Just a Reminder...

It's not too late to meet career expert and best selling author Nicole Williams at the Galleria this Friday night! For those of you who missed the previous post, she is promoting her new book Girl On Top, and will be throwing a wild event for all of you fabulous ladies of H-town.

Click here to RSVP!
& don't forget to mention that Houston's Weekly Chic sent you:)

Date: 10.30.09

Location: The Limited at Galleria II

5085 Westheimer, Suite 3723

Time: 6-9pm

Ice Age Trilogy Giveaway

Congrats Beth T., expect the Ice Age DVDs in the next few days. And thanks to everyone who entered.

Janelle Monae featured in Vogue

Janelle Monae will be featured in Vogue's November issue. The eccentric songstress will be showing off George Esquivel's unique shoes. Here is the blurb from the article:

"It's hard not to get ideas when I'm meeting with Gwen [as in Stefani] and the Killers," says George Esquivel. "My work evolves by designing for people." Since 1994, the Southern Californian has been crafting custom shoes, and even with an ever-expanding client list, the majority of his footwear is made to order by hand in his Buena Park studio.

Though they're fashioned out of the same Italian leather used by Louis Vuitton, his boots and oxfords are unique in their colors and burnishes, which Esquivel still does himself. "It's a punk attitude," says the designer, whose wares were first noticed by his fellow music scenesters in the nineties. "I'm not a guy who grew up on the East Coast wearing suits." So not proper, but for Esquivel wearers, just perfect.

Stephanie Hobo

Just can't seem to get enough of the metallic black Stephanie Hobo from DVF. I'd like to add it to my holiday wish list this year. Hope Santa isn't suffering from the economic downturn....

Above: medium sized hobo at shopbop.com

Wild Sorbet

One of my favorite things about working with clients, is when they introduce me to new businesses that I love. Here's a site that I've been playing with this morning. It's called Wild Sorbet, and they have one of the most fantastic selection of frames that I've found on the web. A wide array of colors, textures, and just overall delightful frames! Give it a look see, you will adore.

Nothing Elegant

Nothing Elegant over on Etsy has a million and one cute little things for your desk. And if you have a weakness for Japanese stickers look no further. Here are a few of my favorites.

Retro Style Mini Airmail Envelopes, $3.99.

City At Night Tape, $6.99.

Always Welcome Stickers, $2.99

Message In A Bottle Set, $12.99

School Bag PostIts $7.99

Ice Age DVD Giveaway

I will be giving away copies of all three Ice Age movies. My kids love the movies, even my sixteen year old. And the youngest will watch them all day if given the chance. I will be picking a lucky winner at random first thing Wednesday morning. Enter by Tuesday at 11:59pm.trend-fashion-todayblogspot@gmail.com

Stella McCartney For Gap Kids

Stella McCartney's 70 piece collection for Gap Kids will be released next week. And I am so excited! I have been on the hunt for a simple yellow raincoat, and there is one in the collection. Stella is a mother of three and knows that kids don't like clothes that are not practical or scratchy. And the clothes will range in price from $14 to $128 for a jacket.

“I think [Gap] makes a great product for the price point, and I think that it’s really important for kids to deliver really high quality and have it accessible to people,” said McCartney. “I felt that I could get the right quality of product with them.”

The collection will be launched at "select" stores around the world. I really hope that the pieces will be online too, because many of us live in the middle of nowhere and still love fashion.

Simple Vinegar Tarnishing for Brass

This picture turned out a bit blurry, but you get the idea. I had these brass jewelry tags made for my necklaces and they came to me really shiny. I put a little vinegar in a small jar, attached a square of mesh over the top with a rubber band, put the tags on top of the mesh and closed the lid. I let the jar sit for 1/2 hour and they are perfectly tarnished. You can adjust the time accordingly for your own project, but just know that the tarnish will be uneven with this vinegar method. That's what I was going for, but if you want an even tarnish you will need to look into chemical usage.

Save the Ta-ta's Swarovski Clutch

Over due for your breast cancer donation this month? This sparkling conversation piece is just the ticket! Up for auction on ebay, 100% of the sales from this clutch goes toward the Save the Ta-Tas foundation on behalf of Zoe Klutch and Charity Chicks Houston.

