The 2nd Street District has quickly become a major contender for the latest downtown hotspot.  The addition of W Austin, with it’s Moody Theater, only added to the appeal of a section of our city, geared toward residents and newcomers alike.  Once a sleepy strip, 2nd Street now bustles with foot traffic exploring the latest additions to one of Austin’s hottest neighborhoods.

Art, documentary, and foreign independent films run at one of 2nd Street’s newest additions, the Violet Crown Cinema.  The arthouse provides a tasteful bar and cafe menu available for patrons of the 2nd Street area, whether viewing a film at their location or just strolling by.  Though, reserved seating equipped with personal food and drink tray make for quite an inviting seat.

Austin’s own, Teddies for Bettys recently relocated to their new home in the 2nd Street District.  Fine lingerie, everyday undergarments, and lounge wear fill the clean interior space with bright spring colors suitable for every type of woman.  La Perla, Chantrelle, Cosabella, and Hanky Panky are just a few labels carried by the intimate boutique.  Tour the gamut of feminine silhouettes that include silk rompers, high waisted waspies, and cotton nighties.

Duo also makes a debut on 2nd Street with affordable men and women’s clothing that favor the latest trends in fashion.  Duo, along with it’s sister store, Langford Market, offer unbeatable deals in the neighborhood.

Anne Moore graces the 2nd Street District, bringing her millinery skills and talent.  The harsh Texas sun stands no chance against the selection of hats, favored by celebrities such as Madonna, Sharon Stone, and Isabella Rosellini.  The New York based designer has received praise from Vogue editor, Candy Pratts Price and has held the exclusive Bergdorf Goodman window display.  An offering of small trinkets and gifts make this an easy stop for treasures to bring home.

On the outside, the word PRIZE glows bright green above the window. On the inside, unique gifts and accessories eagerly wait to meet you.  “The 2ND Street District has an undeniable energy that I am really excited to be a part of,” says Prize owner, Lisa Bagby, a native Texan who has worked with national heavyweights, Pottery Barn, Z Gallerie, Restoration Hardware, and Bliss Spa.  Have no fear in finding a thoughtful gift in this specialized store location.

Fashion Freakout at the Mohawk

For those who have been living under a rock, Fashion Freakout is the one event that hipsters across the city aren’t afraid to wildly embrace and call their own.  In light of the growing event, the Mohawk will transform their spaces into one magical night that is guaranteed to push the boundaries of the concept of today’s fashion and style.  Distinctly Austin, Prototype Vintage Design, New Bohemia, and Laced with Romance, will deck the catwalk out with vintage designs that define why artists, musicians, and creatives look to our city for inspiration.

To understand the concept of Fashion Freakout, imagine one part 70‘s rock glamour, two parts gypsy goddess, and add a dash of “meow” from the sex kitten that lies within, and you will have an idea of what the night will bring.  If in doubt, wear black, put your brave face on and get ready to have the time of your life.  Even if it’s for only one night.

Tickets : $10-12 Transmission Entertainment at the Mohawk

Betty Lash provides ancillary services such as make up application in addition to their extensive menu of lash extension choices.

Betty Lash started in 2006, when no one had even heard of lash extensions.  “The ladies that were seeking out lash extension services were the trendsetters of their time, wanting the latest and greatest.  People really had to come and find us.  Now, lashes are becoming another staple beauty routine for women.  It’s been interesting over the last year and a half to see it change.  The percentage of women who have heard of lash extension over the past 2 years has increased dramatically.  It’s an interesting dynamic to see change in the industry,“ says owner and founder Kate Merrick-Smith.

The Betty Lash boutique is also about to see a dramatic change as it plans to move to it’s new home at 515 West 15th Street mid March with quite the increase in space.  It’s current home on West 3rd Street is a cozy 650 square feet, where they host a menu of lash extension choices, professional make-up application, sugaring and waxing, as well as the occasional Organic Glow – Nature Sunless Tan.  “We will finally be in a space where we will be able to do all that we have wanted to do here, but just haven’t been able to do,” Kate says as she smiles.

