Two Brides = Double the FUN! February 26th seaside in Galveston I had the pleasure to host a brunch & lingerie shower for blooming brides Lori Geshay & Hollie Wells. The future Mrs Bergeron & Mrs Dorsett were glowing of course surrounded by their besties for champagne, dining and sweets. What better venue to treasure these dolls than at the “Queen of the Gulf” known as the Hotel Galvez. A member of the Historic Hotels of America, Hotel Galvez is a four-star AAA property.
I am not a “crafty” person mainly due to time constraints, however I was motivated with this occasion and spent A LOT of time on Pintrest. Let’s just talk decor for a minute! Going with the lingerie theme I baked heart-shaped butter cookies and
“Trende Brende” the Hostess and future Martha Stewart…LOL
decorated them into cute lingerie and/or bathing suits. Since this was my first attempt the designs were manageable but aren’t they so cute??? I felt like a fashion designer…watch out Victoria’s Secret! Next, what is an event without champagne in my group!? So, I took mini bottles, dipped them in gold glitter, and added cute pink ruffle bows w/ a pink/white straw. I did a similar idea for my wedding favours but the glitter took it to a whole new level! Pink was my colour choice as it’s feminine, fun, and perfect for Spring. Also on the table were ring lotto scratch-offs….and a fun prize included of course for the winner! Fresh floral arrangements for the brides to take home. Fun glasses, veils, hats to play with. Last, Mardi Gras beads for everyone! Yes, this party happened to fall on Mardi Gras….which made it even more festive. A good way to “mark your champagne glass” is to tie your beads around the bottom of the flute. The stem. Choose or “claim” your colour and no confusion there!
Spring is in the air in Houston. In fact, winter never really happened thanks to Mother Nature. But that is quite alright because I am about to get you fully energized and ready to sprint to Saks Fifth Avenue after I show you what is in store for this season!
Friday evening I attended the “Houston Haute Couture” fashion presentation featuring designer Lafayette 148 at Saks Fifth Avenue in the Houston Galleria . Each year the Women’s Council of Realtors Houston chapter get together for fun and fashion benefiting a local charity. This year they partnered with the Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation which raises money for breast cancer research. I am the Founder of this yearly fashion event circa 2014 so of course I would not miss it for the world!!
“The Shoulder Show”
In conjunction with cool vibrations from the DJ, flowing champagne, and passed lite bites by 51Fifteen, this fashion presentation was spot on FUN! Sitting front row allowed me the opportunity to attempt to photograph some of my favorite outfits and take notes as the Lafayette 148 ambassadors painted the perfect Spring picture!
“It’s not what is new, it’s what is next!” said the Lafayette 148 ladies from NYC. Think the shoulder show. Shoulders are in! Pair with some wide leg trousers or skinny pants and you’re good to go!
“Dusters, Lasers, and Leather oh WOW!”
Next, mono style….all one color. So fresh and clean, don’t you think?
Trench dressing. It’s not just for Sherlock Holmes and Inspector Gadget, OK? Crop the sleeve. Pair with a dress, and off you go looking fabulous!
Light leather jacket, gotta have! Loving the pop of color too.
And stripes are “so in”. My nautical friends will be happy.
Long flowing cardigans they call “dusters” are HOT. Think linen, light weight. Button them up, wear them open. Wear with a dress or trousers.
Ultra light suede is making a comeback. I know Houston gets steamy hot but you’d be surprised how well this breaths and it’s super light in weight.
And, your Spring look is not complete without laser cut embroidery. Looks like lace! Super feminine with an edge.
“Pocket Play”
Pockets are the “in thing” too! Check out these dresses with pockets. I love the effortless look, plus not to mention “functional” and “comfortable”. Side note, I am a Realtor and I need my pockets when I am out showing property! I am loving this trend so so much and I hope it stays because I can fill my wardrobe with this style. Notice the length too. I can appreciate just below the knee.
Last but certainly not least…..drum roll please…….The outfit turning heads, creating the only standing ovation of the evening , with by far the biggest applause goes to this black jumpsuit! I know we’ve seen them on trend already but this outfit
“Jumping for jumpers”
in particular really got our crowd excited. The edgy yet sophisticated and slip-on-and-go look really works. Dress it up, dress it down. Winner Winner!!!
Thanks again to Saks and Lafayette 148 for putting this amazing event together. It’s always nice to give back to local charities, combine it with a group of business professionals like the Women’s Council of Realtors, and refresh our minds with Spring fashion. Bravo! This is one of our favorite events of the year.
Now, it’s time for me to clear out my closet, donate things I have not worn in ages, and make room for new fabulous stuff!
“The Crew” of WCR Houston
Here are some links to keep in mind from this article:
Hello Trende Friends,
This year is well under way and I hope you are excited for the Spring! This means Spring cleaning, Spring wardrobe, Spring decor, Spring landscaping. Minus the allergies, what’s not to love about the Spring!
If you have a friend or family member who is not quite ready to “Spring” into home ownership, I thought I’d share 7 GREAT reasons why they should consider taking the investment plunge NOW. Interest rates are only going up, just ask the Fed.
7 Reasons to Own A Home
Tax benefits. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, and some of the costs involved in buying a home.
Appreciation. Historically, real estate has had a long-term, stable growth in value. In fact, median single-family existing-home sale prices have increased on average 5.2 percent each year from 1972 through 2014, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The recent housing crisis has caused some to question the long-term value of real estate, but even in the most recent 10 years, which included quite a few very bad years for housing, values are still up 7.0 percent on a cumulative basis. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 10 to15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.
Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.
Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-rate mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will likely increase.
Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle.
Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years allows you and your family time to build long-lasting relationships within the community. It also offers children the benefit of educational and social continuity.
Thanks again for the continued support. For each referral I have something special to send your way! When they are ready please have them email me at nicole.brende@sothebyshomes.com. I can assist buyers & sellers anywhere in the world with my Sotheby’s network and in all price ranges. I do appreciate the referral and I will take great care of them.
Your neighborhood Realtor,
Nicole Brende a.k.a. “Trende Brende”