Pretty much anything with the word "ta-ta's" on it belongs in my closet. I may just have to put in the first bid, I'd be the envy of all of my friends! Bid on it here.

Swarovski clutch designed by Kristi Kotsatos of Isabella Dean

Lil Wayne Pleads Guilty To Gun Possession

Lil Wayne pleaded guilty to felony gun possession in a Manhattan courtroom on Thursday (October 22) stemming from a July 2007 arrest following his first headlining concert in New York. The rapper will be sentenced to one year in prison as a part of his plea deal and must also give up his passport. Wayne quietly told the judge yes when asked if he understood the terms of the plea he was making. Asked what type of gun he possessed, Wayne said, "A .40-caliber semi-automatic."

Wayne had black jeans, a gray coat, white T-shirt and blue Chucks. He was accompanied by the CEOs of his label, Cash Money Records, Bryan "Baby" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams.
The hearing began at 10:05 a.m. ET and was over in 20 minutes.
About 20 minutes after the hearing ended, Lil Wayne exited the building, covering his head with the hood of his coat. Photographers and reporters followed as court officials escorted him to his vehicle. In response to many reporters' questions, all Wayne said was, "What's up?"
Wayne will be sentenced in February 2010 and is expected to serve eight to 10 months, assuming good behavior. He must also appear in court in December for a parole update.
The incident took place in July 2007, when police pulled over Wayne's tour bus at around 11:30 p.m. on the night of his show at the New York's Beacon Theatre. They arrested the rapper for criminal possession of a weapon and another man on the bus for criminal possession of marijuana. Even before his show that night, Wayne made repeated comments from the stage about being hassled by police and threatened not to perform in New York again.

At least the serial baby daddy won't be making any more babies while he is in prison.
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Pumpkin Carving Ideas From Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart always has the most creative ideas for carving pumpkins. A team of art directors helps, but sometimes the ideas are simple enough for those of us without the crafting gene.

Pumpkin Owls

Mouse Motel

Glittered Pumpkins

I love the owls most of all. Click here to see more ideas.

Murder Mystery Halloween Dinner

Looking for a little death this Halloween? Come party with the Murder Mystery Players! The mysteries include a gourmet dinner from Dave & Busters, fabulous prizes, and a huge portion of laughter (not to mention live death)– all rolled into a night of live entertainment you and your friends and family will not soon forget! This special Halloween event is October 30th & 31st only, and will include a costume contest-so dress to impress.

Houston Dave & Buster's
6010 Richmond Ave, Houston
(713) 952-2233 RESERVATIONS

Paranormal Portraits & Spooky Terrariums

This past weekend, I picked up a copy of Country Living Magazine for some brand spankin' new Halloween ideas. It isn't one of my usual mags, but I am soooo impressed with their Halloween décor, that it will now be added to my list of regulars. All of the decorations above are super easy DIY crafts that you can learn how to create on their website.

Baby Sparrow

Nicole Richie and little Sparrow (Poor boy, they couldn't even give him a manly boy's name like Falcon.) will be on Friday's People Magazine cover.

Mod Mags

Been hunting for some chic magazine storage for a friend's new place, and thought I'd share some of my favorites today...

A Rose By Any Other Name...

Just got back from my magical surprise Birthday weekend in Siesta Key, Florida. What a fantabulous weekend! I'll definitely post some photos later on this week. Would have loved to don these shades in the bright Florida sun while I was there. Ah well, a girl can dream...

Rose Sunglasses, Valentino

Steve McNair Update

A three-month CBS News investigation of the July shooting deaths of former standout quarterback Steve McNair and the woman authorities say was his girlfriend is raising serious questions about the police probe -- so much so that Nashville police late Monday night released new details about the case.

In the first of a two-part report on "The Early Show" Monday, CBS News Chief Investigative Correspondent Armen Keteyian had spotlighted some possibly faulty police conclusions.

The new revelations from police consisted of a 14-page case summary of their handling of the case. It provided some fresh details, including text messages between McNair and his 20-year-old girlfriend hours before the sexy young waitress allegedly shot him.

One message reflects a request for $2,000 from McNair to help pay her bills; others suggest she was stressed out and could hardly breathe, over money issues. Hours later, McNair transferred the money into her account.

