By Danielle Kaplan
Working with Emmy-nominated actors on a hit, prime-time TV show is just another day at the office for Stacey Oristano, who plays Mindy Collette on NBC’s hit Friday Night Lights. Starring in a TV show where the entire town revolves around football isn’t a huge feat for Oristano, who grew up in Arlington, [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
“It looks like a 7 series, but is edgier,” enthuses Steve Late of BMW Austin, about the dashing new 5 Series models that are taking the roads across the world by storm. To many Brilliant readers, finding the perfect car is like finding the perfect pair of jeans – they have to fit [...]
By Ellie Leeper
There’s something about that ZZ Top song about a “Sharp Dressed Man” and with men sporting the sleeker “Mad Men” styles all around us,
they are retooling their wardrobes with the streamlined silhouette. But where to turn first for the transformation?
Look no further. Men’s designer custom clothing design company Astor & Black [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
When the warm weather subsides, it’s back to work, literally, for men’s style this fall. We checked with our retail pals and partners to see what they were predicting and to them, this season is all about uniform, rustic rebirth and night watch. These three themes were seen throughout all the runway shows, [...]
By Jennifer Roosth
Recently, the Colton-Farb Gallery celebrated Art Houston 2010 with a fantastic summer solstice opening reception soiree for over 300 eager art devotees wanting to see the latest in the world of contemporary artwork.
What did we find? We discovered a treasure trove of talent, curated by the gallery’s owners Deborah Colton and [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
In our roller coaster economy, the quest for beautiful things is still charging ahead. Whether it’s shoes, an iPad, a phone or a yacht – luxury is elegance and these are our must-haves right here, right now.
1. All That Glitters
Who says only your jewelry can gleam and sparkle? Ulysse Nardin presents the Chairman [...]
By Lance Avery Morgan
It might just become one of your favorite films of the year. Surely the Motion Picture Academy will think that when they hand out Oscar nominations this next time around. It’s the most talked-about movie around the brainy set, those who aren’t doing the summer blockbusters, as it was the talk [...]
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 [...]
Nat’s Dallas Dish by Natalie Bond
It was announced at a recent soirée at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas that the 2010 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala will be held on the 11th of September, officially launching the DSO’s 111th anniversary season.
While guests noshed on delectable bites from the Ritz, gala details were unveiled and symphony season highlights [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
With all the hustle and bustle these days, who has the time to keep up with the current trends and update their wardrobe every season? No need to worry ladies, our problem has been solved. Patty Obenhaus, a wardrobe consultant, shows designer clothes from Carlisle and Per Se lines in her Austin area [...]
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 [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County held its 6th annual “Healing Hearts Invitational” two weeks ago in McKinney, Texas chaired by Eric Zepp. The event reached new heights by raising $125,000 for children victimized by abuse and neglect in Collin County.
With 115 golfers, a “Beat the Pro” competition with Brittany Lang, a [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
[Editor’s Note: We ran a post on singer Jackie Leigh's iTunes success that was so well received that we wanted to follow it up with more helpful info on the entertainment biz. -- Lance Avery Morgan]
Getting into the music industry is tough work, but take it from Lawrence Schwartz, manager of new [...]
It’s the eternal quest: love and wellness. Now, you can be get closer to both with today’s DVD debut of Secrets to Love and The Science of Healing with Dr. Esther Sternberg from PBS Home Video.
In Secrets to Love, viewers will master the tools necessary for developing and maintaining healthy relationships, techniques which [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
Pack your bags now since you’ll soon be seeing and wearing the best looks for any summer resort vacation. Announcing our top four Brilliant looks from the latest runway summer resort collections.
Marc Jacobs:
Marc Jacobs nurtured his inner 60’s style for his fantastic and playful resort collection. Full of lace, sweet pastels, prints [...]
By Chelsea Paul
July 4th is almost here and the aroma of barbecue will soon be tantalizing our taste buds. Watermelon will be sliced and passed around the table. We will also be slipping into our swimsuits confidently and showing off our beach-ready bodies. Party hosts will be shaking up batches of Skinny Girl margaritas, to [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
Children at Risk hosted its annual gala, Stand up for Houston’s Children with Randy Travis, chaired by the inimitable Carolyn Farb recently in Houston. Another whopping success, it was held at the Verizon Wireless Theater in Houston, the record-breaking event raised more than $300,000 and created awareness of the major issue of child [...]
