2023 January February Archives - Page 3 of 6

BLUE ICE

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | Sparkle, 2023 January February

There’s something magical about sapphire and tanzanite. Its mysterious shades of blue have bewitched for centuries. Here, see how the allure remains ignited, according to our Lance Avery Morgan, who has selected his favorite pieces from some of our favorite jewelers.

Be the belle of the ball in these stunning drop earrings made of both sapphire and tanzanite, ensconced in plenty of diamonds. $105,000. By Nini Jewels. At NiniJewels.com.

Wave your hands wearing this cocktail ring, and things magically happen. It consists of one 10CT. tanzanite, four oval blue sapphires, and a bevy of diamonds. $65,500. By Nini Jewels. At NiniJewels.com.

Drape this 18K white gold sapphire and diamond necklace (sapphires total 43.43CTS., and diamonds total 25.75CTS.) around you, and life may never be the same. $235,500. By Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. At LMFJ.com.

Slip on this 4.40CT. oval sapphire ring with diamond accents totaling 3.44CTS., all set in platinum. $25,000. By Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. At LMFJ.com.

Meet your new favorite pair of gala earrings. In 18K white gold, pear, and oval-shaped sapphire chandelier earrings with diamonds (1.15CTW.) and sapphires (16.95CTW.). Price upon request. By Kelly Wade Jewelers. At KellyWadeJewelers.com

You’ll love this eternity bracelet forever and then some. Made with 18K white gold emerald cut sapphires (12.32CTW.) with diamonds (2.78CTW.). Price upon request. By Kelly Wade Jewelers. At KellyWadeJewelers.com.

These magnificent sapphire and diamond drop earrings feature gorgeous pear-shaped 12.99CTW. blue sapphires elegantly suspended from pear-shaped sapphires and handcrafted in pure platinum. Price upon request. By JB Star at L Majors Jewelers. At LMajorsAustin.com.

This beguiling classic sapphire and diamond necklace features 22 certified round sapphires elegantly complemented by round diamonds. Handcrafted and set in pure platinum. Price upon request. By JB Star at L Majors Jewelers. At LMajorsAustin.com.

Want an instant heirloom? Made of rare Paraiba tourmaline (5.73CTS.), this pavé brooch has a 2.45CTS. Santa Maria aquamarine center, with .38CTS. of diamonds, silver, and 18K yellow gold. $60,000. By Christopher Walling. At ChristopherWallingJewelry.com.

Don this ring and they’ll always remember you. With a 53.45CTW. Sugarloaf-Cabochon Burma sapphire, this platinum ring has a woven trellis of another 8.21CTS. of Buff-Top sapphires. $1,000,000. By Christopher Walling. At ChristopherWallingJewelry.com.

BELLE OF THE BALL

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | R.S.V.P. SAN ANTONIO, 2023 January February, Parties

Chrysanthemum Ball Celebrates With 67th Gala

By Alexandra Del Lago Photography by Jenna Beth Lyde

THE SETTING: The Charity Ball Association of San Antonio celebrated its 67th Chrysanthemum Ball at the Witte Museum. The evening was inspired by the idea of a Tuscan Italian evening by President Lee Anne Hendry. It was designed by Danny Cuellar of Trinity Flowers and Decorations Vice President Elizabeth Roberts. Guests were greeted by large ornate wrought iron candelabras lavishly ornamented in lemon leaves, and a beautiful Italian fountain adorned with a profusion of orchids and chrysanthemums, assorted greenery, and topped with a pyramid of lemons. The guests were offered Limoncello martinis and spritzers, roasted grape and goat cheese bruschetta, mozzarella, smoked chicken arancini, and vegetable stromboli roulades, all while enjoying cocktails in the garden and admiring the Gold Prize Jaguar generously donated by Cavender Jaguar Land Rover.

