Local Austin Fashion: Essential Oliver

I am a part of the University Fashion Group at the University of Texas. I am a part of the blog, public relations, art, and dressing committee. The group offers great opportunities and gives me valuable experience in the fashion world. I am currently working on collecting points to attend New York Fashion Week Spring 2015 in September. The dressing committee had the privilege of dressing backstage at the Essential Oliver Launch Party and Fashion Show on February 1^st. Designer, Tasha Petty, creates the Essential Oliver line. The show was located in a warehouse in East Austin. The line was casual for men and women and featured other designers including: Paleo Denim, Shauns California shades, B.Stellar Jewelry, Teysha shoes, Satchel and Page bags, and Fortress of Inca shoes. The atmosphere of the warehouse embodied the designs perfectly with a vintage, androgynous feel. The line is perfect for the young, hip community of Austin. The colorful, aztec printed shoes made the washed out colors of the line pop out. The show lasted 10 minutes long with the help of a bumping DJ and struts of messy haired models. The audience was having a great time flashing their cameras to capture every look, and then proceeding to socialize at the venue with music blasting and access to an open bar. Pictures featured below are a look from backstage from pre-show preparation, models practicing their walks, and the team celebrating a show well done.

be joyful in everything,

 Clare

For the coffee addicts.

I am not going to lie, even if this sounds extremely lame, the number one thing I was most excited for when I moved to Austin this past fall was to experience all the amazing coffee shops that really help you get in the "Austin zone."

I am from, what I call, a big town, not a small farm town but not a big city. Basically, I was just stuck in the suburbs where coffee shops and everything else closes at 9pm. I also only got the small option of Starbucks or Saxbys. Don't worry, I made sure to take advantage of the typical Starbucks visits by becoming a gold card member. Let's just say Austin is a whole lot different, and a whole LOT better because there are 24 HOUR COFFEE SHOPS.

Coffee shops make me enjoy studying. Maybe because I know I am about to make an incredible instagram post or I am actually being productive in a place rather than my dorm room or the dreadful campus library. I have been to many coffee shops in Austin, but I know I still have many more I would love to visit.

I typically treat myself with a caramel or hazelnut latte to begin with then stick to a regular cup of coffee with room for a little almond milk and sugar in the raw (who am I kidding, I have about 4 more cups of regular coffee after my latte).

Here are my favorite coffee shops:

1//Cafe Medici [on guad or on congress downtown]

The one on guadalupe is perfect to study with a hipster vibe surrounding, and the one downtown gives a modern city feel. I love to study on the coffee bar in the middle of the coffee shop downtown, and I love to study upstairs at the one on the drag (aka guad).

2//Walton's Fancy and Staple [on west 6th]

Definitely not much of a place to study, but it most definitely is the best place to have a yummy brunch with your gal pals. Yes, the mocha latte was delicious, but you MUST try the oatmeal. How does one make oatmeal so delightful??

3//Mozart's Coffee [on lake austin]

Mozarts is perfect for the fall and spring time in Austin when the weather is perfect outside. You get a nice mix of vitamin C, coffee, and a beautiful view of Lake Austin. It's a fantastic place to study or just dive into a good book in the fresh air.

4//Bennu Coffee [on east MLK]

I love to study here because it is open 24 hours. They also just leave you a tab open, so that you can continue buying your coffee and just pay for everything before you leave. Also, across the street is this fantastic wall art, pictured above, that makes for a great insta.

5//Flightpath Coffeehouse [on 51st and duval]

Thank goodness I really enjoyed this coffee shop because I skipped a football game last October to study all day with some good friends. Like Bennu Coffee, they keep a tab open for you. They have a nice patio deck and almost a 50's vibe on the inside. A fantastic place to take the whole day off to be productive with a nice cup of coffee in hand.

There are still many more coffee shops I need to explore, and if you know of any great ones please let me know. Now go out and grab yourself a hazelnut latte or coffee of your choice at one of my top five favorites in Austin.

2014

I'm beginning the new semester with bright eyes and bold ambitions. I am not the type of person who typically sets "new year resolutions" as I normally feel they are worthless and only last for a solid two weeks. But maybe being a little more ambiguous and just focusing on encouraging more positivity in my life can and will be possible.

I know all the new year posts are over and gone with since it is almost February, but I have been praying for what I truly want my future to look like, and I finally feel like I am starting to discover what I truly love.

I don't want to fear the world. I want to use the gift of intelligence to my best ability. I want to deepen my relationships with friends. I want to live selflessly. I want to give back to the people of this world more often. I want to make time every day just to sit in silence talking to our loving Lord. I want to indulge in all the tasty foods of Austin, TX. I want to learn patience. I want to incorporate the color of the year, radiant orchid, into my life more often. I want to have random slumber parties with my dearest friends. I just want to celebrate this amazing life we are blessed with daily.