leighelena opens up shop

18. August 2010 by Candace Carlisle.

 reposted from launch787.com

Local jewelry designer/enamel artist opens up her own little boutique. Beloved Austin jewelry designer Leigh Elena Navarro of leighelena recently launched her new store at 1215 Corona Drive, located next to Nomads off Cameron Road. After years of selling her colorful and trendy pieces in retail establishments throughout the United States, including notable outlets such as Fred Segal and over 100 more high-end boutiques across the country, this talented entrepreneur expands her skill set by opening up shop right here in Austin.

Designer leighelena makes all of her jewelry and accessories by hand.

Mixing her own whimsical and bold pieces with other locally made items, this shop contains an absolute treasure chest of amazing goodies. DON’T MISS OUT! This boutique is a true showcase of color, where shoppers can peruse an array of her handcrafted enamel pieces including layered necklaces, a vast variety of pendants, cuffs, rings, and belts galore. Admittedly the favorite accessory in my arsenal of adornment is my very own vegan-leather belt with vivid lime green buckle. Plus, Leigh (with her fabulous eye for style) has hand-picked some of the most amazing jewelry from designers across the country, to fill the small store. In addition to jewelry, this quaint boutique carries all sorts of lovely gifts such as scarves, hand-embroidered tops, candles, organic body care, art, and home accents with the primary focus on only selling hand-crafted items.  Leigh strives to carry lines of product that are exclusive only to her shop. Making this little treasure trove truly a place to unearth some very unique and precious gems.

Leigh adopted this process from her mother who she credits for influencing her decision to become a jewelry designer and also assists Leigh in enameling the pieces. As an endearing and deeply personal touch, Leigh adds a stamp from the collection her grandfather started for her as a child to the back of each piece large enough to accommodate one — making each piece truly unique and one-of-a-kind.

Leigh plans to carry her work over into gallery-inspired wall hangings in the near future, perhaps even selling them exclusively in her shop? For more information or to buy online please visit: www.leighelena.com

Posted in art & fashion, launch787, leighelena, austin fashion, cool finds, austin jewelers, austin gifts, amazing finds, Stuff in Austin | 1 Comment »

Launch of Magnolia Family Vintage

5. August 2010 by Candace Carlisle.

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Tolly Moseley, 530.908.8495, tollymoseley@hotmail.com

 

Love vintage? Austin-based online boutique attracts style-savvy customers

Launch of Magnolia Family Vintage site brings affordable, one-of-a-kind fashion to the masses

 

AUSTIN, Texas: First, she was a vintage clothing collector. Then, she sold off pieces of her collection on eBay to fund her habit. Next, photographers were calling her to style shoots, and suddenly, she’s styling the cover story for BOHO Magazine.

 

Just who is this woman, and how can we get in on her magic?

 

Meet Sarah Jessica Dean, founder of Magnolia Family Vintage. In a short time, what started out as a hobby has exploded into a successful eBay shop, a popular vintage fashion blog (The Year of Living Thriftily), and now, its own online boutique. The site goes live on Thursday, August 5.

 

“The web site is starting simple and small, an online boutique, but we’ll have lookbooks, a vintage lifestyle blog,
  and in the near future, a section of the site where you can buy not-vintage items that I find on my treasure

  hunts,” says Dean.“If I find a Marc Jacobs coat in a Goodwill, I can pass it along at a really fantastic price!”

 

Budget-minded fashionistas will be happy to hear MFV’s price point, too.

 

“Keeping the price points affordable is hugely important to me,”says Dean.“Customers will be able to find 

great dresses, tops, rompers, etc. for between $20 and $50 all the time.”

 

But what’s a girl to do if she loves a ’60s mod skirt, or a raging ’80s pair of acid-washed jeans, but has no idea how to wear them?

 

“The thing that sets MVF apart from other vintage stores is our very personal customer service,”says Dean.

“Because I got my start in this business styling shoots, I can help customers put together looks that work together

with stuff they already have, or with fresh finds they dig up elsewhere at our store.”

 

If you can’t wait to see what MFV has to offer, you don’t have to look far. An Austin-based business that is literally family operated, Dean already sells a vintage collection through fellow online boutique, BuyDefinition.com. In addition, MFV works with local vintage shop Laced With Romance, and will be selling alongside them at Cinema East screenings through August 2010.

 

“Girls from high school to their thirties with a mind for standing out and an appreciation of quirky, feminine,

irreverent style will always be able to find a wardrobe staple from MFV,”says Dean.“MFV is very much about being yourself when you get dressed and I think wearing vintage pieces that no one else has is a perfect way to do that.”

