WINTER’S WONDERS

WINTER’S WONDERS

by | Dec 30, 2021 | 2022 January February, Pursue

Where to go, what to see, and what to try? Look no further than our editorial team’s top picks as winter chills up. Besides, baby, it’s cold out there.

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

TOASTING THE FUTURE

Kastra Elion Vodka is taking the spirits world by storm, starting with its gorgeous, icy presentation bottle. Family-owned and three generations in the making, the brand combines tradition and innovation with a love for the flavors and heritage of the Mediterranean. After all, it is the first premium sipping vodka distilled from Greek olives.

$55. At KastraElion.com.

NOW, TO THE MOON

Welcome to the first-ever immersive VR experience to take visitors onboard the International Space Station vis-à-vis THE INFINITE–the NASA-inspired installation making its American premiere in Houston at Sawyer Yards. It’s multimedia art, physical objects, soundscapes, and light design redefine the frontiers of the user experience by allowing would-be space explorers to roam freely inside a life-scale 3D replica of the ISS.

At TheInfiniteExperience.world.

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LOVE, BURNING BRIGHTLY

Romance burns brightest with a high-quality candle from the new luxury line, SOCIAL-LITE Candles. The Isn’t It Rich scent is a favorite of ours…elusive, iconic, and seductive. It is blended with Santal, Teakwood, Elemi, Pamplemousse Rose, White Currant, Oakmoss, Amber, and Clove.

$58. At SOCIAL-LITECandles.com.

AB-SOLUTELY POSSIBLE

Stealth is the fitness gadget where you can get your workout done in just a few minutes. In fact, your body becomes the game controller. Simply slip your phone into the slot, choose one of its addictively fun games, and start building a stronger core and leaner physique as you twist, turn, pivot, and hold steady to reach the high score. Working out is fun.

$99. At TryHealth.com.

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GIVE THIS A WHIRL

The Uber Appliance Sorbet & Ice Cream Maker is perfect for all ages. This sorbet and ice cream maker works by feeding frozen fruit or other tasty treats into the chute, which quickly blends it into a delicious dessert without all the extra calories. Healthy has never been so delicious.

$69.99. At UberAppliance.com.

NATURALLY DERIVED

We love that Zoha Fragrances combine a special blend of essential oils and naturally derived aroma compounds in a carrier oil to make their unique scent notes that evolve with your skin. Zoha’s perfumes are all oil-based and alcohol-free, creating a fresh, subtle, and lingering scent all day without drying out your skin. Prices vary.

At ZohaFrangrances.com.

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HOLIDAY FLAIR

HOLIDAY FLAIR

by | Oct 31, 2021 | 2021 November December, Pursue

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.

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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.

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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. 

SEEK AND FIND

SEEK AND FIND

by | Aug 31, 2021 | 2021 September October, Pursue

Now that things are back to normal for most of us, so many adventures await, don’t you think? Our very own cool hunter Lance Avery Morgan is on the scene to share his insights of where to go, what to have, and things to own.

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

LET’S BOOK THAT

One of the most intriguing luxury book sources we love is the famed French publisher Assouline bookstore in the River Oaks District. Loaded with five-star books to taunt your wildest imagination, this is perhaps the perfect host gift source for your next dinner party.

At Assouline.com.

SOME MORE DIOR

The Brooklyn Museum of New York presents the premiere of the exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams, which traces the groundbreaking history and legacy of the House of Dior and features unique pieces drawn primarily from the Dior archives. From September 10–February 20, 2022.

At BrooklynMuseum.org.

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MUSEUM QUALITY

While seeking that perfect birthday gift for a friend, why not look at your local museum gift shop? Loaded with plenty of unique items indigenous to the culture the museums reflect, there’s something for everyone, according to the Texas State Preservation Board. Shown is an item from the Bob Bullock State History Museum gift shop, as an example.

At TheStoryOfTexas.com.

SPEAKING OF PARIS

In Houston’s River Oaks District, Moreau Paris is the custodian of an exceptional French tradition, both for the manufacturing processes and in the materials used for its leather goods. The result is timeless, functional, light, and elegant pieces to own forever. We especially love the Faubourg collection, shown here.

At Moreau-Paris.com.

