You asked (maybe), and I'm giving you my answers. Here are 3 new product lines that I can't stop talking about in the store.
I mean, I did select them, so you would hope I liked them, but I really do. Can't get enough.
]]>You asked (maybe), and I'm giving you my answers. Here are 3 new product lines that I can't stop talking about in the store.
I mean, I did select them, so you would hope I liked them, but I really do. Can't get enough.
If you don't know about our Fashion Film Fest, we host an in-person screening on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the store. Some of you don't live in Houston or cannot come, so I thought I'd bring the films to you each month!
This month's selection in our Fashion Film Festival is one that I've been eagerly anticipating: Funny Face. I'm finding myself transported to the enchanting streets of Paris, where each cobblestone seems to whisper tales of romance -perfect for the month of February.
Having called the City of Lights home for nearly half a decade, Funny Face is not only entertaining, but reminds me how much I missed my first place that felt like home as an adult.
Paris is as much a character in the film as Audrey and Fred. The famous scene of Audrey with the winged Venus could have only happened in Paris at the Louvre.
The most incredible thing about living in Paris is how many of the iconic landmarks and works of art that we see on screen or in textbooks because interwoven into everyday life. You can't help but feel inspired to be a part of the city's magic and charm.
Speaking of allure, Audrey Hepburn has had an undeniable impact on my design sensibilities. Her breakout (and Oscar winning) portrayal in "Roman Holiday" marked the inception of my love affair with her and a young kid (I must have been 7 or 8 when I first saw it). It wasn't until I was much older that I saw her grace the screen in Funny Face that the connection deepened.
I didn't fully understand the cinematic tango of Paris, fashion, and art when I first saw it, but later, when I began studying fashion and then living in Paris, the movie became that much richer and more meaningful.
The debonair Fred Astaire, gracefully "danced" through his scenes. Word on the stylish streets is that his character drew inspiration from none other than the iconic Richard Avedon, injecting the film with a dose of midcentury Vogue panache. Avedon's photographic wizardry is seamlessly interwoven into the film's fabric and helps to give the film a realism that it might not otherwise have.
So, whether you're joining us in person or indulging in a solo screening at home, let's embark on an evening immersed in the laughter, love, and Parisian whimsy that Funny Face promises. Raise a glass to this cinematic gem, its homage to 1950s Vogue elegance, and the enduring memories of a place I'll forever call home.
The stage is set, the lights are dimming – let the celebration of style and sophistication begin!
]]>Our first movie night of the year was a HUGE success! We loved having our friend Alicia Layfield of Casa Layfield host our selection of latin fashion documentary short films!
If you weren't able to make in in person, don't worry! Here are the links to all the films that we showed, AND scroll to the end because I've included two more selections that I LOVE, but we couldn't include because of time!
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If you weren't able to make in in person, don't worry! Here are the links to all the films that we showed, AND scroll to the end because I've included two more selections that I LOVE, but we couldn't include because of time!
Don't forget, we have our movie nights the third Tuesday of every month, so please join us!
1. Bárbara Sánchez-Kane en Siembra, 2021 | 3:18 minutes
Here, the Mexican designer speaks on the 9 minute video created for her 2021 show Prêt-à-Patria, in which she symbolically breaks down the military's masculinity.
2. Bárbara Sánchez-Kane - Top Ten on Artforum, 2021 | 5:29 minutes
Here are the artists and designers that inspired the works for Bárbara Sánchez-Kane.
3. Maria Cornejo Hosts An Intimate Dinner, 2013 | 4:02 minutes
Venezuelan designer Maria Cornejo talks about her work and home life.
4. "Nueve", 2021 | 23:36 Minutes
A documentary by Anciela for Fashion Revolution Week in 2021 about Latino Londoners that saved London's Latin Village.
Anciela was founded by Colombian and Chilean Designer Jennifer Droguett Espinosa in 2019, as a homage to her South American heritage.
5. The Source: The Wool of Gabriela Hearst, 2016 | 9:40 minutes
Gabriela Hearst shows her family ranch in Uruguay and speaks about the importance of her homeland to her work and sustainability.
6. Net-A-Porter Interview with Narciso Ramirez, 2010 | 7:06 minutes
The Cuban designer talks about his career and inspiration.
7. The Conversation - Carolina Herrera New York, 2020 | 17:06 minutes
Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera talks fashion and design with Wes Gordon, the current creative director of Carolina Herrera.
8. Balenciaga and Spanish Painting, 2020 | 19:32 minutes
This film talks about the life and work of Spanish designer focusing on the 2020 exhibition Balenciaga and Spanish Painting in Madrid, which juxtaposed his gowns with the Spanish master paintings that inspired him.
We grew at a rate that was hard to manage at times. This year was our best ever (by over 50%!), and we helped more of you get dressed for the biggest moments of your lives than we ever have. It was our first full year in our “new” retail location, so there was a lot to learn regarding inventory, what products you needed and wanted from us, and how many new categories we needed to include to meet all those needs. Puzzling and fun, yes, but oh, so challenging.
We grew our team and lost some of our team to life changes, and some of our team changed their roles to fit their lives and needs better. Sometimes that transition was smooth, and sometimes it wasn’t. Through it all, we tried our best to deliver the service that our clients love and deserve, but there were times when it was all a bit much to handle.
Our clients are truly the best, and I’m so thankful for their patience while we navigate(d) these transitions and growth.
At the beginning of every year, I always choose a word that serves as an intention for the year. For 2023, I chose “Consistency.” In choosing that word, I had no idea what a challenge that would be on every level. This year threw so many curveballs. Trying to remain consistent was more than challenging at times. No one tells you how expensive (both in $$$ and in time) growth is. We created systems, implemented systems, changed systems, and sometimes went back to the drawing board to figure out how to navigate the challenges we faced. There were projects that we intended to launch, but they stalled out due to a lack of resources, time, and people. Trying to find the constant amid all of the chaos was a challenge.
I’ve been doing this work a long time, and I’ve had some major ups and some equally major downs. 2023 takes the cake so far for trying to wear me down. It was relentless. Maybe I’m older and don’t have the energy (or interest) to face these challenges, but it was rough at times, especially toward the end of the year. At one point I just had to say out loud, "I'm over this."
A phrase that has come to me quite a bit as we draw to the end of 2023 has been:
Life happens FOR you and not to you.
That’s a powerful reframing device that I’m using to set up 2024 to be different. As I thought about what my word for the year would be for 2024, there were a lot of words that came close. I thought about “health” and “freedom,” and while those are things I want to achieve, they felt like more WORK. I’m not afraid of hard work, but part of my problem is that because I’m willing to do the work, I sometimes choose the hardest path and not the simplest. So many of the successful people I admire work hard, but they are able to simplify their focus so that all of that energy is channeled into something super powerful. That’s what I want and crave. That’s what 2023 taught me was missing.
So drumroll, please for the word for 2024…
My intention for that word is to help me look for ways to not just simplify, but be creative about making everything I do feel effortless. When something FEELS effortless, you have the energy and strength to keep going. I love what I do, but it’s hard to find the energy to keep going when it feels like an uphill battle most of the time. My job requires me to wear a ton of hats. Even just switching between roles takes energy.
Effortless. That’s my intention, mantra, beacon, north star, what have you in 2024. When things get tough, I’m going to try my best to evaluate my decisions and responses through that lense. My goals and dreams have not diminished. It’s just that I’m reevaluating how is the best way to get there. Maybe it’s not how I thought or what the path appeared to be.
You can check in with me later about how that’s working.
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Here's how to get the gifts you really want. If you're worried about what your husbands, boyfriends, or fathers may get you this year, no worries, just forward him this email and relax, knowing we have your back.
We have realized over the years that while men are great at many things, they tend to be:
1. Last-minute shoppers
2. Convenient shoppers
3. Have a hard time thinking of a gift
So why not help them out so you can get something that you like? Or, more accurately, let US help them.
Simply have your people or your significant other call our people so that we can help them shop our many gift items, ready-to-wear, or accessories. Or better yet, just give us their number, and we'll reach out and do the dirty work!
From super soft and chic PJs, beautiful jewelry, bags, scarves, tabletop linens...Let's not forget about that gown you've been eying. Oh, My!
Also, if you've shopped with us, we have a pretty good idea of what you like and your size. He doesn't need to have to worry about getting the wrong size and offending you. Haha!
Did I mention Gift Cards? If you'd rather shop for yourself, we've got you! We will help the special man in your life to purchase a gift card so that you can be merry and bright when shopping online or in-store. It’s the easiest way to gift and everyone wins.
We are your shopping fairy godparent. So, if you want something that you have seen, give us a shout and let us know, then drop that subtle hint to your hubby, boyfriend, or father, and we will steer him in the right direction.
Gifting shouldn’t be stressful (for the giver or the recipient), and we want you to enjoy your holidays to the fullest and get exactly what you wanted this year…. as long as you are on the nice list!
Oh, who are we kidding?! We are inclusive, so this goes for all you naughty ones, too!
Our team has your back for all your gift-giving needs, including your own! We are here to help you and your guys! We also offer complimentary gift wrapping with the purchase of our fabulous wrapping paper, so there's no worry about things looking janky under the tree!
Call us at 281-888-6391 or email!
Thank you for choosing local this holiday season!
]]>Piecework has mastered the art of creating puzzles that not only challenge the mind but also enchant the soul. They are the ultimate present, whether you're shopping for a seasoned puzzler or introducing someone to this delightful pastime.
Here's why I love giving Piecwork Puzzles as a gift:
🌟 Stunning Artistry: Each puzzle is a masterpiece, boasting designs from enchanting landscapes to whimsical illustrations.
🧠 Challenging yet Accessible: There are a wide range of piece counts, from 100 pieces for beginners to 1000 pieces for puzzle masters, ensuring there's a perfect puzzle for everyone.
🧩 Perfect Fit: No more frustration with ill-fitting pieces! These puzzles are crafted precisely, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable assembly process.
🕒 Hours of Fun: Gift a slice of joy and relaxation. Piecwork Puzzles provide hours of immersive entertainment.
😌 Stress Relief: Did you know puzzling is a proven stress reliever? It's the perfect way to unwind and recharge
Ready to make someone's day with a Piecwork Puzzle gift? Explore the captivating collection on our website or in-store and discover the perfect puzzle to wrap up for that special someone!
