Alexandra's Art BECKon's You (& a Giveaway!)

There's a new artist on my radar, and I'm dying to score one of her pieces to beautify my walls. Born and raised in Austin, Alexandra Beck has been painting contemporary abstract art since 2003. Typically mixed media or acrylic on canvas, I especially love her use of gold leafing on top of cool colors. Each of her pieces is uniquely crafted, using several techniques such as hand application, gravity dripping, brush strokes, splattering..you name it! Her vibrant art has already been featured in several trendy blogs (like Pink Memo & Korcula) and has been showcased in a variety of galleries and boutiques throughout the years. Currently a Dallas girl, Alexandra will be making her Houston debut this August.

Represented by Merritt Beck Media, you can visit Alexandra and her art at the "Houston Show Your heART" Expo on August 28-29th, 2010 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Can't wait until August? Perhaps you can take home some Alexandra Beck this week! That's right chic friends, it's time for yet another giveaway! This time it is for a set of greeting cards featuring the gorgeous painting of your choice.

To enter, leave a comment below before 11 p.m. on Monday June 7th, and a winner will be chosen at random the next day. Want to rack up some extra entries?

1. Become a fan of both Alexandra and Tres Chic Designs on Facebook.

2. Tweet about this giveaway and mention @treschicdesign so we can see it (also leave as a separate entry)

3. Mention Houston's Weekly Chic in one of your blog posts (doesn't have to be about this giveaway) and enter the link in the comment box (separate from other entries)

4. Follow our brand new twitter account TresChicDesign, and Alex's too.

Elaine Turner Trunk Show Tootsies

Staycation

Enjoyed a little "staycation" over the weekend at a glorious hotel, and thought I'd share some photos. Can you guess where we stayed? I'll reveal the answer, and lots more photos soon. -B
P.S. Have you entered our CSN giveaway yet?

Giveaway Monday!!

***Wow! What an amazing turnout. Thanks to all for your lovely entries. And the winner is....Sharp Teeth of Love! Congratulations!!***

Ahh, it always feels great to start off the week with a juicy giveaway! Today's wonderful freebie is sponsored by CSN Stores, a virtual mall that has over 200 amazing online stores where you can find everything from a sofa to a suitcase, a crib or a cookie sheet!

Always on the hunt for beautiful furniture on a budget, I have become completely addicted to CSN. Above you can see the two sofas that I would like to purchase for my humble abode. So lovely.

So here's the dilly, one of you chic followers will receive a $50 gift certificate to use as your little heart desires on any of their 200+ websites. There are several ways to enter, but you must be a follower of Houston's Weekly Chic in order to be eligible.
To enter, leave a comment below before 11 p.m. on Monday May 31st (not the 24th as previously posted, sorry for the miscommunication), and a winner will be chosen at random the next day. Want to rack up some extra entries?

1. Become our fan on Facebook
2. Tweet about this giveaway and leave the url in a comment below (as a separate entry)

3. Mention Houston's Weekly Chic in one of your blog posts (doesn't have to be about this giveaway) and enter the link in the comment box (separate from other entries)

4. Follow our brand new twitter account TresChicDesign.

Now... what are you waiting for! Get over to one of the CSN Stores web sites and find what you'd like to use your gift certificate on if you're the lucky winner!

Clinton Kelly in H-town?

For years, I have been a devoted viewer of TLC's What Not to Wear. It was the first time I ever became aware that fashion consulting could be an occupation, and I was completely in love. From scary stone washed denim leggings to thigh high pink sequin boots, it's always exciting to see what styling disaster Clinton and Stacy might uncover next.

Well bust my buttons! Clinton Kelly himself will be playing at Macy's Memorial City this Saturday May 22 at 2pm!! He will help 12 brave Houstonians reinvent themselves in less than 48 hours with fashion tips and more.

For the past five years, Clinton has traveled the country offering his unique blend of fashion expertise, style secrets and self-confidence counseling at events in Macy’s department stores across the U.S. More than just a fashion expert, Kelly is a committed
advocate of style as a means of empowerment, reminding women (that) knowing you look great builds confidence, and confidence is a key ingredient in reaching your goals.” See you there!

