The Society Diaries | September-October 2015

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2015

Be Your Own

MUSE YOUR FALL LIFE Curated Sophistication

FASHION'S NEW REGAL REFINEMENT

GRACIOUS LIVING: Insiders Reveal All

Party people to know The Balls, Galas, & Debs Great expectations Jackson Hole, Bahamas & Marfa

How Fashion legends Became That Way To Us

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Very Venice, Socialite Pooches, Gray's New Perfection, Vintage Style Essentials & MORE

OUR STORES AKRIS . ALEXANDER M CQUEEN ANNE FONTAINE . BALENCIAGA BERETTA GALLERY . BILLY REID BRUNELLO CUCINELLI . CAROLINA HERRERA CHANEL . CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN COLE HAAN . DIANE VON FURSTENBERG DIOR . ELLIS HILL EMILY SUMMERS STUDIO 54 . ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA ESCADA . FIVE AND TEN GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI . HADLEIGH’S HARRY WINSTON . HERMÈS JAMES PERSE . JIMMY CHOO KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 . LAFCO NEW YORK LEGGIADRO . LELA ROSE LORO PIANA . MADISON PEEPER’S . RAG & BONE RALPH LAUREN . ROBERTA ROLLER RABBIT SAINT LAURENT . SCOOP NYC ST. JOHN . ST. MICHAEL’S

WOMAN’S EXCHANGE

STELLA M CCARTNEY . TOM FORD TORY BURCH . TRINA TURK VINCE . WILLIAM NOBLE RARE JEWELS PARTIAL LISTING

COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING . GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE HPVILLAGE.COM AT MOCKINGBIRD LANE AND PRESTON ROAD

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OUR STORES AKRIS . ALEXANDER M CQUEEN ANNE FONTAINE . BALENCIAGA BERETTA GALLERY . BILLY REID BRUNELLO CUCINELLI . CAROLINA HERRERA CHANEL . CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN COLE HAAN . DIANE VON FURSTENBERG DIOR . ELLIS HILL EMILY SUMMERS STUDIO 54 . ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA ESCADA . FIVE AND TEN GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI . HADLEIGH’S HARRY WINSTON . HERMÈS JAMES PERSE . JIMMY CHOO KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 . LAFCO NEW YORK LEGGIADRO . LELA ROSE LORO PIANA . MADISON PEEPER’S . RAG & BONE RALPH LAUREN . ROBERTA ROLLER RABBIT SAINT LAURENT . SCOOP NYC ST. JOHN . ST. MICHAEL’S

WOMAN’S EXCHANGE

STELLA M CCARTNEY . TOM FORD TORY BURCH . TRINA TURK VINCE . WILLIAM NOBLE RARE JEWELS PARTIAL LISTING

COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING . GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE HPVILLAGE.COM AT MOCKINGBIRD LANE AND PRESTON ROAD

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DIOR

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For the Connoisseur of Life

FEATURES

SEPTEMBER• OCTOBER 108. IDYLL THOUGHTS

There’s something happening at the manor. The new fall fashions are in and the estate is ready to have fun again like never before. Bringing the finest selections of style, your luxe life can now officially begin for the season.

Photography by Mark Oberlin Styling by Franzy Staedter

118. SHALL WE DINE?

Dinner parties, both hosting and attending, always create beautiful memories…if they are done right.

Here Daniel Cappello, author of Dinner Diaries, weighs in on how to create a successful gathering every time, especially with insight from some of the best hostesses on the planet that we know and love.

By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Assouline Publishing

124. LETʼS GET AWAY FROM IT ALL

Five-star travel can be divine, right? You bet it can when the destination and purpose are aligned. Join us in the Bahamas, Jackson Hole and Marfa this fall, won’t you?

By Erin Busbee, Rebecca Rooney and Jonathan Spindel

THE WINGS OF A DOVE Jacket by Donna Karan, $2295 and skirt by Haute Hippie, $1395, both at Neiman Marcus. Shoes by Laura Kasti, $160, at Laurakasti.com. Hat

by Shoreh East to West, price upon request, at Shoreheasttowest.com

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THESOCIETYDIARIES.COM

MAKE STUNNING DISCOVERIES The New Folklorica • Etro

NM SAN ANTONIO AUSTIN NEIMANMARCUS.COM

DEPARTMENTS 24. CONTRIBUTE

It takes a village to create a magazine and its digital media platform. Here is a look at the many dynamos who have helped make it happen this month.

28. EDIT

Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director Lance Avery Morgan is ready for the best of fall ahead, as he offers inspiration for your cool weather quests.

30. PROMOTE Ballet Folklorico

38. CURATE

Want to have culture? It’s here, there and everywhere at some of our state’s finest museums in the country, according to our active arts devotee Jonathan Spindel.

A look at the new River Oaks District for five-star shopping; Austinite Wallis Curry Wood’s star turn on CBS’s Madame Secretary; and an art show at Neiman Marcus San Antonio, which celebrates its 10 anniversary with artisan Jay Strongwater.

48. EMERGE

Meditation expert Paige Davis offers tips on becoming more whole through relaxing and breathing correctly.

44. BEAUTIFY

Being beautiful is an ongoing process, so we love bringing the newest and most exciting products to you, according to beauty trend followers Molly Bayme and Kelsey Goldberg.

46. BEHAVE

Our Ms. Modern Manners Sharon Schweitzer shares her savvy etiquette insight about business, travel and personal conundrums.

50. EVOLVE Shoe by Giorgio Armani

42. ACQUIRE

We can think of more than 50 ways to use shades of gray this fall, can’t you? It’s the It color after all, according to our style editor Erin Busbee.

The best advice on energizing for inner frequency resonance? According to our Austin-based Resonance RepatternIng practitioner Mary Schneider it is something we can all create now.

52. PERFORM

Chances are… you love legendary songster Johnny Mathis. Lance Avery Morgan gets up close and personal about his career…and style.

YSL sketch by Megan Kyle Bennett

56. FIND

Vintage expert, personal shopper and stylist Megan Kyle Bennett heads to New York to spot resources for clothing with a provenance you simply can’t live without.

54. ADORE

We love all creatures great and small, and Suzanne Negley does, too, as she travels the state to find the poshest pooch owners.

62. READ

Fern Mallis, of New York Fashion Week, has a new book, Fashion Lives that’s a must-read for any fashionista as style follower Jonathan Spindel learns.

Larissa Ness, Jennifer Zavaleta, Mandy Prater, Jenny Mason, Andra Liemandt Photography by Sarah Barlow

64. INSPIRE

66. DISCOVER

Dallas, dazzling as ever, is teeming with hip happenings, style and people as our style setter Cynthia Smoot reports.

58. DESIGN

Andra Liemandt: mother, philanthropist and rock star as the founder of The Mrs band. Jonathan Spindel learns what makes her tick to want to change the world with her I’m Enough movement.

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Edith Head, 1950s

Susan Claassen is a tour de force as Golden Age of Hollywood’s design diva Edith Head, as she weaves her tales of long ago here and now.

THESOCIETYDIARIES.COM

ENTRANCE ARRIVAL

71 SAVE VENICE GALA

78 SAN ANTONIO The Texas Biomedical Forum Gala Committee Members SPECTATE 71. VENICE The Save Venice gala

ENTRANCE 74. TEXAS The Texas Rising premiere 76. DALLAS The Light Up The Night gala 78. SAN ANTONIO The Texas Biomedical Forum gala 82. AUSTIN The St. David’s Foundation events 86. HOUSTON The NASA gala

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SAN ANTONIO James Glover, Sarah Moore, Jordan Worth Arriaga and Bob Gurwitz

90. SAN ANTONIO The Le Chapeau luncheon 96. AUSTIN The ZACH Theatre gala 100. HOUSTON The Alley Theatre gala 104. SAN ANTONIO The Saint Mary’s Hall Passports gala

104. SAN ANTONIO Karen Lee and David Zachry

106. AUSTIN The Contemporary Jones Art Center gala

ARRIVAL 134. SAN ANTONIO The San Antonio Missions gala 136. DALLAS The SPCA event

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DALLAS Jan Rees-Jones and Jocelyn White

138. SAN ANTONIO The San Antonio Gardenia and Musical Club gala 140. SAN ANTONIO

The Mind Science Fndn. event

ARRANGE

86. HOUSTON Bob and Gracie Cavnar

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144. Laura Villagran-Johnson and Kevin Smothers of Austin Social Planner have canvassed the state for all the best events for you to attend.

THESOCIETYDIARIES.COM 116 AUSTIN ZACH THEATRE Gala Co-Hosts

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AUSTIN Tobie and Bill Flannery

GENERATION

LOVE

saks.com

San Antonio North Star 7400 SAN PEDRO AVE. 210.341.4111

Giacomo Puccini’s

SEPTEMBER•OCTOBER 2015

MADAMA BUUERFLY

PUBLISHER Eduardo Bravo ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rossana Leeper EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lance Avery Morgan DESIGN October Custom Publishing Torquil Dewar, Shelley Lai, Rachel Holder EVENT GRAPHIC DESIGN Ian Friedel, Shweiki Media ASSOCIATE EDITORS Rob Giardinelli, Ellie Leeper, Jen Roosth, Jonathan Spindel, Shannon Miller-Turner, Rose Betty Williams L.A. LIFESTYLE EDITOR Lara Shriftman WRITERS Megan Kyle Bennett, Molly Bayme, Erin Busbee, Page Davis, Jake Gaines, Rob Giardinelli, Kelsey Goldberg, Laura Villagran Johnson, Ellie Leeper, Lance Avery Morgan, Suzanne Negley, Rebecca Rooney, Jen Roosth, Mary Schneider,Sharon Schweitzer, Cynthia Smoot, Jonathan Spindel, Shannon Miller Turner PHOTOGRAPHERS Megan Bennett, Kristina Bowman, Catch Light Group, Kim Coffman, Kim Coffman, Vicki Cook, Matteo DeFina, Priscilla Dickson, Mary Beth Fisk, Brian Fitzsimmons, Matthew Fuller Photography, Robert Godwin, Thomas Garza, Getty Images, Stacey Harrell, Greg Harrison, Mary Hillard, JB Lyde of Parish Photography, Bob Manzano, Charles Quinn Photography, Jen Perez, David Rossman, Candace Schaddelee EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Molly Bayme, Sr. Editorial Asst.

Alison Elberger, Kelsey Goldberg INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR Epitacio Resendez US SOCIETY AMBASSADORS Natalie Bond – Los Angeles John Danielson – New York Mallory Miller – New York Paul Bradshaw – San Francisco CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER/SUBSCRIPTIONS Patricia Alanis NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ADVERTISING Rossana Leeper, Associate Publisher Rossanaleeper@gmail.com 210.861.3324 The Society Diaries is published bimonthly by M.M.G. Communications (PUBLISHER). Reproduction in any manner in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the Publisher. Material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or its staff. The Society Diaries reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors or omissions. The Society Diaries does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertisements or editorial, nor does the Publisher assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Articles and photographs are welcome and may be submitted to our offices to be used subject to the discretion and review of the Publisher. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familiar status or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, imitation, or discrimination. Printed in the USA.

PUBLISHED BY M.M.G. Communications 40 N.E. Loop 410, #526 San Antonio, Texas, 78216 210.338.8521 Digital: TheSocietyDiaries.com

San Antonio Symphony, conducted by Sebastian Lang-Lessing, Music Director, is performing in collaboration with OPERA San Antonio.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

(210) THESOCIETYDIARIES.COM 22 223-8624 or operasa.org

On the cover: To The Manor Born Dress by Oscar de la Renta, $7690 at Saks Fifth Avenue, Shoes by Stella Hues, $1200, at Stellahues.com Jewelry by Erica Courtney, price upon request, at Ericacourtney.com

CONTRIBUTE MEGAN KYLE BENNETT Austin-based fashion stylist and personal shopper Megan Bennett is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and was previously based in New York and Los Angeles. Her style can be found in living color this month in her Find column on vintage shopping in New York. Film, art, photography, and street style are her biggest influences and she also designs custom fashion and jewelry pieces at Megankylebennett.com

High Five!

ERIN BUSBEE

2015 was a five star year for Toast of the Town. Contributions amounting to over $500,000 were matched two-to-one by the St. David’s Foundation Community Fund, providing a total of $1.5 million for the St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarships. We would like to give a giant high five to the sponsors, hosts, partygoers and special guests who made Toast of the Town 2015 a record-setting success.

San Antonio style maven Erin Busbee founded her own fashion consulting company, Busbee Style, through which she offers fashion styling, personal shopping and closet organizing. Erin has appeared as a style expert on Good Morning America, CBS 2 News This Morning Morning, San Antonio Living Living, Tyra Banks' TypeF.com, and Great Day SA. Busbee writes, produces, and presents style "How To" videos on her YouTube channel, BusbeeStyleTV, and she writes her own fashion and beauty blog, found at BusbeeStyle.com

PAIGE DAVIS Paige Davis, who contributes this month with her Emerge column, is an entrepreneur, Huffington Post blogger and certified meditation teacher with the McLean Meditation Institute. She created Soul Sparks as a destination to inspire and empower anyone looking to live a more meaningful life through meditation and mindfulness programs. More on her can be found at Soulsparks.com

ROB GIARDINELLI High tech professional by day, social commentator by night describes Associate Editor Rob Giardinelli and his multitasking when covering this month’s Austin and Dallas social stories. What may appear seamless actually takes hours of research, interviews, and photo gathering to accurately chronicle the state’s charitable event stories. Giardinelli himself is involved several charities and loves sharing how Austinites so generously and passionately give back to the community they love, while weaving interesting social commentary and showcasing the many who work tirelessly to raise awareness toward important issues in the state.

MARK OBERLIN Our feature photographer for this issue’s Idyll Thoughts fashion editorial is Los Angeles-based Mark Oberlin. Oberlin has also photographed the collections of many of the West Coast’s top fashion designers. He is an acclaimed painter, as well and has exhibited his paintings in Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco galleries. More of his work can be found at Markoberlinphotography.com

JENNIFER ROOSTH

stdavidsfoundation.org

Associate Editor Jennifer Roosth is a Houston-based writer who never ceases to be amazed by the wonderfully generous spirit of the Houston philanthropic community. “It’s nice to live in a city where so many are excited about giving back,” she says, “In the process, they throw some mighty fine parties.”

CONTRIBUTE MARY SCHNEIDER Do you believe that intelligence is fixed? Mary Schneider, who helms our Evolve column, does not and she has been a student of alternative healthcare modalities for over 25 years and is a Certified in Holographic Repatterning Professional in private practice (Repatternit.com) where she works and resides in Austin. She is also an ordained minister and Certified in Touch for Health. She has studied homeopathy, the Chinese 5 Element Acupuncture System, the work of Byron Katie and Fabian Maman and numerous other alternative modalities. She regularly speaks in the community about ‘How We Heal.”

SHARON SCHWEITZER Our Ms. Modern Manners expert Sharon Schweitzer, J.D. is an internationally recognized intercultural communication and international etiquette expert who advises and trains executives, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders in Global 2000 companies. An avid writer and popular blogger, she is the author of Access to Asia (Wiley). Her travels, both business and leisure, have taken her to over 60 countries on the world’s seven continents. She makes her home in Austin, with her husband John and their golden retriever, Charm. Photography by Korey Howell Photography.