THE STYLE: As the guests entered the Mays Family Center, they were delighted by the beautiful décor. Large trees sat upon the dining tables and were decorated with bright yellow lemons, lemon leaves, and sparkling lighting. At the tree bases were arrangements of white cymbidium orchids, yellow and citrine-colored chrysanthemums, yellow roses, and assorted greenery. The tables were adorned with green malachite-patterned tablecloths accented with varying height tapered candles and accompanied by gold Chivari chairs. The ceiling was covered in beautiful lemon leaf greenery accented with ambient lighting.

Stephen Cavender, this year’s emcee, welcomed everyone and introduced Lee Anne Hendry, the organization’s president. Kim Peacock, the vice president of prizes, orchestrated the many prize drawings and giveaways as the guests enjoyed a fabulous dinner of Duo Caprese Ensalata, Tenderloin Rosa de Parma, and Amalfi Lemon Delight by The RK Group. A night of dancing followed with music from Blind Date of Austin.

THE PURPOSE: The evening celebrated the $1,200,000 raised for the many grants given to the children of Bexar County. With Patrons Vice President Anna-Laura Block at the helm, The Charity Ball Association celebrated their wonderful patrons, including the Diamond Chrysanthemum Patrons: The Charity Ball Legacy Foundation, Kittie Nelson Ferguson Foundation, Mays Family Foundation, and Mary West and Richard Traylor. The CBA has given over $25 million to the children of Bexar County since 1954.

APPETIZINGLY ALLURING

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | 2023 January February, Savor

We’re all frequenting restaurants again with great fervor, and there are plenty of new, beautiful spaces to try, according to our savvy eatery devotees, Rob Giardinelli (Austin, Houston and San Antonio and Houston) and Cynthia Smoot (Dallas).

AUSTIN

NEW BLUE

Located inside the Origin Hotel Austin in Mueller, Blue Lacy is an all-day eatery that offers a new take on American classics. Top items on the menu include Chicken N’ Waffle Kabobs, avocado toast bruschetta, and pecan pie. The pet-friendly space even has menu offerings served in dog bowls for your favorite four-legged friends so they can enjoy them too. At BlueLacyAustin.com.

ALWAYS ROOM FOR CHAMPAGNE

The new 7th Floor of the Fairmont Hotel, Room 725, Champagne & Caviar, is the perfect place for a first date or popping the question. The menu features a wide selection of caviar, including a vegan option, and other light bitessuch as Foie Gras, Lobster Claws, and Jamin Iberico. Order champagne by the bottle, by the glass, or as a flight to find your perfect pairing. At Fairmont-Austin.com/Room725.

REST ON YOUR LAUREL

Laurel, located in the new Hotel Viata in Westlake, is Italian with a Texas twist by utilizing ingredients from the Texas Hill Country. The curated menu features something for everyone, with the Impossible Meatballs, gnocchi, Chicken Osso Bucco, and Mediterranean Risotto being must-trys. Cap off the dinner by cozying up to the bar for a nightcap or a glass of wine al fresco on the terrace. At ViataAustin.com.

DALLAS/FORT WORTH

pastry from La Tarte Tropézienne dallas texas

FOR STEAK’S SAKE

STK Steakhouse recently opened on McKinney Avenue in Uptown, in the former Perry’s Steakhouse location. They promise vibe dining at its finest, with premium dry-aged steak, world-famous cocktails, and music from renowned DJs. For high-end steak aficionados, STK has three Japanese Wagyu options, a variety of oysters, pastas, and various sides. At STKSteakhouse.com.

ALLURING AL FRESCO

Escondido boasts the largest patio in Preston Hollow and a menu that features family-friendly Tex-Mex classic favorites such as nachos, tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Enjoy 12 varieties of margaritas, Mexican-inspired cocktails, select Mexican beers, and a small yet curated wine menu. At EscondidoDallas.com.

HANDCRAFTED & MIGHTY

The keyword at OAK’D BBQ is elevated. The Wagyu and prime beef are the standards, alongside ribs, brisket, smoked turkey and chicken, and a wide variety of side dishes. An in-house pastry chef creates homemade desserts, ice cream, and biscuits. Look for the second OAK’D location in the old Chamberlain’s Seafood space on Beltline Rd. in Addison this February. At OakdBBQ.com.

