Recap: #ChevyShopSocial

I love this city. You could even say that I adore this city. Har-har. See what I did there?

Yesterday was one for the history books. As I mentioned, She Buys Cars and Traveling Mom put me and my new friend Nas in a fully loaded, brand new Chevy (a Tahoe, to be exact) and gave us each $300 to go out into the city and to buy a few items at local shops for a raffle where 100% of the proceeds would go to I Live Here, I Give Here and the Heath Alliance for Austin Musicians. I, of course, requested 2nd Street, my favorite place in all of Austin to shop, dine, and get pampered.

The shoppers // my sweet ride for the day

It was extremely important to me that I shopped at locally owned businesses that I frequented already. I arrived with a game plan, and I had some amazing friends in high places that offered their generosity.

I loaded up Lu and my 4moms origami stroller in the back of the Tahoe, and Nas and I were off! First off, can I just say that though I only had a few short hours with the Tahoe, that vehicle was the dreamy. So much room! So much automation! So smooth! Lucy slept like a champ the entire time.

After parking at City Hall, my first stop was Mercury Design Studio, where they graciously gave me 25% off to help with the benefit. Mercury Design Studio has been one of my favorite stores in Austin for a long time now. The owner Steve has impeccable taste and the shop is curated in a way that is equal parts elegant and whimsical, if you can imagine. I wanted something that would appeal to both men and women of any age, but I didn't want to spend over $100 as I needed to get at least three items for that night's raffle. I almost got coffee table books, but once I learned that the papier-mâché taxidermy was within my price range, I did it. Yes, people, the first gift I picked up was faux taxidermy. No regrets:

Lucy and I outside Mercury // The most adorable fake fox you'll ever see

The fox head retails for $89. Woot! And I'm so going back for the tiny mice ($24 each).

My second stop was Eliza Page. I cannot tell y'all how much I love Eliza Page and owner Elizabeth. Elizabeth, who incidentally, was a TxSC sponsor in year one, generously offered a necklace and earring set for the raffle. When I dropped in to pick them up, I was floored that the earrings were the same style of Gorjana earrings I wear, literally, every single day. The necklace was beautiful, too... and now it's on my own wishlist.

Inside Eliza Page // Dat necklace! Want!

I added an Eliza Page candle to the earrings and necklace we'd been gifted with, and I headed around the corner to stop #3.

Toy Joy. I mean, really. Is there a more Austin store than Toy Joy? I think not. Lizzie, who has become my annual SXSW buddy, was there, and it was so great to see her. I really wanted to get a red hand chair (mainly because I love Arrested Development and Buster but also because they're so iconic of Toy Joy) but they were way out of my budget. In fact, a hand chair would have been my entire budget. But then I spotted it-- something both of my older kids love and use every day, and there was a kid happily trying one out that very moment: A Rody (which is not the same as a roadie because y'know... because Chevy doesn't support drinking while driving and this isn't 1975).

Rody overhead should be an internet meme // Nas actually won the Rody I picked out!

Bam! Lizzie even offered to blow it up for me and festoon it with ribbons and a Toy Joy sticker so Rody would be ready for display. Done and done!

Final stop: milk + honey spa. This is my oasis, my favorite place to treat myself in all of Austin. The kind folks there offered to match any gift certificate I purchased for ILHIGH, and I had my heart set on getting a certificate for the Signature Retreat, which is a manicure, pedicure, facial, and massage; in other words, the ultimate day of pampering. I can't think of anything else I want more at this very moment (well, add a detox scrub and a steam), so I just had to get it for the benefit along with a bottle of their body scrub so a little milk + honey luxury can be had at home, too. I envisioned women fighting over it and for a riot to break out, not unlike that scene in Mean Girls. Fortunately everyone there was really nice. No riots. In fact, Chris-- a dude-- from HAAM won it:

at milk + honey on 2nd Street // this guy is a winner. literally.

The party last night was fun, too. I ate a burger from the Hat Creek burger truck, and I got to meet some amazing new people and scope out some way cool cars. Adorable story: on Fridays Jude divvies up his allowance in his moon jar, and since day one he says he says he is saving for a truck for when he becomes a teenager. But thanks to Chevy, that's history now. He got his photo taken in a Corvette Stingray Convertible last night, and now he wants to save up for a Corvette Convertible. I don't have the heart to tell him that there's no way he's going to be able to save over $400 a month every month for the next thirteen years to buy that car because his allowance is only $2 a week. *gulp* A kid can dream, I guess:

How cute is his face here? Get out. No, really, kid. Get out of the car. Your shoes are mucking up the leather seats.