 

To save 15% on ALL Magnolia Family Vintage items through August 31, head to www.austineavesdropper.com for a special discount code.

 

###

 

To schedule an interview or receive more information, contact Tolly Moseley at tollymoseley@hotmail.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/magnoliafamily, and stop by our Facebook page.

 

Posted in austin fashion, Austin handmade, Austin Eavesdropper, cool finds, austin gifts, PR, Stuff in Austin, austin clothing, Electric News | No Comments »

Rock n’ Swap on Jan 30th

19. January 2010 by Candace Carlisle.

From the mouth of Tolly Moseley….the talented red headed vixen is up to her amazing party tricks again…..

{Who has a weakness for vintage clothing, dance parties, cupcakes and alcohol?  You?  Me?  Let’s dance.

Friends!  If you are in the Austin-and-surrounding area, the lovely Sarah Dean from The Year of Living Thriftily and I are putting on a par-tay.  The Austin Rock N’ Swap is designed to benefit your wardrobe, your dance moves, and the Earf!  Let me just break down this awesomeness one piece at a time:

CLOTHING SWAP.  You bring 10 gently-used pieces of garment magic to the Austin Rock N’ Swap, you get 10 pieces of clothing (or jewelry, accessories, shoes) in return.  No clothes (perhaps you are walking around naked)?  No problem: $5 will secure your entry.

POP-UP SHOPS. If you bring a little extra folding money, you get to peruse two ever-so-lovely pop-up shops by Laced With Romance and Magnolia Family Vintage.

DRANK. Treaty Oak Rum!

CUPCAKES. The Cupcake Bar will be there giving away samples of their famous confections.  In true vintage style, they will have nostalgic candy toppings for your cake!

MUSIC. By two hot men, Businessman DJ’s.  Go give their mix “It’s Gonna Be Awesome” a listen, as it basically describes how I feel about everything.

This is all happening Saturday, January 30, from 6-10pm.  RSVP here for guaranteed entry!  Because once we hit capacity, we have to close this baby up, and then you will be sad.  Visit our Facebook invite too, and scheme with your friends for fashion swap ideas.

So….I cannot even tell you how excited I am about this.  (Are you noting the exclamation points exploding from this post?) Sarah and I met years ago when I was interviewing her for a story in Rare, and since then have been good buddies!  Today, she is a vintage stylist for a variety of shoots and magazines, including one of my faves, Boho.  Check out her wonderful post on the event here, and also be on the lookout for “swap pointers.” }

with poster design by yours truely!

So come on out and get your swap on.

Posted in Tolly Moseley, austinist, Austin Eavesdropper, electric promotions, Treaty Oak Rum, Beauty Bar, Sarah Dean, Businessman DJ's, The Cupcake Bar, Laced with Romance, Austin Rock n' Swap, art & fashion, music, austin gifts, austin vendors, Fashion, Stuff in Austin, amazing finds, austin music, austin fashion, austin crafters, cool finds, austin event, Electric News | 2 Comments »

Beauty Bar Vodka Launch Party

15. December 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

 

WHAT: Beauty Bar Vodka Launch Party benefiting Bright Pink
WHEN: Thursday December 17th, 2009 (7:00pm to 10:00pm)
WHERE: Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th Street Austin, TX 78701
HOW MUCH: Free

On,Thursday, Dec. 17th, from 7:00-10:00pm, the Beauty Bar will be launching it’s own brand of vodka (that’s right…they are launching their own Beauty Bar” brand vodka) and $1 from every drink sold at the launch party benefits Bright Pink (http://www.bebrightpink.org) and will continue to do so throughout all of 2010.
Enjoy a hosted DJ set by Brian Tweedy, manicures by Aziz Salon, and a crafty make n’ take station by the fabulous ladies at Sublime Stitching. In addition, fabulous items are being raffled off in support of Bright Pink. So come out to the Beauty Bar next Thursday to support a great cause, and by just attending the event you will be eligible for a chance to win cool prizes from:

