7/27/2010
Roz

The ChicSheet Blog is Taking a Summertime Siesta but Coming Back Better Than Ever!

Summer Survival

7/22/2010
Roz

Summer Survival Guide or Tips on How to Beat the Heat for 46 more days

New Orleans follow-up

7/1/2010
Roz

That's me in BLACK at Cafe du Monde, what was I thinking???

I don't know when I have been more excited about a return trip to one of my favorite places, than I was about our last week's excursion to New Orleans. The funny thing about my adventure is that this nostalgic trip BACK for me to the Big Easy, showed me a city that could not be moving more FORWARD than what I saw going on in NOLA. The positive spirit in the city was contagious! I was undoubtedly in Who Dat country as that victory was the icing on a very rich cake, full of many delights! Everywhere we went looked cleaner than I had remembered it, yes even Bourbon Street?! Wonderful pockets of shopping, ala Magazine Street and many of its surrounding avenues were chocked full of unique, quaint stores that were so indicative of this one-of-a-kind city. Absent to the eye were the chains and brands of stores that you normally encounter on every corner in other major cities. I know they were there somewhere, hidden in the decor of the city? Alas, the Borders Bookstore on St. Charles was in a wooden, New Orleans style building that I had to check out twice to realize that the Book Selling Giant was housed within. The dining experiences were unforgetable. My biggest frustration was not enough time and/or eating opportunities to enable me to hit all of my past favorties and new recommendations that were so eagerly given to me by my friends. An interestng exercise for us was to be at a dinner party and ask for recommendations of N.O. restaurants. We would get bombarded with excited, antimated descriptions and friendly joking as to whose rec. is better. I think I even saw a friend of mine lick his lips just in anticipation of the meal that I was about to have??! We decided to go the new route and try those restaurants that we had never been to.......only exceptions being Cafe du Monde and Camellia Grill, of course, which there was no way we were going to pass up. Since my hubby and I are "foodies", we figured we could remember every meal we had ever had at the legendary eateries and went only for new Crescent City Cuisine from the likes of my new favorite Celebrity Chef, John Besh. (made it to two of his restaurants, August and Luke, while I was there)

I have to say that the only negative vibe we felt, while visiting NOLA, was the fear that was apparent from the BP oil mess, it's effect on local fishermen and what an upset any weather mishaps could bring. Every restaurant we visited addressed the shortage of oysters and shrimp and some were bold enough to post signs on their exteriors and interiors with disclaimers that the cost of these very special Gulf Coast delicacies made serving them prohibitive. I know there have been fund-raisers in our community for these folks,(ala, Muse Boutique) I hope all will make an effort to give a hand!

With much anticipation of my trip to the Big Easy and the eating frenzy that was about to occur, I must say my biggest dilemna when we motored down Poydras St. to our hotel was what was my first bite(hey, get it, this is Vampire Country isn't it?!) going to be? Beignet and Cafe au Lait at the charming open-air Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter was my choice. There was no real hesitation other than convincing my hubby, that YES, I could have dessert BEFORE the fabulous fine dining experience that was awaiting us at Restaurant August. What a way to start my food journey! Hence, my unwise apparel choice.....wearing black, as I oft-times do, was not my brightest move to devour the delightfully piled high powdered-sugar covered beignets that are the signature of not only this cafe but of this city, as well. Did I mention that you sit under ceiling fans, get the picture?! What a mess.
PHOTO NOTE: I was not doing an elvis-look-alike with the collar action I had going on here, it was a little windy, so it's mother nature to thank for that styling aid! This late afternoon highlight began my reacquaintance tour of a city that I knew I used to love and was sure to confirm that the flame was still burning in my heart (and my stomach too, actually, after a few spicey meals!)

Here are some highlights of my trip that I would love to share......

