SXSW in the Air

Do forgive me, I know that I’ve spoken of our fabulous little festival known as South by Southwest before but I think most of you’ll agree that it deserves the extra mention. Each Spring, along with the flowers and trees, Austin positively BLOOMS and we’re reveling in it right now. Artists, musicians, filmmakers…the talent that converges on our lovely town is simply marvelous. And inevitably, where there is art, there is fashion.

I’ve noticed a lot of risk takers out there lately. Maybe it’s the resurgence of the 80s (my fellow children of neon and Aquanet know what I’m talking about). Maybe it’s the fact that in this day and age, not only are outward expressions of individuality tolerated but celebrated. Maybe we’re just trying to grasp a little whimsy in worrisome times. Whatever it is, it’s just fine by me. And I’m here to say that I WILL wear my cowgirl boots with a cocktail dress if I want to and I will have fun doing it. And I appreciate seeing a little sassiness in others, like the front-woman that came into Lovely Austin last week and left with an iridescent sequined dress to wear to her “South by” gig. I know she rocked it. Don’t be afraid to rock it, too!

If you’re lucky enough to be in ATX in the Springtime, get out there and soak it all in, Darlings! And here’s a little fun fact for you: among many others, the cutie pie boy band Hanson was discovered at our very own SXSW.

MMM-BOP, Baby!!

-Bea Lovely

Let there be FROCK!

That's right. SXSW is coming.
Skinny jeans, hoodies, and beards...OH MY!

I may be a refined lady that watches down over the walking masses of S. 1st street, but I have to say, I love a rocker. Throw in some silver mirrored aviators, a bullet belt, and some destroyed green Vans slip-ons, and I'm yours. I just can’t help it.

With fashion and rock & roll going hand in hand for so long, I think it's an inspiring time for Austin. When the masses roll in, you never know what someone will be wearing to attract the audience, attract the ladies, attract the bartender, etc. I love it. I wish I could sit outside at Side Bar and see the impromptu runway that occurs while the bands are playing, and I'm here to tell people to GO FOR IT! You, Mr. Bass Player for Minnesota Shoe Gaze band. If you want to punch up your outfit with neon green leg warmers - Do It. And Mrs. Saxophone player from Nova Scotia, I'm all for that faux fur wrap you are rocking with the 80's Calvin Klein jersey dress. Fitted shark skin suit with a polka dot leotard underneath? I know it's not for everyone, and really, it's about personal comfort. Try not to fall into your assumed musical genres "uniform". I find myself choosing something bright and bold just to stand out from the “PIBs” (People in Black). Far be it from me to judge, though. A true lady will always encourage you to wear what makes you happy and feel fabulous.

A few more weeks left, and just so you know, we at LOVELY have a lot of great jeans, belts, and one of a kind jewelry that could take your look to another level (in case that image savvy label rep is there). Let the wardrobe changes and music BEGIN!

~Bea Lovely

Do my eyes deceive me??

...or did I just see cuteness walking by wearing stripes AND plaid? Back in the day that was just wouldn’t do. Well, it’s a new day, baby, and I like it. Designers are shaking things up and breaking all kinds of fashion rules. Mixing patterns is just one of them. Another of the broken commandments? “Thou shalt not wear black with navy.” Yet 2010 has brought runways teeming with the duo and celebs like Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway and Ashley Olsen have helped to make this formerly forbidden fashion faux pas the hot trend for winter.

Seeing Little Miss Plaid Stripe Fabulous looking so good made me decide to think outside of the box. Looking no further than my favorite boutique (I don’t have to tell you which) I found a fabulous Nanette Lepore skirt with a checked pattern and paired it with a breezy peasant top in a floral print. What keeps this look from being a train wreck? (aside from the killer Gucci bag) It’s all in the color coordination. You have to stay in the same color family for this trend to make sense, otherwise the mixy-matchy could go south in a hurry. Trust me on this.

I, for one am a fan of breaking rules. Life is too short to waste time always wearing beige suits and sensible shoes. What’s next, though? White shoes after Labor Day?

A girl can only dream….

-Bea Lovely

Hello, Austin!

I love this time of year…..

Colder weather, new year’s resolutions and an opportunity to wear a killer coat (can you say faux fur?) for the next few weeks. It’s times like this that I reflect on fantastic fashions of yester-year and dream about spring trends to come. My favorite trend this fall was the rebirth of flannel patterns layered over leggings and adorned with knee high boots of heels and flats. Is there anything hotter that a sexy pair of boots? It takes me back to my younger days of muscle cars and aqua net (so many fine memories!).

I can't wait to see what spring fashions we have in store for 2010. A little birdie told me to look out for hot pants and knee high socks! I don't know about you but I like the sound of it. Better put those new year's resolutions to work in preparation for some seriously short shorts!

Until then, discover the ways you can recycle your favorite looks to create a fashion style that is uniquely your own. Keep it fabulous Austin and remember Bea Lovely!