by societytexas | Feb 29, 2024 | Spring/Summer 24, Style, Create
Coming to a bookstore near you soon is the latest book by Lance Avery Morgan. Set in the Golden Age of Hollywood in 1932, the rise and rise of film starlet Sarita Silva will inspire you to create your destiny your own way.
There are bushels of them. At least two and a half dozen floral bouquets, in just about every color of the rainbow, are arriving by the truckload at Preeminent Pictures, the biggest little major movie studio in Hollywood. An array of tuberoses, peonies, orchids, and gardenias, all ensconced in elaborately towering vases with gift cards of congratulations and well-wishes, have been delivered since dawn. Their destination is the dressing room of Sarita Silva, forever more known as Academy Award-winning Sarita Silva. The journey in which she receives the fabled golden statue has been rather brief by Hollywood terms, yet arduous to be sure.
Little did she know, as she naps poolside at her Bel Air rental, less than 10 miles away from Preeminent, sleeping off what was a combination of too much champagne and Duck a L’Orange that the real journey of a lifetime had only begun.
It all has to start somewhere, like all great stories filled with love, heartache, success, and misfortune. Every life is as chock full of them as a cellophane bag of mixed nuts, especially in Hollywood. The bright California sun bathes Hollywood’s bustling, freshly tarred streets in lemony golden hues, setting the stage for both glittering dreams and powerful ambitions to collide.
Among the starry-eyed dreamers, like the tens of thousands of young, ambitious, and beautiful women and men before her, Sarita Silva steps off the bus with intense hope in her heart and determination in her youthful stride. A vision of grace and beauty, she knows she has to take a chance on her dream of becoming a movie star. In fact, her aim is to be the world’s most talented movie star.
The year, 1932, and Hollywood, the City of Dreams, is ablaze in the clinquant daylight with the glimmer of its mostly Spanish Revival architecture…and the distinct aroma of opportunity. Among the hopefuls chasing fame and fortune, the striking Sarita’s Silva realizes her radiant smile is not enough to ignite the silvery screen where celluloid dreams are being conjured every minute of the day somewhere in the world. But her secret weapon is that she possesses genuine talent.
Busloads of Hollywood hopefuls fall off the turnip truck on the corner of Hollywood and Vine, the always-stirring epicenter where fantasies could come true, and often, life could change in what seemed to be almost overnight. That is what is so wonderful about Hollywood, that state of mind of Hollywood, anyway. Truly anything is possible. If can be dreamed, then it can made, or filmed. On the movie industry’s menu is a veritable feast served of possibilities: freedom, riches, personal fulfillment…and yes, even love.
Sarita straightens the hem of her lavender floral print dress that is accentuated with organdy blouson sleeves and makes sure her gloves remain pristinely white as she steadily holds the rail until she steps onto the sidewalk from the bus. As she navigates her way to the labyrinthine studio stages that lay ahead, Sarita’s almond-shaped and expressive eyes sparkle with excited anticipation. Giddy, really.
The Preeminent Studio gates, freshly painted in navy blue with shiny, intertwining copper Ps to represent the logo of Preeminent, loom ahead of her. The indelible gates are guarded by imposingly authoritative figures in gate-matching navy uniforms, like the police back in Sarita’s hometown of Monterrey, Mexico. She steels herself and walks forward, her fingers trembling as she clutches the audition script for the leading role in a highly anticipated upcoming romantic drama, I Am My Own Woman.
Ambition courses through her veins, propelling her to conquer the challenges that await in the City of Angels. Sarita is not just content with being a visual spectacle; she possesses an innate talent that sets her apart. Whether it’s her voice, her acting skills, or a combination of both, she has a natural gift that draws attention immediately toward her whenever she steps into a room.
However, beneath the glamorous exterior and the sparkle of Tinseltown, Sarita is not immune to the challenges that newcomers face. She grapples with what little she has heard about the complexities of the industry, navigating a landscape that can be both thrilling and treacherous. Despite the pitfalls, her determination remains unyielding, and she is willing to fight for her place in the spotlight.
by societytexas | Feb 29, 2024 | Spring/Summer 24, Glow
For your big day, you’ll want to look and feel as beautiful as ever. Here, our beauty expert, Leanne Raesener, shares the very latest and greatest getting-gorgeous products for a more stunning spring and summer.
VINTAGE IMAGE
Brigitt Bardot, 1960s
For the woman who has almost everything. Surrounded by a myriad of dazzling crystals, the fabulous bee-featured insect landed majestically on this one-liter Bee Bottle to make it sparkle. The best part? It still exudes your grandmother’s perfectly powdery scent.
$20,337. At Guerlain.com.