But, Keteyian says in his second report, which aired on "The Early Show" Tuesday, CBS News has uncovered records of cell and text messages the Nashville police haven't made public.

Authorities have maintained from the start that Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi shot McNair, a 36-year-old married father of four who was almost a year-and-a-half into retirement, four times with a 9 mm pistol in the early morning hours of July 4 at a Nashville condo he rented with a friend before, police say, turning the gun on herself.

Police say she purchased the murder weapon from 33-year-old Adrian Gilliam Jr., a convicted felon who spent nine years in prison for second degree murder and attempted armed robbery. Gilliam told police he sold Kazemi the gun for $100, in a parking lot, two days before the deaths.

On July 8, Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas told reporters, "They transacted the deal ... and that, pretty much, is where that ends."

But gun powder residue tests on Kazemi's hands were inconclusive, and CBS News has learned there is little or no evidence on the gun sale -- just Gilliam's word.

So, Keteyian tracked Gilliam down to a Tennessee jail, where he's being held on federal gun charges related to the case.

In an exclusive interview -- no cameras were allowed -- Gilliam told Keteyian he sold Kazemi the gun on Friday, July 3, not Thursday, as police first said he did. Gilliam insisted to Keteyian that he barely knew Kazemi and couldn't even remember her name or how they met, describing a fleeting sort of relationship the U.S. attorney in Nashville, Edward Yarbrough, and Serpas portrayed as fact during a July 17 news conference.

"A casual exchange between two people," is how Yarbrough put it.

"He hardly knows who he's dealing with and yet he's selling a gun," Serpas said. " ... How they came together is probably happenstance."


But Kazemi's cell phone records, obtained exclusively by CBS News, tell a dramatically different story.

The records show all incoming and outgoing calls and text messages from Kazemi's cell between June 15 and July 14.

Not knowing CBS News had the records, Gilliam's father gave CBS News the cell phone number he says belonged to his son -- a "pay-as-you-go-phone" that's now disconnected.

CBS News ran that cell number against Kazemi's records, and it revealed that, in the three weeks prior to the deaths, Kazemi and Gilliam apparently communicated almost every single day, at all hours -- more than 200 calls and text messages back-and-forth.

The records show that, on July 3, the last full day of McNair and Kazemi's lives, she and Gilliam exchanged 49 texts and calls, far more than any other day.

"These communications are obviously more than someone in a casual relationship," Dennis Farrell, a former commander of a New York homicide squad, remarked to CBS News.

Asked by Keteyian whether, "When it turns out that he has lied about this," it ratchets up his suspicion about "whether (Gilliam) even put the gun in her hands or not," Farrell replied, "Yes. There's many, many questions."

Private investigator Wayne Black, a former detective, says he finds it disturbing that Nashville police took Gilliam's word for anything. "He's not only convicted felon, "Black observed, "he's a big liar. ... So, why did he lie?"

The cell records also show Gilliam was one of the last people to speak with Kazemi. He called her at 12:02 a.m. on July 4. They spoke for three minutes -- just two hours before, police believe, the deaths occurred.

That, says Black, is "a big deal."

Adding to the intrigue: Records show four texts from the same number to Kazemi after her death, including one the day after police had interviewed Gilliam.

"What should be done?" Black repeated a Keteyian question. "It's simple: The police should investigate further."

After months of "no comment," late Monday afternoon, in response to questions from CBS News, Nashville police said investigators have long known Gilliam's relationship with Kazemi was "more involved than initially believed."

A spokesman admitted the department was aware of the volume of calls and texts outlined in Keteyian's report, saying it was part what he called "the continuing investigation" since Gilliam's arrest. But, he said, nothing to this point in any way alters the murder-suicide conclusion.

All it does, it seems, is "open up an entirely whole new set of questions about the case," Keteyian concludes. The "big question," he adds, one he'd "like to see a lot more answers about," is whether "it was really (Kazemi)" who killed McNair and herself.
source

Patron Terix 3

There is bumper crop of innovative strollers coming out of Europe in the next year. Patron will be introducing the Terix 3. It is a stroller designed for urban living, complete with a host of accessories, including covers and foot covers designed for hot and cold weather.