Happy Gifting!
Type A 1000 Piece Puzzle | Piecework Puzzles
I <3 NY 1000 Piece Puzzle | Piecework Puzzles
Type A 1000 Piece Puzzle | Piecework Puzzles
Piecework Puzzles | Over the Moon
Paradise Found 1000 Piece Puzzle | Piecework Puzzles
Disco Queen 500 Piece Puzzle | Piecework Puzzles
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The idea of escaping has followed me all summer. This heat wave is just here in Houston, so sometimes that escape needs to just be the indoor, air conditioned type. Here are four shows that I'm watching to help me dream of cooler climates and stunning scenery.
]]>In no particular order:
If you didn't know, I absolutely love Emily in Paris (check out our blog here about 5 Emily in Paris Inspired Outfits.) Three seasons are currently released, and season 4 is HOPEFULLY coming in late 2023. If you're looking for an easy-to-watch rom-com, or want a light escape, this show is definitely for you!
Emily In Paris is about Emily, a young marketing executive from Chicago, who escapes Chicago and lands her dream job in Paris! Emily navigates her way through the glamorous city and its fashion scene, despite the difficulties of cultural differences and language barriers, while also navigating a love triangle.
Are there stereotypes? Yes. Are the costumes completely unrealistic? Yes. Is it pure escapist fun. Definitely, yes.
If you're interested in art and culture and travel, then this show is for you! Since 2000 Rick Steves has hosted this publicly televised travel show that takes you on an in-depth journey through the different countries and cultures throughout Europe. What makes this show unique is Rick Steves' approach to travel, which involves exploring less-touristy areas of destinations and immersing yourself in the culture of wherever you are visiting as much as possible.
Rick is a great conversationalist, and feels like a really knowledgeable tour guide! You can gain a deeper appreciation of the history of art and culture by listening to his commentary, as he covers a wide range of topics. If you're looking to escape and be educated while being entertained, I can't recommend a better show! An oldie, but definitely still a goodie!
If you're a fan of travel and food (especially food), and you want to escape to Italy someday, or just live vicariously, then this is the PERFECT show for you! Follow Stanley Tucci as he travels throughout Italy in search of the country's most delicious and authentic cuisine. Throughout his journey, he meets with local chefs, farmers, and food artisans to learn all about the regional specialties that Italy has to offer.
This show not only delivers mouth-watering food scenes, but goes deeper into the history of the food, and how it ties into culture and family.
Another oldie but goodie!
Eat Pray Love is a beautiful movie that takes you on the journey of Liz Gibert. She wants to escape after her painful divorce and takes a transformative journey across Italy, India, and Bali.
Although no one ever hopes their marriage or relationship will end, life happens. This movie will inspire you with beautiful scenery and a positive message of personal growth and self-discovery. Because, as cheesy as it may sound, the most important relationship is the one we have with ourselves.
I finally saw the Barbie movie last night and have so many thoughts. It's brilliant on almost every level., from social commentary, to humor, and deep thoughts on what it means to be human. I laughed. I cried. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences that I've had at the movies.
Since Barbie is on the collective consciousness, I thought we should take a look at the fashion. The Barbie movie fashion style is a dazzling display of whimsy and glamour, where every outfit is a vibrant celebration of color and creativity. From elegant ball gowns to adventurous, trend-setting ensembles, Barbie's wardrobe embodies the essence of fearless fashion-forwardness. With an eclectic mix of retro chic and modern flair, her style is an ever-evolving showcase of sartorial brilliance fit for a fashion icon.
Here are 4 ways to add Barbie style to your wardrobe or home!
Leo season is here and ready for its closeup. Who are we kidding? Leos are always ready for their closeup!
According to Chani Nicholas, one of our favorite astrologers (BTW, her app is the BEST. I'm not saying that I live by it, but I'm not saying that I don't):
Bigger is better during Leo season. So sport oversized sunglasses to the grocery store. Untame your mane. And eye-roll aggressively at anything that mutes your shine.
Famous stylish Leos include non-other than Lucille Ball, Jennifer Lopez, Shawn Mendes, and Whitney Houston among many others!
Leo's fashion roars with confidence and charisma, embracing bold and regal elements fit for a lion-hearted ruler. Their style exudes grandeur through luxurious fabrics, vibrant colors, and statement pieces that demand attention. With a flair for the dramatic and an innate sense of self-expression, Leos effortlessly command the fashion stage with their fierce and flamboyant looks.
Want to get more Leo in your style?
Here are a few tips:
Photographer: Cody Bess, Jewels: Van Cleef and Arpels, Models: Page Parkes
This is usually where people come to ask me questions, but this time, I enlisted the help of Tami Hiroaka of Fresi Travels to give us some travel tips and destinations for every season!
Feeling burnt out from the daily grind? Escaping to a new destination away from it all can just be what you need to recharge and rejuvenate. Traveling is a transformative experience that exposes us to different cultures, ways of life, and perspectives. It allows us to escape our current lifestyle briefly and dive into other cultures' lifestyles.
With 195 countries, the world is a big and beautiful place. While you could escape to places you've been to and love, such as Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, or wherever your go-to spot is, doesn't it feel like you're missing out on experiences in other places you could be having?
Like you, we want the best experiences in our limited free time. If you travel to the same place every year, perhaps it's time to try something different. Travel should be an opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures and create memories that will last a lifetime. (Empathy)
With Tami Hiraoka's help, we've come up with four places you can escape to, one location for each season. In this post, we'll explore the top picks for Summer and Fall!
For the Summer season...
Going to Peru during the Summertime is the best time to go! The months of May to July, which is typically our Summertime, is Winter time in Peru. You're looking at daytime temperatures in the mid-60s and nighttime temperatures in the mid-'30s, so bring a jacket for those cold nights! During this time, it is the dry weather in Peru also, so that you won't be getting hit with rain, which means you'll be able to take in the beautiful sights of Peru!
Sleep In An Ancient Palace - Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
Located in Cusco, Peru, Palacio Nazarenas is a stunning example of the fusion of Inca and colonial architecture, offering guests a unique and unforgettable experience in one of the world's most historic and beautiful cities.
The hotel was originally constructed in the 16th century as a palace for Inca aristocrats. Later, during the colonial period, it was converted into a convent for the Dominican Order of the Catholic Church.
In the early 1900s, the property was acquired by the Peruvian government and used as a public school until the 1970s. In the 1980s, the building was abandoned and fell into disrepair.
In the early 2000s, the property was acquired by Orient-Express Hotels, now Belmond Ltd., and underwent an extensive restoration and renovation project. The aim was to preserve the historic architecture and features of the building while transforming it into a modern, luxury hotel, which it is today!
Not only does this hotel have a beautiful view, but the hotel offers many luxurious experiences.
Afternoon Tea
Enjoy an alfresco afternoon tea in the secret garden of Palacio Nazarenas.
A butler will be on hand to select fresh herbs and make them into an aromatic fusion to be savored with local delicacies. Includes unlimited tea infusions, petits fours, and mini sandwiches.
Herbal Baths
Enjoy an exquisite soak in your bathtub with a specially prepared blend of essential oils and aromatic herbs. Your butler is on hand to prepare your bath for a time to suit you in the comfort of your room. So feel free to relax as you sink into bliss and wash all your troubles away.
Cooking Classes
Learn the secrets of Peruvian cuisine and its delicious and unique ingredients! You'll master the art of local specialties, such as quinoa, tubers, alpaca meat, and much more!
The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by volume, stretching over 4,000 miles through South America. It is home to an incredibly diverse ecosystem, containing over 3,000 fish species and thousands of other animal and plant species. The river plays a vital role in the region's economy and culture, providing transportation, food, and water for millions of people.
Now going through the river and exploring sure sounds exciting, but at the same time, scary. That's where Aqua Expeditions comes in!
Aqua Expeditions is a luxurious way of traveling the Amazon River while getting a great experience. With an exclusive 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, you'll be personally attended to during your expedition, and all personal preferences and dietary requirements are noted. Each experience is curated to each guest’s abilities and interests, which makes no two experiences the same!
The top deck features amenities, including a jacuzzi, an indoor lounge and bar, and an outdoor observation deck. The top deck is perfect for relaxing and mingling with other passengers!
In the dining room, guests also savor the best Peruvian cuisine with a comprehensive dining menu created by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s most accomplished chefs known for using produce and ingredients from the Peruvian Amazon.
On board, 16 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows give guests a full view of the Amazon’s majestic river and rainforests. Wake up every morning to the beautiful scenery; maybe you'll see a monkey or dolphin from your room!
With small-group excursions of no larger than 12 conducted by highly-experienced naturalist guides, guests can experience first-hand the most fulfilling, life-enriching wildlife encounters from an Amazon discovery cruise deep in the Amazon rainforest.
Take In The Sights of Peru - Andean Explorer
Peru is filled with historical places and beautiful things; however, it can be hard to make time to see all those places. The Andean Explorer, however, makes this possible.
The Andean Explorer is a luxury train that travels through the Peruvian Andes, connecting Cusco to Puno and Lake Titicaca, and takes passengers through the rugged Andean landscape, passing through mountain villages, deep valleys, and high-altitude plains. Since its launch, the Andean Explorer has become one of South America's most popular and iconic train journeys. It has won numerous awards for its luxury and comfort.
The Andean Explorer is not just a train journey but an unforgettable experience that will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.
From the comfort of your luxurious seat, you can take in breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes, ancient Inca ruins, and the beautiful Andean highlands.
In addition to the stunning scenery, the Andean Explorer offers a range of amenities and services that will make your journey even more enjoyable.
You can indulge in delicious gourmet meals prepared by expert chefs using local ingredients, sip on fine wine or cocktails, and relax in comfortable seating while enjoying live music performances and entertainment.
What's more, the train offers various stops along the way. This allows the passengers to enjoy the stops, explore the charming towns and attractions of the region, and take in the culture presented there. The train will stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Raqchi, the Sistine Chapel of the Andes in Andahuaylillas, and the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca.
For the Fall season...
