Style + Beauty

Sustainability styled success

Thrifted threads shine on the AFW runway Article by Julie Royce Carlette Thierry’s fashion journey began in her childhood closet, where she remixed hand-me-downs into confidence-boosting outfits that caught the attention of her classmates. Today, the Austin-based designer has taken her eye for bold ensembles to the runway, debuting a sustainable line at Austin Fashion Week 2025 under her brand, CarlettesCreativeCouture. ATX City Lifestyle: How did your spark of creativity evolve into a...

Shopping

Heart and Sole

Do Right, Love Texas the Chisos Way Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Chisos Boot Company Chisos Boots, founded by Will Roman in 2019, has quickly become a staple in Austin’s local scene, blending craftsmanship with a sense of community. Starting in Roman’s downtown apartment, the brand has expanded to a storefront in the Bouldin Creek area, offering luxury boots that strike a balance between comfort and durability. “These boots are not just another pair of cowboy boots – they are a...

Life + Culture

Spreading joy boldly

A young woman’s journey of confidence and kindness Article by Julie Royce Cristina Kazmierczak doesn’t just walk the runway — she commands it with confidence and joy. A 30-year-old woman with Down Syndrome, Cristina has spent the last two decades in the San Antonio area building a life rooted in family, faith, fitness and fashion. Her recent appearance at the Austin Fashion Awards marked a milestone she worked toward for years. “After auditioning several times, I was so excited when they...

Home + Design

Austin's Design District

Burnet Road beckons those looking for stylish design Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Stacy Berg For decades, the stretch of Burnet Road between 45th Street and Anderson Lane has quietly built a reputation among Austin’s creatives. Long before anyone considered marketing it as a district, the people who worked here — architects, framers, interior designers and shop owners — simply called it what it was: the Design District. Today, the name still fits. On and around Burnet Road, you’ll...

Arts + Culture

Golden reverie

English artist unveils new digital sculpture works at WCC Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of West Chelsea Contemporary Gary James McQueen has spent the past year immersed in a creative reset, teaching himself new software, experimenting with digital sculpting and building what he calls his most ambitious body of work to date. This September, McQueen will unveil a new collection at West Chelsea Contemporary located in the Clarksville neighborhood on West 6th Street, where he...

Arts + Culture

Levitation Festival blends music, art and style

Austin’s psych-rock celebration returns with immersive sounds, bold visuals and unforgettable downtown experiences Article by Julie Royce In a city known for live music, Levitation stands apart — not just as a festival, but as a fully immersive experience where sound, vision and personal style collide. Since its inception in 2008, the Austin-born event has evolved from a psych-rock gathering into a cultural cornerstone, weaving together music, art, fashion and community. “The Black Angels had...

Entertainment

Lions, tigers and … dinosaurs?

Zoocade offers interactive fun for the whole family Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Zoocade Zoocade, the first of its kind in the United States, opened its doors this past February. It offers an exciting, family-friendly experience with holographic zoo exhibits and arcade games. Located on Middle Fiskville Road, this unique attraction is quickly becoming a go-to destination for school field trips, birthday parties, corporate events and even date nights. "Zoocade was the highlight of...

Education

Breaking the mold

Texas Sports Academy reimagines education through athletics and AI Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Texas Sports Academy At Texas Sports Academy in the Lake Travis area, the traditional school bell has been replaced by a whistle — and a mission to revolutionize how students learn. Blending cutting-edge educational technology with athletics and real-world skill-building, TSA is one of several campuses launched by the 2-Hour Learning Organization that are turning the...

Local Services

Pet-friendly staycations

Luxe Texas stays for you and your pup Article by Julie Royce Pet owners craving a getaway that includes their furry companions need look no further than these three top-tier, dog-welcoming destinations — two within city limits and one along the Gulf Coast. Hotel Van Zandt, nestled in Austin’s Rainey Street district, offers a no-restriction policy on dog size, breed or weight — up to two pets per room stay free — and provides YETI dog beds and bowls through its amenity fee. Social media buzz...

Life + Culture

Paws. People. Partnership.

Donation drive supports rescue pets and local families Article by Julie Royce | Photography by Courtesy of Ally Medical ER Ally Medical ER is partnering with Austin Pets Alive! this August to host a donation drive benefitting animals in crisis. The initiative reflects a growing alliance between the physician-led emergency care provider and one of the city's most impactful no-kill rescue organizations. Dr. Arthur Abello, an emergency physician and APA! board member, sees the partnership as a...