Dining with Diane Manolos & Martini Style

*Contributed by Merritt Beck of Manolos & Martinis

Secret Garden

Have a garden or want to start one? Now you have another reason to do so… This beautiful Garden Trellis Bench by PotteryBarn has our hearts all aflutter.

What a great way to show off your now-blooming flowers and bring some life to your outdoor space. While it is an investment of $749, we doubt you’ll be feeling too nostalgic about the price once the garden begins to grow!

*Contributed by Merritt Beck of Manolos & Martinis

Meet Merritt

Meet the beautiful Merritt Beck, writer of the fabulous new food and fashion blog Manolos and Martinis. I wanted to introduce you guys to her, because she will be our lovely guest bloggess for the next two days, and hopefully lots more in the future!

Also be sure to check out her work at Merritt Beck Media and Integrate PR.

I'll be back on Monday with an exciting giveway:)

xoxo

B

Mother's Day Elaine Turner Style

Flowers are SO predictable, and cards are just plain boring! This Mother’s Day, change it up and give mom a gift as stylish and fun as she is! Priced at under $200, Elaine Turner has picked her favorite items to show mom how much you care. Here are a few of Elaine's unique, girlish gifts:

· Two’s Company Mod Frame: $40 - A fun pop of pink for mom!

· Summer Pop Stitch Canvas Clutch: $175 – great summer luncheon bag, inspired by the geometric architecture of mid century Palm Springs.

· Two’s Company Animal Pitchers: $10 each or $40/set - Perfect for the animal lover/cook.

· Kendra Scott cocktail ring: $70 - Adorable in this season’s trendy coral.

· Kendra Scott Cuff: $150 - Elaine’s pick for best statement jewelry piece for spring/summer season.

Available throughout the month of May at all Elaine Turner Boutiques.

Papyrus Bunny

Hope everyone had a happy (or dare I say "hoppy") holiday weekend. Received this little sparkly sweetie in the mail yesterday and she made me feel all warm and springy inside. Thought she might make you smile too:)

We've got some fun new stuff coming up this week. A guest blogger, and maybe, just maybe a really cool giveaway..we shall see:)

B

More Casa de Novia

So you guys may have seen my post earlier in the week about the delightful evening with Prabal Gurung at Casa de Novia's Atrium. Well it was an even BIGGER treat for me, because it was my very first ever visit to Casa de Novia. If I owned a bridal shop, I would want it to be exactly like this. And I would want to be exactly like owner (drop dead gorgeous and sweet as sugar) Luvi Wheelock.

Here are a few of my favorite things from the shop, plus as promised, a few details that Prabal divulged about what he's got coming up next:)

With Casa de Novia's owner Luvi Wheelock

So what can we expect next from Prabal?? Well..he was a little tight lipped about next season, but he did reveal that we'll see shorter skirts than this seasons over-the-knee, and a brand spankin' new Resort Line is on the way:) We are waiting on pins and needles:) -B

Meredith Pardue at Laura Rathe Gallery

Prabal Gurung at Casa de Novia's Atrium

Beth & Prabal, Atrium 2011

I think I'm still blushing a bit. Last night, I attended the the opening of Casa de Novia's new ready-to-wear shop Atrium, and had the honor of sitting down for a chat with Prabal Gurung.

Yes people, THE CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund award winner Prabal! Down here in southeast Tejas, it's rare that we get such an up close and personal glimpse of the NYC fashion world, and there was no way I was going to miss his visit:)

Since their launch in 2009, I have been absolutely mad for Prabal Gurung. I knew I didn't have a lot of time to chat with him last night, so what's a girl to ask?

Let me preface this by saying, I am not a reporter. I am a girl, who loves fashion, loves design, and loves to blog about it. My minor in communications did not prepare me for this type of thing. Although I had my list of questions ready, upon sitting down him, it seemed strange and contrived to go down a list of questions one by one. So I threw that out the window, and just did what any girly girl would do: Gab. So here's generally what we gabbed about:)

Prabal knew that he was destined for the fashion world

"I just knew I always wanted to do this. I wasn't smart enough to be a doctor, so..." he joked. Which I found hilarious coming from the someone who is the considered to be one of the most brilliant minds in fashion today. So what inspires someone like Prabal? When faced with a new season, how does he even get started? I was super impressed with his answer. He doesn't pay attention to trends, he designs for the girl. What girl? The girl who will be wearing his designs. So who is that girl?

