, responsive and offers impressive fuel efficiency. After dark %26#8212; thanks to infrared imaging, the night-vision assistant %26#8212; you can detect a pedestrian beyond your natural line of vision more than 300 yards away. The A8 also remains the only car in its class with all of its lights powered by LED, the most efficient way to light the road. Turn on the music, and it%26#8217;s delivered via a Bose 14-speaker sound system.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Audi R8: The high-revving Audi R8%26#8217;s swank 5.2 liter FSI V10 engine is capable of propelling you from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Coupled with a lightweight aluminum design and advanced FSI technology, this delicate balance rewards with heightened performance, improved vehicle dynamics and power (read: lower fuel consumption). Creature comforts include rich nappa leather sport seats that cradle you in luxurious comfort, as well as a Bang %26amp; Olufsen sound system.

%26nbsp;

Audi Q5: Audi%26#8217;s answer to the SUV is the fashionable Q5, a cool car with pep and polish %26#8212; not to mention dual sun roofs and a power tailgate that opens with the tap of a button, its opening height determined and programmed by no one but you. That%26#8217;s Audi %26#8212; the only cars fashionable enough to drive Fashion Houston.

%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Images: Dolores Hawkins; Diane DeWitt; Carmen Dell%26#8217;Orefice

%26nbsp;

Model Mindset

What do famed femmes such as Carmen Dell%26#8217;Orefice, Diane DeWitt, Cheryl Tiegs and Dolores Hawkins Phelps have in common? Eileen Ford. They were all discovered by the pioneering fashion mogul, a woman credited with changing the modeling business worldwide; their lives were forever changed when they signed on the dotted line with Ford Models. Spot a cover girl in your midst? Don%26#8217;t be the least bit surprised %26#8212;%26nbsp;this is Fashion Houston, after all, and Ford%26#8217;s luminaries are flocking to town to celebrate the matriarch%26#8217;s 60 groundbreaking years as model maven and creator of Ford Models, at the Thursday, October 14, Tribute to Eileen Ford at 8:20 pm. %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Image: Eileen and Carmen Dell%26#8217;Orefice; Lynn with Sarah, The Duchess of York

%26nbsp;

Eileen + Lynn

Two fashion icons and friends, Eileen Ford and Lynn Wyatt, chat about their fondest fashion moments. %26nbsp; %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

What%26#8217;s the one piece of clothing, despite its age or wear, you%26#8217;d never part with?

EF: Everything I own! I%26#8217;ve kept it all.

LW: I%26#8217;ve got so many! But even though it stays in the drawer most of the time, I told my husband I want to be buried in this heavily encrusted YSL made-to-measure black jacket literally full of bugle beads, sequins and crystals, all hand-applied. It was designed when Yves Saint Laurent was alive, and I often wear it with tuxedo pants and a soft chiffon blouse. I also would never part with my original Halston double-ply cashmere capes. I have them in every color he made.

%26nbsp;

Image: Eileen in the %26#8216;50s; Lynn as a San Jacinto high school cheerleader

%26nbsp;

Your first fashion memory.

EF: My mother%26#8217;s crimson-lined pink crepe de chine morning gown and her high-heeled red slippers, which I borrowed at age 7 or 8, only to find out my mother was not a very generous lender.

LW: Going through my mother%26#8217;s jewelry drawers full of 1940s pieces. Then there is the memory of working as a teen in the junior department at Sakowitz. I learned how important it is to be courteous and attentive to the customer.

%26nbsp;

Your new designer crush whose pieces you can%26#8217;t get enough of?

EF: There%26#8217;s so much great new talent, it%26#8217;s too hard to choose.%26nbsp;

LW: A lot of Prabal Gurung.

%26nbsp;

The designers you%26nbsp; go back to season after season.

EF: Escada and Ralph Lauren.

LW: Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and%26nbsp; Emporio Armani.

%26nbsp;

Image: Eileen and the late Jerry Ford; Lynn, Sir Roger Moore and Lady Kristina Moore

%26nbsp;

Favorite runway collection%26nbsp; this season.

EF: Carolina Herrera %26#8212; simply divine!

LW: I haven%26#8217;t seen them all yet.

%26nbsp;

Your personal style icon?

EF: I can%26#8217;t say I have one.

LW: I%26#8217;ve never had one. I just dress to please myself.

%26nbsp;

Who%26#8217;s underfoot?%26nbsp;

EF: Belgian shoes.

LW: Christian Louboutin, YSL, Gucci, Chanel and Jimmy Choo. As you can see, I%26#8217;m rather fickle.

%26nbsp;

Image: Eileen with model to be; Lynn as a young swan

%26nbsp;

The woman who played your fashion mentor?

EF: Me, myself and I!

LW: Although I%26#8217;ve never had a fashion mentor, Mademoiselle Chanel personally brought me through my first made-to-measure experience. She showed me the intricacies of haute couture. I love how Karl has captured her spirit and made the house modern.

%26nbsp;

Tell us about the party dress you had the most fun in, and where you wore it.

EF: Doing the Stork Club show every night was the most fun %26#8230; [I wore] either Norman Norell or Bill Blass.

LW: I went to the Volpi Palace ball in Venice many years ago, and Emanuel Ungaro created a beautiful Scottish-plaid gown for me. It was a yellow, black and red strapless piece with a pleated bodice and a full skirt, complete with a train and coordinating shawl (which I happen to need on the gondola ride to the ball). It was a seated dinner, an affair that concluded with breakfast served at 4:30 am! Quite a night. %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Image: Irina Shabayeva

%26nbsp;

Front and Center

Front-Row Rules at Houston%26#8217;s%26nbsp; Brightest Fashion Moment

%26#8220;I am fabulous, I am fabulous, I am fabulous,%26#8221; you repeat from your Laura Mercier%26#8211;glossed lips, like a Buddhist chanting his mantra. When you%26#8217;re readying to attend a high-profile fashion event such as Fashion Houston, you need to psyche yourself up and out of the house before yet another outfit change ensues. Pull yourself together, and put on something simple. Black%26#8217;s always a safe choice, and vintage can be good.%26nbsp; Of course, you could be a tad more daring %26#8212; the operative word being %26#8220;tad,%26#8221; of course. Put away that Philip Treacy hat; this isn%26#8217;t Ascot. It%26#8217;s a fine line. But there%26#8217;s more to consider. For example, don%26#8217;t don an ensemble that%26#8217;s been photographed on everyone everywhere (fear of fears: being in a celebrity lineup in Us Weekly%26#8217;s %26#8220;Who Wore It Best?%26#8221; column).

%26nbsp;

Sitting on the front row? Then start with the shoes and work upward. They%26#8217;re your most important accessories, closely followed by the bag. One%26#8217;s shoes must be this season and to die for. Flats? Don%26#8217;t even contemplate them; comfort is not the point. Once you%26#8217;ve picked your Louboutins or Choos, then concentrate on the bag. This season, anything croc from Bottega Veneta will fit the bill nicely.

%26nbsp;

And speaking of the front row: If you%26#8217;re seated there, keep your legs uncrossed and stash the swag beneath your seat. If you%26#8217;re not seated on the front row (Horrors! Did you not buy a VIP package?), stealing and swapping spaces is a no-no. No row jumpers allowed. Why even risk the humiliation of being sent back from whence you came? Surely it%26#8217;s a shame akin to Dante%26#8217;s seven circles of fashion hell.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

And finally, while the models are forbidden to smile or express any emotion whatsoever, you can. Show us your pearly whites and spontaneously clap those manicured hands.

%26nbsp;

The 37th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball Benefitting the American Cancer Society

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 04:22:13 GMT

Saturday, October 9, 2010, at 7 pm

%26nbsp;

Big Tex Awaits: For more information or to purchase tickets to the 2010 Cattle Baron%26#8217;s Ball, dial 214.443.9222, click cattlebaronsball.com, or e-mail cattlebaronsball@sbcglobal.net.

%26nbsp;

Cowboy Cause

The American Cancer Society, in partnership with the Cattle Baron%26#8217;s Ball, has funded more than $40 million for cancer research projects at UT Southwestern Medical Center and University of North Texas Health Science Center. Supporters of the Cattle Baron%26#8217;s Ball will invest in the American Cancer Society%26#8217;s goal of developing more targeted therapies and new methods of preventing and detecting cancer. The American Cancer society has supported more than 20,000 grants, including funding 40 researchers who have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.

%26nbsp;

Raffle

%26nbsp;

Test your luck at this year%26#8217;s Cattle Baron%26#8217;s Ball with these must-have raffle items. Get your name in the drawing once for $25, or increase your odds with five tickets for $100. Will you be the luck of the draw the night of the ball? We sure hope so.

%26nbsp;

Rolex timepiece from Eiseman Jewels

Telling time has never been more glamorous, with $10,000 toward your choice of a Rolex timepiece from Eiseman Jewels%26#8217; newly expanded his and hers Rolex collections.

Donated by: Eiseman%26nbsp; Jewels, NorthPark Center

Value: $10,000

%26nbsp;

NorthPark Gold

Shop till you drop at NorthPark Center with $10,000 in NorthPark Gold plus a prize package brimming with gift certificates, special offers and items from NorthPark%26#8217;s more than 235 stores and restaurants.

Donated by: NorthPark Center

Value: $25,000

%26nbsp;

Porsche Boxster

Put the pedal to the metal in a 2011 Porsche Boxster from Park Place Porsche Dallas. The enviable roadster boasts lightweight construction, high performance and excellent sporting ability.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Park Place Porsche Dallas ($100 per ticket; six tickets for $500)

Value: $55,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Capella Pedregal Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Spend seven nights in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, at the Capella Pedregal Residences, where you will stay in a 4,000-square-foot villa. Two private pools, your own majordomo, treatments at the Auriga Spa and an afternoon aboard a luxury yacht await your arrival.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Capella Pedregal Resort%26nbsp;

Value: $18,000

%26nbsp;

Lucchese boots at Pinto Ranch

Strut your stuff in one-of-a-kind his and hers Lucchese Classics crocodile boots from Pinto Ranch. You%26#8217;ll select your handcrafted boots%26#8217; size, construction, and toe and heel details during a personal boot consultation.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Pinto Ranch and Lucchese%26nbsp;

Value: $24,000

%26nbsp;

Sunrise Village at Orchid Bay Estates, Dominican Republic

Hide away on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, where you will be accommodated at Sunrise Villa located in the beachfront Orchid Bay Estates. Luxurious amenities include stunning ocean views, pool, Ma%26#241;ana Bar, hot tub, concierge and in-house chef.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Sunrise Villa

Value: $12,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

The 2010 Cattle Baron%26#8217;s Ball Committee

Heather Weise-Alexander, Jenna Alexander, Brynn Bagot Allday, Kim Bannister, Kristi Bare, Anne Besser, Brenda Birenbaum, Katy Bock, Skye Brewer, Stacey Butler, Emily Losinger Canete, Rozalyn Colombo, Kelly Conway, Mary Caroline Corrigan, Cathy Corse, Holly Bock Deason, Melissa deLeon, Jennifer Dix, Maggie Dyer, Sarah Fay Egan, Angella Estess, Sue Fair, Meredith Ferrell, Megan Flanagan, Cate Ford, Cara French, Elizabeth Gambrell, Mary Gill, Carolyn Goelzer, Nancy Gopez, Kristin Gray, Ellen Harbison, Kimber Hartmann, Julie Hawes, Jill-Beth Hayes, Lynn Hendricks, Carol Holmes, Brooke Hortenstine, Kristi Sherrill Hoyl, D%26#8217;Ann Hughes, JJ Wynne Jackson, Teffy Jacobs, Kris Johnson, Kristen Johnston, Laura Jorgeson, Angie Kadesky, Cayce Kemp, Missy Kennedy, Claire Kinzy, Kathy Klingaman, Tracy Lange, Ashley Lyon, Jill Magnuson, Melissa Sherrill Martin, Teresa McEneny, Jodi McGary, Randi McParlin, Michelle Meadows, Judy Duke Miller, Lisa Moore, Daffan Nettle, Isabell Novakov, Lisa Ogle, Noelle Petty, Mary Martha Pickens, Layne Pitzer, Amy Prestidge, Kim Quinn, Hillary Reeder, Carol Robertson, Capera Ryan, Tammy Scarborough, Christie Scardino, Danielle Sealy, Jacquelin Sewell, Brooke Shelby, Melissa Sherrill Martin, Destin Shore, Amanda Shufeldt, D%26#8217;Andra Simmons, Courtney Slater, Paige Slates, Kendall Snadon, Ellen Snuffer, Sunie Solomon, Dawn Spalding, Cindy Stager, Jill Tananbaum, Jennifer Thomas, Leslie Toomay, Elizabeth Tripplehorn, Dolores Volkman, Jennifer Walters, Andrea Weber, Kameron Westcott, Alicia Wood, Merry Wyatt, Piper Wyatt, Tia Wynne. %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Cattle Baron%26#8217;s Ball 2010%26nbsp; Big Board Auction Items

%26nbsp;

On the Seaside

Georgia%26#8217;s The Cloister at Sea Island will be your home away from home as you spend five nights in a charming ocean-view suite for four.