I had so much fun at the event and met so many wonderful people. My sweet City Group came out to support the cause (and me!), too. Oh, my heart feels full of love for Austin, and I was so happy to be asked to be a part of this great event. I wish y'all could have been here.

To catch more of the festivities, be sure to check out #ChevyShopSocial on Twitter. Big thanks to event sponsors Chevy, She Buys Cars, and Traveling Mom and an extra special thanks to Mercury Design Studio, Eliza Page, and milk + honey for supporting the cause by helping me make my funds stretch as far as possible.

You're invited: Chevy Shop Social // This Thursday!

Hey, remember that time Chevy loaned me a freaking sweet CAMARO during SXSW? That was awesome. I grew up driving a Chevy, and come this Thursday I'll get the opportunity to drive another Chevy again.

Why? Well, because this city knows that if there's one thing I'm good at, it's having babies er, -- just kidding! -- it's shopping.

Yours truly was invited to be one of the Austin "digerati" to participate in Chevy Shop Social. I'll be one of the shoppers / Chevy drivers for an amazing charity event this Thursday, June 5.
Get this: I'll be given a $300 gift card courtesy of SheBuysCars.com, be put into a brand new Chevy, and I'll have two hours to spend said gift card in one of my favorite parts of town: The 2nd Street District, where I'll be buying goodies from local shops to be raffled off later that evening. I'll be Instagramming my shopping frenzy via #ChevyShopSocial @indianaadams, and all the purchases (from all the influencers and bloggers) will be raffled off with the proceeds going to some amazing Austin charities. Here's my favorite part: raffle tickets for the prizes are just $1.00 each, meaning you could be walking away with a local treasure for just a buck! 100% of the proceeds benefit I Live Here I Give Here and HAAM. And bonus: Chevrolet is sponsoring the event and will be match all donation given that night, up to $5000.

And guess what? You're invited to the big shin dig that evening and it's absolutely free to attend! In addition to the raffle, there will be food trucks (including Hat Creek! Mmmm, burgers...), live music, a Corvette photo booth, and a fleet of brand new Chevy vehicles to check out. I've been told that it will be family friendly, so my whole brood will be there. I would love for you to join us. It's going to be a great way to get out to enjoy the the city and to support some deserving local charities. Plus I hear that the host venue, Getaway Motor Club, is pretty cool, too.
Not local to Austin? No worries. Be sure to follow our #ChevyShopSocial hashtag on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to keep up with our adventure.

WHAT: Chevy Shop Social
WHEN: this Thursday, June 5 // 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (raffle at 8:30)
WHERE: Getaway Motor Club, 3700 Thompson Street
COST: free to attend, $1.00 raffle tickets, food and craft beer available for purchase

For more information, check out SheBuysCars.com, the generous sponsor of this great event.

Like a cloud

On Saturday night, I got to attend Austin Fashion Week as an award nominee for the first time. It was an honor to be up for the 2014 Trailblazer Award, and I was almost as excited to just have the excuse and opportunity to get dolled up. The occasion called for over the top fake lashes and bold coral-red lips:
The occasion also called for the dreamiest skirt in the world. When I came downstairs Jude asked me if I was dressed like a cloud. The only answer to that was "Yes! Yes, I am!":    date: 3 May 2014 // occasion: Austin Fashion Week Awards
skirt: Emily Hallman (USA, local Austin designer) // crop top: American Apparel (USA) // necklace: Noonday Collection- sold out (fair trade- found here) // bracelets: Jook + Nona via Zulily (USA) // clutch: c/o My Biotiful Bag // headband: Target
It was really important to me that I wore something that showcased a local designer, because at no other time do people inquire "who I'm wearing" over and over again. But three days before the event, I still hadn't found anything to wear. Thankfully, I was extremely fortunate to find this killer skirt in Emily Hallman's sample sale section on her website, and she graciously let me come to her studio on Thursday to try it on to see if it needed any adjustments. And wouldn't you know it, but it was a perfect fit!