By Lance Avery Morgan
The Austin Fashion Week kick off and teams have been announced and the big kick off model search at the Driskill hotel this week had models walking, tongues wagging and cocktails flowing. The brainchild of Launch 787’s Matt Swinney, it’s all in preparation for the week of official AFW shindigs taking place [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
The perfect accessory for any outfit this summer has now been discovered. Introducing the magnificent new “Punto” cuff series from Katy Briscoe.
The stackable cuffs are eloquently crafted and each is made of 18-karat gold, agate, and semi-precious stones. The cuffs are named after the Italian word for polka dot, which each cuff has [...]
by Danielle Kaplan
A chance to work with the top names in the music industry? It may seem like a dream come true to most people, but for Texas-based Jackie Leigh, it’s now a reality. With her first three singles on iTunes and an hour and a half set lined up at the Belmont on [...]
The Bigger Picture with Kimberlie Dykeman:
“The whole life lies in the verb seeing.” ~Teilhard de Chardin
It all comes down to one fabulously, all-encompassing word: Perspective. Sometimes a tunnel view of life can prove to be overwhelming, and yet dangerously boring. The old adage of not seeing the forest for the trees [...]
Nat’s Dallas Dish – Events Edition
By Natalie Bond
Society of Young Philanthropists Debut
Who says being philanthropic is just for the old? Now, The Society of Young Philanthropists (SYP), a Los Angeles-based, not-for-profit-group of dynamic Generation Xers, has launched their Dallas chapter with a society gala fundraiser at the swanky Dallas Contemporary Museum of Art.
Dallas’ young [...]
By Chelsea Paul
It is hot in Texas and summer time is upon us. Rather than run away and hide – though some days the AC may be your only relief – I say if you can’t beat the heat, be with the heat. Just be smart about it. So, when exercising outdoors in the heat, [...]
by Danielle Kaplan
Around the Brilliant offices, we love discovering new talent - artisans who are create dazzling pieces. And, if it’s at a great price point? Even better. Below are some new works from our latest discovery, Texan Catherine Nicole, also found at www.catherinenicole.com
Martina Necklace
style # GVN1013C
Chalcedony, Vintage Chanel Chain, 14 Karat Gold Fill. [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
Houston-based J. Paul Industries has launched J. Paul Skin Care just in time to save the summer skin of men. It’s a new high-end line of advanced skin care products designed exclusively for gents, so now you guys don’t have to rummage through your wives or girlfriends medicine cabinets to turn back the [...]
By Lance Avery Morgan
It’s finally happened. The over-the-top experience of screening a film has come to Texas, specifically in Austin at the luxe Domain shopping area. The smart folks at Gold Class Cinema have married the hipster lounge vibe of Vegas with the opulence of a private screening room in Beverly Hills that creates a [...]
By Danielle Kaplan
The San José Clinic hosted its 4th annual “Art with Heart” Gala recently at the Intercontinental Hotel Houston chaired by Devinder and Gina Bhatia. The glamorous gala drew over 600 people in attendance, and raised over $280,000, more than double last year’s profits.
The gala’s proceeds, beyond ticket sales, came from the silent auction [...]
By Ron Davis,
Brilliant’s L.A. City Editor
It was an event that had fine-dining aficionados licking their chops - the West Hollywood Style and Structure Tour. Eager participants were shuttled to eight of the entertainment capital’s trendiest hotspots, sampling signature dishes, delectable desserts and beverages ranging from fresh lemonade to palate-pleasing wines.
It was a rare opportunity to [...]
by Danielle Kaplan and Lance Avery Morgan
A chance to save a part of history and attend a grand ball in France? Sounds like more than a worthwhile cause to us. Pack your bags and clear your schedule on June 23-28 for the Grand Ball at Versailles - and its surrounding events in Paris and at [...]
by Lance Avery Morgan
The recent, 3rd Annual Beyond the Lights Celebrity Golf Classic at the Hyatt Lost Pines course in Bastrop, TX was a huge hit… and a blast for everyone who participated.
Brilliant Magazine was a proud media sponsor, helping “Friday Night Lights” stars Kyle Chandler and Brad Leland work their magic again [...]
by Danielle Kaplan
A Netflix for dresses, sounds too good to be true right? Welcome to the most genius idea in the history of fashion – Rent the Runway. (renttherunway.com)
It’s simple, too. The purpose of Rent the Runway is to rent dresses from top tier designers at a fraction of the cost for any event that [...]
by Danielle Kaplan
Beat the heat with our five fave summer sandals our feet are dying to wear…
1. Metallic
Dress up any outfit with these stunning strappy, high-heel sandals from Tory Burch.