Donated by: Virginia Schlegal%26nbsp;

Value: $8,500 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Reel It In

Book it to South Andros, Bahamas, for four days of bonefishing, luxury accommodations and scrumptious fare at Nervous Waters%26#8217; Bair%26#8217;s Lodge.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Nervous Waters

Value: $7,300 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Jet Setting

High bidders will become jet-setters when they score a year-long membership to Jet Linx Texas%26#8217; private jet service, which includes guaranteed access to 25 hours (the equivalent of $25,000) of private air travel on a Jet Linx light jet.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Jet Linx

Value: $25,000

%26nbsp;

Ski Week

Pack your parka and snowshoes as you spend six nights in a three-bedroom residence at the renowned Teton Club in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Bickel %26amp; Brewer Foundation%26nbsp;

Value: $9,800

%26nbsp;

Fur Fetish

Adorn yourself in a luxurious white mink capelet from Dennis Basso, the fur atelier known for his exquisite craftsmanship and fashionable designs.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Dennis Basso

Value: $7,500

%26nbsp;

Destination: Beaver Creek

Make a date with the mountains as you travel to Beaver Creek, Colorado, and stay in a stunning Bachelor Springs manse overlooking Eagle Valley.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Anonymous

Value: $8,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

You%26#8217;re Invited

Absolute Entertainment will help with your next party, providing custom lighting elements and the The Project band for music.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Absolute Entertainment

Value: $13,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Off to The Hamptons

Spend four nights in a magnificent six-acre estate in the heart of East Hampton. Perfect for five couples or two families, the home includes a pool and tennis court and is a short walk to Georgia Beach.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Bickel %26amp; Brewer Foundation

Value: $15,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Gemmed Up

Bask in beautiful baubles with this InterGem USA necklace, made of 18K yellow and white gold, with a cross swathed in diamonds weighing 1.5 carats.%26nbsp;

Donated by: InterGem USA

Value: $8,900 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Catering King

Wynnwood Catering %26amp; Special Events chef John Maas will wine and dine up to 125 partygoers when he crafts a custom menu for your next bash. Wynnwood will supply the cuisine, wait staff, bartenders, china, flatware and glassware and will create a custom cocktail to enhance the soir%26#233;e.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Wynnwood Catering %26amp; Special Events

Value: $15,000 %26nbsp; %26nbsp; %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Hot Wheels

Add a 1979 Rolls-Royce Shadow II to your collection of vintage wheels. In one-of-a-kind royal red, this Rolls-Royce only has 49,156 miles, was recently tuned up by car guru Allen Bramall and is said to run like a top. Appraisal is included.

Donated by: Ann %26amp; Hugh Corrigan

Value: Priceless%26nbsp; %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Bespoke Lighting

Destined to become an heirloom, this custom-designed chandelier from Potter Art Metal Studios will create dramatic ambiance in any room.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Potter Art Metal Studios

Value: $25,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Take A Seat

Perfect for luxe lounging, this Hancock %26amp; Moore wingback recliner from The Arrangement Western Interiors is made of hand-rubbed Italian leather and tricolor longhorn hide. Also included in the package is a handmade, mesquite wood saddle stand.%26nbsp;

Donated by: The Arrangement Western Interiors

Value: $10,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Lit-Up Landscape

Your lush landscape will look its best when Unique Lighting of Texas creates a new lighting design for your garden from high-output, energy-efficient LED lights.

Donated by: Unique Lighting of Texas

Value: $10,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Handbag Heaven

Jimmy Choo isn%26#8217;t just about stilettos, as four handbags from the beloved accessories designer will be coveted by all discerning style-setters.

Donated by: Jimmy Choo

Value: $6,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Pet Perfection

Two miniature donkeys from Hill Country Miniatures will prove the perfect addition to your family. Both are bred from champion bloodlines, and one is the brother of the Texas State Fair grand champion.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Hill Country Miniatures

Value: $8,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Trunk Show

This custom chest from William %26amp; Wesley Co. is upholstered in Italian cowhide and adorned with nickel nail heads.%26nbsp;

Donated by: William %26amp; Wesley Co.

Value: $9,800 %26nbsp; %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Draped in Diamonds

You%26#8217;ll sparkle in this gold-and-diamond necklace from L.A.%26#8211;based fine jewelry designer Liv Ballard.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Liv Ballard Fine Jewelry

Value: $10,780 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Bid Big for the Cattle Baron%26#8217;s%26nbsp; Live Auction 2010 Preview

%26nbsp;

Jamaican Jewel

Pi%26#241;a coladas await at a private Jamaican villa, where you and eight friends will spend six nights at Great River House. Your island retreat includes a personal butler, access to Round Hill Hotel %26amp; Villas%26#8217; beach and spa, and American Airlines flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica. %26nbsp;

Donated by: Carol %26amp; Ken Radtke, Kim %26amp; Nevin Bannister, American Airlines

Value: $20,500

%26nbsp;

A Girl%26#8217;s Best Friend

You%26#8217;ll be the belle of the Ball in these 18K white-gold and diamond earrings from the Diamond Doctor. The center, brilliant-cut diamonds total 2.05 carats and are surrounded by .36 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds. Appraisal is included.

Donated by: Diamond Doctor

Value: $26,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Ride %26#8216;Em Cowboy

You%26#8217;ll make heads turn when you drive by in a 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo from Park Place Porsche Dallas. The winner will also choose between a trip to Porsche Sport Driving School or an overseas adventure at the Porsche Factory and Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany. Air transportation and accommodations are included.

Donated by: Park Place Porsche

Value: $122,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Paint the Town

After winning artist Carrie Fell%26#8217;s painting entitled Guns and Rose, you and three guests will fly to Beaver Creek to attend a private dinner with Fell and spend seven nights in a condo near the ski slopes. The glam digs have quite the famous guest list that includes fashion designer Tom Ford and His Royal Highness Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia.

Donated by: Carrie Fell, Galerie Z%26#252;ger Dallas, Marlene %26amp; Richard Marks

Value: $30,500 %26nbsp; %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Cowboy Serenade%26nbsp;

A serenade by country music superstar Alan Jackson on the big stage at the 2010 Cattle Baron%26#8217;s Ball is the perfect way to honor someone special. To mark the once-in-a-lifetime occasion, you will also take home a guitar signed by the singer himself.

Donated by: Alan Jackson

Value: Priceless

%26nbsp;

What%26#8217;s Your Secret?

Be on the lookout for Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum when you and a guest attend The Victoria%26#8217;s Secret Fashion Show and after-party in November 2010. You will fly to New York City on American Airlines and stay in the Big Apple for two nights at the Omni Berkshire Place.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Victoria%26#8217;s Secret, American Airlines, Omni Berkshire Place, Premier Transportation

Value: Priceless %26nbsp; %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Puttin%26#8217; on The Ritz

Your ritzy escape for four begins at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, where you%26#8217;ll be treated with spa treatments and a seven-course tasting menu at Fearing%26#8217;s. The next morning, you%26#8217;ll hop an American Airlines flight to the Caribbean, where you will reside in a presidential suite at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Your four-night getaway includes dinner at a private beachfront cabana, sailing on the Lady Lynsey catamaran and sushi lessons.%26nbsp;

Donated by: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Fearing%26#8217;s, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, American Airlines

Value: $30,020

%26nbsp;

BBQ with the Boys

The Barbecue Boys will fire up the grill as they continue the more-than-20-year tradition of hosting a private barbecue party for 30 guests at your home. In addition to Texas-style fare from six renowned chefs, Collective Soul band member Ed Roland will play an acoustic set, and Kosta Browne Winery will provide drinks. %26nbsp;

Donated by: Richard Chamberlain of Chamberlain%26#8217;s Steak and Chop House and Chamberlain%26#8217;s Fish Market Grill; Kevin Garvin of Neiman Marcus; David F. Holben of Del Frisco%26#8217;s Double Eagle Steak House; Kent Rathbun of Abacus, Jasper%26#8217;s and Blue Plate Kitchen; Kevin Rathbun of Rathbun%26#8217;s, Kevin Rathbun Steak and Krog Bar; Jim Severson of Sevy%26#8217;s Grill; Ed Roland of Collective Soul; Kosta Browne Winery

Value: Priceless %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Oscar-Worthy Affair

You%26#8217;ll have the best Academy Award%26#8211;watching seats when you receive two invitations to Elton John%26#8217;s exclusive 19th Annual AIDS Foundation Academy Award%26#174; Viewing Party sponsored by Chopard on Sunday, February 27, 2011, and a new Chopard Happy Sport watch from Bachendorf%26#8217;s. The leading lady will receive $5,000 to Oscar de la Renta, and the leading man will select an Ermenegildo Zegna tuxedo from Pockets Menswear. The couple will fly first class to Los Angeles on American Airlines and stay two nights at The Langham Huntington hotel in Pasadena.%26nbsp; %26nbsp;

Donated by: Bachendorf%26#8217;s, Chopard, American Airlines, Langham Hotels International, Oscar de la Renta, Pockets Menswear, Premier Transportation

Value: Priceless

%26nbsp;

Off to Africa

Your nine-day Southern African safari starts with lioness hunting and accommodations at a five-star ranch in the Kalahari Desert before heading to Namibia, where you will stay at the Namushasha Country Lodge. Also included are trophy fees, hunting guides, trackers, drivers, skinners, preparation of trophies and delivery to a local taxidermist.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Cape to Cairo Safari%26nbsp;

Value: $15,000

%26nbsp;

Wine Time

Mo%26#235;t Hennessy USA invites you and a guest to fly on American Airlines to Santiago, Chile, where you will stay at The Aubrey hotel before heading to the Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta Winery for horseback riding, massages, vineyard tours, barrel sampling and more. Then you%26#8217;ll depart to Mendoza, Argentina, where you%26#8217;ll spend two nights at Terrazas de los Andes Winery for more vino-fueled activities.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Mo%26#235;t Hennessy USA, Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta Winery, Terrazas de los Andes Winery, The Aubrey, American Airlines

Value: $25,900

%26nbsp;

Fashionable Giving

Put your best foot forward with Blake Mycoskie, the founder and chief shoe giver of Toms Shoes, Inc. You and three friends will fly first class on American Airlines to Los Angeles, California, where you will meet Toms Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie, take a private tour of Toms in Venice and set sail on Mycoskie%26#8217;s private yacht. You will also meet jewelry designer Ashley Pittman for lunch at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills, where you will select two pieces from her philanthropic jewelry collection and receive a $1,000 Neiman Marcus gift card. You will stay at the W Los Angeles-Westwood and be treated to dinner for four at Craft Los Angeles. %26nbsp;

Donated by: Blake Mycoskie, Founder/CEO Toms Shoes; Ashley Pittman; Neiman Marcus; W Los Angeles-Westwood; Craft Los Angeles; American Airlines; and Premier Transportation

Value: Priceless %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Scotch and Scotland

Grab your bagpipes as you and three guests embark on a four-night vacay in Scotland. You%26#8217;ll begin your trip in Edinburgh before spending two nights at The Macallan%26#8217;s Easter Elchies House, where you will tour The Macallan distillery, take a driving tour of the River Spey and go fly-fishing on The Macallan%26#8217;s private boat. American Airlines flights and chauffeur service for four will be provided.