I knew I wanted to ground the poshness of the skirt with a more casual top, and I remembered seeing (my favorite eco-stylist) Merl Kenzie Instagramming this shirt, touting it as "extremely flattering", so as soon as I knew the skirt would work, I immediately jaunted over to the American Apparel outlet to snag the top. Merl was right! Even at a solid size 12, I felt confident enough to rock the crop. I completed my outfit with thoughtfully chosen accessories (a fair trade necklace and a purse made of recycled plastic) and a gold headband I picked up last minute at Target.

I have a couple more photos of the outfit on Instagram, and all in all, my aunt and I had a great night. It was such an honor to be nominated for such a prestigious award, and I was as pleased as punch to be out without a burp rag and a baby slung over my shoulder!

Jude liked my cloud outfit so much that he asked if I could wear it to church the next morning. I declined, but I'm thinking of having Emily hem the skirt to just below the knee so I can wear it more often (inspiration). I may even be able to wear it for my ten year anniversary party next month.

What do you think? Should I have the skirt hemmed so I can wear it more often? Or should I save it as is to wear again for another special, formal occasion? 

Introducing North Austin Style Encore

I have always maintained that I am not into fashion. I'm into shopping, which is something entirely different. Specifically, since childhood, I've been into second hand shopping. My grandma used to own a resale shop, I grew up going to yard sales every weekend, and I even did a stint as a buyer at Buffalo Exchange when we first moved to Texas. I'm always excited to learn about new resale and consignment stores in Austin.

Plato's Closet is one resale shop that I'm familiar with, but have only been to twice. It's a national chain of resale shops that buys and carries a lot of on-trend clothing for the high school and college set; For example, when I went in I saw a lot of Abercrombie, American Eagle, and Forever 21.

But did you know Plato's Closet has a more sophisticated older sister? Style Encore is a part of the same company, but it caters to an older crowd. They recently had their grand opening here in Austin, and last week I went in to check it out.
Some of the more popular brands in stock were J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Michael Kors. There was also a fair amount of Antropologie clothing and designer denim. For those who are looking for high end luxury brands, there's a rack filled with DVF wrap dresses, Marc Jacobs frocks, and others of that ilk.
The store was organized well, which makes shopping easier. Shoes and clothes were grouped by type, size, and color. For instance all the size medium knit tops clearly marked and were hung together with all the white shirts together, all the pink, all the black, etc. For those of you who feel overwhelmed by traditional thrift store shopping, stepping into this upscale resale shop instead will be a welcome relief.
Like Plato's Closet, Style Encore has a buyer in store available at all times, which means you can sell your clothing and accessories to them. Here's a list of what they're currently buying. I took in four items and they bought two: a NWT Banana Republic blazer I had scored at a thrift store in Seymour, Indiana, as well as a pair of Cynthia Rowley ankle pants that I originally purchased at Marshalls, that I had only worn once. They priced the blazer at $14 and the pants for $16.
When you want to sell, the buyer will look through your offerings and you can choose to stay at the counter to see what they accept or shop around while they sort through your items. They'll offer you 30% - 40% (depending on the item) of what they plan to sell the item for in the shop. They try to price items around 70% of original retail prices. Unlike Buffalo Exchange, where you're at the mercy of the buyer's expertise, Style Encore uses a computer system that will help price the item. When the buyer is done going through your stuff, they'll give you an offer. You can choose to take the offer as "trade", which equates to store credit (untaxed) or walk with cash (taxed). Vexed? Here's a helpful video that explains the process.
I took the trade and ended up buying a striped dress originally from The Limited for $20 and a pristine Banana Republic trench coat for $35, that I just know I'll have for the rest of my life, it's such a classic piece. My aunt scored a gorgeous black lace Leifdottir dress for $40 (originally $288 from Anthropologie) that she's going to wear to Austin Fashion Week this weekend. 
All in all, I recommend Style Encore, especially for women who work outside the home and get to dress professionally. There is quite a bit of career wear. I'd also recommend Style Encore for party dresses-- it's the ideal place to get that perfect dress to wear to a summer wedding. Be sure to check out the local Austin Style Encore on Facebook to get a sneak peek of their current stock. Style Encore North Austin is located at  2929 W. Anderson Lane Austin TX 78757

