Whirlwind

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DJ Johnny Moon played the JAMZ.

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

Rannie of Chrisrann!

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

Kristen showing us how she made this gorgeous holiday display.

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

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

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

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

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