2. The Wedge
Let your feet take a break from the stiletto while still staying true to the trend of the summer – platform [...]
By Ellie Leeper
Of all the premieres around the country for the fashion-laden film Sex And The City 2, the one that caught our eye was the party with Neiman Marcus partnering with Mercedes-Benz of Boerne to host a VIP screening at the Santikos Palladium Theatre recently for the new, sexy film.
The event also had [...]
When you think of summer, you likely think of a tall glass of cool, sweetened iced tea. Now, when you think of summer fun, you can now think of a more grown up iced tea beverage… like the new Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, an infused drink that is sweeping the trendy bars and restaurants [...]
The Bigger Picture with Kimberlie Dykeman:
Try as we may, our status-obsessed, competition-hungry society lures us to acquiesce to judge and further dole out rampant titles, labels and assumptions. Like children, we find pleasure in comparing things and compartmentalizing, for it helps us define our own identities and positions… in some odd way. But, good [...]
By Jake Gaines
In our still rollercoaster-like economy, around here we’re always looking for a great value that is still luxurious. And, we want a grand experience while doing it. At Hamilton Shirts, that equation of a solid value plus luxury equals a great experience.
I noticed this when shopping in a hipster menswear [...]
If you’re thinking of buying a new BMW – and, who isn’t – now is the time to check out the BMW Ultimate Driving Event happening now for a limited time. Here’s how it works: simply sign up with BMW of Austin to experience all of the 11 new BMW models, including the all-new, beautifully [...]
By Jen Roosth
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston held its second annual Tapestry Gala this month at the Hilton Americas chaired by Philamena & Arthur Baird with honorary chairs Peggy and Bill Barnett. The gala drew 800 culturally, ethnically and socially diverse Houstonians, and raised more than $600,000 in celebration of Houston’s various faiths.
Jan Duncan accepted [...]
by Natalie Bond
It was another great night to be in Texas. This time, it was in Dallas, when the legend of rock Sting took the stage at the Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center for the second of a three-part concert series leading up to the Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium [...]
By Chelsea Paul
Memorial Day weekend is the inaugural three day summer kick off. It is the weekend that most of us mark on our calendars in spring and then begin to plan traditional backyard barbeques, lake parties, and summer reunion get-togethers. Memorial Day weekend welcomes summer with a bang, and for three months fun in [...]
Let’s face it: if you live on this planet, you’re a social entrepreneur. But how can you gain more skills needed to change the social system for the better and share this solution with the world? It helps to have access to the right tools, like the new book, Social Entrepreneurship for Dummies® by [...]
By Lance Avery Morgan
It’s no secret that Houston loves art and also, loves a good party. Mix the two with a dash of a fun crowd, stir with great energy and voila’, you have an art opening as bubbly as a fresh glass of champagne. Leave it to Carolyn Farb and Deborah Colton [...]
by Lance Avery Morgan
Recently, at the Headliner’s Club in Austin, at a small luncheon honoring Ambassador Roy Ferguson and his wife, Dawn, the vitality of New Zealand was front and center.
The views of the city surrounded the gathering, hosted by former Texas Secretary of State Geoffrey Connor for the Ambassador and his wife, who [...]
Thinking ahead to cooler days is what Neiman Marcus San Antonio is all about right now.
This week the grand Texas store in the Alamo City’s La Cantera Mall is showing the Roberto Cavalli Fall 2010 Collection, chic truck show-style.
Animal prints, glam get ups and sky high heels will be just a few of [...]
by Lance Avery Morgan
The 25th anniversary Cinderella’s Ball gala honoring the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central & South Texas was certainly the place to be recently. The sold out and almost standing-room- only crowd was wowed with the transformation of the Four Seasons Hotel ballroom fit for royalty – and the 600 guests. Miles of [...]
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 Lance Avery Morgan
Want your home to be inspired with both high design and high fashion? You’re in luck with the Women’s Symphony League Showhouse gala opening at the new Austonian high rise downtown, which will be the first and last opportunity for the public to see the building before its June opening with [...]
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 Lance Avery Morgan
The Austin Children’s Shelter recently partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue for a stellar evening of high fashion and philanthropy, Fashion for Compassion. The spring style show was socialebrity-studded, yet you’d think these gal and guy models were catwalk pros. They strutted their stuff for a great cause, the Shelter, while the audience [...]