European insiders, and now Texans, turn to Valmont of Switzerland for the best, advanced skincare found anywhere. It’s where nature meets science and luxury meets effectiveness. We highly recommend the Moisturizing With A Cream, Mask, and Hydra Eye Serum.
From $160. Available in Texas at the Lake Austin Spa Resort & LaMaisonValmont.com.
Does your color-treated hair need a volume lift shampoo as we dive into pools and fun this spring and summer? Yep, we thought so. The socialite insider go-to is, of course, Oribe.
$52. At Oribe.com.
Tan your face day or night with COU’s perfect Sunless Face Tanning Serum. With ingredients like Raspberry Seed Oil, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin A & E, it works to hydrate, tighten, and firm the skin while giving you a luminous glow. Created by native Austinite Trish Williams Huddleston.
$54. At COUSkincare.com.
To feel wedding day wonderful, revitalize your skin with Glow Drip Serum from LOMI Skin, enriched with nourishing oils like Jojoba and Rosehip. You’ll experience a brighter complexion, reduced dark spots, and smoother skin with daily use. his serum is anti-inflammatory and filled with antioxidants for total skin revival, with Vitamin C as a powerhouse ingredient.
$98. At LOMISkin.com.
This elegant eye quad, the limited edition Wild Meadow Eye Quartet, includes two cream-infused pearlescent shimmering shades, one satiny-soft matte shade, and one luminous satin hue. The color story creates beautiful looks when mixed and matched or when worn as individually solo shades.
$78. At Chantecaille.com.
Complete the look of Tom Ford’s seductive eye using this innovative, dual-ended liquid liner. Formulated in the blackest shade of black, it delivers ultimate precision and makes fluid strokes easy to achieve with this Eye Defining Pen.
$58. At NeimanMarcus.com.
Zafferano I, a Storie Veneziane scent by La Maison Valmont, a balance of bright florals and spiced accents takes the wearer on a journey without bounds. East-meets-west aromas of saffron, bigaradier blossoms and precious oud lend authenticity and generosity to this captivating extrait de parfum filled with wonder and wanderlust.
$490. At LaMaisonValmont.com.
Water Fresh Eau De Blush in Light Pink from the Les Beiges line is our favorite shade this year. Developed using MicroFluidic Technology, the visible micro-droplet pigments melt into skin upon contact, offering a barely there finish and a healthy-looking glow.
$50. At Chanel.com.
Ready to turn back the hands of time with Genaissance de la Mer? Infused with Crystal Miracle Broth™, this ultra-sumptuous cream visibly rejuvenates the eye and expression areas to transcend virtually all signs of time.
$520. At CremeDeLaMer.com.
by societytexas | Feb 28, 2024 | Spring/Summer 24, Pursue
Where to go, how to support, and whom to know this spring? Look no further than here for our recommendations of the latest and greatest that Texans will love, according to our cool arbiter Lance Avery Morgan, who is always on the scene looking out for our best interests.
Led by its new President, Alicia Bryan, a Houstonian-turned San Antonian, the American Friends of Versailles weekend at the fabled palace, as well as gatherings in nearby Paris, is the place to be to kick off your five-star summer… Le Gala des Fleurs d’Oranger. Founded by Amarillo-born Catharine Hamilton decades ago, the preservation ties between the OG Cultural Landmark and Texas remain strong. From May 31 – June 3. To support, visit AmericanFriendsOfVersailles.org.
Houstonian Sir Mark Haukohl’s collection of 47 women artists who are challenging the notions of gender, nationhood, and the practice of photography itself are the focus of the upcoming must-see exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. The prior success of In the Now: Gender and Nation in Europe, Selections from the Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl Photography Collection occurred at the Los Angeles County Museum in 2022. March 8–July 7. At BrooklynMuseum.org.
Most agree that the best wedding cakes in the state are made at Paige’s Bakehouse in the Austin area. The seventh-generation Texan Paige Morgan Perry is the fan favorite for creating artisanal, memorably creative, and festive cakes for any wedding or special occasion. “This is the most important day in a person’s life, and everything has to be perfect,” says Perry. “The cake is a sweet symbol of a couple’s love, and we make sure their vision is perfection.” At PaigesBakehouse.com.
This mini caftan is a part of the capsule collection for The SIL x The Beverly Hills Hotel. Dallas-based La Vie Style House’s combination of light pink silk mixed with pink feathers is an ode to Old Hollywood’s glamorous style. This classic caftan silhouette has a button placket front and boasts wide ostrich feathered sleeves. We love that The SIL’s native Texan-turned-Angeleno founder Natalie Bloomingdale is making the world more dazzling with each of her style collaboratives. $950. At TheSILShop.com.
Long ranked as one of the preeminent rejuvenation destinations in the
world, Lake Austin Spa Resort continues to dazzle.