First outing post Lucy

I did it, y'all! I "got dressed" and left my house for the first time since having Lucy last Monday. I wasn't quite ready to leave the house with all three kids by my lonesome, but while Lucy was napping and Caroline was being fed lunch by my mom, I did make a quick jaunt to Macy's for Clinique Bonus Time and then I picked Jude up from school.
Despite my smug face in the photos (please ignore!), I have to use "got dressed" in quotes because I didn't actually get dressed. I simply pulled a skirt on over the maternity tank and shorts that I had slept in, and I festooned it all with a stretchy belt in a (failed) attempt to make it look like I had a waistline.
date: 4 April 2014 (11 days postpartum) // occasion: errands  skirt (as "dress"): thrifted // belt: thrifted // tank: Old Navy (maternity) // shoes: c/o Loly in the Sky
I got these shoes (and this pair, too) waaaay back in April (see also 1, 2). The team at Loly in the Sky introduced me to their handmade in Mexico / Austin based brand and were kind of enough to send me two pairs while I was in Indiana taking care of my ailing grandmother last spring. Since then I have worn the snuff out of them, and they remain the number one most complimented shoes in my entire footwear arsenal. My outfit may have been a miss, but my shoes? A+!

Review: Mama Mio Tummy Oil via BeautyStoreDepot.com

I've spent most of my adult life avoiding oil. I have acne- prone, oily skin, and I have oily hair. Too much of my teenage years were spent blotting my slick face with oil absorbing sheets, which would turn an embarrassing clear when I'd use them. Until a few years ago, all of my beauty products were oil-free, and the very notion of selling me a bottle of oil to use anywhere on my face, skin, or hair was laughable.

I can't quite pinpoint when things changed, but a couple years back, I recall getting a facial from my friend Rita, and she used an oil cleanser on my face and spoke about how oily skin responds well to treatments with oil because, well, oil binds to oil. Or something like that (I'm sure she was much more eloquent and factual). Since that little pep talk and since noting that my mom, who looks way young for her age, has always used baby oil as a body moisturizer, I've become an oil lover! Daily, I now use a coconut oil on my hair, an argan oil on my face, and an oil-based face cleanser. Is it any wonder that I sought out a stretch mark prevention oil during this pregnancy?

When I get pregnant, I gain a lot of weight. I am not one of those dainty women who gets to brag about how she can still fit into her regular yoga pants despite the baby bump. My regular clothing hasn't seen the light of day in months. With Caroline, I gained 70 pounds. With this one, I'm up 50 pounds (with four weeks to go, still). I wear a size large in maternity clothing. I get huge, so stretch marks are something that I've always been a little cognizant of.

When Austin-based company Beauty Store Depot sent me info about the Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil they carry, I had to learn more. The body butter I used before was great, but with my new oil admiration, I jumped at the chance to try out Mama Mio Tummy Rub Oil. They sent me a bottle before Christmas, and now with just a few short weeks to go, I'm happy to report that I have no new stretch marks!
Straight up: I use this after every shower and I also slather it on whenever my midsection feels itchy. Since December 12, I have used this almost daily (and took it with me over the holidays), and I still have about half a bottle (one bottle would easily make it through one pregnancy). It absorbs fast, smells great, and man... I wish I would have used this last time. I am currently 36 weeks along and the only stretch marks I have are light, residual ones, low, low down from my time carrying Caroline. Since no tummy oil review would be worth its salt without a bare tummy photo, here's a belly pic that I had Chris snap right before I posted this post (my modesty is making me cringe, but I had to put some kind of photographic evidence out there, didn't I?): If, for whatever reason, you're not an oil convert like me, I hear the Mama Mio Tummy Butter is good stuff, too (in my experience, body oils go a lot further than body butters). Mama Mio recommends using their tummy products for up to four months postpartum, too, as the omega oils are said to help skin shrink down to pre-pregnancy size. I'll be sure to report back if that's the case! Not pregnant? No worries. Mama Mio makes a bevy of beauty products worth checking out. The granola girl that I've seemingly become appreciates that their entire line is free of parabens, petrolatum, sodium laureth, sodium laurel sulphate, xenoestrogen, phtalates, colorants, and synthetic fragrances.
The reviews on the tummy oil on Amazon are outstanding, but the price is way cheaper at BeautyStoreDepot.com, plus right now you can enjoy 15% off with code PRESIDENTS as well as these exclusive Adored Austin promos: 

• With Mama Mio orders $100+, you can receive a free Shrink to Fit Cream OR Skin Tight Toning Serum ($56 value each). 
• With Mama Mio orders $200+, you can receive a free Bootcamp for Arms Kit ($75 value). 
• Use code ADORED in the shopping cart to receive your free gift. The free gift won't display in the shopping cart but will be added to your order before shipping. If you have a preference between the Shrink to Fit Cream or Skin Tight Toning Serum, note the preference in the Order Notes section of checkout.