Features:
* full-aluminum 3-wheel chassis,
* comfort suspension,
* unique „edgeFlow” design,
* clip-A-go modular interface,
* built-in hand-operated brake system,
* height and angle adjustable handlebar,
* wheels – front 10” solid / rear 12” inflatable,
* reflexive safety marks

• detachable, reversible, tilt-in space function,
  
• adjustable footrest,
  
• ergonomic backrest with enhanced lateral fixation and headrest,
  
• removable PENTEX upholstery,
  
• removable comfort insert for smaller babies,
  
• adjustable safety bar,
  
• 5-point harness with shoulder pads,
  
• hood with summer mesh,
  
• reflexive safety marks

You know when a stroller is designed for the European market by just looking at the storage basket. They aren't designed for carrying half of your baby's belongings in. And there is no word if the stroller will be gracing the shores of North America.

Amelle Berrabah

Sugababe Amelle Berrabah performs at BBC2's Music Show ‘Sound’ at Spittlefield Market in London, England wearing a Denim Jumpsuit.

If you thought Destiny's Child had it's ups and downs that was nothing compared to the British group Sugababes. Since it's inception in 1998, the all girl group has been through three line-up changes. The most recent has left not one original band member in the group! That hasn't stopped their flow. The girls are in the midst of a relaunch that includes a whole new sound and provocative new image to boot. Pictured above is North African (Moroccan) member Amelle Berrabah. She joined the group in 2005 replacing Mutya Buena. She recently shaved the side of her head to give herself an edgier look. I'm loving this Liquorish jumpsuit on her (see below.) Roll the legs up like Amelle to give the outfit a fresh spin.

Steal Amelle's Style

Above: Liquorish Stone Wash Denim Jumpsuit, $61.05, www.asos.com
Heels: HALO Twist Front High Platform Sandal, $34.88, www.asos.com
Bag: Twisted Hardware Doctor Bag, $68, www.urbanoutfitters.com
Nail Polish: Essie Nail Polish in California Coral, $8, www.apothica.com

I'm all about summer nail colors in winter. What else will brighten up those dull, rainy days? Coral nail polish is my color of choice these days, but any stand-out color will compliment these pale pink platforms by HALO. Pair with skin colored tights if the weather is already bone chilling in your area. For night-time chic add a metallic belt and a bright clutch for punch.

VINTAGE Halloween DECOR

It's Halloween again, yay! I actually debated whether or not to even put up my decorations since it's already halfway through the month, but what the heck, this is my life so I am going with it. Here is a picture of my favorite collection and some vintage Halloween ads I saved a long time ago and I don't remember where I found them...oops! For more Halloween inspiration, see these posts: here, here and here.

Google Voice Contest Winner

Eva has won the Google Voice Invite. Hope you enjoy using Google Voice. SC

Butter Boy

Forget balloon boy, butter boy is sooo much cuter. You have to see this little boy's reaction to eating deep fried butter (Paula Deen would be proud.)

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Brush Your Shoulders Off!

Beyonce leaving Movida Nightclub in London, UK on May 26th, 2009

Rihanna arrives at the Balmain Pret-a-Porter show as part of the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 on October 1, 2009 at Intercontinental Paris Grand Hotel in Paris

Halle Berry arriving at the Shangahi Film Festival, June, 2009

Ciara arrives at the BBC Radio 1 studios on April 23, 2009 in London, England

Beyonce leaving dinner at the Waverly Inn, New York in June, 2009

Winter is about to hit us so now is the time to buy summer trends at bargain prices. The Balmain Jacket craze shows no signs of dying down so grab yourself an original (or a budget-friendly inspired version). Net-a-Porter currently sells the originals but you can also find "knock-offs" at your favorite stores such as Topshop in the UK or Shopbop.com here in the US. Beyonce and Ciarahave championed this look by pairing their 80's / Michael Jackson inspired jackets with skinny jeans. Or make like Rihanna and add a little volume down below. Either way, these power jackets will take you well into 2010.

My Picks!

