YOU GO TO BOSTON AND I'LL GO TO AUSTIN

We've been quite the jet setters lately. It seems as if we're in a different city every weekend. This past weekend, the Le Ladies were in Austin celebrating Aunt KJ's graduation from the University of Texas. Hookem!


Fayte presents Aunt KJ with a gift of the helium variety


#1 Stunna


Hooray for KJ!


Outside the delicious Salt Lick BBQ. Quick, someone cue up "We Are Family!"




While the Le Ladies were in Austin, I spent the week recharging my brain and finding inspiration in Boston at the HOW Design conference. Having never been to Europe, I was especially impressed with the beautiful architecture and the mix between things old (REALLY old) and new. I imagine this must be a small taste of what Europe looks like:


You can see there were places well preserved from the 1600s, and beautiful brownstones, covered in ivy and patina, lined the bricked streets and sidewalks. The city is very safe and truly lived up to its motto as "America's Walking City." Though safety doesn't equate to nice people. The service we received at most of the places we frequented was subpar to downright offensive, though I won't go into the details. I was told by several Boston residents that its because people are gloomy for most of the year from the long, gray frigid winter. Funny, I've never really had a problem in New York, which isn't exactly a place known for Southern hospitality.

At least, my stay at the Fairmont Copley Plaza was very nice. The historic hotel was built in 1912 and occupies one of the sides of Copley Square. Kate Hudson shot a scene there last weekend and apparently, every man who has served as US president since the hotel was built has stayed at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. I'll try to keep that stat going. Vote LE 2024!

Adjacent to it is the Boston Public Library which is next to the Boston Marathon finish line, and two beautiful cathedrals: the Old South church and the Trinity Church.


I loved the historical touches that were preserved in the hotel from the intricate ceilings to the old winding staircases and the fabulous Oak Room bar, which is one of the fanciest places to grab a drink and a steak in town. It's the good old boys club shot bottom-right in the collage above. Because of all of the significant points of interest around us, the famous Duck tours passed by quite frequently as well.

Oh and did I mention the food? The seafood was absolutely to die for. My favorite local fare, pictured above, was an authentic Boston Lobster Roll, a cup of seafood chowder and a frosty Sam Adams.

Because the Le Ladies were deprived of the great eats, I did make sure I returned home bearing gifts. I made the obligatory stop at H&M and picked up a few nice things here and there. I was also able to find some things for Hudson around town including an exclusive, very hip, custom designed onesie that we're pretty excited about from HOW that was screened onto really soft American Apparel organic cotton.

But, perhaps one of the coolest items I was able to pick up was at Johnny Cupcakes on Boston's famous Newbury Street. Fayte refuses to take this item off. You may have heard about the creative little boutique on NPR, CNN, MTV or whatever outlet you prefer to get your news from. Not only was I able to address Fayte's love for BOTH skulls AND cupcakes, but I was also able to support the idea that design really matters in life. When you walk into this place, you'll see apparel displayed in curved glass bakery shelves and accessories housed in muffin pans. Your purchases are not placed in a bag, but rather a baker's box handed to you by an employee in an apron. And my favorite little detail of all? The shirt tag (see above), which is die cut into the shape of a mini oven mitt. Again, design matters. If it didn't, would Apple be selling so many MacBooks and iPods these days? Check them out.



Speaking of things to check out, if you're interested in a very inspirational read, check out Bill Strickland's "Making the Impossible Possible." You know its gotta be good if I'm saying it because as you know very well, I loathe reading. Click here to get a sense of what this man is all about.

Alright. Well, Aunt KJ's recently graduated so that means that school's almost out. Because of this, Desiree promises a lot more blogging coming very soon this Summer so check back for updates on Hudson and Fayte!