Know a pregnant lady? I think this Mama Mio Pregnancy Essentials Kit would make a really thoughtful gift.

/////

Financial compensation was not received for this post. A sample product was generously gifted from my friends at BeautyStoreDepot.com. Opinions expressed here are my own. For more info on the reviews I do, see Adored Austin's full disclosure policy.

25 weeks // Christmas party with baby on board

So the reason why I had to wake up before 8 am on Saturday is because I had to book it downtown for a spa / salon appointment to prepare for Chris' work party that night. I didn't want to look completely busted, so I had to get rid of my pesky nose hairs, touch up my stubborn grays, and I decided to go ahead a get a blow out while there. After all was said and done, I felt like a million bucks. A bloated million bucks, but a cool mil, nonetheless:
  date: 7 December 2013 // occasion: corporate Christmas party
coat: passed on to me from my Grandma (similar) // dress: ASOS (maternity) // tights: ASOS (maternity) // shoes: Audrey Brooke via DSW (similar) // studs: Target // bag: on loan from Distillery Austin
I'm sorry about my unbearably smug face here. Eeep.

I loved the swingy movement to the dress. There's so much room in the dress that Jude tried to hide under it... while I was wearing it. Since this has proven to fit both me and my three year old at the same time, I'm sure this will still fit me come spring when I'm much larger. I think I'll be able to wear it with bare legs and flat sandals. Now... who can invite me somewhere where I get to dress up this nice again? Anyone? Anyone?

Lip color is MAC's Russian Red. Nail color is Essie's A List. I only own eight bottles of nail polish, but two of those are A List! 

I broke the shoes in earlier that morning at the salon. They are great and can be dressed down (as evidenced by overalls, no doubt) or up! The bag was the perfect finishing touch.

I love vintage lucite bags. I know that I will never be able to afford this modern take on them by Charlotte Olympia, but I keep my eyes peeled on Etsy and at vintage shops for cool, clear bags. Have you checked out The Distillery Austin, yet? Owned by a local brother and sister duo, their online Austin vintage shop is stocked full with cool treasures like this one. Check out their shop, blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to get the low down and to snatch up super thoughtful, one of a kind Christmas gifts. This vintage lucite clutch retails for $98. Not bad considering that when you get gussied up and carry this, you feel like a million bucks.

Take a look: Langford Market

Langford Market, one of my favorite stores, recently launched online shopping! Some of my favorites from their current online selection include these:

1. braided belt shirt dress ($49) // 2. finer things vest ($69.90) // 3. gold matrix necklace ($22.90) // 4. lace peplum dress ($49.90)
Right now through Sunday Langford Market is doing 50% off their entire online inventory and free shipping with an order of $50 or more. Say what? Use promo code "fifty" to take advantage of that.

I have been a huge fan of Langford Market for years, and even made buddies with the Austin store manager (who has since moved on to corporate in Houston. Hi, Davina!). I love the store because the inventory is always changing, they also carry vintage home furnishings, and there is always some sort of amazing promo going on (like buy a dress get a any cardigan for free). Each month the stores do a cool event, too. I've attended a few sip and shops and craft nights at the Austin location.

Here's a sampling of some of my favorite Langford Market pieces I've worn:
Fun fact: each of these pieces of clothing were picked out for me by the helpful staff (they love pulling clothes for customers) and coincidentally  all of the clothing pieces that I've bought from Langford Market were made domestically. See why it's one of my favorite Austin haunts? Now that I'm not longer sporting a giant baby bump, I need to hop in there again.

Langford Market has locations in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, and Chicago. Check them out online if you're located elsewhere.

Jane By Design Style Challenge: Task three

I've made it to the next round in the Jane By Design Style Challenge. Holla! The new emails come in on Tuesdays and Fridays, and this little gem from (the Miranda Priestly-like) Gray Chandler Murray was in my inbox yesterday:

You are moving on to round three of the interview process. You haven’t quit yet, nor have you embarrassed yourself beyond repair, so that says something. What exactly does it say? It says you still have a lot to prove before I’m ready to make a decision.

I often say you can judge a person based on the purse they carry. A sloppy bag shows the world that you are a disheveled mess, very likely in need of group therapy. A matronly purse says you are uptight, humorless and quite possibly spending your nights alone, with only your cat for company. But the right bag represents you better than any other accessory can. The right bag reveals the best aspects of your personality, winning you affection and admiration wherever you go.