Many people like to go to Japan during the Spring for cherry blossom season. While that is possible because everyone goes during Spring, it gets way too crowded around that time, so all you can enjoy is cherry blossoms. Fall has beautiful foliage and is a better experience if you want to take in the sights and enjoy the scenery without being bombarded with tourists.
Two things that I would recommend brushing up a bit on before going to Japan are
1. Learning how to use the metro system
2. Learning small Japanese phrases
The metro system in Japan is the main form of travel and something you'll be using every day to get around. Although it might initially sound confusing, once you get used to it, it's quite simple! The general steps of the metro system are
Also, while most Japanese people speak some English, learning small Japanese phrases is nice as Japanese people are very polite. You can start by learning simple greetings, like "Konnichiwa" (hello) and "Arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you very much).
Japan is very different depending on which part of Japan you go to.
If you go to Tokyo, you'll get a very New York feel, and by that, I mean a very busy feel where everybody is always moving somewhere. Having a map or internet/Wi-Fi to connect to a map is very important here because of how confusing it could get to navigate the city. This is where you'll want to be if you're interested in everything trending and modern!
There is also the Saitama Prefecture, the countryside, and the opposite of Tokyo. Where Tokyo is fast-paced, and everyone is always moving to get somewhere, you can take it more slowly at the Saitama Prefecture. It's a nice change of pace, and you can take in the scenery here and escape while taking a nice relaxing walk.
While in Japan, you should take advantage of things that you can only do in Japan. Two things that I HIGHLY recommend are
Considered to be one of the most sophisticated and refined forms of Japanese cuisine, kaiseki is a traditional Japanese culinary art form that involves the preparation of a multi-course meal that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, exquisite presentation, and a balanced taste. The word "kaiseki" comes from the Japanese tea ceremony, originally referring to the small dishes served before the tea was prepared. However, over time, kaiseki evolved into a full-fledged dining experience that can be compared to Japanese haute cuisine and is loved by everyone who has experienced it.
Kaiseki cooking typically involves using fresh, local ingredients that are carefully chosen to reflect the season and the region. Each dish is prepared with great attention to detail, and the presentation is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and enhance the food's flavors. The meal usually consists of several courses, ranging from appetizers to main dishes, and may include sashimi, grilled fish or meat, soup, and rice.
I love the idea of kaiseki cuisine and how seriously the chefs take their dishes. Each dish is something special and unique, something that I can relate to heavily being in the creative field and working on custom dresses.
Because each chef is different and wants to tell a different story with their presentation depending on the season and their ingredients, there's no exact amount of dishes that a kaiseki meal has. However, the chefs commonly follow some general steps to the kaiseki experience.
Here are the basic steps of a traditional kaiseki meal:
Remember to take the meal slowly and appreciate the presentation of each dish!
Japanese culture is well known for its onsen (hot springs), which everybody should do when visiting Japan!Onsen water is known for its therapeutic benefits, which include improving blood circulation, relieving muscle and joint pain, and reducing stress and fatigue. Many people find that soaking in the hot water is a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
The typical onsen experience is at an onsen bathhouse, where you wash first and then enjoy the onsen with others, where everyone is nude. However, that might be a culture shock, which is totally understandable. The solution to that is to enjoy the onsen in a private ryokan!
Many private ryokans offer a private outdoor onsen, where you can soak in the hot spring water in the comfort and privacy of your open-air bath. The onsen is typically located on a balcony or terrace, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, such as mountains, forests, or gardens. Feel free to sit there for hours while reading a book or magazine (maybe even this Mai'son issue!)
In addition to the onsen experience, staying at a private ryokan in Japan is a unique and memorable hospitality experience. Ryokans typically offer traditional Japanese-style rooms, multi-course kaiseki meals, and attentive service designed to make you feel like a special guest. As I mentioned before, Japanese hospitality is one of the best in the world, if not the best in the world!
]]>Cheers and welcome to Thirsty Thursday, the day after hump day and a necessary day to drink.
In celebration of being so close to the weekend, we are sharing a fun new cocktail you will surely enjoy. We understand if you choose to forgo the other ingredients and skip straight to a shot of liquor. We all have those crazy weeks, and however you like your drinks: whether that be stiff, dirty, shaken, stirred, sweet, or strong, we applaud you for making it this far.
Our latest edition of Maison Magazine inspires this one. If you can't escape TO Japan, you might be inspired by Japan!
So without further ado, let's get to it!
How luxury travel guru Tami Hiraoka went from a corporate job to using the world as her office as co-founder of Fresi Travels.
]]>Let's face it. Planning the perfect trip is hard. It takes time. The research alone is a full-time job. And if you're going to a new destination, it can be intimidating to make sure all of your travel companions' needs are met. By the time you actually get to the trip, you're over it.
Enter Tami Hiraoka, a luxury travel connoisseur and escape artist. She puts the FUN in travel and delivers white-glove travel experiences for her clients around the globe through her company, Fresi Travels. Even the most far-flung locals feel at home when you're in her capable hands.
Tami's travels usually end up with her back at our shop with textiles from around the globe which she entrusts to us to make into garments that she then wears as she hops across the globe. I often joke that my clothes have seen more of the world than I have! But I can't imagine a better guide and fashion ambassador than Tami!
D: How did you go from oil and gas to what you do now?
T: I have always loved to travel since I was little. My mom worked in the airline industry, and that's how I started traveling. My family, especially my mom, always encouraged me to go to new places.
I used to love to organize trips. I was organizing trips for friends in the oil and gas industry, so my boyfriend, who is my business partner, and I started taking groups of people to different destinations, and we organized everything. Of course, we were not a travel agency, so I did all the research. I found all the hotels, and I would go directly to them and make a reservation. I would find a tour and put it together, but it wasn't a travel agency.
That's how we started, and a lot of people started talking about us because we did a full-length itinerary, like, in PDF and it looked very professional, but it wasn't!
D: You were professional in your other job so I'm sure you applied the same thinking to these projects?
T: Yeah, we had pictures, descriptions, times, check-in, check-out, everything!
We started getting calls from people we didn't know asking things like, "Can you put an itinerary together for my family and me?" I would think, "What? Who gave you MY number?" They would mention someone who traveled with me and my boyfriend to a certain destination. Because of how well everything was organized, they assumed that we must do this professionally.
So I would tell them that we are not a travel agency and that I could give them some tips or recommendations but that we couldn't organize the whole trip.
My boyfriend and I started talking. Maybe we should just start a travel agency to make some money or get some discounts for the extra work they would have to do for these trips? We were not making money. We were probably losing money because we would often pay for things and end up not charging our friends.
That's how it all started; we wanted to somehow get more information about travel, we wanted some discounts, and maybe make some money for the work we were already doing. Then in 2017, we started looking into how to open a travel agency. We didn't know how to open one in the U.S., so we found a way through a host agency, which is still our host agency, and we started doing trips through our travel agency. We started getting some requests from our friends and family, but we were still working full-time in oil and gas so we couldn't get a lot of clients, but at that point, I was 100% sure I wanted to do this for the rest of my life instead of being in oil and gas.
Things happen for a reason. My company in the oil and gas industry was selling its biggest U.S. asset, so they were going to lay off a lot of people and they were going to give packages. I got the package to leave, and that was the turning point where I said I would never go back to Corporate America. I will continue my journey, but that happened in August 2019, just before the pandemic.
D: How did you end up continuing to run the business and figure that out during the pandemic?
T: During the pandemic, I had a severance package that helped me a lot over the next two years.
But what we did during that year and a half during the pandemic was revamp our website and get more training in the travel industry (they were offering a lot of training for travel advisors).
Of course, everything was online and not going to the actual destinations. Then I started networking within the Houston small businesses community. That's what we focused on during the pandemic, revamping our business, getting more professional training, and networking.
D: A lot of people think it's so easy if you're an AmEx Platinum member to book travel through that or sites like Expedia.
Why are people still using travel agencies versus just doing it themselves and what makes you such a valuable resource?
T: One of the main reasons is that you have a person that is going to respond to you. People want a human connection, not just a call center that will respond to you in a robotic manner.
AmEx provides really good VIP amenities in hotels which we also provide to our clients. However, the AmEx customer service representative will just do a booking. They will not ask you, "What are you looking for? What are your preferences? Are you celebrating something special? Are you looking for a particular kind of ambiance in a hotel?"
With Expedia and other online services, you are booking a hotel, but you are not booking it directly with the hotel, so if there are any issues, there is little you can do.
I was traveling to the Maldives, and I met this couple that were desperate because they booked through Expedia, and for some reason, the reservation wasn't showing up on the hotel's side. The hotel couldn't do anything but say, "Contact Expedia." They tried for hours to contact them.
D: From the Maldives?!
T: Exactly. Luckily, since it was the pandemic, the hotel had availabilities, and they were able to book another room and then figure out how to deal with the other reservation.
Things like that, we would take care of if there are any issues. But normally, that doesn't happen because we book directly with the hotel, operator, or partner within the country."
I had a client who is an interior designer and was looking for hotel rooms in Spain, so I looked for hotels that were very focused on design that she could appreciate. There were five-star hotels that were beautiful but based on her preferences, they weren't the PERFECT fit for her. We normally think about these things when providing for the client.
We will personalize your stay in a hotel, and if you're celebrating something, we'll go the extra mile to contact the hotel for events like your birthday or anniversary. We want to make sure that the celebration is somehow highlighted in your trip, with a card, a small gift, or something. We want to make sure that you have an unforgettable experience. AmEx doesn't do that and Expedia of course won't do that at all.
D: Do you find yourself encouraging clients to go outside their comfort zone?
T: Some of my clients are more open and ask for a destination based on the time of the year they want to travel. That is when I normally recommend destinations different than the usual suspects like Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Europe.
D: How long does the planning process typically take? If someone is thinking of taking a trip with you what's an ideal amount of time?
T: I prefer 6 months in advance because we have more time. I want to do the research from my side and find good availability for their trip. Especially if they are going to a high-season destination. It also gives us time to review the itinerary with them several times so that if there is something they want to add or they want to change, we can do that in advance.
If you contact me a month before your trip, we might not have a lot of time to get what you expect because it might already be completely booked. Some hotels might already be booked in advance, or some experiences might fill up in advance.