CYNTHIA SMOOT A partner at Gangway Advertising, Cynthia Smoot creates buzz for some of Dallas’ hottest brands through interactive social media strategies and public relations for the firm’s lifestyle clients. She is the go-to resource for what's happening and who you need to know in Dallas.

Through her wildly popular lifestyle blog OhSoCynthia.com readers get the latest scoop and inside information on fashion, food, philanthropy, events, celebrity and reality TV news. Smoot describes her blog as “a love letter to the city of Dallas” and enjoys taking readers along for the ride as she experiences all that the city has to offer.

JONATHAN SPINDEL Jonathan Spindel is a native Austinite with a global appetite for arts and culture. When he’s not searching the world for the best trends to share with our readers, he can be found at local art galleries, music venues, and coffee shops around the capital city. He reports on all that makes us proud to be part of Texan society and is inspired by the unique individuals and organizations he engages as Associate Editor, highlighting the happenings that bring the best to, and make the most of, our great state.

FRANZY STAEDTER Los Angeles-based Franzy Staedter styles this issue's fashion cover story, Idyll Thoughts. Her signature is creating styles that retain a clean and classic quality. She loves working with celebrities like Josh Dallas, John Cho, Kevin McHale, Grace Gealey and Stef Dawson, while her styling talents has been published in Vanity Fair Italia, Vogue Italia, Elle Canada, Instyle, FHM, FHM DuJour and Vents with covers for Bello, The Fashionisto, Composure and XO. Staedter also styles and costume designs for production houses creating content in film, television and advertisements.

SHANNON MILLER TURNER Our South Texas social chronicler is a native of Los Angeles who spent most of her childhood in San Antonio. Shannon Miller Turner now divides her time between the two cities and is happy to call both of them home. With a B.A. In Communications (Magna Cum Laude), writing is and always has been her passion. Involved with numerous charitable causes, Turner is also the co-founder of San Antonio's Le Brunch, a non-profit event now in its 14th year. She has been married for 20 years and is the mother of two. Photography by J. Wilkinson Co.

THESOCIETYDIARIES.COM

E S C A D A . COM

EDIT

MORE IS MORE... IS MORE IN OUR REALLY COOL NEW DIGITAL AGE, LIFE and how we live our lives can change on a dime, which is happening in nanoseconds thanks to our technologically savvy lives… and it’s hypnotically exciting to behold.

Trends? How five minutes ago and very 2014, right?

So, how do we all not fall down a rabbit’s hole as either a Luddite pining for the past or an extreme futurist that’s never in the current moment? Something like more in between. For starters, turn to yourself. While spending months putting together this fall fashion-full issue of our favorite recommendations, we were up to our neck in trends. Whimsical BoHo, Nouvelle Goth, Advanced Mod, Minimalistic Restraint and more. The Trend, Trend, as a one-stop shopping decision, is on its way out. It’s now really all about, being your own muse muse.. Why wouldn’t you be? Doing your own thing – mixing, matching, complementing, period-surfing and whatever works best for you, is the new norm. Taking that style bull by the horns and wrangling it into what you want it to be, no matter what your age. That in mind, we’ve conjured up some of the most exciting looks to inspire you from ballroom to brunch and beyond.

Want brand new looks that are sure to stop traffic? Our Texas-sized cover story feature of fresh looks, photographed by Mark Oberlin and styled by Franzy Staedter, is perhaps the most chimerical vision of evening dressing being seen this very moment. It’s both timeless, yet the most breathtakingly modern style we’ve ever assembled. To inspire you. To enthrall you and embolden you to reach for the stars as you reach for a hanger.

Love vintage? Yep, so do we. Lots of it – that’s why personal stylist/shopper Megan Kyle Bennett’s take on New York’s vintage shopping will influence how you shop for that next one-of-a-kind item. That rarity of yesterday’s style components is what keeps our Sociables intrigued when choosing a heritage piece to customize as their very own, perhaps to pass down to future generations because what happens in the future is really up to us. Designer Nino Cerruti, who passed away this summer, once said, “What we wear is an expression of our intelligence and vitality. It’s important to keep a certain balance in mind.” We couldn’t agree more.

So just where is one of our favorite destinations for all this glam fashion to be worn? Uh-huh. To a swank dinner party, of course. Weighing in with tips, tricks and how-to’s on entertaining from both a host and guest point of view, Dinner Diaries author Daniel Cappello’s fi-

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nesse invigorates the notion of how important this social gathering ritual really is with friends.

Our friends are everywhere we turn in this issue with our look at performer Susan Claassen’s take on designer Edith Head, both talented women from whom style lessons can be learned. Plus, we get up close and personal with the legendary mid-20th century singer Johnny Mathis about his own timelessly stylish career. We also go one-on-one with The Mrs founder Andra Liemandt who is changing how women see themselves by creating her I’m Enough movement. Suzanne Negley’s new feature on pets and the people who love them is a fun look at the pooches that drive us to love more deeply. All of our other great insight from our favorite contributors is just pages ahead.

Plus, did you know we feature gala events, parties, deb balls and all-around wonderful ways that support philanthropies? Of course you did. A packed ballroom of do-gooding merrymakers is our calling card and this issue is brimming with them to inspire ideas for your own charity endeavor. Our summer vacation while the social season took a respite was filled with trips to Jackson Hole, the Bahamas, and the much-ballyhooed Marfa.

Plus foreign ports of call you’ll be visiting with us in future issues, because we think the more worldly we all are, the more our worldviews evolve.

We loved creating this issue, in which many of you are featured, so let’s kick start the fall as the best one yet.

As always, let us know what you think and how we can make The Society Diaries’ print and digital publication bolder and better XO Lance Avery Morgan lance@thesocietydiaries.com

Photography by Megan Kyle Bennett

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CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF STYLE SAN ANTONIO

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AUSTIN

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CORPUS CHRISTI

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MIDLAND

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WWW.JULIANGOLD.COM

Celebrating...

70 Years of Style

By Jake Gaines and Shannon Miller Turner CURRENTLY CELEBRATING ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY, San Antonio-based luxury retailer Julian Gold has always offered a truly personalized shopping experience, which is almost a lost art. In fact, the fashion legacy began when the eponymous store was the city’s first suburban specialty venue that has grown to 30,000 square feet to house many of the world’s finest brands under one roof.

The state’s legend of quality retail was born in 1945 as the world was returning to normalcy after a harrowing WWII. San Antonio, in particular, was a Texas hub for the war effort with military bases and training locales being an integral part of the city’s culture and prosperity. In fact, recounted Dorothy Gold, the founder’s widow at the time of his death, “Mr. Gold was a firm believer in making a lady look right. If a $200 dress didn’t look right, he’d say, ‘I think we can do better than that. And if a $100 dress looked better, that’s the one we’d sell her.’” Some things never change with the store’s attention to detail of always helping the customer look and feel her most beautiful. According to Retail Merchandiser, when Bob Gurwitz, current co-owner and president, joined the company in 1963, he had a lot to learn about retail. “Mr. Gold brought me up through the company, from shipping to selling to buying.”

With the customer-always-comes-first perspective of Julian Gold, generations of shoppers have come to know Bob Gurwitz and James Glover, the leaders behind the brand. What sets the store’s team apart and makes this possible? “We look to provide the most sought after merchandise and the highest level of customer service possible,” states James Glover, the store’s current partner and COO who joined the store in 1988. ”While the merchandise and physical appearance of our store has changed, our level of service has not. In business you have to be able to adapt to change while maintaining the core values you believe in most. For us, that means providing our clients high quality service and merchandise. With before and after hour appointments, trunk shows, in-house alterations, delivery to your doorstep, and so much more, we offer amenities beyond most retailers. In the near future we will be expanding our store to offer a larger selection of contemporary merchandise, designer shoes, and handbags.”

“It has to do with personal relationships,” according to Glover’s daughter and Julian Gold executive, Courtney Glover Percy. “We make it a point to get to know our shopper and to truly be a part of their lives whether

Photography courtesy of Julian Gold through community and corporate citizenship, and involvement in schools. Our customers are more of an extended family to us rather than a clientele.” The store’s manager, Melinda Young, agrees by saying, “We love partnering with various organizations within the community that provide such a wonderful benefit to so many. We have all had our hearts touched through the different organizations we have worked with through events and fashion shows Julian Gold has been fortunate enough to be a part of over the years.”

Being a part of those lives led to success in other locations in the state, too, with Corpus Christi opening in 1950, Midland following in the early 50s, and Austin in 2002. The door is always open to additional locations but, for now, their focus continues to be on renovating and updating the existing stores, according to the Gold team. While the fashion styles, hemlines and trends have changed dramatically since the store first opened, many of Texas’ best-dressed women are Julian Gold customers. And, shopping has evolved for the modern shopper with Julian Gold being engaged in digital platforms like House Account, Instagram, Facebook, Pintrest and Twitter.

When asked what special “it” factor the store has that continues to entice these women back to shop over and over, Glover states, “Shopping has become impersonal for many retailers. In addition to bringing in the latest trends and most sought after labels, we want to know our clients and have them feel at home in our store. We value relationships, so being a part of our community and its history is extremely important to us. Just as our clients are supportive of us, we are supportive of them.”

The store’s substantially sized boutique shopping experience is different than the big box stores, according to its leaders. Buyers regularly travel around the country, looking for new brands to add to the collection so Julian Gold shoppers have access to the best products every season. According to Percy, “Though we may carry some of the same brands as big box stores, our identity is considered to be very separate.”

What can Texans expect in the next 70 years of high style at this venerable retail legend? The same great store…and much more. “We sell high-end fashion, but shopping at Julian Gold is about the experience,” concurs Gurwitz. “We put our customer first in everything we do, and people appreciate that.”

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PROMOTE

River Oaks District, Houston

HAUTE IN HOUSTON: RIVER OAKS DISTRICT TO OPEN

By Jennifer Roosth Photography courtesy of River Oaks District

LIGHT UP YOUR NIGHT

By Jake Gaines Photography courtesy of Lentz Lighting Shopping is almost a part time sport in Texas. So with much anticipation of its opening in fall 2015, the five-star River Oaks District will be a shopping and dining destination like none other.

With world-class brands and iconic storefronts, including Hermes, Dior, Chopard, Dolce and Gabbana, Van Cleef & Arpel, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Stella McCartney, Davidoff, Tom Ford and so many more, so what’s not to love? In fact, the ROD as it’s already being called by die-hard shoppers will be a walkable, upscale, sophisticated, open air complex, much like the chic haunt Rodeo Drive. This once again proves that Texas has some of the finest cities and best shopping in the world.

But, you knew that already.

“We are excited to welcome these world-class brands to River Oaks District,” shares Jeff Zeigler, senior managing director of retail services for OliverMcMillan. “When we open later this year, our guests will be able to soak in the atmosphere of River Oaks District’s intimate, vibrant and unique setting with their friends, family and fellow tastemakers.”

We are counting the minutes to whisk away to non-stop shopping luxe, aren’t you? For more information, visit Riveroaksdistrict.com

BRIGHT STAR

By Jake Gaines

Being the daughter of the U.S. Secretary of State must be challenging. While co-starring in the hit CBS series, Madame Secretary, alongside T.V. veterans Téa Leoni, Bebe Neuwirth and Tim Daly, Austin-area native Wallis CurrieWood experiences what that must be like.

Wallis Currie-Wood

As Stephanie “Stevie” McCord, Currie-Wood delivers a powerful performance as a teenager thrust into the complicated world of her mother’s international diplomatic role. The Juilliard-educated background of hers will come in handy as she climbs the Hollywood ladder of success…and we expect to be entertained by her career a long time in the future.

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How can you get more glamour in your outdoor spaces with the right lighting? It’s simple when you work with professionals. Here are a few tips on your garden’s evening illumination from Richard Lentz, president of Lentz Landscape Lighting for over 28 years. Get inspired to make this fall your brightest one ever.

• Use soft perimeter lights along the pathways to create ambiance and provide additional safety lighting.

• Use a selection of warm accent lights throughout the garden to highlight artistic features like sculptures, birdbaths, fountains, and special groupings of foliage.

• Use outdoor lighting around settings of garden furniture to create additional “rooms” within your garden.

For more information about landscape lighting for your garden, contact Richard Lentz @ his toll free number 844.241.0622 or visit Lentzlighting.com.

CUSTOM CHOICE San Antonioʼs Marianna Bell Seal Creates Custom Gifts That Please Talented and resourceful, San Antonio-based designer and entrepreneur Marianna Bell Seal began her custom product design business by creating original works using a laser-cutting machine before graduating from The University of Texas. From there it was a world of opportunities ahead when she began her custom engraving and design business with her new brand, Marianna Bell.

We love that Seal’s design studio and gift shop carries a wide variety of products from pewter trays and wine glasses to boot jacks and jewelry boxes. A client’s logo, initials, ranch brand, or custom-design art may be laser engraved into almost anything. In fact, she laser cuts wall-size block and script custom monograms, holiday ornaments, coasters, and more, to personalize in the one-stop shop. For more information visit Mariannabelldesigns.com

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above and below: Custom engraving

by Marianna Bell Seal

An Automotive Masterpiece.

12989 Research Blvd, Austin, Texas 78750

512.401.2663 . lateeuro.com BENTLEY AUSTIN

PROMOTE

Steven and Troy Gates Simona Cuevas, Ellie Leeper, Alexis Fuetsch and Xitlalt Herrera-Salazar

St. Mary and the CRIT by Alexis Maxine Fuetsch

PRODIGIOUS PAINTING Neiman Marcus And Child Artist Team To Benefit CRIT USA

By Ellie Leeper Photography by Candace Schaddelee The walls of Neiman Marcus San Antonio were the perfectly colorful backdrop for a reception to support the talents of nine-year-old emerging artist Alexis Maxine Fuetsch to support CRIT USA, the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute of TeletonUSA. Not just any artist, this passionate young philanthropist is focused on using her talents to give back to her community.

The art and cocktail reception was held in the Precious Jewels Salon and was transformed into an art gallery. Guests were captivated by Alexis Maxine’s explanations of her pieces of art. A fourth-grader at Saint Mary’s Hall school, Alexis had the goal of donating 30% of the proceeds from her show to the CRIT center, supporting rehabilitation treatment for children her age. CRIT USA is a state-ofthe-art medical center for children ages newborn to 18 years old with neurological and musculoskeletal disabilities. For more information visit Critusa.org.

Alexander Devoto, Agustin Devoto, Andrea Devoto and Nicholas Devoto

Niya Omiridis, Emily Beauchamp, Alexis Fuetsch and Sofia ElHajmoussa

NEIMAN MARCUS SAN ANTONIO CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF FASHION AND PHILANTHROPY

Join Neiman Marcus San Antonio on September 16th to celebrate their 10 years and meet designer Jay Strongwater as he presents his 20th anniversary collection. It’s a must-attend event to find a new objet d’art, too.

