Fresh Faces of Fashion

**Update: To see Photos from the event click here

If you enjoy wine, Grey Goose cocktails, runway shows and savory faire, head to Tootsies this Wednesday for their 2009 Fresh Faces of Fashion. While partying the night away, they will be celebrating 10 of the Houston areas hottest trendsetters. You know, the Jackie O's and Audrey Hepburns of the world that we all adore? Well Houston Modern Luxury scowered the streets, and narrowed it down from a pool of one thousand! Talk about a special group of ladies. With a runway show by Lenny Matuszewski, wine from Haak Vineyards & Winery, and tasty cuisine from Ray's Grill...my goodness Tootsies, how you spoil us so!

Maureen Light Winner & Some Blog Love

Using a random number generator at random.org, we finally found a winner! GirlyRemix is the official winner of the Maureen Light giveaway! Thanks to all for such wonderful support of Maureen's Photography. If this wasn't your lucky day do not fret. Stay tuned...as we have many more giveaways coming down the pike.

Thanks also to Cindy at Media Medley for the Blog Lovin' award. Anytime we receive a virtual hug, it makes us feel warm and fuzzy!

Cold Shoulder

So a girlfriend and I were discussing this sharp shouldered fall trend last night, and just can't decide how we feel about it. It gets dreadfully close to crossing the line back in to 80's-shoulder-pad-hell, while at the same time is rather striking. On a tiny frame, it seems to be adorable, but I'm just not sure how it might look on normal human sized people. What do you guys think? Sharp or dull?

8 Ways to Take Control of Your Universe

As to be expected, the new school year always comes with a slew of articles about "getting organized." (yawn) To save you the bother, I've compiled a list of fabulous ways to not only de-clutter your home, but also de-clutter your life, and take control of your world...for good.

1. Stop the junk mail

Americans spend way too much time sifting through the ads and credit card offers. Make it stop once and for all (and save a tree or two). Concerned that you will stop getting coupons and your favorite catalogs? Just knock out the credit card offers.

Credit Bureau - 1-888-5-OPTOUT.

Catalogs - www.abacus-us.com/About_Abacus/Opt-Out

Pick which catalogs you want to decline: https://www.catalogchoice.org/

Direct mail marketing -https://www.dmachoice.org/MPS/mps_consumer_description.php

(this service costs $1 and is only good for 5 years)

2. Silence telemarketers

Still not on the "no call" list? What are you thinking? Go there now, and (almost) never be interrupted at the dinner table again. https://www.donotcall.gov/

Good news: Now registration never expires.

3. Clear the inbox

Only keep emails in your inbox if you need to "take action" on them. An overflowing inbox is too much for our brains to process, and important emails are easily lost in the shuffle. If you are overwhelmed by the task, schedule yourself a 5-10 minute appointment each day to sort, delete and file (or delete 5 messages every time you check your email). Make sure you have a comprehensive set of file folders, and go to town.

4. Guilt yourself into de-cluttering your closet

While you are putting away that new cashmere sweater that your mom bought you, sort through the rest of your closet. You know those pieces that you haven't worn since Ross and Rachel starting dating? Somebody less fortunate could be using them. Hit up your local Goodwill, get a receipt, and write those bad boys off of your taxes.

For a list of common values for donations: http://www.salvationarmysouth.org/valueguide.htm

For a Goodwill near you: http://locator.goodwill.org/

5. Purge paper bills

Stop the clutter from even entering your home. Receiving bills by snail mail is like - so 2005. Switch to all e-statements (even I am guilty of not doing this one), and purge any bills, bank statements etc. that date before last summer.

*Doh! Alert* -don't throw away anything that you might need for tax records!

Don't fret! Many companies offer e-statements in pdf format on the company's web site. Download and save them each month on your computer in a folder named for the company. You can safely keep years of statements on the computer for easy access any time.