HOUSTON

IN THE NAVY

Newly opened in Rice Village, Navy Blue offers modern American seafood featuring such culinary delights as Blackened Red Snapper with Ahi Amarillo, Linguini Vongole, and Swordfish Au Poivre with Green Peppercorn sauce. The 110-seat dining room includes organic elements, such as a series of long tables separated by white oak partition spines, creating an elegant yet warm dining experience. At NavyBlueRestaurant.com.

Chocolate Crepe Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café

READY FOR PRIMETIME

Gatsby’s Prime Seafood is the latest restaurant by the team behind Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse. The menu features ocean-based dishes that are brought in fresh daily with the New Bedford Scallops, Sea Bass, and an awe-inspiring Seafood Tower among the most popular. Pair any of these with wine from the global yet curated wine list or enjoy a pre-Prohibition style cocktail. At GatsbySeafood.com.

HAVANA’S NIGHTS

The hottest new night space in Texas is Benjamin Berg’s latest concept, Emilia’s Havana. Inspired by the 1950’s Havana club scene, this reservation-only, 50-seat lounge offers two 2-hour seatings (8:00 PM and 10:30 PM) on Wednesday through Saturday nights. Each seating features bottle service, an elevated wine list, and yummy post-dinner bites with elegant bossa nova music playing in the background. The house DJ spins on Friday and Saturday nights from 12:30 AM-2:00 AM, so you can dance the night away in style. Reservations available at EmiliasHavana.com.

SAN ANTONIO

MODERN SOUTHERN

Restaurant Claudine’s recently opened in an incredibly chic, fully renovated classic bungalow in Government Hill, serving delectable Modern Southern cuisine, making it the ideal space for a romantic dinner. Must-try items include Corn Bread with Smoked Wallflower Butter, Heirloom Salad with Seed and Pistachio Crumble, Shrimp Gumbo, and Short Ribs. At RestaurantClaudine.com

TEQUILA LOUNGE

Located inside the Hotel Valencia, Naranja Tequila and Mezcal Bar features the only tequila bar on San Antonio’s Riverwalk. Naranja also features a small plates menu, including Mexican Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas and Queso Fundido that perfectly complement their robust tequila offerings. The bar and lounge also feature live music from the Naranja Latin Jazz band for additional ambiance. At HotelValencia-Riverwalk.com.

Sandwich Best Quality Daughter San Antonio

SHOP ’TIL YOU EAT

Mariposa, located inside the Neiman Marcus store at La Cantera, is the perfect place to have an elegant post-shopping meal. The menu offers a great mix of salads, sandwiches, and classic fare, all of which pair well with a curated wine list. Make sure to start any meal with one of their delicious popovers, which you can also have delivered to your home if you crave one. At NeimanMarcus.com.

ROAD TO ROMANCE

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | 2023 January February, Weddings 2023

The Nuptials Of Kate Fuller & Rick Leeper, Jr.

By Jake Gaines Photography by Natalie Probst

When Kate Fuller and Rick Leeper,Jr, met at a party through mutual college friends, they were immediately drawn to each other. The bride, the daughter of Margery and Charles Fuller of Winnetka, Illinois, and the groom, the son of Sherry and Rick Leeper, Sr. of San Antonio, were recently married in Chicago. “Having all of the people we love the most in one room to celebrate our long relationship and everlasting love actually happened after two years of planning and re-planning with the pandemic,” shared the bride, Kate Fuller, about their engagement that occurred after a four-year courtship. “Knowing that it is nearly impossible to surprise Kate, I popped the question at our apartment on a Wednesday night,” recalled Rick Leeper. “She walked into a beautiful assortment of candles and hydrangeas thinking it was in celebration of a new job.”