**Magazine Street: Unfortunately, I had only hours to spend on this not-to-be-missed New Orleans shopping street. I must say, I was overwhelmed by the 6 mile stretch of stores and eateries and the fact that walking that in the heat of summer in NOLA was a little unbearable. Some stand-outs for me were:
*Perch, a home furnishings store that I loved! This quaint cottage from Beaumont born, Caroline Robert and friends was stocked full of very tasty offerings from NYC and L.A. with a touch of local. The great find for me here was that perch-home.com
keeps an updated site for online purchasing and I already have a few things that I want to order after doing some specific measuring of mi casa when I got back. The most memorable for me were unique furniture pieces and awesome lighting. Check it out.
*Storyville, a funky T-shirt company that prints its own shirts right there on Magazine Street. This Baton Rouge based company boasts custom styling unique to the locale and happy to say that they opened on South Congress in Austin. Good news here is that they do custom orders and a 12 shirt minimum is all that they require.
*Orient Expressed, the children's boutique that annually sits across the aisle from my Italian sauce booth at the Nutcracker Market is home based on Magazine Street. This smocked-everything headquarters can be purchased locally by contacting homeshow@orientexpressed.com, Meredith Turner.
*Joey K's local eatery where I took a break from the heat, sat at the bar and had a fab shrimp remoulade salad, a cup of gumbo, of course and listened to the local chatter as I read all of the unique signing all over the walls that are a signature of this fun spot.

**Restaurants: Restaurant August was fab for fine dining, New Orleans style, I loved it!!! Also on the other end of the Besh spectrum was Luke, a luncheon hot spot in the Central Business District that had tasty burgers/fries and the best cup of gumbo I had in the city. (I tried as many as I could fit in to my eating repertoire) Cochon, a chic casual restuarant that has a focus on pork (Cochon is French for pig), but is not limited to that. The menu was unique, the seafood was tasty and the Butcher Shop next door with a counter for sandwich noshing is probably the hippest restaurant and best people watching of our trip. Cafe du Monde, should never be missed and Camellia Grill, I was happy to see had not lost an ounce of grease since I was last there, making for great counter-served burgers and those amazing chocolate freezes! As I keep saying, my biggest challenge here was just not enough time for more meals from this top dining city in the country!

As shopping and dining are what I do best, that is all I have recs on, plus I know that attention is limited! However, the message here is simple, New Orleans is a great city that is in our own backyard that we have probably all visited so much in our past that we have replaced in our must-see travel logs by some of the newer, hauter places in vogue. So, do yourself a favor and take a week-end and go back and feel the spirit of this reborn city!

Michael's cookie jar

7/10/2010
Roz

As a fan of Michael Savino's cookie treats, it is with great pleasure that I let it be known that starting yesterday, June 22, this online-only cookie maker has opened a retail store-front of his own. You can now go in to Michael's Cookie Jar and see it, taste it and then purchase it right there. In fact, you can have it eaten by the time you can say "cookie-liscious"! If you've never tried Michael's cookies at a market where he sells directly to the consumer or ordered them from his online store, you must drop in and try them, it's so worth it!
Details: Michael's Cookie Jar Retail Bakery, 5330 Weslayan at Bissonet, Houston, Texas 77005; 713-771-8603;www.michaelscookiejar.com

Diet on hold, I'm Crescent City bound!

6/23/2010
Roz

Could it be the fact that I am going to one of the best eating towns in the country that has put me in a food state of mind? Whatever?! The fact that
I'm heading to New Orleans and the only solid plans I've made for my four
day stay are my dinner reservations further talks to my one-track mind these days. I promise to think of you at every meal of mine in New Ahhleans!?
On my itinerary are certainly August, Cochon, Cafe Du Monde, and Camellia Grill to name a few! Also, strolls through the shops of Magazine Street is high on my list, while I'm eating of course.

Haute Summer Accessories

6/17/2010
Roz

Summer's Hautest Accessories Trends at a bientot.....

Glitz & Straw a perfect combo

Straw bags are all the craze this summer and no one has the selection that a bientot has gathered. These straw totes(shown) covered in metallic paillets, straight from the street bazaars of Marakesh, were such a find that Betty could not resist bringing them home for her customers. These adorable bags, so reasonably priced, are an attention-getter for the beach or a fun night out in the city!

Color, Color, Color Straw

Totes in all sizes, clutches to pop your summer dresses are a plenty at a bientot.
Fun, casual and in the brightest of summertime hues, you can find any shape or
color to multi-use to dress up or dress down for the beach or out to lunch.
At these prices, straw bags for all of your summer needs are here. A great
styling tip for travel, stash your cluth inside your tote when carrying on or if you
just want to leave the tote by the pool and keep your necessities close at hand!

