THURSDAY [27] [music] Diplo, CSS, Blonde de Role at The Parish Room LINK [fashion] Summer party with cocktails and music for Austin designer Mark Joiner, maker of some decidedly fabulous belt buckles and mod housewares at Eliza Page (7-10pm) LINK [theatre] "Petra's Cuento" at Dougherty Arts Center (8pm) LINK [theatre] "In On It" at Off Center (8pm, $17) LINK [theatre] Edward Albee's "The Play About the Baby" at play! Theatre (8pm, $10) LINK [theatre] "Radio:... more ›

You've seen Mark Joiner belt buckles, even if you haven't even realized it. They are stunning in their mod appeal and nothing less than perfect creations in themselves. Both impressively geometric and intricately color-balanced, these belt buckles leave their the rest of an outfit looking almost insignificant. Sure, glass buckles are fashionable, but these take the cake -- not the fruitcake, mind you, but the three tiered chocolate and vanilla cake. Each buckle is... more ›

The local design mavens known collectively as the Austin Craft Mafia -- members of which include Sparkle Craft, Naughty Secretary Club and Amet and Sasha -- have certainly made a name for themselves since forming back in 2003. With their various creations having been featured in a slew of magazines (Jane, Budget Living, Real Simple), various and sundry other Craft Mafias sprouting up all around the country, and the tremendous success of annual shows like Stitch, you'd think these fashionistas would be content in their extraordinary accomplishments, or at least exhausted. But, no. Last year, eight out of the ten mafiosa flew out to Los Angeles to film a new series for the DIY Network, called "Stylelicious." The 39 episodes each feature three of them showcasing a different type of wearable art, from purses to jewelry to clothing, along with special "field pieces" by local Austin designers (Mark Joiner, Will Heron, Amy Barber, Chia Guillory, Parts & Labour and more). DIY's synopsis puts it best:

Stylelicious makes life delicious! This half-hour series is a tasty concoction of fashion, accessories and fun as a round-robin group of fashionistas show viewers three unique takes on the same project. Viewers get three crafty points of view on each show as our designing divas tackle purses, shoes and all kinds of fashion treats. Viewers will be craving more and more of Stylelicious!

One of our most favoritist of all Austin galleries, Blue Genie, is having their annual Art Bazaar (five years running). If you have never been to any of the Blue Genie events, then you have been missing out on one of the truly unique elements that make up the eccentric personality of Austin. With portraits like those of Felice House, kickasstastic belt buckles from Mark Joiner, porno latch-hookings (NSFW, we suppose, but whatever) from... more ›

The Space (4803 Airport Blvd) is hosting an event tonight which showcase the photography of Jeromy DeBlieux and the works of Mark Joiner (FourteenFifty Design). We've seen Jeromy's photos, and well...anything that incorporates lingerie, poodles, fishnets and glocks is OK by us. We're really excited about the chance to buy some of Mark Joiner's work. The other night while eating at Polvo's, we noticed our waiter had on a kickass belt buckle. Unfortunately the... more ›