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125th Anniversary

stowersfurniture.com

Sun 12pm–5pm | Mon - Sat 10am–6pm 210 W. Rector | San Antonio, TX 210-342-9411 | 1-888-stowers (Behind North Star Mall)

CURATE

A POP OF CULTURE Art fairs, parties and theatrical spectacles make for some of this yearʼs most exciting openings. With exciting events everywhere you turn, our culture curator Jonathan Spindel illustrates the best of the best AUSTIN

Photo by Beatriz Meseguer

MIDCENTURY FOREVER The unique style of Midcentury Modern design took the world by storm, including Latin America, where some of the most beautiful pieces were designed. See inspiring decor from Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela, whose enduring style continues to inspire designers and artists worldwide. October 11 – January 17.

BlantonMuseum.org STUNNING SKYLINE The Long Center presents Skyline, a social soirée where The Long Center you can savor delicious food and relax with a cocktail while watching the sun set over downtown Austin, or sample handrolled cigars while perfecting your putting on the City Terrace. October 23. TheLongCenter.org

POP UP GALLERY POP AUSTIN is among the world’s most exciting art Pop Austin shows for contemporary art collectors. Join the Jet Set for a weekend of extraordinary exhibitions, exclusive parties, and unique opportunities to purchase the world’s best cutting edge art. October 22-25. POPAustin.com

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DALLAS/FORT WORTH BOTTICELLI TO BRAQUE See four centuries of art from the major traditions of Italian, French, Dutch, Kimball Art Museum and Scottish art.

On loan from Scottish national gallery, this stunning collection of masterpieces includes many works that have never before been displayed in the United States.

June 28 to September 20.

Kimbellart.org THE WORLD OF POP Follow the path of Pop Art in the 1960s and 70s as it deDallas Museum of Art veloped and spanned across the globe. This groundbreaking exhibition presents America’s best-known Pop Artists along with their contemporaries in Europe, Latin America and Japan. October 11 – January 17. DMA.org TWYLA THARP Vibrant, radiant and genius barely begin to describe a Twyla Tharp performance. A legendary American original, she truly revolutionized ballet and remains one of the world’s greatest dancers.

September 18-19.

ATTPac.org

Twyla Tharp and Mikhail Baryshnikov, 1970s

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HOUSTON FIELDS OF COLOR Mark Rothko pioneered the beauty of pure abstraction with his meditative color pieces.

MFAH presents a definitely retrospective with more than 60 paintings that trace the artMark Rothko, 1950s ist’s full career.

September 20 – January 24. MFAH.org

Ballet Folklorico

FANTASTIC FLOURISHES Journey south of the border with Ballet Folklórico de México, the famed cultural ambassadors of Mexican fine arts. Full of color, rhythm, and technical perfection, their energetic performances will inspire you. September 15. MillerOutdoorTheatre.com

SINATRA AT THE SYMPHONY Ol’ Blue Eyes would have turned 100 this year. Celebrate the legend with an evening of the timeless songs Frank Sinatra, 1940s that Frank Sinatra made us fall in love with. Oct 30 – Nov 1. HoustonSymphony.org

Designer Personal Appearance Saturday October 10th The Shops at La Cantera

CURATE SAN ANTONIO MADAMA BUTTERFLY AT THE TOBIN Puccini’s evocative love story comes to life with full symphonic accompaniment. See the production that has already garnered rave reviews. Oct 1–3.

TobinCenter.org

Madame butterfly

MICRO? MARVELOUS Known for playful colors and whimsical compositions, these timeless modern masterpieces bring a taste of Spain to San Antonio. It’s a great introduction to Modern art for viewers of all ages. September 30 - January 10. McNayArt.org

miro

GAME FOR A GOOD TIME Save the date for the 45th Annual Witte Game Dinner, where you can join over 1,000 prominent South Texans for an evening of fine dining, dancing, and town-and-country chic. October 19. WitteMuseum.org THESOCIETYDIARIES.COM

Witte game dinner

ACQUIRE

DO DROP IN If you are looking for a true, one-of-a-kind accessory these rutilated quartz and silver earrings surrounded by 137 diamonds are perfect. $2,105. Availability and photo courtesy of Penaloza and Sons

YOUʼVE BEEN FRAMED

Faye Dunaway, 1970s

This sterling silver pyramid frame by Monica Rich Kosann is the ideal housewarming gift or elegant décor detail in your living room. Imagine a piano topped with several. $455. Availability and photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

GLISTENING GRAY

The new star shade of our fashionable, fall wardrobe? Gleaming, gorgeous gray. From the darkest charcoal, to the cool, Pantoneʼs color of the season Glacier Gray reflects a shade to suit every skin tone and style. Consider gray your new, go-to neutral because we think youʼll love these go-to pieces selected by style arbiter editor Erin Busbee NAILED IT This Nails, Inc shade Old Compton Leather is versatile, elegant and also a bit edgy.

A fail-safe, fashionable combination for fall. $15.

Availability and photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

ITʼS IN THE BAG …and on it, too. Who can resist The Charlize, a crocodile clutch with hand-bezeled, semiprecious stone bar? No one we know. $2,200. From Baird & Baird handbags and accessories.

At Bairdandbairdonline.com

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REGALE IN DETAIL Intricate, elegant, inspired

by Greek architecture ...this silver and mother of pearl bracelet by Konstantino will be the only accessory you need to finish your fall look. $4,040. Availability and photo courtesy of Lee Michaels

VALLI GIRL What is more fabulous than this Giambattista Valli couture gown? The look highlights two fashion fall trends: fringe and over-sized earrings. Photo courtesy of Style.com

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EN POINTE Cinderella has found her glittery slippers in these crystal satin pumps by Giorgio Armani. Now... where is that Prince Charming? $1,245. Availability and photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

STREAMLINED SOFA You can create a soothing, monochromatic, gray-tone palette with the "Vanguard" sofa or use it as the perfect canvas for textures and pops of color. Price upon request. Availability and photo courtesy of Stowers Furniture

TAKING SHAPE For the fashionista who has everything, these "Dafne" hexagonal, mirrored sunglasses in dark gray by Chloe. $376.

Availability and photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

CHANNEL YOUR INNER MARY TYLER MOORE These belted, extreme wide-leg trousers by Martin Grant are so incredibly chic and feminine. Pair with something tailored on top to offset the volume. $1,355. Availability and photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

STONE AGE Designer Jen Hensen insists on hand-selecting every stone in her collections, so each piece is truly one-of-a-kind. This versatile labradorite, diamond, silver and gold ring will look as fabulous with a cocktail dress as with jeans. $825. Availability and photo courtesy of Julian Gold

MIND YOUR METALS The easiest way to wear mixed metals? Buy a piece that does the work for you, like this classic, adjustable, chain link, 24K gold and silver necklace. $1,250.

Availability and photo courtesy of Duncan & Boyd

CARRY ALL & GO A fashion blogger favorite, you will be able to carry this "Marcie" large shoulder bag by Chloe with just about everything in your closet. $2,090.

Availability and photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Vintage gray suit, 1950s

ALL PUFFED The Ferrari of the puffer coats, French design company Moncler makes coveted, high-tech, fashion-forward options in outerwear like this furtrimmed, "Hermico" coat. $2,065. Availability and photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

STEP LIVELY Pair these Victorian-inspired, platform, lace-up ankle boots by Prada with some leather leggings and a chunky knit sweater. $990. Availability and photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER

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BEAUTIFY

ROSE GLYCOLIC MASK Transform and illuminate your complexion with the Rose Glycolic Mask. Composed of Rose Damascus and an array of fruit acids, you can say hello to radiant skin. $30. At ClairvoyantBeauty.com

VALMONT DNA REPAIR SERUM This lavish serum will aid in the reparation of any unwanted skin damage because it seeks out problem areas and heals and soothes them. $150. At Saks Fifth Avenue

CHARCOAL FACIAL BRUSH Activate the power of charcoal to brush impurities right off your skin. It may sound counterintuitive, but charcoal can actually absorb 100 times its weight in impurities. From $10.

Find one at your favorite beauty store.

NATURAL & OH SO NOURISHING Looking for the key to everlasting beauty? The answer lies in harmony with nature. Our beauty aficionados Molly Bayme and Kelsey Goldberg present the newest natural beauty products to help you relax, rejuvenate and revitalize KORA CLAY PURIFYING MASK Detox and purify your look with this lavender and Noni Extract deep cleansing mask formulated with natural clay. $48. At KoraOrganics.com

SILKʼN PEDI Treat your feet to a pedicure in the comfort of your home with the compact, hand held Silk’n Pedi. The batteryoperated portable pedicure will leave your skin smooth and clean for weeks. $29. At Silkn.com

SUPER LINE PREVENTOR EYE SERUM The eyes have it. Designed to enhance the area around the eye, this serum delivers rapid improvement to your most delicate skin. Alleviate puffiness and say hello to your fresh, firm look. $55. At Prescriptives.com

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DR. HAUSCHKA TRANSLUCENT BRONZING TINT Embrace your skin tone and simultaneously diminish skin flaws with the Translucent Bronzing Tint.

Organic ingredients such as witch hazel, olive oil, and beeswax, intensify your skin tone quickly. $35. At Dr.Hauschka.com

RETINOL FACIAL OIL Yearly update. Want to take years off of your look? Try this Retinol Facial oil for touch of youth that will hydrate and nourish your skin for immediate rejuvenation. $20. At Ulta.com

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BEHAVE

ETIQUETTE? ETERNALLY ELEGANT Everywhere we turn itʼs another social conundrum to solve or settle, so thank goodness for our own culture expert, Ms. Modern Manners Sharon Schweitzer Schweitzer, JD as she weighs in on tipping, Facebook protocol, being interrupted in a conversation and even doing business in Asia Dear Sociable, Social media daze indeed. Whether to unfriend or unfollow is the question. Without outright unfriending someone, you can go directly to their Facebook profile page and uncheck the follow button. This button manages whether their posts will appear in your news feed. You can also view and manage your lists of friends within your “News Feed Preferences.” If you have concerns about unwanted tags in pictures or posts to your timeline, you can address these preferences in more detail within your account settings options. Just remember – they’ll likely not notice an unfollow but very well might realize an unfriend unfriend. And then continue to take the high road since the view is always better.

Dear Ms. Modern Manners, How should I handle a person who consistently interrupts me when I’m talking?

Intrepidly Interrupted Dear Interrupted Interpreter, We’ve all been there. If you are being interrupted while speaking, you aren’t truly being listened to, unfortunately. Some interlopers just can’t wait to talk and aren’t aware of social cues. When that happens, allow your social graces to take over and listen calmly for a few seconds, before continuing to finish your sentence. It is best to avoid the temptation to respond with a confrontational hand gesture or comment of will you wait until I finish speaking?

Dear Ms. Modern Manners, Should I tip my stylist who also owns the salon?

Born Beautiful Dear Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific, I vote yes to tipping the stylist owner who takes your hair from drab to fab. Traditionalists believe in no tipping; however the salon owner and staff think differently and that’s who cuts, colors and restores your hair, right? Do you have a good relationship with the salon and get the best personal care? Tipping ranges from 10% on the low end to 25% on the high end with an average of 20%. Do you receive early morning or spur-of-the moment appointments before jetting out of town? Tip the stylist owner and nourish the relationship as well as he or she nourishes your hair.

Dear Ms. Modern Manners, How shall I handle unwanted Facebook traffic from former high school friends without hurting any feelings?

Socially Savvy

Dear Ms. Modern Manners, Is there a rule for who gets first dibs on sitting in the front seat of a car— especially when kids and adults are involved?

Trip Advisor Dear Wants To Keep The Peace, Right, the old calling shotgun. After following all child safety laws, offer the front seat to adults, and especially to seniors to show respect and provide ease of accessibility. Another consideration is offering that prized spot to the person with the longest legs who benefits most from the extra legroom. Other factors include which seating arrangement is best for conversation. If headed to an unfamiliar destination or on a long road trip, consider the best navigator for the perch. On a long haul, rotating children and unruly adults in an organized fashion also has a way of keeping the peace. For short road trips, it is important for children to learn boundaries and settle down in the back seat. Even in Texas, remember shotguns are never involved in seating arrangements.

Dear Ms. Modern Manners, What’s the most important piece of advice you would give for my travels to Asia?

Flying Eastward Dear Asian Aesthetic, Understanding cultural differences is becoming more important in our increasingly interconnected global economy. The most important concept in fast-growing Asia is the notion of face – think of it as dignity, prestige, honor, respect and status. For example, Westerners tend to make self-deprecating jokes, or jokes at someone else’s expense. These types of jokes are inappropriate in Asia because if you cause a loss of face, you will embarrass yourself and you will also also cause a loss of face for your Asian associate, losing their respect, business and possible assistance. So be respectful and avoid joking around in a Western way.

Awarded a Kirkus Star from the Kirkus Review 2015

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©2015 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.

It began with a dream in 1948 to deliver the fascinating experience of a sports car. And it continues today.

Our model range provides a clear statement about who we are. Look at the variety of models offered by Porsche and you will see that there is no single interpretation of Intelligent Performance. Inherent in the approach is understanding that while every Porsche enthusiast shares a common expectation of what a Porsche can do, every driver also has different needs and desires. So no matter which Porsche model interests you — the 911, Boxster, Cayman, Panamera, Cayenne or the new Macan — you will discover that within each of our model ranges, we have created a wide range of variations. Each has its own unique engineering attributes and each has its own special character, continuing the dream today to produce the ultimate Porsche.

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EMERGE

MEDITATION MATTERS

Ever take time to listen to that small voice within you? The whisper that grows into a large voice that helps create clarity for your life evolving?

Our wellness and meditation expert Paige Davis shares tips of how you can breathe your way to greater insight.

FIND THE PATH WHEN I STUMBLED UPON MEDITATION A BIT ACCIDENtally I was a stressed out entrepreneur on the verge of burnout and destally, perate for some peace in my life. The quick fixes I usually relied upon simply weren’t making a difference and I was craving something deeper, so I surrendered my search to Google and landed on… a meditation retreat. My decision to attend the retreat was poorly timed and illogical given all of my other commitments, but there was a feeling, an indescribable guidance that was beyond me, and I knew I simply had to go.

Needless to say, attending was a life-changing experience. I walked away with an understanding of what meditation is, what it isn’t, and tangible tools to cultivate a daily practice that fit my busy lifestyle. I learned that meditation refers to the many modern and ancient techniques and practices that settle the nervous system. With origins from the yoga tradition – yoga means to yoke, or to join – there are many different types of meditation, with the most common being mindfulness meditation. I like to think of mindfulness as a muscle, and as we exercise it through meditation, we train our brains to be more focused, engaged, and less reactive. As we do this, we are altering the landscape of our brain with some pretty significant benefits.

BREATHING THROUGH OBSTACLES Further exploring my daily practice, I experienced many of these immediate benefits first hand: sleeping better, being less reactive during stressful moments in my life, and communicating better with my loved ones and co-workers. But my real connection occurred about 9 months into my daily practice when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Throughout my cancer journey, I was aware of the magnitude of what was happening. I also experienced an unbelievable focus and discernment as I was forced to navigate such uncharted territory. Was it the most difficult thing I have ever experienced? Yes. It was also a very meaningful and transformational time. To others this appeared as positivity, but to me, it was simply being present and my daily practice at work.

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So how do get to this utopia of present moment awareness? It doesn’t require abandoning our lives for a retreat or receiving a life-changing diagnosis. I believe it starts with daily practice and some practical tips and tools to integrate in our everyday lives. It also requires dispelling some common misconceptions.

