BENOLD'S JEWELERS Web Discount

Benold's Jewelers, Austin's independent fine jewelry store since 1929, has introduced a new, limited-time discount offer available only through the store's Web site at www.benolds.com. With a simple sign-in, users are e-mailed a 20 percent coupon for use in store or on the Benold's Web site.
"Although we prefer all shoppers visit us in person, we realize the reach and branding potential of the Web, so the hope is that this special will encourage more web visitors and more frequent visits,"
said Milton Doolittle, owner of Benold's.
"We have a wonderful collection available online, however, the ultimate goal is to bring more shoppers into our showroom to see even more of our selection and interact with our expert staff."
It is in the showroom at 2900 West Anderson Lane that customers can take advantage of a long-time Benold's signature service - the Wish List. The Wish List is where shoppers can enter their favorite piece or pieces along with information on how to contact that special person who just may want to purchase the item(s). With permission, the significant other is then contacted by a Benold's staff member who will provide all details, whether it's emailing specifications including a photo, or personally bringing the item to his or her workplace if that individual does not have time to come to the store. Once the purchase is complete, Benold's can also provide customized delivery service, which is often requested for special occasions such as engagements and anniversaries.
"The Wish List system is fool-proof," stated Doolittle. "A prime example is the woman who, when learning about our wish list, made it a point to visit the store and select a favorite item. She and her husband had an important anniversary approaching and she was fairly certain that her husband would come to Benold's. Sure enough, the husband came, saw her wish list, but he picked a different gift.
Needless to say, he ended up returning to the store and exchanging it for an item that she had 'wished for.' When someone now asks about her
anniversary jewelry, she proudly says that her husband bought it at Benold's and he looks like the hero."
Benold's 20 percent discount is good through December 31, 2008. The Wish List program is available year-round.
About Benold's Opened in 1929, Benold's Jewelers is one of Austin's oldest independent jewelers and a leader in providing the city with a handpicked selection of fine jewelry. Owned and operated by Milton Doolittle, Benold's has always been a family-owned business. Located at 2900 West Anderson Lane, Benold's offers a premier selection of designer jewelry, original bridal designs, couture fashion jewelry, and loose diamonds. The store also carries fine gifts from Lalique, Nambe, Waterford and Michael Aram among others.
Benold's is open Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. The store is closed on Sundays. For more information, visit www.benolds.com.

From Jackson Ruiz-A Spa Special

Book any 50-Minute Spa Experience on Friday, August 15th And receive a 30-Minute follow-up service absolutely FREE. Hurry – this fabulous offer will go quickly!
Here's to surviving a long, hot summer!Cheers! Jackson Ruiz is located at 500 North Lamar, Suite 120. Phone: 512.478.7744

Little Black Dress Design Contest

"A woman without a little black dress has no future." -Coco Chanel

ANNOUNCING AUSTIN'S FIRST LITTLE BLACK DRESS DESIGN CONTEST AT BLACKMAIL BOUTIQUE: Celebrating the birthday of Coco Chanel, the Grande Dame of fashion, Blackmail, the iconic Austin boutique is launching "The Little Black Dress Design Contest" on August 19th, 2008. Be it classic, cocktail, sporty, or avant-garde, any dress is eligible as long as you, the designer, make it yourself. Students, crafters, home sewers, and professionals are all invited to submit their interpretations of the quintessential garment made famous by the French Couturiere, Coco Chanel.

To participate, you must conceive, design, and produce the garment yourself for judging by a panel of Austin professionals.

Beginning August 19, 2008, application packets will be available at:Blackmail1202 South Congress Austin, TX 78704.

Completed dresses are due by September 30th, 2008. Judging, Awards, and the evening of "The Little Black Dress" will take place on Friday October 3rd, 2008.
For more information: 512.326.7670 or email: info@blackmailboutique.com

Abi Ferrin 5 Way Top

One shirt, five ways to wear it. This is Abi Ferrin's Signature 5-Way Top. It's been a top seller for this designer and a fashion must have. It's one size fits all, a great piece for those days when you're feeling a little pudgy from eating too much pizza the night before or too many days of skipping the gym. It comes in solids and prints. It's $295.00 for the solid and $345.00 for the prints. To get one, email: sales@abiferrin.com .

