Recap: Diya's Front Row Challenge

Congrats to Diya! If you were able to make it out to her Marie Claire Front Row Challenge fashion show last Thursday, you already know that it was a huge success.

Because of all the time off I had to take in September and October, former intern Rachel and I hadn't seen each other since Austin Fashion Week. It was so nice catching up with her and brainstorming ways that we can take the Texas Style Council up to the next level next year. I'll miss her when she goes off to college next year! Here we are doing the obligatory step and repeat photo:

Me: skirt: Langford Market (USA made)| necklace: Manic Trout (loan) | blouses: American Apparel | tights: Target | shoes: Shechelles via Savers | clutch: Texas Thrift

Rachel: dress: vintage

I really loved what I was wearing and I hope to recreate the look and photograph it better later this week (I also owe you recreated photos from the Austin Fashion Week Awards show now that I think about it!).

[Joanna and I being interviewed by Cheryl of Fashionably Austin]

Since we did have quite excellent seats I was able to shoot a little video during the show. Enjoy:I am dying over that gray fur snood in the eighth look. I'm also in love with the entire tenth outfit:

photos © Peter Tung

Diya did such a great job putting together the show. I think that LOFT can be a little challenging since it is a line that often screams "conservative teacher style" (not that there's anything wrong with that, mind you!), but Diya did a good job at showcasing the clothes in a fun and interesting way. My fingers are crossed that she wins the contest!

Video: Blo

I wish I could have a blowout every day. As promised here's a little video that Intern Rachel and I did Saturday morning at Blo:

Blo is awesome because:
1. They will make your hair look amazing in 30 minutes for $33.
2. This includes a wash, blow, and style from one of their seven signature styles (my favorite is the red carpet with an added boho braid).
3. They open as early as 7 am.
4. The blowouts last three days, and they sell dry shampoo, shower caps, and other goodies to help your blowout last.

Never in my life have I ever gotten so many compliments on my hair. Blo blew my hair... and my mind. Watch for a video collaboration in the future where they show us how to achieve awesome blowouts at home!

Introducing Intern Rachel

If you were able to attend the Texas Style Council, you were able to meet my sweet intern Rachel. She's a junior in high school this year, and from time to time over the next year she's going to be doing some guest posts here on Adored Austin as well as appearing with me at Austin fashion events. She's really awesome, so let me allow you to get to know her a little better, yes?

Q: Rachel, tell us more about your style.

Rachel: I go to a private school with horrible uniforms. Chocolate brown flats with no laces, logos, patterns or heels of any kind. Outerwear is restricted to plain navy. Two choice of skirts and white Land's End polos. However, when I'm out of uniform, I love to dress up. I'm pretty girly- I absolutely love dresses. I really like vintage and bohemian looks, too.

Q: Who are your favorite stylish people?

A: I would trade closets with Blake Lively or Alexa Chung in a heartbeat. I definitely identify with Rebecca Bloomwood from "Confessions of a Shopaholic."

Q: Let's dream; if you could have one item from Net-a-Porter, what would it be?

A: I've had my eye on this dress ever since I saw it in an ad in Vogue back in February.

Q: What is your fashion weakness?

A: My fashion weakness is definitely designer denim. Just the thought of some perfectly faded, excellently altered Sevens or J Brands makes me drool. My mom tells me that I own way too many pairs to be healthy, but I don't think you can ever have too many. Ever.

Q: What are some of your favorite places in Austin?

[photo courtesy of Nathan Russell]

A: I primarily shop at Urban Outfitters, Buffalo Exchange, and other vintage/secondhand/vintage-inspired stores. I go to Neiman's for my designer splurges. My perfect day in Austin is a walk through Zilker Park, swimming at Barton Springs, walking to Sandy's and finishing with a Sno Beach (blackberry with cream). I could spend the day eating Home Slice and shopping on South Congress, too.

HELP!

Hi! I miss you! I miss you SO HARD.

I did this to you last year during SXSW. I really need someone to tell me how I can blog during the madness of SXSW, The Texas Style Council Conference, and StyleX. I am trying to convince Chris that an iPad is the solution. (Back me up on this, okay?)

To help me with the insanity that is my life, I got an intern!

Photo by official TxSCC photographer
Nathan Russell
Photo taken at our Bo Concept party

You guys! She is the dream intern and she is ONLY FIFTEEN. She writes a fashion column for her high school paper, and she is smart and funny and an absolute joy to work with. She remembers where I put my keys, she reminds me to eat when I get too busy, and in four days she has become an essential part of my life. You see, I have the tendency to bite off more than I can chew, so Rachel is here to help me digest some of that. (Ew. That was a creepy analogy, wasn't it?). Anyway...

I have so much to say about the wonderfulness of this weekend, but alas, a cookie cake from The Great American Cookie company is calling my name. And so is my bed.

If you missed my talk at SXSW today, I'll be speaking at StyleX on Saturday. In the meantime, please say hello to Rachel!