The Bigger Picture with Kimberlie Dykeman:
“If you just blow a little love into it, it’ll fly right up into the stratosphere.” - Steven Tyler, musical performer
So, you’ve mixed up a recipe …but it tastes like something’s missing. You fuss ‘til you ruin it, lure someone else to fix, pitch it [...]
The Bigger Picture with Kimberlie Dykeman
“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”
~ Maya Angelou
With great anticipation, yet transient restraint, I have listened and honored the lingering under-conversation in my pea-pod brain. And the results rouse a recurring mission to depict and entertain with humor; to prompt [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
1. Blast from the Past
Marfa, Texas is getting a blast from the past with its first vintage clothing store, Little Liberty, Marfa. With a grand opening on the Fourth of July and a motto of “celebrate life, liberty, and the pursuit of ultimate fashion happiness, we’re sure that nothing seems more American than [...]
By Natalie Bond
Now here’s something worth celebrating… Memphis, Tennessee-based St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital had some big news to share to supporters who gathered at Dallas’ new Winspear Opera House: U.S. News and World Report ranked St. Jude as the top children’s cancer hospital in the country.
The occasion at the Winspear was the [...]
The Bigger Picture with Kimberlie Dykeman
I am certain many of you grew up watching the Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang, and each quirky, endearing character resonated with your own inner character at random times as they dealt with L-I-F-E. What’s funny about this wonderfully simplistic look at life is that there never seemed to [...]
By Chelsea Paul
Summertime is right around the corner, so here’s how YOU can get hotter. Get set to bask in the sun with your friends with neighborhood barbeques, pool parties, and weekend lake excursions will be the thing to do at the end of a long work week. What to wear? Surf shorts, bikinis, [...]
By Amber Elliott
Runway show, live entertainment and free-flowing cocktails: the perfect formula for a stellar Saturday night in Austin. Everyone who’s anyone will be in the Warehouse District this weekend, so what better reason to pop into The Phoenix on 4th and Colorado than to catch the town’s movers and shakers watch custom swimwear strut [...]
The Bigger Picture with Kimberlie Dykeman
[Editorial Note: It gives me great pleasure to introduce the enlightened Kimberlie Dykeman: author, speaker, and television personality, who will share her ongoing insight on the Brilliant Social Network of blogs. We hope you enjoy her as much as we do… Lance Avery Morgan, Publisher/Editorial Director]
In a time when [...]
by Lance Avery Morgan
When the curtain goes up on this year’s Dallas Summer Musicals gala, the star-packed night will not only focus on the DSM children’s outreach programs, but also will focus on the seven music-filled decades of entertainment that has graced the stage in Dallas. Six talented singers (and one Tony™ Award=winning ventriloquist) [...]
By Chelsea Paul
Pure Austin’s Chelsea Paul dishes on today’s hottest work out trends and the bods that inspire them.
I love Texas weather–where tank tops, strapless dresses, and feminine necklines are the quintessential go-to wardrobe staples for six months out of the year. Halter tops and plunging necklines reveal not only freshly tanned [...]
By Lance Avery Morgan
There are galas and then there are galas. Last night was a real gala – and for a great cause – Austin’s premiere performing arts venue, The Long Center. Yes, Saturday, March 27 was the to place to be for the “Shades of Purple” theme, co-chaired by tireless and super stylish philanthropists [...]
By Amber Elliott
Designer Zac Posen is without a doubt a celebrity darling. Thus, it’s no surprise that the famous faces like Amber Valletta, Vera Wang, Nicky Hilton and Rachel Bilson turned out for the recent launch of his new line Z SPOKE at Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills. The “chic, sleek utilitarian” collection reflects Posen’s [...]
By Lance Avery Morgan
Think you have to jet to Buenos Aires for high end, authentic Argentinean food? Think again, because El Arbol, the new chic eatery, will satiate your desire for the real spicy deal. In this contemporary Latin incarnation of a classic restaurant, even Mad Men’s Don Draper would feel at home here. [...]