Three additional services will be hosted in the new 2,650 square foot location.  The first additional service, named Be Bell, will offer a few different lines that women can find at stores like Sephora, but also lines that can only be found in the medical field like La Bella Donna and Jane Iredale.  They will also carry top lines that normally are only found in your local dermatologist or esthetician’s office.  Betty Lash will also have an on hand esthetician, so a client can literally walk in from the street and start a consultation on the spot to determine what is lacking in their skincare routine.

The second service, Sugar, is named after the boutique’s alternative method of hair removal.  This service lasts longer than the traditional waxing and is much gentler on the skin.  Betty Lash’s highly specialized staff will also provide traditional waxing, for those less adventurous with their delicate areas.  The third service will specialize in Organic Glow – Nature Sunless Tan, which has been growing in popularity.  “We are looking for women who are highly trained, highly experienced in whatever service they are providing.  The women who are sugaring and waxing are going to be trained in only sugaring and waxing.  You can expect to come in and get a high level of service for each of those different offerings.   With Organic Glow – a perfectly flawless organic spray tan.”

“We want to be the standard for any service that we offer.  What sets us apart (and what I hope always sets us apart) is the level of service from each one of the stylists.  Clients know that if new stylists are hired, they can expect the same level of service that I would offer my own clients.  The level is high. We never waiver and second best will never be good enough for us.”  With a majority of Merrick-Smith’s clients that still frequent the boutique to date, it is clear that Betty Lash sets a high standard for this high maintenance beauty treatment.

Speaking to the plethora of choices from their lash extension menu Kate continues, “Our main focus on a client is to keep the lash health in tact.  That isn’t an easy thing to do.  It takes a lot… monitoring every single appointment.  If we see any changes or fluctuations, we want to talk with our clients about it – what could possibly be the reason for the change.  If that means that we need to change the length of lashes on our part, we will do it.  What we do is find a length and thickness that suits them for an everyday look.  For those requesting the big and chunky lashes, we can accommodate that service if it’s a major event or special occasion (we can push the limits), but then we’re going to bring them right back down after.  Our goal is to have our clients be able to take their lashes off at any point and time and say “Oh, I still have lashes” and that they are still healthy.  We think that’s the main difference that sets us apart, that we take the health of the lash very seriously and it’s our number one goal in providing our service. “

Accessibility has also become an important factor to Betty Lash.  Lashes used to be a luxury service for those women who didn’t want their husbands to see them without mascara.  Now, it’s a service and women are giving up other things in order to have them.  “It makes them feel good about themselves on a daily basis” says Kate.  A new line of strip lashes will also be added on to the menu of choices for lash extension.  It is a five minute process that anyone can get for their special event, whether they are a high school student or a women who wants to put on show-stopping night.  “Time is money for most women.  Whether you’re a mom or an executive, 15 minutes saved is 15 minutes that can be spent doing something else with their time.”

It is no wonder that Betty Lash’s commitment to setting the standard and their increasing number of fans would cause the boutique to expand from their current location.  And with Kate Merrick-Smith leading the way, you know you’re going to get an unparalleled level of service.

www.bettylash.com

“Go Local” businesses expect to see around 300 scavengers on Sunday, November 14th as they tear though the city in the 1st Annual Scavenger Hunt benefiting Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary.  Teams consisting of 2-4 people will compete in hopes of winning a chance at 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies and prize packages.  The afternoon will wind down with post-scavenge cocktails and an animal themed photo booth at The Highball where judges will tally up each teams’ scores and announce the winners.

Cause to Celebrate is a non-profit organization that creates unique events that benefit and raise awareness for our local businesses and charity causes.  Teams of 2-4 people must pre-register to enter through the Cause to Celebrate website.   The $25 entry fee covers complimentary food and cocktails and a “Go Local” card for all participants.

Austin’s focus on creativity changes with the seasons.   This November the East Austin Studio Tour will highlight Austin’s art community and turn the sleepy streets East of I-35 into a bustling center that attracts patrons of the arts from all over the country.  Art Alliance of Austin and Big Medium are kicking this event off with an official preview party unlike anything seen before.