Abi Ferrin on News 8 Austin This Friday

Be sure and watch News 8 Austin this Friday to see my story on Abi Ferrin. Ferrin calls Dallas home these days as she's engaged to a Texas boy. I love this balero jacket. It makes a bold fashion statement. You can't walk into a room in this gorgeous garment without getting noticed!

Abi Ferrin won the prestigious “Texas Top Designer of the Year” in 2007 and has been riding the wave of success ever since. Among her fans, such luminaries as Molly Sims, Extra’s Dayna Devon, Roslyn Sanchez and little ole me.

http://www.abiferrin.com/

Feeling Naughty!

Austin's Jennifer Perkins has a new book. It's called The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry.
It is a fun how-to jewelry book with all kinds of jewelry projects for beginners and pros.
http://www.amazon.com/Naughty-Secretary-Club-Working-Handmade/dp/1600611168/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218484908&sr=1-1

Her book release party is on August 30th at Craft-o-Rama here in Austin to celebrate. http://www.austincraftorama.com/

Here's more from the back of the book:
If you prefer your jewelry subtle and serious, you might want to go ahead and set this book back on the shelf. However, if kitschy accessories made with a wink and a smile are your cup of tea, this book will have you on the edge of your chair.
The Naughty Secretary Club is packed with more than 50 kitschy-secretary-themed jewelry projects, plus lots of quirky sidebars covering hot topics such as office romance and the best secretary theme songs to listen to on your lunch break. You’ll learn how to use your office supplies in a whole new way - did you know standard office fare, like binder folders and shredded junk mail, makes craftalicious jewelry? Plus, Austin author Jennifer Perkins will teach you how to turn almost anything into a charm, including plastic gnome cake toppers, doll furniture and cast-off hotel keys. Whatever your day job, you can be a Naughty Secretary in spirit - and in style. So cancel your afternoon meetings, take a break from watching the clock and send yourself a memo to whip up a new paperclip necklace just in time for happy hour!

About the Author: Jennifer Perkins left her job as a secretary to return to her childhood love of jewelry-making. Her Naughty Secretary Club jewelry has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Teen Vogue, The New York Times, Elle Girl, Alternative Press, Bust, Seventeen and more. Jennifer is the host of Craft Lab and Stylelicious (both on the DIY network) and has been a guest on Crafters Coast to Coast and various DIY Network specials. She has a pronounced craft following in addition to a highly visted blog and Web site, http://www.naughtysecretaryclub.com/.

Keep Cool with Teo

Baby, it's hot outside. Tèo is offering up some delightfully sweet alternatives to traditional ice cream desserts that really melt in your mouth. Satisfy the cool craving without the heavy calories and indulge in their exotic sorbetto flavors like the Stonewall peach sorbetto, a light, delicate dessert made with sweet, juicy Hill Country peaches or the fat-free pink lemonade sorbetto bursting with flavor and delight! Or if you're in the mood for a treat with a little more caffeine, swing in for Double Shot Soy Iced Latte to go.

Teo
1206 W. 38th Street
Austin, Texas 78705
512.451.9555
www.caffeteo.com

Shopping and Champagne at Sana

Thursday, Aug. 14th 5-8pm

Music provided by Ricky DJs Austin

Dance contest at 730pm-Winner gets $100.00 gift certificate

Anna and Keith will be on hand to provide complimentary hair and makeup.

Sana is located at 237 W. 2nd Street. Park in the City Hall Garage. 472-5959.

Nikel Designs on News 8 Austin

Here's a link to today's Fashionably 8 on Nikel Designs. ttp://www.news8austin.com/content/living/fashionably_8/?ArID=216743&SecID=92

Fun for A Good Cause

I'm beating the heat this weekend at the Ice Ball. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters and it's hosted by Helping Austin.

http://www.helpingaustin.org/gala.shtml
The Ice Ball - August 9th 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Monarch Event Center 6406 North I-35, Suite 3100
Austin TX (Map)

Food provided by McCormick and Schmick’s and Moonshine.
Beverages sponsored by Tito’s, Sweet Leaf Tea,Budweiser and Taste Select Wines.

Music provided by the jazz band ensemble, The Lucky Strikes.

Live Auction: Dozens of local companies, restaurants and artists have showered us with over $10,000 in wonderful packages for our live auction.

Decor: The Ice Ball will feature ice sculptures and décor that will take patrons to a wintry wonderland.