For example, right now, Japan is exploding. If you are planning a Japan trip for June, even 2 months ahead of time, there are experiences that are completely booked. That's the reason that we normally prefer that they come to us in advance, especially for high seasons.
D: With all of the places you've traveled, what are 3 must-go destinations?
T: Eliminating the usual suspects... A safari in Africa would be number one.
Japan has a lot to offer, and then Southeast Asia.
There are many unique countries in Southeast Asia that you can do: Thailand, Cambodia, (I love Cambodia. I have been there about 5 times) Vietnam, and then, of course, Indonesia and Bali.
D: What is one of the most transformative experiences that you have done yourself or that a client has experienced?
T: Going on a safari. It is a totally different kind of feeling when you see the animals so happy in their own natural environment. They look more beautiful than in a zoo, so you get this feeling of, "Wow, I need to protect this for the future generations because if we don't, they might miss a lot."
You can see how the local people normally live in tribes. How they can live together with the environment and the wild animals. In harmony.
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I'm thrilled to welcome internationally renowned Fashion Designer and Fashion Illustrator Marina Saba Inside the Design Studio! Marina's experience ranges from couture bridal wear to eco-friendly sportswear and visual art.
Her bridal designs have been regularly featured in: In Style, Martha Stewart, The Knot, and Modern Bride.
An award winning illustrator and fashion designer, Saba has been recognized for her outstanding achievement in the field. Her illustrations are represented by SIS Stock CO of New York, Frankfurt, Paris, Sydney and Tokyo, where they are sold worldwide to publishers and other select clients.
I got to know Marina when she was teaching at Houston Community College in the fashion design department, and through her decade as associate professor at The Art Institute of Houston in the Fashion Design and Retail Management. We have worked together on various fashion industry projects in Houston, and I couldn't be more thrilled to welcome her and her gorgeous work to the store.
What is your most used emoji?
I can't remember, I always stay safe with my haircuts.
Who was your childhood actor/actress crush?
What’s the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock?
Not a wild person, especially in our industry. I'm not sure honestly, I'm usually just following the trend!
You have your own late-night talk show, whom do you invite as your first guest?
Anthony Hopkins. I love him. He's a very unique actor because he's so much psychology in his performance. I see him very mysterious and his performance is absolutely genius. Favorite performance - I love all his roles. He's from a different generation, so that makes it interesting as well.
If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be, who would play you?
You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Success depends upon using Time wisely – by planning and setting priority… The fact is time is worth more than money, and by killing time, we are killing our own chances for success.
When you die, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for helping change my students lives for the better. I love when the young people who have never been outside the country can learn from other people, and I love sharing my experiences with them! If we can enrich each other with culture and live peace without any war, that is the best accomplishment of what we can do.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Find the Balance
What was the worst job you ever had?
Lucky enough to never have the worst job.
Which band/artist-dead or alive would play at your funeral?
Luciano Pavarotti
What’s your favorite place of all the places you’ve travelled that feels like home and is not where you currently live?
Lake Como, Italy or Bali
What’s one thing we don’t know about you?
If you could choose any person from history to be your imaginary friend, who would it be and why?
Leonardo Da Vinci , fascinated with his brilliant art and inquisitive mind. In the words of art historian and Leonardo scholar Martin Kemp: “Not one of his predecessors or contemporaries produced anything comparable in range, speculative brilliance, and visual intensity. And we know of nothing really comparable over succeeding century.
What is your favorite curse word?
I'm a very polite person :) Maybe when I have a couple of drinks I'll be more expressive in the bad words!
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Bioengineering
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony” Mahatma Gandhi
What is your greatest fear?
Human's life is too short!
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I'm excited to share Kimberly Phipps-Nichol and Roslyn Bazelle Mitchell's work with you today. These multifaceted entrepreneurs are taking the scarf world by storm. And they are doing it all from Houston!
FUN FACT: I met Roslyn and Kimberly separately years ago, but didn't realize they had a business together until last year! We had the honor of helping Kimberly with her super fun and colorful wedding ensembles when she got married in 2016!
Founded by Roslyn (Ro) and Kimberly (Ki), RoKi Design creates and produces distinctive custom scarves. Roslyn and Kimberly met through their professional ties to commercial real estate in Houston and formed a friendship rooted in their shared love of silk scarves. In 2019, Roslyn helped create a custom scarf in honor of a local organization close to her heart, and through this experience she fell in love with all phases of the scarf-making process, from design to production to distribution. Roslyn decided to launch her own custom scarf company, and in Kimberly she found the perfect partner for the venture. RoKi Design launched in 2019. The RoKi Collection reflects the duo’s shared passion for style, creativity, and community.
Without further ado, here are:
K = Kimberly Phipps Nichol
R = Roslyn Bazelle Mitchell
What is your most used emoji?
K: ❤️
R: 😉
What was the worst haircut you ever had?
K: It’s a 50/50 toss up between the most unfortunate bowl cuts of my sheltered, religious upbringing vs. that time I spent a ton of money at a super high-end salon in San Francisco and they literally burned my hair crispy and left me in tears. Thank goodness I was visiting with my mom; only moms can make you feel better after that.
R: Not really worst haircut, but maybe worst hairdo! For my senior high school picture in 1992, I had the asymmetrical hairdo (similar to Salt N Peppa), which also included finger waves and crimps. Needless to say, I looked like Edward Scissorhands in my senior portrait. :)
Who was your childhood actor/actress crush?
K: Yul Brynner. Just look at my husband now and you’ll see I married my childhood dreamboat.
R: I was more into musicians than actors. My childhood crush was Ricky Bell, from Bell Biv DeVoe (also a part of New Edition).
What’s the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock?
K: Culottes/gauchos, but I had no choice. See my first answer to question #2.
R: A Jheri Curl - MJ style (in the 80s). . . enough said.
You have your own late-night talk show, whom do you invite as your first guest?
K: My mother-in-law, Tweety. She’s a legend here in Houston, having built, owned, operated, and sold liquor stores and hourly rate motels in the ‘hood with my late father-in-law. A Vietnam War bride and immigrant, she makes guys fresh out of prison run scared and has a “Trust in the Lord” sign in the back of her car.
R: Oprah Winfrey (the Queen).
If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be, who would play you?
K: Is there such a genre as suspense comedy? I’ve had a roller coaster ride for a life, so they’d have to be a pretty resilient and flexible actor. I’m honestly not current enough on today’s versatile actors to know who’d be a great fit.
R: Romantic Comedy, Kerry Washington, or Nia Long.
You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?
K: I don’t sing karaoke, but I’d nail the heck out of most reggae songs in a lip sync battle.
R: Sweet Thing.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
K: Don’t take it personally. The world is a rough place if you always try to make it about you.
R: 0 + 0 = 0. Dr. Frank Wells, from the Delaware FAME (Forum for the Advancement of Minorities In Engineering) Program in high school provided this advice. If you surround yourself with people at your same level, you will stay at the same level. You have to seek others who have the skills or success you are attaining to learn from them and level up.
When you die, what do you want to be remembered for?
K: I’ve long said my epitaph should read “Not Afraid of Color” because it really represents me both as a designer and as a human interacting with others. I have been blessed with a very colorful life and I wish to keep it that way.
R: Loving Mother and Wife. :) That I loved God and my family first and made sure younger women coming up behind me were supported and lifted up to be a success in whatever they want to become.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
K: “My Work Is Not Yet Done.” I’ve survived several near-death events, and the above is my response every time.
R: Pretty Girls (aka 8itc%hes) Don't Wait in Line . . . .
What was the worst job you ever had?
K: I worked for Leona Helmsley, the “Queen of Mean” at her winter home property, the Harley Sandcastle, in the 1990’s. I once had to help ask guests to remove themselves from the pool so she could have her swim without the taint of the paying guests at the resort. Our uniforms were Pepto-Bismol pink short-sleeved pant suits. Minimum wage, crap tips.
R: Not necessarily my worst, but definitely the one job I had which came with the biggest learning lesson. I spent most of my law school career with the goal of working at a big firm to make the "big" money, and built my resume, skills, GPA, etc. up to meet that goal. I achieved my goal and was hired by one of the big firms a year out of law school, worked there for approximately 3 years and quickly learned, that the "dream job" that I wanted for so long, was not what I thought it was going to be and . . . I hated It.
Which band/artist-dead or alive would play at your funeral?
K: Zap Mama.
R: Whitney Houston.
What’s your favorite place of all the places you’ve travelled that feels like home and is not where you currently live?
K: Belize.
R: Colorado.
What’s one thing we don’t know about you?
K: I used to run backstage hospitality and security for venues and concert promoters in the NorCal area for many years. I’ve taken care of some pretty famous people. Some awesome, some assholes.
R: I'm still a little girl stuck In the late 70s, early 80s at heart :o) who grew up with that 1 Black Barbie doll that was the only Barbie at the time that "looked like me". Once they increased their offerings, I became a collector and now have a huge collection of Barbie dolls (all Black) dating back to the Diahann Carroll (Julia) doll to the most recent purchase I made of the Madam CJ Walker Barbie this past December. Where most people store their china, I store all of my Barbie dolls.
If you could hang out with any fictional character, who would you choose and why?
K: Auntie Mame, the free-spirited auntie character played by Rosalind Russell, who definitely swam upstream and danced to the beat of her own drum. I loved her colorful embrace of all things “outsider” and disdain for the soggy old stuck-in-the-mud bigots she occasionally found in her orbit.
R: Olivia Pope from Scandal. She's fantastic in so many ways. She's unapologetic and can walk through any door with confidence and "get it handled."
If you could choose any person from history to be your imaginary friend, who would it be and why?
K: Queen Hatshepsut, considered one of Egypt's greatest pharaohs (man or woman). Hatshepsut brought great wealth and artistry to her land. She sponsored one of Egypt's most successful trading expeditions, choosing trade over war with her neighbors.
R: Harriet Tubman. She was a small and unassuming woman (in a day and age when her race and gender were against her) and she was passionate and committed to helping so many people escape from the chains of slavery, risking her own life, just to help one more person or family enter the "free world."
What is your favorite curse word?
K: Shit, and I especially like it because you can spell it with symbols: $#!+ so I use it in conference presentations like the one titled: “All the $#!+ They Didn’t Teach You in College.”