Post a photo on your blog of the bag that best represents you and tell your readers why this purse conveys the very essence of who you are. Then ask your readers to share the bags that best represent them here and mention the name of your blog.

And remember—choose carefully. An expensive purse might reveal that you are really just a shallow tart. A cheap purse might reveal that you are a miserly malcontent. To make it to the next phase of the interview process, you will need to convince me that you are an interesting person with a unique point of view. If you’re just another sheep following the masses, you’ll stay in the barnyard where you belong.

Watch this video for additional inspiration into this phase of the interview process, and make sure your readers get a chance to watch as well.

It may sound easy to simply choose a bag and photograph it and post it on the blog, but I hemmed and hawed over this for quite some time. My mom's Gucci bag has a lot of sentimental value to me, but it is falling apart and I only use it when I need a large bag and I don't care if it gets scuffed up. My little Louis Vuitton pouchette means a lot to me, too. It was a graduation gift from my mom and her best friend and was my first (and only) new-to-me, "grown up" bag. Also, I recently bought a rubber chicken purse on South Congress that I think is hilarious, and I have a great collection of tiny, vintage clutches that I've scoured from estate sales and resale shops, and I really like those, too.

Although some of these bags are nice and some are funny and some were excellent thrifting finds, none of these bags "convey the essence of who I am". So after really, really thinking about it, I came to realize that the bag that best conveys who I am (especially my shopping philosophies) right now is the Purse and Clutch charming chevron clutch.
Chervon is so on-trend right now. Don't believe me? Just ask Pinterest. I wear a fair amount of chevron prints,
and even did Jude's room in yellow chevron a while back. That's why I was so excited to see that Purse and Clutch added a chevron line to their offerings yesterday. I emailed Jen, the owner of Purse and Clutch, invited myself over to her house (meeting her for the first time!) and promptly bought myself one of these beauties:
I got the chocolate brown one today but only because the gray was all sold out (the one I photographed had just been ordered).

I chose this bag for this Jane By Design Style Challenge because 1) I am still digging chevrons, 2) I appreciate the tiny, handmade imperfections of the print, and 3) I couldn't think of a better product that falls perfectly into my "I Shop With Heart" guidelines. Purse and Clutch offers bags exclusively made by the Joyn India project. From the JOYN website:

In June of 2010 Mel Murray and her family packed up and moved to a little town in the mountains of northern India to assess business needs and opportunities in the community. It was there that JOYN was born, a company with a vision to connect the poor with Western markets. You get beautiful handmade home furnishings and accessories, and the people of northern India have the joy of working in a great environment and providing for their families. It’s a relationship where the joy flows both ways.

Our passion is for people. One of our favorite things to do is to spend time daily with the artisans who make our products. In the summer of 2010, Mel began working with local cooperatives, training them in developing products for Western Markets. [The JOYN teams builds] relationships with local entrepreneurs and artisans. An amazing local woman has started a vocational training center for battered and abused women – these women stitch all of our bags and make our jewelry. A local cooperative was formed for those affected by leprosy, they hand weave all of our incredible cotton fabric. A beautiful 70 year old artisan who has a passion for helping people and keeping traditional Indian art alive, has allowed us to build up her block print shop and create more jobs. Each day we get to give a hug, a smile, a word, a job. That’s why we do what we do.

[photos from the JOYN facebook]

While it's no orange ostrich Birkin (like the one Gray Chandler Murray gives Jane) Mel Murray at JOYN and Jen Ardill at Purse and Clutch have introduced me to a bag that packs a whole lotta heart and one that I'm proud to carry daily.

If you have a favorite bag and you want to share that with Jane By Design, please go to their Facebook page and tell 'em all about it and mention that Adored Austin sent you. One reader from the winning blog will be featured on the ABC Family page, so if you want in on that action, FB away.

Three challenges down, four to go! After the series premiere on Tuesday, January 3rd, we'll be back to our regular content. I don't know about you guys, but I'm really appreciating this challenge during this busy holiday season. It's helping me come up with fun and fresh blog content, and it's encouraging me to think outside the box. Thanks for supporting me so far.

