Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Mar 10, 2010
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The Carrie Ann boutique in Uptown Park is quite the buzz for Houston’s finest fashionistas! The store opened on February 27th featuring California inspired designer apparel for the ladies as well as fun accessories for your pets. Owner Carrie Ann says “I have dreamed about this day my whole life. It’s been a long and hard road, but well worth it!”
From shirts, to shorts, denim, jewelry, hand bags, and shades, anyone can come in and find something here. Trust Carrie, you won’t find her things in places like Nordstrom, Saks, or Neimans. She cherry pics each piece and they are truly unique. Celebs dig her taste too!
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Mar 2, 2010
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Houston Rockets fans can add a little "bling" to their routine thanks to Valobra Jewelry & Antiques. Thursday, February 28th Franco Valobra and his team of fine experts carefully crafted and presented the official Houston Rockets cufflinks to be auctioned off for charity at the 2010 Tux & Tennies gala.
Notable shoppers enjoyed champagne and light bites while mingling with Rockets CEO Thaddeus Brown and Rockets players David Andersen and Chase Budinger.
Since 1905 Valobra has been creating and offering spectacular jewelry, designed and manufactured in Italy. In addition, they sport a beautiful collection of estate, antique, and vintage jewels.
The RSVP Social team is a huge fan! Here’s a look at a few others.
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Feb 26, 2010
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A flashback from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! Thursday, I enjoyed a premium front row seat along the runway as models strutted their stuff in the salon at Neiman Marcus here in Houston.
Many fine fashionistas came out to view a special fashion show featuring the fitted and flowing designs from Escada. In town from Germany, Escada’s design director Daniel Wingate was the narrator for the presentation. The Spring/Summer 2010 collection certainly caught my eye. Now I need to check my pocketbook! The classic white jean is here to stay, add some tropical green to your look, and try pieces that can be worn in multiple looks! Here is a sneak peek of my favorite every day ensembles. I recommend checking out their website for a complete look at the collection, including their couture evening gowns! Enjoy!
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Feb 24, 2010
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Spring is coming and to kick off the excitement I hope you can join us for Sunset Fundae at The District off Washington this Sunday, February 28th. In line with rodeo season, the theme is Wild Wild West so kick up your boots, put on your favorite hat, and boot scoot to our party.
Food is provided by Beavers until it runs out, then there will be an American Wingman stand serving up fresh wings on the spot!
Activities include a mechanical bull ride and a lasso contest. Ride ‘em cowboy!
Tunes provided by DJ Senega.
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Feb 24, 2010
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I have family in Scottsdale, Arizona so I try to get there as much as possible. Being the sushi lover that I am, I recently discovered a Japanese culinary attraction called “Roka Akor” sushi & robata grill. It was listed as a Top 10 Sushi Spot in the U.S. by Bon Appetit Magazine, so I figured this place was worth a visit.
The set up is quite impressive. From the moment you walk in the door the scene is set with a cool and fresh vibe…trendy décor, good looking people, an open kitchen. We sat at a round “family style” table and instead of ordering off of the menu we asked for the head chef and he selected our courses. I am sure the whole menu is amazing but my favorites include manila clams with red miso broth and cilantro, cured salmon and avocado salad with wasabi ginger dressing, Roka Akor lamb cutlets with Korean spices, and Roka Akor yuzo miso marinated black cod with pickled red onions. Okay, any time they include their name on a plate, you know it is going to be spectacular!
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Feb 19, 2010
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Thursday night Southern Methodist University Alums got together to mix, mingle, and enjoy some wonderful French wine. (Pictured: RSVP writer and SMU Alum Amanda Cochran with Eduardo)
Being a graduate myself, it’s always fun to reconnect with people I went to school with, plus it’s always nice to meet new friends and business connections. About 100 people came out to French Country Wines, a niche distributor located just off of Kirby in the Rice U area.
Owner Tim Smith traded in his bond trader hat to fulfill his passion for importing fine wine. Bottles and cases are sold to both individuals and to restaurants. It’s all from France and the selection is sensational! This place is really known by “word of mouth” so here you go my friends. I recommend you check it out or host your own private tasting. Here are a few party pics:
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Feb 17, 2010
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Brennan’s is back in a big way. This 1967 Houston staple known for their New Orleans style cuisine may have suffered a small inferno, but today their new digs will set your heart and pallets ablaze!
This last Tuesday, Mardi Gras, was opening day. I had the opportunity to get a personal tour of the restaurant guided by Blair Matthews the Marketing Director, and what a savory treat that was. Here is a sneak peak at the new layout. Bonjour!
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Feb 17, 2010
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Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Feb 16, 2010
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It’s always fun to see the creations of new talent. This year at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Irina Shabayeva, the winner of BRAVO’s hit television show Project Runway, certainly took spectators to new heights with her Fall 2010 runway presentation!
Freedom and the un-tethered journey of flight set Shabayeva on a course to create a fantasy of intricate beading, textile construction and exotic materials. Hand sewn creations of soft cashmeres, silk-screened and hand- painted wools were showcased side-by-side with structurally sculpted bodices and flight inspired flounces.
Materials ranged from natural to industrial as creations were swirled in feathers and patterns only born in nature. Tupperware-engineered materials provided the hard edges and solid structures delicately balanced with luxurious materials like cashmere, supple leathers, double faced wool and fur. An unusual partnership with an alternative view to fashion and design allowed Shabayeva to join Tupperware’s effort of inspiring women around the world through confidence and empowerment.
Posted by: Nicole Brende
on Feb 16, 2010
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What would a trip to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week be without getting a glimpse of men’s trends? After several successful seasons of menswear presentations, English designer Simon Spurr debuted his new high-end tailored collection which he claims is “decidedly American”. Spurr says “I really wanted to establish my British roots and deliver something modern and elegant into American fashion week”.
Think v-neck sweaters, burgundy cotton corduroy pipe leg jeans, greg wool cigarette flannel pants, and wool/cashmere double breasted peacoats.
Well my American friends, what do you think? Check out some pics from his collection below.