Tie-One-On in Prints and Color

Need a pop of color to make LY's wardrobe freshen up, take the easy approach and
scarf it! Scarves remain one of Fashion's hautest trends that no longer is only a
cool weather idea. Fabrics are light to the touch, colors shout out summer, particularly
in this season's hottest citrus, blues and greens and if you're feeling a little on the
wild side, tribal and animal prints are plentiful. (Styling tip, animal and safari looks
are continuing in a big way for Fall, so think forward and buy smart!)

Not shown are the latest looks in headwear, fun watches and bags in bright hues, summertime apparel for the beach, dresses, the coolest way to endure the heat and of
course...........JEWELRY GALORE!!!!

This Dad's Day Buy Local

6/17/2010
Roz

This Dad's Day, buy all the right ingredients locally

Don't forget ladies, guys want great skin too! The rising craze for men's grooming products makes the J. Paul Skin Care line a great gift for Dad. Houston local J. Paul Industries has launched a new high-end line of advanced skin care products exclusively for men. The five products conquer the undesired results of shaving from razor burn to skin irritation. Glide Shave Cream includes natural oils like jojoba and aloe vera to create a skin to razor barrier. Glide is developed to work alone, or coincidence with Scrub pre-shave and Ice aftershave. The body wash, fittingly named Wash, moisturizes skin. The fifth product, Guard, is a lotion and SPF 20 sunscreen combo for hands, face and body. The J. Paul products are currently only available online. To snag a gift for Dad, visit www.jpaulonline.com.

Sprinkles: The Cupcakes that started it all

6/17/2010
Roz

Sprinkles:  The Cupcakes that Started it all is Opening in H-town

I can't believe it's finally happening. It's no longer a rumor but a fact! Sprinkles Cupcakes are coming to the Bayou City and are opening its doors in Highland Village, this Monday, June 21st. I had my first Sprinkles in Beverly Hills during an L.A. visit.  I must say it was not an accident or a great happen-upon by me. I had actually already heard about these yummy delights on Oprah, who spoke passionately of these sweet treats and had them there for all to sample. There were great stories of how not only was she in love with them but many of her celeb friends on both coasts such as Tom Cruise, Barbara Streisand, Tyra Banks and Blake Lively to name a few were buying them and sending them to their families and friends all across the country.

A stop in to taste a few should be a must on your shopping to do lists. If you make it there on Monday, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., you can buy a cupcake from our very own Rockets' Superstar forward, Shane Battier, who will be working with his wife, Heidi to earn $25,000 towards their Take Charge Foundation.

Orange-U Ready for Summer?!

5/20/2010 - 8/21/2010
Roz

Trend watch: Citrus Orange for Summer

Summer temps are here and with that comes a haute desire for color! So, it's been a very BLUE season to date. Yes, those Spring shades can certainly take you into Summer in Marine Blues or Cool Turquoise but the freshest squeeze on my radar screen for the weeks ahead is ORANGE. Citrus shades are always a summer favorite, could it be because they look as refreshing as some of our fave summertime drinks, Lemonade Yellow or Mohito Green? Maybe, however, as Summer is approaching at a rapid pace I am particularly enamored by all the shades of Orange. The yumminess of orange are its many shades and variety of personalities. From fiery sky and blood orange hues to the softness and feminitiy of apricot, coral and marigold, it is proving to be summer's hottest hue!
Styling Tips:
*partners well with the newest neutral shades of this season or of course, with White or Denim
*an h-town favorite way to wear the luscious feminine corals is WITH turquoise and TEAMED with white
*a great accessories POP COLOR in a scarf, clutch bag, or watch; head-to-toe orange may not be for everyone
*btw, don't sell all of your gold jewels as the warmness of that metal works best with this hue
*orange is a great transition color into Fall, teamed with brown, khaki, army green and of course,tomatoe red!
(photo credit:Accessories Magazine)

Charla Krupp Says "You NEVER Have to Look Fat Again"

5/13/2010 - 8/15/2010
Roz

"Do I Look Fat?"