R: Ha! Check number 10, please. :o)
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
K: Race car driver.
R: Broadway performer.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
K: Doing something fun with the people that I love in a beautiful place that has amazing culture and food to match.
R: Happiness = finding a happy medium between quality family time and achieving career or life goals.
What is your greatest fear?
K: Homogenized group think, and a lack of diversity. Monoculture in agriculture is unhealthy for the soil, long term. I feel the same way about people, organizations, and community.
R: The unknown.
What is your favorite novel?
K: Virtually Yours, Rosalie by my sweet friend April Marie Salazar.
R: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Aidan or Big?
K: This is where I show my lack of pop-culture awareness. I have no idea who/what this is.
R: Big = all the way!
You must relive your 31st. What is the one decision you would make differently?
K: You got me on this one. I rarely retrospect on a specific year to analyze what I’d have done differently unless something really bad came of my actions and I needed a lesson learned. Nothing stands out for me.
R: I would tell myself to drop the losers (dating life) and take time out to just enjoy being single while also preparing for the relationship you want. I would also say to break outside of the shell that you think you must stay within. Live out loud and and without fearing consequences for things that just don't matter. We sometimes live within the expectations of others, and eventually figure out that trying to be what someone else wants is never a happy and fulfilled way of living.
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I can't remember the exact date I met Emily. It must have been at one our our spouses' mutual friends' weddings or class reunions. Say that 5 times fast...
When I heard that Emily had written a novel, I knew we would carry it in the store and am so thrilled that she is not only joining us today on the blog, but also for our first ever "Inside the Design Studio (LIVE!)" event on February 8th! Be sure to join us if you can!
]]>I can't remember the exact date I met Emily. It must have been at one of our spouses' mutual friends' weddings or class reunions. Say that 5 times fast...
When I heard that Emily had written a novel, I knew we would carry it in the store, and I am so thrilled that she is not only joining us today on the blog but also for our first ever "Inside the Design Studio (LIVE!)" event on February 8th! Be sure to join us if you can!
Awkward would be one way to describe how I would feel if I hated or even intensely disliked Emily's debut novel, but My Thirty-First Year (And Other Calamities) is a striking, strong, and confident novel full of wit and humor that strikes deeply at what it means to be human, especially in the 21st century. While I'm probably not the core demographic she intended for this book, I devoured it.
Emily has such a gift for making her characters spring from the page. I couldn't help but try to cast (Zoey Deutch and Noah Centineo, anyone?) who would play each character in what I hope is the inevitable screen adaptation (Netflix and HBOMax should be fighting over the screen rights). Each character feels like someone I know or could know. Endearing or enraging or somewhere in-between, she gives each character life in a way that writers only hope to be able to do. You're left wanting to hang out with these characters... can someone say sequel???
Get your copy here or in-store, and if you're lucky, you might get one signed by Emily herself!
And without further ado, let's welcome Emily inside the design studio!
How did you get started doing what you do?
I have always been a curious overthinker with an active inner-monologue. In my 30s, I realized that not everyone spends two solid days considering why women remove body hair and men don’t, or trying to picture “infinity” in their heads.
I used to practice law but knew that helping companies fight over money would eventually make me go dead inside. I have always been fascinated by what it means to be a woman in our culture, and always fiercely treasured my female friendships. When our first child was born, Josh, my husband, kindly agreed to feed and house me while I wrote the female-centered stories living in my head. Writing feels most aligned to me and is my greatest joy.
I have a fabulous day-job as a scientific writer at Texas Children’s Hospital and live with my husband, two sons, and two dogs here in Houston, though part of my heart will always remain in my hometown, Chicago.
What is your most used emoji?
What was the worst haircut you ever had?
Oof.
Who was your childhood actor/actress crush?
Tom Cruise. (Not so much anymore.)
What’s the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock?
French-cuffed acid-washed jeans tucked into slouchy socks.
You have your own late-night talk show, whom do you invite as your first guest?
U2. (I could have guess that after reading your book!)
If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be, who would play you?
Quirky biopic for a niche audience? And maybe that hilarious actor from Pen15, Anna Konkle?
You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?
Radio Ga Ga by Queen.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Focus on these three things: trust, faith, surrender.
When you die, what do you want to be remembered for?
Marching open-heartedly to the beat of my own drummer.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
She Tried
What was the worst job you ever had?
Honestly, none! Even the jobs I hated at the time taught me something valuable.
Which band/artist-dead or alive would play at your funeral?
U2 (but I’d rather they play at, like, my next birthday party, so I could enjoy them)
What’s your favorite place of all the places you’ve travelled that feels like home and is not where you currently live?
Michigan—specifically, one special beach on Lake Michigan.
What’s one thing we don’t know about you?
I don’t (usually) see dead people, but I do regularly communicate with them.
If you could hang out with any fictional character, who would you choose and why?
Zoe Greene! (My first novel’s protagonist.) I’d want to ask her where she wants to go next.
If you could choose any person from history to be your imaginary friend, who would it be and why?
Amy Schumer. I love finding the humor in everything.
What is your favorite curse word?
F***. Obviously.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
None. I have a writer’s soul.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Swimming in fresh water on a sunny day.
What is your greatest fear?
Waiting ‘til later.
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I am beyond thankful for the support and loyalty of our clients. Halfway through 2022, we moved into our new store space and launched our boutique, selling gifts and accessories from local, woman-owned, and minority-owned small businesses. This has led to an explosion of growth and many new faces we happily welcome!
Our boutique is not the only area of growth we saw this year. We also made more custom gowns than ever before for weddings, galas, parties, and special wardrobe gems. Along with this increase in production, we also saw an increase in the requests for Design Consultations.
This wonderful growth and interest has made it increasingly difficult to accommodate clients’ preferred dates and times for fittings. Our custom garments require multiple appointments for muslin fittings and several fabric fittings, however many it takes to perfect the garment.
We have listened to your feedback and are committed to making your experience with us truly luxurious. The one true luxury that cannot be replaced is time. Along with a number of other touches that will elevate your experience here (you HAVE to see our new wallpaper that we just installed!!!), we have come up with a solution that we feel will benefit everyone.
To help alleviate some of the calendar fullness and to ensure all calendar bookings are reserved for clients truly interested in moving forward with a David Peck custom garment, we are implementing a nominal fee for new Design Consultations.
Effective January 1, 2023, a $100 Design Consultation fee will be due at time of booking a Design Consultation for a custom garment. The $100 fee will be applied to the cost of a custom garment, or an in-store credit, should custom not be the right fit (no pun intended).
You will have a full year from the date of the Design Consultation to purchase the custom garment. If you decide not to move forward with the custom garment, we will issue you a $100 gift certificate to be used on any items in the store. This certificate will expire one year after the date of the Design Consultation.
Of course, before booking a Design Consultation, we are here to answer any questions that you may have about the process, budget, timeline, etc… Our team is well versed in what it takes to create a masterpiece for you and can help you decide if custom is the way to go before you commit to anything.
There is no consultation fee charged for alterations brought into the store. I may not be able to personally assist with basic alterations, as my time is needed for custom designs and running the company (you know, that little thing). If I’m not available, you will be helped by specially trained design and sales assistants.
Change is never easy; however, these changes are to ensure that we are offering the very best services and products. We know you have come to us because you understand both the luxury and the value of a perfectly tailored garment, made here your own community. We know your value and are ensuring that we will be able to offer you the highest-level care and attention.
Thank you for being our client, and here’s to a prosperous 2023!
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With the holiday season is approaching (where did the time go?), many clients have been asking me what gifts to get for their loved ones. I wouldn't say that I'm a oenophile, however, but what I am an expert in is gift giving!
]]>With the holiday season is approaching (where did the time go?), many clients have been asking me what gifts to get for their loved ones. I wouldn't say that I'm a oenophile, however, but what I am an expert in is gift giving!
I have consumed a lot of wine, so I definitely know what's good! (Check out my top 9 wines blog here for a quick review on my top wines if you want to give the gift of wine, or pair it with one of the items below)
The problem with gift giving is that it feels like everyone has everything. Fear not though, for I will guide you and give you a list of gifts that are sure to be loved! As you know (if not, now you know!), we only carry products that fit our criteria of minority owned, woman owned, or local stores, so everything listed here will be unique!
1. Wine Puzzle | Water & Wines
Entertaining and educational, it's not hard to see why our jigsaw wine puzzles from Water & Wines instantly became a best seller and a client favorite! Each puzzle contains 1000 pieces, so instead of going out for your thirsty Thursdays fun, sit down and relax with a cup of "coffee"... Well, maybe coffee for the kids if you're doing it with them, go get that glass of wine for the adults! (You could even maybe pour it in a Vinglacé Stemless Wine Glass?)
I've loved doing puzzles since I was a kid! My grandparents always had one going, especially during the holidays. There's something that's just therapeutic about sitting down and putting together the pieces, especially the momentum that you build up as you get more and more pieces put together! I'd say a puzzle is similar to starting a business in the sense that the initial start is usually pretty slow, but as you keep going and building momentum, you get to see the progression and the fruits of your labor!
The best part of these puzzles (besides the fun puzzle image)? The puzzle boxes list things such as the ingredients for the wine, and what foods would go best with the wines listed!
(Above image is the back of the Italy box!)
It's great to know that if I decided to try the Syrah wine, with notes of black fruit, blackberry, black pepper, violet, and liquorice that pairing it with blue cheese and chocolate with dried cranberries as it recommended on the box resulted me in having a fantastic snack and drink combination! It's honestly a great home evening activity to do with the family, or something to do just to relax after a long day!
Currently, we carry puzzles for Italy, France, California, Scotland, and Spain (Champagne is soon to come)! The wine puzzle makes a great gift for any wine lover or puzzle lover and is sure to be a great unique gift to give!
Each puzzle is initially drawn by hand, and then each piece is reviewed one by one to make sure everything is of quality! Water and Wines has pledged to plant one tree for every one puzzle sold and has also pledged to donate a percentage of their revenue every month to charity water!
2. The Mixology of Astrology: Cosmic Cocktail Recipes for Every Sign | Aliza Kelly Faragher
If you regularly check your horoscope to learn more about your love languages, financial outlook, and/or career prospects, this is the perfect book. Because horoscopes can apply to libations too!
