SPARKLE MORE

SPARKLE MORE

With time off from holiday dressing last year, we’re back in the saddle now and bringing more shine and sparkle to our essence. Here, our new column, THE EDIT ADVISORY, with Krystal De Lisi and Ellen Mason,  spotlights the trends you’ll want to know.

[et_pb_flex_gallery gallery_ids=”43283,43280,43282,43279,43281″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”4.12.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_flex_gallery]

Trend: Life’s a Party. The party has not stopped. It just looks different.

Description: The rise and rebirth of occasion wear and dress-up clothes. If life on lockdown has taught us anything, it’s life is a party worth dressing for…even, if it’s a party of one. These looks allow us to transcend daily life and make every day a special event. In the immortal words of Audrey Hepburn, “Life’s a party. Dress for it.”     

Key Details: Dresses, dresses, and more dresses. High shine finishes, glittery details, glossy metallics, iridescent fabrics, and over-the-top embellishments. There was a definite theme of the Roaring 20s version 2.0. The 1920s were all about glitz and glamour with an underlying movement toward simplicity in dress. The current looks reinterpret much of this philosophy.

As Seen On: Chanel, Naeem Khan, Lanvin, and Markarian

Celebration: New Year’s Eve in Paris, the office party…even if it’s on Zoom, a fancy holiday meal, or cocktails.

[et_pb_flex_gallery gallery_ids=”43284,43285,43286,43287,43288″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”4.12.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_flex_gallery]

Trend: Female Power Renaissance. A new dawn of the ultra-feminine aesthetic.

Description: Body-baring and confident, this trend is redefining sexy by highlighting collarbones, shoulders, and sides. This look is all about highlighting the feminine form in unexpected ways with sleek silhouettes that are body-skimming more than body con. Women-defined sexy that is subtle yet more powerful than previous seasons.   

Key Details: Out are ruffles, frills, poofy skirts, and in-your-face femininity. In is sheer cutouts, bras, and bandeaus, and strength. Hot pants and corset details in everything from patent leather to velvet. High neck and maxi-length silhouettes are made sexy with the use of sheer and lace panels.

As Seen On: Dolce & Gabbana, Schiaparelli, Sportmax, and Rokh

Celebration: Anything with your girls. New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas, or cocktails.  

[et_pb_flex_gallery gallery_ids=”43289,43290,43291,43292,43293″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”4.12.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_flex_gallery]

Trend: Down-To-Earth. Grounded inspiration with an elevated twist.

Description: These looks embrace the duality of cozy luxury. An essential yet adaptable wardrobe with pieces that can be dressed up or down in colors and fabrics inspired by nature. Rooted in ease and relaxation, there is a no-fuss vibe even when sequins are involved. Form and function, this trend must be comfortable, polished, and useful. And must have pockets.  

Key Details: Ground unique pieces with basics: Sequins and denim, tulle and linen, knits and satin. Look for loose-fitting trousers, jeans, joggers, and skirts. Layer different textures to bring visual interest to simple, even monochromatic looks.

As Seen On: Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Maison Mai, and Christian Dior

Celebration: Snowy holidays on the East Coast, cozy at-home meals with the family, caroling, tree trimming, and casual cocktails with neighbors.

[et_pb_flex_gallery gallery_ids=”43294,43295,43296,43297,43298″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”4.12.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_flex_gallery]

Trend: The Future is Green. A color that represents tranquility, luck, and health.

Description: Verdant hues and frondescent prints that reflect our need to bring the outdoors in. It is also a literal manifestation of the need for sustainable clothing and a cleaner fashion industry. 

Key Details: Olive is a key shade in this trend. Also called army green, these camo shades, along with military details, reflect the regimented times in which they were designed. Misty shades or winterized pastels like seafoam or sage were also popular. 

As Seen On: Temperley London, Balmain, Givenchy, and Simone Rocha

Celebration: Holiday traditions, an extravagant hotel holiday brunch, a Saturday matinee of The Nutcracker, and yes, cocktails.

ALWAYS GIVING HOPE

ALWAYS GIVING HOPE

Helping Hand Society Hosts Annual Presentation Gala

By Rose Betty Williams     Photography by Jetter Photography and Rose Betty Williams

THE SETTING: The Helping Hand Society recently celebrated the 78th annual Crystal Ball with a brunch and fashion show followed in the evening by a black tie Debutante Presentation Gala at Palmer Events Center. Twenty-nine debutantes, their escorts and junior escorts were presented along with 143 ninth grade Helping Hand Girls and Boys and 36 First Grade Princesses.