Attendees of the Art Night Austin: E.A.S.T can stop at any one of seven art spaces from 7-10:30p for the opportunity to purchase works before the public opening the following day.  Local eateries like East Side Kings, Lucky J’s Chicken and Waffles, and Takoba will serve complimentary hors d’oeuvres alongside equally generous beverage companies including Alamos Wines, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, as well as non-alcoholic offerings like Icelandic H2O and Sweet Leaf Tea.  Addressing the growing concern of parking, Art Night Austin: EAST will provide transportation from one stop to another for a care-free night.

After party festivities begin at the Pine Street Station for a late-night party co-hosted by Landmarks, who recently commissioned special guest, NYC artist David Ellis’ latest work for the University of Texas, “Animal.”  A special Q&A with Mr. Ellis begins at 9:45pm.  Musical acts will be served up by DJS Orion, Tako and Mesanger, as well as live performances by BBoy Recon and The Austin Urban Dancers.

A brief interview with Meredith Powell, Executive Director of Art Alliance Austin, shed some light on the history and collaboration between Art Alliance Austin and the growing East Austin Studio Tour.

What is the history behind the collaboration between the East Austin Studio Tour and Art Alliance Austin?

M: Art Alliance Austin and Big Medium have partnered on a preview event for E.A.S.T. for the past 4 years. This is the second year that Art Night Austin E.A.S.T. is the official preview party for the tour open to the public. The relationship has been building each year and in 2011 will expand to also support the Texas Biennial produced by Big Medium.

The East Austin Studio Tour celebrates its 9th year of sharing East Austin’s artists with the rest of the city. Looking back to the history of Art Alliance Austin, which started in 1956, what parallels to do you see in the two organizations?

M: Art Alliance Austin and Big Medium share the goal of supporting the visual arts in Austin. Both organizations were founded by artists who deeply care about Austin and the artists who call it home. Art Alliance Austin has always sought innovative, accessible, and entrepreneurial methods of strengthening the local art ecosystem as a whole and Big Medium is also doing that now with EAST. Through this collaboration, we are able to create new opportunities to generate dollars that will be reinvested directly back into the local visual arts community. A stronger visual arts community is a shared interest we are working collaboratively to secure. Following the belief that joining forces with other organizations builds a stronger community, Art Alliance Austin also brought LANDMARKS to the table in order to engage new audiences and build curiosity for great works of art.

NYC installation artist David Ellis was chosen as the special guest for the Art Night Austin after party.  How do you think David Ellis relates to the spirit of the East Austin Studio Tour?

M: In essence, it is the process of artistic creation that we are celebrating in Ellis’s work and this complements the spirit of the East Austin Studio Tour perfectly. This is also a unique opportunity for guests to see “Animal” and other works by Ellis.

David Ellis’s motion painting “Animal” was created in residence at U.T. The commission represents the first work of video art to be acquired by the University’s growing public art collection and initiates the only ongoing presentation of artists’ videos on campus. 

Ellis’s motion paintings have evolved from documenting graffiti works with the Barnstormers, an artist collective he founded in 1999. For “Animal,” he utilized a high-definition camera placed overhead to capture the process of painting and repainting a surface on the floor each day over six weeks. He then compressed that documentation into a time-lapse video that forms a narrative of creative impulses and executions. The resulting nine-and-a-half-minute video, comprising thousands of images including birds, landscapes, mythical creatures and other fantastical subjects, takes the viewer on an exhilarating journey into the process of artistic creation.

The 2010 Art Night Austin: E.A.S.T. is a unique collaboration weaving the city into a multidisciplinarity showcase of its own. Tickets can be purchased through the Art Alliance of Austin website.  Prices range from $45 to $55 and include the preview tour, afterparty, and always spectacular East Austin Studio Tour catalog.

Courtesy: http://www.telegraph.co.uk

“B.A.S.E.” is an acronym that stands for four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump: buildings, antennas, spans (bridges), and earth (cliffs) (source: wiki).

“When I first started teaching her I started telling her the rules of base jumping, the facts: You jump long enough you break bones, you’re in the sport long enough you’re going to watch people die, and then third, it’s kind of a pointless thing to talk about but you’re going to die, too.  If you do this long enough, it’s going to kill you.  If you can’t deal with it, don’t get into base jumping,” says legendary BASE jumper Jeb Corliss.

Karina Hollekim’s replies, “We all think we are invisible.  We don’t think that it’s going to happen to us.”