PAYING ATTENTION The most common misconception is that we are supposed to quiet our brains. The truth is, it’s ok to have thoughts. It’s the nature of the brain to have thoughts. A big “aha” for me when I started my daily practice is that it’s not necessarily about that Zen moment where everything is calm and serene (although that ultimately can happen). It is about shifting our relationships with our thoughts. For example, you may be sitting in silence or focusing on your breath when your thoughts start to drift: What will I make for dinner? What do I need at the grocery store? Did I send the email? That’s normal.

Meditation is the tool to interrupt those thoughts and cultivate the ability to pay attention to the here and now, bringing your attention back to a point of focus, on purpose and without judgment. With daily practice, we start to experience a “new normal” – where what we think, feel and do start to align.

Here’s a great way to begin meditating for long-term benefits. Start with 5 minutes - set aside time daily to simply sit and breath. By simply breathing in and out through our nose, we access our parasympathetic nervous system that automatically relaxes us. Practice at red lights and breath through the entire cycle of the red light. Then, count your breaths: inhale 1, exhale 2, inhale 3, etc., up to 10. If you get distracted – which you will – start again at 1.

The greatest benefit is that it is not necessarily about what happens during meditation, but the shifts that occur in how we respond in our lives with more compassion, patience, generosity and forgiveness. While meditation won’t necessarily change current life events or remove the stress that is part of the human condition, it becomes a tool to transform our approach to responding in a much more calm, engaging, and meaningful way.

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EVOLVE

OF SOUND MIND & BODY Fall is an energizing season for all of us. With the cooler weather we can resonate our inner frequencies more harmoniously and enjoy life much more, according to Austin-based Resonance Repatterning practitioner Mary Schneider YOU LIKELY KNOW THAT EVERY CELL, EVERY ORGAN and every tissue in our body has its own resonant frequency. All of these frequencies come together to form a composite frequency that is us, essentially our own note. This note can sometimes be out-of-tune, so to speak, causing us dissonance in our lives. This fall, it’s time to get back in tune.

GAUGE YOUR FREQUENCY Music is an essential element in healing the human system of frequencies.

We all love music in one form or another. However, most of us are not at all aware of how much the frequency of the music we are listening to changes the vibration of our entire system, especially in terms of dealing with negative beliefs and feelings and their corresponding negative consequences in our lives.

Fabian Maman, a musician and acupuncturist whose book The Role of Music In The 21st Century reflects his 30 years of studies in these areas states, “This research has been continuously guided by my conviction that music, when in resonance with the energetic laws of the universe, can be a powerful force for physical and spiritual evolution.”

Maman is the doctor attributed to discovering the healing modality of placing a tuning fork on an acupuncture point. I have used this technique in my work with great success. Before becoming a healer, Maman traveled all over the world with a quintet playing his own compositions as well as Brazilian music. Over time he began to see that certain types of music did well at certain times of the year. He noticed that a piece successfully played in the spring in Japan would not be as generously received if his group played it in the fall, and vice versa. He became convinced that, as he says, “In order to realize the full musical potential in the concert hall, I needed a resonance among the instruments chosen, the melody, the musical key and the season of the year. They all had to be synergized.”

In the 2,500 year-old healing methodology of acupuncture, it is recognized that the health and wellbeing of the physical body depends entirely upon the health and coherence of the subtle, energetic bodies. Most disease starts here and can be circumvented by dealing with the imbalances in the energetic body preventing it from developing into a problem on the gross physical level.

REALLY RESONATING Resonance is the frequency at which an object most naturally vibrates.

What you resonate with determines all of your thoughts, words and ac-

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tions and whether they are helpful or harmful. As Maman’s audiences experienced, we too are affected energetically by the resonant differences in the seasons. Each element in the Chinese 5 Element Acupuncture System corresponds to a different season. The Fire Element is the summer, the Earth Element is late summer, the Metal Element is autumn, the Water Element is winter, and the Wood Element is spring.

In addition, there are 12 meridians in the five elements of the acupuncture system and each one corresponds to a consonant sound that heals it. For example, the consonant sound that heals the Stomach Meridian is P/B (puh-buh). And in the Ayurvedic Chakra System there is a sound that heals each chakra. For instance, the sound that heals the Heart Chakra is YAM. The Native Americans have always recognized the healing power of sound and chanted specific sounds in their healing rituals. Tribal medicine men typically used a set of vowel sounds. These ancient healing modalities that are still widely used in today’s alternative healing culture have always known of the tremendous healing power of sound vibration.

According to traditional acupuncture, at the change of the seasons it is very easy for the body-mind system to lose its natural balance. During these seasonal transitions, people often find that they lose their optimal energy levels or even become sick; we are much more prone to dis-ease at these times. So it is advisable for us all to get some extra nurturing support during the changing of the seasons.

Massage, acupuncture, Rolfing, hypnosis, Reiki, chiropractic, Resonance Repatterning and many other modalities – techniques that clear out any ‘energetic static’ or congestion – are particularly helpful. As Maman discovered, healing the energetic balance in the subtle body before it reaches an actual physical manifestation is the optimal situation. If you find that this is something that actually resonates with your way of dealing with stress, chanting and toning different sounds at the seasonal transitions will be very helpful in alleviating the possibility of any imbalance.

In addition, chanting and toning with other family members has the ability to entrain the family to one another, known as the Law of Entrainment. This is a natural Universal law that says we entrain to the frequencies of the people around us. This is why spiritual teachers always talk about keeping good company. With the use of music and sound methodology, we are able to create entrainment with one another and with ourselves, and that is a beautiful thing.

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PERFORM

WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL Johnny Mathis, a living legend and eternal crooner reveals his secrets to success and savvy style with our vintage music arbiter Lance Avery Morgan Portrait photography courtesy of Johnny Mathis Vintage photography courtesy of archival sources “I WAS ALWAYS AMAZED THAT PEOPLE LISTENED TO MY music. If you hang in there long enough people will appreciate it. Then, you have to learn to appreciate what you have and share it,” says Johnny Mathis. The legend’s indefatigable energy reflects that from the musical maestro – lyrical, positive and ready to chat about his career. His is a long and successful story, to say the least – he and Barbra Streisand are the longest running vocalists on Columbia Records, as a matter of fact.

Johnny Mathis

The native of Gilmer, Texas (close to Tyler) recently performed in Dallas at the ATT Performing Arts Center and in Austin at The Long Center. “The first time I was in Austin was a long time ago when I was a young man,” Johnny Mathis admits. “It was so beautiful with its rolling hills…and the energy from the university gives its wonderful quality.”

His Dallas show, like Austin’s, was a sellout.

in all kinds of music, I was exposed to plenty,” Mathis avers. “I always enjoyed classical singers and also, Nat King Cole was a special favorite.

He was so pleasant to listen to. In fact, when I started to sing he came to see me and we became pals. He was one of the greatest pianists in the world, you know.”

When I mention that his album, Open Fire, Two Guitars is one of my favorites and that the little known Mathis album reminds me of Cole, he recalls it fondly. “I loved doing that. It was so spur of the moment with how it came about. The guitarists were absolutely marvelous and we did that with Percy Faith.” Faith, a musical direction genius, was known for giving acts the lush, orchestrated accompaniment with which Mathis is still identified.

When fame came knocking at a young age in the 1950s with hits like It’s Not For Me To Say, Chances Are, A Certain Smile, Misty, Gina, and dozens more, Mathis became a fixture on television and nightclubs as he toured the country. With stints on The Perry Como Show, The Andy Williams Show, The Ed Sullivan Show and a plethora more of the era’s TV staples, he helped break the segregated color barrier at the time and represented tremendous potential to African Americans when too few were on mainstream television and having huge hits like he did.

In fact, the effervescently youthful 80-yearsold-this-month Mathis, who is celebrating his 60th year in show business, is much like the title of his 1957 hit, Wonderful, Wonderful. That wonderful career of his has been a nonstop activity of hits and musical acclaim, with a fan base that is legion.

His singing started as a child, and he admits, “My dad was a singer and also my best pal.

One day, when we lived in San Francisco, he came home with a pile of wood – it was a piano that he assembled by himself. He sat down and Johnny Mathis, 2015 played and, of course, I was an avid listener. He was a big asset to my singing since he saw that I was interested… and he saw that I might have my talent.” When I ask who, besides his father, influenced his career, Mathis is ready to reminisce on how music affected his life.

It all started with vocal lessons at 13 to set him on his successful course. ”That was the catalyst for me – I studied at an early age,” he shares.

“Many singers lose their voices and I was able to learn properly and maintain mine. When I meet young people starting out I tell them to learn to really learn how to do that so they’ll protect their voice and have it forever.”

Another influence of his success? There were his ladies, as he calls them. Songstresses Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and Jeri Southern inspired him and when his fame afforded the chance to meet and work with them, he knew he’d really made it. I ask Mathis about the oft-forgotten vocalist June Christy, of the era when he came of age, since I thought he might have an affinity for her. “Are you kidding? We toured together with the HiLo’s. Her voice was so sensual and she was the most charming lady.”

He also counts going to Brazil early in his career, which had an effect on him as the region’s Bossa Nova music was just starting to become the phenomenon it would later be. “It was an eye-popping experience and I fell in love with the people, music, weather and scenery,” he states.

His musical family and surroundings in San Francisco helped, too. “I listened to different singers. With six brothers and sisters who brought

If there is a musical conduit from the past to today, it is Johnny Mathis.

A surprise to most might be that he doesn’t read music (Doris Day and

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Johnny Mathis, Farrah Fawcett and HRH Prince Charles, 1970s

Johnny Mathis perfoming, 1970s

Johnny Mathis, Nashville 2014

many other stars of his era didn’t either), but he has an almost elephantine memory of remembering the lyrics of the thousands of songs he has recorded. He says, “It takes me two to three hours longer to understand it but that’s okay. When I grew up the melody was very important and now it’s the rhythm. There doesn’t seem to be any melody anymore, just words, and I thrive on the melody I understand. We all have preferences.”

Hollywood gossip magazine, 1950s

effort for the audience and wear something I thought was “sharp” and it wasn’t until later on that I became choosy about what I wore on stage.

Naturally, we were expected to look a certain way then.“

When I ask him about his own meteoric rise, he is frank and offers advice for pursuing a musical career, “It has to do with your personality – how malleable you are and how willing you are to utilize your own abilities.

You have to apply yourself as much as you can and concentrate on what you do.” That applies to him being an openly gay man, where he advises that is not a hurdle in a career these days like it was in his era. “Just get on with it. Everybody is interested in anybody who does something well anyway.”

“Then in the 70s, with its ‘anything goes approach’, that was the only real lesson I had,” he goes on to say. “I was singing at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas and I had just received an award by Time magazine and Ron Postal [the celebrity tailor who also dressed the James Bond movies and Steve McQueen] made me an outfit. It turned out to be so uncomfortable while I was singing I stopped the show. I told the audience that if they could be patient I would change clothes upstairs and come back down to sing. It was a matador-type of outfit. Not very me.” Lesson learned, Mathis sang through it like he sang through the 50’s up until the 70’s with a comeback of sorts, and his his voice still resonates vibrantly with audiences today in 2015.

Always known for his keen personal style, I ask Mathis about his approach to dressing both on stage and off, and where his crisp style began. “My mom used to buy me sweaters, and with the multicultural influence in San Francisco when I was young I had a lot of input from people on how to dress,” he replies. “On stage I always thought I should make an

Mounted with an airy precision, Mathis’s albums – a mind-blowing catalog of over one hundred – never flinch from continued excellence and are a testament to his fortitude both personally and professionally.

Johnny Mathis’s singing, as it has been for seven decades now, to quote a hit, is always a lovely way to spend an evening.

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER

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CHERISH

THE PET SET Behind every good Texan woman awaits her most loyal and furry friend, as our chic San Antonio pet setter Suzanne Negley learns

Kourtney Little and Little Lady

KOURTNEY LITTLE & LADY LITTLE, SAN ANTONIO How would you describe your dog's style?

It’s definitely casual-chic. Lady Little is not one to be dressed up in sparkly outfits, yet loves a good blow out.

If your pet had a voice, who would it sound like?

I’d like to think she sounds a little bit raspy and a little Valley Girl-ish, a lot like Zooey Deschanel KRISTEN KILPATRICK & RAINEY, AUSTIN What is your favorite Texas activity together?

Hands down it’s playing fetch at Red Bud Isle Park.

Rainey loves the water and especially to bite at it while swimming. She will do this for hours and then spend the entire next day napping. “Ruff“ life indeed.

Kristen Kilpatrick and Rainey

Does your dog have any irrational fears?

Definitely the vacuum cleaner. Every time I have it out she acts as if it’s a UFO coming to board her onto a spaceship filled with cats.

ALICE JOHNSON & MR. BEAN, HOUSTON What is your four-legged love story?

Funny thing when you ask Santa for the “it” blow dryer and La Mer face cream, but he brings you a puppy instead? Jolly ol’ Saint Nick clearly thought I’d enjoy being a pup’s mother versus having perfectly moisturized skin and smooth hair. He was right.

If your lil' pal was a musician in another life, who would he have been?

He would be Lou Reed for sure. I sense in a past life he took some walks on the wild side.

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Alice Johnson and Mr. Bean

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FIND

THE WAY SHE WORE When there is a request for rarity and luxury, vintage is an obvious conclusion for Austin-based personal shopper Megan Kyle Bennett. Here she leaves no stone, or store, unturned to find that special something for her clients as she shares her favorite insider Manhattanarea vintage clothing sources Considering that Iannacone’s repertoire spans from the 1970s until circa 2000, and includes the likes of Madame Grès, Dior and Vivienne Westwood, it is magical indeed. At Ritualvintage.com 212.966.4142 Katy Kane is an East Coast-operated, online fashion powerhouse. It is truly a find when looking for immaculate, vintage fashion. Owner Kane has an incredible knowledge of vintage couture and ready to wear that surpasses most experts, and it is evident when viewing her vintage collection (which notably includes original Givenchy fashion sketches).

Like a true lover of fashion, she is enthusiastic about each garment’s history and story. She takes a genuine interest in each client’s satisfaction, concerning the fit on the body, plus permitting the luxury to try vintage items on at your leisure, while in the privacy of your own home by shopping online. At Katykane.com 215.862.9091

Ritual vintage boutique, New York

“THERE’S ONLY ONE THING IN LIFE, and that’s the continual renewal of inspiration,” style icon Diana Vreeland once mused. Surely Vreeland would have approved of the proliferation of vintage style that is sweeping red carpets, premieres, ballrooms and private parties these YSL sketch by Megan Kyle Bennett days. In my eternal quest for vintage finds, I’ve found wonderful resources in Texas, yet recently my search has led me to New York’s resources that might change your life, too, like any good dress should.

When pursuing vintage acquisitions for Manhattan boutique, Ritual storeowner Stacy Iannacone searches for pieces that are not only interesting, but also relevant to what’s trending in fashion right now.

Since 2006, the store’s word of mouth reputation has grown into a loyal following of vintage connoisseurs and label lovers alike. The SoHo based store has an impressive roster of fashion’s originators, and their creations from days of yore. However, it is not limited to just designer labels. “Sourcing vintage is a ritual for me. Getting dressed is a personal ritual in curation and individuality. Ultimately the word ritual itself denotes magic, and I do believe coming here is a magical experience.”