Hi, Gray.
I am so excited to still be in the running for a blogger position at Donovan Decker. I agree that a person's bag says a lot about them. I hope that by choosing a Purse and Clutch charming chevron bag to represent me, you'll see that I'm a blogger who isn't (in your words) "just another sheep following the masses". Since you travel a lot, I'm sure you've witnessed, first-hand, the impoverished conditions of northern India. By purchasing a Purse and Clutch bag, I'm helping to lessen the hold that poverty has on a group of local artisans and women there. Plus, isn't it the cutest thing, ever? If I get the job, you can borrow it whenever you'd like.
-Indiana

See my other Jane By Design Style Challenges: one | two

Saturday: Free People Holiday Party

This Saturday is Chris' birthday! We'll be celebrating by him watching me style folks at the Free People store on Lamar. And you're invited!
I'm just kidding. I mean, you are invited, but Chris will probably be staying home with Jude that afternoon. Happy birthday to him...

Anyway... see you on Saturday? There's going to be a hot cocoa bar, free sweets, drawings for $40 gift cards, and free gifts with $50+ purchases. And The Lovely Brigade is going to be providing the tunes. I'll be there from noon- 2. Please come. It'll be a nice break in your day. Did you see the part about the HOT COCOA BAR?! Facebook RSVP here >>>

Shop ATX: HEM Jeans + AG Jeans

Many months ago I bought a Groupon to Austin's famed denim bar HEM Jeans (<--- beware. Site automatically plays music). It was $50 for a $100 gift certificate but was not good on sale items. Shortly after I got it, I eagerly and excitedly went in. Imagine my dismay when 1- the Groupon barely covered half a pair of full-price jeans, and 2- I had the most frustrating time finding a pair of jeans that fit. I kept telling the salesgirl that I was a size 29 or 30 and that I didn't want any heavily whiskered jeans or cropped jeans. She kept bringing me size 27 or 28 to try on ("They'll stretch!" and ankle length pants that made me look like a cased sausage with a muffin top). Blerg. I left empty handed, a little peeved, and spewing and sputtering that shopping for jeans was way worse than shopping for a swimsuit. This had quickly become my first Groupon regret.

Fast forward to last week. With only a couple more weeks until my Groupon regret was to expire, I went back in, armed with a gift card to help cover the balance. I arrived right as the store was opening for the day and was greeted happily by Aimee, one of the owners. She quickly assessed my needs and immediately started filling my dressing room with her top picks.

I didn't tell her this, but I really wanted a pair of jeans that fit into my new guidelines: made in the USA, eco friendly (denim manufacturing is notoriously bad on the local environment), and a classic style that would last me years and years. I was fairly certain that I would not be able to find a single pair of jeans that fit even one of these requirements let alone a pair of jeans that even fit.

Then-- shut the front door!-- second pair on, the denim angels started singing. I tried on a pair of oh so soft Ballad jeans from AG. Holy smokes! The fit! The feel! They made my flat boy's-like butt look like a lady's! No muffin top or back spillage! And I wouldn't even need to have them hemmed! I gulped a little at the price tag ($178), but I had my $100 Groupon and my $50 gift card, so I was out of pocket $30 that day.

jeans: AG Adriano Goldschmied | tank: Old Navy | vintage vest: Blue Velvet | necklace: City Wide Garage Sale | wedges: Cynthia Vincent for Target | hat: Walmart
And here's the part that I really appreciate: these jeans not only fit like a dream, but they are produced solely in the United States using an "eco friendly" process. The wash I chose was not distressed and was made with an eco-friendlier indigo dye. The slight flare makes them a style that is sure to stay in my closet rotation for years.

[More about AG's eco friendly process here.]

Beware y'all. Once you get into the premium denim gang, you can't get out-- not even by a mass beating. My complete jean line-up is as follows:

Introducing Tess

On Monday night I had the pleasure of being introduced to Theresa Kopecky, the incredibly sweet and talented designer behind Tess, a locally made, vintage inspired dress company here in Austin, Texas. I was so impressed with her workmanship and her passion for creating truly local garments that I just had to share her with y'all:

Aren't they lovely? View the complete collection here. Now we can tell that Chinese manufactured Banana Republic Mad Men Collection to go ahead and eat its heart out.

From the Tess press release:

"It’s sad, but true; despite the wealth of garment-manufacturing skills here in the US, most American-designed clothing is now made overseas. New Austin-based design company Tess, however, has big dreams to change all that. Not only is every Tess garment designed and manufactured right here in Texas, but the company also wants to play a part in boosting the American manufacturing industry as a whole and bringing back its glory days.