By Erin Mallory
If you live in Austin and you’ve never paid a visit to Mozart’s during the Holiday season, it’s safe to say, you’ve been missing out. Each year, the outdoor deck of Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin Blvd. becomes a brightly lit, over-the-top homage to Christmas. Blue LED lights drape from tree to [...]
The holidays can be a joyous time of year full of togetherness, endless parties and general merriment. On the flip side, after three solid months of juggling family overtime and fighting the shopping mall masses while playing Santa, most are begging for a much-needed break. Central Texans are in luck, the Lakeway Spa & Resort [...]
The early bird catches the deal. Hours after consuming round 2 of Thanksgiving feasts, thousands of Texans flooded outlet centers across the state to take advantage of mega-markdowns. Black Friday is widely known for the lowest prices of the season and with perfect timing, a month before Christmas. It’s no wonder serious shoppers flock to [...]
By Jo-Anne Somera
In honor of Veterans Day, give a personalized thanks to those who have proudly served our country. Dallas stationery store Paper & Chocolate has produced a grand 3,000 patriotic thank you cards for the special day. By signing a note of gratitude, veterans and active duty soldiers in Iraq from Division Troops Battalion, [...]
By Annie Kreighbaum
Brilliant has chosen the 15 most exciting faces, spaces, places, events, shopping, and beyond happening right now in Texas. Click on bolded items for more info or to shop.
1. HAUTE HUNTING
Scott Schuman set out on the streets of New York, camera in hand, with one mission in mind: to seek and shoot the [...]
By Natalie Bond
Photos by Stephen Karlisch
Jenny Kirtland, Marco Giocometti, and Cindy Rachofsky / Helena Wall, Allyson Cooke, and Lisa Runyon
With its chic presence in the realm of luxury, Tod’s launched Italian Touch, a book that captures the true essence of Tod’s as its pictorial collection journeys throughout Italy in search of contemporary elegance.
An evening [...]
By Jo-Anne Somera
While cracking open an ice-cold brew is usually done at a sports bar, Chef James Holmes of local Austin favorite, Olivia, offers a more refined way to enjoy your next pint. Holmes is teaming up with brewmaster Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery to host a beer pairing dinner at the award-winning restaurant on [...]
By Stephanie Marichal
Get a sneak-peek of the fabulous fall fashions while mixing and mingling with Dallas’ finest at A Fashion Celebration, hosted by The Plaza at Preston Center. During the preview, muse the high fashion runway looks, sip cocktails and enjoy delectable hors d’oeurves while listening to the beats of DJ Jeff Mitchell of Phonophreaks [...]
By Annie Kreighbaum
Becky Beaver
Ballet Austin nixed the usual pastel pink tights and demure black leotards last Saturday night in favor of fishnets and boas for their naughty fundraiser, Fete*ish. Event chair Becky Beaver pulled out all the stops for its tamer counterpart, Fete ’09, that kicked off the fall social season. After a gala dinner [...]
By Annie Kreighbaum
New York Fashion Week never disappoints, but this year was a bittersweet celebration of the epic biannual event under the big white tents at Bryant Park. Sentimentally disappointing, yes. But, man did I have a blast saying goodbye!
Mara Hoffman / Yigal Azrouel
The shows, as always, were a feast for [...]
By Stephanie Marichal
It’s that fabulous time of year again as New York’s Fashion Week begins on Thursday, September 10, while a plethora of chic movies and documentaries arrive to satisfy your fashion craving.
Turner Classic Movies will showcase the network’s 15 Favorite Fashion Trendsetting Films, from September 10-17. With heavy favorites like Pandora’s Box, Breakfast at [...]
By Jo-Anne Somera
Neiman Marcus is going all out to kick off this year’s New York Fashion Week. The first ever “Fashion’s Night Out” is a nationwide event designed to put more fun back into shopping. The event, organized by American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of [...]