Norwegian BASE jumper and alpinist skier Karina Hollekim started to tell her story in 2002 with documentary film maker Jens Hoffmann.  20 Seconds of Joy would take seven years to complete, chronicling Karina’s journeys as a rising star athlete in the BASE jumping world.  All of that changed in 2006 when a parachute malfunction sent her flying towards the earth.  Doctors told her she would never walk again.  Her unyielding lust for life didn’t stop her from trying. “I am lucky to be alive. But you should never say never,” she says.  Today Karina has once again shattered any limits that were set; not only has she learned how to walk, but she enjoys the cold mountain air while she skis as well.

Go “Beyond the Edge with Karina Hollekim” as she tells her inspiring tale of her accomplishments, dreams, and trials through her painstaking journey to live life to the fullest at the Zachary Scott Theater on October 25th, 2010.  Tickets can be reserved and purchased through The North Face.  VIP reception will be held at Zachary Scott Theater and will benefit Hill Country Conservancy where attendees will have a chance to meet this living legend.

With pages of countless items to personalize a home, The Inglenook Decor online shop has plenty to offer: one can peruse the latest offering in the ever-growing urban nature trends or satiate a more modern and minimalistic vision. When asked about how to get started on the task of setting a direction for home decor, Maureen gives great advice, “Get inspired. I’m a big fan of making an inspiration board. If you’ve got the time, do it! Tear decor magazine pages, take snapshots of items you love at decor stores, follow design bloggers you admire. There are several websites where you can store your ideas, like Houzz.com, DecorPad and Polyvore. But one thing you must not do, is to follow the inspiration picture to the dot. Otherwise, you’re just recreating other people’s ideas.”  The Inglenook Decor website even has a fun quiz that will suggest a customer’s style preferences and tastes. “You have to know what you like or you’ll end up just pretending to like your decorator’s/designer’s style. It’ll be a lose lose situation in the end.”

Maureen also encourages her customers to think about the form and function of  a room. “Ask yourself what is the room going to be for – entertaining, a place for the whole family to sit back and relax? How much traffic is it going to get? The flow of traffic pretty much dictates how furniture is going to be placed. Then assess what you have – there’s no need to throw out accent furniture and other pieces collecting dust in the attic, especially if they were given to you by your Great Grandma. You can find a way to incorporate these in your new space and of course, just add new pieces and decorative items.”

Adding personal details around a room can give it that little extra that turns an ordinary space into a warm and comfortable environment.

The Inglenook Decor picks 5 pieces that will transform any room.

1. A vase with gorgeous flowers. I think every room should have one and nothing is more gorgeous than the beauty of nature in a space. White and clear vases are my favorite since they go with any color scheme. As far as flowers, the options abound! I’m quite partial to lime green hydrangeas. Get creative!  Vintage Mason Jars are great for displaying wildflowers.

2. Great Lighting. Nothing can be more crucial! Although not all of us have the luxury of having mood or soft lighting in our rooms, this is where lamps & small chandeliers come in. If you have fluorescent light, use it only when you definitely need it (like when you need to see all the little pores in your face). Otherwise, turn on that gorgeous lamp. Bedrooms and home offices can even have candle chandeliers on the side.  Create dramatic mood lighting with Antique Mercury Glass Bottle Tealight Holder.

3. Something you made, a memento, a postcard from a faraway travel. Even if you’re not a seasoned do-it-yourselfer, you can make something! Even if it’s as simple as repainting an old frame or decoupaging a tin can (if you know how to paste, you know how to decoupage!). A memento, like those cutesy drawings your kids made, can be turned into a gallery-worthy wall collage and yes, things you gathered from your travels (I’m not talking about magnets or snow globes). Every time you see them, it brings back memories, doesn’t it? Or just a thought that you need another vacation! Create photo stories and hang them on the wall with Alabaster frames.

4. Books. Yes, books are decorative items too! Place them upright in a bookcase and use fancy bookends or just a decorative item to hold it together. Or place them horizontally and put another accessory on top of them.  It simply evokes you’re smart yet chic and stylish at the same time. Display old books with Phrenology Head bookends.

