Take me to the River...Walk

My mother-in-law-to-be, Lisa Peters, was celebrating her 35 year High School Reunion in San Antonio, Texas. At the last minute she invited RC, Piper and I to tag along. 

True to Lisa's nickname "Contessa", she booked a suite at The Hotel Contessa. We joked about that one...it couldn't have been more perfect.

The Hotel Contessa is a beautiful place to stay, situated right along the River Walk in Downtown San Antonio. And the River Walk is something that you should definitely experience. It's reminiscent of Venice, boats humming along a water way - docking at hotels, restaurants, shopping centers. It runs through out most of downtown and is a completely valid form of transportation, in fact taxi boats are available at a moments notice. The hotel itself is a luxury hotel. We stayed in the Parlor suite. Highly recommended, with it's fantastic decor, exposed brick walls and the view was perfect.

First thing we did was eat...of course! The restaurant that was chosen was about 15 minutes away, a great Mexican restaurant called La Fonda. The food was excellent and so was the service, and the queso...YUM!

Then my friend showed up, thank you Jenni!! And we had a grown ups night out at the hotel bar. It was SO needed...

The next day we spent walking around, in 100+ degree weather. 

First we went to La Villiata, a small Hispanic inspired artist village. I was sad to see how empty it was on a Saturday afternoon. But I did find a great gem, The Village Weavers which 

carried a collection of internationally woven clothes,purses, hats, art, blankets, toys, etc. I picked up a beautiful smock dress for Piper and a straw hat - both handmade in Guatemala. 

After stopping for ice cream at Bolivar Cafe, we continued on through Hemisfair Park, with it's surprisingly artistic waterfall displays and headed to the Tower of the Americas, which stands 750 feet above the city. After paying an entrance fee, going up a never ending elevator - we made it to the top. I'll be honest, it's not well maintained and it's even a bit confusing to navigate - but the view at the top - made it all worth it. 

After that experience, we headed towards The Alamo, got detoured by the local mall that was mid-way as we had to cool down, get something to drink. It was air conditioned and so we decided to stay for lunch. By the time we were done, all we wanted to was go back to the hotel. So, we never made it to the Alamo, but...all in all, it was a great experience. 

I loved the River Walk and the little shops and places to eat. I will say though that it's very congested traffic wise, over populated for sure with several naval bases nearby and the weekend/family traffic is worse than some LA cities and lastly, it is quite dirty. But there's things to love about it too. So, I am sure I'll be 

heading back to the River Walk...

Love, Kristina 

Photographs taken by the talented RC Peters, thank you love!

Main Street?

We headed to New Braunfels, approximately 30 minutes from the Ranch. It was, per the reviews, this great little town - with museums, historical sites, etc. Well, when we got there - we kept going in circles - not quite believing we'd actually arrived. That should have told us something right away. Once we realized that we were actually on the main street, we parked - right in front of the Red Rooster Antique Co., which also happened to have a restaurant.

 

Perfect, antiques and food. Two of my favorite things. 

As we were walking up, we could tell - this place was gonna be interesting and it didn't disappoint. Talk about bizarre. The restaurant, which was smack in the middle of the antique store/more like in-door flea market, was adorned with a collection of deer heads, old Big Boy statues, vintage gas pumps, old diner signs, neon 80's movie signs flashing, etc. My favorite was the disco ball hanging over the buffet. Talk about a rare and unusual collection of "stuff". It almost felt like a place where you'd pick up used props from old movie sets - but it felt off - as here it was in the middle of the outskirts of city life, tucked away in this small town.

After our cafeteria quality eggs and bacon and cup of plain coffee - we paid our tab and made for the antiques. Prices were surprisingly high, hmmm...maybe this place has a client base that's willing to pay? It was a very large space, the main collection - so, so. Lots of large rooms with old church windows, old gas station 20x20" signs, etc. Great place to pick up the odd and hard to find, I'll give it that. 

After that we ventured onto "Main Street", which was more like a stuck in time, desolate street - on a Saturday afternoon.

Then we saw this place, thought it might be a museum, nope - just someones house. With signs all around the gate saying: "PRIVATE PROPERTY".

I'll be honest I started getting the creeps. Nonetheless, we decided to stick it out and keep going down the main drag.

