Glittery

Who's ready for a glittery and glamorous 4th?

Sweet Treats for the 4th

Nobody has mastered the holiday themed desserts quite like Martha. When looking for sugary inspiration for my own 4th of July gathering, I came across bushels of great ideas in Ms. Stewart's Red, White and Blue Desserts photo album. Trying to decide which one I should (attempt) to make.

How about you guys? Does your family have a favorite 4th of July food tradition?

Mel DeWees at Laura Rathe Gallery

NKOTBSB

Oh happy Monday! Oh happy joyous Monday! Chic friends, what a weekend I had. On Saturday afternoon I received a call on the tele from a friend of mine (okay, it was actually a text), with words I've been waiting decades to hear, "I have an extra ticket to the New Kids/Backstreet Boys concert tonight..oh and it might include backstage passes."

GULP. I had no idea that NKOTB was even in Htown, but I would have canceled a date with the Pope to go to this concert (don't judge me:). In a matter of minutes, I unearthed 2 "vintage" NKOTB t-shirts (which everyone seems to find hysterical and ironic due to my organizing background), threw on my jelly bracelets, a pair of wedges, and I was ready to hit the town.

The concert was wonderful and bizarre at the same time. If you can picture a snapshot of a New Kids concert in the 90's, made the parent's vanish, and then time warped everyone 20ish years into the future, that's what this scene looked like. Looking through the crowd, the 11 year old girls inside of us all weren't just shining through, they were clawing and screaming to get out and sing along. It was quite surreal, but sooo, sooo much fun.

My date to the concert wrote up the show on Culture Map, so for a more thorough account of our experience, you can read it here.

Though my t-shirt is pretty rad, I think the sequined denim vest takes the cake don't you?

Elaine Turner Handbag SALE!!

Sophie Grasscloth Tote

Make room in your closet! Elaine Turner boutiques and online at elaineturner.com, handbags have been priced with discounts as high as 70 percent off. Clutches, totes and everyday satchels are perfect to pair with those Elaine Turner shoes you have been dying to wear this summer. Have fun showing off her signature touch of linen, raffia and grasscloth knowing you received your bag for a steal. Now through June 30th, available at Elaine Turner Stores and online at www.elaineturner.com

The Stache

There is a bizzarro trend that has been growing (pun intended) and popping up all over the place! From t-shirts, to tea towels, the "stache" symbol is running rampant. Everywhere I turn, I see another one. It's like they're breeding. Even design geniuses like Jonathan Adler are jumping on the stachetastic bandwagon. I must admit, I'm a little concerned that this will give the tragic impression that chicks dig guys with mustaches. Sorry gentlemen, unless you are going as pirate for Halloween, the stache is NEVER okay.

So I wanna know....would any of you actually buy anything with the stache on it?

Rochelle Ray Giveaway with Houston Tidbits

My dear friend (not to mention amazing writer) Jayme Lamm thew this giveaway in my direction this morning, and thought you guys would love it too!

Houston Tidbits is running quite the awesome giveaway today. All you have to do is follow them on Twitter @houstontidbits, and RT the contest (Ready. Set. Pretty.) The summer prize package is from the belle of Austin's beauty scene, Rochelle Rae. So what kinda get-pretty loot will you take home? The Bronze Bungalow Palette, Primed & Ready Set, Lipshade and more (valued at $200..woot woot!). I've already followed and retweeted...your turn:)

Happy Father's Day

Hope everyone had a very happy Father's Day weekend! Hopefully you actually were able to get your Dad's greeting card to him in a timely manner (sorry Pop, it's on its way:).

Not only do I love this card from Doodlelove, but it gives you a little hint about tomorrow's post.

As a side note, congrats to my adorable friends Michael and Rumi for their recent feature in Life+Dog Mag.

E.T. Semi Anuual Shoe Sale!

This is the perfect opportunity for me to finally purchase these.

You can also join in for the sale fun here.

A little bit of whimsy

From Mimimi Cards

A Sweet Treat for Dad

For the daddy with a sweet tooth.

Crave Cupcakes

Love SpaceMan, receive DSW kicks

Spaceman customers never have to worry about where to hang their coats in the warm summer months, where to keep the bike their oldest son has outgrown, or hot to stuff yet another pair of shoes into their overcrowded closets.