Open year-round, the resort offers total immersive wellness experiences with an emphasis on the naturally restorative power and healing effects of water.
We love that the 25,000-square-foot Lake House Spa Resort features an outdoor
Palm Pool, hot tub, cabanas, 30 treatment areas, including garden
tents and suites, indoor heated Junior Olympic-length lap pool in the
Pool Barn, and two acres of terraced foliage and aquatic
gardens. A few days here will seem like a month anywhere else.
At LakeAustin.com
We’ve found your next custom hat purchase. With the Yellowstone T.V. series craze in full throttle, it’s affected runways and closets across the world. Enter Cassandra Everett, founder of Cenizo West and Cenizo Hatworks, and her companies that craft her designs in Texas. Born in San Antonio and raised in Corpus Christi and Kerrville, she currently enjoys rural life in Sabinal, Texas (approximately 60 miles west of San Antonio). There she creates her Western designs that are sweeping the world. At CenizoHatworks.com.
by societytexas | Feb 28, 2024 | List, Spring/Summer 24, Style
Every honeymoon is about bliss and pure romance…a true respite after all the preparations that went into the big day. For your exotic trip, rest and relax while looking stunning the entire time, according to the Top 10 list by our style guides, the always chic Rank & Style CEO Jamie Chandlee, and her team.
The twisting botanical prints in Agua by Agua Bendita’s collections pay homage to the flora and fauna of the brand’s native Colombia. Patterned with intricate blooms, this ‘Ebano’ swimsuit’s sweetheart neckline is traced with pretty ruffles and a delicate bow where each end is tipped with lustrous faux pearls.
$290. At Net-A-Porter.com.
We love that Khaite’s medium-sized ‘Amelia’ tote is ideal for long commutes or day trips. Crafted from raffia and leather, it has sculptural folds and protective feet at the base. The spacious interior is fitted with a zipped pocket to keep small items close at hand.
$1950. At Net-A-Porter.com.
This luminosity-boosting Rose Gold Radiance Body Oil by 111 Skin has a brightening blend of natural oils and extracts to transform dull, lackluster limbs and quench dry knees, elbows and anywhere else in need of a moisture boost. It also reverses the effects of UV damage and irritation, making it perfect as an after-sun or post-shave treatment.
$95. At ModaOperandi.com.
Inspired by classic signet styles, David Yurman’s heirloom-esque pinky ring is cast from 18-karat gold and centered with sparkling diamonds arranged to depict your chosen initial.
$1300. At Net-A-Porter.com.
The Anglaise Midi Matchmaker is cotton and features spliced panels of broderie anglaise. With boning through its bodice, a scoop neckline, shirred elastic across the back, side seam pockets, and invisible zip closure, you’ll want to wear it when you return, too.
$1050. At Zimmerman.com.
Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Drops is the breakthrough, multi-use highlighting serum that hydrates and visibly reduces the look of hyperpigmentation for a dewy, reflective glow. Perfect for any type of skin to reduce dryness and dullness.
$35. At Sephora.com.
The Michael raffia-trimmed leather sandals by Gabriela Hearst gets raves from us for its chic versatility. The smooth leather straps and split wooden soles feature braided raffia trims that have been expertly hand-woven by skilled artisans in Morocco.
$1150. At Net-A-Porter.com.
INNER, MEET OUTER ROCK STAR
If paparazzi decides to join you on your honeymoon, escape them with this Dancer Aviator in cream. The classic oversized aviator shape sports an enamel painted metal frame with rosy lens.
$290. At Zimmerman.com.
Victoria Beckham evokes the enrapturing fragrance of burgeoning romance through the memory in the fragrance, Portofino ’97. It’s A euphoric hit of calabrian bergamot and black pepper; crisp white sheets suffused with incense and amber; patchouli and vetiver lingering on the skin of a significant other.
$200. At VictoriaBeckhamBeauty.com.
Founded in 2011 by Australian creative duo, Rob and Tess, Lack of Color has reimagined the world of hats like this one, a wide-brimmed and domed down for the ultimate sun protection, the ‘Paloma’ is made from golden wheat straw and features a detachable chocolate brown cotton neck tie.
$150. At Net-A-Porter.com.
by Lance | Dec 15, 2023 | Style, Blog
Our Lance Avery Morgan caught up with Eartha Kitt when she performed at Austin’s Cabaret Theater, founded by Stuart Moulton. Here’s a look back at that golden moment…
Femme Fatale. Champagne Chanteuse. Star of stage and screen. Eartha Kitt is the original Material Girl who knows more about the ins and outs of men at 79 years young than most women could ever hope to know. She was discovered while performing in Paris, at the age of 20 by the legendary Orson Welles who called her “the most exciting woman in the world.”