After crossing the train tracks, which are also in the middle of the main intersection, we saw a sign for the New Braunfels Historical Railroad and Modelers Society. Could be fun, right? We decided to check it out.

It was tiny, it was old, it was being run by three men whom I wasn't sure if I should run from or be nice to. BUT, it did have a pretty cool miniature train track room, set up with dozens of railroads, towns, etc. That I had to see. So, I did. If Piper was older, I think she would have appreciated it.

So after donating $10 to their donation box, we left, via the back as of course we had to see the "train that was just donated from Ohio" (as per the main curator it was a big deal). So we did,

um no comment - trying to be nice here.

Then we walked one more block - got to the end of main street and that's when we decided we were done. Time to leave.

Okay, wasn't sure how to write this, whether I wanted to write it at all. But hey, it was an experience, I certainly won't forget it! I came to the conclusion that it was one of those towns you can't really explain. It was just "off" and I still can't quite put my finger on it. 

But just to give it the benefit of the doubt, I have heard that the main two attractions for the town, which were both closed due to a recent storm are the Schlitterbahn Waterpark and the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. So, I am sure that I will head in New Braunfels direction again, but I can almost 100% assure you, I won't be heading to Main Street.

Love, Kristina 

Going Gruene!

Let me start by saying that at some point we decided to draw up a list of creative ideas we wanted to execute over the summer as a family. We found a huge piece of butcher paper, wrote "The Summer of Fun" at the top and started listing out anything and everything our heart's desired. It included hikes, picnics, helicopter rides, seeing a play, a concert, etc. One of items was "Visit local towns" and under it we listed about 10 possible places as suggested by "Day Trips from Austin", published by Insiders' Guide. (Great book by the way!)

The first town we decided to visit was Gruene (pronounced Green). It's about 20 minutes from the ranch and so Lisa, Piper and I made a girls day out of it.

I immediately learned that Gruene is very special. Not only does it have the OLDEST dance hall in ALL of Texas to claim as it's own - it is just beautiful, quaint, colorful and has tons of great shopping, history, photographic opportunities and well, it's just an overall joy.

First thing we did was EAT! The recommendation for the Gristmill came highly from my mother-in-law (to be) and so we immediately headed there. First of all, it's like a 4 story tree house inside, was established in the 70's and has so much charm and character - I felt like I had stepped into a Peter Pan's playhouse. I highly recommend it for the ambiance...and the potato skins are pretty darn delicious to boot!

Then we stepped into the Gruene Antique Company. This place had anything and EVERYTHING. I was in heaven and immediately was glad that my boyfriend hadn't come along - as I took my sweet time and looked, looked, looked! Vintage toys, jewelry, quilts, cabinets, chandeliers, paintings, tea sets, etc, etc - you name it. I made it a point to take a card with me as I most definitely will be back to pick some pieces up for my boutique, such as the vintage men's shaving bar/mirror - what a great perfume/lotion display case!

And that was just the beginning, shop after shop - great photo op after another. Not to mention to the The Guadalupe River, just a few minutes walk - where Piper got to dip her toes and splash around for the first time. What a great place, a family hang out, an antique junkies haven. You name it - Gruene is definitely on the top of my list. And for those of you coming to visit...I can't wait to show it to you!

Love, Kristina 

So we meet again!

It's been so long, honestly - did you miss me!?

I had originally intended to do a make over on the blog, upgrade the photo input, etc. But I got so wrapped up in travel and seeing family - I never got around to it and considering I am not computer savvy - I guess you can say - I blew from it all together. Well, that's a bit harsh, more like took a break. BUT, here I am again!

So, let's see, since June...

I've managed to see a handful of small tourist towns in Central Texas. Some of them spectacular, some a little all together creepy. I've discovered some real gems, here and there.

I traveled through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida in order to completely surprise my mother and father for two weeks in Florida. On that road trip I discovered some great shopping gems, some must see and do activities and picked up some great vintage art and jewelry. I have plenty to blog about that's for sure! So, I better get started. 

Thank you so much for reading and following my friends.

Love, Kristina 

That's Barn Dandys to you!

