At Dress for Success and Women of Wardrobe's annual Summer Soiree, generously hosted by Tootises, fashion-forward attendees dressed in pretty pastels, bold patterns and lots of ruffles — many designed by Houston's Hunter Bell, who showed off her fall line alongside jewelry by Claudia Lobao. Chairs Karishma Asrani, Courtney Campo, Allie Danziger and Melissa Sugulas welcomed guests to the event, which toasted the 20th anniversary of Dress for Success, and raised more than $20,000 for the org.
OFF-DUTY ASTRO Lance McCullers Jr. was among those honored at the “Houston Sweethearts” event at Saks Fifth Avenue just before Valentine’s Day.
The truly heart-felt annual tradition, always held in early February, offers praise for generous community leaders, and support for the Mission of Yahweh. The annual event was created by Anne Carl, Deborah Duncan, Sylvia Forsythe, Kim Moody, Warner Roberts and Alicia Smith, who were all on hand for this year’s 13th annual celebration.
Pro pitcher McCullers’ fellow 2024 Sweethearts included his wife Tara, who couldn’t make the event as she was home tending to the couple’s new baby daughter, as well as Elsie Eckert, Scott Evans and Stacey Lindseth. The baseball star kindly schmoozed the gathered crowd of about 100.
The Houston Sweethearts Tea took place in Saks’ Designer Rotunda, with new GM Heidi Parkhurst Turney — returning to the Houston store after having served as its assistant manager in the past — offering a kind welcome. “I’m extremely happy to be back in Houston and surrounded by such an incredible group of people,” she gushed.
The Mission of Yahweh has been serving homeless women and children since 1961, according to organizers of the event. Charly Gay, the granddaughter of the founder of The Mission, was on hand to represent the beloved nonprofit. Other VIP guests included Betty Tutor, Brigitte Kalai, Sidney Faust, Cora Sue Mach, Lilly Andress, Christine Johnson, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Ann Ayre, Nini Hale, Cheryl Byington, Anna Dean, Beth Wolff, Donae Chramosta, Jacquie Baly, Ellie Francisco, Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion.
Deborah Duncan and Kim Moody
Brigitte Kalai, John Calton and Alicia Smith
Beth Muecke and Stacey Lindseth
Angie Roberts, Lance McCullers Jr and Warner Roberts
Ellie Francisco and Lesha Elsenbrook
Al Lindseth, Stacey Lindseth, Donae Chramosta and Brianna Hurdle
Charly Gay and Pam Lockard
Roz Pastor, Lesha Elsenbrook, Vicki Rizzo and Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman
Stacey Lindseth, Lance McCullers Jr., Elsie Eckert and Scott Evans
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Just in Time for Spring, North Italia Expands to CityCentre with Pizza, Pasta and Perfect Patios
Feb. 21, 2024
IT SEEMS THE groundhog was right, and spring has come early to Houston! Perfect timing for a prime patio spot to arrive in CityCentre: North Italia, the casual hotspot for pizza and wine on Post Oak, just bowed in the former Tasting Room location, boasting two outdoor spaces, complete with greenery and fireplaces.
The laidback but cool environs — think artful graffiti, and bold red accents throughout — are home to North Italia’s modern twists on Italian staples. The chef’s board offers three types of cheese, house pickled veggies, olives, a fig spread and grilled bread. (The grilled bread makes another appearance, alongside garlic-and-truffle-infused ricotta… Yes, please.) It all pairs perfectly with one of the fun Italian-inspired cocktails, like the Julietta with ginger and vanilla vodka, elderflower and prosecco.
For the mains, there’s a handful of pizzas like the wildcard Chef’s Daily Choice, The Pig (with every type of pepperoni, sausage and salami imaginable), or the veggie-friendly Funghi pizza with mushrooms and onions. The pasta is made in house — it’s delicious, but substitute for vegetable noodles and save around 400 calories — and paired with traditional toppings like meatballs or the more adventurous jumbo lump crab, tiger shrimp and pepperoncino.
It's bound to be a new Sunday Funday destination for westsiders, with decadent menu items Banana Coffee Cake with dark-rum butterscotch and caramelized banana, or the Breakfast Carbonara Pasta with poached egg and crispy pancetta.
The patio at North Italia
Breakfast Carbonara
Brunch Cocktails
Inside North Italia
Pollo Frito
A mural on the patio at North Italis
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