How many times do we ask that question as the deciding factor in a store before making a purchase or from the inner walls of our closets before we dare to leave the house? Charla Krupp, who won me over with her first book, "How Not to Look Old" has all the answers in her latest read, "How To NEVER Look Fat Again". This is not a diet book, you won't actually BE THINNER, you'll just LOOK THINNER if you follow her many tips.
Charla, who is known for her extensive research, does not take this #1 challenge for ALL women lightly. She has organized a very simple, humorous, and very direct guide that tells you how to conquer each of your many body issues and the end result is that you really can look 10 pounds thinner in just about 10 minutes if you follow her tricks.
In interviewing Charla, she was very clear that this book is different from the many "style books" that are on the shelves today. She doesn't make you test what fruit you are or what celebrity you want to look like. She knows that we have all been there and we're much savvier than that. Instead, Charla chose beautiful large size models, size 10-14 (average size for American women is 14!) and uses these aspirational real women of all ages as her canvas to illustrate her points. The "Fears of Summer" are here, that time of year when Charla's tips are most needed. So, before you put on that swimsuit, bare those arms, legs or whatever, you must check this book out. Available at Amazon.com, Borders.com, Barnes & Noble.com to name a few.

Following are a few highlights from my delightful and very informative Q & A with the style-gal herself!

RP: You mentioned that most women are just too busy to notice how the clothes choices that they make, make them look fat. You did a chapter on "How to tell", which deals with that? What inspired your categories here?
CK: I looked at Shape, Fabric, Color, etc. and rated them by HIGH FAT, LOW FAT AND NO-FAT because I feel that the American women have become such smart shoppers at the grocery store and get it when they are looking for fat content in what they eat, so it only makes sense that is how they feel comfortable approaching what they wear in the same way!

RP: Can you give me a few of your opinions on some of my favorite apparel and accessories choices and tell me how to use them to make me look thinner?
CK: LEGGINGS: Number 1, should never be worn as a replacement for pants, must have a dress or long tunic to cover
your rear. Be careful of white and length is most important; should be to ankle and not mid-calf; that is not pretty?!
EYEWEAR; (needless to say, my redglasses are part of my life!) Caution here is that round frames can actually make
your face appear wide and chubby. Not a good look! Go rectangular. (woohoo, I guess I'm ok)
DRESSES: Life-saver for Summertime dressing; great for "middle management", buddha bellies, wide hips/thighs, etc.
look best if v-neck to show some skin and waist-less (empire, shifts, a-line)

RP: Please tell us your dress-thinner strategies for Summer?!
CK: Here are my summer uniform suggestions: light colored pants w/tunics, v-neck tops and/or long cardigans and dresses,
dresses, dresses! Opt for v-necks over high necks to show some skin.

Chic Happening.....Art Hearts

5/20/2010
Roz

Heart Deco Celebrates Heart Health

Attention all of you "heart as art" lovers out there! I know there are many of you. On May 25th, the Belle Meade at River Oaks is unveiling the first ever Heart Deco Collection from the heart public art project. These "heart creations" will line the sidewalks along Westheimer for May and June to increase awareness of Heart Health.
If you remember the Cow Parade of years past, the concept is the same. Many of our town's brightest artists have joined forces and created their "Heart", an expression of their invidivual style, to assist AHA in increasing awareness of Heart Disease and it's prevention in the community. These Hearts will make one more stop to Highland Village before landing in their permanent homes around the city.  Artists participating in this project are: Quinton Alberto, Kermit Eisenhut, Charlie Ferguson, Travis Hedemann, Loli Kolber, Nicola Parenta, Tra Slaughter and Wendy Wagner.
I know life is crazy as this wind-down month continues to pack in the events, but hope you will take a minute to drop by the Belle Meade, have a lite bite and summertime cocktail and view these 10 works of art and show your support of American Heart Association and their sponsors. (all at no cost to you!)
Date:   Wednesday, May 25, 2010
Time:   6:00 till 8:00 p.m.
Place:   The Bell Meade at River Oaks; 2929 Westheimer R.; Houston, 77098
Tarriff: Free of charge

Chic Find.......A Bright Touch

2/11/2010
Roz

A Bright Touch....