When I was maybe 8 years old my mother had picked up this really unique lunch box somewhere. It was shaped like an old country wagon and it had pictures of pioneers heading out west. At the time it must have already been about 30 or 40 years old...but I thought it was so cool - I insisted on using it for school. Plus, it came with a matching thermal mug - with a forest green top and I absolutely loved it.

Sadly, we don't know what happened to it - maybe I lost it, maybe my mother got rid of it at some point...nonetheless, I'll never forget that vintage styled look.

Today I stumbled across Barn Dandys and the vintage western themed pattern brought all of those memories back.

Ah...my favorite lunch box...the one I got made fun of for using because it wasn't Barbie - but didn't care...yeah that one.

Well Barn Dandys inspired me again. So I snatched up the western roll mat for trips to the park or even just laying out with Piper somewhere on the ranch.

But, if western is not your style - they have great vintage camping images, hula girls, surf boys, baseball players or even just vintage shabby chic flower prints.

They make lunch boxes, teepee's for children, sleeping bags, old school TV dinner trays, lounge chairs, backpacks, infants clothing/bibs, vintage toys and many other wonderful items.

For more on the inspiration behind the line or to shop Barn Dandys go to:

http://www.barndandys.com/fable.shtml

Love, Kristina

Western Wear, Part IV, Wild Horses

Across from Lisa's (my mother-in-law's to be) ranch is over 100 acres, and that is where this story begins...

One late afternoon we were having a glass of Merlot on her front porch, when I thought I saw a beautiful painted horse walking down the road.

I got so excited, we both got up headed in it's direction.

Wine in hand, we ventured off of the property. We shortly discovered that what I'd actually seen was a horse on the property a mere fence away from ours. As we drew near, we were greeted not by one, but 6 towering beauties. One of which was in the midst of nursing her newborn for all of nature to see.

It was one of the most beautiful sights. They were grazing, minding their own, without a care in the world. The second largest of the bunch, immediately came over to Lisa. She has told me time and time again that she is a bit of a horse whisperer and that proved true. Each horse adored her...her sweet voice drawing them in, nuzzling her hand in return.

I was so inspired by that afternoon I decided to put my own spin on equestrian wear for the ranch...

For this outfit, I began with the fundamental part of my look - custom made riding boots (a local purchase from Western Wall Street in Wimberely). The look how they feel, like butter...

The pinstripe boyfriend blazer is a J. Crew staple.

The blouse is Hawks.

The belt was a vintage purchase from American Rag in Los Angeles.

The hair clip is Marc Jacobs.

The gold lame leggings are American Apparel.

Lastly, the gold and lapis lazuli lariat necklace is Karen London, which I used to work for. The story behind this piece, is one which I will only tell to few in full...but let's just say an older gentleman thought that all it would take to ask me out was buying me an expensive piece of jewelry...um...it didn't work. But, hey - I got to keep it and I made a sweet commission on it to boot.

Well...I hope this inspires you and makes you think of wild horses, ranches and summer time!

Love, Kristina 

For more information on Karen London jewelry go to: http://www.karenlondon.com/

Photos were taken by the talented RC Peters

Western Wear, Part III, Ranch Life

I've been dressing the part, I won't lie. Ranch life, is laid back...casual and down right bliss. 

My boyfriend has taken on Ranch Manager functions and although I'm mainly with our daughter all day - how can you not be inspired to jump in and ride the tractor...

This look starts with my boyfriends cowboy hat - a souvenir he picked up on our road trip from LA to Texas when we moved.

The shirt is Eze Sur Mer, a fabulously lightweight flannel that is so utterly perfect for this Texas heat. I can't wait to collect more colors and styles...this one is Rose.

The vest is vintage Jil Sander. 

The jeans are Forever 21, my favorite place to snatch up skinny jeans as they have stretch in them...and new mothers can appreciate that! Plus, I love buying tons of jeans and starting at $20 a pop - I feel justified...

My grey Hunter rainboots - are a definite MUST have on a ranch. With wild Texas flash flood storms at a moments notice - I have started throwing them in the car when we go out. I'm dying to buy a pair of turquoise ones after my mother-in-law went ahead and rocked my world by buying hot pink ones! Gotta love it.

The necklace belonged to my grandmother and is made from 1940's italian glass beads.

The bracelet is a vintage Christian Dior charm necklace...another gift from my lovely mother...which I doubled up for the wrist.

