Tag Archives: Sotheby’s

Saks & Spring Haute Couture

Laura Flaaten & Trende Brende
Laura Flaaten & Trende Brende

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"
“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!
“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"
“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"
“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
“The Crew” of WCR Houston

Here are some links to keep in mind from this article:

www.Lafayette148ny.com , www.51fifteen.com , www.wcr.org , www.nancyowens.org

 

 

Homeownership: 7 Reasons To Take Action Now

Hello Trende Friends,
2717 University Blvd frtN3_1
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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

1606 fowler extThanks 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”

“I Like It Like This” Art Exhibit at Sotheby’s Auction House

nyc sothebys auction house5A field trip to the Sotheby’s S I 2 Gallery in NYC is a bucket list treat!  Thank you to Martha Turner my idol and Co-President of MTSIR here in Houston for giving us top producers a trip of a lifetime! May 1st they held a private cocktail and viewing party for us while unveiling the exhibition I Like It Like This with musical curation by the Grammy award winning performer Drake.  Although a disappointment that Drake could not be there in person, it was still a treat to mingle with Sotheby’s corporate execs at the official auction house at 1334 York Avenue at 72nd Street in New York’s Upper East Side.

Clifford Siegel, Kathy Korte, Martha Turner, Bradley Nelson
Clifford Siegel, Kathy Korte, Martha Turner, Bradley Nelson

I Like It Like This, presented by S|2 in collaboration with Drake is a celebration of influential Contemporary black American artists. Grammy winning hip hop icon Drake has provided musical curation by selecting songs to accompany highlighted works in the exhibition. Listen to Drake’s song selections at Beats by Dre™ sound stations throughout the gallery and experience the dialogue surrounding the overlap of these identities and the ways in which they bolster, challenge and inspire one another.

Jan-Oliver Schmidt & Nicole Brende
Jan-Oliver Schmidt & Nicole Brende

It is so NYC to be sipping wine and gallery hopping, right?  It feels so civilized.  I chose to wear the Sabrina black tulle and lace dress by designer nha bhanh. It was my Carrie Bradshaw moment!  Didn’t my fiance look pretty dapper too in his suit?  I love dressing him up pocket square and all!

S|2 is Sotheby’s Contemporary art gallery, offering year-round exhibition programming and bespoke private sales.

SOTHEBY's Cocktail ReceptionWith dedicated gallery space in New York, London and Hong Kong, S|2 presents selling exhibitions exploring the work of celebrated artists, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, and Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, as well as shows curated by influential art world figures like Vito Schnabel.

SOTHEBY's Cocktail ReceptionIn addition to gallery programming, the S|2 team facilitates private acquisitions and sales around the world. Side note, the reason why Sotheby’s started a real estate company is because of their art auction customers.  It only makes sense that their millions of dollars in art must have a home or two too!  I still find it pretty amazing that some art can sell for over $100 million!  Until next time, learn more at WWW.SOTHEBYS.COM/S2

103I just love being a part of the Sotheby’s global network! We are a world-wide company with endless resources.  Plus, they are the leaders in the luxury market.

NYC I had a great time and I will miss you but I know we will be together again soon!

 

 

It’s Crystal Clear. Say YES to Baccarat!

baccarat hotel signMy recent Sotheby’s top producer award trip to NYC was simply off the charts! Perfect weather, living in luxury at the Waldorf Astoria, and enjoying private art exhibit events at the Sotheby’s auction house, a Broadway performance, fancy dinners, shopping on 5th Avenue, and bike strolls in Central Park and around the city. In the middle of our great adventure we were introduced to the ultra new and ultra luxurious Baccarat Hotel.  This place is my dream! Surround me every day with crystal chandeliers and luxurious decor. All I can say is more more more!