So you're in a dark, sexy restaurant, Valentine's or any other night, and you want to take a look to ensure your crimson smooch is up to standard? Do you really want to make a trek to the ladies room for just a simple touch up?!!! The answer is, not unless you have to, and you no longer have to. Houston make-up artist, Tonya Riner has teamed up with her gal pal, make-up artist and Page Parkes alum, Leslie Munsell, to form Beauty for Real Cosmetics and have created SEE THE LIGHT Lip Gloss! This illuminating lip gloss' high tech packaging, complete with mirror and LED lighting, allows for your easy application on the go. BTW, this gloss, available in nine fashion hues, is made with plant-derived antioxidants such as green tea and grape seed extracts that provide you with regenerative and anti-aging capabilities.........and it's all so simple to use and only $22.
A plus from these ladies is also their Perfect Pencil that comes in just one shade.......YOURS! This liner is a true lip tone; it works with all nine gloss shades and every skin tone under the sun. You no longer have to worry about matching the pencil to the lip color.......hard to believe? I tried it, it works, especially for all the cute young things out there that would rather be dead than wear a LIP LINER......this shapes, plumps, defines, all with no color! $14, you must try it!
Available: www.beautyforreal.net, Marnie Rocks, 1415 South Voss R., or Chrysallis Spa, 2615 Southwest Fwy., #240.

Eco-Chic Find......Haven Restaurant....

1/28/2010
Roz

Haven......an all-GREEN experience

There's been lots of conversation, as to just what former Brennan's chef, Randy Evans was up to and I for one was anxiously awaiting the outcome. It was not until chatting with Randy at a recent AHA Heart Ball event that I finally got the scoop from the man himself that his new restaurant venture, HAVEN, was open for business. Where have I been, you ask? It did open on December 15, it's almost February and how have I not made it there yet? I don't know, December and the holidays are still a blur in my mind and January, which has flown, is about the same. However, I made it there with a group of friends last week and knew immediately that it was worth the wait. I liked everything about this restaurant, tucked away on this tiny little street off Kirby. First, the place itself, built by Collaborative Projects, a Houston firm that specializes in "green architecture", has a clean, sophistication in the decor of its indoor/outdoor space. The menu, from it's "seasonal kitchen" is called that because all of the ingredients are from local farmers within a 100 mi. radius......so if the menu item calls for an herb, not grown here at the moment, it is replaced by a dish that is.
Randy's menu items that he calls "Modern Texas Cuisine," were taken from some of his favorite foods that he has altered with an upscale flair. A great example and a fave at our table was the Shrimp Corndogs, served with a side splash of lemonade, reminiscent of Randy's two childhood favorites.

Haven Restaurant.....a seasonal kitchen!
2502 Algerian Way
Houston, Texas 77098
(713) 581-6101
www.havenhouston.com

Chic Re-Find ........Wonderbar

1/21/2010

Chic RE-Find............it's remains a Wonder?!

If you are looking for a way to refresh your face after the long, hard winter (o.k., maybe it was only a couple of weeks here in Houston?!), it is prime time to pick up another bar of wonder! Wonderbar, which I have used and love is now available not only online but also can be found at Kuhl-Linscomb where you can just walk in the door and purchase one for yourself.
Also, the word is spreading about this great simple treatment for your skin.......look for Wonderbar in the March issue of Harper's Bazaar!

Chic Happening ......... The Golden Globes

1/21/2010

What the Goldens say about Spring Fashion.....

So, maybe it's just years of training but Sunday night as I sat in front of my TV with a pad and pencil, knowing that for some, the show was about the Stars, the Movies and the TV Shows, but for many of us, it's really about the Red Carpet Fashion Trends and a sneak peak at what Spring Fashion will be about?!