And the sunglasses are my boyfriend's. He bought them after he saw a pair on Joaquin Phoenix. They're from Benjamin Eyewear...an LA based designer.

Well, there's a taste of ranch life! I am sure you could wear this look a lot of different places, if not...well I guess y'all will just have come to visit us at the ranch! 

Love, 

Kristina 

Photographs by the talented Mr. RC Peters

Western Wear, Part II, EL Vintage

This one is for my dear friend, Emily Liebl who owns EL Vintage. I ordered this vintage dress from her fabulous website and like the professional that she is, I received it, beautifully packaged and right on time, with a sweet personal card to boot. 

I had envisioned this dress paired up with my vintage 1980's boots that I found a couple of years ago at Urban's, their line Urban Renewal is one of my favorite things to look for when I shop there. It's like an Easter Egg Hunt every time. And for $60, well let's just say that they have paid me back in wear, ten fold. 

Inspired by the ranch, I have created this look...

The pinstripe boyfriend blazer is a recent purchase...literally picked it up on a flyby at J Crew here in Austin. A definite must have in any wardrobe. 

The belt is vintage (another great friend from my new local thrift store). 

The turquoise necklace is a new family heirloom, my mother made it when she was a teenager and I have been begging and borrowing it from her since the day I was 12 years old and spotted it in her jewelry box. She recently surprised me and passed it on to me as a gift for giving birth to my daughter Piper - and of course, one day it will go to her...and so an heirloom is born. I layered it with a necklace I picked up at Forever 21...vintage inspired painted beads and multi-chains. 

The sunglasses are Max Studio...

The bangles are just a few from my prized collection, of which I think I have more than 100 now. 

 

I hope this western style look inspires you for the summer!

Love, Kristina

To shop El Vintage go to: http://www.etsy.com/shop/styleforlife ...  

Photography by none other than the talented RC Peters

Western Wear, Part I

This summer I have been inspired by the ranch to try some Western styled looks. I have put together a handful of outfits and for fun and good measure, I figured I'd display some for y'all ladies to see...

For this outfit, I've taken a denim styled tunic/dress I picked up at Urban Outfitters a couple of years ago made by Hawks. I paired it with a BDG mens workshirt and you can't see it, but around my waist is a vintage brown belt. 

Then I added a fabulous vintage Marni styled necklace find from my small, yet gem worthy thrift store... a $5.00 score! 

Lastly, I paired this outfit with my custom made riding boots. My boyfriend picked them up from "Wall Street Western", a small almost Nudie Suit inspired store in the small

village near the ranch. And for $400 down from $2,000...they were a sweet bargain find. 

So, what do think of my Western Wear ladies?!

Love, Kristina 

Boots MADE for walkin'!

In the small and charming village right outside of my mother-in-laws ranch is a gem that any boot lover would definitely get a kick out of, it's called the Wild West Store. If you are obsessed with boots, as I most definitely am...then ladies and gentlemen - this is the place for you. 

I cannot tell you how many times I have passed up fine jewelry from my man, for a pair of boots - Fiorentini & Baker, Frye, Prada and just recently a pair of knee high custom riding boots for Mother's Day. There is something magical about a pair of boots that fit and fit well. Doesn't really matter what you are wearing, boots always look good - heck boots with a wedding dress, I would even be tempted to try it, such is my passion. 

Well, this afternoon I discovered that this is my new favorite western vintage boot store.

The Wild West Store is owned by a lovely German lady, Ulli Johnston...a lady who is locally known as the "Boot Whisperer". It all started with 2 pairs of boots over 20 years ago she 

explained...a sort of personal collection at first, but now 17 years after owning her store - it's grown to over 500 pairs.

And this is a spectacular collection no doubt! 

All of her boots are authentic vintage boots, dating as far back as the 40's and no earlier than the 80's. She explains that even top of the line boot makers started going to China and India during the 90's and she won't have anything to do with that.