Donated by: Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, R%26#233;my Cointreau USA, Inc.

Value: $24,700 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Crowned Jewels

De Beers adorns you in an 18K white-gold Talisman Medallion dappled with polished, rough and rose-cut diamonds.%26nbsp;

Donated by: De Beers

Value: $20,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

High Rollers

You and nine friends will join Dallas Cowboys Bradie James, Marion Barber, DeMarcus Ware, Terence Newman and Jason Witten for a high-stakes poker game and steak-and-lobster dinner in a private room at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. The game will be fueled by Maker%26#8217;s Mark cocktails.%26nbsp; %26nbsp;

Donated by: Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Maker%26#8217;s Mark, Bradie James, Marion Barber, DeMarcus Ware, Terence Newman, Jason Witten

Value: Priceless %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Gone Country

Jack Ingram will play an intimate acoustic set for you and 300 of your closest friends during a country-music bash at one of Eddie Deen%26#8217;s legendary venues: Edison%26#8217;s, Eddie Deen%26#8217;s Ranch or Raleigh%26#8217;s in Arlington. Of course, there will be plenty of food and drink, including a buffet dinner and premium bar.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Eddie Deen, Jack Ingram

Value: $75,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Big Apple or Bust

Take a bite out of the Big Apple this Thanksgiving when you spend four nights in a 2,500-square-foot NYC apartment at 69th Street and 5th Avenue. You and three guests will also receive grandstand seats to the legendary Macy%26#8217;s Thanksgiving Day Parade. American Airlines will arrange flights for four to the big city.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Bickel %26amp; Brewer Foundation, Macy%26#8217;s, American Airlines

Value: Priceless %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Cinematic Charity

You%26#8217;ll warm the hearts of many when you donate a Starpower theater room for oncology patients at Medical City Children%26#8217;s Hospital. The high-performance media room will include two 32-inch flat-screen TVs, an Epson projector and screen, in-wall touch panel control, Blu-ray Disc%26#174; player, iPod dock, theater-quality speakers, gaming device, plush leather seating, flooring and installation, and programming of all equipment.

Donated by: Starpower, Epson

Value: Priceless %26nbsp; %26nbsp; %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Away to Aspen

Escape to Aspen during a seven-night stay at a private residence just steps from the Aspen Mountain Gondola %26#8212; the perfect place for a winter ski trip or summer getaway.%26nbsp;

Donated by: Anonymous

Value: $70,000 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Italian Luxury

You plus one will experience Italian luxury during a two-night stay at the Bulgari Hotel in Milan, Italy. You%26#8217;ll be pampered with spa treatments and receive a Sotirio Bulgari retrograde date automatic watch and a Sotirio Bulgari tote filled with Bulgari%26#8217;s Gem Essence skincare products.

Donated by: BVLGARI

Value: $14,500 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

2010 Cattle Baron%26#8217;s Ball Underwriters

%26nbsp;

Legendary Baron $75,000+

American Airlines Andrews Distributing Bank of America Digital 3 Printing/Greg Nieberding Dr Pepper Snapple Group Park Place Porsche Nancy C. %26amp; Richard R. Rogers Sewell Automotive Companies TracyLocke Texas Baron $50,000 Anonymous Bickel %26amp; Brewer Foundation Inwood National Bank Milagro Tequila and Stoli Vodka Palomino Capital/Stacey %26amp; Chuck Butler PaperCity %26#8220;Big Texas%26#8221; Baron $35,000 Anonymous AT%26amp;T BBVA Compass Choctaw Casino Resort EXCO Resources Sarah %26amp; Alan Losinger Patty Lowdon Del %26amp; Dennis McCarthy and Connie %26amp; Marc Sigel/elements Mary Kay Inc. MetroPCS Mo%26#235;t Hennessy USA The Moody Foundation Towers Watson PlainsCapital Bank Platinum Baron $25,000 Accenture Anonymous (2) Baylor Health Care System Brierley+Partners Carter Eye Center Choate USA Feld Entertainment/Brad Timberlake Kristi %26amp; Ron Hoyl Kathy Klingaman Kroger Food Stores LegacyTexas Bank Martha %26amp; Don Miller/Emily Wyly Omni Hotels Samsung Texas Oncology Diamond Baron $15,000 Dennis Basso Bell%26#8217;Invito Ciena Corporation Rozalyn %26amp; Robert Colombo Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians Inc. Barbara %26amp; Don Daseke Equinox Fitness Clubs Fischer %26amp; Company Fraser Yachts Nathan Grace Real Estate Jennifer %26amp; Richard Dix Tim Headington HRB Oil %26amp; Gas, LTD King Operating Corporation/Michelle %26amp; Jay Young McElvain Oil %26amp; Gas Properties, Inc. Dave Perry-Miller and Associates Sarah %26amp; Tom Page Amy %26amp; Corey Prestidge, Cate %26amp; Jeremy Ford and Jordan Ford Harold Simmons Foundation/Annette %26amp; Harold Simmons Stephanie Anne Designs True North Advisors/Alicia %26amp; Scott Wood and Christy %26amp; Mark Gelhbach U. S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management Jimmy %26amp; Carl Westcott, Kameron %26amp; Court Westcott and Chart Westcott Lauryn Gayle %26amp; Tom White Wynnwood Catering and Events Golden Baron $12,500 ACS, A Xerox Company America%26#8217;s Auto Auction, Inc. J. Baxter Brinkmann Charles B. Goddard Foundation of Texas Cowboys Stadium J.P. Morgan/The Deason Foundation Mary Martha %26amp; John Pickens Michaels Stores Inc. Neiman Marcus Evan Sachs US-Analytics Wolfgang Puck Catering Silver Baron $7,500 Anonymous ACE Group Advance Global Communications, Inc. A.L. Chilton Foundation Alpine Exploration Co%26#8217;s, Inc./Tim Washington American Cancer Society Dallas Metro Board Barclays Wealth Kim %26amp; Nevin Bannister, Laura %26amp; Larry Bannister, Nancy %26amp; Doug McMahon and Shanon %26amp; Craig Schwimmer Mary %26amp; John Baschab, Tracy %26amp; John Martin,Chris %26amp; Elaine Peterie, Susan %26amp; Jon Piot and Jennifer %26amp; Andy Thomas J. Kyle Bass/Hayman Capital Faye C. Briggs Melissa %26amp; Stephen Brooks/Grand Homes Cavender%26#8217;s Boot City Central Market Challenger, Gray %26amp; Christmas, Inc. Curtis Specialized Moving %26amp; Storage David Yurman Dresser, Inc. Eiseman Jewels NorthPark Center Encore Wire Corporation Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. Cindy %26amp; Charlie Feld and Lydia %26amp; Dan Novakov Megan %26amp; Brian Flanagan and Monti %26amp; Andy Konen Camille %26amp; Dave Fournier Cindy %26amp; Patrick Fox Fulbright %26amp; Jaworski L.L.P. Godwin Ronquillo PC Toni Goeringer Grapevine Golf Cars J. M. Haggar Jr. Family Foundation Harper House Hegi Family Foundation Highland Park Village Jones Day Steven Kerdoon KPMG Tracy %26amp; Ben Lange and Dee %26amp; Dodge Carter Locke Lord Bissell %26amp; Liddell LLP Roblyn %26amp; Kurt Mai Maker%26#8217;s Mark Medical City Dallas Hospital The David B. Miller Family Foundation Moore Disposal Vinette %26amp; Michael Montgomery Jayne %26amp; Louis Munoz Northstar Bank of Texas Laurel %26amp; Phillip P. Page and Kim %26amp; Terry Quinn Margot %26amp; Ross Perot Reddy Ice Regions/Morgan Keegan Renaissance Cast Stone/Melissa %26amp; Russ Rieman The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton/Grand Cayman Christie %26amp; Frank Scardino/Lockton Bonnie %26amp; Nathan Shea Dee %26amp; Glenn Simmons Foundation Sloan Wealth Management, LLC/Kelly %26amp; Casey Conway Tami Schneider Melissa Sherrill Martin %26amp; Ross Martin Anne %26amp; Steve Stodghill Blanche Mary Taxis Foundation Texas Health Resources Mike %26amp; Mary Terry Thompson %26amp; Knight Foundation David Tripplehorn-Cash TXU Energy Truluck%26#8217;s Seafood Steak and Crab House Julie %26amp; Jim Turner Unique Lighting of Texas UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center Tim Washington Whitley Penn LLP Piper %26amp; Mike Wyatt Wynne Sedan %26amp; Limousine Group Platinum Baron Couple $5,000 Austin Industries Avalon Advisors, LLC Cynthia %26amp; Mitchell Bell Craig Callewart Emily %26amp; Danny Canete Tonya %26amp; Ryan Carroll Deloitte Services Barbara Bemis Duke Kristin Gray Kristi %26amp; Ron Hoyl Milo %26amp; Jesse Kirk The Leonard Family Ellen %26amp; John McStay Suzanne %26amp; John Palmlund Carolyn %26amp; Karl Rathjen Tanya Roberts The Rosewood Corporation Sandra I. Soriero Stetson Investments/Chuck Anderson Stuart Hose and Pipe Company Mersina %26amp; Phin Stubbs Wal-Dot Foundation/Susan Schwartz Carl B. Webb Golden Baron Couple $2,500 Anonymous Nicole %26amp; Michael Addison Ruth %26amp; Ken Altshuler Benchmark Bank %26amp; Benchmark Title Services Mary %26amp; Robert Black Marsha %26amp; Troy Braswell Kristi %26amp; Jody Bare Robin %26amp; Jim Carreker CB Richard Ellis Claire %26amp; Dwight Emanuelson Dr. %26amp; Mrs. Phil Evans Dawson+Murray+Teague Communications Marsha Pendleton-Gray %26amp; Richard Gray Kimber %26amp; Michael Hartmann Hill %26amp; Wilkinson Catherine Howell Darci %26amp; Randy Iola Heidi %26amp; Russell Jacobe JLD Custom Homes Laurie %26amp; Mark Johansen Paula %26amp; Jeff Jones Olivia %26amp; Jeff Kearney/Kearney Wynn Law Firm Paige %26amp; David Lane Lincoln Property Company Jill %26amp; Brent Magnuson Dr. Richard %26amp; Marlene Marks POME Sandy, Dave %26amp; Courtney Petruska Katherine %26amp; Eric Reeves Regions Bank Randa %26amp; Doug Roach Karen L. Rogers Sunie %26amp; Steve Solomon Marianne %26amp; Roger Staubach St. James Investment Company Phyllis %26amp; Jim Stone Leisa Street Cynthia Thornton Will Travis Chris, Jess %26amp; CeCe Turner Annie Kahn Vaughan %26amp; Chris Vaughan Zebra Air, Inc. Media Partners GrandLuxe Modern Luxury MySweetCharity.com PaperCity Park Cities News People Newspapers WFAA Channel 8

The Duchess’ Many Moods

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:40:29 GMT

Classical. Experimental. And certainly going her own way. Inspired by the country life of Deborah Mitford Cavendish (aka the Duchess of Devonshire; learn all about her on page 33), our modern-day duchess performs her agrarian duties in silks and cashmeres, plaids and tartans. Remember, when you%26#8217;re heading to your duchy, it%26#8217;s ball gowns with wellies and cocktails in trench coats.

