4th Annual Little Black Dress Competition Heats UP!

It's that time of year again! When the best and most creative person in the Houston fashion industry Jeff Shell, brings the community together so support new, up and coming designers. The 4^th annual Little Black Dress Project® is happening Tuesday, May 8 from 6:30-9pm at the House of Blues, Foundation Room and the Bronze Peacock Room .  Event chairs are Leisa Holland-Nelson, Linda Kuykendall and Vicki Rizzo (Who incidentally owns DISH'S favorite consignment shop More Than You Can Imagine).  This is your opportunity to see the newest, freshest designers coming to the fashion world before they are so big you can't touch them! What an amazing time! Front-row seats $100; runway seats $75; standing room $50.  Purchase yours by CLICKING HERE

The event will showcase the Top Ten Little Black Dresses by upcoming fashion design students who were invited to submit their version of the LBD in March.  The Top 5 winning designs are selected by local celebrity judges, and awarded $7,500 in scholarships through the Fashion Group Foundation of Houston, Inc.  The event is presented by Momentum Porsche, and additional sponsorship comes from Macy’s, More Than You Can Imagine, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tootsies. 

 LBD 2012 Celebrity Judges include Albert Rubio (Saks Fifth Avenue), Chloe Dao (Lot 8), Christine Goins (Tootsies), Elaine Turner (Elaine Turner Designs), Jody Schmal (Houston Magazine), Joy Sewing (Houston Chronicle), Kate Allen Stukenberg (Papercity Magazine), Lenny Matuszewski (fashion show producer), Roz Pactor (The Chic Sheet), Stacey Swift (Neiman Marcus), Tamara Bonar (fashion show producer).

The Little Black Dress is one of the fashion icons of our time, inspiring designers from the moment it was introduced by Chanel in 1926, through Givenchy’s 1961 creation for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to the myriad current fashion designers the world over.  It is in this sartorial spirit that this contest was created to support young, up-and-coming fashion design students from Texas.  More info at www.littleblackdressproject.com

It's the 1st Day of Christmas!!!

And there are a TON of ways you can celebrate but being DISH of course we want you to keep all of those things on your shopping list LOCAL! So here's what we suggest!

First...Stop by Elaine Turner in Rice Village or CityCenter! They have the entire 12 days laid out for you!

There is always the happy gift of FOOD! Texas Tamale Company has been a staple gift for DISH!
We LOVE to give Tamales for Christmas!! They ship really well too! Give the taste of Texas for your out of town friends! They also offer brush on flavor for meat and some of the best queso this side of the border! 

After that...How about gifts that 'give back'???

DISH Hopes you'll consider giving the gift of reading this season with books like "Wanda and the Oblahlahs," (Bright Sky Press) which donates 100 percent of its proceeds to Children At Risk to help combat child trafficking!

What about a pair or two of TOMS shoes and sunglasses from Sun & Ski Sports?? For every pair you buy a free pair is given to a human without any shoes in other countries!

For another fun store full of goodies...how about a variety of holiday ornaments, toiletry bags, jewelry and gift cards from M.D. Anderson Children's Art Project !!

PERFECTION!

Hope your holidays are bright...DISH promises they will be brighter by shopping locally and thoughtfully! =)

FNO Houston - The After Math

Gracious! Such a busy evening it seemed we ran a marathon in heals and a dress last night!

Hitting up all of the private parties of the big fashion houses to preview the new fall '11 lines before the big fashion show on the ice rink was a fete to say the least! But we got it done and here are the highlights for you!

 

We started at the Elaine Turner Flagship store in Rice Village Promptly at 6 pm where we were delighted to discover she's tipping her toes into leather goods other than her gorgeous purses and shoes.

These mini gloves have an ENORMOUS bow on them and the butter leather fits...well you can finish that line. We highly suggest the DISH pink for only $60!

Next, off to the Galleria where the hot fashion houses were showing off their new lines for Fall as well... If you know anything about DISH you know that Ralph Lauren is our fashion god and can do no wrong...well he captivated us yet again with the fem-tux du jour and the slinky black silk drape dress with open back. What classic drama!

We also previewed Farragamo where we fell out over the soles of their shoes! It's gorgeous black and white houndstooth pattern has those red bottoms having to learn something new! Plus their deep maroon almost black rain boots with a 3 inch heal had DISH ready to trade in our Ralph Lauren riding boot style rain boots! GORGEOUS!

Carolina Herrera had sweet silks and military cashmere trenches, classic, beautiful but nothing really new to add to the runways.

Fendi had delish cashmere, daring leather pieces, big flowing ruffles and the most amazing navy blue fur we've ever seen!!! The shoes left a lot to be desired. Seemed they were trying too hard to be edgy/colour-blocky. It was easy to see where the inspiration came from but it didn't translate well at all.

Prada had pretty clothes but their real kicker is their knee high boots with the coloured mary jane design on the foot. They're cute but a bit too fashion forward for conservative Houston.

Jimmy Choo, however, pulled this year's boot look off perfectly with two over the knee pair with a featured zipper up the back of the boot that was so sexy DISH almost fell out of our front row seat!

The real shiney bright start for DISH this season was Max Mara! Everything that hit that runway was breath-taking! Bright colours, deep designs with delish cashmere tights, backless drama and fun fur!

You will see DISH in a lot of MM this year no doubt!

