Welcome to the premier of Beth in the City. I am your hostess, Beth Younger, and it is my wish to take you with me while we, together, navigate this great city of ours – Houston. So, just sit back, relax and grab a drink while we dive head first into the Space City’s treasures. Our first stop for this inaugural article takes us to the M2 Ultra Lounge in New York City for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

I had the opportunity to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week last Thursday through Sunday and it is something I have always wanted to do since I was a little girl. Growing up reading Elle and Vogue, I used to curl up in bed and dream of the day I could rub elbows with the fashionable, glamorous crowd that was known only as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The time had arrived. I was ready. Questions in head. Paper and pen in hand. Look out, New York, Beth in the City is coming and she is bringing her cowboy boots with her. You can take the girl out of Houston…

Houston took a HUGE bite out of the big apple on Thursday, September 10, 2009 when 713 resident designer, Cesar Galindo, showed his Spring 2010 collection to hundreds (many of them Houstonites) in New York City. I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing the humble and genuine designer after the show and asked him a few questions. Galindo described his show as interpreting each piece to stand alone as a collectable. He drew his inspiration from the 1980’s meets the future. Think Joan Collins from Dynasty circa 2050. Everyone in attendance clamored to catch a peek at Galindo’s futuristic resort styling to see what would be the next must-have in their closet collections.

I asked Cesar (we are on a first name basis now) which were his favorite piece(s). He cringed as if I was asking him to choose a favorite child. In essence, I guess I was. I asked him again, aside from the Sophie’s Choice reference, which were your fave pieces, but alas, he didn’t budge. Good for him. So, I guess you are stuck with my choices.

My favorite overall piece was the optic white Guggenheim dress, inspired by architecture (see photo). Next were the relaxed sequined mesh trousers and the palazzo pants. Galindo said he wished to stay away from the skinny pant. Thank you, Cesar Galindo, from a girl with thighs!  My other faves are in the photos at the bottom of the article. More can be found at www.cesargalindo.com

Baroness Elizabeth, also of Houston, designed the opulent accessories, and caused quite a buzz with her chunky necklaces. They served as the perfect accoutrements to Cesar’s one-of-a-kind designs.

The show was edgy and pumping and the after party was just as lively. The presenting sponsor for the show was the Houston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and they had fabulous gift bags for everyone. Yay! I grabbed a lounge chair quickly after the show and spotted RSVP’s Jen Roosth and ABC’s Miya Shay chatting it up. Our group expanded quickly and Bayou City friends also in attendance came over including: Leslie Tyler Fink (wearing Cesar Galindo), Jared Lang, Tammy Greene Dowe, Bambi Lynn, Kim Padgett and Erica Garza. After the show and after party, our crew left and went to Balthazar for dinner and drinks. Then, on to Buddha Bar for dancing the night away. More to come…

P.S. Leslie Tyler Fink had a camera crew following her around all night…is there a reality show in the works for this 713 gal??? Stay tuned as we find out.