Dress is cocktail casual for this event.

About Helping Austin: This is Helping Austin’s 4th Annual Gala benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas. Over $40,000 has been raised through Helping Austin’s fundraisers for BBBS. Helping Austin is a local non-profit organization chartered to raise funds for and help improve the lives of youth in our community. We volunteer our time and raise money for other non-profits that focus on improving the lives of at-risk children and youth-centric charities. Our goal is to provide alternative fundraising channels for these organizations and reduce their dependence on government aid programs.

Visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001m6n9x221zy2aRD_qXEDYKDBg5C9Vg_gdJhDxlpgZCVqC4f0R9QgPZRf73caoQlsL2fEdx5QNLw6iBa4JByN1rDeq1R0L60ETzi6wL-j7tCJpvyfOYq-jfw== for more information or call Joel Douglas (512) 264-4160 for questions.

An Evening of Botox-From the Folks at Aziz

I got this note from the folks at Aziz Salon this week. $8.50 per unit is crazy cheap for Botox!

Evening of Botox
710 West 7th St.
Austin, Texas 78701
August 28, 2008

5:30PM-8:00PM
Dear Valued Client,
We are pleased to announce that AZIZ Salon, Day Spa, and Skin Wellness Center will now be offering Evenings of Botox with Dr. Martens. The first scheduled evening will be on Thursday, August 28th from 5:30-8:00 PM at our downtown location. Don't miss out on this Summer Special Savings Rate of $8.50 per unit of Botox. Complimentary wine and cheese will be provided. The evening will include both botox and filler treatments, complimentary Soft Hand Treatments, and discount vouchers for our new AZIZ Organic Facial.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact our downtown location. A $50.00 deposit is required to hold your appointment time (deposit will be applied toward treatment unless you fail to come to your scheduled appointment). Hurry and book your appointment today! There are only a limited number of appointments available.

We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you for many years to come. Have a beautiful day!

Sincerely,

Aziz Salon and Day Spa
476-4131
www.azizsalon.com

Soigne' Boutique End of Season Sale

August 7 - 9Thurs - Sat
Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!
All CLOTHES will be 50% OFF (excludes denim), plus all clearance will be 70% OFF! Come early because the great fashions will go quickly!

Open Monday through Friday from 11-7 and Saturday 11-6 or by personal appointment. Located at 4800 Burnet Rd, Ste. 410 in the Rosedale Village Shopping Center next door to The Blue Star Cafe and JR Salon

Slate Men's Apparel Sale

Slate is having a big end of season sale this Thursday through Saturday, August 7 - 9th. All CLOTHES will be 50% OFF! (excludes denim). Plus, enjoy 70% OFF all clearance items! Go early because the great fashions will go quickly! You'll also be able to see the fall collection early.
P: 512.300.2727— 4800 Burnet Road — Suite 420 — Austin, Texas 78756Hours: Mon - Fri 11 - 7 Sat 11 - 6

Sikara & Co. Sample Sale Starts Today!!!

(Aug. 7th - 9th)
When & Where
Thu, Aug. 7th, 12-7pm
Fri, Aug. 8th, 12-6pm
Sat, Aug. 9th, 10am-5pm
Sikara & Co. Showroom
706 Rio Grande
Austin, TX 78701

Take Me Somewhere, Sexy!

Friends are always asking me for restaurant or bar recommendations. So, here's a list of oh-so-sexy, Austin hot spots for a great date or a place to see and be seen.

NoRTH
11506 Century Oaks Terrace
Austin, Texas 78758
512.339.4400
www.foxrestaurantconcepts.com/north.html
NoRTH is the perfect retreat to rest your feet, sip on a glass of vino and treat yourself to a really modern Italian dining experience after a day of Domain shopping. The restaurant has a sleek and sexy atmosphere, and a menu offering unique antipasti, wood fired pizza, inventive pasta dishes and many wood roasted and grilled dishes. It's always busy, but worth the wait for a hip and upbeat venue with deliciously affordable fare. A great spot for singles, too---dine at the bar and make friends fast. Wine lovers that happen in on a Monday, take advantage of their 50% off all bottles of wine every Monday night through the end of September, including reserve selections.