When planning resumed after the engagement and pandemic, the Langham Hotel was chosen as the venue for the duo’s rehearsal dinner. The wedding ceremony and reception were held at the Chicago History Museum. The bride wore a gown designed by Martina Liana as she walked down the aisle among the 150 invited guests. Her long-sleeved dress was similar to the dress worn by her mother at her own wedding. The bride’s mother-in-law chose the earrings to be worn with it. At the reception, which followed a seated dinner, the couple sipped champagne out of a silver chalice silver chalice, engraved with the names of Kate’s family members and their spouses, to which the newly married duo’s names had been added prior to the wedding ceremony.

The classic black and white floor tile of the historic venue influenced the wedding’s black and white theme, which was accentuated with rich green velvet details. The wedding planner was Erica Vanco with Estera Events, while the floral décor was created by Life In Bloom. The reception’s guests loved dancing the night away to the band, The Chicago Catz, and also enjoyed Devils River Whiskey, Rick’s family’s whiskey brand. Special touches included cocktail napkins imprinted with the image of the couple’s beloved goldendoodle, Tommy. The late-night snacks were classic Chicago hot dogs and churros representing the groom’s hometown of San Antonio. An after party held at The Lodge Tavern, one of the oldest bars in Chicago, where the couple achieved a received the rare honor of being allowed to sign a brick on the wall of the Prohibition-era speakeasy.

The bride graduated from Southern Methodist University where she earned a degree in advertising. She is currently the vice president of marketing for the Dallas Market Center. The groom also graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in economics and recently started his own investment business, Tetragon, LLC. The couple honeymooned in Antigua, and reside in Dallas. The Leepers especially enjoy skiing, traveling to new places, playing cards, hosting friends in their backyard, and exploring with Tommy.

BORN TO BE WILD

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | Drive, 2023 January February

Want to harken back to the speed of yesteryear? The Janus Halcyon 450cc motorcycle is like a trip down memory lane, with a path to the future, according to our luxe automobile enthusiast, Michael Satterfield of ***TheGentlemanRacer*.com**.

Photography by Lucas Kepner

Up until now, Janus Motorcycles, for me, have just been a concept. A modern, bespoke, USA-made motorcycle that looks straight out of the 1930s? Sign me up. Since you can’t just walk into a dealership and test-ride one, I have always wondered if it would live up to the hype and the $15,000 price tag. Currently, the only way to purchase a Janus is directly from their Goshen, Indiana headquarters.

It is a big ask for an upstart motorcycle brand to start pricing at $15,000 for a Halcyon 450cc motorcycle when a Royal Enfield Classic 350 is just $4,599, and a Triumph Bonneville starts at $12,000. But unlike the mass-produced bikes, every Janus motorcycle is hand built in Indiana by a small team, and buyers can custom tailor the bike to fit their own vision. I built one using their online build tool, which came out to $17,220 with the optional extras I chose. This is in the price range of a very nice BMW R nineT, Ducati Scrambler, and other high-end motorcycles with much greater power.

The only bike I have ridden that can be compared to the Halcyon 450cc is a 1920s Indian Scout, not in the ride quality or power, but in the way the bike makes you feel, with its squared-off tank, swept-back handlebars, and upright seating position. The 450cc can feel like a bike from the 20s or 30s, but without the hassle of priming a carburetor, adjusting the spark, and kickstarting. Instead, you get an electric starter, a modern 5-speed transmission, and electronic fuel injection. Stopping is easier, too, so there are no sketchy 100-year-old drum brakes. Instead, Brembo discs can be found on the front and rear.The bike is nimble, thanks mainly to it being lightweight.

At just 345 lbs., it weighs just 29 lbs. more than a Vespa GTS 250 and nearly 200 lbs. less than a Harley Davidson Sportster 883. The seating position is comfortable, with all the switches and buttons where you would expect to find them. The bike always feels incredibly balanced. While it might look 100 years old, the modern suspension makes riding a pure joy, and with a claimed 90mph top speed, the 450 is a bike you can ride anywhere. The engine and exhaust make you feel more connected to the bike and ride. So, there is plenty of power for running around town, and if I had a chance, I would be more than comfortable taking it on a cross-country road trip.