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The fashion term vintage typically means 15 to 20 years in age or more.

The Albright Fashion Library is exactly that, just in reverse. Albright is a tangible, visual fashion archive of the past 15 years through today. Rare accessories from Tom Ford, corsets worn by Lady Gaga, and iconic star-defining Versace pieces are just a few jaw-dropping examples in this well-heeled fashion mine. By appointment only through fashion stylists and personal shoppers, items can be rented, and are typically worn by celebrities on the red carpet and for photo shoots. At Albrightnyc.com 212.977.7350 Candace Mohr and Selima Salaun just opened the doors of their new Hudson Street location of their Vintage feather dress, NYC store, Sucre. The store brings together their diCourtesy of Albright Fashion Library verse yet complementary fashion backgrounds and showcases their mutual appreciation for jewelry. Salaun hails from the design legacy of Salima Optique Eyewear, while Mohr comes with a globe-trotting fashion buyer background for the likes of Sex & The City stylist Patricia Field. Together they have created a seamless mix of contemporary and vintage that is very special, including accessories and an exclusive selection of vintage jewelry.

Now vintage enthusiasts can be adorned with jewels and eyewear that compliment the fashion pieces that are already in their wardrobe. At Sucrenyc.com 212.352.1640

PRE-FALL COLLECTION now online

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DESIGN

Edith Head, 1950s

Grace Kelly, Rear Window, 1954, Dress by Edith Head

Stuart Moulton and Susan Claassen as Edith Head Photography by Tim Fuller

HEAD STRONG

Susan Claassenʼs star turn as Hollywood Golden Age designer Edith Head dazzles vintage style fashionistas, as our Lance Avery Morgan learns “THERE WERE BETTER DESIGNERS, BUT NONE WERE BETTER diplomats,” shares Susan Claassen of her alter ego, Hollywood’s Golden Age costume designer Edith Head. Claassen, who recently appeared at Austin Cabaret Theatre in her tour de force, A Conversation With Edith Head is a whirlwind of talent. In fact, the star is a bundle of energy. How could she not be to keep up the breakneck pace needed to mount such a roadshow performance?

Stuart Moulton, Claassen’s show host and founder of Austin Cabaret Theatre, had alluded to her vivacity and shares of her performance of Head by sharing, “She’s strong and independent (yet incredibly vulnerable as well).

Edith Head was the first businesswoman in a (still) male-driven Hollywood and she could play with the big dogs. A lot of people think that this show would have more appeal to women than to men, but it has been so wellreceived by both sexes because everyone can relate to that common struggle to get to the top and stay there. She’s really fascinating.”

It turns out that the play is truly a smart vehicle. Confides Claassen, “Over 85 percent of the play is in Edith Head’s own words.” It turns out the actress

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Joseph Levine, Carroll Baker and Edith Head, Harlow, 1964

Grace Kelly and Edith Head, 1954

spent hundreds of hours poring over Head’s papers, calendars, diaries and mementos at the Margaret Herrick Library at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Library in Los Angeles to research the role. She wanted to get it right… and she does.

The project was first developed years ago when, as Claassen freely admits, she discovered her own likeness to that of Head’s was uncanny and the rest, as they say, is show business history. Then The New York Times came calling. Mountains of press ensued and the packed-house capacity of the show remains a staple on the theatre circuit.

In fact, the resemblance of the two is so striking that even Tippi Hedren, whom Head so beautifully dressed for Hitchcock pictures in the 1960’s, calls Claassen ‘Edith,’ who confesses, “People think I really am her.” She continues, “I’d be 118, of course if that were so, but Edith Head is still relevant since she died relatively recently in 1981 (after dressing Steve Martin’s film noir classic, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid. Plus, Claassen is touched that Head’s own star appeal endures with the fans. “What a privilege,” she avers, “People want to remember a film she designed, who they were with, or a fabulous outfit they recall that still has fond memories.”

The fact that Head is still relevant is an understatement. “She was a remarkable woman and it is a gift to portray her. Listen, you don’t appear on a postage stamp, have an animation and become a Google Doodle (on Head’s birthday) without a lifetime of work to which Edith Head devoted herself,” she states.

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Above left to right: Audrey Hepburn, Roman Holiday Holiday, 1953. Dress by Edith Head. Audrey Hepburn, Sabrina, 1954. Dress by Edith Head. Doris Day sketch, The Man Who Know Too Much, 1955. Dress by Edith Head.

Elizabeth Taylor, A Place in the Sun, 1950. Dress by Edith Head. Kim Novak, Vertigo, 1958. Dress by Edith Head. Patricia Neal Sketch, Hud, 1960. Dress by Edith Head. Grace Kelly. Dress by Edith Head, 1954.

Most of that lifetime of work can still be seen on Turner Classic Movies, Amazon Prime and Netflix, so the legend continues.

When Claassen iss asked what films Head designed that she has the most affinity for, she is quick to admit it is All About Eve, The Lady Eve. Rear Window, and To Catch A Thief (the latter two both starring fashion icon Grace Kelly), She confides, “From the moment Grace Kelly first flips on the light switch in Rear Window the style never stops.” Head herself stated, “I’ve dressed thousands of actors, actresses and animals, but whenever I am asked which star is my personal favorite, I answer, ‘Grace Kelly.’ She is a charming lady, a most gifted actress and, to me, a valued friend.”

HEAD OF THE CLASS Edith Head Tells All. A Few Style Bon Mots…

Many women have asked me if it is possible to have a wellbuilt wardrobe on a limited budget. ʻMoney,ʼ I tell them, ʻis no guarantee of taste, and an overstuffed wardrobe is often as bare as a skeleton when it comes to wearable apparel.ʼ

When I ask her about Head’s theory of fashion design, Claassen muses, “She understood that the purpose of the costume designer is to drive the film’s narrative.” In that driver’s seat from the 1924 until 1981, Head was a woman in a man’s field in a man’s industry.

The other designers at the time she began in the studio system were all men. She took Travis Banton’s place at her home studio Paramount and rivaled the other studios’ design geniuses, most of whom have been forgotten with time like Adrian (MGM), Walter Plunkett (RKO), Charles LeMaire (20th Century Fox), and OrryKelly (Warner Bros). Head’s legend endures though. “You have to remember she was the original brander,” emphasizes Claassen.

“She was everywhere when Hollywood designers did not have that kind of exposure or household name value. With her syndicated newspaper columns, books, dress patterns, and personal appearances…Edith Head became a star in her own right.”

You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.

That star power of Head that Claassen brings so vividly to life yielded 35 Oscar nominations (the Oscars didn’t recognize costume design as a category until well into the golden era of Hollywood, 1949), and Head won eight. Doing the math on that, she was nominated almost every year from her mid-career years onward. In addition to Grace Kelly, Head dressed a Who’s Who in the pantheon of classic stars including Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day, Loretta Young, Kim Novak, Natalie Wood, Elizabeth Taylor, and a plethora more. Her secret to dressing an array of faces and figures and making them feel magical? Head herself is famous for saying, “I always wear beige, black or white. For one thing I look good in them. For another, when I’m beside a star at a fitting and she looks into the mirror, I don’t want to be competing in any other way.”

What a costume designer does is a cross between magic and camouflage. We create the illusion of changing the actors into what they are not.

The inimitable fashion savvy of Head and Claassen are both interwoven like a needle and thread. About personal style, Claassen adheres to Edith Head’s own dictum to “find your own style, Honey, and stick to it.”

Fashion is a language. Some know it, some learn it, some never will - like an instinct.

A designer is only as good as the star who wears her clothes.Your dresses should be tight enough to show youʼre a woman and loose enough to show youʼre a lady.

Even the most beautiful legs - Marlene Dietrichʼs, for instance - look better when the kneecap is covered.

Some people need sequins, others donʼt.

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER

Growing old gracefully used to begin at about 35, but today women prefer to ʻstay young gratefullyʼ with thanks to designers, beauticians and plastic surgeons.

Building a proper wardrobe is like building a home. Indeed, you should think of it like a home, because it is something youʼre going to live in. It must be comfortable and suit all your needs.

Thereʼs no such thing as a standard size movie star, or woman for that matter.

Many faux pas of fashion can be avoided if you curb your instinctive desire to buy things with your heart instead of your head.

I have yet to see one completely unspoiled star, except for Lassie.

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READ

HOW FASHION LIVES Fern Mallis is among the worldʼs most influential fashion mavens. Sheʼs changing the world of fashion once more with her book, Fashion Lives: Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis. Our style-seeker Jonathan Spindel catches up with her as she visits with us in San Antonioʼs Saks Fifth Avenue store Ferm Mallis Courtesy of Getty Images

IF YOU’VE SEEN THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA OR THE September Issue, you probably love getting an insider’s look at the fashion industry. Lately, we’ve had films such as Dior and I and St. Laurent show us the intimate moments and sometimes lurid details of designers’ personal lives. Now, thanks to New York Fashion Week’s Fern Mallis, we have the most intimate access to the some of today’s most influential designers.

It all started when she created a series of interviews, Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis, at New York’s 92nd Street Y. She has hosted some of fashion’s most impactful figures: Tom Ford, Diane Von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs and Bill Cunningham, just to name a few. The series was such a hit that each interview sold out, with audiences raving after each and every one.

“What was interesting to me is to share their stories about who they are as people, and how they started those businesses,” Fern told us in an exclusive interview when we caught up with her. “I’m thrilled to be in San Antonio,” she says, praising Texan hospitality. “I’ve had the warmest most embracing welcome. I look forward to meeting more wonderful people and I look forward to coming back again. Everyone here is very pumped up and it’s very exciting.”

Betsey Johnson Courtesy of WIRLC

She’s candid about the designers with whom she’s spoken. “They all started from nothing, and created million-dollar and billion-dollar businesses. It wasn’t so much about the collections, it was about them as a person, not as a brand or a label.”

Valentino Courtesy of Getty Images

Fern’s interviews begin with questions about the designer’s early life, growing up, and things that they’re very comfortable with. “Things that most journalists don’t ask when they’re interviewing them,” she says.

“It starts in a warm, comfy place.” This casual, comfortable environment encourages designers to open up and be candid, sharing the challenges and triumphs that molded them into the designers they are today.

“It’s very inspiring for people… to get to know these [designers] as human beings,” Fern shared. “You often see their ads, you see their labels, you see their billboards, but you don’t really know who they are.”

Michael Kors and Fern Courtesy of 92nd St. Y

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The most common question Mallis receives from her fans, as you might expect, is which designer she most enjoyed interviewing. “Every single one of them had something special and something unique to share,

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their own journey, their memorable moments,” she muses. “Every one of them was special.”

This is not the first time she has changed the way we look at fashion. In 1993, she led the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) as they overhauled New York Fashion Week. Fashion shows had been happening in New York for decades, but thanks to CFDA, they are now organized in a singular format. The tents of Bryant Park are now an iconic symbol of New York fashion. “It was organizing, centralizing, modernizing the shows that leveled the playing field and created a platform for the American fashion industry in New York to really step up to the plate.” Since the inception of New York Fashion Week, American designers have entered the global fashion scene in the same league as the biggest European fashion houses.

Following New York’s example, fashion week events have popped up all over the world, including regional events in almost every major city in America. “I think that the opportunity has never been greater for emerging designers,” Fern says, “because there are so many different places and platforms for them to set their collections on and start to gain some traction, get some experience and show their work.”

Here in Texas, we have Fashion X Dallas and Fashion X Austin, created

by Matt Swinney, as well as Fashion Houston and recently, San Antonio Fashion Week South Global, which are putting our state firmly on the fashion map. Of course, we can also boast Neiman Marcus, whose headquarters reside in Dallas. Any way you look at it, there’s never been a better time for fashion to flourish. As Mallis says, “There have never been more programs in the industry for discovering and honoring new talent.”

After having done so much for the fashion world, Fern Mallis shows no signs of slowing down. Since founding New York Fashion Week, she has organized countless fashion events, judged designers on Bravo’s Project Runway, and helped found many influential charities.

DEVOTED TO DESIGN Insightful quotes from Fern Mallis interviews with some of the finest design talents “I don’t give advice. But I can share my experience.”

Marc Jacobs “To me, I only work with teams. I mean it’s never ever about me. It’s always about the we.”

Donna Karan “It’s important to take the spirit of the past and put your own stamp on it.”

Tom Ford “I don’t think there is a rule in fashion about how you should chart your course.”

Michael Kors

“Beauty is very important to me in my life. I love beauty and that has always been my religion in life.”

Valentino “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”

Bill Cunningham “When you dress a woman for a wedding, it’s all about them. It’s about channeling who she is.”

Vera Wang “It costs $20,000 a year to look this cheap and trashy.”

Betsey Johnson

“I think the fashion community is one of the most generous ones I’ve ever been associated with,” she confides. “When asked, they always step up to the plate to bring attention and notoriety to a cause.” One of the organizations she helps lead is Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids (DIFFA), which you might know from its DIFFA Dallas event covered in this magazine, which features stunning fashion shows and dazzlingly dapper guests.

Next time you visit New York, try to catch an interview with Mallis.

“The series is still going on,” she says. “I just did Victoria Beckham in New York.” As the interviews continue, there may be another volume of Fashion Lives in the works. In the meantime, you can find her Fashion Lives: Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis in booksellers nationwide. It will make a great gift for any fashion aficionado, or you may want to keep it for your own coffee table.

Marc Jacobs and Fern Mallis Courtesy of 92nd St. Y

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DIFFA Dallas Courtesy of DIFFA Dallas

DIFFA Dallas Courtesy of

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New York Times' Bill Cunningham Courtesy of Getty Images

INSPIRE

MORE THAN ENOUGH

Andra Liemandt is a mom-turned-musician with a powerful message for every woman, as our intrepid chronicler Jonathan Spindel learns Larissa Ness, Andra Liemandt, Jenny Mason, Jennifer Zavaleta, Mandy Prater Photography by Sarah Barlow

IT’S AS UNLIKELY A STORY AS ANY HOLLYWOOD ROCK and roll rise to fame: A mom takes her daughter to piano lessons; the instructor suggests she give music a try, too; she picks up the drums, and before long she’s got a band with radio hits, music videos and touring performances. This is the story of Andra Liemandt and her band, The Mrs. Since it formed last year, they’ve taken the world by storm, releasing hit singles including their viral hit Enough and empowering women with their musical message.

“I wouldn’t say it was the most traditional start,” she admits as she tells the story of the band’s origin of recruiting her best friends to play with her. They started playing cover songs, meeting up for jam sessions after dropping off the kids at school. “What we called it back then was more like a book club, but it was a band club.”

“It became a real passion and a real love for all of us in the band.” The more they practiced, the better they sounded, so they started playing shows around town. At first it was all about having fun – they weren’t setting out to become rock stars. “It was more about an experiment for us to learn and to grow as women,” she says. And grow they did.

They named themselves The Mrs., a wry acknowledgment of the members’ family backgrounds. The band earned a popular a reputation playing to enthusiastic local audiences. Before long, they were on the road and performing with big names in the music industry. “We’d go open up for Jon Bon Jovi in Florida at the House of Blues,” she recalls.