While this book mainly has cocktails, it also has wine recipes! Tailor your drink of choice to your zodiac sign for a true sense of harmony.
Each of of the twelve signs has their own detailed section. You can sit back with a tried-and-true cocktail staple, or you indulge in a guilty pleasure. This book has over 200 recipes that range from classics, to new and adventurous mixed drinks!
Some of our staff favorites include the Yaka Hula Hickey Dula (for Cancers), the Fuzzy Naval (for Geminis), and the White Wine Spritzers (for Leos). My personal favorite being a Capricorn is the Vesper! (Fun fact about the Vesper, it was actually invented by the James Bond novel, Casino Royale, back in 1953!)
Every cocktail recipe features a short history of the drink that connects the cocktail to its corresponding zodiac sign. By learning more about your spirits (see what I did there), you can learn more about yourself! This is followed by a detailed recipe with a bulleted list of ingredients and a paragraph of written instructions, so it's super easy to follow.
To really get creative, try making drinks for your moon sign, your rising sign, and even your Venus sign! After all, no two signs (or drinks) are alike. Upgrade your thirsty Thursdays, and enjoy your cocktails as the zodiac intended. Speaking of thirsty Thursdays, it's been a while since we've made a thirsty Thursday post... I definitely have to get on that...
If you want more astrology gifts, be sure to check out our adorable Tiny Zodiac Medallions from Amano Studio! Amano Studio is a small, woman owned jewelry brand and production studio based in Sonoma California in the Valley of the Moon. They draw inspiration from vintage fashion, the night sky and the beauty of the California landscape. With each piece assembled by hand using materials sourced from US craftspeople and manufacturers, their pieces make a thoughtful gift for anybody! A brand for “the people”, Amano Studios has achieved a ZERO WASTE production operation by using recycled metals, as well as using vintage salvage components in their products.
I've talked about Tart by Taylor before in a previous blog, "Gotta Have It | Tart by Taylor", when we first started selling her products. With how much I talk about her products, you can probably guess that I absolutely LOVE everything she makes! If you haven't already seen her trays, be sure to check them out! She makes large trays and small trays in a variety of styles that all just exude fun and colorful energy!
When I drink out of stemless glasses, finding a place to set my cup down can be a struggle. I don’t want to ruin my tables or countertops by setting my drink down (I spent weeks finding the perfect table to match the interior of my house), but continuing to hold it warms up the wine, yuck. These colorful coasters protect any surface from water damage, allowing me to drink any chilled beverage in peace.
Each coaster features a fun and exciting design. Whether you prefer graphic text, quirky resin creations, blue and white chinoiserie, or college football towns, each style just super fun and sure to add life to any party. Since each coaster is sold separately, you can buy a cohesive set or mix and match! Be sure to check out all the styles we have here!
The five available designs are all vibrantly decorated, adding a pop of color to even the plainest of furniture. And the resin coasters are handmade, so they make the perfect thoughtful gift for anyone who wants something unique and fun!
For those Longhorns, Aggies, Horned Frogs, and Tigers (current students or alumnis), we have special coasters for you! Check out our kickoff coasters here! Show off your school pride and have the perfect coaster for when you get together to watch the football game!
Tarts by Taylor (Taylor + Art = Tart!!) was founded by Taylor who has her business open in Dallas! Taylor started her business during the pandemic and ended up making a career out of her crafts to this day (and I could not be happier I love her products)!
4. Vinglacé Wine Bottle Insulator
If you've visited our store before and shopped around, chances are you've probably seen a couple of Vinglacé products in our store. There's a reason for that, I absolutely LOVE Vinglacé products (you might notice multiple Vinglacé products on this list)!
Why keep individual glasses chilled when you can chill the whole bottle? Or better yet, why not chill both? One of my biggest pet peeves is drinking lukewarm moscatos, roses, or whites. Even if you're a slow sipper, everyone deserves chilled wine. And this wine insulator does just that.
A wine fridge is great at home, but what about transporting alcohol long distances? Or outside events? This bottle insulator is a built-in travel wine refrigerator! Made of stainless steel, double-walled, and vacuum insulated, this is a one-stop-shop for keeping any bottle cool for hours, no fridge required.
But what about unique bottle shapes? Never fear! This insulator features adjustable top screws to fit most bottle sizes to make it super flexible in what it can chill. You can pack your wine, champagne, and sparkling water on the go without worry, it's honestly amazing and I love using it for our company excursions!
And this insulator comes in SIX different colors (Rose Gold, Black, Sea Glass, White, Copper, Navy). These various colors can help you keep track of different bottles, avoiding mixups.
5. Tart By Taylor Champagne Flute
Some of the newest products in our store are the Rosé All Day and Pop the Bubbly champagne flutes!
Portable and chic, these plastic champagne flutes are the perfect stemmed cup to bring along and use for any event. Got a picnic to go to? Perfect. Want to stay at home and need a cute cup to sip on while you binge the next Netflix show on your list of shows to watch? Even more perfect!
The durability of the plastic is great for outdoor events like picnics and pool parties. Especially if people are barefoot, it’s great to not have to worry about broken glass. These plastic champagne glasses are sturdy and shatterproof, so you can walk around stress-free.
There you have it, the top 5 gifts for wine lovers! We added a gift section here (will add hyperlink to the collection when everything is ready) with all the items talked about in this blog as well.
If there's one question I get asked more than any other is, "What kind of shoe should I wear?"
It doesn't matter what event or how fashionable someone is, they always want advice on shoes. My philosophy on shoes is pretty simple. If you can't see them, make sure they are simple and comfortable. You don't need to go all out getting the latest fad, you just need to make sure that your feet can survive a (long) evening in them without your wanting to chop off your feet at the ankles.
Finding comfortable shoes that are also attractive used to be much harder, but there are a couple of companies lately that have done a GREAT job of creating a good looking shoe that can last with you all evening and that look good to boot! These shoes are ones that I've recommended time and again and our clients rave about how comfortable they are and that they were so glad that they didn't shove their feet into a beautiful but painful shoe.
Here are 3 "rules" that I suggest:
Unless you can see the shoe and the look of the heel matters, opt for a block heel or a wedge. Not only are they perfect for outdoor weddings and events, the sturdiness will help you dance the night away in comfort without worrying if you are going to twist your ankle.
Forget what your mother told you about ankle straps cutting you off. When worn under a long dress, it simply doesn't matter. What does matter is that you won't be searching blindly for your shoe if it slips off. Also, you'll feel way more secure knowing that your feet are firmly in place for that first dance.
Gone are the days of the "nude" sandal because when did that ever match anyone's skin tone? Instead, opt for a soft metallic. I tend to prefer a metallic that's not too gold and not too silver. They tend to look great on almost every skin tone and will end up being versatile long after the wedding.
Now that we've laid the ground rules, here are some of the best shoe options we've found.
First up, let's talk about Loeffler Randall. Many people know them for their signature bow front shoes, which I love, but they also have several other styles with a sturdy block heel that are perfect for attending any event. They also have several heel height options (including a platform option for those wanting extra height) which is rare in a block heel.
Dahlia Almond Pleated Bow Heel
This 2" heel version of the classic LR bow front shoe will last you all evening. It comes in multiple colors, making it super versatile.
You can't go wrong with this classic LR 3.5 inch heel shoe. It also comes in multiple color options. You're sure to fine one that works for your event.
This is one of the newer additions to the LR roster and I love it. It has a 3.3" block heel and there are a couple of color options to choose from that are sure to go with any look.
Natalia Black Platform Bow Heel
The platform version for those who are vertically challenged or want a little extra height. It's got 4.5" heel, but a 1" platform, so in reality, it's not any higher of a heel to wear than the classic LR shoe.
Another go to brand is Stewart Weitzman. I'm sure you've heard of them before, I mean who hasn't? They're known for high fashion and high function luxury shoes that inspire woman to exude confidence while being comfortable with every step. They have a classic, block heel, strappy sandal that our clients swear is the best.
Stuart Weitzman updates its 'NudistCurve' sandals with a sturdy, manageable block heel and slightly thicker two strap design. This pair is made from smooth white leather and has square toes. Wear yours with anything from cropped denim to printed dresses. Heel measures approximately 75mm/ 3 inches
NearlyNude Highshine Suede Ankle-Strap Sandals
Stuart Weitzman's iconic NEARLYNUDE sandal offers a block-heel twist on their signature NUDIST stiletto. Crafted by artisans in Spain, it is defined by its timeless, minimalist sensibility, plus its 3.2" block heel offers just the right amount of lift without sacrificing comfort. It is finished with a sleek ankle strap that enables it to be adjusted for your own personalized fit.
NudistCurve Metallic Leather Block-Heel Sandals
Stuart Weitzman's Nudistcurve sandals are crafted of metallic leather with a chunky block heel. 3" heel.
The DANCER 75 BLOCK SANDAL offers a double-strap SANDAL look. It has an elegant, minimalist sensibility and features a 3" block heel that is engineered for the perfect amount of lift without sacrificing comfort.
The NUDISTLUCITE 85 WEDGE is a classic sandal design with a fashion-forward Lucite wedge to create a look that's equal parts timeless and timely. Crafted from Lucite, this sculptural 3.4" wedge is designed to blend into the background to create a leg-lengthening effect while also offering the sophistication of a stiletto without sacrificing comfort. It is finished with a strategically placed toe strap that prevents the foot from slipping, and its adjustable ankle strap makes it easy to customize your own fit.
The NUDISTCURVE 35 BLOCK SANDAL is an update on the minimalist NUDISTCURVE sandal silhouette. It is constructed with sleek lines, including a slightly curved back and an on-trend square toe, and an extra-comfortable new fit for even more versatility. This fashion-forward style is set on a wearable 1.4" block heel that gives just the right amount of lift for every day. It is finished with an adjustable ankle strap that allows for a personalized fit, so you can wear it anywhere and everywhere in style and comfort.
Sam Edelman makes a great budget alternative.
