Habit | Habitat: Destination Austin

Growing up, my family always played a type of game on family vacations: what would it be like to relocate to our vacation destination? What neighborhood would each of us choose to live in? What would be our favorite neighborhood dining spots? What would be our go-to outfits as we attempted to fit in with the locals? (The latter being a higher priority discussion for my mother and me. My father is not known for sartorial variety.) Our answers usually turned into spirited debates over a final meal or while waiting at the terminal for our flight home.

Even though I don't always tag along on my parent's trips these days, I still like to keep the tradition alive when I travel on my own. It's particularly tempting to imagine relocating to Austin, where the lifestyle is active, the climate is hot and dry, and an abundance of creative energy is all around. (And the legendary food trucks aren't exactly a turn-off...)

I'm no fashion maven. But when I travel, I do like to observe what people are wearing in an anthropological way. Hence the the launch of a new column, HABIT | HABITAT. I started with a clothing that struck me as capturing Austin's distinct style-- a unique mix of cowboy, borderland, rock n'roll and indie. Then I translated that style into a room in my imaginary Austin home.

Hope you find Austin's laid-back, eclectic look as inspiring as I do. And if you're so inspired as to book your own trip, I absolutely recommend the very mod Airbnb rentals we stayed in-- a 2 BR House in South Austin and a 1 BR Guest House in East Austin.

HABIT | HABITAT

Habit | Lila Mini, LemLem - $170

Habitat | sources (clockwise from top left)

1. Plant Pods by Domenic Fiorello, via Design Public - $100
2. Vintage Safari Chair by Arne Norell, via LiveAuctioneers.com - no longer available (see similar here and here)
3. Sunbathing by Beth Hoeckel (17x20" art print), via Society 6 - $35
4. Tivoli Audio LLC Model One Radio (Frost White / Sunflower Yellow), via AllModern - $179
5. Beep Lamp, Design by Conran for JC Penny - $260
6. LAX Series Entertainment Shelf, via Smart Furniture - $980
7. Navajo Rug/Weaving, via Allard Auctions - no longer available (see similar here)
8. Knitted Basket by Ferm Living, via Fab.com - $55

 HABIT | HABITAT

Habit | Demma Embroidered Dress by Isabel Marant Etoile, via La Garconne - $505

Habitat | sources (clockwise from top left)

1. Pearl Accent Lamp, Design by Conran for JC Penny - $175
2. Herringbone Woven Throw,  Design by Conran for JC Penny - $70
3. You Rock My World Postcard, Sugarboo Designs 
4. Long Horn Cow Decal by wallsneedlove, via ProjectDecor - $30
5. Brimstone Cabinet, Design by Conran for JC Penny - $2,295
6. Beam Bed, Dylan Design Company - starting at $1,840
7. Neutra Boomerang Chair (2nd ed.), via House Industries - $1,500
8. Eames Wire Base Low Table (Red.Orange), Herman Miller via Design Within Reach - $275

Until tomorrow,
Alex

PS As you might have spotted, I couldn't resist styling a few favorites from the Design by Conran for JC Penny collection. It's just too good!