124Baccarat Hotels & Resorts translates the perfect craft and noble heritage of the legendary, 250-year-old French crystal maker into an elegant lifestyle. Combining this rare legacy with modern elegance and elements of unexpected magic, each of the brand’s hotels and resorts has been conceived as a gracious hôtel particulier, welcoming guests with impeccable service and distinctive amenities. Baccarat Hotels & Resorts launched in March 2015 with the opening of its flagship New York property.  Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York will be followed by Rabat, Morocco, in 2016, with additional openings in Dubai and Doha over the course of the next several years.  Rumor has it, add Miami to the mix!

119Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York is a contemporary Manhattan take on a classically elegant Parisian hôtel particulier. It blends influences past and present to create sumptuous spaces, both grand and intimate that inspire wonder with their enchanting surprises and carefully considered details.  Although one night’s stay can range around $1000, in my opinion this is an opportunity of a lifetime.  In the bar area, I enjoyed a negroni cocktail served in a Baccarat crystal glass.  Only the finest dahling! Even the bartenders and cocktail waitresses wear Baccarat crystal jewelry.

baccarat hotel fur chairTheir lounge is set up like a custom home with beautiful seating arrangements and private rooms for entertaining and meetings.  I found my favorite “fur” chair too.  It’s the Texas chic in me 🙂  Sought after Paris-based design duo Gilles & Boissier created nearly every piece of furniture  in fact for the hotel’s soaring salon-style public spaces, as well as the 114 light-filled rooms and suites of the hotel. Weaving artisanal Baccarat crystal elements throughout, they lavished attention on each surface, be it a sparkling mica-covered vaulted ceiling, silver-leafed wood paneling, pleated-silk walls or a monumental marble table. New York design masters Tony Ingrao and Stephen Sills, respectively, handled the 60 residences and the ground-level contemporary French restaurant, Chevalier.

123The next time you go to New York City indulge in some Baccarat elegance because you are worth it! After this experience I think I need to add Baccarat to my wedding registry list.  Move over Waterford, Baccarat has a hotel! Located at 20 West 53rd Street , New York , New York , 10019 across from the Museum of Modern Art, enjoy the radiant glow of this 50 story masterpiece.  You are welcome my friends! Trende Brende has you covered.

 

The Estate Life in Houston

1 E. Rivercrest Drive
1 E. Rivercrest Drive

I just acquired my dream listing in my dream neighborhood.  Let me introduce you to a little piece of heaven called Rivercrest Estates.  At any time imagine seeing peacocks, rabbits, horses, and other creatures.  In the massive pines, live oak trees, and vast lawns, this neighborhood offers the country life with the city amenities.  By neighborhood code all properties must be at least 3 acres and with at least a 100 ft set back from the street. Here is your exclusive video tour of this luxurious estate: http://youtu.be/v2kkjQ1QW8I

DCIM101GOPRO“Rivercrest Addition” was created in 1946, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. This neighborhood originally totaled 367 acres with 95 estates. In the early 1950’s Rivercrest became part of the City of Houston and in the late 1950’s part of H.I.S.D. The first property owners in Rivercrest wanted to be able to keep horses, which allowed them to saddle up their horses, hitch up their buggies and maintain the simpler things in life. The street began as a quiet horseshoe shape with a tail called Crestbend, which follows the curve of Buffalo Bayou. As development progressed west, Briar Forest was cut through, in 1988. For a quaint neighborhood full of lush landscape just imagine it is minutes from The Galleria and City Centre!

1 E Rivercrest E 1 plN1There is a vast variety of homes situated here today from Ranch style to Mediterranean, Traditional, and French.  My new listing seen here is 1 E. Rivercrest.  This home was designed by famed architect Robert Dame Designs.  This 7500 square foot beauty offers immaculate detail throughout, dome ceiling, winding statement staircase, formal study, media room, game room, and plenty of entertainment space with its summer kitchen and butler’s pantry.   For complete details on this $5.7 million listing view my other website at www.NicoleBrende.com .

1 E Rivercrest E 1 drvN1E Rivercrest nicole and peacock