A wide strap, ankle closure, and thick, solid heel give these shoes a classic look while being comfortable enough to keep you on your feet from day to night. Heel height: 3.5 inches
JCrew also has a nice sling back option
Introducing J Crew's new, oh-so-occasion-ready sandals. With tubular leather straps and a just-right heel height, they're ideal for wedding dance floors and date nights alike. Plus, we love how they look dressed down with your favorite straight-leg denim too. Bonus: An elastic insert at the heels adds comfort and ensures a snug fit.
These next two shoes we bought for the showroom so our clients would have shoes for trying on dresses. I can't tell you how many have ended up buying them for themselves! There's a standard heel version as well as a block heel. They come in a ton of different colors. The rose gold seems to be the one that works well with almost everything.
This is a 4" block, strapped heel, the IDIFU Women's Chunky High Heel Sandal Is made with high quality man-made material, lightly padded insole, durable out-sole and ultra-soft lining. With a cute straps and an easy buckle, it's perfect to wear for any occasion!
Simple and comfortable design, this heel features a classic open-toe in smooth vegan leather and finished with latex padded insole for comfort. With a rubber sole and a 3.35" inch heel height, the ZriEy Women Heeled Sandals Cross Ankle Strap definitely look amazing.
There are so many shoe options out there. I hope this list helps you find the perfect, comfortable shoe for your next wedding (or any other event for that matter! Let us know which ones you end up getting!
]]>Clients are always asking us for ideas for gifts or wondering what the latest trends are. For years, I've been sending them to other stores or online to find these things because we didn't have the space to carry them ourselves. Now, with our new location, we'll have plenty of room to display and stock our favorite finds!
If you haven't heard of Tart by Taylor, you may have see their fun products on Instagram. I've been following TBT for over a year now. I somehow discovered Taylor's whimsical, tongue in cheek designs over the pandemic (the launched during the middle of all that. Can you imagine?!)!
Tart by Taylor (Taylor + Art = Tart) is a Dallas based company that started in March 2020 during the global pandemic as a "quarantine craft," which became a side hustle, which became Taylor's full-time gig! Each item is made by hand by Taylor herself!
What I love about TBT is that not only are the products fun, they are also functional. Why have any old boring coasters when you could have coasters filled with pills and gold leaf???
Or if you're a lover of the bubly, we've got Rosé All Day!
You can never go wrong with a little classic blue and white Chinoiserie.
Or maybe you just want to say Howdy.
These resin coasters protect your tables and counters in style while adding the perfect pop of color to any room!
We also have a collection of trays from Tart by Taylor in either small or large!
These trays are the perfect way to serve all your friends: super convenient, super easy to clean, and duh, super cute!
Last but not least! We have from Tart by Taylor is a champagne glass! Chic and portable, these plastic champagne glasses are a worthy addition to your collection – perfect for a graduation gift for any fan of Elle Woods.
What Like It's Hard? Champagne Flute | Tart by Taylor
Be sure to check out our collection of Tart by Taylor HERE and let me know what your favorite items are! All her items are gorgeous and so unique!
Also, we have made it even easier to shop online! Previously, free shipping was only offered on purchases over $300. Now, when you spend $200 on our online store, you qualify for free shipping!
That's all for this week! We'll have more Gotta Have It shop updates in the future! We have tons of new products being added to our inventory which means even more goodies for you to enjoy!
]]>LONG TIME NO SEE, GUYS!!
Spring is HERE, and I'm thrilled! Though the past month’s weather has been a rollercoaster ride, one week in the 90’s, the next week in the 30’s. Like, really Houston??? Can you get your act together please? I just have one thing to say to the yo-yo weather...
But great Spring weather coming, and nothing beats the great outdoors! What better way to celebrate than a nice family picnic with the family!!! Here’s a link to my picnic blog from last year for your PERFECT picnic!!!
Click here for your perfect picnic!
With that, it’s been a while since I’ve given you guys an update about anything. So much has happened since my post about our expansion back in July, and I want to share some brief updates with you guys!
We finally have a move date! Our contractor and her team have been hard at work and we will be fully moved in by the end of May. (Yeah, yeah, I know, I’ve been saying that, but this time I really mean it!!!)
Besides moving, one of the things that excites me the most is all of the new product that we've found for the store. For those that have been in in the past couple of months, you've seen Ti Adoro, a jewelry line that has sold out 3 times already. We've got even more wonderful things coming your way that fill my mission of finding things for you from vendors that are from the following categories:
I have loads of posts planned going more into detail about the expansion process and giving a shout out to everyone that helped make this expansion possible and for everyone that has supported us! Thank you all so very much!!!
Also, since last July, we have hired a bunch of new staff members! You might have seen them here and there when you visited our shop, and now is the time to show them off to you! We will be releasing a Q&A with each new staff member (and current ones!) so you can get to know them better!
I hope 2022 has been treating everyone well and that all of you guys have been kicking it’s bootay! If you haven’t seen it already, here are my 5 tips to get the most out of 2022! It’s never too late to start!
5 Tips To Get The Most Out of 2022!
2022 has been AMAZING for us so far!!! On top of us moving to the new location soon, we also had our best first quarter ever! I know I said it earlier, but I want to say it again, THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH!!
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Q: How did you find me (David Peck)?
A: You and I went farther back than I realized beecause you had worked with a few prominent names in the Houston community: Josephine Firat and Susan Plank. Also, you've made a lot of great philanthropic appearances and generous gestures for the community. I would always watch in awe as you worked the room. (Insert blushing emojis here)
One day, I was sitting with my now mother-in-law worried about the impact the pandemic would have on bridal gown material. She said there was a custom gown designer just down the road who might be able to make the timing work, where a bigger store wouldn’t. I asked her to send me his name. Next, when her friend got back to her, I squealed in delight when I realized it was you! I called immediately, and it was like two old friends getting together after a while.
Q: Did you know exactly what you wanted for your wedding?
A: Let me start by saying I never was the girl who dreamed of her wedding from the day she was born. To be honest, I didn’t really envision my wedding much until my husband proposed. I think I was worried that if I didn’t capture a perfect ‘vision,’ then why create one in my head?
I KNEW I wanted good music, good photos, good food, and (of course) to look good. Eventually, my night turned into a smattering of small, yet important details that make me, me! The band was very soul-heavy and learned a song for me to sing with them; performance is a big part of my past and something I really wanted to do for my husband. Getting married and taking pictures (including a family re-creation) picture where my parents got married was a huge detail for me as well.
I wanted my dress to be luxurious, classic, but with a twist – something you nailed to a T!
Next, we rode away in my father-in-law’s MG-B with Pepsico (where my husband works) and Purina (where I work) cans tied to the back of a just married sign.
Every little detail captured perfectly by the photographer who was a recommendation from a great old friend, and captured in video by a team that, I think, would jump through hoops to make my day special.
Q: How did you incorporate a family tradition or family heirloom into your special day?
A: My wedding ring is a ‘new’ family heirloom – my family didn’t really have any jewelry or traditions to pass down until I got engaged and wanted to use my paternal grandmother’s ring! It’s so unique and stunning!
Q: Did you have a wedding hashtag?
A: #ItsRaleyHappening; when the wedding was over, we used #ItRaleyHappened in our thank you notes!
Q: How did you and your significant other meet?
A: Wesley and I sort of consider ourselves high school sweethearts – although we officially started dating after High School graduation, the chemistry was there way beforehand. He picked me up after Free Press Summer Fest (RIP) and we talked all night, watched a movie, and I knew then that it wasn’t just a summer fling. We only met a few months beforehand at his house after a St. John’s/Memorial Lacrosse game, where mutual friends asked us to hang out. Very much a “dating apps, who?” kind of story.
Q: How did your significant other propose?
A: When he proposed, he was actually supposed to be on his future brother-in-law’s bachelor party trip! However, because of bad storms in Chicago, he ended up staying and deciding literally 3 hours before that he wanted to propose. It was a beautiful snowy night, and I was so surprised!
Q: Did anything funny or chaotic happen on your wedding day?
A: I mean, other than COVID? Hah, I would say nothing particularly funny or chaotic, perhaps because I had a kick-butt planning team and my Virgo perfectionist brain to make things go mostly smoothly!
Q: What song was your first dance?
A: Hooked on a Feelin’ – Blue Swede
Q: Where was your bachelorette party?
A: I didn’t have one – I had a “Wifelorette” in September in Cape Cod!
Q: What unique feature did you include on the special day?
A: My first dance was a grand entrance with a fully-choreographed ballroom dance, and the Father/Daughter dance was also a surprise choreographed dance! We all had so much fun learning the dances, and, interestingly enough, it took our minds off of some of the small, stressful details!
Q: How did you choose your venue?
A: My church (St. Michael) has been my parish since I was born, and the reception venue (The Houstonian) is where my parents got married.
Q: Did your wedding have a theme or vibe?
A: Luxury – lots of dark, sultry greens, long sleeves, velvet dresses, etc.
The Details
Venue – St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, The Houstonian (Grande Ballroom) | @houstonianclub
Event Planner – Piper and Muse, Caren Cadena | @piperandmuse
Flowers – Freedom Floral | @freedomfloraltx
Food and Drink – The Houstonian | @houstonianclub
Photographer – Marco Wang Photography | @mwangphotography
Cinematographer – Cakewalk Films | @cakewalkfilms
Event Rentals and Décor – The Houstonian | @houstonianclub
Stationary – Bering’s Hardware and Stationery | @beringshardware
Entertainment – Drywater Band | @drywaterband
Beauty (Makeup and Hair) – Kiss and Makeup Houston | @kissandmakeuphouston
Wedding Dress/Fashion – Gown: David Peck | @shopdavidpeck
Accommodations – The Houstonian | @houstonianclub
Travel and Transportation – Sam’s Limousine | @samslimousine
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We may still be waiting on building permits (ahem… City of Houston, we’re going to need you to step it up, please), but demo is DONE! Here’s a quick video recap of what we opened up so that we can put it all back together (in a different way, of course).
If you missed my initial announcement about our big move and new space, check it out HERE!
While I can’t wait to get to showing you the design process (NEXT WEEK!), I’m equally, if not more, excited to tell you what the space MEANS. There’s a big WHY behind all of the choices I’m making about how I’m decorating the space and the other vendors we will be carrying.