Some of my favorite take-aways from the night.........
*Romantic, Feminine details in ruffles, bows, draping
*Color of the night was split-decision.......Nude and Soft pales vs. Black;
 **The new news on the carpet were the neutrals.......nude, white, taupe and soft pales. Coral, peach and icey
    blues and lilacs. (this will be a very BLUE season with Turquoise leading the pack.)
    The cute, young starlets were all in a soft glow.
 **The secondary color was the always-you-can-count-on Black! This was the choice of the Legends of the
     industry. There were the Sophisticated styles on Meryl Streep, Sophia Loren, Jodie Foster to the gothic
     zippered look of Cher.
 **The two true color winners for the evening were Purple, #1 as seen beautifully on winner, Sandra Bullock,
     and Red, #2, best on Cameron Diaz
*Glitz.....all over metallic beading was there in every metal finish but most dominant in Silver
*Fabrics of choice.......Satin for Shine; Chiffon for femininity
*Earrings.....long, linear looks and large drops; a favorite of mine was Kate Hudson's Steve Russell Tassels.

The Best Trends of Last Decade

1/21/2010

As I peered through my very own RED GLASSES, I took a stylista's look at the trends of the past decade. (NOTE: fashion eyewear became a major fashion accessory trend of the last decade even though I've been wearing mine for 15 years, yikes?!) As someone who has spent a few years in the fashion retail business, I found it impossible to look at the '00s and not be fascinated by the changes.

First, celebrities increased their influence as they leapt onto the fashion scene, touching every aspect of the creative process from apparel to fragrance to advertising/fashion magazine coverage. Second, retail consolidations across the country created fewer store options for the consumer to buy at and for the designer to sell through. The result? Designers reached out through their own factory stores/outlets and online stores. On a positive note, the growth of the small, independent shop owner is a win for the consumer.

American women's approach to dressing changed also. They are looking at it as one aspect of their lives and are enjoying creating individual style. They care less about who they are wearing, but more about how they look in the outfit they have put together. Eclectic dressing is here to stay!

Following are a few of the highlights that emerged during the last 10 years...

Galleria Designer Boutiques
Barneys said au revoir to our Galleria at the end of the last decade ('98) as its space became Chanel's first free-standing boutique in Houston. This opened the gateway to what would become the great facelift of Galleria I. In a time when couture houses such as YSL, Valentino and Christian Lacroix were shuttering their doors, designers were changing the face of their storefronts to open them up to more potential shoppers, appealing more to the volume of passers-by and inviting everyone in to see their luscious wares. Interiors were updated to a much more contemporary luxe feel. Shopping in designer boutiques such as YSL, Versace, Ferragamo or Ralph Lauren in the Galleria is no longer a private affair.

Tory Burch
This NYC socialite, designer and businesswoman made her debut into the fashion world in 2004 with a pair of ballet flats named the Reva after her mother. She not only started a trend, but she has built a brand from those flats. Tory Burch has evolved into 14 product categories online, as well as a signature style in her own Galleria boutique and in many of Houston's finest stores. She once told me of a time she ran into old friends, and when they asked about how Reva was doing she quickly spouted sale numbers, only to realize that, oh no, they were asking about her MOM!

Spanx
It's hard to believe that we ever wore a fitted evening gown or a pencil skirt before Sarah Blakely decided to cut off her pantyhose in the year 2000 and create the undergarment of all undergarments, which we have come to know and love as Spanx. I have said many times that I am not sure what I did exactly before my Spanx, but I do know that it has become an idea that has legs (no pun intended) when the starlets and their dates discuss on the red carpet which one is wearing their Spanx!

Dresses, Denim and Fitness Wear
It wasn't that long ago that pants and pantsuits had become such an important part of our wardrobes we were sure to check with fine dining establishments to ensure we could wear them there. Those priorities shifted post-millennium as the new decade brought in some new ways for modern women to express their feminine side. Pants have been replaced in the No. 1 spot by the hottest new fashion look to come along in a while—the dress. Retailers pinned it the "rebirth of the dress," to the delight of designers like the revitalized Diane von Furstenburg and the new it-boy Jason Wu. Where did it come from? It's all about the new confidence women are enjoying. Women now know they can compete with men at the office, go out to dinner from work and still look feminine and amazingly flirty if they so desire!

7 for All Mankind
7 for All Mankind made it chic to wear designer jeans just about anywhere. This fabric that is about as American—as Texan, even—as you can get is now totally acceptable, downright fashionable and dressed up when properly styled. Some other designers who have enjoyed stardom from this trend shift are Earnest Sewn, True Religion and J Brand, to name only a few of the hot denim guys.