Village Aracde Fashion Show at Bambou

Need something fun to do tonight? Why not spend your evening at the Village Arcade Shopping Center's Inaugural Summer Fashion Show!! Relax at the lavish BamBou Lounge in Rice Village, and enjoy the latest fashions from favorites such as Banana Republic, Em & Lee, Hemline, Juliet & Romeo Couture, and White House Black Market.
The show will be from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., followed by an after-party.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the American Heart Association.
For more information visit the Village Arcade Shopping Center

The Oldest Bar in Houston: La Carafe

Some things are worth repeating. Here's a little blast from the past that every Houstonian must know about. ♥ B

Looking for something new..er..old..to do this weekend? If you haven't already, you must spend an evening at La Carafe, the oldest drinking establishment in H-town. La Carafe was built in 1847, and has been used as public venue ever since. Over the years, it has served as everything from a bakery to a pony express station. Ever since the 50's, it's been the hauntingly rustic watering hole that it is today.

What I love about La Carafe, is their deliciously affordable wine selection, cozy ambiance, and breath taking view of downtown Houston from the second floor balcony. Adding to the the exciting (but slightly eerie) feel of the bar, they have a tradition of lighting one candle every night after sundown. The result is is a heaping mountain of melted wax, that is more reminiscent of Disney's Haunted Mansion than a local Houston bar. Once you visit, you will continute to return for years to come!

La Carafe

813 Congress

Houston, Texas 77002

713.229.9399

Hot Designer to Watch: Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung first launched his imaginative designs in January of 2009. His collection has since cultivated a celebrity following that includes First Lady Michelle Obama, Demi Moore, and Zoe Saldana; and publications such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and the New York Times have all counted Prabal as one of the top new designers to watch. His style is eclectic, yet extremely modern. His designs use gorgeous sweeping fabrics with asymmetrical cuts, color blocking, and flawless draping. You can see Prabal's fall 2010 collection in person at Neiman Marcus Houston-Galleria on May 19th and 20th. Click on the flier above for details.

Bye Bye Hanger Shoulder Bumps

A regular complaint I receive from clients: the dreaded hanger shoulder bump. Or as organizing guru Monica Ricci so delicately describes them"shoulder nipples." But who wants to spend a ton of money on specialty hangers? That's why I'm a big fan of the Hang Shaper. They slip right over your existing hangers for comfy fit. See for yourself...

Tea Forte at Sugarbaby's

If you know me well, you know that I'm rarely seen about town without a tea cup in hand. Okay, well maybe not a dainty "tea cup" per se, but some type of portable drink container of hot tea. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique has started serving Tea Forte organic teas, and selling their sleek line of teapots and cups.

So drop by Sugarbaby's for some tea time happiness...

And no hot tea is complete without a few of these to go with it...mmmm

New at Hello-Lucky!

Some new rays of sunshine that just floated in to my favorite little boutique Hello-Lucky. I'm SO ready for summer....

Baby Baylor

The Houston Zoo's newest bundle of joy! After a 23 month long pregnancy, Shanti the Asian elephant gave birth to a 348 pound baby boy last Tuesday morning in the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. The new little boy was named Baylor, because of the outstanding advances being made by the Baylor College of Medicine to reduce the threat of the elephant herpes virus. We can't wait to meet Baylor and congratulate Shanti!

Michael Kors Trunk Show Tootsies

The Best Mother's Day Ever

Mother's Day Breakfast with the Sea Lions!

Have a wet & wild breakfast when you start your morning off with the Houston Zoo's Sea Lions. Families will have the opportunity to watch their feeding habits and enrichment activities as the Sea Lions enjoy their breakfast right along with you!

Know a Mom that would be down for this fishy adventure? Go here to make reservations.

If I were shopping today at Platypi Vintage....

I might grab this,

and this....

then top it off with these...

Feeling summery? Go see what else Platypi has in store.

Tourneau Trunk Show at the Galleria

Tourneau, the worlds largest watch store, is hosting a Certified Pre-Owned Watch Trunk Show at The Galleria Houston starting May 21st!

WHO: Tourneau, the world’s largest watch store, as recognized by Guinness World Records

WHAT: Tourneau Certified Pre-Owned Watch Trunk Show…Experience everything you would expect in a fine watch except the price. Receive up to 70% off pre-owned watches. Certified pre-owned and classic timepieces expertly restored and guaranteed by Tourneau’s master craftsmen.

WHEN: Friday, May 21st – 10am-9pm
Saturday, May 22nd – 10am-9pm
Sunday, May 23rd – 11am-7pm

WHERE: Tourneau, The Galleria