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Model Ediely Scapinello for Muse Models, New York. Hair Colin Yeo. Makeup Pascale Poma. Photo assistant Craig LaCourt. Fashion assistants Cameron Cooper and Abraham Lopez.

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Country Life (above): Carolina Herrera moir%26#233; faille gown and belt $3,290, at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, %26nbsp;Saks Fifth Avenue.%26nbsp; J. Crew tweed jacket%26nbsp; at the J. Crew boutique. Iradj Moini earrings at Tootsies.

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Brit Wit (below): Burberry London cap-sleeve silk/cotton-blend dress $695, at the Burberry boutique. J.Crew Islington plaid poncho $1,195, to order through the J.Crew boutique. Hunter wellies by Hunter %26amp; Jimmy Choo $425, at the Jimmy Choo boutique.

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Click on "launch slideshow," above, to see more fashion.

The Duchess’ Many Moods

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:38:33 GMT

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Model Ediely Scapinello for Muse Models, New York. Hair Colin Yeo. Makeup Pascale Poma. Photo assistant Craig LaCourt. Fashion assistants Cameron Cooper and Abraham Lopez.

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Country Life (above): Carolina Herrera moir%26#233; faille gown and belt $3,290, at the Carolina Herrera boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Stanley Korshak. J.Crew tweed jacket, at the J.Crew boutique. Iradj Moini earrings, at Tootsies. %26nbsp;

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Brit Wit (below): Burberry London cap-sleeve silk/ cotton-blend dress $695, at the Burberry boutique. J.Crew Islington plaid poncho $1,195, to order through the J.Crew boutique. Diane von Furstenberg Shiloh hat $285, to order at the Diane von Furstenberg boutique. Hunter wellies by Hunter %26amp; Jimmy Choo $425, at the Jimmy Choo boutique.

Click on "launch slideshow," above, to see more fashion.%26nbsp;

Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are!

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:58:15 GMT

For the second annual Fashion%26#8217;s Night Out, on Friday September 10, every depot du jour is upping the ante with all sorts of exciting offerings. It%26#8217;s going to be a nonstop night that%26#8217;s sure to be oh-so-haute. Herein is your guide of where to be. So, throw on a Sartorialist-worthy ensemble, and get ready for take two.

St.John Boutique at the Galleria
Stop at the boutique and discover essential St. John items for fall from 5 to 8 pm. After absorbing what%26#8217;s hot and what%26#8217;s not, enjoy cocktails and hors d%26#8217;oeuvres. And any lass who spends over a thousand dollars on the smart knits the brand is known for will receive an exclusive St. John lipstick pouch and compact mirror!
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Neiman Marcus at The Galleria
From 6 to 8:30 pm, this PaperCity-sponsored fashion fete (cohosted by Neiman Marcus and Colton + Farb Gallery) delights with spa treatments, a %26#8220;lash - lounge,%26#8221; cocktails and custom cupkcakes at the oh-so-chic department store. In store too: Fall%26#8217;s hottest looks (chosen by Neiman%26#8217;s fashion director Ken Downing), will grace a catwalk.

Saks Fifth Avenue at the Galleria
Rock Out and Make Up from 6 - 9pm is sure to amp you up with all the acumen necessary to become a rousing rocker. Restaurants at CITYCENTRE will offer a sampler of cuisine, while Houston artists display their work. (An added bonus for those shopping the night away with Mastercard in hand: an exclusive Fashion%26#8217;s Night out rock %26#8217;n%26#8217; roll playlist.)

Billy Reid at the Galleria
Like any true Southern brand, Billy Reid will welcome the masses with live music and libations from 6 to 11 pm. The night will also mark the appearance of Levis Workwear by Billy Reid on racks in the store.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

The Galleria
The supersized shopping complex will stage fashion shows every hour, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, on the ice rink. Each show will feature a different style. To add to the fun, enjoy bites from surrounding restaurants and live entertainment after the shows.%26nbsp;

Peel Gallery
The opening of a new fashion-focused exhibit at %26#252;ber-cool Peel Gallery certainly caught our eye: Libby Black%26#8217;s %26#8220;If Nothing Else Matters,%26#8221; on view through October 16th. Black%26#8217;s captivating paintings, drawings and sculptures meticulously portray luxury brand goods. The intersection of fashion and art makes us wonder: Is Art%26#8217;s Night Out in the works? (441 Montrose Blvd.; peelgallery.com)%26nbsp;

One Wild Day

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:11:43 GMT

Taxidermy animals wearing sweaters? Clouds of hairspray? Very good shoes? Just another day at a PaperCity fashion shoot. Editor Rob Brinkley turns in his visual diary...

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Click on "launch slideshow," above.

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To see our full fashion feature, click here.

Remembering Ann Sakowitz

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:55:00 GMT

When Ann Baum Sakowitz passed away in January at the remarkable age of 96 %26#189; years, she had lived an extraordinary life filled with golden opportunities, glamour and much love and affection. Once courted by Hollywood, Ann was more than just a pretty face. She valued most her roles as mother, wife and confidante at the side of her husband, Bernard Sakowitz %26#8212; president and CEO of the storied Texas-based department stores Sakowitz.

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The couple met while Ann was a student at Rice University. She first encountered the patrician Wharton grad, Bernard, when he spied her at a party in Houston. Although seven years her senior, Bernard approached the sparkling blonde and asked her on a date for the following Friday night. According to her son, Robert Sakowitz, %26#8220;She looked at him and said, %26#8216;You must be kidding, that%26#8217;s next week. I%26#8217;m already booked up.%26#8217;%26#8221; Back in the day, the social swell always had a full dance card. Her son recalls, %26#8220;[She] had an electric personality. When she walked into the room you knew she was there.%26#8221; Her curt answer neither deterred nor intimidated Bernard. The popular bachelor promptly responded, %26#8220;I don%26#8217;t give anyone more than a week%26#8217;s notice.%26#8221; A few weeks later, they ran into one another again. He gave a little, she gave a little, and somewhere in the middle they met, fell in love, married and had two children. Their union would last 48 memorable years. %26#8220;Lover,%26#8221; as Ann affectionately called her husband, came to fully rely on his wife%26#8217;s advice and intuition. %26#8220;She was one of those people you could go to and talk to about what was going on in your life,%26#8221; says Robert. %26#8220;She was a very good judge of character. Dad would never hire anyone without passing it by her first.%26#8221;

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Her daughter, Lynn Sakowitz Wyatt, agrees, %26#8220;She was a strong, confident woman. She voiced her opinion no matter what. She%26#8217;d disagree with Daddy, and that was fine %26#8230; They set a brilliant example of togetherness. But they weren%26#8217;t afraid to argue or disagree with one another either.%26#8221; Robert adds, %26#8220;She was one of those extraordinary women who could tell you with such charm, %26#8216;You%26#8217;re full of it.%26#8217;%26#8221;

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Like so many adoring mothers, Ann kept albums full of photos of her children and later grandchildren. End tables and the walls of her home were scattered with framed photographs. %26#8220;What I liked,%26#8221; says Wyatt, %26#8220;is that she realized the faults of her children. She%26#8217;d always say, %26#8216;Just because they%26#8217;re my children doesn%26#8217;t mean I think they%26#8217;re perfect%26#8217; %26#8230; Yet she was always there for my brother and me. If we had some problem, she%26#8217;d talk with us about it and build up our confidence.%26#8221;

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Shortly after the birth of their first child, the Sakowitzes moved from their Sunset residence to 3533 MacGregor Drive in Riverside, a fashionable part of Houston where the couple commissioned Joe Finger %26#8212; the architect responsible for Houston%26#8217;s Art Deco%26#8211;styled City Hall %26#8212; to design a nearly 10,000-square-foot Southern white colonial on six acres. It was here that Ann blossomed into the role of family matriarch. She planted a victory garden to grow fruits and vegetables during the war and erected a pigeon house filled with all sorts of fowl. Robert says, %26#8220;My favorite picture of her is her holding a basket of produce, wearing a worn straw crop hat, her shirt stained with perspiration and a big smile across her face.%26#8221;

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The MacGregor house, with its ample staff, was perfect for entertaining. The colorful couple often played host to a cast of intriguing personalities, from visiting designers whose labels filled the Tony Sakowitz stores to Hollywood royalty such as Louis B. Mayer and Kirk Douglas and musical and cultural icons including Tommy Dorsey and Martha Graham. In 1965, the couple moved to a glamorous 5,000-square-foot penthouse in an octagonal high-rise at 5050 Woodway %26#8212; after a headline-making third break-in at the MacGregor house.

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As the number of Sakowitz stores expanded across the Southwest, Ann assisted with buying in the gift department. %26#8220;She%26#8217;d go on buying trips with Daddy,%26#8221; remembers Wyatt. But in 1981, Ann was suddenly left a widow when Bernard succumbed to a massive stroke. Ann carried on brilliantly for almost three decades longer. When others tried to play matchmaker, she%26#8217;d reply, %26#8220;Frankly, I%26#8217;ve had the best, and I%26#8217;m not looking for any other man but a handyman.%26#8221;

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During those subsequent years, her circle of intimates widened. She enjoyed the company of both contemporaries and new friends who were decades younger. As Ann grew older and suffered chronic back pain, her daughter marveled at how her mother always looked younger and prettier than all the others. %26#8220;One of her favorite mottos was: %26#8216;It could always be worse,%26#8217;%26#8221; says Wyatt.

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This down-to-earth woman %26#8212; who loved Russian classic music, collected stamps, wore her favorite Fracas fragrance everyday and voraciously read four to five books a week %26#8212; left an indelible mark on all she met, touching their lives with her thoughtfulness, sage advice and legendary firecracker spirit.%26nbsp;

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For more pictures and details, click on 'launch slideshow' above.

A Fantastical Yarn

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:20:11 GMT

Inspired by the ethereal work of artist Elaine Bradford %26#8212; crafty little coverings for taxidermy, which Bradford crochets by hand, then stitches on section by section, sometimes altering her woodland creatures to have illogically long necks or gangly, dangly feet %26#8212; our girl weaves and knits and crafts and spins a deliciously twisted tale about marvelous mohair, nubby knits and woven wonders.%26nbsp;

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By a String (above): Carolina Herrera striped mohair embroidered sleeveless sheath $4,390, at the Carolina Herrera boutique, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Stanley Korshak. Christian Louboutin Guerriere boots $1,495, at the Christian Louboutin boutique (opening mid-month), Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue. Sydney Evans large pav%26#233; plate on Spetuite beads bracelet $3,170, feather on lotus seed beads bracelet $1,610, both at Ylang 23. Emily Armenta large coral and rosary bead bracelet with diamond spacers $1,545, at Neiman Marcus, Ylang 23. Polyurethane-coated Louis I chair by SixInch, Belgium, at Positive Space. "Sweatered Duck," 2010, taxidermy duck, crocheted yarn.

