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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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