The Halcyon 450 is a major upgrade from the original small displacement bike that started the company back in 2011. In 2015, Janus introduced a 250cc version of the Halcyon, which gave the bike a top speed of 70mph. Janus also would introduce the Phoenix 250, a cafe racer-inspired bike, and the Gryffin 250, a scrambler-style bike. However, the Phoenix will be discontinued this year after just seventy-nine were built. The Gryffin 250 starts at $9,200, and the Halcyon 250 starts at $8,800, making it the least expensive Janus motorcycle you can buy, but the 450cc is the bike to have as it gives you the freedom to ride anywhere.

The Janus Motorcycle Halcyon 450 is certainly something I like having in my garage. It transports you to another era without worrying about the problems that come with riding an antique bike. It looks the part, is amazing to ride, and sadly at some point, it will be picked up by the company and taken back to its owner. For more information or to configure your own Halcyon, visit JanusMotorcycles.com.

For more on the jacket, gloves, and gear I am wearing in this shoot, visit https://www.thegentlemanracer.com/2022/11/2022-holiday-gift-guide.html

HONEYMOON HAPPINESS

by societytexas | Dec 28, 2022 | 2023 January February, List, Style

For 2023, accessorizing with shades of blue is very stylish. For your beachy honeymoon, get your rest and relaxation while looking gorgeous the entire time, according to our style guides, the always chic Rank & Style CEO Jamie Chandlee and her team.

HERE COMES THE SUN

The revolutionary Squishee material is a synthetic straw fabric constructed from partially recycled plastics. Resembling natural raffia straw, it offers several practical advantages—including increased durability, packability, and sun protection. With a blue trim and band. By Eric Javits. $165. At EricJavets.com.

LIKE THE MORNING DEW

Try this Saie illuminating gel-based luminizer made of 75 percent water that can be mixed with skincare, foundation or worn alone for a fresh, dewy look. $28. At Sephora.com.

SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Subtle scallops embellish this occasion-worthy Zimmermann white dress, which juxtaposes slender straps with a voluminous silhouette. To complete your outfit, add a tonal strappy sandal. Perfect for a luncheon–or dinner on the beach. $695. At Shopbop.com.

SLIM, MEET SLEEK

The Rábano Frutal one-piece slip-on bathing suit by Agua features a sweetheart neckline, dainty self-tie straps, and flattering pleats along the waistline. $290. At AguaByAguaBendita.com.

GO ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

SAINT LAURENT’s Panier tote will look as at home in Paris as it will in Provence. Woven from blue raffia, it’s accented with polished gold-tone hardware and has tan leather straps to slip over your shoulder. We suggest wearing with a relaxed suit or a floral midi-dress. $1850. At NetAPorter.com.

PRETTIEST SKIN EVER

The Rich Cream with TFC8® Face Moisturizer by Augustinus Bader is the European aristocracy and celeb go-to for always perfect skin. Shouldn’t it be yours, too? $280. At Sephora.com.

PRINCESS SHOES

Now that you’ve found your forever Prince Charming, keep the missing shoe by donning these pearl bow square-toe sandals by Mach & Mach. In metallic calfskin with imitation pearls and crystal trim. $1040. At Shopbop.com.

THAT HAS A RING TO IT

For your right hand, how about this heart-shaped ring cast from 18K rose gold and set with 1.36 carats of diamonds? The slender band by Anita Ko will stack easily with your other favorites. $9450. At NetAPorter.com.

BRIGHT SPOT

Givenchy’s light blue sunglasses have oversized square frames that complement round, oval, or heart-shaped faces. Made from glossy acetate, they’re fitted with light-brown lenses and have silver-tone logo lettering at the temples. $250. At NetAPorter.com.

FLAWLESS & TAN-TASTIC

The Water, a hydrating self-tan water by Tam-Luxe, is like a cool spritz, but the grease-free tanning effect is marvelous…for the beach or town. $48. At Sephora.com.

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