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.
Top Attorney Lauren Varnado Says Networking Is Key: ‘Relationships Are Everything’
Al Torres
Jun. 25, 2022
How did you get to where you are today? It takes a village. I was fortunate enough to have great mentors and individuals who instilled confidence in me. I think that when you face a challenge or an obstacle, you are able to overcome and make things happen. You can continue moving forward, more resilient over time.
Growing with great mentors, such as Travis Torrence, Global Litigation Bankruptcy & Credit Team Lead at Shell, has enabled me to have more confidence in myself, foster meaningful relationships in the community, and sharpen my business acumen. He recruited me to my original firm, Fulbright, and has stuck with me on my journey. He has helped me keep in touch with former colleagues, contacts and friends, which has helped me translate those connections into working opportunities. We both mutually support each other.
And… let’s not forget hard work.
Whom do you credit? Mentors, business partners, my friends. I have a really close group of girlfriends who are in town. Women support women. We always lift each other up, provide contacts, share war stories, and encourage each other.
Also Judge Patricia Kerrigan, Texas State Judge of the Year, provided a lot of insight to me at a young stage in my career. She always encouraged me to stay the course and would continually affirm my natural skills in trial and in the courtroom.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? Don’t listen to the haters! No one can tell you that you can’t do something. Where there is a will, there is a way; if you really want something, go for it! Don’t let people make you afraid of taking the next step.
Relationships are really everything! Making the effort, staying in touch with former clients, colleagues, introductions, connections are always valuable. Even if they don’t lead to business, you need network support in this industry. Even if that person can’t give you work, they can introduce you to someone who can, write a letter of recommendation, or just provide you with guidance or additional resources.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? Opening the Houston office of Michelman & Robinson is a huge honor, it is such an amazing opportunity. I have a vision; I am one of those people. You are always vested better in yourself. It’s not a risk because I have the support, and I am happy to charge the new generation of leaders as a “shaleinnelial.”
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SAY GOODBYE TO sun-damaged, parched skin and revive your natural glow during the dog days of summer. August is National Wellness Month, so hop on these beauty specials for a little Me Time.
The Post Oak Hotel
Vitality Lounge at the Post Oak Hotel Spa
Through August, couples are invited to experience the rooftop helipad (really!) with the Mind & Unwind Package, which includes a calming meditation and soothing massage. Additionally, every Wednesday this month, the hotel’s spa offers both a 50-minute stone massage for $195 and a 50-minute, deep-cleansing facial for $195, along with a specially priced Dermaplane enhancement for $55.
Milk & Honey
Milk & Honey
Freshen up for the school year with a brow lamination and tint and a lash lift and tint. Students enjoy 15 percent off these services and more Monday through Thursday during August with a student ID. Sisters and moms should go along and try it, too! Another promo: Refer a friend and get 500 bonus points, and your friend gets $25 off their first treatment.
Thompson Hotel Houston
Known as one of the top hotels for wellness recovery, Thompson Houston has tapped Los Angeles-based MedSpa Dripology for a collab in honor of National Wellness Month. At the Dripology IV pop-up this month, guests can give the signature treatments a whirl. Each Friday through Sunday, Thompson Houston will also offer wellness-focused events, classes and lectures including meditation and yoga. Nutritionists, sex therapists and financial wellness experts are all a part of the special lineup.
Trellis Spa at the Houstonian
Trellis Spa soaking pools and cabanas
With a spa appointment, guests can also indulge in the ultimate outdoor hideaway — but don’t worry, you’ll stay cool as a cucumber. The backyard soaking pools include single and double cabanas that can be reserved for before or after your treatment. Semi-private shaded spaces feature ceiling fans, privacy curtains and cushy lounge seating. Included is a bottle of Prosecco, water, a shared appetizer plate and convenient food and beverage service. Don’t forget to try or take home the travel sized Coola organic sunscreen and Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Splash Spray!
And book now for a Labor Day getaway — a package includes two free cocktails and free self-parking, plus late checkout, available Aug. 30-Sept. 3.
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FOR THE SEVENTH time, Houston CityBook is heating up the dog days of summer with its annual Sexy Issue, hitting newsstands and mailboxes all over Houston now.
With a special partnership with presenting sponsor Indigo Auto Group, the new issue features a roundup of hot shops, restaurant and current cultural events, as well as the cover story — a racy fashion shoot, per the custom.
The revealing fashion spread, shot on location as Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, for the first time features a real-life couple as models. Highly in-demand model Valen Custer recruited her fiancé, Brazilian hunk Vitor Villar, to join her in front of the camera. Shot by photographer Steven Visneau and styled by Todd Ramos, the story highlights stylish lingerie, underwear, swimwear and a preview of fall looks.
“Don’t blame me if the fashion images are a little extra spicy this year,” Editor-in-Chief Jeff Gremillion half-jokes. “Our models were terrific pros, up for anything, and they couldn’t keep their hands off each other!”
CityBook Creative Director Patrick Magee oversaw the project. Edward Sanchez, a frequent collaborator with the magazine, returned to run hair and makeup.
The issue also includes Managing Editor Evan W. Black’s report on the ups and downs of the Houston real estate market, with special attention to timely trends, including the increasing popularity to homes with built-in generators. Mid-Summer travel pieces — an ultra-luxurious resort in The Maldives and remote boutique getway in Costa Rica — are also on offer.
At the end of summer, CityBook’s Sexy Party, promoting the Sexy Issue, will return.
2017 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at a private home in Memorial
2018 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at the most expensive home on the market in Houston at the time
2019 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at a private home in Memorial
2021 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at Heights House Hotel
2022 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Jhane Hoang at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
2023 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio
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