" She is intelligent, smart, confident, aware, and she has a place in this modern world."

Hmmm. Us. Ladies, he is designing specifically for us:) Prabal also gave us a little hint for what to expect from him next season. Want to be the first to know? Tune in tomorrow, and I'll reveal his answers:)

xoxo

B

Mindy Lam

I've got lots to share from last night's romp at Atrium, but until then, I thought you might like to see what's happening at Tootsies this week:)

B

Houston Fatto a Mano

Here's a fun and funky art installation event today for the artsy readers in the crowd:

The Houston Fatto a Mano for the Future event with Aranda\Lasch is on Wednesday, April 20, 2-8 pm in our FENDI Houston Galleria boutique.

FENDI introduces a unique design project with architect duo, Aranda\Lasch, Modern Primitives, which evolves from a concept that was recently implemented at Design Miami 2010.

The upcoming Houston event is particularly interesting to the Houston market because Ben Aranda, one of the principles of Aranda\Lasch, grew up in Houston. Ben was born and raised in Houston and is returning to the homefront to share his latest design project with his fellow Houston natives. Ben may have left Houston for the big city, but he definitely still has classic Houston heart.

Modern Primitives debuted at Venice Biennale 2010 where Aranda\Lasch were the only American architects honored. The exhibition continued at Design Miami in December 2010 as the abstract yet functional structures were transformed from their original forms at Venice Biennale into pieces draped with fur and Selleria leather covers created by Silvia Venturini Fendi, a testament to FENDI’s artisanal touch. The organic partnership between FENDI and Aranda\Lasch is an effort to visualize the culmination and advancements in combining old world craftsmanship and modern day techniques, which results in the form of a Modern Primitive.

Continuing the interactive experience of the installation, attendees will be invited to a limited edition design opportunity with the option to create, customize, and purchase their very own Modern Primitive piece via a specially designed interactive iPad application.

Atrium Boutique Debuts with Prabal Gurung

I am jumping out of my pants excited, because tomorrow I will have the great honor of meeting cutting edge celebrity fashion designer Prabal Gurung. This talented man has dressed the likes of Michelle Obama, Demi Moore, Oprah and more. We are super duper lucky to have him visiting Htown for the opening of our new couture boutique Atrium. All the deets are below....

WHO: Atrium, a couture Houston boutique offering cocktail and evening gowns from adored designers

WHAT: Greggory Burk and Allie Fields host the grand opening of the much anticipated Atrium with renowned celebrity designer Prabal Gurung. Dressing leading ladies the likes of Michelle Obama, Demi Moore and Oprah Winfrey, the award-winning designer is currently the chicest thing on the runway and in celebrity closets.

Created by Casa de Novia Owner Luvi Wheelock, at Atrium, each gown is as close to couture as possible from a ready-to-wear collection with only one size in each design, allowing the piece to be tailored to the specific customer’s body. Shoppers will leave Atrium with one-of-a-kind designs, ensuing their dress isn’t repeated at an event or party.

Sip champagne and toast owner Luvi Wheelock in the Parisian-inspired boutique and shop fashionable frocks from elite labels such as Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Victor & Rolf, Jason Wu, Yigal Azrouel, Angel Sanchez, Bibhu Mohapatra and Christian Cota.

WHEN: Atrium Grand Opening

Tuesday, April 19

6:00-9:00pm

WHERE: Atrium

3331 D’Amico

Houston, TX 77019

WHAT

ELSE: Located adjacent to Casa de Novia Bridal, Atrium boasts 500 square-feet of unmistakably French décor with a modern slant in hues of white featuring shiny chandeliers above. With the feel of a Parisian boutique, shoppers get an intimate experience with only two dressing rooms and an individual stylist to assure a truly couture experience.