That's why SpaceMan Home & Office is giving away a $150 DSW gift card to one lucky Facebook fan, once they reach 250 likes. This lucky SpaceMan follower will be chosen at random to start off their summer wardrobe on the right foot with a brand new pair of shoes (or two!). Ooh SpaceMan pick me! Pick me!!:)

Work to Weekend

Happy Friday from Tres Chic Designs and Manolos and Martinis! What do you have planned for the weekend? If you're anything like Beth or myself, you'll be wanting to hit up happy hour the second the clock hits 5pm. Here's an outfit that will allow you to do so - modest enough for work, but fabulous enough for drinks/dinner!

1. Diane Von Furstenberg Dress, 2. Melinda Maria Earrings, 3. Kenneth Jay Lane Cuff, 4. KORS Michael Kors Slingbacks, 5. Bryna Nicole Bag

For more fashion or personal style advice, visit Manolos and Martinis and be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

Vacation Vixen

With Beth on vacay in Hotlanta this week/weekend, I will be subbing in as guest blogger! You might remember me from a few weeks ago - my name is Merritt and I write for the fashion and personal style blog, Manolos and Martinis. Also a Houston resident, Beth and I have become great friends after working on several projects together, so I am honored to again be guest-blogging on Houston's Weekly Chic! For more posts like this one, check out my blog here. Enjoy and be sure to "like" us on Facebook!

Vacation Vixen

I am personally dying over this bikini and had to create an outfit for it. Wear this eye-catching ensemble to your next beach vacation or pool party.

1. Mara Hoffman Bikini, 2. Nasty Gal Sunglasses, 3. Eugenia Kim Fedora, 4. JADETribe Beach Bag, 5. A.L.C. Tee, 6. Missoni Towel (on sale), 7. Hudson Shorts, 8. Pedro Garcia Sandals (on sale)

Hearsay Gastro Lounge

Some places concoct amazing cocktails, some exhibit their strengths in a delightful gourmet menu, while others have ambiance to keep the crowds coming back again and again. It's rare to find a place that marries all 3 together so harmoniously, but here it is Houstonians: Hearsay Gastro Lounge. I think the photos say it all, but I'll describe some of it along the way.

Nestled inside one of the oldest buildings in Houston, it is cozy and oh-so-chic.

I had these redonkulously delicious Lamb Chop Pops (sorry my vegetarian friends), with mushroom risotto, sauteed vegetables and a port wine reduction.

A perfectly blended Sazerac

I think this drink was called the "Admiral," though my memory may be incorrect (from too many Admirals perhaps?). All I know, it was FULL of liquor, yet tasted like a refreshing orange-carrot fizz mixture. I could have easily had 5 of these...in less than an hour.

The face of a very happy customer

The UZO Umbrella

We haven't exactly had April, May (or so far June) showers, but thanks to Tootsies, whenever they do arrive we will be prepared! Tootsies is now featuring the UZO umbrella, a masterful combination of functionality, art, and fashion. Who knew precipitation could be so glam?

The UZO designed by local engineer Ronald Obmaces, has an asymmetrical configuration, keeping the classic feel of an umbrella, but while providing new advanced coverage. So what does that mean? Well, my big umbrella pet peeve is that they always cover your top half, leaving your legs soaked. No more my friends. The design of the UZO keeps more of the body covered, so no more wet jeans. As if that wasn't cool enough, the frame is made with fiberglass reinforcements to make it strong and flexible, thus no embarrassing breakage when it's extra windy.

We just might get out of this draught one day, and when that day comes, I sure hope I have an UZO close by.

Tootsies

Hey Big Spender

Spend a little time with me.

Essie Nail Polish in Big Spender, my favorite (and ultra flattering on all skin tones) color for your summer toes.

Jonathan Alder Junior Templeton Chair, Jacqueline Zinn

Quelle Surprise!!

Got a happy little package from Chico's this week, can you guess what it is? It's gorgeous, and I'm working on a post to show you the best ways to show it off so do check back:)

This week I'm trying to resist buying one of these

And drinking it out of this

While sitting here

Big hugs and kisses to Debra Gould for these thoughts