Starlite
407 Colorado Street
Austin, Texas 78701
512.374.9012
http://www.starliteaustin.net/

Ok, calling all cosmopolitan urbanites, tourists and convention visitors, as well as downtown workers in search of a quick, but upscale lunch experience. It's time to thank your lucky stars! Located in the Warehouse District, Starlite recently opened its doors for lunch service. Chef Josh Hines drew from Starlite's well-loved dinner menu, offering some lighter mid-day fare. The Starlite House Salad ($7) of local greens, seasonal veggies, ripe tomatoes and sherry vinaigrette; or the Caprese Salad ($8) of vine-ripened tomatoes, house-made mozzarella and basil are ideal starters for a laid-back Starlite lunch when combined with an appetizer of fresh Striped Bass Ceviche ($7) or Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle Risotto($8). Opt for a Starlite sandwich such as the divine Smoked Turkey, Brie and Green Apple Sandwich ($10) and the Starlite Muffuletta ($10) served with olive tapenade on house-made focaccia bread. So, why not enjoy an incredible Bordeaux and a delicious steak at lunch? It's the best of both worlds!

Woodland
1716 South Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78704
512.441.6800
http://www.woodlandaustin.com/

If you're spending an afternoon shopping on South Congress, make sure and break for lunch at the Woodland, where chic meets comfort, in both design and menu. Whether its a frosty beer and gigantic onion rings, fresh lemonade and a crisp Woodland salad, or a Shrimp Po Boy (big enough for two), Woodland's kitchen is rolling out seasonal flavors and fresh, organic ingredients sure to soothe the taste buds and the soul.

Eddie V's Edgewater Grille
301 East 5th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
512.472.1860
http://www.eddiev.com/

Recent sightings of Lance Armstrong and Kate Hudson prove that Eddie V's is the place to See & Be Seen in Austin at night. Slip into a chic dress with stilettos and slide into a chair at the bar for oysters on the half shell (probably the freshest in town), bold crab claws, or tuna tartare, sure to pair perfectly with one of the restaurant's high octane cocktails.

Roaring Fork
InterContinental Hotel
701 Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78701
512.583.0000
http://www.eddiev.com/
If you are downtown after work or just ready for a new happy hour scene, grab the group and try Roaring Fork's ALL NIGHT, ALL SUMMER SALOON HAPPY HOUR, starting at 4pm every day. The saloon's happy hour runs all night with a special priced appetizer menu (The Big Ass Burger is only $6) discounted drinks and a selection of $5 margaritas, moijtos, martinis and wines by the glass. Everything on the appetizer menu is under &7.95. Share the Rotisserie Roasted Chicken Pizza with a friend and try the fresh Guacamole with Tortilla Chips - to die for!

Stortini
1917 Manor Rd
Austin, Texas 78722
512.391.9500
http://www.stortini-austin.com/
If you find yourself in need of an authentic Italian fix, head to East Austin's hippest spot, Stortini on Manor Road. If you can swing a visit in before Labor Day, the lunch menu is half-price! Chef Kristine Kittrell delivers a thin-crust pizza, fresh from the oven for less than $6. Try the House-made Sausage with roasted peppers and mushroom, the Artichoke with feta, pesto and kalamata olives or, my personal favorite, the Margherita
Pizza. Try Kittrell's simply divine Fennel Salad; or Spinach Salad with roasted root veggies and goat cheese. Opt for a panini--only $3 alone/$5 with fries. Dinner favorites include Braised Duck Leg with cherry glaze,
butternut squash ravioli and sage brown butter, Veal Scallopini with white wine, lemon juice, capers and sauteed vegetables and Cioppino with sausage, calamari, fish, mussels and shrimp topped with a crostino and chili aioli. Enjoy the patio with a glass of wine from their very affordable wine list.

This Week on News 8 Austin-Nikel Designs

Be sure and check out my TV segment on News 8 Austin this Friday. It airs once an hour-every hour-from 5am to 4pm. This week, I'm featuring a design duo of Texas gals called Nikel Designs. The babes behind it are Nikki McNish and Kelly Stewart. They combined their names to come up with Nikel Designs. Their line includes dresses and tops that are very stylish and flattering for a variety of figures. The line is carried at Sana at 237 W. 2nd Street in Downtown which is where I interviewed them today. For more info on Nikel: http://www.nikeldesigns.com/index.html