“We would go play other corporate gigs and open up for Maroon 5. You name it, we were doing it.”

The Mrs. had arrived. Andra Liemandt and her band mates achieved success on a path on which they never expected to embark. They began writing original material, which took them on an introspective journey.

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Reflecting on their lives as mothers and wives, they thought about the challenges so many women face: The struggle to find strength, selfconfidence and positivity while taking care of a family. The challenges of professional and family life can lead some women to live with a negative self image. Thus, Enough was born.

It became an anthem that resonates with women of all ages, based on the several million YouTube viewings it has already garnered. “They get to see a glimpse into their own heart,” Leimandt says, “And what it could be to experience their dreams or to liberate themselves in that way.

To know that they’re enough.” That has led to The Mrs.’ project of taking their message I’m Enough to shopping malls across the country as an interactive installation. Participants face a mirror and engage with a personalized message especially meant for her and her current challenges.

Leimandt’s story is truly inspirational, and she feels you can experience that kind of transformation, too. As many of her fans have testified, The Mrs.’ message inspires listeners to find their own path toward empowerment – you don’t need to start your own band – even dedicating time to a hobby, or turning a passion into a small business, can bring enormous self confidence as a woman. It may be daunting to undertake a new project, but Andra Leimandt encourages fans to give it their best shot. “A year ago, I didn’t think that this was possible,” she says. “So my message to women out there is stay true to who you are. If you believe in something enough, go for it.”

Keep an ear out for new songs by The Mrs., including an EP planned for release this fall. “They’re all centered around messages that speak to women, and speak to things that we’re all very passionate about,” she says. “If anything, we just really want to encourage women to empower themselves, to know that they’re enough, and to really embrace who they are.”

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DISCOVER

Accessory Concierge boutique

RAZZLE DAZZLE Accessory Concierge, which made a name for itself as one of the first flash-sale Facebook pages from cofounders Amy Claro and Amy Coffey, has recently opened a retail store on Lovers Lane in the Park Cities. With necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves, and clutches priced under $50, it’s impossible to walk out empty-handed. Can’t find exactly the right thing?

Saunter over to the necklace bar to create a look that suits your individual style. In additional to the sparkly stuff, you’ll also find paper products from Scarlet & Gold. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10 am to 2 pm. Visit Accessory Concierge at 4239 Lovers Lane in Dallas and at Accessoryconcierge.com

HIPSTER HAVENS

Leave it to our style maven Cynthia Smoot to find the coolest, most unique finds and features in Dallas

The Rustic brunch

BREEZY BRUNCH Since it opened in 2013, The Rustic has been one of Dallas’ most popular hotspots for Uptown hipsters. Part concert venue (metal doors roll up on two sides of the stage), part bar and part farm-to-table restaurant, diners can sit inside or al fresco in the “backyard,” among the picnic tables and Adirondack-style chairs while enjoying the scene. We love the recently launched “Jam & Toast” brunch service every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Diners will enjoy dishes like Baby Fried Toast, Smoked Cheddar Grits and Country Baked Eggs served family-style while being serenaded by bluegrass and blues musicians. The menu also includes alcoholic beverage options like the Mariposa Mimosa made with rosé or prosecco, freshsqueezed orange or grapefruit juice, Brazos Valley marmalade and mixed berry preserves and a house-made Bloody Mary made with house-pickled okra, Texas beef straws and Peppadew peppers. Brunch prices are $16.95 per person. At 3656 Howell Street, and Therusticrestaurant.com

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Here and below: Photography by Joseph Haubert

YOU OUGHTA BE IN PICTURES If you are as Instagram obsessed as me, then you need to follow @WhateverYouAre and you will be slack-jawed on a daily basis by his stunning photographs of Dallas cityscape. It was Joseph Haubert’s work in graphic design that steered him into photography and he has been featured on the social networks of the Dallas Morning News, Uber DFW, Visit Fort Worth, Visit Irving, Downtown Fort Worth and others. The Dallas Mayor’s Office used his work for the Best International Skyline competition last year and his work is currently being featured inside the Mosaic Apartments elevators in downtown Dallas. Earlier this year, Haubert won first place in the MOBILE category for the Dallas Morning News Photographer of the Year competition. To learn more about Joseph Haubert, visit josephhaubert.com and follow him on Instagram @ WhateverYouAre.

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Meet John Wheeler.

And say hello to stylish Fall entertaining ideas.

The RK Group of companies is pleased to introduce you to the talents of John Wheeler, our Director of Event Production and Design.

John has some of the most unique ideas for turning your celebrations into the most talked-about occasions.

See how you can include his creativity – and ours - in your fall plans. Call today for inspiration, insight, and the inside scoop on all-things eventful.

210.223.2742 illusionsrentals.com info@therkgroup.com

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER

A TIME TO SAVOR

Food brings us together.

It has the ability to pull us away from our hectic lives and allows us to sit back and savor. Located in Beachtown, a collection of charming coastal villages on the eastern tip of Galveston Island, Porch Café invites guests to relax and unwind in its unmatched elegantly casual atmosphere. It was a treat for me to be able to step out of the office for lunch with a coworker and friend. As designers, we habitually discuss our surroundings, not just the tangible, but the intangible feelings that make a place stand out. Our table was placed just right, against the south side of the west porch, the perfect location to feel the warm coastal breezes and have a view of the water. We talked about the villages of Beachtown over glasses of ginger peach tea, and ordered two entrées to share between the two of us, eager to taste the Coastal New American Cuisine.

From our vantage point on the Porch, it was easy to see people coming up the stairs and relaxing into the spirit of the place; a couple on vacation, a family returning

from the beach, another young professional taking a much needed break in the day. It was an environment that conveyed ease and simplicity from the moment you walked up the stairs until the moment you reluctantly took your leave. From the The Porch Cafe is Located in airy west porch to the bright Beautiful Beachtown private dining room, Porch Café has spaces to suit every mood and tastes to tantalize every palate. Porch Café is perfect for all sorts of gatherings from business meetings and corporate events to bridal brunches and rehearsal dinners. Even if your gathering is just you and someone you love, the wide west porch is open to you. -Ashleigh Walton Location: 1625 East Beach Drive|409.762.0808 |Online at www.porchcafe.com.

beachtown.com | 409.762.2222

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OUR GOAL IS TO BE YOUR BUILDER FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. NIC ABBEY LUXURY HOMES by Lisa Nichols creates unique custom homes for clients who are looking for an experienced builder to help them create a home of superior quality with timeless style, innovative design and unsurpassed value.

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CUSTOM OF THE COUNTRY Dress by Catherine Regehr, $4390, at Julian Gold.

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IDYLL THOUGHTS Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. The heat within fall’s fashion flames is an indisputable glamour reminiscent of decades past that also ignites a sparkling future. Fancy free, frolicsome, and full of life…our ingénue takes the stage around the manor and its grounds to plot her exciting future this winter.

Photography by Mark Oberlin • Styling by Franzy Staedter Makeup: Stephanie Navarro using Skinn Cosmetics Hair: René Maldonado using SachaJuan, Schwarzkopf and extensions by London Model: Caroline, LA Models Sittings Editor: Lance Avery Morgan SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER

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THE PALM COURT Dress by Marchesa, $3995 and coat by Oscar de la Renta, $6990, both at Neiman Marcus. Jewelry by Erica Courtney, price upon request, at Ericacourtney. com, Shoes by Alejandra G, $280, at Alejandrag.com

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THE FULLNESS OF LIFE Dress by Diane von Furstenberg, $1600 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Jewelry by Erica Courtney, price upon request, at Ericacourtney. com. Shoes by Stella Hues, $1200, at Stellahues.com

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Shall We Dine?

Great friends, exquisite cuisine, spirits and perhaps… a dynamic stranger or two.

Itʼs not just another evening when these are combined to create the perfect dinner party as Daniel Cappelloʼs Dinner Diaries book inspires for that ideal night ahead, as our social raconteur Lance Avery Morgan learns Photography courtesy of Assouline Publishing

Jacqueline Kennedy, 1950s © Lowenherz Collection at the Peabody Museum, Baltimore

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1930s dinner party © Bert Morgan

“A

FTER A GOOD DINNER ONE CAN FORGIVE anybody, even one’s own relations,” British wit Oscar Wilde was known to say. Fast forward to now where a good dinner party seems like how civilization carries on with style, quite frankly. Everything and everyone seems so much more, well, civilized, in the midst of a seated scenario, swapping ideas and sharing information that might be rather earth-shaking. Or at least, that’s always the goal when hosting anyway. But how can one entertain more perfectly to create a memorable experience?

DINNER AT EIGHT Daniel Cappello’s Dinner Diaries has the answers. It chicly picks up where the Proust Questionnaire leaves off… revealing the inner entertaining secrets of some of the greatest hostesses I’ve known, including Becca Cason Thrash, Amy Fine Collins, Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti, Tatiana Boncompagni Hoover and other fashion and style leaders who are the bright lights and bold names that make this world more interesting. Want to know about their preferred seating arrangements? It’s here. Best topics of conversation?

Check. And that’s just the beginning. “To host a successful and memorable dinner party, be as gracious as you know how, present the best you have to offer, and remember that, as host, you set the tone for the evening in your every manner and approach,” Daniel Cappello is quick to note. And it’s true.

We’ve all attended (or hosted) dinner parties that were either ho-hum, less than lackluster or even, hold-onto-your-hat great, without knowing better. Never again thanks to this tome. Serving

Author Daniel Cappello © Julie Skarratt

in Bill Clinton’s administration as director of specialty press, as well as working on the staffs of top publications, Cappello’s insight is unparalleled and honest throughout the book that began with a guest misstep at one of his own dinner parties. He pondered, Do enough people even have dinner parties anymore? Is the art of the dinner party dead? Have good manners and etiquette become antiquated? We’ve all asked ourselves these questions.

“It didn’t occur to me to do a book about entertaining until I happened to be hosting a dinner party one night where one of the guests—who is himself a generous and fun host—decided we ought to change up the music because he didn’t love the vibe I had chosen for the night,” confides Cappello. He goes on to say, “This guest started looking for where my iPod was docked so he could put on a playlist of his own, and I was appalled. I couldn’t believe someone would dare to criticize a host’s choice on anything, let alone act on it. Part of the joy of a dinner party, for me, at least, is to relish someone else’s style of entertaining for an evening. I’ve often been inspired to do something I’d never have done before just by observing other hosts and hostesses.”

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU Cappello’s social network is wide and varied. “It wasn’t easy choosing whom to ask to contribute,” he muses. “I feel fortunate to know so many wonderful hostesses, so narrowing it down became quite a challenge. He enlisted the help of Houstonian philanthropist Becca Cason Thrash, whose grand parties are legendary. She shared with

Centerpiece from the table of Patricia Herrera Lansing

Becca Cason Thrash's table, Houston © Jenny Antill

me her own advice that complements what Cappello included in Dinner Diaries. Her advice is succinct about hosting a successful party.

She told me from Switzerland, “The simple answer is the guest list.

Make it diverse. Mix it up. Don’t invite bores.” Socialite author Tatiana Boncompagni Hoover (Social Death, Hedgefund Wives, Gilding Lily) shared her own advice with me as well, “The best dinner parties are the ones that feel the most intimate and effortless—even if the food, decor and setting are not. I like to keep things light and fun no matter the occasion. For a formal dinner, a funny (but heartfelt) toast at the start of the meal can set the right tone. For something more casual, it’s all about the music, lighting and putting your guests to work. Nothing creates a team atmosphere faster than letting your guests help. Just make sure you give them easy, enjoyable tasks like lighting candles or pouring drinks. Of course, on that note, serving a delicious cocktail helps, too, and for obvious reasons.”

fitting into her ballroom]. I also read formal etiquette books from the 1920s to today, then came up with a final list of questions for the questionnaire.”

To anyone who knows Daniel Cappello the origins of the book came naturally to him. “I spent some time remembering and writing about my parents’ dinner parties from when I was growing up,” he says. “And then I dug into several entertaining archives—including society collections in New York, where I found so many wonderful invitations and response cards and ephemera of old-school etiquette, along with some fabulous reminders from the ultimate entertainer—the the Mrs. Astor, who famously hosted her “400” dinners [the 400 Manhattanites who she deemed were worthy of

PEOPLE, PLEASE Amy Fine Collins, author and special contributor for Vanity Fair was laser-focused on the fact that it’s all about the guests when she entertains. She tells me, “I particularly like mixing ages and generations.

By the end of dinner, someone should have at least a mild crush on someone else, even if it goes no further than that.” When Cappello was choosing his contributors of hostesses, he was excited about the caliber of entertainers. “Each of the people I asked has unfailing style in the way he or she entertains, so I knew we couldn’t go

Some of the questions that the celebrity contributors couldn’t resist answering in their own inimitable style? What’s your dream menu?

Seating arrangement: the classic alternating genders, or rules be damned? Your favorite hostess gift to give? What is the number one rule every good host or hostess must remember? What’s the perfect number of guests? The place setting: American style, European Style or your own style?

Your dream menu includes...? What’s the most memorable centerpiece you’ve seen or used yourself ? What was the greatest dinner party you ever threw? No dinner party should be complete without… The list of insight from the notable’s questions is abundant, full of wit and ready to apply to your own hosting opportunities.

Cornelia Guest © Harry Benson

Vintage tablesetting © Amoret Tanner Collection/ The Art Achive at Art Resources

wrong,” he reflects. “Then I had to convince each of them to share some personal mementos from their private dinner parties, and I wanted to be respectful of privacy, but I also wanted readers to see just how special some of them are in the way they entertain.”

The efforts paid off with an insider’s look at high level party throwing, especially with the food that hosts chose to serve. New York social swell and founder of Voyager Spirit Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti, featured in the book, is well-known for serving her favorite pasta that she has mastered. She was candid when I asked her to reveal her own favorite hostess elements. “Mix the people, light the candles, play good music, create your own signature cocktail and serve 12 flavors of ice cream for dessert (in silver cups, of course), and invite a surprise and unexpected guest.”

So important is dessert to Jeanbart-Lorenzotti that she embraces the childlike feelings of what ice cream represents and besides an array of choices of it, she offers a dozen more toppings, stating that we all want to be happy around each other and our epicurean favorites.

“There is a fundamentally human instinct to want to bring people together over food,” Cappello declares. “It sounds clichéd now, but our lives really are becoming less and less personal. We don’t see enough of one another, we don’t talk on the phone, we don’t even email much anymore—instead we send snippets by text or keep up on the lives of

Tablescaping by Cynthia Rowley © Cynthia Rowley

our friends via Facebook or Instagram. So having a dinner party is a very special thing. It brings us together, it forces us to forget whatever else is going on in our lives for a few hours, it reminds us of why we’re friends with the friends we have—and it might even introduce us to new friends, new connections, new adventures, and maybe even a date or future husband or wife.

WHO’S WHO To some, the devil is in the details. According to Cappello, “I love the fine details, down to what kind of place cards or what type of salt and pepper shakers are used. I think sometimes place cards really help, especially for large groups, but I also like to do a seating chart ahead of time and then direct guests to their seats as we’re moving over to the dinner table. It gives me a chance to “check in” with every guest again—or for the first time, in case they’ve come late during cocktails and I was in the kitchen or talking with someone else.”