Birds Barbershop (http://www.birdsbarbershop.com)
Austin Handmade (http://www.austinhandmade.com)
302 Designs (http://www.302designs.com)
Bella Flora Creative (http://www.bellafloracreative.com)
Bettysport (http://www.bettysport.com)
Cindie’s Lingerie & Gifts (http://www.cindies.com)
Dainty Daisy Creations (http://www.leannecoggin.com)
Black & Bluebird (http://www.blackandbluebird.com)
Jinxedaposed Clothing (http://jinxedaposed.blogspot.com)
Aziz Salon (http://www.azizsalon.com)
Mana Culture Boutique (http://manaculture.com)
Leah Duncan (http://www.leahduncan.com)
Peace Boutique (http://peaceboutique.com)
Naughty Secretary Club (http://www.naughtysecretaryclub.com)
Waterloo Records (http://www.waterloorecords.com)

Bright Pink (http://www.bebrightpink.org) is a non-profit organization that provides education and support to young women who are at risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Visit their website to find out more ways in which to support their cause. Website: http://www.beautybar.com

 

Posted in Bettysport, Cindie's Lingerie & Gifts, Bright Pink, Beauty Bar, Aziz Salon, Mana Culture Boutique, Beauty Bar Vodka, DJ Brian Tweedy, Waterloo, Bella Flora Creative, electric promotions, austin music, austin gifts, austin vendors, austin event, austin crafters, Bird's Barbershop, 302 Designs, Austin handmade, PR | 5 Comments »

Take your pick…lots to do this weekend in Austin

4. December 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

For over thirty years, the Austin Visual Arts Association (AVAA) has supported area artists behind the scenes and behind the canvas by organizing weekly classes to foster artistic talents, arranging discussion panels to encourage conversations about art, and assembling exhibits to give exposure to deserving artists. Tonight, AVAA will host the first ever Austin Visual Arts Awards to recognize the many talented creatives that call Austin home. The awards ceremony will take place at the Austin Museum of Art Downtown beginning at 7pm. Tickets to the awards may be purchased online or at the door for $25.00 - admission includes a cocktail reception and networking event.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in crafting classes, music, art & fashion, mobile crafting, jewelry making, Do512, Austin handmade, The WonderCraft, Paired Hearts, music event in austin, AVAA, Art Seen Alliance, Home Slice Pizza, austinist, party ends, indie music, contest, Bird's Barbershop, Free Show, Austin Photography, austin vendors, austin gifts, amazing finds, austin jewelers, crafty fun, Stuff in Austin, Support this Cause, Art Openings, austin music, austin event, austin fashion, photo booth, Austin Musicians, austin crafters, austin art scene, cool finds, DIY, artist opportunities, Electric News | 4 Comments »

Saturday, 10/24 - Mixx & Make: Pre-Halloween Craftacular

16. October 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

(FILL IN THE BLANK) The most unique answer gets two tickets to the Mixx Make event/Halloween party on the 24th. http://www.mixxmake.com

It was a dark and _____ night when the ____ ringing of the ____ awoke them. There was only heavy breathing on the other end of the line. “Who is this? Why are you calling me?” The creepy ________ voice said, __________ and Happy Halloween you ________.

*Simply email your response to thebuzz@electricpromotions.com*

October 16th, 2009 (Austin, TX) – On Saturday, October 24th Electric Promotions and TwoGroove are joining forces to create a spooky smorgasbord of fun. With awesome crafts, great music, delicious treats, amazing giveaways, and much more.

Taking visual cues from the Day of the Dead, this celebration will be nothing short of a creative blast with plenty of crafty goodness, skulls, and ghoulish treats. Watch a special screening of Army of Darkness while grooving to the sweet sounds of Focus Group, Panjoma, and the fabulous Team Fabrication DJs. Create DIY Halloween masks with The WonderCraft including special decorative treats from Sublime Stitching. Participate in a gummy bat/worm eating contest with the winner taking home VIP passes to one of the coolest Halloween events this year: Flip Scene’s Halloween Bash 2009! presented by Cherrypeel.com. Nibble on edible eyeballs and tasty coffin cake from Blue Note Bakery and quench your devilish thirst with red rum compliments of Treaty Oak. To top all that off, there will also be a guitar giveaway. That’s right one lucky person will go home with a brand new guitar!

Costumes are “encouraged and possibly rewarded”…but optional, either way be sure to jump in the photo-booth by Trevor Ray Thompson.  Cool giveaways and great prizes are in store! Like gift certificates to Bird’s Barbershop, passes to see Evil Dead the Musical at the Salvage Vanguard Theater, and more…

Entry is $6 (if you RSVP at www.mixxmake.com) or $8 at the door. The first 50 people through the door get a special treat including something from those thoughtful guys at Yelp.

