What a busy and hectic last few weeks it's been! With Rodeo Houston getting better each day and planning for my getaway to Austin for SXSW this weekend, I've almost had no time to update the blog and share with you guys such a fun event I was able to attend this past weekend. Bravo's 'Courtney Loves Dallas' Tori Gonzales along with her sister and jewelry brand partner Desiree Gonzales, threw their first trunk show for their hand-stamped jewelry line, All the Wire, at Houston's Pomp and Circumstance boutique this last Saturday with much anticipation. To add to an already exciting event, the night before Tori announced that her BFF and fellow co-star, Courtney Kerr, would be in attendance, nothing is better than having a best friend at your side for moral support! With specialty drinks by Deep Eddy Vodka, Texas inspired macarons from MACARON by Patisse, the night had kicked off on an excellent note with the RSVP list at capacity! Tori, Desiree and Courtney took the time to take pictures with every single person in attendance. Their laid-back and easy-to-talk-to personalities filled the room with an exciting energy that was infectious. The unique jewelry from All The Wire quickly sold out and the line to place orders was out the door! Check out All The Wire's website for some great pieces, like their signature hand-stamped necklaces & bracelets and my personal favorite item from their line, the Bite the Bullet necklace. Best part of the night, taking a selfie that even Ellen would be jealous of, at El Tiempo Cantina after the event with Tori, Desiree and co.
SXSW Must-Have Survival Guide
SXSW has got to be my favorite festival in the country. The way that media/technology/film/music is all brought together in Austin Texas truly makes it an event that you cannot miss and must experience at least once in your life. Starting in 1987, SXSW has grown into a worldwide phenomenon that grows each year and improves as the years pass by.
Every SXSW veteran will tell you that you MUST BE prepared for a week full of walking around in the Texas 'spring' which most resembles summer for non-Texas residents. Because of this you must be prepared to endure the festival and maximize your fun without suffering because you forgot that extra charger or wearing the wrong clothes. Don't get caught at this years SXSW without these following 'must-haves.'
The Perfect Festival Wear
It's pretty important to wear something that will be comfortable enough to spend the day walking around downtown Austin in. While being comfortable is good, there is no reason to be a slacker and wear any form of activewear while out and about. Solid color jeans like these Slim-Straight Raw Selvedge by Frank and Oak are a perfect wash to match anything. The weather will most likely be hot so wear a fabric that is conducive for warmer weather, like this James Perse Classic V-Neck that literally feels like that perfect broken in T you love the most. Make sure to pack some comfy shoes, like these Jack Purcell leather sneakers by Converse because you will be on your feet all day.
Must Have Technology
If you're not from Austin, most likely you'll need some advice on where to go and what places are worth checking out. Austin based application, Localeur, solves this problem and brings local inside knowledge on the best food/scenes/spots to check out while you're in town. As you travel around Austin, you're most likely going to fall into the problem of your cell phone battery constantly dying on you because of how much use it will get checking in to places, pulling up maps etc. The Mophie Space Pack solves this problem and even includes extra storage to save all of the countless videos and pictures you're sure to take on your trip to Austin. Last but not least, make sure you download the Uber app for your device as driving anywhere downtown in Austin will not only cost you an arm and a leg, but will be a bigger hassle than what it's worth. Use Uber to pinpoint your location and grab a ride throughout the city and not have to worry about drinking and driving after hitting up all of the fun parties going on in the city.