March Madness has a second meaning (other than basketball) if you live in Houston, Texas and even attempt to participate in the whirlwind of social events that happen during this month. If you don’t have several luncheons plus a few galas or fashion shows a week to attend then you must have misplaced an invite….life has been crazy, in a good way! Below are some of the key events that just ended that made it on to my calendar…..who says Houston is not one of the Hautest cities in the country.
Lady Fiona Carnarvon of Highclere Castle, the Real Downton Abbey, Visits Houston
At Highclere Tea hosted by Lynn Wyatt and Sponsored by Neiman Marcus, benefiting Public Media
Lady Carnarvon speaking to the audience on history of her husband’s family and of life at Highclere Castle
Starting from top left, clockwise are: Lisa Shumate, Lady Carnarvon,and Lynn Wyatt, Lisa Shumate and Cherri Carbonara, Bill Stubbs and Roz Pactor, Ernie Manouse, John Dascoulias, and Clifford Pugh
Carol Sawyer Hosts Lady Carnarvon at Houston Rodeo
Love this story: Our town’s always resourceful and so charming, Carol Sawyer, met Lady Carnarvon, via the internet in her pursuit of admission tickets to Highclere Castle when she visits UK in the Fall. Through their discussion of the “sold out” availability for Carol, an avid Downton Abbey follower, they discussed that the Countess would be in Houston and of course, Carol very generously invited her to see our spectacular Rodeo. Lady Carnarvon was so impressed, she actually blogged about her night at the Rodeo herself and the end result for Carol was very positive…..she’ll be visiting Highclere Castle in the Fall!
Daryl Cherry, Carol Sawyer, Pat Mann Phillips, Lady Carnarvon, Patsy Arnett, Dr. Tom Sawyer
From the left; Lady Carnarvon, Dr. Tom Sawyer and Carol Sawyer; upper right: Joel Cowley, President & CEO of HLSR and wife Tammy with Lady Carnarvon and bottom right, Joel, Tammy, Brad Hildebrand and Lady Carnarvon in Rodeo suite
TOPSHOP/TOPMAN Opening at Galleria Houston
It’s here and open for business. The long awaited Topshop/Topman’s first Texas flagship opened in Galleria II last week, and we were all there on preview night to shop….great fashion to buy!! To see full story on opening, click on MRG feature story for more details.
Topshop/Topman opened two-story flagship in Galleria II
Great new fashion that I have my eye on at Topshop!
Some of the many media-friends I found shopping the preview party….vlogger and former MRG intern, Leighann of Leighann Says and Carla Valencia of Local Magazine to name a few!
Best Dressed Luncheon…with Jason Wu
The annual Houston Chronicle/Neiman Marcus Best Dressed luncheon, benefiting March of Dimes, ialways one of Houston’s premier luncheon events not only featured many of Houston’s most stylish women but many of our most philanthropic voices as well. To top off the event were Fall 2015 fashions directly from the runways of NYFW from one of its hottest designers, Jason Wu. Loved chatting with him very briefly before the show to discuss his inspiration and what he loves about designing…..seeing the world! He designs his own collection plus most recently became Artistic Direct for BOSS, Hugo Boss’s womenswear collection as well. 
From left, Carol Linn, Gina Gaston Elie, Duyen Huynh, Katie Mattingly Brass, Kelli Cohen Fein, Jason Wu, Bob Devlin, Rosemary Schatzman, Chairman of event, Cynthia Petrello, Denise Bush Bahr, Allie Fields, Kristy Bradshaw and Gracie Cavnar
Charlotte Tilbury
Described by those-in-the-know, as the most popular makeup artists in the world today, Charlotte Tilbury came to Houston with her infamous, Tilbury Transformation Team to visit Nordstrom Houston Galleria for personal appearance with press and many of her followers as well. What a fun trip, hearing all of her tips and stories, as she has done everyone’s make-up from red carpet to royalty. When asked by yours truly who is the one person’s face she has never had the pleasure to make-up, she immediately responded, “The Queen”! Well, I was very impressed, am using many of her products as we speak and look forward to my own transformation…..stay tuned! Her skin care and make-up collection is only available in Bergdorf Goodman’s, NYC, Selfridge in London and four Nordstrom’s, soon to be expanded to more! For more details, please read the MRG in depth story on Charlotte and learn about her make-up looks and the components of each.
The Tilbury Taxi Transformation could be found for two days driving all over Houston and parked outside of Nordstrom for their event
What a wonderful week in our very diverse city!!!
Nice job Roz. I am worn out just reading about this stuff. At least your activities were fun and fast pace. Beats a root canal and 2 days of jury duty in criminal court.
Va