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DRESSING FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Austin-bred Barbara Geller knew that her family’s secret dressing for salads and seasonings would be popular beyond friends and family. The garlic-infused dressing and marinade had developed a fan following, and it’s now on the shelves of Central Market and finer specialty grocery stores everywhere.

At LilliansDressing.com.

RAISING THE BAR

On your next trip to Manhattan, why not nurture your inner icon with a trip to the legendary Bemelman’s Bar in the Carlyle Hotel, now open. Sexy and darkly lit, something always special happens amongst the hand-painted wall murals. Just sit back and listen to the stories the piano has to share through its tickled ivories. Oh, and always order the Vesper cocktail.

At RosewoodHotels.com.

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BE IN THE KNOW

BE IN THE KNOW

by | Jun 30, 2021 | 2021 July August, Pursue

Where to go and what to do right now around the state and beyond? Look no further since we’ve assembled the newest and different to try and enjoy, according to our cool culture hunter, Lance Avery Morgan.

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

HEIGHTENED SCENTS-ABILITY

The newest candle to be a hit with those in the know is Social-Lite. Gorgeous and filled with delectable scents with such themes as Set To Jet, Make Mine Champagne, Modern Ingenue, My Secret Past, Darling Really, and Isn’t It Rich, these five-star candles will add a sophisticated element to every room.

$58 each. At SocialLiteCandles.com.

EUROPEAN JAUNT

The American Friends of Versailles, led by Amarillo-born Catharine Hamilton, is inviting guests, under the gracious guidance of Princesse Béatrice de Bourbon des Deux Sicilies, to enjoy a spectacular benefit trip of palaces and gatherings from Vienna and Prague. This one-of-a-kind tour of the fabled cities benefits the ongoing renovation of Versailles. Make plans now for October 2–10. $20,000 per person.

At AmericanFriendsOfVersailles.org.

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BOXT & READY

BOXT luxe table wine, Austin-based and female-owned by Sarah Puil, has launched into the new hot craze of premium boxed wines. The three red and white varietals use Napa winemaking techniques, are eco-friendly, and sourced from the best grapes in the world. Available through a subscription service, with free shipping direct to your doorstep.

At DrinkBOXT.com.

ESCAPE WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

With travel in all of our futures, we can hardly wait. Until we’re on that jet, headed for, say, Italy, we can enjoy the flair of the fabled country with art by San Antonio-based artist Allison Gregory, whose contemporary work of abstract and specific venues, like the Italian Riviera, shown here, always brighten any venue.

At AllisonGregoryFineArt.com.

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ALWAYS LOOKING UP

You’ll definitely want to see the Texas Performing Arts exhibit Behind the Scenes: Hollywood’s Sistine Chapel.  Among the 50 backdrops received by Texas Performing Arts from the Art Directors Guild Backdrop Recovery Project was a nearly complete replica of the Sistine Chapel.  These 18 backdrops represent full-scale copies of the historic frescos, that are a cornerstone of High Renaissance Art, and were used in MGM’s 1968 papal drama, The Shoes of the Fisherman, starring Anthony Quinn.

At UTPerformingArts.org.                   

TOTES WITH A CONSCIENCE

The BAE bag is a flagship product from Austin-based Betsy Christian, founder of Bae Liles. The totes, which come in orange and white, and black and white canvas, sport sturdy leather handles. Maker Moms handcraft them in Kenya to create sustainable lives through Fair Trade and every purchase contributes to their financial well-being. Look for a line of easy-to-wear dresses next.

At BaeLiles.com.   

Courtesy of Discovery Green
ALL ACCESS PASS

ALL ACCESS PASS

by | Apr 29, 2021 | 2021 May June, Pursue

Where to go and what to do right now around the state and beyond? Look no further since we’ve assembled the new and different to try and enjoy, according to our cool culture hunter, Lance Avery Morgan.

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE…

Sotheby’s presents the private collection from the estate of one of America’s greatest philanthropists, Anne Marion of Fort Worth. Estimated to fetch over $150 million, the American Visionary: Fine Jewels from the Collection of Mrs. John L. Marion sale reflects a gathering of objects that range from coveted modern and contemporary art to Old Master paintings, sculpture, and important jewelry. Born into the Four Sixes ranching and oil fortune in King County, Marion’s largesse was responsible for the distribution of more than $600 million worth of grants to a variety of institutions and causes, many of them in her native Texas. May 10-18, 2021.

