CURATED GUIDE | SEPTEMBER 2019

It’s one of our favorite months of the year, which means there’s no shortage of limited-time obsessions to discuss. Although we love a seasonal sip as much as everyone else, spoiler alert: no PSL plugs here. Not unlike our fall Starbucks order, customized indulgences and luxe layers find their place on the list by way of fashion, décor, and a buzzing social calendar. Looks like September is ready to spice things up.

1 | You’re rarely at a loss for words and lucky for you, there has never been a better time to make a statement with your knits, thanks to personalized, bespoke sweaters from brands like Lingua Franca and Le Lion. Don your initials, a favorite saying, or your political point of view on a cozy crew that is sure to speak volumes this fall.

2 | With the season for entertaining upon us, it’s time to polish up your cherished heirlooms and layer in a mix of tabletop décor pieces that can weather any whirlwind family gathering. Wondering where to get the designer look that still lets you relax and actually enjoy being the host? Enter Target, our favorite one-stop-shop, who comes to the rescue as they celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their Design for All collaborations by reissuing some of their most-loved products from twenty iconic design partners. Load your cart with exclusive items from the likes of Marimekko, John Derian Company, and Missoni; all coveted pieces that we will be lining up for when the collection hits stores September 14.

3 | All eyes will be on New York Fashion Week this fall, as they debut a new format and reimagine the iconic biannual event. Shaking things up is new CFDA President and fashion rebel Tom Ford, who has introduced a more condensed schedule, an increased focus on sustainability initiatives, and fresh locations that will combat any front row fatigue. With Tom’s goal to reestablish NYFW as a premier leader in the industry’s global market, we say it’s up to you, New York, New York.

4 | The closest you ever thought you’d get to your favorite NFL players is your fantasy football draft, but gridiron superstar JJ Watt is about to make you level up with a chance to win a dream prize package while supporting his namesake charitable foundation. One lucky winner will receive a trip for four to Houston to meet the guy whose heart is as big as his biceps, a $100,000 cash prize, and a brand-new Ford F-150 Raptor. The play clock in winding down before Omaze picks the receiver: ready, set, give!

5 | September ushers in the return of gala season and the philanthropic Austin community remerges in their couture to attend Ballet Austin’s fête and fête*ish event, a highlight of the social calendar. Each year, guests are transported into a whimsical wonderland full of fanciful delights to accompany the launch of the ballet’s performance season. With featured works including Carmina Burana, Snow White, and the perennial Nutcracker, the 2019-2020 season, along with another edition of their signature event, will undoubtedly be on pointe.

Photos Courtesy Of: 1 | Lingua Franca + Le Lion 2 | Target 3 | New York Fashion Week 4 | Omaze 5 | Ballet Austin fête taken by Cassie LaMere Events

CURATED GUIDE | AUGUST 2019

As the saying goes, everything old is new again and this month, we are celebrating the classics. Ranging from pop culture iconic events to vintage wine, fashion, and home décor, August is filled with a walk down memory lane. Pepper in the arrival of coveted issues focused on the new, and you have a recipe for enjoying Mother Nature’s transition from summer to fall.

1 | To savor the last hurrah of summer, we are headed to California for some culinary R&R in the valleys of wine country. On our packing list is this charming Promenade tote, perfect for a bespoke picnic experience dining amongst the vines. Whether you’re in the vineyard, beachside, or at the park, Picnic Time’s classic wicker ware is the chicest way to carry all your provisions.

2 | Skip the awkward “You can’t sit with us” first day routine and instead, go back to school with a curated curriculum from the featured legendary instructors on Masterclass. With a diverse range of programming, you will feel like head of the class learning cooking techniques from the greats, including Thomas Keller and local Austin favorite Aaron Franklin, or studying conservation strategies from Dr. Jane Goodall. Your newfound knowledge will impress at cocktail parties, earning you a popular reputation on everyone’s invitation list.