 

THE STYLE: Adelante, The Garden Room and Nordstrom presented the stylish fashion show that was produced by Sue Webber and team of Webber Productions. Emcee Jim Spencer introduced the First Grade Princesses, Helping Hand girls and Helping Hand debutantes. Helping Hand Home for Children Executive Director Ted Keyser expressed gratitude for everyone’s important support. At the gala, HH Society President Lucy Weber thanked the event sponsors, underwriters, auction donors, the participants, their families, Helping Hand Society members, and the gala committee for devoting “countless hours creating this special celebration in our community despite these unprecedented times and a date postponement.” The gala featured the debutante presentation, a silent auction, a seated dinner, and dancing to the music of Skyrocket.

 

This year’s Helping Hand Crystal Ball debutantes are: Riley Elizabeth Alam, Katherine Pearson Braziel, Madeleine Taylor Breeden, Bridget Faith Bryant, Taylor Ann Chatmas, Martha Coffin Crawford, Charlotte Williams Crider, Virginia Kathaleene Dolce, Grace Elizabeth Eckols, Anna Grace Gerrie, Mason Claire Gillingwater, Mei Mei Elizabeth Graber, Ellie Worth Greer, Brennan Paige Haralson, Corley Catherine Holland, Kay Lee Jenkins, Allison Elaine Kemmerer, Sarah Louise Latham, Hannah Mckenzie Maund, Ellen Reed McCartt, Madalyn Ann McCutchin, Ainsley Caldwell Merritt, Annabel Dooley Merritt, Shelby Lynne Owens, Grace Elizabeth Paape, Sarah Grace Shore, Hallie Varner Tyler, Meg Helen Utley and Patricia Claire Warner.

 

THE PURPOSE: Leslie Davenport and Suzanne Nash co-chaired the 2021 Crystal Ball and worked with a gala committee comprised of more than 65 Helping Hand Society member volunteers. It is the largest fundraiser for the Helping Hand Home for Children, annually raising approximately $1.4 million in support of the Helping Hand Home’s mission: to provide a nurturing and therapeutic home for children and to restore each child to a healthy family setting. The goal of the organization is to protect and restore the lives of victimized children so that those without hope may reclaim their futures. Today the Helping Hand Home has a nationally accredited Residential Treatment Center, a growing Foster and Adoption program and an on-campus charter school, and is mid-way through the construction of new facilities on the east side of the campus.

 

[et_pb_flex_gallery gallery_ids=”43347,43348,43349,43350,43351,43352,43353,43354,43355,43356,43357,43358,43359,43360,43361,43362,43363,43364,43365,43366,43367,43368,43369,43370,43371,43372,43346″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”4.12.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_flex_gallery]
THE NEW TWENTIES

THE NEW TWENTIES

Dallas Arboretum’s Food + Wine Festival

By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Dallas Arboretum/Steve Foxall

THE SETTING: On a recent evening, guests arrived at the grounds of the Dallas Arboretum for its Annual Food + Wine Festival. Event Chair Alicia Voltmer welcomed VIP arrivals to the Arboretum’s A Tasteful Place Gardens for a champagne reception. Gates opened an hour later to the public as the event spilled out onto the gorgeous 66-acre garden grounds, with pandemic protocol in place.

THE STYLE: Themed A Gatsby Garden Soirée, guests arrived dressed in a wide variety of The Roaring ’20’s attire, from flapper dresses to gangster suits, complete with newsie caps. Looking dapper, gents and their dolls strolled the garden while enjoying music, fine wines, and craft beer provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. Delectable small plates prepared by top local area chefs, including John Tesar with Knife Dallas and Casey La Rue with Carte Blanche, were savored by all and generously sponsored by Rosewood Ranches Waygu Beef and Amegy Bank.

THE PURPOSE: The mission of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is to build and maintain a public venue that promotes the art, enjoyment, and knowledge of horticulture while providing opportunities for education and research. They are committed to excellence, good management, and fiscal responsibility.

[et_pb_flex_gallery gallery_ids=”43400,43401,43402,43403,43404,43405,43406,43407,43408,43409,43410,43411,43412,43413,43414,43415,43416,43417,43418,43419,43420,43421,43422,43423,43424,43425″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”4.12.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_flex_gallery]

A TALE OF TALES

A TALE OF TALES

Houston’s PetSet Gala Offers Support To Animals

By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Quy Tran

THE SETTING: Houston’s movers and shakers came out in full force with both their hearts and wallets to support the  PetSet’s 17th Annual Fierce and Fabulous Soirée. The beautiful chandelier-lined ballroom of the event’s Post Oak Hotel created the perfect backdrop for this year’s gala, which raised a significant amount of funds even during the pandemic.

THE STYLE: It was a resoundingly successful evening of cocktails, dinner, and luxury auction items. Mistress of Ceremonies, Deborah Duncan, provided the audience with much laughter and banter from the podium. First, The Angel Award recipient, Jan Duncan, was celebrated with a moving video tribute. Then, the celebrity canine guest, a rescue dog brought back to good health through the services of Houston PetSet, was showcased. With pandemic protocol in place at the gala, other longtime supporting PetSet guests such as Sue Smith, Les Alexander, Don Sanders, and Honoree Jan Duncan live-streamed the event from the comfort of their homes.