6. Freshen your air

There was a study done at Washington State University three years ago examining the impact of plants on people. They found that having house plants made the indoor air healthier, reduced stress, improved productivity, and enhanced moods. So why not bring your leafy friends in? Febreeze only goes so far.

7. Auto-organize

Take your old jalopy to the car spa and give it some TLC. A little interior detailing, wash and wax will give you a fresh start for the new school year. It's also fun to invest in some car organization products. Trunk organizers, over-the-seat trash cans, and mobile office stations (thanks mom!) allow you to "live" out of your car, without it looking like a teenager's room. For some great options check out www.containerstore.com

8. Prepare for the worst

I know, it sounds so dramatic! It isn't likely that disaster is headed your way, but just in case, it is nice to know that you have all of your information in one place. TheNest.com and Real Simple Magazine have some fabulous worksheets to get you started. You can find anything from a birthday sheet organizer to a monthly budget worksheet, but here are a few of my favorites.

The Ultimate Contact Sheet

http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/web/pdf/family/rsf-phoneresource.pdf

Emergency Supply Checklist

http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/web/pdf/0506/emergency.pdf

Emergency 411

http://images.thenest.com/pdfs/worksheet/NWKST1_emergency411.pdf

Document Tracker

http://images.thenest.com/pdfs/worksheet/NWKST2_doctracker.pdf

Got another organizing question? Just give me a holler!

Be a Fairy Godmother Tonight!

Join Muse as they play fairy godmother for a night!

Tonight, Tuesday, August 25th, Muse Boutique and The Fairy Godmother Project are collecting the lovely finery gathering dust in your closet for someone who could really use it.

What's the Fairy Godmother Project?

It's a beautiful organization that was started in 2000 to help students in the Houston area who cannot afford to purchase a prom dress or prom attire. Each year they make dreams come true for hundreds of students in the Houston area with free prom dresses and tuxedos.

Tonight from 6-8 p.m., donate a dress to Muse and receive 15 percent off any one item. A suggested donation of $20 is recommended in lieu of a dress.

Can't make it tonight? Go to the Fairy Godmother website for donation information, and go see Muse on 'Great Day Houston'

Gray Area

Happy Monday friends! Thank you to Maureen for the lovely write up last week! Don't forget to enter the contest to win one of her prints.

Got furniture on the brain at the moment. Ever since I invested in my first real sofa a few months ago, I've been wanting to add more and more throughout the house. My latest fixation is on a charcoal gray sofa. Not quite sure what style I'd like, but here a few I've found so far. Any suggestions?

Kristoffer Kjær
EurwayWest Elm

Eurway

8x12 Giveaway from Maureen Light Photography!

When I first stumbled upon Houston photographer Maureen Light's website, I was awestruck. I found a mix of stunning portraits, still life, and quirky "fall down the rabbit hole" art photography like nothing I had ever seen. Not to mention event photos so unique, I wanted to get married all over again just so Maureen could be the photographer. Though her photos speak for themselves, I wanted to get to know more about the Dallas native through a little Q&A. Why else do we love her? Maureen is giving away an 8x12 print of your choice from here to 1 lucky reader!! Hoorah! Comment by August 29th for your chance to win!

How long have you been a photographer?

Exactly two years ago! I have taken almost every art class they offer in college, but never photography. I played around a little bit with a point and shoot, but was never satisfied with the quality. A friend of mine had bought a digital SLR a while back and let me play around with it...I was hooked from the first photo I took. Soon after my husband gave me a Nikon for my birthday and I have been obsessed ever since.

If you could photograph anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

I enjoy people that have a different look. I went to London at the beginning of the summer and the first time I stepped on the Tube, which was the first time I had ever been on any subway, I sat down and looked up at my fellow passengers and thought I had been transplanted into a Jean-Pierre Jeunet movie. Everyone in my carriage was larger than life, looked like real life cartoon characters. I loved it! I wish I could have photographed the carriage just how it was,...the people, what they were wearing (one guy had almost an iridescent blue suit on), how they were interacting with one another...the whole scene. Not to mention the man dressed as a Ninja Turtle that was exiting while I was entering.