Left to right: Short Extended Shoulder Jacket, $135, www.topshop.com; Cotton-blend tuxedo jacket by Balmain, $3805, www.net-a-porter.com; White army-style jacket by Balmain, $3564, www.net-a-porter.com; Crystal-embellished canvas jacket by Balmain, $6389.60, www.net-a-porter.com

Left to right: ASOS Power Shoulder Tux Blazer, $113.37, www.topshop.com; Ruffle Peak Jacket by Robert Rodriguez, $495, www.shopbop.com; Blade Runner Jacket by Elizabeth and James, $425, www.shopbop.com; Button Detail Denim Jacket by Queen's Look, $85.50, www.yesstyle.com

Ranging from $85 to $6000+, now is the time to buy one of these amazing jackets. Winter may be closing in, but buy one on sale and wear it for the next five years. Every fashionista needs a powerful blazer in their wardrobe and now is the cheapest time to buy one. If you want the real thing be prepared to pay at least $3000 - and that's a bargain! My favorite is the tuxedo blazer from Topshop. At only $135, it's a fail safe investment.

Video of Anne Frank Released

Little Boy Floats Way In Experimental Aircraft

Update: 
There is video of the family speaking. Listen at the 42second mark. He's asked why he didn't answer his parents, and he says that "We did this for a show." Hoax anyone? Read my earlier update, I said it sounded like a hoax.



Falcon has been found alive and well at home. He was hiding in a box in the garage.



A sheriff's deputy is saying that he saw something fall from the balloon.


He wasn't in the balloon. Where is little Falcon? Hopefully, the little brother was wrong, and Falcon just wandered away. But it isn't looking good. And the family once was on the reality show, Wife Swap. I hate to sound like a bitch, but if the boy wasn't in the balloon could this be a hoax on the parents' part.

He's on the ground. It was a gentle landing. The fire department is shoveling dirt to make sure it doesn't fly away, and tying it down.
The Associated Press is reporting that the boy, Falcon may have fallen out of the balloon. Why were his parents building something that looks like an UFO? Oh, the sheriff said that the family never intended it to carry anyone, it was just a family project.


Authorities were scouring the skies Thursday for a 6-year-old boy who unhooked his family's experimental balloon-powered aircraft and floated away from home, sheriff's officials said.

The Larimer County Sheriff's Department said the boy's family had been building an experimental aircraft that had a large helium balloon attached to it at their home, KUSA-TV reported. The aircraft was approximately 20 feet by 5 feet and covered in tin foil, the station said.

On Thursday morning, according to the family and officials, the boy got onto the aircraft and detached the rope holding it in place.

Several people in the neighborhood said they saw the aircraft floating over their homes and some snapped pictures.

Officials were scrambling to figure out how to rescue the boy. (Hate to say it, this thing is going to crash. What were his parents thinking leaving the balloon so unsecured.)

The craft, which is shaped like a flying saucer, has the potential to rise to 10,000 feet, Larimer sheriff's spokeswoman Eloise Campanella said. Sheriff's officials last saw the device floating south of Milliken, which is about 40 miles north of Denver.

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No More Jon &Kate Or Their Eight

Our long national nightmare is finally over.

Jon & Kate Plus 8, which in recent months had become just about as fun as reliving your parents' divorce, will stop filming new episodes next month, according to the New York Post.

After Jon Gosselin, 32, forbade TLC from filming his and 34-year-old estranged wife Kate's eight children for their show, the network will try to squeeze out a couple remaining episodes from existing footage before putting the show to rest, according to sources.

Kate, who's previously said she relies on the show for her income, and who says the kids have been crying since the film crews left, hasn't commented. Neither has Jon, who said he put the kibosh on the show because had an epiphany about the harm the show was causing the family – and not because he'd been axed from a future version of the show to be called Kate Plus 8.

It's not clear whether TLC would restart the show should Jon change his mind about filming the kids.

I wonder how they will make a living. Are they going to have to get real jobs?(gasp) Kate will have to go back to begging for "love offerings" at churches. You know we will have to see them floating dlist celebrity events like all those other former reality show stars.

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Leavin on a jet plane...

I just got an amazing Birthday surprise. Just found out last night, that in just a few hours from now, I will be hopping on a plane and heading here...

Can anybody guess where I'm going? See you when I get back guys!!

Tres Chic Designs