2307 Manor Road
thebutterflybaraustin.com

Approachable, casual, with a little bit of vintage glamour all wrapped in one. That is how I would describe Emily Flemming-Nash’s newest place and my new favorite hangout, The Butterfly Bar. I was sad to see her coffee shop Emerald City Press close, but I’m glad to see that this cozy and chic bar is as friendly as her former shop. Sometimes it’s hard to put your finger on why you like a place, but I find the combination of the relaxed outdoor courtyard with the rich indoor bar a perfect combo. And it’s pretty sweet to see the same people working there that served me coffee almost every morning for the past couple of years. I have a feeling they will soon remember my favorite drink (just bubbly) like they did my standard morning coffee, served up with a smile and a song.

"Keep Austin Sexy" should be the slogan for downtown’s new W Hotel. While everyone else is trying to Keep Austin Weird, the W is taking different approach: it oozes confident sensuality. And Austin’s chic set has taken note, grateful to finally have a place to dress up and mingle in the hotel’s labyrinth of sultry cocktail lounges.

“Born and raised in New Jersey, educated in Paris. A crazy life in which I have worn and wear many hats — creative, business owner, mom, wife, philanthropist, educator, Braille learner, cancer warrior, designer as well as things I can’t mention. I am running as fast as I can. Life’s too short, so don't hesitate. 52 years young. Been in Austin since 1995. Married Evan at 40. Twins at 47 — Credence & Zelda. Had Blackmail for 13 1/2 years.” This is the life in pictures of Gail Chovan.

M: When did you get into fashion?
A: I remember going to the most formative music event of my life when I was 9 – it was the Go-Gos at the Astrodome, and my parents pulled me out of school to let me go with them. I think that was the first glimpse of avant-garde, irreverent looks on people. It was definitely a mainstream pop show, but I saw so much creative fashion in Houston – it was so metropolitan and cool to me. From then on, I started trying to drape my sweatshirts over my shoulder or wear fingerless gloves…I would try and mimic Belinda Carlisles outfits with my own vintage finds.

M: Is that when you started getting more creative with looks?

canoe.bigcartel.com

Natalie Davis and Ben Runkle are a “power couple” sans the corporate attire. Their careers are already demanding — Davis has her own Etsy store and teaches full-time, and Runkle started a cured meats and pickles business called Salt & Time in 2009 — but they still found time to launch an online clothing site last year. Canoe, a collection of timeless American work wear, work boots and handmade leather accessories, is an impressive collaboration that emerged from their mutual love for vintage clothing.

CAN WE AGREE that two heads are better than one? Then it should be a no brainer that two suns are better than one, right? Then you’re in luck, Earthlings!

According to Dr. Brad Carter, Senior Lecturer of Physics at the University of Southern Queensland, Betelgeuse, one of the night sky’s brightest stars is losing mass, indicating it is collapsing. Which means it could go supernova any time now. When that happens, Carter says we’ll see a second sun, at least for a few weeks. Did I mention that there may also be 24 hours of daylight until our second sun dies?

The Texas Playboys Baseball Club gathered at their favorite East Side watering hole Rabbit's for the annual Baseball Banquet that marks the ceremonial first pitch of the Playboys' seven-month sandlot season. There couldn't be a better combination than Black Tie, Tacos, Tito's and Cold Beer!

Last month Women’s Wear Daily proclaimed, “Nak is Back,” and we couldn’t agree more!

Erin Driscoll cut her teeth in the fashion industry as the owner of local Austin boutique, Fabby Darling. After seven years of feeding her passion for fashion, marketing and community service, she closed shop to take up the pen and explore her more existential fancies which ultimately led straight back to the world of style (proof that some things are just meant to be)! Today she is the founder of ponderella.com — a place for pondering the vain and the deep in life and style. In-between pondering, she hosts the YNN weekly style segments, “Fashionably Yours” and “Style Guide” found on Channel 8.