Your makeup drawer is packed full of glam beauty products…there’s no reason your bathtub shouldn’t follow suit.

Check out the GirlAT Deal Page and click on the Beauty.com sale link to get up to 50% off select products (including a ton of Philosophy bath essentials).

Don’t worry, we’ll have you looking beautiful (for less) in no time.

So, what exactly is CitySolve? It’s a combination of scavenger hunt and Trivial Pursuit. Teams of 2-4 gather at the starting line and have to solve clues to find the next location, complete a task (like taking a shot), solve another clue and move on until they hit the finish line. Brush up on your Houston history as the clues are all about H-town and the only means of trasnspo you can use is Houston’s own, or your own two feet. Incentive? Oh a big-ole cash prize at the end if you win (not to mention hours of fun bouncing from bars in Midtown, Montrose, and Eado with your pals).

Here’s a sneak peek at what the questions look like:

Clue: Don’t You Forget About Me… Possibly the best high school movie ever, this flick doesn’t star The Rat Pack, but famous teenagers whose group name rhymes with Sinatra’s. Think you got it figured out? Great! Now head to the establishment located on a street named for a famous William who lost his life at The Alamo.
Answer: The Breakfast Klub

Oh By The Way: Enter code CHIC at sign up and get in for just $25/head (usually $50!)

Let’s Be Honest: Also makes good video footage for your Amazing Race entry video.

Accessorize: Team costumes are highly encouraged which suggests a trip to Arnes Warehouse.

Perfect for on a winter night, Tiny’s is Waverly Inn meets Smith and Mills.  Waverly-esque in the positioning of the front bar and entry seating area, as well as for its back room with fireplace.  And like Smith and Mills in its painstaking coolness. The interiors are appropriately distressed for the perfect run-down chic.  As the name suggests, the seating is intimate (also like Smith and Mills, but thankfully with more available) and diners can overflow to- literally- The Bar Upstairs.  The name marks a literal delineation, not really a thematic shift.  The music is the same (if just a bit louder), the lighting just slightly brighter and a little more elbow room.

Speaking of music, for all the casual-yet-totally-planned elements of the restaurant- like intentionally worn walls and mix-matched china and chairs- the music was apparently not planned in the least.  It was just going rogue.  Likely it was someone’s ipod…someone who likes Foster the People, Peter Bjorn and John, as well as some serious classic rock (Pumped Up Kicks? Check. Stairway to Heaven? Check.)

And on to the meatier subject: Food.  This was one of those depressing occasions when there was nothing on the menu that I was particularly excited by, other than the side of mashed potatoes- which I resisted as my entree, opting instead for decadent and delicious gnocchi.  From the unofficial poll taken by sampling off of friends’ plates, the other (somewhat typical) dishes were savory, satisfying and seasonal, chock full of usual winter suspects- beets, kale, butternut squash.

…But there was nothing typical of the dessert menu, which was completely inventive, original and fun.  Chocolate Pretzel Tart?  Yes please.

Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs
135 West Broadway b/w Thomas and Duane St.
New York, New York, 10013
Reservations: (212) 374-1135

Oh, by the way: Indulge in a classic Cosmo at nearby Odeon. Passe you say?  Not when you’re sipping one at the bar that originated the sweet drink.

Let’s be honest: It’s not about the food at Tiny’s & The Bar Upstairs, it’s about the scene.  And what a lovely one it is.

Accessorize: With a Tiny clutch, of course.  All available through ShopStyle.

Ralph Lauren Tasseled Suede

Kate Spade “Travel Mag” Clutch

Dylan Pochette Two-tone Zip Clutch

Dear GirlAT, 

I’ve been invited to an outdoor wedding in mid March at a ranch that starts at 5pm. There isn’t any dress noted  on the invitation, but the bride has told me it’s “Country Chic”. Any suggestions on attire? 

-Jill, Houston 

Dear Jill – Sounds like it’s going to be a beautiful wedding and we love to celebrate outside, but trying to find the right attire is a bit tricky. Since the wedding’s at 5pm, you can go a little more casual with the dress and then gussy things up a bit with some glam jewels. Oh, and we suggest wedges as shoes – don’t want to be falling into the grass as you’re walking down the aisle to your seat.