We agree and in fact, we think she’s purrrrrr…fect – just like in her persona as Catwoman on the television series Batman and her film roles in Boomerang, Fatal Instinct, Unzipped, and The Emperor’s New Groove. With her cabaret performance stronger than ever, she’s bringing that sexy act to Texas…to the Austin Cabaret Theater for one night only. Here, in an exclusive interview, she discusses, men, performing and well, more about men.
Everyone calls you a living legend. How does that feel at this point of your career?
It’s kind of a scary thought, you know, but you have to live with it. I’m someone’s whose been around for awhile.
You’re still the toast of the cabaret set from coast to coast. You just finished up a gig at the Carlyle in New York. How was it?
I think it’s what people are looking now…they don’t like the kind of music that is hateful or anti-women that’s out there now. They want to feel good again about society and themselves.
When you’re on stage performing, what do you love most about that – is it that instant connection with your audience?
Oh, very much so. The more they give me, the better I feel about what I am doing. It’s how I interpret a song – whether it’s dramatic or comedy. It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world. Thank God I’m able to hold onto these notes – I sing in the same key as I did 30 years ago.
Eartha Kitt and Orson Welles, 1950s
And you’re in your sixth professional decade of making men nervous. You seem to get along well with men…
Darling, I loooove men. A good man is hard to find. Plus, I think I have a lot of fun with the men in my audience – men know I love to tease. And women understand that –and they get to benefit from it later on in the evening when they are alone with their man. You could say I’ve had some experience with men.
Right, you’ve had some pretty famous boyfriends. What do you find most attractive about men?
That’s easy. It’s the respect they have for women. Orson (Welles) called me the most exciting woman in the world and every woman wants to feel that way about herself, too. It’s important that a man has a good sense of humor. Women should have it, too. Also, a man must have intelligence, but he doesn’t have to be the smartest man in the room. Like most women, I like to keep them guessing…
And women have changed over the years, too?
Women’s Lib took a lot of fun out of teasing. A man doesn’t know what to do anymore – should he hold doors, light a cigarette, and stand up when a lady enters a room? They don’t even send flowers anymore. I think good manners need to come back in style. A woman wants to be cared for.
Agree. Speaking of style, your Santa Baby hit made you an even bigger star and branded you as a sex kitten in a very innocent era in the 1950s. Was that meant to be?
Not really. It wasn’t calculated at all. I was an innocent young girl when I first made that song. Remember, I’m a cotton picker from South Carolina and I’ve never lost that innocence. Of course, I played to that in my career – a woman should always be innocent, darling.
I hear you’re working on your biography. Will you be setting the record straight?
Rejuvenate is my book out now. It’s about what a woman has to do for herself. My biography will be my next book. It’s about me, men, and money… about the fun times and not-so-fun times.
Here’s to Life is a song you like to close your act with. If you hadn’t become a performer, what occupation would you have chosen?
I would have been a teacher. I’ve learned – and teach – that life is a wonderful path to travel on if you don’t get too panicky on your down moments. The question one should ask is ‘how am I going to best use these moments?’
by Lance | Dec 14, 2023 | Style, Blog
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Running Press
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and as we gear up for everyone’s favorite time of the year, the bestselling Booze & Vinyl series (200,000 copies in print) finds its holiday cheer in an irresistible new volume that you must have for yourself…and to give as host gifts. It mixes beloved Christmas albums with very, very merry drink pairings – how great is that? A Booze & Vinyl Christmas from Running Press is by award-winning food and drinks writer André Darlington.
It features forty curated Christmas albums, from the 1940s to the present, complete with two inspired cocktails for the A side and B side. From The Nutcracker and A Charlie Brown Christmas to Bing Crosby and Kelly Clarkson, this tome is the perfect companion for all your festive holiday gatherings.
Whether you’re spending a quiet evening by the stocking-lined fireplace at home, or preparing to binge Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies, you can make the season festive with this guide to forty favorite holiday albums from the 1940s to the present. Divided into four thematic chapters—Rock the Halls, Warm & Fuzzy, Jazzy & Classical, and Gift-Wrapping Station, each entry features liner notes on the album and accompanying boozy beverage recipes that complement the music or connect the drink to the artist.
Tasty holiday recipes sprinkled throughout make this the ultimate holiday cocktail party guide. The author even shares his trademark tips and tools for setting up the bar with twelve bottles, pantry staples to have on hand, and sensational, homemade syrups that sparkle with the flavors of winter.
You’ll love that this book combines the passion for holiday music, the love of Christmastime, and the fun of cocktails and entertaining. It’s an intoxicating combination of much-loved subjects. So, why not host your next ultimate holiday party with music, cocktails, and nibbles, a top ten list of Christmas tunes with cocktail pairings with A Booze & Vinyl Christmas as your guide? $26. At Running Press.