Atrium is located at 3331 D’Amico between Waugh and Shepherd. Store hours are 11a.m. – 6p.m. Private consultations can be scheduled by calling 713.523.9090.

Swag Bag Winner!

Using the old fashioned method of pulling a name out of a hat, we finally have our swag bag winner from last week's Simon Fashion Now!

Brandie from Chicfabu!

AND...I actually have a little treat for the rest of you who entered last week as well. Email me your address, and you will soon get a surprise in the mail.

xoxox

B

Elizabeth Olliver Trunk Show

Ahh finally, the true meaning of what it is to be an LBD:)

Houston native, Elizabeth Stinson, will be presenting her debut collection, Elizabeth Olliver, on April 14th & 15th from 10:00am – 5:30pm at à bientôt.

Elizabeth Olliver’s debut Collection was created on the most timeless, sophisticated, and versatile must-have in every woman’s wardrobe: the little black dress. With a simple change of shoes and a bag, the Spring Collection can take the modern woman to any occasion. I love the strong attention to detail and fit, giving each silhouette a graceful and feminine feel, while also projecting the confidence of the woman who wears it.

If you'd like to go get a glimpse of this stunning line, head out to à bientôt asap!

-B

And the Winner....

...of the Simon Fashion Now Ticket & Swag Bag giveaway is....

Alana!

A million hugs and kisses to those of you who entered the contest! Today wasn't your lucky day? Don't despair! I have one more fun treat to giveaway to those of you who entered. I just happen to have an extra swag bag laying around, and 1 of you lucky ladies will be winning it:) Check back on Monday to see who the random number generator chooses next:)

xoxo B

Simon Fashion Blogger Preview

Last Thursday, the fashionable bloggers of Htown gathered at the Galleria to check out the latest trends that will be traipsing down the Simon Fashion runway this weekend. Can you guess what trends we found?

The darling Monica Guerrero-Abney of Classy and Fabulous getting some shots of the latest trends at Saks. Trends to watch this season from Left to Right: Color blocking, sleek summer trenches, coral everywhere, and white on white....or really anything that Monica wears:)

Embrace bold colors...especially on your feet!

Chunky global baubles are here to stay for 2011

Graphic prints are hot! Tone it down with a buttery soft suede jacket.

Nudes and pastels are EVERYWHERE!

Chunky bangles

Monica and Magen Pastor of Map Your Style playing dress up in Apricot Lane

More coral:)

Loving the mix of casual and sparkly from GAP.

Nudes and whites.

Fun shoulder embellishments are my fave trend of the season

Simply dying....

for Dior

2011

Swag Bag & Ticket Giveaway!

Oh my chic boys and girls, have I got some giveaway treats for you today!

April 14-16th Simon Fashion Now is coming to the Galleria to throw a party full of runways, interactive fashion demonstrations, styling competitions and much much more! Guess what? You are all invited!

Now here is the surprise. One of you extra special Houston readers will receive a VIP swag bag, along with two reserved seating tickets to the Friday night fashion show! Yippie!

So how do you enter? Simple.

1. Leave us a comment with your fave color to wear this spring.

2. Give us some Facebook LOVE.

Want additional entries?

• Follow us on Twitter & tweet this giveaway (1 additional entry)


• Blog about this giveaway linking to this post (3 additional entries)


• Follow Houston's Weekly Chic (2 additional entries)

Contest ends Wednesday, April 13th at noon. The winner will be announced soon after.

**FYI add your own additional entries. For example, if you were to follow the blog, leave 3 separate comments that say "blog follower" or something similar so that it will be counted in our drawing. Thanks! -B

Claudia Lobao Trunk Show!

April 6th-8th at Tootsies.

Good Things Come in Small Packages

mini cupckaes, Crave style.

For our Austin friends...

Hey Austin! Our good NYC friends from Atelier Minyon will be coming your way April 28th! You have never seen jewelry like this. It's fun and eclectic at the same time...a little like Austin:) Don't miss it!

There are a lot of fun things in the works this week my chic friends...other than the procrastination of taxes. Stay tuned!

xoxo B