Travel Diary: SXSW 2016

Happy Monday, y’all! This past weekend was a whirlwind of events and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit exhausted. In case you didn’t hear (or see on Instagram or Snapchat), my husband and I headed south Friday after work to Austin for SXSW! We arrived just in time to catch the Refinery 29 x Neiman Marcus Self Expression party at the Mexic-Arte Museum on Congress. It was hosted by the crazy stylish and equally stunning Kate Bosworth (anyone else watch Blue Crush a million times back in the day??) but unfortunately I didn’t get to see her in the flesh since she left right before we got there #fail. It was probably a blessing in disguise since I more than likely would have fan-girled out and done something stupid…

After a late night (always inevitable in Austin, especially during SXSW), we grabbed a late brunch at the coolest little Caribbean spot called Isla. This Caribbean cantina was right up my alley with the turquoise and chartreuse decor mixed with the various Cuban photos and artwork. Not to mention our brunch was delicious and the bloody Mary hit the spot. Definitely a place I can see myself coming back to the next time I’m in town.

After our savory brunch we made a pitstop at VooDoo Doughnut to fill my sweet tooth (one bite will do the trick with those donuts) then headed back to our friend’s house to rest a little and get ready for the Clinique x Nylon Magazine party later that night!

The SXSTYLE Play With Pop Party was held at Cheer Up Charlies and included performances by Smallpools, Zara Larsson, and Kloe who all sounded incredible. Clinique was providing make up touch-ups at their lip pop bar and hooked me up with the prettiest red lipstick! I’ll be sharing more from Clinique on my social media channels soon!

After another late night (I told you, it’s Austin), the husband and I strolled around Rainey Street taking in the 80 degree sunshine and grabbed yet another late brunch at the hot, new Emmer & Rye inside the SkyHouse. The wheat-filled vases and baked goods cart service definitely won me over.

After the light brunch we fueled up both the car and ourselves for the longer than usual drive home (gotta love 35!).

It was a great weekend that I wish didn’t have to end. If you have the chance to make it out to Austin during SXSW, I highly recommend it. Even if you don’t attend official SXSW events, just being in Austin during this time is an event in itself since every bar and restaurant seems to be hosting some sort of party or concert with people filled in the streets.

Thank you for reading and have a great week!

Are you following The Fashion Hour on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? Keep in touch with The Fashion Hour through social media or SIGN UP and get new posts straight to your inbox!