There’s an age-old European custom of not seating couples together that falls in and out of favor, on which Cappello holds firm beliefs.

“I’m definitely one not to seat couples together who’ve arrived together. I think it can bring each of them out of their shell a little more and be free to chat with new people, maybe in a way they wouldn’t have if their significant other happened to be leaning over the table listening within earshot. We sometimes have a tendency to

Cynthia Rowley entertains

Tablescaping by Cornelia Guest © Harry Benson

categorize people, too—he’s shy, she’s self-centered and talks about nothing but herself, and so forth—but you’d be amazed how someone can come out of his shell or suddenly become a good and sympathetic listener the second you split them from their other half. It’s also only a few hours out of one night, and if you’re spending your life with someone, a few hours apart from him or her at the same dinner table isn’t such a big deal.”

He goes on to say, “But I do have friends who really cannot be separated. I know that their comfort zone is in staying together, and I know that I wouldn’t be able to get them back to a dinner if I ever split them, so I’ll keep them together. I don’t like to, but if they’ll be better guests for it, then it’s worth it.” There’s also the custom of the gentlemen at the table switching seats at dessert to share a sweet treat with a new companion, which is always a favorite.

Candles lit, dinner served, and fête accomplished, one can always send a gift the next day or bring one at the beginning of the evening for the host. Cappello feels that, “For giving host gifts, I think the key is to consider your host’s tastes, and to pick something accordingly.

For some, it might be a signature scented candle (I personally love Diptyque’s woody, mossy Chêne candle), or a beautiful set of monogrammed napkins. For others, it might be a box of the rose-shaped soaps you see in their guest bathroom at every dinner party of theirs.

I once stumbled upon the most stunning and unique Uranium-yellow 1920s French aperitif glasses that immediately reminded me of the yellow glass in my friends’ dining room chandelier. I had to buy

them and pack them away for the next time I was invited as a guest of theirs.”

“Another respectable gift is a handsome coffee-table book, or an outof-print book on a subject that’s near and dear to your host’s heart. I sometimes find these rare books in antique shops or home stores and pick them if they remind me of someone, then give it as a hostess gift later. Lately my go-to hostess gift has been a copy of Dinner Diaries,” Cappelllo is quick to add and I agree wholeheartedly. “In the end, it’s not about the gift but about the gesture, which is what makes a handwritten note—sent the day after—the greatest hostess gift of all. It offers a chance to recall a funny moment from the night before or to single out some special detail about the dinner that stood out in your mind,” he shares emphatically. “It’s personal, it’s thoughtful, and it’s a memory of the evening that lasts longer than any bottle of wine or Champagne you could offer.” Though champagne is always appropriate, according to Cappello (and as Becca Cason Thrash points out in the book, “We can never have enough bubbly”).

“There’s no greater feeling than gathering some of your favorite people and hosting them for the night,” Cappello acknowledges throughout his soon-to-be classic book. “Giving is the gift, as they say, and nothing is better than cleaning up—yes, cleaning up, even— and seeing the traces of a good time that was had by all.”

Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

Photo courtesy of Atlantis

Jackson Hole, WY Photo courtesy of Wyoming Travel & Tourism

Marfa’s Prada art installation

LET'S GET AWAY FROM IT ALL Our visionary travelers Erin Busbee, Rebecca Rooney and Jonathan Spindel are hopping to exotic terrains to bring you insider information on the best of what we love in the Bahamas, Jackson Hole and Marfa. Pack a bag and follow their quixotic path to glamorous retreats, wonĘźt you?

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PARADISE FOUND The Cove Atlantis is where our globejaunting styleseeker Erin Busbee whisks us away to share the island retreatʼs insider secrets

LIKE ANOTHER WORLD Upon arrival at The Cove Atlantis, it feels more like the Far East than the Bahamas. The minimalist design of the open-air lobby, designed by architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell, seamlessly integrates with nature, bringing in the sights and sounds of the tropical island. The ambiance creates that euphoric getaway feeling that we all crave.

You will quickly discover that “The Cove” is a serene, sophisticated alternative to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the resort area on Paradise Island.

Appropriately named, The Cove boasts clear blue,

Cain at the Cove, Atlantis

calm water; pristine, white-sand beaches; and lush tropical plants and trees throughout the carefully manicured grounds.

The Cove is the larger resort by the multiple awardwinning hotel brand Atlantis. Here, architecture melds with nature in the breezeway, a series of interlocking walkways in and around the hotel that allow guests unlimited access to the sounds, scents, and vistas of the surf and sand. The journey begins with regal 35-foot-tall limestone columns, which anchor the temple-like lobby and its 25-foot-long woven copper pendants that set the tone of the resort’s glam factor.

Appropriately named, The Cove boasts clear blue, calm water; pristine, white-sand beaches; and lush tropical plants and trees throughout the carefully manicured grounds.

After a quick check-in, I ascended one of two Cove towers, where I would be staying the next three nights. My loft-like, 670 square foot, “Deluxe Ocean Suite” was a rare combination of spaciousness and high-end finishes, and I was immediately struck by the spectacular view.

I raced to the French balcony to get a closer look. Miles of crescentshaped, white sand beaches stretched before my eyes, with water so vibrant, so beautiful, in varying shades of brilliant blue and green, it looked like a postcard. I heard the faint sounds of waves rolling in along the shore that seemed simply magical. The suite’s huge bedroom area with two king beds, a sunken living area with modern furnishings, a luxurious bathroom with two separate vanities, and even a walk-in closet (a wonderful touch… especially for those of us who like clothes) was ideal.

GO AQUAUTIC? ABSOLUTELY Among the exclusive benefits of staying at The Cove is the access to all of the amenities on the island. Yet guests of other hotels are not allowed at The Cove, ensuring you easily get an unexpectedly private cushioned chair by the pool or beach. Getting a good seat is the type of thing I would normally worry about, but at The Cove, I could secure a prime spot at a peak time like noon with no problem. Helpful staffers

just waiting to answer questions, or to bring you a fruity drink, were always nearby. In addition to the beach, The Cove has several pools to choose from, including two family-friendly options for those traveling with little ones.

More South Beach than Bahamas, the “Cain at the Cove” pool is complete with luxurious cabana rentals, daybeds and a live DJ. Perfect for people watching. You can take in the lively scene while the kids are having a blast at the Aquaventure water park.

Just steps from The Cove, the Aquaventure water park is complimentary with your stay. The massive, 141-acre water park has Atlantis-themed towers, high-speed water slides, a mile-long river ride with rapids and wave surges, and 20 swimming areas, including one with a giant playground for the kiddos. It may sound like the type of park geared mostly for youngsters, but we adults thoroughly enjoyed the rapid river, which was so thrilling that we rode it for almost two hours.

Another awesome adventure, The Dolphin Cay, is all about being able to hug and kiss a dolphin during a “Shallow Water Interaction.”

This experience allows guests to get nose to nose with these amazing

mammals. After putting on your wetsuit, the trainer goes through the proverbial ‘do’s and don’ts’ before leading you into the lagoon (about waist deep) where the shallow section meets the deep water drop-off.

During our interaction, we got a much better sense of the massive size and strength of these wonderful creatures. We were able to touch their skin, tail and nose.

We learned more about the dolphins’ distinct personalities. It turns out they are quite similar to us, as evidenced by our dolphin’s impromptu ‘break’ based on her emotions, according to our trainer. I also discovered that many of Atlantis’ captive dolphins were rescued in the wild after Hurricane Katrina. You can take dolphin interaction to another level and try a “deep water swim,” or learn more about their intelligence and talents and shadow a “trainer for a day” to really dive into a dolphin’s fascinating world. In addition to dolphins, you can see an array of other sea creatures. Atlantis has the largest openair marine habitat in the world, with over 50,000 marine animals, including sharks, eels, turtles, stingrays, and every other fish you can imagine.

AMENITIES GALORE If you want to try your hand at gambling, head to the creatively designed, world-class casino, which actually has windows. Rare for a casino, I know. Just insert your room key into a slot machine or present it at any table to start earning points towards promotional giveaways. There are 75 gaming tables including poker, craps and blackjack, and hundreds of slot machines to make you spin with excitement. You can even take a complementary gaming lesson.

Want to explore the diversity of dining options? There are 21 different restaurants, including everything from Southwestern to Bahamian, even gourmet Japanese cuisine. For a more gourmet dining experience, make a reservation for renowned chef Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, or eat some of the world’s best sushi at Nobu. Any meal is a sumptuous one at Atlantis.

If you are looking for countless amenities at a peaceful, beautiful, luxurious resort, with fantastic food, amid a unique Disney-esque adventure the whole family can enjoy, The Cove Atlantis is a must! For more information about The Cove Atlantis and Paradise Island, visit AtlantisBahamas.com

HIGH LIFE When in doubt, go high… to the tall mountains of irresistible Jackson Hole. Our jet-setting correspondent Rebecca Rooney shares the perfect weekend there, offering an unprecedented view to inspire your visit

The Grand Tetons by Carl Gleason

Mention Jackson Hole, Wyoming and chances are various images come to mind. For some, it’s a nostalgic idea of cowboys roaming a grassy valley amidst a backdrop of abundant wildlife. For others, Jackson is a chic resort town nestled in the majestic snow-capped Teton Valley. And as many who have visited might agree, Jackson Hole is a unique mountain getaway that is as wild as it is sophisticated.

Since French fur trappers discovered this valley in the early 19th century, the stunning alpine beauty of the Jackson Hole valley has inspired travelers, explorers and artists alike. Breathtaking in any season, Jackson Hole can be particularly attractive in the fall, especially for the crisp daytime weather and cool mornings and evenings.

FRIDAY, 4 P.M. Upon arrival, get acquainted with the town of Jackson and its iconic elk-antlered archways leading to the town square. While the Wild West cowboy town of yesteryear might now be a footnote, the valley’s western culture is still present with a

sophisticated spin. The myriad art galleries around town, including contemporary, western and wildlife art, are evidence of this growth of culture in Jackson.

A few blocks off the square is the Tayloe Piggott Gallery, a contemporary art and fine jewelry gallery that is both visually exciting and alluring.

Piggott and her team are passionate about bringing exceptional and captivating work to their clients through an annual calendar of diverse and rigorously curated exhibitions.

The gallery has an emphasis on contemporary artists that tell a story of our age through their love of material process, whether it is painting, sculpture, or fine jewelry. Artists exhibiting this fall include James Castle and Nicola Hicks who have both exhibited extensively in museums and galleries worldwide. Also showcased throughout the year are ten exceptional jewelry artists, including Nicholas Varney, Gurhan, and Monique Péan, who travel the world to source the most valuable gems, weaving together a picture of modern luxury and timeless style. Tayloepiggottgallery.com

Anum Cara by Kathryn Mapes Turner

Antler archway

Amangani Hotel, Jackson Hole

5:30 P.M. Check into the Amangani hotel, one of the two Aman resorts in North America. Known for its superior service and exclusivity, the name Amangani means “Peaceful Home,” a fitting description of its special location and understated luxury.

SATURDAY, 7:30 A.M. Breakfast at Nora’s Fish Creek Inn in nearby Wilson. Favorite to both locals and guests alike, this casual breakfast tradition belies its fame: Nora’s won the 2012 James Beard Foundation Award in the “American Classic” category, and more recently was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for its legendary green chili huevos rancheros and pancakes Thankfully such acclaim for Nora’s original recipes has not compromised the quality, which the line out the door shows. Arrive early. Norasfishcreekinn.com

6:00 P.M. Pre-dinner cocktails on the Amangani terrace. Enjoy the evening sunset with a cocktail-with-a-view over the terrace at the Amangani, whose 2,135 meter elevation overlook captures the scene of verdant pastures of the Snake River Valley, buttes and the Grand Teton in the distance.

Or, if it’s an overcast evening, get cozy inside in the great room at a small table with your own private fireplace. Amanresorts.com 7:30 P.M. Dinner at the Wild Sage. This intimate restaurant is located in the Rusty Parrot, a small boutique hotel in town. The Wild Sage is the only AAA Four Diamond award winner in Jackson. With only eight tables and a roaring fire as the restaurant’s centerpiece, the log cabininspired ambiance offers a cozy and gourmet dining experience.

Entrees include game delicacies such as Bison Rib Eye, Tea-Smoked Elk Short Loin and Quail Cassoulet that all pair nicely with the restaurant’s extensive international wine list. Rustyparrot.com

10:30 A.M. Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. Head into the Grand Teton National Park for fresh air and a hike in the eponymous preserve. Here you will experience a unique landscape of more than 1,000 acres of parkland that was once the private Rockefeller family retreat called JY Ranch. In 2001, Rockefeller donated the final parcel to the park as a way for visitors to experience the beauty of the Tetons by walking through trails of wild sage and running streams along the trail up to Phelps Lake.

After the hike, take time to tour the modern and sustainable architecture and of the Rockefeller Preserve Visitor’s Center. The unique exhibit includes innovative interpretive displays of the native plants and wildlife,

As many who have visited might agree, Jackson Hole is a unique mountain getaway that is as wild as it is sophisticated.

The Grand Tetons. Courtesy of Wyoming Travel and Tourism

The Tayloe Piggott Gallery

Quenched by Kathryn Mapes Turner

all presented in the building’s special ambiance and seamless design.

Located four miles south of Moose on the Moose-Wilson road. Nps.gov

Kathryn Mapes Turner viewing Cathedral with a client

dinner here. This newcomer on the town square is Jackson’s take on the modern steakhouse with locally sourced products and a seasonally inspired menu. The owner-operators have successfully brought the in-house butchery to Jackson with dry-aged steaks and house-made sausages. Yet the menu isn’t limited to entrees in the range variety. The sautéed Idaho trout is “off the hook” and some attest it’s the freshest and best in the valley, and the oysters sourced from both east and west coast are sublime. Localjh.com

4:00 P.M. Trio Fine Art Gallery.. After the Rockefeller Preserve, come back to town to relax and explore the local scenery again – but this time in fine art form – at this gallery. Here you will experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Jackson Hole valley and the Grand Teton National 9:00 P.M. Park through the eyes of nationally acAfter dinner, walk next door for a game of pool or claimed local artists Kathryn Mapes Turnsaddle up to the bar, literally, at the Million Dollar er, Bill Sawczuk and Jennifer L. Hoffman.

Cowboy Bar.. The kitschy cowboy décor expands The Trio Fine Art gallery is special bebeyond the saddle bar stools: legend has it that the cause all three artists and their art subjects bar’s stuffed grizzly was wrestled to the ground are Jackson-based. Inspired by the valley’s barehanded by the famous hunting guide C. Dale stunning wildscapes, the artists spend much Petersen. Take a western swing or twotime in the natural surroundings of Jackson step spin on the dance floor to the live Hole to capture the beauty and wildlife in entertainment of the evening: a proper fine art form. Kathryn Mapes Turner was send off from Wyoming back to Texas – born inside Grand Teton National Park one legendary cowboy state to another. and was raised in Jackson Hole. She and Milliondollarcowboybar.com the other artists at the gallery spend all year Tayloe Piggot Fine Jewelry. Gurhan Bangles and Rings studying, learning and noticing the nuances SUNDAY, 10 A.M. of the landscape, which is evidenced in their representational style of After you arrive back home after your Jackson Hole adventure, it won’t painting. Triofineart.com be long before you start making plans for a return visit to this paradise.