My mission is to empower women through design, and I think that we do a pretty good job of doing that with clothes, but I feel like there’s more that we can do. As a cis, white male, I have built-in privilege. That doesn’t mean I haven’t struggled and that I haven’t had hard times or worked hard. Not at all. What it does mean is that by simply being born who I am, I have a leg up on others who might be of another gender or race. I’m not going to solve inequity in the world single-handedly, but I can use my voice and platform to promote artists and designers who have historically been underrepresented.
That’s why I’ve made a conscious decision to seek out contractors, architects, vendors, artists, designers; you name it, that fit the following criteria:
Now, it may not be possible to source everything for the buildout from a company that fits one or more of these criteria, but I’m doing my absolute best. It’s important to me that the space has meaning and a purpose beyond just making pretty clothes.
I’ll be sharing more about the artists and designers that we will be carrying once we’ve opened the new store, but for now, I’d love to introduce you to our awesome (female) contractor, Lesley Crawford, owner of Cannon Construction.
And Courtney Thomas and Marisa Engelhardt of Studio Cue, a brand new, female-founded architecture firm here in Houston! (Website coming soon!)
I’m so excited to have been introduced to these ladies, and I am thrilled to share the work we are doing together to get this space ready for our big grand opening (soon).
Stay tuned because next week, I’m going to be sharing my inspirations behind the design and layout of the space!
Oh! If you know any vendors, artists, makers, etc., that fit our criteria, let me know! I’d love to see if they would be a good fit!
]]>This week in the kitchen, we are whipping up another tasty recipe. Whether you are cooking for the family, hosting a party, or just need a quick meal idea, you can always find simple mouthwatering recipes RIGHT HERE. Whether you are “chopping it like it’s hot”, “Whipping it, whipping it real good”, or “letting the good times roll,” we are sure to have fun making new recipes and trying new things…not to mention we have already tested these recipes out for you, so you know it’s bound to be good!
As intimidating as it may seem, it is really quite easy to put together the perfect summer meal. Which is why we are teaching you how to make stuffed avocados!
]]>This week in the kitchen, we are whipping up another tasty recipe. Whether you are cooking for the family, hosting a party, or just need a quick meal idea, you can always find simple, mouthwatering recipes RIGHT HERE. So whether you are “chopping it like it’s hot,” “Whipping it, whipping it real good,” or “letting the good times roll,” we are sure to have fun making new recipes and trying new things. Not to mention we have already tested these recipes out for you, so you know it’s bound to be good!
Grab your apron, a cocktail, or drink of choice (Check out our Thirsty Thursday recipes) and let’s get started!
As intimidating as it may seem, it is relatively easy to put together the perfect summer meal. This is why we are teaching you how to make stuffed avocados! There's no cooking involved and they couldn't be easier and tastier!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Printable and Pin-able Recipe Card!
If you’ve visited us recently or even in the past couple of years, you’ll know that we were getting a little cramped. We’ve made do by re-organizing and shuffling things around, purging, and just dealing with more clutter than I care to have in my life. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE our current location. It’s just that we were quite literally bursting at the seams (Yes, it’s a dad joke. Just deal.)
Well, plans have finally come together, and we are…
MOVING and EXPANDING!!!!
But where you might ask?! I’ll tell you. Having had multiple office/workroom/boutique spaces over the last 11 years in Houston (That’s a whole other thing. How have I been here for 11 years!!!), I’ve grown to love my work neighborhood. We’re in Tanglewood/Memorial, with easy access to the rest of Houston, meaning that you can avoid Galleria traffic if needed to get to us. It’s been great being here for the past six years, and I didn’t want to change the location much except to gain more space and upgrade our visibility.
Last summer, I started looking at places all over Houston, even toying with the idea of buying a house and converting it. The problem was that every time I found a place that would work, there was either a ton of work needed, or I couldn’t easily change the usage to be commercial. So when nothing came up, I gave up the search and tried to figure out if we could expand in our current location. I started working on plans to expand in September, but it was not as easy as I thought for a variety of reasons.
I had all but given up when I got connected to Jason Gaines of NAI Partners, and things started to happen. In January, Jason compiled a dossier of 6 potential new spaces that wouldn’t have occurred to me but were in the little “bubble” I had specified. Boy, did he nail it. Two properties were super exciting and could work, so we visited.
It didn’t take long for me to see that 1922 Fountain View in Fountain View Square (right at San Filipe next to Rice Epicurean Market and Barnaby’s) was perfect. It wasn’t just one space, but two spaces that we could combine into one, giving us the ideal amount of space. I hadn’t considered many traditional retail spaces because our business model is so unique in that we have our atelier/workshop on site for all of our custom work. I didn’t think we could find a place that was the right size for the right price for it to make sense, but we did!
Things never quite happen as quickly as they seem to in movies, but we negotiated a deal that works well for the business. Lease signed!
So, what does that mean? When are we moving? What is the space going to look like? Are we having a Grand Opening and when???
I have some of those answers but not all.
Good question! If you had asked me 4 or 5 months ago, I would have thought June 1st, then July 1st, then August 1st… Guess what? We’re still waiting on our final permit from the city for buildout. They have been super backlogged, so fingers crossed we get the permit very soon, and we can start construction. Until then, I have NO idea!
The good news is that we did receive a demo permit, and the demo is mostly complete. Once we have the final permit, the rest of the buildout should be relatively quick. If anyone knows anyone at the city permit office that can get us on the fast track… I wouldn’t be mad.
GORGEOUS. Ha. Of course, I’d say that. But honestly, it is. I am over the moon excited about the design plans. I’ve been pinning and planning for years, and I can't wait to show you what we are going to do. The whole process will be documented on video and the blog every Thursday until we finish!
For now, I’d highly suggest that you start following me on Pinterest if you aren’t already. I’m going to be pinning all my inspiration and selections as they happen so that you can have access to all that I’m planning! I’d also suggest you subscribe to our Newsletter so that you get the updates every Thursday.
The vendors we are working with are beyond beautiful. I’m blown away by what we will be able to create with the space, and I’m so thankful for every vendor who has come on to help us. So good.
Right now, I’m hoping for a big party in mid-September, but I’ll keep you updated as I know more for sure!
Yes! We are actively growing the team in the front and back of house! If you know anyone that would be interested, let me know! We’re especially looking for experienced sewers and salespeople!
I’m sure you have lots of questions (as do I), so let me know what you’re interested in learning, and I’ll try to include answers in an upcoming post.
Thanks so much for following along! I can’t wait to share more with you!
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Let's go out with a bang this 4th of July with a movie night! If you saw our blog gearing up for a fun 4th of July at home, then you know that I set you up for the perfect 4th of July movie night right in your backyard. So don't worry if you missed it. Just pop your popcorn curl up on the couch, and watch one of these 50 patriotic favorites.
We have broken up 50 of these classic 4th of July movies into different categories so that you can easily pick your favorite one.
HISTORICAL
Hamilton
Pearl Harbor - Ben Affleck is trending
The Post
Lincoln
Young Mr. Lincoln
Gettysburg
The Patriot
Letters from Iwo Jima
The Prisoner of Shark Island
CONTROVERSIAL
Born on the 4th of July
Dick
W
Team America
ACTION
Top Gun- (Some people watch it for the flight sequences, but we know you're really here for the beach volleyball)
The Longest Day
Patriot Games
National Treasure
Courage Under Fire
Red Dawn
FEEL GOOD
Forrest Gump
Rocky IV (Fights the Russian)
Mash
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Private Benjamin
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Miracle
American Graffiti
BLACK AMERICA
Lee Daniels' The Butler
Hidden Figures
Coming 2 America
12 Years a Slave
The Tuskegee Airmen
Amistad
Head of State
Happy 4th of July from our family to yours!
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Summer loving had me a blast. Summer loving happened so fast....That's right i'm talking about our summer cocktail. Summer's will never be the same once you have had an Aperol Spritz.
]]>Cheers, and welcome to Thirsty Thursday, a necessary day to drink.
Summer loving had me a blast. Summer loving happened so fast...
That's right, I'm talking about our summer cocktail. Summer's will never be the same once you have had an Aperol Spritz.
We are sharing a fun new cocktail that you are sure to enjoy. If you choose to forgo the other ingredients and skip straight to a shot of liquor, we understand. We all have those crazy weeks, and however you like your drinks, whether that be stiff, dirty, shaken, stirred, sweet, or strong, we applaud you for making it this far. So without further ado, let's get to it!
*Try pairing this cocktail with one of our In the Kitchen Recipes.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Printable and Pin-able Recipe Card
Fourth of July is creeping up in just a few days, and I realized I had not formally planned anything. This year has moved so fast thus far, and I'm a little pooped needless to say. Trying to find the non-existent energy to throw together a party for friends and family seemed daunting. It dawned on me that I can't certainly be the only one feeling that way. Since a lake house, beach house, or island getaway is not in the cards (I mean, have you tried booking Galveston within a month of the 4th???), I thought, what better way to come together than an outdoor movie night right at home?!
I have been seeing ads and social media pop-ups advertising deals on movie screens and projectors. Not to mention, there are several easy DIY's with a sheet if you opt to forgo the movie screen.
I can see it in my head now...little bags of popcorn, drugstore box candies, patio string lights, blankets and chairs in the lawn, citronella candles, and handheld fans. All while you lay under the night sky with the family, a cocktail in hand, and a movie on the backyard big screen. Doesn't that sound magical??
I have put together everything you would need for an unforgettable 4th of July evening right in your backyard!
Set-Up:
Dinner:
Snacks:
Drinks:
Activities:
NOW SIT BACK RELAX AND ENJOY THE MOVIE!
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I know, I know... It's not Thursday, but that's ok because, honestly, every day is a good day for a good drink. So, in celebration of Father's Day, I'm sharing my personal favorite, a classic cocktail that you and the fathers in your life are sure to enjoy.
If you choose to forgo the other ingredients and just skip straight to a shot of bourbon, I understand. We all have those crazy weeks or dysfunctional family gatherings. However you like your drinks, whether that be stiff, dirty, shaken, stirred, sweet, or strong, I just applaud you for making it through the week. So without further ado, let's get to it!
*Try pairing this cocktail with one of our In the Kitchen Recipes.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Printable Recipe Card