At Sotheby’s.com.

BOXT & READY

BOXT luxe table wine, the Austin-based and female-owned by Sarah Puil, has launched into the new hot craze of premium boxed wines. The three red and three white varietals use Napa winemaking techniques, are eco-friendly, and are sourced from the best grapes in the world. BOXT is available through a subscription service, with free shipping of its wines direct to doorsteps. Plus, a concierge is available to assist customers with selecting wines based on flavor profiles, and each box has a 100 percent happiness guarantee.

At DrinkBOXT.com.

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Courtesy of Virgin Dallas

RARIFIED AIR

The Texas-based health and lifestyle brand, Meli Hands, founded by Maria Sideris and Vanessa Thanos, has launched a new collection of diffusers and hand sanitizers with two new delectable scents: Lemoni and Aegean Sea Salt. Enjoy a fresh and clean-smelling home with these scents in sustainable glass bottles with the cheery bright yellow and blue design.

$10.99–$38.99. At MeliHands.com

FOLLOW THE SILK ROAD

Want to create your own wearable fashion statement? After a year-and-a-half of e-commerce and successful workshops with beloved local brands like FleaStyle, Dallas Silk Art has opened its first-ever brick-and-mortar location in the Homestead section of Grandscape in Dallas. It offers safe, socially-distanced yet intimate workshops. And,  for the first time, they sell one-of-a-kind retail products such as marbled silk scarves, coasters, and more.

At DallasSilkArt.com.

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HOME-STYLED FASHION

NorthPark Center’s south wing will sit back and relax when The University of North Texas presents Fashion in Residence: At-Home Styles from the Texas Fashion Collection… The exhibition will present selected pieces from its collection of over 20,000 garments that have been curated to represent fashion’s greatest casual moments.

Through June 6. At TFC.CVAD.UNT.edu.

BUSINESS SENSE

A briefcase for any professional makes a statement. Why not make a colorful and creative one while you’re at it, with a new Franki Ray piece? Dallas-based founders Stacey George and Sasha Spivey are setting the style world on fire with their bags and accessories for both women and men.

Prices vary. At FrankiRay.com.  

Courtesy of Discovery Green
ONWARD TO THE COOL

ONWARD TO THE COOL

by | Jan 3, 2021 | 2021 January February, Pursue

As we continue with the new reality in 2021, things are happening again, both near and far as well. Join our culture-seeking editor Lance Avery Morgan as he recommends some new bright spots to know and love this very moment.

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

LISTEN IN, SKIN

We love that SkinLab, the new-to-market skincare concept developed by the luxe brand SkinCeuticals, is now officially open in Houston. For fans of the SkinCeuticals product line, SkinLab is a one-stop-shop that opened in partnership with Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Forrest Roth–it is the third to open in the country, with the first two being in Napa Valley and Connecticut. At WestAvePlasticSurgery.com.

RANCH STYLE MEANS

RancH2O, founded by native Texan Amelia Lettieri, is the ready-to-drink canned cocktail brand that delivers the kick of real spirits and a refreshingly smooth taste with just the pop of a tab. This is not another hard seltzer…RancH2O is real liquor, perfectly mixed in flavors like Ranch Water, Classic Marg, Vodka, and a Gin Fizz. The four-pack is $13.99. Available at major liquor stores and RancH20Spirits.com.

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BURNING SO BRIGHT

Dirty Bartender candles have teamed with DIFFA Dallas, inspired by its thirty years of service. The delectable scents, aptly named House of DIFFA, Yacht Bar, and Cocktail Garden, will transform any mood and space. Plus, they burn for 40 hours. Each are $34. At DirtyBartender.com.

OH, BABY

Mila & Me, the new Latina-owned, hand-dyed loungewear brand for both mothers and children, was conceived during COVID-19 by Austinite Melissa Dieck Thaxton. She believes in donating a portion of the company’s proceeds to organizations in need. “We hope our pieces brighten your day, bring comfort to your life, and peace that you are helping those in need,” shares Thaxton. Prices vary. At MilaAndMe.shop.

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FAVORITE FAIRYTALE RE-DUX

Cinderella, the upcoming American musical romantic comedy, has been updated for today’s modern audience. Starring Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel, and Billy Porter, the re-boot of the children’s classic promises to be one for the ages. Debuts February 5.