VIP...Very Individual Perception

Twice a year Cole Haan opens its doors to invite their clients in to enjoy a little VIP treatment, along with the added tidbit of a discount! It's a great way to connect or reconnect with our regular clients and also a nice way to introduce those who might be passing through for the first time. My mom also came up to Austin to join in on the fun...she always seems to fit right in :) This is the fifth event I've spent with my team and each time it gets more footloose and fancy free. The clients seem to really feel at home and enjoy hanging out in our little CH environment. I mean, who doesn't love bubbly and desserts? Most recently, corporate has allowed us to be inspired as individuals through our wardrobes. In return we hope to translate this creativity into our clients fashionable needs and expectations. I'm excited to see this atmospheric change progress, as you will notice in future posts as I highlight our associate's individual styles in correlation with our product. As a company we are heading in a new (innovative) direction. While we will appeal more to the masses, we get to put our individual (yet classic) twist on things for a change!


Fabulous shoes should be showcased in a fashionable way!

Having some fun in the ATX....

Cheers,

Em

Style X

As I said in my last post, music and fashion go hand in hand as cultural arts. South By Southwest is one of the largest US music festivals; Featuring artists from all over the world it is notorious for showcasing individuals in three different categories throughout the week. Beginning with Interactive, followed by Film and topped off with a nice five day encore of Music, it only seems natural to throw fashion into the mix. SXSW did just that by setting the stage, or runway rather, for "Style X." Anchored by pop-up vendors serving as a one-stop shop for your retail therapy itch, it's brilliant marketing exposure for both small and large businesses within the fashion industry. Some designers feature pieces at their booths as well as on the runway during the fashion shows, where musicians take center stage for a different reason...as the models! I love this concept. I feel like most musicians already convey strong individuality through their appearance. This idea throws a nice, twisted (in a good way) edge onto the runway.

Friday night I got the opportunity to volunteer for the evening with Style X and worked the "Musician Gifting" booth. Unfortunately when you're working for a fashion event you are limited to "play time," so I'm lacking in pictures, but I did pick up on some pretty interesting things...

Parking in downtown Austin for any event is sometimes an event in itself. Shockingly, it seemed to all go smoothly this time around. Parking on the tenth floor of a garage didn't even seem so bad, especially when accompanied by some thrifty (FREE) roof music...

When I first popped into the exhibit hall at Austin's Convention Center I approached a booth promoting "The Convertible Dress." While we've all seen this done, I don't think we've seen it exceed a consumers expectations like I believe this one will. After speaking with the visionary, Cat Biggar, her incredible personality and design practicality won me over! Aside from the fact that you can convert the dress into 50+ ways, I love that it has pockets, gloves and yes, even a scarf. Made from eco-friendly fabric and manufactured in the United States, this is a super buy for any Austinite! Currently based in San Francisco, (hopefully Texas soon) anyone can read up on or purchase their own TCD at www.theconvertibledress.com                                           

Modeling TCD at SXSW's Style X

After some chair setup...

I ran into a little dotty with some lime. 

Love the pairing.

Working the musician gifting booth was quite entertaining. I met a few bands from all over the world including Tokyo, United Kingdom, Jamaica and  Canada. One particular that stuck out to me was Antonio Lulic, from England. After checking him out online I found a nice surprise. There's a naturalness about his voice you can't help but enjoy.

Check him out! http://www.antoniolulic.com/music/

Cheers, 

Em

My Twelve Treasures

At the ongoing request of my friends, family and co-workers, I'm starting a fashion blog. Really I've been itching to do this for sometime; Someone finally pushed the big boulder and now I'm Indiana Jones-ing my way into fashion's media mecca. Beauty, baubles and all things considered haute, I'm excited to share my passion with whomever wants to be enlightened. Occasionally I will review music or art, seeing as these go hand in hand with influencing the fashion industry. First, I want you to get to know me! Below, I've compiled what I like to call my, "I can't live withouts."

1. Cole Haan Air Bacara Ballet Flat - For $148 it's the most comfortable + fashionable flat in the market! The NIKE Air sole support makes this shoe wonderful for wear-to-work or daily errands. Being easy to pack, I can take these on any vacay or tuck them in my handbag as a backup pair for the day! Fabulous find at http://www.colehaan.com or any retail store near you.

2. Aveeno Positively Nourishing Whipped Souffle - I found this $10 treat on one of my random Walgreens runs. You know the kind I'm talking about...you run in to pick up a prescription and walk out with a bag full of unnecessary items. However, this one has proven itself to be a staple in my skin products collection. Non-greasy formula and a delightfully light, clean smell. Try it, you never know!

3. Kut From The Kloth Jeans - $80 Most people know I'm a bargain baby, so I must be honest. I did find my KFTK Maggie Flares on sale for $40! The denim feels like it has 3% spandex, but only 1% so there's none of that "saggy butt" business going on. I loved the brand and fit so much I just purchased my second pair which are a skinny boyfriend cut, this time willingly at full-price! Do yourself a favor...http://www.nordstrom.com

4. Stars "Set Yourself On Fire" - This CD just says it all from disgruntled love affairs to feeling happy-go-lucky I just can't get enough from this Canadian based band. We've seen them twice in concert and their eclectic rock sound leaves me in awe over and over. $13.33 on http://www.amazon.com. You won't regret it!

5. Hearts of Lagos, "Heart of New York" - As it is so near and dear to my heart, I am able to have a piece of New York always with me. As an anniversary gift this year, my husband found the perfect treasure for me. To fit the memories and dreams of others they do showcase a few different cities such as Las Vegas, Texas and Philadelphia. Find your heart at http://www.bloomingdales.com

6. Witch Hazel - It's an oldie, but a goodie in the case of general skin care. I've tried several different astringents in the past and most of them have seemed to strong against my semi-sensitive skin. The formula is 100% natural and extracted through the witch hazel plant, leaving your skin feeling great and not overly dried out after use. At $4.50, it's worth adding to your regimen.

7. MAC Lip Glass - For $17.50 your lips will look divine with some shine in this tinted gloss. MAC has several different shades to choose from suiting everyone's needs. The shade I'm puckering up with is "Underage," a light pink and slight shimmer. http://www.maccosmetics.com

8. Amber Essential Oil - Usually I can find a small bottle of this for around $8 at any Whole Foods Market. It lasts all.day.long. The smell is intoxicating and works for both men and women, that's the best part with essential oils; They tend to smell slightly different on each person. I've got my mom hooked on it now, you MUST be next!

9. My Meme's Vintage Rings - Priceless. I wear one of her rings everyday. I know she is always with me, but as a constant reminder of how much I am like her, the proof is apparent in how our styles correlate so well, even after 50 years.

10. OPI Pamplona Purple - At $8.50 this is my ready-to-wear polish. The color is spot on for any engagement and for all seasons. I also love that it's a one-coat-quickie...out the door and fabulous in no time! Find them at your local Luxe Apothetique or Ulta.

11. MAC Satin Taupe Eye Shadow - High-pigmented, all day wear and scrumptious color! I seriously can't rave enough. The impressive thing about it, (well really about most MAC shadows) is that it looks amazing on all skin tones. It's $18 for a single shadow compact or $14 if you're adding a single pan to a Pro Palette case. http://www.maccosmetics.com

12. Cole Haan Vintage Valise Kendra E/W Tote - Classic, refined and fashion forward. A bag of all trades and for all ages, I already own it in two too many colors. If you're wanting to splurge where competitive pricing meets quality, this.is.it. Visit your local Cole Haan store. Priced at $378 and offered in a handful of colors. http://www.colehaan.com

Cheers,
Em