"13 Years" of Blackmail.

Gail Chovan, owner of Blackmail and designer of "13 Years".

On Friday, I had the honor of attending the debut of Austin designer Gail Chovan's newest collection.

Titled "13 Years", the exact number of years her boutique Blackmail has been open, Chovan dedicated the collection to the memory of her late father. Chovan further explained how the designs were a culmination of the past thirteen years. In her own life, the past thirteen years have included the birth of her children, breast cancer, a strengthening of her marriage, and the loss of her father.

The theme of "13 Years" was prevalent throughout the entire gathering: local musician Alejandro Escovdeo, a dear friend of Chovan's, even played a song before the show that was a favorite of Chovan's titled "13 Years".

Makeup was done my W3ll People.

A collection of original designs, I did not know what to expect from the owner of the nearly-monochromatic store. While black was predominantly featured, ivory was mixed in and sometimes even took over the look completely. The show was split into five different themes: Leather & Linen, Asiatique, Japan Meets Vivian, Toile Poeme (translates to "canvas poem"), and Dentelle Clarksville, and incorporated layers, sheers, feathers, and lace, among other visual textures.

I can't be certain of the segments through the following photos, but I hope you enjoy the photos as much I did the show. Here's to many more years of Gail Chovan and Blackmail!

Autumn in Austin.

Where is the fall weather? Apparently not in Austin, as it has been in the mid-80s all week! On Tuesday, I had a field trip to downtown Austin. I opted for a simple black dress and booties, both from Wet Seal.

Austin Street Style: Phantogram.

A couple months ago, I posted a video of my new favorites, Phantogram (go have a listen if you don't know them). Seriously, they were all I listened to this summer. Two nights ago, I was lucky enough to hear them play in Austin at the Mohawk. Not only was the show amazingly spectacular in the only way indie/psychedelic/hip-hop music could be, but afterwards, keyboardist and singer Sarah Barthel along with fellow bandmate, guitarist Josh Carter, sold the band's merchandise. I took the opportunity to get an autograph and photo with the stunning Sarah.

While doing sound check, Sarah had been wearing a red cardigan.

Easily my favorite music moment in Austin yet. I felt like a ten-year-old, gushing over their music and in awe of meeting the band.

Hope everyone has a wonderful October weekend and, if you're in Austin, a great time at the Austin City Limits Music Festival!