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Knit Kit (below): Versace knit dress with metallic detail $4,675, and leather boots with buckle detail $1,795, both at the Versace boutique, Barneys New York, Nordstrom, Stanley Korshak. Proenza Schouler bag at Barneys New York. Ippolita Rock Candy Crazy 8%26#8217;s earrings $1,095, at Forty Five Ten, Neiman Marcus. "Longcat (Lynx metamorpha) Cub," 2009, taxidermy bobcat, crocheted yarn, mixed media. "Sweatered Duck," 2010, taxidermy duck, crocheted yarn.

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Click on "launch slideshow," above, to see more fashion.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

A Fantastical Yarn

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:12:57 GMT

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By a String (above): Carolina Herrera striped mohair embroidered sleeveless sheath $4,390, at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue. Christian Louboutin Guerriere boots $1,495, at Joseph, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue. Sydney Evans bracelet $3,170, feather on lotus seed beads bracelet $1,610, both at ylang23.com. Emily Armenta large coral and rosary bead bracelet $1,545, at Judith Ann Jewels, Neiman Marcus. Polyurethane-coated Louis I chair by SixInch, Belgium, at positivespacestore.com. "Sweatered Duck," 2010, taxidermy duck, crocheted yarn.

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Knit Kit (below): Versace knit dress with metallic detail $4,675, and leather boots with buckle detail $1,795, both at the Versace boutique. Proenza Schouler PS1 bag. Ippolita Rock Candy Crazy 8%26#8217;s earrings $1,095, at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Zadok Jewelers. "Longcat (Lynx metamorpha) Cub," 2009, taxidermy bobcat, crocheted yarn, mixed media. "Sweatered Duck," 2010, taxidermy duck, crocheted yarn.

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Click on "launch slideshow," above, to see more fashion.%26nbsp;

Coming Down the Runway: Fashion Houston

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:07:12 GMT

Fashion Houston, presented by Audi, premieres Thursday through Sunday, October 11 through 14, in Houston at the Wortham Theater Center. A year in the making, the roster of designers and runway shows was still growing at press time but promises to be impressive. Houston%26#8217;s social doyenne Lynn Wyatt will show a collection of her favorite haute couture gowns at the Worth Theater Center, then it will move to Neiman Marcus. The Wortham Center venue will host runway shows and pop-up shops from local retailers, the Galleria will set up Stylist Closets in the tents, Laura Mercier will take over the VIP lounge, and the final event will honor legendary model-maven Eileen Ford, co-founder of Ford Models, who will appear. The gala evening, %26#8220;Eileen Ford: Six Decades of Defining Beauty,%26#8221; will be a multimedia and runway show of famous Ford faces, sponsored by Neiman Marcus. Legendary model Carmen Dell%26#8216;Orefice will also make an appearance. The powers behind this fashion feat %26#8212; Jared Lang (director of Houston Audi dealerships), Neal Hamil (a former EVP at Ford Models and former president of Elite Models in NY) and Page Parkes promise a fashion-packed four-day lineup. Get your tickets now before the coveted front row fills up. Watch for the complete schedule and behind-the-scenes information in a special Fashion Houston insert in the October issue of PaperCity. Runway show schedule and tickets, fashionhouston.net.

Image above by Dustin Mansyur; image below: Carmen Dell%26#8217;Orefice

Look Out: Shipley %26 Halmos are Coming to Town!

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 05:26:39 GMT

The designing guys behind Shipley %26amp; Halmos are going on tour to find some quintessential customers and muses for an upcoming book. The duo has teamed up with Barneys CO-OP to kick-off their %26#8220;Fill In The Blank%26#8221; tour with stops all over the country including one in Houston on August 18th. Along with meeting the designers customers will get the chance to have their photos taken in a photo booth. Be sure to pop in Barneys on the 18th between 5:00 - 7:00 to enjoy the festivities.

Plus a Purse

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:40:02 GMT

Putting together an outfit isn%26#8217;t as simple as it looks. Of course one dresses first, but the real glamour in the outfit comes, perhaps, from the accessories you style it with. Bags can be one of the cheapest %26#8212; or expensive %26#8212; items that you have in your closet. Real or fake, can anyone even tell the difference? Regardless, a purse is the one necessity that you are allowed to wear as many times a week as you like, still looking fabulous without ever having to worry about washing it!
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The Making of Our (Terribly Old School) August Cover

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:33:01 GMT

How did we take our "modern-day preppies" from concept to reality? With a lot of technical expertise, patience, photographic artistry, laughter and coffee. (Lots of coffee.) Click on "launch slideshow," above right, to see how our August cover came together...

Back to Boarding School

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:21:16 GMT

Daddy and Mummy are helping you pack their ancient Rover full of your L.L. Bean duffel bags and Granddad%26#8217;s old steamer trunk from his Deerfield days. Yes, it%26#8217;s time for the annual trek east to boarding school. Oh? You graduated eons ago? Well, whether you matriculated at Ethel Walker or Andover (or want to look like you were), here%26#8217;s everything you need to sport that rarefied style in whatever ivy-covered halls you call home.

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Surely you remember The Official Preppy Handbook, the 1980s mega-seller that was required reading for the private-school set? Oh, that%26#8217;s right %26#8230; you weren%26#8217;t born in the %26#8217;80s. Catch up with the sequel, True Prep (Knopf, September 2010, $19.95), penned by the preppy original author herself, Lisa Birnbach, with Chip Kidd. They%26#8217;ve rewritten the annals of prepdom,21st-century style.

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Whether you%26#8217;re wearing a pleated skirt or flat-front khakis and a blazer every day, when there%26#8217;s a chill in the air it%26#8217;s time to pull out The North Face fleece jackets. We%26#8217;re partial to the TKA 100 Glacier quarter-zip fleece. $50, at Nordstrom, REI, The Sports Authority, Sun %26amp; Ski Sports, Urban Outfitters, Whole Earth Provision Co.;%26nbsp; thenorthface.com.

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Back when your parents met at Choate Rosemary Hall, no one got through a slushy New England spring without hideous (yet somehow cool) rubber-soled, heather-topped Bean boots. Now Hunter Wellie boots are de rigueur prep-school attire. Hunter%26#8217;s Carnaby Boa boots in black give Muffy a fashionable edge. $225, at Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak; hunter-boot.com.

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Talk about old school. These Tretorn Nylite women%26#8217;s sneakers haven%26#8217;t changed a stitch in decades. Land%26#8217;s End Canvashas now revived the first luxury sports shoe ever made. $55, at landsend.com/canvas.

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L.L. Bean is making the classics a little more modern in its new catalog/Web site, L.L. Bean Signature. Our fave: his Saltwash pullover made of every prep%26#8217;s favorite: 100 percent cotton %26#8212; salt-washed for maximum comfort, no less. $59, at llbeansignature.com.

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Nothing whispers trust fund like a classic Cartier Tank with alligator strap ($7,850, at Cartier). On days when you want to downplay it, though, switch to a Toy Watch (from $195, at Saks Fifth Avenue; toywatchusa.com), and no one will know how much you%26#8217;ve banked. Isn%26#8217;t that really the point?

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Jack Spade channels the sailing vibe with this navy awning-stripe messenger bag ($195), with room for your iPad. At jackspade.com.

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Talk about taking it personally. The Queen of Cashmere weaves your initials boldly onto the sleeve of these crewneck sweaters made of soft Scottish cashmere. The fetching diamond-shaped monogram sets you apart from the machine-monogrammed crowd. $625, by special order at saksfifthavenue.com.

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Since you%26#8217;ve hauled Tide to do your own laundry, don%26#8217;t chance it with Hamilton%26#8217;s custom shirts. Pack your weekend duffel with a few classic long-sleeve navy gingham shirts made with Italian double-ply fabric. The prewashed, spread-collar button-downs even have a retro slot for your pen on the chest pocket. $185 each, at Barneys New York, Pockets Menswear, Stanley Korshak; hamilton1883.com.

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Rhonda Byrne (who wrote the New Age book The Secret that your stepmother is always quoting) would encourage you to envision yourself walking through the ivy-covered square of Harvard Yard. Maybe wearing crimson %26#8220;Veritas%26#8221; emblazoned on the Harvard tie around your neck will assure you%26#8217;ll get there, too. Vineyard Vines ivy ties $75 each, at vineyardvines.com.

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Provider of your uniform Sperry Top-Sider Chukkas (replacing Bean%26#8217;s Blucher Mocs), J.Crew custom-colors their unisex version, natch ($125). They%26#8217;ve also secured Belstaff%26#8217;s Roadmaster jacket in waxed cotton ($695). This British fave is the very definition of rugged cool. At J.Crew; jcrew.com.

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Remember those drafty dorm rooms at Exeter? Keep the chill at bay with L.L. Bean%26#8217;s striped-ticking flannel sheets. Flat or fitted $25 each, at llbean.com.

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While mother wore Pappagallo, our generation sports politically correct, unisex espadrilles by Toms Shoes%26nbsp; %26#8212; the charity brand that donates shoes to a child in need with every pair purchased. From $44, at Cotton Island, Nordstrom, Stanley Korshak; toms.com.

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Dressing down on the weekends? Nothing beats a classic. Levi%26#8217;s are the jeans for guys who aren%26#8217;t trying too hard. (Not to mention, the savvy girls who raid the boy%26#8217;s department and sport his.) At levis.com.

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When the houseparent calls %26#8220;Lights out,%26#8221; dress down in Claridge + King%26#8217;s cool menswear-inspired pajama pants and boxer sets made with cozy cotton shirting. Not like you%26#8217;re trying or anything %26#8230; $62 each, at claridgeandking.com.

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Don%26#8217;t head off to Avon Old Farms or Madeira without your trusty rain gear. Hadleigh%26#8217;s bespoke umbrella takes it up a notch. Select the fabric, leather handle and dimensions of your custom parapluie, and engrave that little silver plate at its base with your initials. At Hadleigh%26#8217;s, 214.770.4743; hadleighsbespoke.com.

Back to Boarding School

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:19:55 GMT

%26nbsp;

Whether you%26#8217;re wearing a pleated skirt or flat-front khakis and a blazer every day, when there%26#8217;s a chill in the air, it%26#8217;s time to pull out The North Face fleece jackets. We%26#8217;re partial to the TKA 100 Glacier quarter-zip fleece. $50, at Gander Mountain, Nordstrom, The Sports Authority, Sun %26amp; Ski Sports, REI, Urban Outfitters, Whole Earth Provision Co.; thenorthface.com.

%26nbsp;

Back when your parents met at Choate Rosemary Hall, no one got through a slushy New England spring without hideous (yet somehow cool) rubber-soled, heather-topped Bean boots. Now Hunter Wellies are de rigueur prep-school attire. Hunter%26#8217;s Carnaby Boa boots in black give Emma a fashionable edge. $225, at Neiman Marcus; hunter-boot.com.

%26nbsp;

Talk about old school. These Tretorn Nylite women%26#8217;s sneakers haven%26#8217;t changed a stitch in decades. Land%26#8217;s End Canvas has now revived the first luxury sports shoe ever made. $55, at landsend.com/canvas.

%26nbsp;

Jack Spade channels the sailing vibe with this navy awning-stripe messenger bag ($195), with room for your iPad. At jackspade.com.