Posted in art & fashion, music, Treaty Oak Rum, music event in austin, indie music, mobile crafting, classes, Team Fabrication, Austin handmade, The WonderCraft, jewelry making, upcycling, contest, Blue Note Bakery, Cherry Peel, focus group, Flip Scene, Halloween Bash 2009, Learning Secrets, panjoma, electric promotions, Mixx & Make, TwoGroove, bat eating contest, win a guitar, networking, designer opportunities, volunteers wanted, austin gifts, amazing finds, austin music, austin event, austin vendors, photography services, PR, Web Design, Stuff in Austin, Fashion, crafty fun, cool finds, DIY, Austin Musicians, photo booth, Austin Photography, Do512, wondercraft, austin fashion, austin crafters, artist opportunities, artists wanted, austin art scene, movie event, Electric News | No Comments »

Friday, 10/16 - Beard Folk Art Show@ Austin Handmade

11. October 2009 by admin.

 

Beard Folks Art Show at Austin Handmade on October 16th, 6:30-9:30pm

This Friday is Austin Handmade’s last shindig as they will be closing their doors come November 1st. The Beard Folks Art Show will feature an interactive photo-booth by Corinne Loperfido, bearded art by Allyson Lipkin, and many more. DIY demos by The WonderCraft & music by Team Fabrication DJs.

Sponsors include: Saint Arnold Brewery, Birds Barbershop, The WonderCraft, & Sugar Mamma’s Bakeshop.

Raffle & Giveaways throughout the night from the coolest barbershop in Austin (Bird’s)! *This event is free to the public. 

Raffle & Giveaways throughout the night. *This event is free to the public.

www.austinhandmade.com

Posted in austin classes, classes, mobile crafting, crafting classes, jewelry making, The WonderCraft, wondercraft, Austin handmade, Team Fabrication, music, art & fashion, St. Arnolds, Bird's Barbershop, Corinne Loperfido, contest, music event in austin, Treaty Oak Rum, Lucy Blue Studio, artist person, Free Show, Austin Photography, austin vendors, austin gifts, amazing finds, austin music, austin clothing, austin jewelers, Art Openings, austin vendors wanted, crafty fun, austin event, cool finds, austin fashion, photo booth, Austin Musicians, austin crafters, austin art scene, DIY, artist opportunities, artists wanted, Stuff in Austin | 3 Comments »

This Saturday!We Make Stuff..music,art & fashion at Scoot inn

16. September 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

Feeling crafty?  We are! Join us this Saturday, September 19th from 7pm-12am, at the We Make Stuff…music, art, & fashion show presented by Electric Promotions. It will be a bash bursting at the handmade seams. Fashionistas, mad crafters, music lovers and skateboarders will converge at The Scoot Inn for a completely one-of-a-kind party – the kind where you can design your own t-shirt, take in a band and see a fashion show.We Make Stuff attendees will enjoy music from local rockstars like Hollywood Gossip at 10:30, Lost Werks at 8:30, and Panjoma at 9:30. Watch models strut the runway in a fashion show featuring kicky designs by Tara Tonini, Jinxedaposed Clothing, Malissa Long, accessory designer Dainty Daisy Creations, and talented handbag designer *annemarie*. Models Ruby Joule, Coco Lectric, Goldie Candela, and Pearl Lux of The Jigglewatts, AFAW nominee Haley Penlaber, and fab members of the Lonestar Roller Girls work their walks for these designers, who have been featured everywhere from Austin Fashion Awards to the Modish Blog. Event and fashion photography by John Pesina.

Siren’s Salon & Electra Beauty Lounge will be styling up the runway with outstanding up-do’s and make-up for the We Make Stuff show. Shop cool vendors like SweetWolf, Chels-E.com, Peace Boutique, April Wright Design, Vintage Rehab, Merrit Gade, Nepenthe’s Bathtime, Dainty Daisy Creations, *annemarie*, maneki, Ape-Gear, Wings of Addiction, Diamonds and Guns by Action Jackson, & DevilGirl Design. Be sure to rock out your style at the event in the photo booth by Trevor Ray Thompson. After you capture the moment, check out the half-pipe and rad skateboard demos provided by the guys at Find n’ Grind skate shop.

We Make Stuff wouldn’t be complete without indulging your own crafty creativity, would it? Stop by the Team Etsy Austin booth to get your own “I make stuff” t-shirt, then dive into make n’ take projects with fabulous ladies of The WonderCraft, recently featured in Austin Monthly. Screen your own shirt design with new screen shop, Under Pressure, and reward yourself with tasty (and complimentary) treats from Nadamoo and Treaty Oak Rum.