The beautiful harmony of wilderness and sophistication make for 7:00 P.M. a perfect vacation destination. Whether you bring the whole family Dinner at Local. Apropos to a day of viewing the original oils and or make it a romantic rendezvous, you’ll never forget your time in watercolors of the Trio Gallery artists is to follow with a gourmet Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The sculptor Donald Judd arrived in 1971, laying the foundation of the region’s fabled contemporary art scene. Since then, this desert rose has blossomed into an artistic community with globally recognized appeal. Yet even before Judd, Marfa has been a center of forward-thinking culture for the jet set in the know. Before Beyoncé took her selfie in front of the (mock) Prada Marfa store, James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor inspired whispers of gossip during their stay at the Hotel El Paisano while filming Giant in 1955, as you saw recently in this magazine.

Some visitors live for the fervor of the art festivals, others seek the solitude of the desert and its expansive starlit skies. In any case, let us introduce you to Marfa with our essential guide to the cultural oasis in the desert.

SPECTATE The Chinati Foundation is Marfa’s fundamental art museum, based upon the ideas of its founder, Donald Judd. The foundation hosts Chinati Weekend, the ultimate occasion to see and be seen. The annual weekend festival (this year, October 9-11) draws thousands of coolseekers for three days of art shows, parties, dining and shopping. It’s the most exciting time to discover Marfa.

Hotel El Paisano

Hours away from any major city, in the middle of the West Texas desert, there is a mecca for adventurous seekers on the quest for something transcendental. Our intrepid traveler Jonathan Spindel unveils the magic of Marfa

MARFA: MYSTERIOUS & MARVELOUS Hang out at a local café and you’re bound hear chatter about art shows in New York and L.A. Then step out into the bright morning, and you might see a tumbleweed rasping along the road, past a Prius and a rusty pickup truck, and into the expansive desert whence it came.

Marfa; a town whose name is on the lips of art collectors around the world, whose population hovers near 2,000 and has just one traffic light. Some call it a paradox; others call it paradise. See for yourself.

In its current form, The Chinati Foundation is a monumental chronicle of Donald Judd’s artistic experiment with permanent installations in the 1970s. Enter the former military hangars, which have been converted to permanent galleries. Wander through the rows of seemingly identical aluminum boxes. Don’t just look at the boxes, look through them. See the way the light streams through the hangar windows and reflects on the metal surfaces.

Can you see your own reflection? Look out the window at the giant concrete shapes that punctuate the landscape. Go outside and walk among them, see the way the rectangles frame a picture of the desert: stoic cacti and a one-lane highway, the infinite blue sky stretching toward the horizon. Stand inside the monuments and hear the echoes of your breath, your thoughts.

Touch the cold, smooth concrete. Watch out for spiny cacti, scorpions and rattlesnakes.

Savor the juxtaposition of the stark, industrial forms with the rough, indifferent natural terrain. The art is inextricable from its landscape. This is Judd’s achievement: art and

McDonald Observatory star party Art installation by Donald Judd

Cibolo Creek Ranch Ballroom Marfa

landscape are a harmonious singularity. This principle applies to the phenomenon of Marfa, in general. Learn more at Chinati.org.

Marfa boasts enough art spaces to feast your eyes for days, but don’t miss these other essential galleries: The Judd Foundation, where you can learn about the namesake artist’s life and work, resides in the building where the artist once lived. JuddFoundation.org. The Ayn Foundation Marfa, a branch of the New York Ayn Foundation gallery, features large scale paintings by Andy Warhol and Maria Zerres.

AynFoundation.com. The Ballroom Marfa is one of Marfa’s most innovative art centers, featuring visual art, music, performances, and educational programs. Don’t miss their exciting celebrations during Chinati Weekend. BallroomMarfa.org.

STAY El Paisano is the quintessential Texas hotel, with luxurious details and style in spades. In the style of a Spanish villa, this hotel’s beautiful courtyards and classic Texas-style interiors will make you feel like a silver screen legend. In fact, this is the hotel where Dean, Taylor, and Hudson stayed during the filming of Giant, the cinematic homage to the West Texas oil boom tycoons. Stay here and you’ll be in good company.

From the creative hotelier Liz Lambert who brought us Hotel San Jose in Austin and Hotel Havana in San Antonio, El Cosmico is the among the most unique hotel experiences you’ll ever find. You may never have considered a vintage trailer luxurious, but these glampingstyle Airstreams – with names like “Imperial Mansion” and “Spartan Manor” – will make you think differently.

You can’t go wrong with the Thunderbird Hotel, a classic style Texan motel with special attention to every detail. You’ll feel like a true Texas traveler, and you’ll have all the essential amenities you’ll need. At ThundbirdMarfa.com

Chinati Foundation interior

SAVOR Start your day at Buns and Roses for breakfast, pastries and coffee.

After you fill up on local news and Marfa vibes, you will be ready to head out and begin your artistic adventure.

If you need a quick and cool option for a mid-day meal, try Food Shark, a popular food truck and restaurant with healthy, wholesome and hip cuisine. This eating establishment is a local mainstay, popular with locals and visitors alike. A crossroads for all types, Food Shark has something for everyone, all in an art-infused atmosphere.

For a special dining experience, don’t miss Cochineal, Marfa’s epitome of elevated epicures. Sip a craft cocktail in the outdoor courtyard, then enjoy a menu of refined cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients and local traditions. Make your reservation early and prepare to be surprised with something special and delicious. For the see and be seen hot spot, Maiya’s is the place to be with its revolving wine list and gourmet fare perfect for any palate.

SHOP Seek Tienda M M, as much an art gallery as a shop, with the perfect vibe for a chic boutique. The open, sunlit showroom showcases clothing, home décor and accessories. The store is exudes style in beautiful shades of indigo and cream; with leather, artisan ceramics and accessories displayed next to rustic linens and décor – totally contemporary chic.

At Highland Ave. & San Antonio St. Looking for a bold fashion piece? Cobra Rock Boot Company makes custom boots inspired by western style and crafted with utmost attention to detail. The result is a chic and polished boot that looks as good strutting into an art gallery as it does in a rustic Texas barbecue. At CobraRock.com Moonlight Gemstones has a bohemian vibe and crystals galore.

Specializing in local stones, like turquoise the color of the broad Texas

Marfa courthouse

The Well

Maiya’s Restaurant, courtesy of Trip Advisor

Judd Foundation

sky, and minerals in vivid shades of blue, green and orange from as far as Morocco. A great place to pick up memorable souvenirs, or splurge on an extravagant piece for yourself. At MoonlightGemstones.com

and remote vacation getaway. Admire the local wildlife, marvel at the Native American rock art, or go on a hunt. In the evening, indulge in exquisite Texan cuisine, relax and marvel at the sparkling night sky.

If you are looking for something to tickle the intellect, Marfa Book Company is the place for you. It’s the city’s gathering place for the region’s hipsters- and well-read denizens. The bookstore also doubles as an art gallery, which hosts events from time to time. This is a great, current version of a general store to bump into a localebrity while sipping a cold beer and reading poetry. Lose yourself in the stacks of books, a well-curated cross section of literary culture. At MarfaBookCo. com

TRANSCEND Tucked into the landscape of the high Trans-Pecos desert, Marfa can feel like another planet. And it’s not without its out-of-this-world activities. Any visitor to Marfa will hear about the Marfa Lights, a mysterious phenomenon you can experience from a special viewing platform. Ask a local for more information.

RELAX Chinati Hot Springs, the oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert, offers a therapeutic retreat from the hustle and bustle. You can book a private cabin in the area, with views of the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico and the Chinati mountains of Texas. Before you embark on this intrepid retreat, you should know that this area has no cell phone service, no internet access, and none of the other things that complicate life. In fact, that applies to most of the Marfa region. So for those who seek true seclusion in a strikingly beautiful location, this is the spot for you. At ChinatiHotSprings.net If you seek a bit of healthful harmony, visit The Well. This holistic wellness center in the heart of Marfa offers an airy, peaceful place of respite filled with natural light and quiet serenity. Therapeutic massage, yoga classes, haircuts, and meditation sessions are just a few of the experiences you can enjoy at The Well. The gift shop, Naluna, features fine wines, exotic imports from the Far East, and locally made herbal body care products. At TheWellMarfa.com For a polished take on rustic traditions, Cibolo Creek Ranch remains one of the finest Texas ranch resorts in West Texas, offering a peaceful

The McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, a short drive from Marfa, offers a more scientific – yet no less stunning – approach to the dazzling desert sky. Visit the observatory for a “Star Party,” where you can view far-off planets and nebulae through high-power telescopes.

Even with the naked eye, you can see the Milky Way and shooting stars like you’ve never witnessed them before. At McDonaldObservatory.org Looking for a refreshing break from the artsy activities? A short drive away from Marfa, the springs at Balmorhea State Park are a great place to jump in and cool off. You’ll love lazing about the park that surrounds the beautiful spring-fed pool with a natural bottom. You can even book a SCUBA training lesson if you’re so inclined. If you’ve never tried SCUBA, it’s an experience not-to-be-missed, but that’s another story. Learn more at Texas Parks & Wildlife, tpwd.texas.gov Of course, in addition to everything we recommend, Marfa is the kind of place where restaurants, events and boutiques pop up like flowers on a dewy desert morning. Take a casual stroll down the town streets; you may just find a little treasure where you least expect it. Surprises like this are worth seeking out, and the seeking is precisely part of Marfa’s charm. Take an adventure down the road less traveled; you never know what kind of wonders you may discover and you’ll never regret the time spent experiencing this dynamic outpost.

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KEY to the CURE Get the shirt.

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Join Saks Fifth Avenue in the fight against cancer. Get the shirt, designed d by Jason Wu, available exclusively at Saks this October. Then shop Thursday to Sunday, October 15 to 18, when Saks will donate 2% of sales to local and national cancer charities.* Special thanks to Julianne Moore, the 2015 Ambassador for the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Stand Up To Cancer and Saks Fifth Avenue’s Key To The Cure

*THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 TO 18, 2% OF PARTICIPATING VENDOR NET SALES AND PARTICIPATING VENDOR FLAT DONATIONS FROM SAKS FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK AND BEVERLY HILLS, AND SAKS.COM UP TO A TOTAL OF $500,000 WILL BE DONATED TO OUR NATIONAL BENEFICIARY, THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION (EIF) AND ITS PROGRAM STAND UP TO CANCER (SU2C). ADDITIONALLY, FROM OCTOBER 1 TO OCTOBER 31, 100% OF THE KEY TO THE CURE T-SHIRT SALES FROM THESE LOCATIONS AND SAKSOFF5TH.COM WILL BE DONATED TO EIF/SU2C. FOR ALL OTHER SAKS FIFTH AVENUE LOCATIONS, AN ALLOCATED AMOUNT BASED ON STORE’S WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF TOTAL SALES COLLECTED FROM 2% OF PARTICIPATING VENDOR NET SALES AND PARTICIPATING VENDOR FLAT DONATIONS FROM THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 TO 18, ALONG WITH 100% OF THE KEY TO THE CURE T-SHIRT SALES WILL BE DONATED TO EACH STORE’S DESIGNATED CHARITY PARTICIPATING IN THE KEY TO THE CURE CAMPAIGN.

The Palm is Celebrating it’s 15th Year of Serving Prime Steaks in San Antonio!

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ARRANGE AUSTIN September 10 8th Annual Words of Hope Dinner Caritas of Austin caritasofaustin.org September 10 Red Dot Art Spree Women & Their Work womenandtheirwork.org September 18 Fête & fête*ish Ballet Austin fete.balletaustin.org September 21 Food for Thought Signature Tasting Event Communities In Schools of Central Texas ciscentraltexas.org September 23 Blade Relighting + Patty Griffin Concert Paramount Theatre austintheatre.org September 24 Signature Chefs Gala March of Dimes marchofdimes.org September 25 Imaginarium 2015 Thinkery thinkeryaustin.org/ imaginarium September 26 Austin Opera’s Season Opening Gala Concert austinopera.org

October 17 PlayBingo Ladies Luncheon Center for Child Protection centerforchildprotection.org October 23 – 25 Formula 1™ US Grand Prix circuitoftheamericas.com

October 23 25th Anniversary Celebration featuring Octavia Spencer Educational First Steps educationalfirststeps.org

October 15 The 3rd Annual Advocate Through Art Party The Children’s Assessment Center cachouston.org

October 23 - 25 Second Annual Pop Austin International Art Show popaustin.com

October 24 Evening Under the Stars St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital stjude.org

October 22 2015 Epilepsy Zoo Gala The Epilepsy Foundation Texas epilepsyzoogala.org

DALLAS September 10 The Crystal Charity Ball Fashion Show Platinum Circle Dinner crystalcharityball.org

October 25 TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art twoxtwo.org

October 29 17th Annual Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award Dinner houstonhospice.org

September 12 A Night in Havana Children at Risk childrenatrisk.org September 18 HARVEST North Texas Food Bank ntfb.org September 19 Fur Ball 2015 SPCA of Texas spca.org/furball2015 September 25 TACA Custom Auction Gala The Arts Community Alliance taca-arts.org/events September 26 Dallas Symphony Gala Dallas Symphony Orchestra dalsym.com

October 1 2015 Texas Trailblazer Awards October 2 - 4 & 9 - 11 Luncheon Austin City Limits Music Festival Family Place aclfestival.com familyplace.org October 15 La Dolce Vita 2015 The Contemporary Austin thecontemporaryaustin.org October 16 First Edition Literary Gala Texas Book Festival texasbookfestival.org

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October 8 Alley’s House Luncheon alleyshouse.org October 17 Zoo To Do 2015 Dallas Zoo DallasZoo.com

SAN ANTONIO September 8 - 10 October 30 Dallas Women’s Foundation 30th The Taste Annual Luncheon thesanantonioriverwalk.com dallaswomensfdn.org September 12 HOUSTON Deco Gala September 11 Woodlawn Theatre Fired Up Houston woodlawntheatre.org Houston Fire Department and Fire Museum September 18 houstonfiremuseum.org Red Carpet Gala 2015 American Red Cross, San September 19 Antonio Area Chapter Grand Reopening Celebration saredcross.org Alley Theatre alleytheatre.org September 18 Whiskey Business September 25 Briscoe Western Art Museum Neiman Marcus Stiletto Strut sawhiskeybusiness.com and Luncheon The Lester and Sue Smith Breast October 3 Center Eva Longoria’s Celebrity Casino bcm.edu Night Masquer8de Eva’s Heroes September 29 evasheroes.org Houston Taste of the Nation No Kid Hungry October 8 ce.strength.org/Houston Gala in the Garden Southwest School of Art October 1 swschool.org Razzle Dazzle The Power of Pink” Luncheon October 15 Memorial Hermann Foundation 5th Annual Nuit Blanche memorialhermann.org San Antonio Public Library Foundation October 9 saplf.org Celebration of Champions Texas Children’s Cancer Center October 31 texaschildrens.org 29th Annual Zoo Boo San Antonio Zoological Society sazoo.org/events/zoo-boo/

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