Paper on Toast by Anna Bu

     I've been following model/artist, Anna Bu's, blog for quite some time for her quirky, unconventional street style and now, I'm totally intrigued by her mysterious collages reminiscent of those by Dada artists such as Hannah Hoch.

     Collage has been one of my favorite art forms since college.  I've collaged everything from tabletops to cabinet doors using free magazines my ex used to bring me from his workplace.  Bu's works have inspired me to start up my hobby again and finally make good use of those composition and cutting skills that have been wasting away. 

A COUTURE CAUSE Calendar Launch Party

I'm in dire need of catching up on this week's posts, so I'll skip my weekend trip (for now) and start with what went down yesterday. If you missed out on my previous post, last night was A Couture Cause charity fundraiser at Tootsies. Calendars were sold, donations were made, people got a little boozy... a total success!

No party's complete without some photo booth action!

Repping treats for SWEET (can she be any cuter?)

Lucas Gorham of Grandfather Child serving up the melodies.

Hanging with my blog sistas, Fifi from FiFiPhi and We Wear Things and Issa from We Wear Things

Newly engaged Trang of Myth + Symbol with fiancé, Khoa, and Ben and Trang from the adorable couple's 
blog, Benjamin + Trang. 

Falcon from Austin's The Happen-Ins trying on the latest fall fur

Hey look! I'm Miss April!

Co-creator of the event, Tamar of The Shoe Diet, in a maaan sandwich

If you would like a calendar for yourself, they are available for purchase here.  Remember all proceeds go to The Orange Show and Youth Hope Association.

Mark Your Calendars for...

Ladies and gents, be sure to come out next Wednesday for the unveiling of the 2014 A Couture Cause Calendar benefiting two great Houston organizations, Orange Show and Youth Hope Association. The calendar, a concept developed by Tamar of the The Shoe Diet and Lyndsey Zorich of High Heels and Handlebars, features a diverse group of ladies who share a love for fashion and philanthropy.

With a 1920s burlesque theme, unique cocktails mixed up by some Houston favorites, booze-flavored cotton candy (HELL YES!), catering from Pondicheri and SWEET, and sweet jazz sounds, you won't even realize it's still Wednesday. Hope to see you guys out! To RSVP, click HERE.

Closet Peep: Tamar of The Shoe Diet

Ralph Lauren denim top / H&M shorts and shoes / Vincent the Malaysian kitty

Because one installment is simply not enough for this fashionista, Tamar Mendelssohn of The Shoe Diet gives us a glimpse into her home and wardrobe with open (Michael Jackson) arms. Anyone who knows Tamar knows she's a diehard MJ fan. So much so, she's even got the tat to prove it.

In addition to her love for MJ, Tamar has been in the Houston fashion scene for quite a number of years.  The first time we ever met was when she helped me pick out accessories at Soho aeons ago. These days, she's become one of the go-to sales associates at Tootsies, gives style advice on her blog, The Shoe Diet, and is a strong supporting member of Flock and its Advisory Committee.

Tamar's eclectic style can be seen throughout her home which features a fun mix of art deco, bohemian, and Hollywood Regency furniture and decor. And yes, her shoe collection may be worth more than your car, but this girl knows how to mix her high-low fashion like the best of them!  

BCBG ruffle back top / Skaist Taylor side zip pants

CÉLINE shades

IAN by Rozae Nichols dress / Guiseppe Zanotti heavy metal heels

Da-Nang cargo shorts

Topshop shades

Rupert Sanderson Malory heels {available here}

Bracelets from top to bottom: gifted Bat Mitzvah bangle, M.C.L. thin chain, Bean & Me beaded bracelet, Minor Obsessions Texas charm bracelet {available here}, Kelly Wearstler square bangle {available here}, YSL wrap bracelet

Lovey Loo

Some Smilebooth pics of me and my girls, Hipporacle and VintageVirgin, from the Houston Blogger Symposium Holiday Party. Wish there was one of these contraptions at every party I attended. It seems to bring out the silliness in all of us.

Whirlwind

No fun-filled weekend is complete without vintage shopping, dance parties, and a fabulous blogger meet-up.

Ann Yee searching for that perfect vintage piece at Cheeky's Vintage.

If I remember correctly, Samantha took home the cape and shoes.

Ended the night at a house party dancing to groovy music.

First off, I want to thank Parlor Showroom and Settlement Goods for bringing New York designers, Samantha Pleet, Morgan Carper, and Ann Yee, to the good ole' state of Texas. From what I gathered, we Houstonians were able to show them a preeetty good time. The panel discussion on "Manufacturing in the U.S." held at the historic La Colombe D'or hotel was extremely informative and helped me, someone with a non-fashion related background, understand the perks and downsides of using resources in the U.S. These designers have chosen to stick with the U.S. for their manufacturing, allowing them to develop a closer relationship with their factories and oversee the process involved in the production of their pieces. Being a designer in the competitive world of fashion is already no easy feat, but after hearing each designer's struggles to compete with the cheaper manufacturing methods being outsourced by their peers, I have an increased admiration for their decision to keep the work local.

Samantha Pleet, whose line I was introduced to from my visits at the now-defunct (but still in my heart) boutique, Raye, is just as cute as a I imagined. Morgan Carper and Ann Yee were new names for me, but I'm so glad to have discovered their beautiful collections. Each designer has a distinct feel- from Samantha's sweet and dandyish looks, Morgan's bold color palette and worldly patterns, to Ann's feminine and detailed frocks and knits.  Check out their new Spring collections on their sites!

My weekend didn't just end there.  Saturday evening, Jessica, Fox, and I hauled our tooshes to the first Houston Blogger Symposium Holiday Party hosted by Brandi of Mucho Mucho Bueno Bueno at her beautiful salon, Do or Dye. 

DJ Johnny Moon played the JAMZ.

The moment Jess realized she forgot her camera batteries (blogger nightmare) and Fox getting her hair did by Lindsey Kidd at the Braid Bar.

Rannie of Chrisrann!

I think we'll be getting all our presents this year.

Kristen showing us how she made this gorgeous holiday display.

Me in a Suno dress, Stuart Weitzman heels, and vintage necklace.

Not really sure what's going on here, but I look like I'm trying to seduce the balloons.

Trang, 1/2 of Myth + Symbol, Julianne, social media coordinator, of Francesca's, and Davina, marketing director of AA Concepts goofing around at the Smilebooth.

The DJ had everyone moving especially Jess.  Video to be uploaded to YouTube very soon...

More dancing ensued, and we pretty much shut down the place.  I had a great time meeting everyone, and it's good to know you're in good company in the local blogosphere.  Thanks to everyone who sponsored and put together the event!
It was so much fun, and I can't wait til the next one!