And finally, because we know Austinites are not only wild crafters but discerning art critics too, we invite you to be our official skateboard art judges! Check out hand-painted and crafted skateboard decks by amazing designers and artists like Jason Silver, Tom Cox, Anne Genung, Wendy Offield, Candace Carlisle, Sara Hasslinger and many more. After tallying your votes, we’ll reward the winners with gift baskets filled with local goodies, art supplies, and the opportunity to be featured in a future gallery showcase.

Proceeds from the We Make Stuff raffle will benefit Art From the Streets (AFTS). Art From the Streets is a non-profit, volunteer-driven art class program that provides a safe and encouraging environment where the positive spirit of homeless people is nurtured through artistic expression. Win cool items while helping a great cause: like a gift certificate to Yoga Yoga, gift certificate to Uchi, tickets to see Rob Dickenson at Mixx sponsored by TwoGroove, tickets to see the Trey Mcintyre Project & DJ Spooky, subscription to Cantanker Magazine, original print by Allyson Lipkin, membership to Mexic-arte Museum & Women & their Work, vouchers to the Alamo Drafthouse, signed copy of Jennifer Perkin’s Naughty Secretary Club book & Jenny Hart’s Embroidered Effects and much more.

The first 100 people to arrive at The Scoot Inn will receive a special We Make Stuff goody bag, filled with one-of-a-kind crafts and reusable items.

Get your craft on, Austin. For more information, please visit http://www.wemakestuff.us/
Thanks!

Electric Promotions

Posted in creative side, austin classes, dallas artists, upcycling, mobile crafting, The WonderCraft, TXRD, wondercraft, Austin Photography, dallas fashion, Austin handmade, Hot Britches, crafting classes, we make stuff, Lucy Blue Studio, 302 Designs, artist person, NadaMoo, anne marie beard, Paired Hearts, Treaty Oak Rum, music, art & fashion, find n' grind, Sublime Stitching, Austin Musicians, photo booth, austin vendors, Sponsorship Opportunities, austin gifts, volunteers wanted, amazing finds, austin jewelers, crafty fun, Stuff in Austin, Fashion, Support this Cause, Art Openings, austin music, austin event, austin art scene, artist opportunities, austin crafters, austin fashion, ladies only, Dallas craft, DIY, Dallas Clothing, cool finds, donation needed, Roller derby Austin, PR | 3 Comments »

Handmade Nation Premiere After Party at Austin Handmade

1. September 2009 by Candace Carlisle.

Exciting News! Faythe Levine will be screening her highly acclaimed film here in Austin, and Sublime Stitching & Austin Handmade are welcoming her with a action-packed weekend of fun including: a book signing party, screenings, craft bazaar, and post-screening party at Austin Handmade on Sunday September 6th from 6:30-9pm.

We will have plenty of crafty goodness, a mojito bar by Treaty Oak Rum, and delicious frozen treats by Nada Moo with entertainment by the fabulous ladies at Team Fabrication. Admission is Free!

Screenings at 1:30pm, 4:10pm- Alamo Drafthouse - South Lamar

After Party from 6:30-9:00 at 2009 South First Street, 78704
(just down the street from Alamo Drafthouse)

Visit Sublime Stitching’s website for more details on how to participate in Saturday & Sunday’s Events! http://www.sublimestitching.com/ATX+HMN

 

Posted in Team Fabrication, austin classes, Austin handmade, wondercraft, ladies only, upcycling, mobile crafting, NadaMoo, Treaty Oak Rum, Sublime Stitching, crafting classes, austin crafters, austin art scene, crafty fun, austin vendors, Art Openings, Support this Cause, Stuff in Austin, austin gifts, austin music, artist opportunities, DIY, cool finds, austin event, PR | No Comments »

Don’t Miss Dueling Glamazons Tonight!

27. August 2009 by admin.

Anne Marie Beard of *annemarie* & Leslie Bonnell of Glitzkrieg are having a Trunk Show at Parts & Labour on Thursday, August 27, 6:00 - 9:00 PM. Free fabulous swag! Craft-tastic demos! Awesome prize drawings! Complimentary cocktails! Swank vittles from Blue Note Bakery and Pie Fixes Everything and chair massages from Paul Drown, LMT!

Posted in art & fashion, austin fashion, artist person, anne marie beard, parts n' labour, austin crafters, austin art scene, austin gifts, austin jewelers, amazing finds, austin event, cool finds, crafty fun | No Comments »