Meet Serena

These fantastic chandeliers are from Austin jewelry designer Tracy Tenpenny. They're called Serena and they are part of Tenpenny's East Side Collection. Tracy tells me Touch of Sass http://www.touchofsass.net/just ordered some and the owner there is crazy about them. I think I'm crazy about them, too. Tracy's jewelry is so girlie and feminine, yet sophisticated and fantastically Austin. Wear these anywhere in the world and when people ask you where you got them, just say, "I got them in Austin." For more on Tracy Tenpenny's story, go to: http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/?SecID=278&ArID=213463

Rae Cosmetics Upcoming Events

It's been a sweltering summer so far and your makeup probably looks melted by the end of most days lately. Well, unless you're wearing Rae Cosmetics. I switched to the Rae foundation in March and I love it. It has sunscreen built in and it goes on light, almost like you're not wearing makeup. It's also priced affordably.

There are two events this week where you can buy your Rae makeup and have some girl time:


Summer Beauty Party at Sanctuary:
Wednesday, August 6th 6-9pm
3663 Bee Caves Road
Rochelle Rae, the brains, artistry and beauty behind Rae Cosmetics, will be in attendance at this event. So, you can get makeup advice from the ulitmate expert. There will also be cocktails, cupcakes from the Polkadots Cupcake Factory. A great event for the Westlake Gal. http://www.sanctuaryhomebathgarden.com/

Sana Rae Launch with Austin Monthly Magazine:
Thursday, August 7th 6-8pm
237 West Second Street
The downtown girl can wait until Thursday to get makeup advice from Rochelle. She'll be at Sana on Second Street for the launch of her line there. Enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres rsvp@austinmonthly.com

For more information on Rae Cosmetics, watch the video clip to my story on News 8 Austin:
http://www.news8austin.com/content/living/fashionably_8/?SecID=92&ArID=191965

I Think I Need A Hair Cut!

From my friend Kathleen:

Some more breaking news -- CURT DARLING --- EMMY AWARD Winning stylist has joined ROAR Salon from Los Angeles. He is also the meditation expert for Santa Barbara and will go back and forth but now plans to call Austin Home. He will probably be at the trunk show Friday-- very straight, very cute and available. :)

Check out Curt: http://www.curtdarling.com/

Recycled Fashion Show

Following last year's successfully fun show, iLoveMikeLitt is working with Treasure City Thrift Store on their second Recycled Fashion Show.
Treasure City Thrift Store is now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual Recycled Fashion Show. The Show will take place in the first half of October.
This year we are striving for an entirely recycled show. The guiding concept is creative reuse of materials. They hope each designer can enter a collection of at least 3 outfits that are refashioned out of old clothes. Designers are highly encouraged to look for material (i.e. old clothes and accessories) at Treasure City Thrift Store.
Space is limited, so contact us at www.treasurecityfashionshow.com with your interest soon.
Picture Slideshows and Coverage from last year's show:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinosaursfeast/sets/72157602671482047
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/ReaderComments/?ContainerID=554226
http://www.firstsamples.com/pages/tct_07.php?etag=treasure_city_thrift
*Treasure City Thrift Store is a local collective thrift store on the East Side. Their proceeds go directly to various grassroots and social justice organizations. www.treasurecitythrift.org
*iLoveMikeLitt is a non-profit, d.i.y. social organization in Austin that puts together events that promote culture, the arts, and progressive ideas. www.ilovemikelitt.com

Somebody Say Sushi?

My old high school buddy Diggy Taylor at Imperia let me know about their sushi HH special today. It's hot and so is sushi especially when it's two for one. Twice for the price, that's always nice and the best excuse I've heard all summer for treating someone you know or want to know better to some sushi!

Shirtless in the Summer-Rock Star Sexy!

A great Houston guy I recently met took me to the Bayou City this weekend to see John Mayer perform at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion. It was crazy, Africa hot outside so this little tadpole decided to do the whole show shirtless. Mayer told the crowd he took the shirt off to beat the heat but it was so wet and so sweaty when he went to re-dress, he couldn't bring himself to put the soaking shirt back on his hot little rocker bod. So, we JUST HAD to watch him rock out topless! Uh, the things fans will suffer through...He's also got a new, super-short hair cut. As if the ladies don't love this guy already. Shirtless! Hubba, hubba! Oh, and the Texas guy who took me to the concert is even be more cut than cutie John Mayer. Lucky me! Cute guys all over, including the one I came with.