Today's the day! Austin's first Lomography Gallery Store is kicking off with a grand opening party tonight at their space at 912 Congress. The theme is 20s/30s vaudeville, and you can bet there will be props and a photobooth to match! The White Ghost Shivers will be playing and Frank and Sugar Mama's will be serving up snacks. The party starts at 6pm and goes until 10pm.

When you find yourself having a last-minute conversation with an Academy Award winning actress in the lobby of a hotel downtown while businessmen buzz around you and multi-piece bands load into an idling tour bus – let me assure you that the very sentiment that gave birth to Austin’s beloved “Keep Austin Weird” catchphrase is, indeed, alive and well.

Girls just wanna...paint their nails! It's true. A fresh manicure in your favorite hue will always brighten your day, and with over 250 shades, essie nail polish nails lacquer luxury. 

Last week beauty expert Jessica Nunez hosted local Austin beauty and style mavens at SALON by Milk + Honey to celebrate the launch of essie's Cocktail Bling Winter 2011 Collection. Tasty treats, bubbly sips and a relaxing manicure in essie's latest and greatest colors was a perfect way to unwind from the busy day.

 
Stick-to-it-iveness: (noun) meaning unwavering pertinacity and perseverance. Erin Brockovich has it, do you?

SafePlace, a non-profit organization that strives to end sexual and domestic violence hosted a celebration luncheon featuring social activist, Erin Brockovich. The true story that brought a small town to its feet, a company to its knees and an Academy Award to Julia Roberts' hand, is a motivating reminder to seek truth and justice in the most uncompromising of situations. 

At the luncheon, Brockovich shared her message, highlighting her transformation from the "cute classic underachiever" to the fierce activist who speaks out on the behalf of those who can't speak for themselves.

Don't miss the Tool and Tack Pop-Up Shop - Saturday, October 15, 4-9pm Gray Duck Gallery (608 W. Monroe St. off S. 1st)

For the Tool and Tack Pop-Up Shop, Canoe will partner with clothing and accessory lines Forage and Wood & Faulk for the event at Gray Duck Gallery. At this “gentleman’s pop-up,” Natalie Davis of locally based retail site Canoe says, “Folks can expect a well-edited selection of affordable vintage clothing, work boots, handmade bow ties, leather accessories, bags and a damn good time, ” which will be enhanced with cocktails, beers and antipasti from Salt & Time, a cured meats and pickles company owned by Davis’ husband, Ben Runkle.

Don't miss the Tool and Tack Pop-Up Shop - Saturday, October 15, 4-9pm Gray Duck Gallery (608 W. Monroe St. off S. 1st)

Fail + Canoe, a collaborative jewelry project between Canoe and Christine Fail, a jewelry designer and the owner of Schatzelein, will debut at the event, with pieces for women and men. The designers will also be at the “Meet the Makers” event the evening before at Schatzelein (1713 South First) from 4 to 6pm. 

 +When did Fail launch?
fail launched in March of 2010

Don't miss the Tool and Tack Pop-Up Shop - Saturday, October 15, 4-9pm Gray Duck Gallery (608 W. Monroe St. off S. 1st)

Wood & Faulk by Matt Pierce, a DIY contributor for Design*Sponge, offers bags and belts “crafted for the craftsman."

 +When/how did you decide to create Wood & Faulk?
I started Wood & Faulk in November of last year. I felt like I had some ideas I wanted to share, and figured it'd be good to get things out and start a dialogue about projects and processes I wanted to experiment with. I thought there had to be someone else interested in the same stuff that I am.

 30 years is a long time for any shop to be open, but it comes as no suprise here. Room Service has been offering a huge selection of vintage furniture, decor and clothing for Austinites since 1981. The shop is a great resource for a broken-in pair of cowboy boots, a mid-century coffee table or any sorts of odds and ends from the 50s-80s.

They will be hosting their 30th Birthday Bash at the store in the North Loop Shopping District on October 15, 6-10pm. There will be sales on merchandise, giveaways, DJ Sue providing tunes, free beer compliments of Dos Equis and a huge birthday/wedding cake from Swetish Hill Bakery for everyone to enjoy.

Don't miss the Tool and Tack Pop Up Shop - Saturday, October 15, 4-9pm Gray Duck Gallery (608 W. Monroe St. off S. 1st)

Forage bow ties are handcrafted from meticulously chosen fabrics in vibrant plaids and stripes by Shauna and Stephen Alterio at their studio in Philadelphia and have been featured in many print and online publications, including Martha Stewart Living, Design*Sponge and Daily Candy.

Three outfits + palette worthy of the end of summer and your busy week during TRIBEZA Style Week presented by Dachis Group! What's your outfit inspiration for tonight? 

At left, model Laura Bailey at London's Fashion week from Vanessa Jackman's excellent blog. In the middle, an extra-chunky knitted merino wool cowl from goodnightday. At right, model/designer Jessica Hart during New York Fashion Week on Citzen Couture.