When in Doubt, Accessorize
If you asked many of the city's fashion finest just what they wanted their one special holiday gift to be, I can assure you for most it would be accessories. Not surprising, as this category, once considered fashion add-ons, ascended this decade to the top of the list of must-haves in every woman's wardrobe. Simply said, there is no other way to update last year's look easier, quicker and in most cases, with less expense than to add the newest accessories. This uptrend has caused dedicated accessories stores like À Bientôt to flourish.

Some of the biggest accessories trends of the decade were:

* Fashion eyewear. Prescription or non-prescription readers make a statement. (Trust me… I know about this!)
* Bold earrings. Chandeliers and hoops are here to stay
* Cuff and bangle bracelets. These add sophistication to any look.
* Scarves. Long and skinny, wrapped and wrapped again, scarves are not just a wintery idea. They also look great with a tank and jeans.
* Handbags. The big and the small of it; large for day, clutch for night
* Exotics, animal prints and metallics. Great in every category

Cheap 'n' Chic: The Target Effect!
In 2004, designer Isaac Mizrahi took that first bold step and made a deal with Target. It was the store that we all felt was far too focused on the masses to possibly have anything fashionable enough that we would want. Not only was it a hit for Isaac and the great minds of Target, but it became the hot ticket in town. Soon, many of the hippest designers of the decade were standing in line to put their creative juices to work. Target (like Euro staples H&M and Topshop) built on this concept of one-time only, designer collaborations to feature both established designers such as Zac Posen and emerging talent such as Rodarte, which just hit Target stores last week. This concept has proven to open doors for many designer step-down lines. It has fueled the retail competitive spirit as other retailers, such as Kohl's, have featured the likes of Vera Wang, Nicole Miller and Dana Buchman.

Small Screen Style
In a decade that saw the complete embrace of fashion by celebrities, no one can downplay the impact of TV on the style of the nation, starting with Sex In The City, which straddled two decades ('98-'04). Not only were the Fab Four a feast for the fashion eye, but no doubt Carrie Bradshaw made Manolos and Jimmy Choos household names and flame-haired über-stylist Patricia Fields an icon. Now we have Gossip Girl where Blake Lively, Leighton Meester and Taylor Momsen have taken classic NYC prep-school dressing and made it playful and ever-so-trend-forward. On a different note, Bravo's 2004 launch of Project Runway—which brought fame for our town's Chloe Dao—was the first to bring the creative process of fashion design to the masses and made a star of its guru, Tim Gunn.

Purchasing with a Purpose
As we end the decade with a given amount of belt-tightening on discretionary spending, designers and retailers have joined forces to ensure that fashion, one of the world's largest industries, lends a hand to make a difference in the world. Designers and retailers have found many ways to give back through consumer purchases that support many of the most important health and social causes around the globe. The Gap's Product Red Campaign for Aids in Africa, ('06), the Annual Celebrity kick-off of Go Red Day for NYC's Fashion Week ('06) to fight heart disease, the Annual Saks' Key to the Cure Breast Cancer Campaign are just a few examples. Leading Houston philanthropists, store owners, designers and media have found many creative ways to make shopping for a cause a regular happening here all year long.

Click it and Own it
Where do I start with online purchasing? If there is a need that you have, you can be assured that you can purchase it on the Internet. This has become a way of life and makes "The Net" the leading retailer in the world. Now that we are all so online dependent, it's hard to believe that it was 10 years ago that Natalie Massenet stepped out and began net-a-porter.com, the first online designer site, which has led the way for her own outnet.com, online sample sale house Gilt Groupe and many others. Every designer, department store and specialty chain relies heavily on online purchases and, from a non-fashion point-of-view, could we survive without Amazon or the iTunes store?

So long Foley's, Hello to Macy's
Houston's most famous home-grown retail name, founded in 1900 by the Foley's Bros., went away as part of the largest retail consolidation in history. That was the purchase of The May Company, owner of Foley's, Hecht's, Filene's, Lord & Taylor, Marshall Field's and many others, by Federated/Macy's in August 2005. The official name change of all stores happened on Sept. 9, 2006. For many of us it was an end of an era, but left us with hopes of a brighter future for department stores.

Is it Love?

10/15/2008
Roz