Hands...or gloves...down the most fun part of the night was the dancing flash mob that ran onto the runway at the end of the show! Some of the audience and some models participated and it was HYSTERICAL!

Fashion Night Out RunDown

Ok Houston! Tonight is the night and there are events all over town!

You can start at either Elaine Turner stores (Rice Village or CityCenter) from 6-9 pm for cocktails, snacks and discounts PLUS the preview of her new fall line which DISH is madly in love with, by the way!

From 5-8 pm at the Galleria most of the high end specialty stores will be rolling out the red carpet to show you the fall 2011 preview! If you were lucky enough to score an invite that is...all of the parties are private! However, there is one way the general public can participate and that is the Simon NOW Fashion show on the ice rink in the middle of the Galleria! The show will introduce looks from Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, CH Carolina Herrera, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, MaxMara, St. John and Tiffany & Co. Immediately following the show, Gigi's Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar will host an official post-show party.

To get the feel of the night and get you in the fashion mood...here is a video of the Simon Fashion Now 2011 Spring show so you can have an idea of the fashion fun you can have on the ice rink at the Galleria tonight!

$30 Elaine Turner??? YES!!!

 

Just to you you know DISHIES! The VIP Party was Tuesday and we weren't allowed to tell you about it BUT THIs amazing event goes on through this weekend so get your booties over there!! Both locations!

Couture Discounts for the Shopping Weary

Atrium Ready to Wear, a couture Houston boutique offering cocktail and evening gowns from adored designers and is offering a 30 percent off sale throughout the month of June. Sale items include elite labels Yigal Azrouel, Prabal Gurung, Christian Cota, Trias and Bibhu Mohapatra. 

Look fabulous this summer with these exquisite finds. Whether you’re preparing to attend a sunset wedding, a black tie event, or just need an outfit for vacation, Atrium has the perfect look for any occasion.

3331 D’Amico  Houston, TX 77019   713.520.0206

Located adjacent to Casa de Novia Bridal, Atrium Ready to Wear 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. 

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. Atrium Ready to Wear is located at 3331 D’Amico between Waugh and Shepherd. Store hours are 11a.m. – 6p.m. Private consultations can be scheduled by calling 713.520.0206.

Tip Top Fashion for your Tippy Toes!

Admittedly this is not DISH'S best tv appearance...not enough color in the face and GIRL what's up with that hair?? EEKS!

Now that that is out of the way...Here is what DISH has to say about summer footwear...after some amazing pedi tips!

For Fashionable Senoritas!

Before heading out for margaritas on Cinco de Mayo, grab your closest amigas and head to Muse, Houston’s hotspot for unique clothing finds. For five days, May 1-6, Muse is hosting a shopping fiesta offering 15% off your entire purchase. From caliente accessories to bonita frocks, Muse has the perfect outfit for fashionable senoritas.

Look at some of the delish deals you can get.... Designers such as Calypso, Roberta Freymann, Nanette Lepore, Red Engine, Hila Doucette Duvall, Splendid, Alexis, Tucker, Georgie, Linea Pelle, Goddis, Pete, Christopher Fischer, Spanx, Hanky Panky, Sanctuary, Fifteen Twenty, Georgie, Autumn Cashmere, Eberjey, Pete, Cambio, Moyna, Chan Luu, Lia Kes, Butter by Nadia, Susana Monaco, Beirn, Skin, Tribute, 12^th Street by Cynthia Vincent, Eva Franco, Vitamina, White & Warren, Yummie Tummie, Raven Tailored, Lilla P, Jouer Cosmetics, Eye, Rab Labs and Roost can be found in this charming fashion boutique.  For store information, visit www.musehouston.com or call 713-520-MUSE.  

Sample Sale!!!

Don't you LOVE Spring!?!?!?!

It's Spring time and Chloe has done a little spring cleaning in her design closet.  After 11 years of

designing, our studio is getting crowded and we need to make room for new things.   What does this mean to you??  Well, these one of a kind samples, inspiration pieces, and vintage Chloe Dao designs will be on sale ranging from $10 - $400.  We will also have shoes from our runway on sale for only $10.

This is a great opportunity to get a one of a kind prom dress for under $500 with shoes to match!!! 

The sale begins Friday, April 1st at LOT 8 boutique.  Don't miss it.  The sale will only last as long as the merchandise!!

Elaine Turner is Growing AGAIN!

ELAINE TURNER and HONORARY CHAIRS SUSAN PLANK AND SHELLEY BARINEAU will be celebrating the Grand Opening of the new ELAINE TURNER CITYCENTRE 800 Town & Country Blvd. It's all happening Wednesday evening so call the new store and RSVP ASAP! Custom Elaine Turner Pillows will be available for purchase for $75. With your purchase, a second pillow will be donated in your honor to a Dec My Room child. Each pillow comes with a personalized note card and $50 Elaine Turner gift card. Enter the Dec My Room raffle for A CHANCE TO WIN A $1,000 Elaine Turner shopping spree! Light Bites Provided by Eddie V’s Valet Parking California Chic Attire RSVP: 713.255.9095 $35 suggested donation benefiting Dec My Room. Dec My Room decorates and personalizes rooms for children admitted to the hospital for three weeks or longer. For more information, visit www.decmyroom.org. For more info on the new Elaine Turner CITYCENTRE location, visit their blog!