I asked her why she is known as the "Boot Whisperer" and she enthusiastically asked me to take my shoes off. I said sure, after having a look at my feet, my ankles, my calves...she disappeared into the back and pulled out a size 9 pair of boots that were from an exclusive Ralph Lauren collection during the 1970's. The client who had sold them to her, had hardly ever worn them and so they were in mint

condition. I didn't tell her I wear a size 10 and instead tried them on...and to my complete and utter surprise, they fit like a glove and I absolutely loved them. Boot Whisperer indeed!! I would not have chosen these boots, but the second I slipped them on, I knew we were fated to be. And at $295, the price was a definite steal.

She has customers from all over the world that have vacationed in Hill Country who even order via telephone, trusting her taste and suggestion of what would suit them. Just yesterday she explained a lady walked in and she said immediately: "red boots!!", with her strong German accent. The lady said: "Oh, no...I couldn't do red boots". Ulli disappeared once again, came out with red boots, the lady tried them on...and it was destined to be - she walked out in them.

Her prices range from $150 to over $2,000 a pair. But, I say, such is the price for boots that are MADE for walkin'.

Love, Kristina 

Wild West Store is located at 13709 Ranch Road 12 in 

Olde Town Plaza in Wimberely, Texas. Hours of operation 

are 10am to 5pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment 

only. For more information, call 512.847.1219 or 

visit the website at www.KoolBoots.com

Thoughts

My boyfriend left early to golf this morning (eager to make it official that he became a member of the local Country Club), I guess I could feel his excitement somehow. 

See, normally I'm up (more like zombie walking) at that hour, feeding Piper, changing her diaper, etc - but usually I go back to sleep with her and generally start my day around 9am. This morning however, I let her go back to sleep, grabbed a cup of joe and headed out to the back patio deck.

As I started waking up - my mind started racing with all of my recent obsessions, which, in case you were wondering, are...

Colorful ikat patterns, wearing all shades of grey, Gilt sales, my custom made riding boots, monogrammed jewelry (which started when Piper bought mommy her first piece for M's-D), lightweight western plaid shirts, watching our local squirrels (Thing One, Thing Two and Thing Three) run back and forth - taunting the dogs, mixing bold patterns/stripes/polka-dots in interior decorating and playing with yellows, blues, greens, reds and orange, finding the perfect gold pyramid/stud earrings (which I have yet to do, Noir came close, but they're not real gold), writing my friends actual cards and letters (just bought some new stationary to do it!) and finally - watching Piper cart around in "zoom-zoom" her aptly named jeep.

Now, I'm thinking about obsessing over...

Tiny flower print boyfriend shirts, tanks, dresses and possibly even shorts (the ranch inspired me), wearing my Hunter boots with shorts every day - even if rain isn't predicted, bleaching my hair a very pale blonde, starting the HCG diet, a variety of designer handbags too dangerous to list, teaching Coco how to walk in town without a leash (meaning giving in and actually training her), helping Lisa redo the back sun-room in a complete unapologetic western saloon style over the summer, how brilliant this designer I found on Etsy is who makes colorful chalkboard painted children's furniture (um, yeah that's what Piper's room will be filled with) and lastly - dreaming about buying all of my friends and family a pair of Toms, just to support Blake Mycoskie's cause. Imagine if people started businesses like his everywhere, what a wonderful world this would be. 

Well, there you have it, a short interlude.

I guess I've got some blogging to do.

Love, 

Kristina 

Watch out!

A friend recently said it so well..."I am just over the idea of Cartier, Rolex, etc, etc defining 

who I am. Plus I don't need or want something that everyone else already owns"...

I listened to what she said and realized, reluctantly, that I actually agreed.

Reluctantly, why?

Well, because I'll confess, my ultimate dream purchase has always been a $26,000 Gold Cartier Tank watch that I have practically drooled over for years. Seriously, I'd take that over a sports car or a dream vacation - ANY day.

Why? Well, I guess it just because it's one of those things...a woman's allowed her fantasies. 

But how about reality, that bank account may not have that just sitting around...or more importantly, why not venture outside of the box and wear a watch that expresses "you"...

And so, that leads me to my recent find...

Etsy isn't a secret anymore, the cats out of the bag - it's a resourceful and wonderful vintage and handmade haven...If you haven't gotten addicted yet, well - once you start searching their site - I can almost assure you - you will.

I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by a recent find, one which I would like to take time out to share with you.

