]]> http://coloursmarie.com/2010/07/22/on-my-my-of-birth/feed/ 0 Marie http://coloursmarie.com/2010/07/20/peytons-place-gets-new-dna/ http://coloursmarie.com/2010/07/20/peytons-place-gets-new-dna/#comments Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:58:44 +0000 Stephanie Fraide http://coloursmarie.com/?p=3089 ]]>

Peyton’s Place is getting a makeover of sorts, although, customers won’t see any new wallpaper or logo changes, its in the DNA of the boutique.

“I’ve been trying to get back here since after college!” laughs Katie James, the new manager and buyer. Earning her degree from the University of Texas, along with three years buying experience from Neimen Marcus in Dallas, it was only a matter of time before Katie took measures into her own hands. Standing in 3 inch heels, long blonde hair, and a friendly smile, it is no wonder this Texas native chose to pursue her career in fashion — her easy going yet clean and focused style is elegant and evident.

Peyton’s Place recently celebrated it’s 3rd year anniversary at its current location on 212 Lavaca Street. Glowing 5 star rating on websites like Citysearch have helped put the boutique on the map for destination shopping. “It just makes my day,” says James, who offers guidance to both local and traveling clients looking to outfit their important events. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a business meeting, a 10 year reunion, or a rehearsal dinner,” says James. If the mélange of sophisticated clothing options are the main attraction, it is the thoughtful yet simple selection of accessories that keep this boutique at the forefront of women’s minds: flattering yet controlling shape wear, the ever elusive and highly indulgent laundry detergent for unmentionables, and the perfect selection of small accessories to gift your girlfriends (and show off what great taste you have).

Embracing Austin’s unique take on the latest trends, Katie James also accounts for the hot Texas weather. Summer’s latest lightweight additions that have started to trickle into the store include L.A.’s own Fluxus brand clothing seen on Jessica Alba and Nicole Richie. With a penchant for offering pleasantly surprising deals, Peyton’s Place offers silk dresses under $200 and gifts, like their Alex and Ani personalized bracelets. The direction of the boutique seems to want to capture the essence of Austin —  while we appreciate the evening wear, the cocktail dress still remains at the top of the list.

www.peytonsplaceaustin.com

+This article was re-posted from the Launch787.com website.  Didn’t you know I was a contributing writer there?   More of my articles on Launch787.com

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.

Sarah Reeves, owner of Plain Ivey Jane

Katie Astoria, Modern Muse Makeup Artistry

Taylor McClausland, model

Nadia Caffesse, Full Tilt Photography

Stephanie Fraide, coloursmarie

CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO BE TAKEN DIRECTLY TO THE CONTRIBUTORS SITE.

photos: FULL TILT PHOTOGRAPHY • make up artist : MODERN MUSE MAKEUP ARTISTRY • model : TAYLOR McCAUSLAND

TUCKED AWAY IN A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD LIVES A MAN THAT IS NOT AFRAID OF BOLD STATEMENTS.  ARTIST, BARRY JELINSKI AND HIS TEAM OF SELF-PROCLAIMED GYPSIES WILL TAKE ANTIQUES DATING FROM THE 18TH-20TH CENTURIES AND TRANSFORM THEM INTO SOMETHING THAT YOUR WILDEST DREAMS COULDN’T CONJURE.

HOWL INTERIORS

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

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I looked around the other day and thought to myself, “I have managed to surround myself with good people”.   It’s not like when we were children on the playground.  Good friends are hard to come by.