What about any thing?

Would certainly have to be an old country farm in Europe. Thatched roofed house, wooden fences, pigs and sheep, vegetable garden,....

How would you describe your style?

Oh gezz, I'm not sure. It's a bit dreamlike, funky, childish, quirky....I'd say Alice In Wonderlandish, I suppose. I'm certainly a portrait artist, because it almost pains me to take a photo without a person in it.

I love how many of your photos are quirky and creative. Where does your inspiration come from?

I read in a magazine when I was around the age of ten about how when people become adults, they only use a very small amount of their imagination. I vowed then to never loose mine. I lay in bed at night and think of different images, sometimes having to get up and recreate them in photos before I can fall asleep. I've ended up doing a lot of self-portraits because there was no one else around when I was in absolute need of creating something at that moment. I find inspiration in many things...my children, movies, stories from friends, props....etc.

***Comment below for your chance to win a beautiful 8x12 print!!

• Blog about this giveaway and get an extra entry
• Mention it on twitter, and receive another entry
• Become a follower of Houston's Weekly Chic and get 3 entries!

(Just a reminder that you must leave your email address to be considered)

Platypi Vintage

My new favorite Houston go-to shop for vintage clothing and accessories. The prices are a steal, and I guarantee you'll find something you can't live without.
Platypi Vintage

Half Price Sale...

...at The Laughing Mouse. Take advantage.

Mmmmpressive

Okay, a very stupid pun for very gorgeous stationary from mpressdesigns. The owner, Ann M., began her paper venture when she just couldn't find the wedding invitation she was imagining in her head. So what's a girl to do? She made it herself of course! So many pretty things for all occasions. As most of you know, I love anything with birdies, but I also have a soft spot for the Texas influenced Save the Date at the Bottom. Pop into Ann's shop, and let me know what you guys like!

Summer Chills

After reading rave reviews in the Chronicle and Houston Press, I'm headed to see Sherlock Holmes at the Alley tonight. This is the last weekend it is playing so snatch up those tickets! Go here for ticket info.

Honey, where are my keys?

Really digging these galvanized metal key cabinets. They look modern industrial indoors, and rustically cute outdoors (don't worry, they are all-weather). Such a ruggedly smart way to stay organized. Pottery Barn.

A little Hut

Some paper wonders from Patricia Zapata today
Patricia is a graphic designer, that can absolutely work magic with paper. In her shop A Little Hut, she has everything from wall art, home decor, and hand embroidered pieces, to tea light covers, stationary and printables.

Lucky for us, we can learn some of Patricia's secrets starting next week! She has a crafty chic book coming out August 18th! It includes 33 beginner paper projects for your home. You can reserve your copy here, or visit her blog here.

New Baby!

I always get giddy when there is a new baby. Have a look!

What do you think I'm made of money??

Ha! Got a kick out of this little piggy this morning (Iloveuma.com) I'm hitting the ground running after my SC trip. Lots of amazing people being featured this week so don't forget to check back!

Jet Set

Headed to the Carolinas today to visit some old friends! Enjoy the end of your week and have a lovely weekend! I'll holler at you when I return.

Harrilu

Can't believe it has taken me so long to post about Harrilu. I bought a top from them about a year ago (I actually wore it today!), and have been salivating over their silk screen designs ever since. All of owner Megan Mucci's designs are created by hand, right out of her home in Dallas, Texas. Just lovely.

Skylark Studio

Discovered these this morning. Beautiful, hand cut sterling pieces with such a feminine, natural feel. Every single time I think I've found my favorite one, another catches my eye. Skylark Studio

Handbag Trends for Fall 2009

Happy Monday everyone! Over the weekend, I did some internet surfing looking for a new fall handbag that I can't afford. I'm really enjoying theses bold colored handbags for fall. Just found this stellar collection of 100 fantastic handbags from Paris fashion week by Coutorture. I think the dusty gray color is my favorite. Which are yours?