Marrianne Handcraft Watch & Band Studio is an actual watch making company based in Busan. They make beautiful handmade watches that you can custom order and engrave.I am so in love with this look, it's like finding that amazing vintage styled watch...but instead of having to get it entirely refurbished, here it is brand new with a vintage look, completely unique, charming and well, just totally unlike any other watches I have ever seen.

I've posted some of my personal favorites...I'll let the picture speak for themselves.

I am personally drawn to the double strap watch that you can have your name or special date engraved on.

Or, if I really wanted to be adventurous, 

I am in love with the idea of the steam trunk 

part watch, with the face on the side.

I think the teal leather band, which is my personal

favorite color, adds a further touch of whimsy. Any of these styles would look great piled up with a collection of bracelets and bangles.

This watch designer is definitely on my list - I'll behave as I just got showered with amazing gifts for Mother's Day...but I am going to get one - watch out!

Love, Kristina

You can review their over 300 styles at http://www.etsy.com/shop/revolt70.

For quality assurance I read all of their reviews and every single one was positive. The craftsmanship, the shipping (apparently super fast) and the packaging all top notch.

Wild about Feathers

Last year I visited Austin briefly when I was about 4 months pregnant. My boyfriend and I literally just stopped for lunch at the local restaurant Enoteca Vespaio. It was slightly windy, but the breeze felt good...so we decided to sit outside on the patio. I remember now, that was the first time I tried quail, which was, in retrospect...let's just say - way too rich for my liking...

Anyhow - across the street there was a bright teal store with the words "feathers" plastered very clearly across the top. As we sat there and ate, knowing we were in a hurry...I started to subtley let my boyfriend know that I would love a souvenir of my first trip to Texas. As soon as he said sure and the meal was paid for, I practically bolted across the street.

When I walked in I was impressed...this was no "hole in the wall". This was a small, yet beautifully edited and laid out vintage store with an amazing selection of beautiful clothes, shoes, sunglasses, scarves, belts and local artisan crafted jewelry.

As I walked by the counter I saw a proudly mounted feature of the store in LUCKY magazine and that's when I knew that my initial reason for wanting to stop in was that I had read about this place and how it was the hottest vintage boutique around, it was coming back to me now.

Well, I wasn't let down...

I could not get over the selection or the reasonable price points. I mean, an YSL vintage black boyfriend blazer for $79.99. Are you kidding me!? If it hadn't been XS I would have snatched that find up in a heart beat or as fast as plastic can slide and you can enter your pin number. No doubt about it.

I spent at least an hour browsing, trying things on. Unfortunately, nothing fit quite right as I was at that pregnancy stage where the belly was big

and the boobs were even bigger. My normal size 4-6 was no more...

So...I quickly decided I wanted a piece of jewelry and that's when I saw some of the best selection since a recent trip to Barneys and the best part, it was almost all made by local artists and in my opinion, the prices were a steal.

I spent quite awhile trying things on and finally decided on a vintage "watch parts" type necklace in gold. Turns out as I go to pay for it that it was made by the co-owner of the store, Masha Poloskova. On a large chunky gold chain, the piece was heavy and just right, I put that necklace to good use over the last year...

Then when we recently decided to move here, I went into town several times just to pop in and shop and I have never been disappointed. The way the clothes is hung by color, easily draws your eye to that which you love and knows looks good on you. And the taste level, superb!

During SXSW, I was in the store shopping when I happened to met the other co-owner Emily Hoover. I got to speaking with her and she told me her inspiration behind the vintage boutique. I loved how she told it, very real,

very genuine. She explained that as a really young kid she would shop at thrift stores and for less than $10 she could put an entire new outfit together, kids wouldn't believe her

 - having just spent $10 on one thing from places like Wet Seal. As she got older, she continued this trend and now travels all over the US searching and finding amazing vintage finds to resale in her store. Needless to say, she has spot on taste. And she was very nice to boot.

So the moral of this story is that the next time, you're in Austin...please stop by this treasure chest and shop. You'll always find something special...something you really could not find anywhere else. And that is why I am wild about Feathers....

You can follow their blog, run mainly by the Store Manager, Nikki at: http://feathersboutiquevintage.blogspot.com/ 

Or if you're in town stop in at: 1700b South Congress, Austin, TX - or call 512.912.9779.