5. An area rug. Yes, yes, I’m a maximalist of sorts! I think you should adorn your walls but your floors need some personality, too! With so many options around as far as materials, designs and shapes, I’m sure you’ll find one that pulls everything together. I think a space becomes instantly warmer by using area rugs. Pictured: Black New Leaf Rug by Trina Turk, Caned Yellow Rug and Berkeley in Blue Rug.

www.theinglenookdecor.com

Spa Reveil provides holistic rituals in tune with the diverse experiences the world uses to relax. The salon staff guides each person through a highly personalized treatment starting with the first telephone call. An explanation of the treatment will give the client an idea of what to expect including a suggested block of time to enjoy the ultimate in relaxation. Moments after stepping into the salon, it is easy to forget that this retreat is located in the middle of The Domain.

A Global Menu of Services

The first thing one may notice is the attention to detail that makes Spa Reveil stand apart from the rest. Locker rooms are stocked with meticulously rolled towels lined along the wall leading to an ample spaced steam room.  The expectation is to consistently maintain this appearance. “The staff is diligent about always preparing for our next guest,” says spa representative, Danielle. Guests are encouraged to sit back and unwind before and after treatments, while the steam room, filled with essential oils, relaxes the mind and body. Just beyond the locker rooms, The Sanctuary Lounge provides a tranquil room divided into six individual pods where guests can rest with a glass of coffee, tea or water in between services.

For the discerning spa go-er, highly specialized offereings such as the 24 karat gold facial are provided. Dating back to Cleopatra, gold has been used in skin treatments to soften the skin and re-juvinate it’s elasticity.  Spa Reveil’s Vichy therapies are another recently emerging spa category.  Depending on the treatment, a scrub or wrap is applied to the body while lying down. Cascading water from a sculpted six armed shower head provides an experience that can only be described as “delicious for the skin.”  The Vichy itself is said to be a sight to be seen while in motion. When a deeper relaxation is wanted, Hydrotherapies are often sought as an alternative to breaking down stress held in the body. Spa Reveil’s Hydrotherapy tub holds approximately 65 jets that stream high pressure water from head to toe. Keeping in line with the superior service, constant monitoring and adjustments are made by on hand therapists at every turn. Although the treatment can be used alone, the spa recommends that the hydrotherapy tub be used to loosen up the muscles before a massage to enhance the experience.

Technological sophistication provides extra pampering for traditional spa services.  Nail centers are equipped with massage chairs and jet pedicure tubs are controlled by the guest’s push of a button.  Skin treatments like PCA peels and microderm are provided in the soothing and discreet facial room. Massage rooms can accommodate individual guests or a shared room can be reserved for two with a personal tete-a-tete tub filled with seasonal essential oils.  The seasons current offerings include lavender and lemon verbena.

All preconceived notions associated with the intimidation that many first time visitors feel should be left at the door. Any treatment is a mutual experience between the therapist and the client. Create a mental list of stress points and/or how stress is carried and relay them to the esthetician or massage therapist. This brief conversation will help your therapist target these points and ultimately provide the guest with a highly tailored and unique experience.  And most important —  remember to relax.

www.spareveil.com

The Spanish word Adelante rolls off the tongue with ease. While it’s translation means “onward” or “forward,” the experience at this boutique will rouse emotions for a time when shop keepers took the time and effort to perfect every last detail. Neat racks of perfectly spaced garments and colorful arrangements of the season’s newest arrivals welcome new visitors and regulars alike. Tables and shelves can be seen filled with accessories for every occasion: trays of jewelry carefully placed next to a selection of handbags, footwear in the season’s best array of styles, and home decor displayed in punchy colors.

This boutique manages to blend an eclectic mix of geographical inspirations without the crunchy world beat stigma. Customers can expect to find a heavy influence of South American textiles used in belts, handbags, and even jewelry at every price point. Elaborate Turkish pendants strung on dyed-silk necklaces begin to seem like the perfect piece for transition from summer to autumn. Venturing further towards the dressing rooms, one will discover two important and often forgotten details — tables stocked with tank tops in neutral color palates alongside other intimate accoutrements, and for the weary shopping partner, a small seating area.

Adelante is located at the 26 Doors Shopping Center, 1206 W 38th Street

www.adelanteaustin.com