Try something like this Sandro Dress – it looks like separates which dresses it down, but still stays on the dressy side with the beading detail at the waist.

Then add some over the top jewels to dress it up a bit more – Alexis Bittar is always a great place to look for high impact accessories

Then slip on some chic wedges – I love these from Elizabeth and James

And finish the look off with a super chic portfolio clutch from Camille Zarsky

P.S. Have a question you want answered? Click the Ask GirlAT button above and email us.

So many great coats and up to 50% off.  A couple of my faves…

Bernardo Faux Shearling Coat

Was: $118.00
Now: $58.90
50% OFF

Collection Ellen Tracy Short Hooded Trench (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Was: $298.00
Now: $179.90
40% OFF

Elie Tahari Double Breasted Coat

Was: $550.00
Now: $329.90
40% OFF

Elizabeth and James Funnel Neck Blazer

Was: $465.00
Now: $279.00
40% OFF

…click here for more!

Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Sweater 

Gabriella Rocha Skirt 

House of Harlow Bangle 

Pieces Scarf 

Chloe Dao Spring 2012 Collection:

Photo by Mary Cunningham

You should go to JIMMY at The James hotel.

If you want to impress a date or an out-of-town guest go. to. Jimmy.  Works every time.

JIMMY is the rooftop bar of The James hotel in Soho.  I thought everyone already knew about it (since I’ve told everyone I know about it), but after a friend’s excited text last week, I realized that some people had still not made their way to what I consider the coolest bar in Manhattan.  It’s relatively young (just over a year old) but still inspires awe in even the scene-iest patrons while they sip $16+ cocktails and gaze over the New York City skyline.

Snacks at Jimmy range from the affordable Pretzel Sticks with Mustard Oil for $3, to the Kitchen Burger for $18.  (Pricey, but mmmmm, it comes with jalepeño fries.)

If you’d like a proper meal, start on the ground floor of The James at David Burke Kitchen, AKA uber-chef kitchen, for true delicacies.  ”At Kitchen, you can enjoy wholesome and hearty modern American food, locally sourced and presented in the creative and whimsical style that is Burke’s trademark.”*

But back to JIMMY, because that’s the boy we’re really interested in: For all it’s expense and even the requisite dance with the bouncer just to be granted access, JIMMY succeeds in letting you “forget all your troubles, forget all your cares” upon gazing over blurry city lights, reminding us of the urban beauty that surrounds us, and that, yes, New York is worth it.

*Tell me that someone recognizes Petula Clark’s “Downtown” (VIDEO)

JIMMY:
15 Thompson Street @ Grand
New York, NY 10013
212-201-9118

The James, David Burke Kitchen & Treehouse Bar:
27 Grand Street @Thompson
New York, NY 10013

Photo by Mary Cunningham

Oh, by the way:  Somewhere pre or post dinner at David Burke, before heading up to JIMMY, there’s the Treehouse Bar just waiting for you.  Let me say that I have never had beef jerky used so well in a margarita.  Or anywhere else.

Let’s be honest:  Hip factor = astronomical.  Price also = astronomical.  Going with co-workers or clients is advisable, for the sake of charging the tab to the corporate card.

Photo by Mary Cunningham

 Accessorize: As a rule, it’s easier to get in picky bars if you look like you belong there.  Stylish, but not trying too hard…

(PS: Today is last day for Neiman Marcus’s gift card promotions: Earn a NM Gift Card® with regular-priced online purchase of $500 or more. Code SHOPNM)

Rachel Zoe Edith Satin Jumpsuit

Nanette Lepore Jitterbug Embroidered Blouse & MARC by Marc Jacobs Cropped Twill Pants

M Missoni One-Shoulder Colorblock Dress

*The James website

Photo Credit: Diana Diller

Hollywood – the word seems to shimmer on the screen, as the stars themselves do.  And while red carpets and award shows are amazing, there’s nothing like popping the hood on your favorite show to see what’s really going on between takes.  Thanks to PaleyFest you can do that once a year when The Paley Center for Media hosts a series of panels in Los Angeles, available to anyone who buys a ticket, to hear selected cast and crew talk about their shows.