By Jennifer Swain
Proving that Rome can in fact be built (and destroyed) in one day, Los Angeles-based artist Liz Glynn will resurrect the archaic city with the help of talented Austin volunteers. The 24 Hour Roman Reconstruction Project will chronicle the Roman Empire’s rise and fall during a first-ever performance at Austin’s Arthouse at the [...]
By Erin Mallory
Fashion repeats itself, this we know. Saying good-bye to big, bulky shoulder pads that were ever-so-present in the 80s was not hard to do. However, thanks to sleek and sophisticated silhouettes from Balmain’s Fall 09 Collection, the structures of our current wardrobe may bear a slight resemblance.
The ready-to-wear runway show from the [...]
By Jennifer Swain
Photo of Paris Opera Ballet’s Etóile Marie-Agnès/ The Firebird rehearsal photo
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Ballet Russes, Houston’s Dominic Walsh Dance Theater will perform their world premiere of The Firebird, followed by a sensational Russian dinner and cocktails at the Firebird Soirée. Join event chair Dr. Carolyn Farb in [...]
By Lance Avery Morgan
In a very crowded field of vodkas on the scene today, enter: Y Vodka. Other Texas-based vodkas like Tito’s, Dripping Springs, Suave and now Y Vodka proves that the spirits are alive and kicking in the Lone Star State. The San Antonio company was founded by Brett Cohen and Justin Reitmeyer, two [...]
By Amber Elliott
Come one, come all to Chef John Brand’s legendary restaurant, Las Canarias, housed in the Omni la Mansion del Rio where good company and fine dining live harmoniously. Perched on San Antonio’s Riverwalk and prime for people-watching, foodies, visitors and regulars can bask in the sublime offerings dubbed “spa and lifestyle cuisine.” Simple [...]
By Jillian Burnett
Pamela Sanders, Amy Phelan, Jennifer Stockman, Allison Kanders, and Anne Pasternak
Photo by Patrick McMullan
Nothing elevates our spirits like a Rocky Mountain affair. Texan Amy Phelan chaired the Fifth Annual artCRUSH event at the Aspen Art Museum on August 7. Guests gathered to honor 2009 Aspen Award for Art recipient, Fred Tomaselli, and his [...]
By Jennifer Swain
Jane Scarnazzo and Skylar Mack / [...]
By Jennifer Swain
Considered one of the “Three Queens” of classic jazz, Anita O’Day created a swingin’ scene with her supple voice and bebop style after World War II. Now, with the new documentary out on DVD, Anita O’Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer, her legend lives on. Fans are sure to enjoy the vintage [...]
By Annie Kreighbaum
1. LUSCIOUS LASHES
We abuse our eyelashes just as much as we torture our hair with curling, dyeing, combing, extending, and cleansing. So why not soothe your tattered ocular-fringe like you do your locks with neuLash eyelash conditioner? It promises to protect, hydrate, and grow lashes thicker and longer to perfectly frame those baby [...]
By Natalie Bond
Jason Wu’s First Appearance In Dallas
Designer Jason Wu showcased his Fall 2009 Collection this summer at Nordstrom NorthPark Center. With power event hosts Lori Jones (wife of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones), actress Capa Mooty and Deborah Scott, it wasn’t difficult to have the Who’s Who of Dallas in attendance. And attend they [...]
By Jen Roosth
Rudy & Debbie Festari and Edward Sanchez [...]
By Annie Kreighbaum
We all know Paris is chock-full of world-renowned landmarks- the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and of course, designer boutiques. The glorious, bountiful, beautiful boutiques. But, alas, it was strictly business during my inaugural visit in July to the city of lights. I was there for one thing and one [...]
By Erin Mallory
Michael Phelps Nastia Liukin
When the creators of PureSport performance drinks announced that Michael Phelps and Nastia Liukin received the 2009 ESPY Award for Best Male and Best Female athlete, we couldn’t help but wonder, does PureSport hold the answer to success? Both Olympic competitors turned to the sports [...]