“Here at Tess, we want to play our part in reinvigorating the US garment industry,” says Theresa Kopecky, Tess designer and owner. “We believe in the quality of American workmanship and in the skills and spirit of the workers themselves.”

To this end, Tess Designs makes use of Texan companies for its pattern-making; grading and marking; and manufacturing – right down to the button-loops and belts! Keeping it local and keeping it real – it doesn’t get much more Austin than that.

“We believe in the USA, in American jobs, and in America’s ability to manufacture … I guess you could say that I want to save the world one dress at a time!” says Theresa. "

What impressed me most is Theresa's heart. In addition to all the fashion week events she's participating in, she's also doing a 499 Dresses event, which is a dress sale that fully benefits "The Winding Road to Recovery", a documentary about "disabled veterans using cycling as a means of recovery from lost limbs, post tramatic shock syndrome and life after coming home". As the only child of a United States Army officer killed while serving active duty, I am going to be there to support this cause:

Jackson Cleaners has been collecting donated dresses for a while, and they'll all be on sale Saturday at Austin Tri-Cyclist. I'm still uncertain what I'm wearing to the Austin Fashion Awards on Saturday night, so perhaps I'll find a gem there.

If you'd like to meet Theresa and see her designs in person, make sure to attend tonight's Doo-Wop Party Bash at Touch of Sass:

Burgers and Tess dresses? Obviously someone knows the way to this girl's heart...

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!

Shop ATX: Le Garage Sale

Not to be confused with the vintage heaven that is the City Wide Garage Sale, today I went to Le Garage Sale, where Austin area shops gather under one roof to sell their overstock clothes and accessories at rock bottom prices:

I scored two pairs of shoes from Goodie Two Shoes for $10/ pair and one dress from Langford Market for $20. I'm sure those items will end up in my outfit posts here in the next week, so I'll photograph them then.

Event name: Le Garage Sale
Locations: twice/ year in Austin, usually at the Palmer Events Center (also happens in San Fransisco)
Online shop: no, but see who the vendors are on the website
Price point: all over the map! $5- $400
Best buy: Everything at Langford Market was marked down to $20. All shoes at Goodie Two Shoes were $10. I saw some gorgeous tweed and vintage inspired coats for only $30 at Adelante.
Lust items: Cynthia Vincent wedges at Girl Next Door ($200), 50% items from By George, 50% Jeffrey Campbell shoes at Buy Definition.
Sales: EVERYTHING!
Recommendation: sign up for the newsletter to get reminders about this semi-annual event. If you don't mind the crowds, go early on Saturdays to get the most selection. If you're not shy about wheeling and dealing, go late on Sunday when a lot of vendors go even lower. Bring cash and wear something form fitting-- most shops don't take cards and have no fitting rooms.
Notes: Entry is $10, cash at the door. Parking is $7 at the event center but free in the lot at 1st and Barton (and free in the nearby neighborhood).Bring a drink with you because soda and water are $3.50 each at the event center concession stand. Youch! Those aren't marked down at all!

Shop ATX: Strut

On Tuesday, I saw a Tweet from Strut declaring all inventory was 70% off. I had been eying a jumper of theirs online, so I packed Jude into his car seat and booked it over to the Guadalupe store.





I realized I hadn't been in the shop in over three years (not since I worked down the street at Buffalo Exchange), which is far too long. Even though I hit the 70% off sale on its last day and the shop was half empty preparing to bring in all new inventory, I was still able to find quite a few things, as you'll see over the next few days.

Shop name: Strut
Locations: five-- three in Austin, one in Dallas, and one in San Marcos
Online shop: yes- http:///shopstrut.com
Price point: somewhere between Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters
Best buy: awesome sunglasses at $10/ pair (marked down to $3 during the sale!)
Lust items: tons of statement making jewelry and vintage inspired tap shorts this season
Sales: often-- they're most known for their first Thursday sales. First Thursday of the month, they have some sort of in-store promotion.
Recommendation: follow Strut on Twitter to get the heads up about killer sales which happen both in-store and online. Just last week, they were doing 60% off all their online inventory and waiving shipping fees if you could do a pick-up in Austin.

[note: this Shop ATX feature is something new I'm trying. I hope to do these Austin shop visits on the fly so that I can get a fair representation of a typical shoppers' experience. I'll be visiting boutiques, vintage shops, and shopping events. Please let me know if this new feature is cool or totally lame!]