THE PURPOSE: More than 400 animal lovers joined Tena Lundquist Faust, Tama Lundquist, and Brigitte Kalai, the event chairs. PetSet events are always full of glamour, but the animals were the true winners of this event. Houston PetSet is a non-profit organization providing grants to Houston area charities that benefit animal welfare. They are committed to spaying, neutering, rescuing, adopting, and transporting the homeless pet population. Houston PetSet partners are recipients the of net proceeds of the evening as well as Houston PetSet’s own critical programming focusing on animal homelessness in Houston.

[et_pb_flex_gallery gallery_ids=”43447,43448,43449,43450,43451,43452,43453,43454,43455,43456,43457,43458,43459,43460,43461,43462,43463,43464,43465,43466,43467,43468,43469,43470,43471″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”4.12.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_flex_gallery]
SCHOOL DAYS

SCHOOL DAYS

Texans Can Academies Hosts Annual Luncheon 

By Jake Gaines            Photography by Jenna Beth Lyde

THE SETTING: Texans Can Academies–San Antonio recently honored Kim Lewis, CEO of KSL Resources and champion of childhood education and the arts, as its 2021 honoree.

 

THE STYLE: The annual Texans Can Academies–San Antonio Motherhood Lifetime Achievement Award was the purpose of the annual luncheon that honors leading women in the city who are distinguished for their exemplary compassion and service. San Antonio Country Club was the venue for the event and served as the backdrop for the many guests, including past honorees, for a moving tribute to Lewis. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Deborah Knapp of KENS 5 News. The event’s special speakers included current students of Texans Can Academies San Antonio, Adam Rubio and Jackeline Cabrera.

 

THE PURPOSE: Gloria Delgado served as the host committee chair. The event benefits the students of Texans Can Academies–San Antonio, a dropout prevention and recovery school now in its 20th year of service to the San  Antonio community, which today educates 600 at-risk San Antonio youth. This year’s sold-out event raised $205,000 to advance their mental health services, food services, scholarships, and other vital student support.

[et_pb_flex_gallery gallery_ids=”43522,43523,43524,43525,43526,43527,43528,43529,43530,43531,43532,43533,43534,43535,43536,43537,43538,43539,43540,43541″ show_title_and_caption=”off” _builder_version=”4.12.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_flex_gallery]
HOLIDAY FLAIR

HOLIDAY FLAIR

There is so much to know, see and do as we look around us, with renewed holiday anticipation, according to our pop culture pursuer, Lance Avery Morgan.

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

SEE YOU IN THE BLUE ROOM

The White House Historical Association always makes the holidays brighter…this year, with its tribute to Texas. The 2021 White House Ornament reflects Texas President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s 1967 Blue Room theme. “To spend holiday seasons in the White House was a privilege and a gift,” said Luci Baines Johnson, the youngest daughter of President Johnson. “This year’s ornament evokes all the historic memories our family shared during those years, and we’re honored to have that time commemorated on this year’s Official White House Ornament.”

$38. At the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin and at LBJStore.com.

TOM FORD, REVEALED

The biggest book of the season? Tom Ford 002. The Austin native, synonymous with high-octane glamour, opulent sexuality, and fearless fashion, has a design reach that has influenced the globe since the 90s. This volume, printed with Forest Stewardship Council-approved materials and personally edited by Ford, reflects his exceptional taste and unapologetic sensual aesthetic. It’s a true collector’s item for his devotees and connoisseurs of fashion, style, and design.

$135. At RizzoliUSA.com.

Courtesy of Haute Hostess
Courtesy of Virgin Dallas

THIS TOPS EVERYTHING

Fort Worth-based design dynamos Noble 31 has released its fall and winter collection to great acclaim. It’s a mix of neutrals sprinkled with bright pops of color, designed to become classic pillars in your closet that carry you not just season to season but year to year – pieces that become your multi-purpose go-to favorites. Shown here, the Linda top.

$320. At ShopNoble31.com.

GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE

Sotheby’s is paying tribute to Karl Lagerfeld by selling more than a thousand lots from his residences in France and Monaco. It represents an anthology of not only his personal taste but also of his life and career. These sales will present a broad panorama of Art Deco works, including a fine selection of furniture by Louis Süe and André Mare, as well as numerous contemporary objects and art by Jeff Koons and Takashi Murakami.

Dec. 3-5. At Sothebys.com.

Courtesy of Discovery Green
Courtesy of Restore 180

TIME TO REFRESH

EvolvE may become your new favorite wellness spot. Founded by Shannon Maddalena and her team, this Austin destination offers luxe spa and body treatments like no other. From cryotherapy to the infrared sauna, Liquid Facelift facial, and many more offerings, this is the place for your healing to begin now and into the New Year.

At EvolveATX.com