For the past two years I’ve attended panels, and what’s under that “hood” is both hilarious and shocking. Last year at the Freaks and Geeks + Undeclared reunion, Seth Rogen and Busy Philipps got so drunk while an episode screened between panels that their PR reps would have, no doubt, been mortified at their loose lips, but attendees – hardcore fans of the cancelled-too-soon shows – loved the candor.  In 2010 when Community was a show nobody had ever watched, let alone one worth petitioning to save, Chevy Chase interrupted anyone who tried to speak and completely disrupted the entire panel. Hilarious or horrible? Whatever your take, it was unbelievable to experience such uncensored behavior in person.

Photo Credit: Diana Diller

The line-up for PaleyFest 2012, running from March 2 thru March 14, was recently announced and tickets are on sale now. Shows participating this year include creepy American Horror Story, guilty pleasure Revenge, and Golden Globe winner Modern Family. Check out the full list to see if your favorite show still has seats available – and be prepared with questions.

Oh, by the way: I snagged a couple seats to the New Girl panel on Monday, March 5th and can’t wait to see what adorkable Zooey Deschanel and her cute co-stars have to say. Don’t worry – I’ll share the scoop with you here.

Zooey Deschanel as Jess in The New Girl

Let’s Be Honest: If you attend the Two and a Half Men panel, we all know you’re looking for (even more) tidbits of Charlie Sheen drama or trying to get a glimpse of Ashton Kutcher in person. Either is a totally respectable.

Accessorize: Hollywood is not known for cutting edge fashion, but you will be when you pull PaleyFest tickets out of the new Pyramide purse from Prada’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection…

…or a cognac-hued vegan quilted clutch from Matt & Nat…

…while wearing this Jess-esque dress from Anthropologie.

This Austin establishment has been the talk of Texas and the U.S. for a while (Executive Chef Paul Qui is currently kicking ass on Top Chef) , so the new Houston location is already set to be the “it” place as soon as the doors swing open. Located at the old Felix restaurant in Montrose, the Uchi team has been working round the clock on amazing construction and design to get the restaurant looking spectacular for their big city debut. Want to secure your spot? The reservation line opens today – 713.522.4808 - call and save a seat a this hot table.

Here’s a peek at some of their Austin dishes likely to make an appearance on the Houston menu:

ATX: A Television Festival was officially announced this week and is set for June 1-3, 2012 in Austin, TX. ATX is the first ever festival devoted to TV’s history and future and will be jam packed with premieres, cult favorite spotlights, unaired pilots, panels and Q&A’s with some of the industry’s leading talent (both on and off camera).  ATX is set to bring people together and to celebrate all aspects of television.

The festival is the brainchild of Caitlin McFarland and Emily Gipson who have over a decade of experience working in the film and television industry. McFarland for directors Betty Thomas, Nora Ephron, and Mira Nair; and on the festival and filmmaker sides of Sundance, Tribeca, and Doha Tribeca. Gipson on the studio and network side for Fox, TLC, and Discovery. They have also enlisted the help of a distinguished advisory board including Richard Linklater, Peter Billingsley, Julie Plec, and Kyle Killen (oh and full disclosure, me!)

In an effort to get the festival up and running in it’s inaugural year, ATX Festival has announced a Kickstarter campaign with a goal to raise $25,000 (and the hope for even more) and along with this campaign is also the debut of a video created for the festival – with many shout outs from TV faces you know and love. Check out the kickstarter page to find out more about donating and learn even more about the festival. Here’s a peek at the video.

Oh, By The Way: Girl Around Town is THRILLED to be a media sponsor for ATX Festival – we will be reporting live from the event and can’t wait to share all the backstage and red carpet details!

Let’s Be Honest: If you love TV and you love a good party, ATX Festival is not to be missed.

Accessorize: There are plenty of ways to keep up with the latest details on the festival…here are a few.

Twitter: @ATXFestival

Facebook: Facebook.com/ATXFestival

Website: www.ATXFestival.com