Love, Kristina 

Soco a.k.a South Congress

Back in February my boyfriend, the father of my beautiful baby daughter, RC - asked me if I wanted to go out to Texas to visit his mother. He asked me this question around 11am, by mid after noon - we were packing, by 5am the next day we were on the road. That's just the nature of how we do things...spontaneously.

Well, in retrospect - that one spontaneous, "yeah, that sounds like fun"...would turn into a life changing trip and the beginning of a whole new life adventure.

When we got to his mother's ranch, we were greeted with a loving "granny" who was so happy and willing to play babysitter to her newly born baby granddaughter. Considering she was not even 3 months old at the time, it was a welcome opportunity to go on a day date.

RC drove me into Austin...the nearest major city, determined to show me around where he had once lived. We did some sight seeing and then it hit him...he knew just where to take me...a little gem, a budding district called "Soco" or as the locals know it by "South Congress".

Well, it was love at first sight.

Imagine if you can a mixture of Los Feliz and Melrose, all rolled into this mile or so long bustling, yet not crowded, strip. The energy, the vibe - man I could just tell something exciting was happening here. And well, turns out - something is...

South Congress many moons ago was a shady part of town, just south of the State Capitol. I still don't have the entire history, but the basic gist is that a lot of Government officials used to get caught hanging out there...with their pants down....

Then about 10 years ago a revitalization project began and it's a completely different scene. Boutiques, vintage, high-end, new developments, a wealth of amazing little holes in the wall - each with their own personal touch and style, diners, cafes, you name it, they have it...

One of the things that I found charming were the vintage "silver bullet" trailers up and down the street that have been converted into cupcake stands, hot dog stands and good ole' fashion BBQ joints. This being no small business indeed...one of the cupcake trailers has blossomed into a nationwide business and was just featured in Forbes magazine. And I will attest, their red velvet cupcake was off the charts.

But I want to say this, that even amongst all this expansion...every single person I met, every place I went was real, down to earth and still had that "big hearted" Texas feel.

Well, there I was walking down the street and I just felt this sense of peace. The kind you feel when you receive a heartfelt hug or when you've just gone out of your way to do a good deed. And it was at the defining moment that I knew I was happy here, this place had changed me and as it turns out there was no going back.

And so my friends, my South Congress adventures began...

Love, Kristina

An LA Fashionista in Austin

Thirty one years ago, I was brought into this world by a die hard fashionista, someone I am very proud to call my mother. Growing up she owned a chic boutique in Los Feliz that sold both new designer and gently worn designer clothing from celebrities whom she called her friends.

Just recently, I remember telling a story at Mother's Day, we did a round of "most embarrassing" mother stories and funny enough...mine was when I was barely even a pre-teen - during that slightly awkward stage, waiting for my mother after school...

Oh, I'll never forget it - I was hanging out with this cute boy named Tony who I had a serious crush on when I looked up to see my mother, all 5'8" of her, with her long Farrah Fawcett feathered bleach blond hair, her off the shoulder ruffle blouse, skin tight leather "skinny" pants and 3 inch stilettos. Oh, boy - I could have died with embarrassment at the time...now I smile and think "she was so damn cool".

I tell her this story and true to form, she says: "Oh, yes...I remember that outfit, it was a Dennis Goldsmith raw silk blouse and handmade Italian leather pants." Almost twenty years later and she remembers, ah yes - she is my mother.

Having been born and raised in Los Feliz and Hollywood my entire life...to then have suddenly uprooted, literally, to a whole new state - one they call Austin Texas - with dream to start a fashion forward boutique...I felt the need to start a blog...

(Well, actually...a close friend of mine recommended it and I am so glad she did- muchas gracias Lily!)

In this blog, what I have opted to write about are my experiences here as a proud Los Angelena, in regards to local Austin spots, new found designers, the process of establishing my store (which, cross your fingers...I hope to have open in the next year or so) and any other interesting tidbits and findings in the fashion world. I will not limit it to only Austin experiences, but - it certainly will be my main focus.

And for you music lovers, when you come out for South by South West or Austin City Limits or just plain come to visit me or family and friends, I hope that this blog will bring you closer to this city that I have so desperately fallen in love with. So, please join my blog, tell your friends...and most above all - write back, comment and ask questions. I will always be here to respond.

Love, Kristina