3 | This August sees the resurgence of two icons: the prairie dress and the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock. Although the previously touted anniversary concert will not take place {see the series of unfortunate events here} we guarantee you’ll feel like prancing through festival fields in floral frocks like this dress from Laura Ashley’s exclusive collection for Urban Outfitters. Bonus points if you still have the original in your closet; sustainable and vintage are always groovy, babe.

4 | Just like friends, good furniture will be there for you and stand the test of time. No one knows this better than Pottery Barn, who has reissued their famous fixture from “The one with the apothecary table” in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of hit TV show, Friends. Now, you and your pals can swap stories from the days of yore over a Central Perk roast and everyone’s favorite coffee table.

5 | In an era where you can get pretty much anything delivered at any time, there is something nostalgic, and slightly displeasing, about having to anxiously await the arrival of the September Issues. Until our fall fashion manifestos are delivered via the glossy pages of our favorite publications, we will have to be satisfied with a tid-bit shared by British Vogue, meant to wet our appetite. They recently announced that HRH the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle has guest edited the magazine’s September issue, with a focus on women who break barriers, and everyone is a buzz. Looks like there’s more than just fashion in style for this season.

Photos Courtesy Of: 1 | Picnic Time 2 | Masterclass 3 | Urban Outfitters 4 | Pottery Barn 5 | British Vogue

Fêtes in Film | Animal House

If your Instagram feed is anything like ours, then you know that it seems like everyone is on an adventure abroad this summer. Whether it be France, Spain, Portugal, or Greece, we are feeling wanderlust seeing friends and celebrities soaking in the vibrant scenery and picturesque beaches of the Mediterranean. The seemingly endless Cerulean blue and white color palette from these posts got us daydreaming about a classic Grecian garden party. Everyone loves an excuse to don their best summer white ensemble and since no Greek party is complete without a toga, we thought why not grab the ouzo and throw together a gathering for your favorite gods and goddesses?

Although our picture of Greek life is more Santorini than Belushi, we can still find inspirational nods to the theme from the iconic toga party scene in the film Animal House. Let’s face it, we love an event theme and it always makes for a memorable occasion when guests have fun with the dress code. There is just something about a unified attire that makes people feel connected from the moment they arrive. Guests can admire one another’s unique interpretations of the theme and you can even inspire more crowd participation with an award for best dressed. Ethereal, breezy cottons and linen garments with gold accents bring a cohesive look to an event- a bonus for your photo op’s from the night. Take a cue from the eponymous flower crown craze and have a station where guests can design their own headpiece of greenery or gold leaves, anointing them with the perfect accessory to fully embrace the Grecian vibes.

While you gather guests under the summer night’s sky, invite them to take in the awe-inspiring astronomy with a fun mythical guide to the constellations. Reflect on interesting facts about famous icons from Greek Mythology through custom cocktail napkins, place cards, and party favors. We suggest printing constellations in metallic foil onto cocktail napkins and trivia-worthy tid-bit’s onto place cards. Perhaps some of Plato’s philosophies will inspire conversation, giving attendees an easy way to break the ice at their table.

Another reason why we love this theme is the décor can be comprised of many traditional household items, making it easy to pull together an impromptu midsummer soirée. Bring out your antique urns, geometric patterned tapestries, and white porcelain for the tables and pair them with centerpieces comprised of local bounty from the farmer’s market and of course, lots of candlelight! Decant wine on the table and incorporate boughs of greenery or bougainvillea from your garden to capture a look that reflects ancient heritage with fresh, seasonal gifts from the Earth. This theme works perfectly with an eclectic mix of tabletop items, so don’t be afraid to assemble a variety of pieces. If you have a mix of items that aren’t cherished heirlooms, you can spray paint the pieces and greenery in metallic gold to bring a uniform, gilded look to the space.

When the revelers are ready to dance, liven up your personal animal house and give them a reason to “shout” with a lively cover band playing classic hits. Adding the film’s signature song to your playlist will get guests of all ages out onto the dance floor and will be sure to have everyone singing in unison. The best part is those breezy togas leave plenty of room for getting down on the dance floor, opa!