%26nbsp;

Dressing down on the weekends? Nothing beats a classic. Levi%26#8217;s %26#8212; especially 501s %26#8212; are the jeans for guys who aren%26#8217;t trying too hard. (Not to mention, the savvy girls who raid the boy%26#8217;s department and sport his.) At 310 Rosemont; levis.com.

While mother wore Pappagallo, our generation sports politically correct, unisex espadrilles by Toms Shoes%26nbsp; %26#8212; the charity brand that donates shoes to a child in need with every pair purchased. From $44, at Loop %26#8212; A Shoe %26amp; Accessory Boutique, Nordstrom%26#8217;s, The Source Board Shop; toms.com.

%26nbsp;

Remember those drafty dorm rooms at Exeter? Keep the chill at bay with L.L. Bean%26#8217;s striped-ticking flannel sheets. Flat or fitted $25 each, at llbean.com.

%26nbsp;

Old School 101

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:06:50 GMT

Lobster thermidor
Nantucket lightship basket purses
Bermuda bags
Skotch Koolers
The Printery Fair Isle cardigans
Argyle, madras, plaid, pastels
Chipped beef, crab cakes, beef stroganoff, King Ranch chicken
Pepperidge Farm Chessmen
Skippy, Triscuits, Underwood Duke%26#8217;s Mayonnaise
Embroidered whales on anything
Monogrammed everything
Choate Rosemary Hall, The Hotchkiss School, Phillips Exeter Academy
The Hockaday School, Meadowbrook School, Wesley Prep, The Da Vinci School
Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Columbia, Brown
L.L., Ralph, Lilly
Goyard
Lakeside Drive
Stubbs %26amp; Wootton
Hadleigh%26#8217;s Bespoke Lifestyle
Dooney %26amp; Bourke
Steve and Eydie
Vineyard Vines
Brook Hollow Golf Club, Dallas Country Club, The Montaigne Club
Dallas Woman%26#8217;s Club
Tretorns, Weejuns, Top-Siders
Greenwich, Nantucket, Martha%26#8217;s Vineyard
Pearls
Sailing
Gatoring
Dunston%26#8217;s back room on Monday nights
Lacrosse, rugby, squash
Floral chintz
Needlepoint
The Junior League
C.Z., Babe, Jackie
F. Scott, Truman, Sargent
The two Slims
Sister Parish
Lester LaninBay rum
Eau Sauvage
Nantucket Reds
Jack Rogers Navajos
Bernardo Miamis
Barbara Hutton, Gloria Vanderbilt, Brenda FrazieR
Idlewild debs
Mystic, Waldemar, Longhorn
Black Point Beach
Point O%26#8217; Woods
The North Shore
Gant
Lacoste
Muffy, Buffy, Bitsy, Topsy
Skip, Chip, Kip, Trip
The Hampton Classic
La Plates melamine plates, monogrammed
J. Press
The Strand Book Store
The Official Preppy Handbook
Love Story, The Great Gatsby, The Graduate
Range Rovers, Land Cruisers, Grand Wagoneers
Volvo 240s
Any Mercedes-Benz, pre-1990
Pink
Green

Old School 101

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:05:02 GMT

Embrace your inner Thurston and Lovey. Live the list.

Lobster thermidor at Christie%26#8217;s Steakhouse
Nantucket lightship basket purses
Bermuda bags
Skotch Koolers
The Printery Fair Isle cardigans
Argyle, madras, plaid, pastels
Chipped beef, crab cakes, beef stroganoff, King Ranch chicken
Pepperidge Farm Chessmen
Skippy, Triscuits, Underwood Duke%26#8217;s Mayonnaise
Embroidered whales on anything
Monogrammed everything
Choate Rosemary Hall, The Hotchkiss School, Phillips Exeter Academy
Pooh Corner, St. John%26#8217;s, Kinkaid, The Fay School, River Oaks Baptist School, Episcopal High School
Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Columbia, Brown
L.L., Ralph, Lilly
Goyard
Stubbs %26amp; Wootton
Dooney %26amp; Bourke
Steve and Eydie
Vineyard Vines
Bayou Club, Houston Country Club, River Oaks Country Club, The Forest Club, The Briar Club
Tretorns, Weejuns, Top-Siders
Greenwich, Nantucket, Martha%26#8217;s Vineyard
Pearls
Sailing
Gatoring
Lacrosse, rugby, squash
Floral chintz
Needlepoint
The Junior League
C.Z., Babe, JackieF. Scott, Truman, Sargent
The two Slims
Sister Parish
Lester Lanin
Bay rum
Eau Sauvage
Nantucket Reds
Jack Rogers Navajos
Bernardo Miamis
Barbara Hutton, Gloria Vanderbilt, Brenda Frazier
Assembly, Bolero debs
Mystic, Waldemar, Longhorn
Black Point Beach
Point O%26#8217; Woods
Texas Corinthian Yacht Club, Houston Yacht Club
The North Shore
Gant
Lacoste
Muffy, Buffy, Bitsy, Topsy
Skip, Chip, Kip, Trip
The Hampton Classic
La Plates melamine plates, monogrammed
J. Press
The Strand Book Store
The Official Preppy Handbook
Love Story, The Great Gatsby, The Graduate
Range Rovers, Land Cruisers, Grand Wagoneers
Volvo 240s
Any Mercedes-Benz, pre-1990
Pink
Green

The Houston Club

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:54:29 GMT

It doesn%26#8217;t get more old school than The Houston Club. Founded in 1894, this all-boys club served as the gathering spot for the men who molded the city, from Jesse H. Jones to John Henry Kirby, William Marsh Rice, J.S. Cullinan, W.S. Farish, W.W. Fondren, Will and Mike Hogg, Ben Taub, Hugh Roy Cullen, Mayor Oscar Holcombe, Judge James A. Elkins, George Brown, M.D. Anderson, Judge Roy Hofheinz, General Maurice Hirsh, Gus Wortham, Eddy Scurlock and President George H.W. Bush, who was once club director. It may sound like we%26#8217;re reeling off street and building names, but these long-standing members, former and present, make up the oldest private membership club in Texas. And it hasn%26#8217;t changed dramatically in the past 125 years. (Except for the %26#8220;all boys%26#8221; part; those of the female persuasion were allowed into its ranks in, ahem, 1982.)

%26nbsp;

Images: The 1894 Room, circa 1970s; Barber Shop, circa 1950s %26#8211; 1960s

%26nbsp;

As it was at the turn of the last century, the HC %26#8212; modeled after a traditional British gentlemen%26#8217;s club %26#8212; remains a social and business enclave where you can meet for a drink, head-huddle on the dilemmas of the day, wheel and deal in well-appointed meeting rooms, and get a shoeshine, a haircut and a nice rye whiskey, too. Founded with just nine members, today its membership has swelled to more than 1,000, with a phalanx of powerful women club-goers. Junior members 39 and under are a growing membership who join to hear lecturers, mingle at cocktail soir%26#233;es, attend Black Tie Boxing in the Texas Room and rub ranks with the powerful.

%26nbsp;

Image: The Ed Sullivan Band%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Perched on floors eight to 10 in the Houston Club Building at 811 Rusk that was built by Jesse Jones, the HC has a rotary-dial phone in the tiny telephone nook in its 1894 Bar, although the club does have wireless access. In 1955, artist David Adickes created the mural of Houston circa 1893 that still graces the wall of the Rusk Room, a clubby meeting area where the thick walls allow confidential conversations to go no further. The Barber Shop on the eighth floor opened in the %26#8217;50s, and little has changed. The same might be said of the health club on the eighth floor, where a vintage belt massage machine (you know, the sort that shakes your hips around as you do nothing but stand still) keeps company next to newer equipment and free weights.

%26nbsp;

Images: Mimosa Room, 1957; Pete Landry at a Club 17 dance in the Men%26#8217;s Grill, 1956%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Meet at noon for lunch in the Bush Room, and you%26#8217;ll find it filled with boldfaced notables who might be mentioned in the business pages more than the social ones. This mise en sc%26#232;ne includes polite, suited waiters and wonderful, old-school country club food on a groaning buffet, such as prime rib, seafood gumbo, fried chicken and the famous bread pudding served since the %26#8217;20s %26#8212; all of which will convince you that the vibe is the same your dad, grand-dad, perhaps even great-grand dad might have enjoyed. One of the last great bastions of Houston business society, The Houston Club is, thankfully, still a powerhouse.

%26nbsp;

All images courtesy of "The Houston Club and Its City: One Hundred Years" by Dorothy Knox Howe Houghton, 1994

Indian Summer

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:29:54 GMT

The quintessential %26#8212; and original %26#8212; American dwelling, the teepee, is a sublime guest room, party hut or dinner den. Be brave.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Turquoise eternity earrings, $68, at %26#192; Bient%26#244;t. Image: Jenny Antill

%26nbsp;

Chanel

%26nbsp;

Herm%26#232;s Pointe Madras silk scarf, $410, at Herm%26#232;s

%26nbsp;

1970s Cher Half Breed album, $9, at itunes.com

%26nbsp;

Tee Pee Motel in Wharton, Texas; double $67, teepeemotel.net

%26nbsp;

Multicolored tourmaline limited-edition necklace, price upon request, at David Yurman

%26nbsp;

J Hill%26#8217;s Hideouts, 2008, price upon request, through jhillprojects@gmail.com

%26nbsp;

1940s sterling-silver, coral and turquoise necklace, signed Dominguez, $1,950, at Past Era Antique Jewelry. Image: Jenny Antill

%26nbsp;

Wool reproduction of an early 20th-century Navajo original, $70 per square foot, at Carol Piper Rugs

%26nbsp;

John Galliano Homme

%26nbsp;

Polo Ralph Lauren

%26nbsp;

Pim Ormrod silver bracelet, $300, through silverbypim.com

%26nbsp;

Dunton Hot Springs in Dolores, Colorado; teepee summer occupancy only, price upon request, duntonhotsprings.com

%26nbsp;

Wigwam Village #6, along Historic Route 66, Holbrook, Arizona; single $52, double $58, 928.524.3048

%26nbsp;

Charles Russell%26#8217;s Indian Hunters%26#8217; Return, 1900, in %26#8220;The Masterworks of Charles M. Russell: A Retrospective of Paintings and Sculpture,%26#8221; at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, through August 29. Courtesy of Montana Historical Society, Helena, Mackay Collection

%26nbsp;

Camp Bosworth%26#8217;s Corralejo sculpture, 2007, $500 at Koelsch Gallery

%26nbsp;

Water-repellent and mildew-resistant teepee, $2,200, at Design Within Reach

%26nbsp;

Order a custom teepee like Bruce Weber%26#8217;s (shown here at his ranch) from White Buffalo Lodges, adult tents from $1,195 (poles included), whitebuffalolodges.com. Image: %26#169; Bruce Weber, "Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People"

%26nbsp;

White sapphire feather earrings by Slink, $3,300, at Sloan/Hall

%26nbsp;

1970S Navajo turquoise and sterling-silver ketoh cuff, $1,680, at Abejas

%26nbsp;

Wooden stool with brass nail-head trim, $1,150, at Carl Moore Antiques

Houston's Fashion Moment(s)

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:53:57 GMT

As Audi Fashion Houston shapes up its five-day run October 11 through 15 at the Wortham Center, event producer Neal Hamil (former VP of Ford Models and former president of Elite Models in NY) is at the helm, along with Audi%26#8217;s Jared Lang, bringing a roster of national fashion names to Houston: shows by Doucette Duvall, Marc Bouwer, Lauren Bush with her Lauren Pierce and FEED collections, and Cesar Galindo, as well as Houston%26#8217;s fashion houses Toni Whitaker, David Peck and Chloe Dao, with more names to come %26#8212; and many of the October 12 shows benefitting Houston Community College fashion program scholarships.