By Lindsay McCallum
The weather has brightened up and allowed me to escape to the Hamptons for a weekend. Just an hour or so away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, this hotspot feels like a completely different world, full of sun, space, and, of course, the best summer parties.
Love Heals Invite
When you pair the [...]
By Erin Mallory
It’s a Calvin Klein kind of world…and we love living in it. Who wouldn’t want to belong in a realm of chic, timeless and effortlessly executed fashion classics that have taken charge in our closets and iconic fragrances that have dominated our daily beauty routine? It’s no wonder that when Brilliant received [...]
By Dana Lieber
Pictured: Laura Johnson, Arden Specia Spencer, Joan Smith
It was a stroll down memory lane at the 2009 Texas Toy Soldier Show hosted by Kings X Toy Soldiers in San Antonio. Keeping with the spirit of the Lone Star state, the third annual event moved from “Bolivar Hall” inside the La Villita to a [...]
By Jillian Burnett
Photo by Olivier Samson Arcand
Bungees and jugglers and swings, oh my! The crowd-dazzling Cirque de Soleil performers are currently trapeze-ing their way into Texas with the production Saltimbanco. Leaping, balancing, climbing, and contorting, these Montreal natives leave audiences amazed with their gravity defying (and frankly, biologically impossible) antics. Baroque-inspired in its design, the [...]
By Samantha Adams
When fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo stepped out from his workroom for some R&R at the Lake Austin Spa Resort, Brilliant was on the scene to share in both the hilltop view and his stunning spring collection.
I’d never been one to buy stock in the “eyes are the window to the soul” expression, [...]
Brilliant meets the streets of Texas in search of chic men and women with distinct personal style. Stay tuned for other trend-setters that catch our eye in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston and in other great cities around the world where Brilliant Texans roam so stylishly.
Stephanie Coultress, Austin
Boutique owner of Estilo
Erin Mallory: How [...]
By Jillian Burnett
William Rast
The boys of denim culture brand William Rast are making us swoon with studded duds and embellished leather goods. Southern gents Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala, founders of the ‘New America’ denim collection, have announced a European takeover, going into effect this July. As the popularity of the collection amplifies, the brand [...]
By Annie Kreighbaum
For more information, click on bolded links.
1. FROM HERE TO HAIR
Uptown girls have another reason to brag that their zip code is the most divine in Dallas. The fabulous Hair by Charlie salon has recently migrated from its downtown loft to an adorable abode on McKinney Avenue, complete with whimsical décor to match [...]
By Jennifer Swain
Ethiopian, American-sorrow by Amelia Sargent.
Photo courtesy of Amelia Sargent
Discover the next rising stars of the art world. In celebration of young artists, the Goss-Michael Foundation awarded $5000 scholarships to four talented high school seniors. Kenny Goss and singer George Michael created the Goss-Michael Foundation in hopes with that it would encourage continued interest [...]
By Jacqulyn Joy
Pictured: Elizabeth Scokin and Jacqulyn Joy
It’s now possible to cook and be coy at the same time, all due to Elizabeth Scokin’s Haute Hostess Aprons. Tory Burch says she loves them, and Naomi Campell and Beyoncé own one as well. This is a must-have for your next big gathering. In a recent trip [...]
By Jennifer Swain
Want to discover what Texas was like before the advent of electricity? Here’s your chance. The Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio offers the opportunity to live out your pioneer fantasies with their family-friendly event, Texas Tales & Trails, June 23- August 1. Mingle with trail bosses and buffalo soldiers as you [...]
SEVEN CITY TRENDS
By Caitlyn Ryan
New Yorkers alone have enough gusto to rock purposefully disheveled looks that still have structure. Where you might see flowing bohemian goddesses on the West Coast, hard lines and sharp shapes with an air of architectural sophistication rule in NYC. You’d think summer clothing, or lack thereof, might not be able [...]
