After a Fashion

Chrysta Bell Zucht and Shane David Madden (Photo By Todd V. Wolfson)

ON THE PROWL Last Friday night took us to the opening of Paper & Ink (706 N. Congress), a stationary boutique in a stunning new space. Even though it's not quite open to the public yet, it looks like owner Kelly Fielding and manager Cheryl Mills will have a stylish little hit on their hands. The party was very cool. Trey Lopez played great music, and we had a wonderful time chatting up Stephanie Moore of Cush Cush, as well as the beauteous Chrysta Bell Zucht. The lovely chanteuse has returned to Austin with a hot little fiancé in tow, violinist Shane David Madden, and their wedding plans sound spectacular. I'll be bringing you the delicious details soon ... Later, we attended the Art Works ("Art that informs everyday -- lives that make everyday art") opening at Mo Scollan's gallery, 2040 (2040 S. Lamar). It was a charming exhibit featuring a range of local talent ... My good friend DJ Sliver was pleased to entertain (among so many others) Peaches and Conrad from ...Trail of Dead at his birthday party with its serial killer theme. My weekly report would not be complete without mentioning the fabulous service I received from Stephanie at La Madeleine on North Lamar. I've had several opportunities to call in lunch orders, and this doll didn't know me from a hole in the wall, but she was so smooth and friendly in making sure I got everything I needed, every time. The food is great (the Carmel Crème Brûlée is deeevine), and the service was superior. Good job.

HAIR APPARENT I can't remember seeing a more boring broadcast of the Emmy Awards. Dull, dull, dull, with a glamour quotient of zero. Jill Hennessy and Joan Allen were the only ones who seemed to understand what the occasion was about -- Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox looked like they were going to a prom. The most common mistake was pairing daytime hair with evening dresses. A very poor choice. Cynthia Nixon was clearly a member of the DHOH Team (Did Her Own Hair), as were the rest of the Sex and the City girls. People.com had the gall to give rave reviews to Stockard Channing's hair. Puh-leeze -- it not only looked like she did it herself, it looked like she cut it herself, too, using gardening shears.

SHOPPING SPREE We took a spin through Davenport Village recently -- among other things, we got a good look at Susan Dell's new collection. It is an extremely tightly designed collection that has an accessibility that was never obvious before. The fabrics are the most sumptuous and the workmanship is superior, and the styling is her edgiest yet ... Things are hopping at Vylette; the store looks great and has attracted a large and loyal following. They are carrying wonderful fall hats. In fact they've gone very heavily into accessories. Personally, we couldn't let another minute go by without owning a pair of the to-die-for Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses -- and now we do ... The boys from Vën Shoe Salon are having a great season. The fall merchandise is gorgeous, and their new Web site (www.venshoesalon.com) looks fabulous. In fact, things are going so well, that owners James Rowley and Gustavo LaGrave are opening a men's store called The Straight Edge, also at Davenport ... We went into Stiletto. They had some pretty cool shoes, but we were disappointed by the lack of service ... We had lunch at the new Maudie's at Davenport. I adore Maudie's on South Lamar, and this one is a swankier version with the same great food and service ... Afterward, and a little closer to town, we visited the new store Jezebel (2208 S. Lamar). It's the newest entry in the Austin "girly-store" sweepstakes. They've done a fairly amazing remodel of an old space, and we wish them lots of luck ... Upstairs from them is Upstairs, a new men's store that shows a great deal of promise. Owners Leslie Sadler and Jeff Strange have created quite an ambience that should evolve nicely.

THE FUTURE OF DEATH Have you seen the ads on television for Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home touting their new online service (www.wcfish.com)? Well, I guess it was inevitable that we would eventually be able to plan our funeral services online. The whole idea conjured up a vision of entire cyber-funerals. You don't even have to attend in person, you can just sign-on ("Care to view your loved one? Click here"). No more of that agonizing over which black outfit to wear. You can join in the bereavement and still sit in front of your computer in your underwear with a can of beer, just like you do at home. You could submit e-mail eulogies, and join in a chat room discussion (moderated, of course!) ... the possibilities are endless.

TAKING A CHANCE If you haven't been receiving the amazing e-mail campaign for the new Chanel fragrance, Chance, then sign on and go immediately to www.chancechanel.com. Designed by Kat Jones and her team at Milkshake Media here in Austin, it is a truly beautiful and stylish campaign. Go there now, and I'll bring you further details next week.

Write to our Style Avatar with your related events, news, and hautey bits: [email protected] or PO Box 49066, Austin, 78765 or 458-6910 (fax).