Highlights:

%26#8226; Lynn Wyatt has chosen %26#8220;a dozen or so%26#8221; of her favorite haute couture gowns to be shown at the Wortham, then they will travel to the windows at Neiman Marcus.

%26#8226; On Wednesday, October 13, Saks Fifth Avenue hosts a men%26#8217;s show with Kiton CEO Antonio Paone, where Brazil%26#8217;s male model export and Madonna%26#8217;s boy toy, Jesus Luz, will walk in the Kiton show, benefitting Legacy Community Services.

%26#8226; On Thursday, October 14, Eileen Ford (Ford Models) is honored for her contribution to beauty and fashion in %26#8220;Eileen Ford: Six Decades of Defining Beauty,%26#8221; sponsored by Neiman Marcus, at the Wortham, with a multimedia and live runway show of famous Ford faces and an appearance by Ms. Ford herself, benefitting Dress for Success.

For schedules and tickets, go to fashionhouston.net.

%26nbsp;

Images: Lynn Wyatt; photo by Jenny Antill. Honoree Eileen Ford with husband Jerry. Marc Bouwer.

There’s a WASP in the Library

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:32:50 GMT

In no particular order, here%26#8217;s our private library of books and DVDs dealing with WASPs, mayonnaise, British wit, Clubs, The Family, monograms, Triscuits %26#8230;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Books

%26nbsp;

Living Well is the Best Revenge by Calvin Tomkins

The Two Mrs. Grenvilles and A Season in Purgatory, both by Dominick Dunne

Blood and Money by Thomas Thompson

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Tea and Sympathy by Robert Anderson

Poolside with Slim Aarons, A Place in the Sun and Once Upon a Time, all by Slim Aarons

740 Park: The Story of the World%26#8217;s Richest Apartment Building by Michael Gross

Philistines at the Hedgerow: Passion and Property in the Hamptons by Steven Gaines

Social Crimes by Jane Stanton Hitchcock

The Importance of Being Kennedy by Laurie Graham

Losing Mum and Pup: A Memoir by Christopher Buckley

Capote: A Biography by Gerald Clarke

Truman Capote by George Plimpton

Wry Martinis by Christopher Buckley

This Side of Paradise, The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night, all by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Genuine Authentic: The Real Life of Ralph Lauren by Michael Gross

Family Fortunes by Louis Auchincloss

Everybody Was So Young: Gerald and Sara Murphy: A Lost Generation by Amanda Vaill

Happy Times by Brendan Gill and Jerome Zerbe

Happy Times by Lee Radziwell

Answered Prayers by Truman Capote

Edie: American Girl by Jean Stein and George Plimpton

The Way We Lived Then by Dominick Dunne

Oh The Glory of It All by Sean Wilsey

Cheerful Money: Me, My Family, and the Last Days of Wasp Splendor by Ted Friend

True Prep: It%26#8217;s a Whole New Old World by Lisa Birnbach and Chip Kidd, available September

Take Ivy by Shosoke Ishizu, et al., available August 31

Class: A Guide Through the American Class System by Paul Fussell

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

The Official Preppy Handbook, edited by Lisa Birnbach%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

A Bit of British

%26nbsp;

Chatsworth: the House, Round and About Chatsworth and Counting My Chickens %26#8230;: and Other Home Thoughts, all by the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, n%26#233;e Deborah Mitford

Anything by P.G. Wodehouse

E. F. Benson%26#8217;s Mapp %26amp; Lucia books

A Much Married Man by Nicholas Coleridge

Hons %26amp; Rebes by Jessica Mitford

The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate, both by Nancy Mitford

The Glass of Fashion by Cecil Beaton

All the Cecil Beaton diaries

Mr. Classic by Jeremy Hackett

%26nbsp;

DVDs

%26nbsp;

Reversal of Fortune

Trading Places

The Ice Storm

The War of the Roses

The Graduate

Ordinary People (WASP-a-palooza!)

Dead Poets Society

The Talented Mr. Ripley

The Philadelphia Story

Sabrina (the 1995 remake)

Grey Gardens

Barcelona

All Nick and Nora movies

Annie Hall (Woody Allen)

Interiors (Woody Allen)

On Golden Pond

Metropolitan

%26nbsp;

Blogs

%26nbsp;

Wasp101.blogspot.com

Tickledpinkandgreen.com

Summerisaverb.blogspot.com

Pinkwashingtoniette.blogspot.com

Peakofchic.com

Inside the Shoe Closets of Lynn McBee and Anne Stodghill

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:17:43 GMT

Hundreds of Stiletto Strut supporters will slip on a pair of heels and march around Neiman Marcus Downtown on Thursday, April 29, all to benefit the American Heart Association. We peeked inside strut co-chairs Lynn McBee and Anne Stodghill's enviable shoe wardrobes and discovered two very different chaussure collections. McBee's wardrobe is classic elegance %26#8212; well-loved riding boots, medium-heel Manolos, and ever a nod to vintage. Risk-taking sums up Stodghill, who stocks her closet with bright colors, unusual designers and dozens of custom-made Chuck Taylors.%26#160;%26#160; %26#160;

%26#160;

Tell us about the shoes in your portrait.

Lynn McBee:%26#160;Yellow suede Christian Louboutins. I wore these to a fun luncheon where Paulina Porizkova was the speaker.

Anne Stodghill:%26#160;Sequined high tops that were purchased at Harrod's in London. I wear them to all Dallas Mavericks playoff games for good luck. During the 2006 NBA Finals, I was so superstitious that I wore them every day. %26#160;%26#160;

%26#160;

Fondest shoe memory?

LM:%26#160;I was beyond happy when I got my first pair of YoYos back in the '80s.

AS: My husband often takes me to New York for Valentine's weekend. This year, he noticed a really great pair of shoes on a girl at The Four Seasons' bar. When I went to Bergdorf Goodman the next day, those shoes were the first pair that I saw%26#8230;mirror mosaic pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti for Thakoon. I feel like I'm channeling an '80s glam rockstar. %26#160;%26#160;

%26#160;

If you could raid one Dallasite's shoe closet whose would it be?

LM: My friend Mersina Stubbs has wonderful shoes %26#8212; lots of classics, some trendy and many elegant.

AS: Stacey McCord. She is the most elegant person I know. %26#160;%26#160;

%26#160;

If you were a pair of shoes, what would you be?

LM: That's easy. I would be a Saucony running shoe %26#8212; always comfortable.

AS:%26#160;I'm a pointy-toed stiletto. They are sassy, fun and powerful.

%26#160;

Your most memorable shoe purchase?

LM:%26#160;It would be a tie between my 1980s riding boots and YoYos!

AS:%26#160;I once had a boss who gave me 'shoe bonuses' for winning cases. With one such 'bonus' I purchased a pair of Claudio Merazzi high-heel sandals in Monte Carlo that have multi-colored feather tassels on them. They are so outrageous%26#8230; %26#160;%26#160;

%26#160;

Which shoes will you be wearing to this year's Stiletto Strut?

LM: To be determined%26#8230;

AS:%26#160;The Fortitia high-heel sandal by Christian Louboutin. It has patent leather straps with a dramatic ruffle of black silk with black lace. %26#160;%26#160;

%26#160;

Favorite pair of shoes?

LM:%26#160;Black suede Manolo Blahnik boots. I love them and have worn them to death. Deno's has resoled them at least twice. They have carried me many great places.

AS:%26#160;Purple satin platform sandals by Brian Atwood that were given to me by a friend for my 40th birthday. They are atrociously high and ridiculously comfortable. Every time I wear them I am reminded of my birthday party.

%26#160;

Most unusual shoe in your closet?

LM: A Prada round-toe pump, with lime green heel, pink lizard toe and bamboo-like fabric in all other parts.

AS: A pair of Bruno Frisoni patent leather stiletto pumps that have grommets around them. What makes them unusual is the pink teddy bear head that snaps on to the shoe over any two of the grommets. I call them my Bad Teddy shoes because he runs around the shoes at various angles and has been known to disappear at parties.

%26#160;

Anything surprising inside your shoe closet?

LM:%26#160;No. I'm very organized to lots of shoe boxes and shoe bags all lined up neatly.

AS: The bright colors and utter lack of practicality.

%26#160;

Where do you get your heels fixed?

LM:%26#160;Deno's in Highland Park Village %26#8212; they work miracles!

AS:%26#160;Cobblestone at Mockingbird and Central.

She's With the Band

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:39:38 GMT

This month, the rock %26#8217;n%26#8217; roll biopic The Runaways opens, based on Joan Jett%26#8217;s groundbreaking all-girl %26#8217;70s rock band. We%26#8217;re obsessed with the classic beauty of lead singer Cherie Currie, played by Dakota Fanning in the movie, kicked up with raw rock style. Ch...ch...ch...ch...cherry bomb!

Photography Gray Scott. Styling Cameron Cooper. Fashion Editor Kate Allen Stukenberg. Hair Anthony Campbell for Atelier Management, New York. Makeup Quinn Murphy. Model Alina for Code Model Management, New York. Photo Assistant Craig LaCourt. Fashion Assistant Abraham Lopez.

Amped Up (above): Versace embroidered dress, price upon request, and shoes, both at the Versace boutique. Bangles Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz, Rachel Leigh. Earrings and ring Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz. Hairbands Rachel Leigh.

Star Power (below): Gucci viscose cr%26#234;pe strapped gown with harness $4,700, at the Gucci boutique. Star resin bracelet by Noir, other bracelets Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz and Giles %26amp; Bros. Earrings Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz.

Jewelry availability: Atelier Minyon at Neiman Marcus, atelierminyon.com. Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz at ben-amun.com. Rachel Leigh at %26#192; Bient%26#244;t. Giles %26amp; Bros. at Neiman Marcus. Noir at noirjewelry.com. Miriam Salat at Neiman Marcus.

%26nbsp;

Click on "launch slideshow," above, to see more fashion.

A Perfect Ten Years at Forty Five Ten

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:15:03 GMT

Seems like yesterday when the twin Venini glass chandeliers were hung, Gwyneth stopped in, and Marc Jacobs handbags lined the shelves. Ten years have passed since the venerable Forty Five Ten opened its elegant wood-and-glass doors fronting McKinney Avenue, which only boutique regulars know to push instead of pull. Just like the entrance doors, owners Brian Bolke and Shelly Musselman know how to surprise their customers and keep them guessing %26#8212; with ingeniously edited labels curated and merchandized like works of art. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this fashion and home mecca, PaperCity asked 10 Forty Five Ten aficionados to effuse on why they love %26#8212; or what they love from %26#8212; our anniversary girl. Click on the slide show to see their answers.

