Over 100 models mingled in a pre-selection room while waiting for the runway walk and line up.

“They definitely want to do something out of the box, which I’m really happy about,” a designer told me as we talked about the look her group was aiming to create.  ”That sounds beauutiful,” I cooed.

It was Wednesday evening and I found myself  at the Austin Fashion Week model casting happy hour.  Over 150 participants were randomly paired into 25 teams that will create and photograph a look that will be sold at “Bright Lights, Idea City”, the official Austin Fashion Week kick off party, August 14.  All proceeds made from the sale of these limited edition prints will benefit Austin Involved and Dress for Success.  Individuals within the team are comprised of a photographer, hair stylist, makeup artist, clothing designer, jewelry designer, accessory designer and model who must collaborate to achieve a high quality look.

Over 100 models lined up for a chance to be selected as one of the lucky 24 who would continue on to participate in Austin Fashion Week 2010.  (1 child model will be chosen to accommodate clothing designer La*Tee*Da*Kids .)  The selection of models was welcomed by equally diverse teams looking for authentic representation.  Popping by one group, the question of what attributes define a plus sized model came into the conversation.  ”Curvy . . . and awesome”, one participant replied with a half-cocked smirk.  Each model was given an opportunity to walk the runway while teams made notes of which models fit their ideal look.  Kick off teams were given the chance to screen the models during a line up where nothing was off limits.  Models were scrutinized on skin, hair, facial structure, and for lingerie designers, their derrière.  ”There is no shame when dealing with lingerie,” one designer said while motioning the model to turn.

*As requested by some designers, all names have been withheld to protect the creative strategy of each team.

I cried the first time I read about the Falling Whistles campaign.

I have been giving them away as gifts whenever possible.

Come out and meet all the great people behind this cause tonight at Stag, 7 p

+ Stag 1423 S Congress Ave Austin, TX 78704

I'm at the Fashion Freakout. The real question is why aren't you here?

Seriously, best neighbor to have at a show.

We have reached a new dimension.

Austin Vida totally holding their own.  Nice to meet you!

The ever elusive, Adored Austin.  Kicking video of the show over at her site.

Harnessing the 70′s Rocker Sex Kitten, Austin is Burning.

She must be using Ms. New Booty.   I’ll take one of those and her pants, too.

love,

stephanie

Prototype Vintage Design, New Bohemia, and Buffalo Exchange are gearing up for the annual FASHION FREAKOUT.

If you’ve ever wanted to encourage that little vintage kitten to come out and play, the time is now.  Taking a cue from the glory days of yesteryear, these three boutique staples will transform fantasy into reality on Friday, February 5th at the Mohawk.  Rock and roll Austin lives on for this magical night.  This event will sell out.

Doors 7p   |  Show 9p

+ Transmission Entertainment

+ Mohawk Austin

Ahem, this Thursday.   Free and Dirty 30 birthday party with Ms. Wee Bee and DJ Henry Chow. Meow.  DJ Daniel Allen, also kicking it for the evening, makes this party the hottest on the block.  If you like to shake, rattle and occasionally get knocked over by reverb, head on down to Plush.  7th and Red River.  Leave your pretty clothes at home.

Also, I am going to band practice tomorrow.

Why, you ask?  Well, because  I’m styling local band The Soldier Thread and we’re having our dress rehearsal.  Heck yea!  Remember that project that kept reminding me of peacocks and storms?  Well, this is it! The Soldier Thread is playing their 2nd album release this Friday, the 29th at Stubb’s.  They are all total dolls and it’s been kickass working with them.    I’m attaching their poster in this post, but be on the look out for the hot outfits and updated news about the show.

This Saturday, no big deal. Just LE freaking GARAGE. Okay, that’s just the skinny on the happs from last year.  The real Le Garage January 2010 details are linked.  $10 bucks, wear pretty undergarments, Palmer Events Center.  Love, love, love this event.  Go.  It’s received the most press I have ever seen this past year.  The deals are going to fly off the shelf.  *DO NOT LEAVE ANY ITEM THAT YOU WOULD PINCH YOURSELF FOR LEAVING FOR ONE MOMENT.  DO NOT LET GO.  I’m telling you.  Tragic lost Jake Spade tote within 7 minutes from last year.  Hurts to think about really.  Let’s move on . . .

Save some energy for the ROCK N’ SWAP – Rock and roll, a little cocktail and and arsenal of clothing never hurt anyone.  Join in on the fun and know the the leftovers are headed to a good cause.  Head over to the Austin minx that is Tolly, The Austin Eavesdropper.  One man’s trash is another man’s treasure is the biggest understatement when it comes to swaps.  Pay it forward.

Hoping to catch some pictures during this wild ride.

con abrazos,

S. Marie

this is matt, he is a bonafide badass

The East Austin Studio Tour is full of creative badasses like photographer Matt Wright-Steel, creative collaborative Sodalitas and masters of glass Rejina Thomas over at Graphic Glass. The past several years I have found another MUST SEE artist or studio to tack onto my list. This time I’m getting smart and will ride my White Unicorn around the east side. I highly advise this type of transportation – there will be a lack of parking spots and more importantly, it’s a great excuse to get off your ass and enjoy the gorgeous day. It’s going to be 81 degrees – I just looked it up. [edit] oooh- looks like a little cold snap is working it’s way through central Texas. Throw a vest on and let’s do this anyways!

Bring some cash, get ready to drink some beer and make friends! If you’re one of those people who don’t like art, go anyways, there’s lots of people watching and live music. You never know who you know that loves to make art.

+E.A.S.T. 2009

marniebugs.com

Sweetening the Giveaway

Last night, while attending Fashion Lounge 2009 at Maria Maria I was fortunate enough to steal a moment from Marnie Cooper and talk about her collection of leather goods.  Her latest additions to her growing collection are a series of cuff bracelets that accessorize with her handbags and totes.  Marnie Bugs has the most to-die for buttery-soft leathers! You have to feel it to believe it, I kid you not.

Marnie will be showcasing her goods at the SHOP787 event this Sunday.     We got to talking and before I knew it, she offered to sweeten the deal for the SHOP787/colours marie giveaway with this rocking pleated black suede cuff!

Enter to WIN!

1. Become a fan of colours marie on facebook.

2. Write on the wall and leave a message that says why you want to attend SHOP787.

3. You have been entered for a raffle giveaway that will be drawn at 3 p.m. Friday (that’s today)!

Marnie Bugs Pleated Suede Cuff – a retail value of $75

A BIG thanks to Marnie for this awesome cuff!

BLOGGERS AND READERS UNITE.  Put down the mac or iphone or crackberry and get yo butts down to Mohawk.  It’s going to be a party.  I have a feeling my Austin links are about to blow up!

RSVP site: www.eavesdropper-pr.com/rsvp

More info from the one and only TOLLY!