%26nbsp;

Forty Five Ten's Anniversary Editions
Ten designers have created exclusive anniversary items that are for sale at Forty Five Ten during the month of April. The proceeds from these editions benefit amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art by way of Two x Two %26#8212;%26nbsp;a fitting way for the designers to laud owners Brian Bolke and Shelly Musselman for faithfully carrying their wares.%26nbsp;

ONE Forty Five Ten turquoise alligator clutch from Proenza Schouler, $7,985.
ONE nickel-plated champagne bucket from Dallas iron artisan Jan Barboglio, in partnership with Dom P%26#233;rignon, $1,995.
FOUR signature chiffon Nanda tops in nude with black embroidery from Koi, $630 each.
FOUR sets of ten Project [Red] candles from Diptyque, $695 each.
FIVE necklaces of chain on tulle from Doo.Ri, featured on the Spring 2010 runway, $645 each.
FIVE unique evil-eye bracelets with geodes from Kimberly McDonald, $995 to $9,995.
TEN dip-dyed cotton short-sleeve shirts from Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders,%26nbsp; $250 each.
TEN patterned scarves from Yigal Azrouel, $350 each.
TEN pairs of shoes from Narciso Rodriguez, featured on his Spring 2010 runway (available only at Forty Five Ten), $795 each.
TEN pieces from the Artisanal %26#8220;Haute Couture%26#8221; archive by Maison Martin Margiela, available by special order, pricing upon request.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp; %26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

She's With the Band

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:25:49 GMT

Jewelry availability: Atelier Minyon at Neiman Marcus, atelierminyon.com. Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz at ben-amun.com. Rachel Leigh at L%26#8217;Image, W Hotels. Giles %26amp; Bros. at Intermix. Noir at noirjewelry.com. Miriam Salat at Neiman Marcus.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Click on "launch slideshow," above, to see more fashion.

Beyond the Pyramids

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:21:35 GMT

Photography Gray Scott. Styling Cameron Cooper. Hair Ryan Cotton for Jed Root, New York. Makeup Quinn Murphy. Model Garima Parnami for Muse Models, New York. Photo assistant Craig LaCourt. Fashion assistant Abraham Lopez.

%26nbsp;

Style Mirage

Fendi tulle-and-silk evening dress $4,550, and shoes $690, both at Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus. Necklace Kenneth Jay Lane. Snake cuff bracelet and wood bangle bracelet Atelier Minyon. Earrings Rachel Leigh. Ring Kenneth Jay Lane.

Jewelry availability: Atelier Minyon at Neiman Marcus, atelierminyon.com. Rachel Leigh at L%26#8217;Image, W Hotels. Giles %26amp; Brother at Intermix. Elizabeth Locke at Neiman Marcus, William Noble Fine Jewels. Sally Sohn at Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak. Kenneth Jay Lane at Neiman Marcus. Yossi Harari at Stanley Korshak. Lee Angel at Neiman Marcus. Miriam Salat at Neiman Marcus.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

For more fashion images, click on 'launch slideshow' above.

Beyond the Pyramids

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:09:05 GMT

Fendi tulle-and-silk evening dress $4,550, and shoes $690, both at the Fendi boutique, Neiman Marcus. Fendi shoes $690, at the Fendi boutique. Necklace Kenneth Jay Lane. Snake cuff bracelet and wood bangle bracelet Atelier Minyon. Earrings Rachel Leigh. Ring Kenneth Jay Lane.

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Jewelry availability: Atelier Minyon at Neiman Marcus, atelierminyon.com. Rachel Leigh at %26#192; Bient%26#244;t. Giles %26amp; Brother at Neiman Marcus. Elizabeth Locke at Neiman Marcus. Sally Sohn at Neiman Marcus. Kenneth Jay Lane at %26#192; Bient%26#244;t, Tootsies. Yossi Harari at Judith Ann Jewels. Lee Angel at Neiman Marcus. Miriam Salat at Neiman Marcus.

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For more fashion images, click on 'launch slideshow' above.

Inside the Head of Annise Parker

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:45:49 GMT

She served Houston for more than 11 years on the city council, then as Houston%26#8217;s controller. Now Annise Parker makes history as she steps into the biggest job in local politics. But our new mayor is more than a humble civil servant and devoted mother of two adopted children. This Montrose resident, who has a passion for restoring historical properties (such as the one she resides in), also takes in orphan orchids and nurses prickly cacti, reads voraciously and has a fondness for the great outdoors %26#8212; especially desert climes. Laurann Claridge sits down with Miz Parker to learn what lies on the other side of that calm, cool and collected persona.%26nbsp;

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Credit: Jenny Antill

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What's on your nightstand?
These are the two things I%26#8217;m reading right now, a little bit at a time. Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading by Ronald Heifetz and Martin Linsky (to help me focus on my duties at the mayor%26#8217;s office) and Touch: Pressing Against the Wounds of a Broken World by Pastor Rudy Rasmus. He%26#8217;s the pastor of St. John%26#8217;s Church downtown. Personally, I%26#8217;m a science fiction reader. The last great book I read was by Elizabeth Moon, who is another Rice University grad. It was a series of short stories. I%26#8217;m drawn to work like that, where I don%26#8217;t have to follow a plot line.

Reading is fundamental:
We%26#8217;re bibliophiles. Both of us (partner Kathy Hubbard and I) have serious book addictions. We have books all over the house and bookcases everywhere filled with all different kinds of books. We%26#8217;re omnivorous readers.

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Credit: Jenny Antill%26nbsp;

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Restaurants you haunt?
For comfort food, it%26#8217;s Niko Niko%26#8217;s, Rivas and Sorrento Ristorante for a white-tablecloth experience. I love Spanish Flower for Mexican food, and I%26#8217;m a big Goode Co. Barbeque fan. And Frenchy%26#8217;s fried chicken %26#8212; I%26#8217;ll drive across town for it!

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Image: Lafayette 148 at Tootsies

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Describe your style.

I am very tailored. Because of the needs of the campaign and the office, I had to invest in expanding my wardrobe. I sat down with the staff of Tootsies. I%26#8217;m hard to fit, so we worked with a good tailor. I don%26#8217;t wear skirts very much, mostly pants. I went to a couple of trunk shows at Tootsies and picked out separates to create several complete outfits. I gravitate to Lafayette 148.

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Shopping weakness?

I%26#8217;ve always been a consignment and resale shopper. You can find wonderful things and bring them to your tailor. The Blue Bird Circle Resale Shop is within walking distance of my house.

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Image: Tumi

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Fashion versus style:

I am not particularly fashion conscious. I%26#8217;m very picky about my clothes, but I don%26#8217;t follow fashion. I try to dress appropriately for the occasion. I don%26#8217;t carry a purse; I haven%26#8217;t in years. I carry a briefcase. And I do not wear high heels. I%26#8217;m into comfortable shoes.

What room do you spend the most time in?
My living room. We%26#8217;ve been in the house two years, so it%26#8217;s still a work in process, but that%26#8217;s where we go to curl up and read on the couch.

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What do you amass?
I%26#8217;m something of a collector. This is where the nerd comes out. I have a collection of adding machines and Comptometers. I probably have about 15 of them. I also have a collection of turtles. Ceramic turtles, figurines of all sorts %26#8230; I probably have 50 to 60.

Do friends bring you turtles?
It started when I was in high school, so it%26#8217;s been going on for years. When you go to Rice, you tend to accumulate owls, but I%26#8217;ve gradually given away all my owls and been given turtles.

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Image: Dominic Walsh in "Sleeping Beauty"; Credit: Amitava Sarkar, Photography InSight

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Dance fan?
We used to have season tickets to the Houston Ballet before I was elected to public office. Now we go as my schedule allows. Our favorite performing art is dance. We absolutely love it all, from Dominic Walsh and Sandra Organ to Dance Salad and Stanton Welch with the Houston Ballet.

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Image: Big Bend

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Ideal getaway?
My favorite place in the world is Big Bend %26#8230; I like to hike, I like to camp, I have all the backpacking gear. Unfortunately, for the last 20 years I%26#8217;ve been sharing my life with someone who believes camping is staying at a Holiday Inn.

Play time?
If I had the time, I would spend it exploring more artistic endeavors. I do read and write a lot of poetry. I like craft and have taken art-welding classes. I%26#8217;d like to do more of that.

Image: Jenny Antill

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What's on your iPod?
I have pretty eclectic tastes in music. I like folk and Celtic music, new age stuff to mellow out and a lot of country western. I%26#8217;m a huge Patsy Cline fan. I have a lot of Willie Nelson, too. Even old pop like Kris Kristofferson and Neil Diamond.

What single word best describes you?
Centered. I know my own mind. I know who I am, and I know generally where I want to go.

Do you seek spirutal guidance or something outside yourself to keep you in that realm?
I have to have quiet time.

What subject would you like to learn more about?

The problem for me is that I%26#8217;m the ultimate generalist. I will spend hours researching the care and feeding of orchids and then do that for a while. The same with cactus. I catalog them all, too, detailing how long they lived, what color their blooms are. The adding machines %26#8230;%26nbsp;It%26#8217;s not that I just want to collect addingmachines. [I want to] take them apart to see how they work.

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Green thumb?
I have orchids here at work, because they require more attention, but I%26#8217;ve been a member of the Houston Cactus %26amp; Succulent Society for 25 years or so. I have a container garden full of them. The orchids come to work, and the cactus stays home.

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Do you collect art?

Not particularly. I was on the board of the Contemporary Arts Museum for two terms. I collect what I like %26#8212; not as a collector, per se. I think art should be about something you want to look at. I prefer very tactile objects, like small sculptures.

Tell me about your fondness for fountain pens.
I went all the way through college writing with fountain pens. The roller balls weren%26#8217;t common then. These pens were my grandmother%26#8217;s, and these mechanical pencils belonged to my grandfather. But this Parker pen is my favorite. It was an anniversary present from Kathy to celebrate our first year together 18 years ago.

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Credit: Jenny Antill

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What makes you laugh?
Just about everything. I laugh easily. I find the world very interesting. I%26#8217;m fairly mellow. I think people are born with their thermostat set. I think I%26#8217;m pretty even, more so as I get older.

In what way are you the most humble?

I%26#8217;m so grateful that for the last 12 years I%26#8217;ve enjoyed going to work everyday. I feel blessed to be able to come to a job that I love. Even though council member and controller were completely different jobs, they both allowed me to serve the city in different ways. The mayor%26#8217;s office combines the best aspects of both.

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Image: Laurann Claridge right, interviews Annise Parker in her office. Credit: Jenny Antill

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What do you want to be most remembered for?
I want to be a great mayor for Houston. I don%26#8217;t much care that I%26#8217;m remembered that way, but I want to know I did my very best. I%26#8217;m very internally motivated. I want to know I%26#8217;ve accomplished things for Houston. While I appreciate acknowledgment from the outside, I want to know I did what I needed to.

Prêt-à-Por-Tea

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:09:06 GMT

Blue Moon
Ralph Lauren beaded Nadia dress $6,000, at the Ralph Lauren boutique. Bracelets Rachel Leigh, Miriam Salat and Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz. Earrings Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz. Teapot, at left, by Mottahedah at Bering%26#8217;s, Events.

Jewelry availability: Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz at ben-amun.com; Kara by Kara Ross at kararossny.com, saks.com; Lee Angel at Neiman Marcus; Vera Wang at Neiman Marcus. Miriam Salat at miriamsalat.com; Noir at noirjewelry.com; Rachel Leigh at %26#192; Bient%26#244;t.

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Click Slideshow for more.

Prêt-à-Por-Tea

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:08:16 GMT

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Click Slideshow for more.

Curiouser and Curiouser

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:16:47 GMT

Curiouser and Curiouser

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:25:06 GMT

That sly Lewis Carroll. His classic tales, "Alice%26#8217;s Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There," have been reinvented by master movie director Tim Burton, who will take filmgoers next March on a dark, gothic adventure where queens are good and bad, both red and white, and bellow on a whim, %26#8220;Off with their heads!%26#8221; It%26#8217;s a cinematic take only Burton could create, with a simply mad Mad Hatter and all manner of potions that tempt Alice to indulge in a sweet bite, then a wee drop and grow then shrink monstrously in size.

Won%26#8217;t you follow us down the rabbit hole, too? Just launch the slide show to get started.