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isabellam · Oct 21st, 2009, 01:45 PM

Ever since we've been planning a move to Texas (from Illinois), I've been curious about the differences between Northerners and Southerners. I've read several books and I've been to Texas once for a very short (and unfortunately uninformative) visit. I know that hair and makeup are a big deal there, and that it's a sin to make chicken salad with Miracle Whip, but I'm really curious about if there is a different point of view in regards to handbags.

At this point, it's looking like we'll be moving within 6 months, so can anyone bring be up to speed? We'll probably be moving to the Austin or San Antonio area.

Thanks in advance for any and all insights!

Kathy K · Oct 21st, 2009, 02:01 PM

Good luck on your move! I don't know about San Antonio, but Austin is pretty progressive and seems like pretty much anything goes. I don't remember seeing a lot of designer bags there, but then I don't generally see that many outside of large cosmopolitan areas anyway. Texas generally seems to feature big hair and lots of makeup and a bit more glitz than I see elsewhere, but again I don't think Austin is like that as much. I hope one of the PFers from Texas sees this -- I'm sure they'd have better info.

kroquet · Oct 21st, 2009, 02:50 PM

I have lived in Tx all my life. Grew up in Houston, moved to Austin, now in San Antonio. Whoever told you about the miracle whip and chicken salad is wrong. Never heard that one!! lol

I don't see much big hair, maybe that is a Dallas thing. Austin is a great city that's younger and hip. I will say that I don't go out without makeup and maybe I got that from my Mom. I think you will find a lot of very friendly people here and many different things to do.

As far as bags, lots of LV and Coach, but that depends on where you are. Either city you choose will be great, just be prepared for the summers. Please pm me if you want to chat about anything in particular, shopping, residential areas, or anything else.
We aim to please here in Texas!!

KittyKat65 · Oct 21st, 2009, 03:19 PM

I live in Austin and I don't see too many designer bags. It's pretty casual here. There's a Saks and a Neiman Marcus, but over the past year or so I've seen the designer bags dwindling in NM (e.g. no more Balenciaga, due to lack of popularity). Nobody seems to really care about high-end bags and clothes because, as I mentioned, it's pretty casual. As for hair and make-up...again, not a big deal. I don't see much big hair here and none of my friends or I wear makeup unless we go somewhere special. It's anything goes. I usually hang out in a pair of boyfriend jeans, t-shirt and ballet flats. I admit that I do have designer bags that I love and am currently carrying my Valentino Histoire. There's a great hippy vibe here and lots of fantastic music.

crazyboutcoach · Oct 21st, 2009, 03:52 PM

I'm Texas born & bred & I love LV & Gucci, I'm so tired of seeing Coach & Dooney everywhere. Lots of Fakes too. I live in North TX & everyone but me seems to think it's ok to carry a fake. Oh & Juicy Couture is real popular with the teen scene.

Swanky Mama Of Three · Oct 21st, 2009, 04:57 PM

hi!

LOL! Wow, lots of misinformation out there! Make up and hair are not any more important here, IMO than anywhere else except for perhaps a small rural town in anywhere, USA.
I've lived in Houston, Dallas, Nashville, San Diego and Okla and there's really not that big of a difference as people think - aside from the geography of course

I'm in Dallas area now and overall people are vary casual. You can tell folks make an effort, but most women are NOT in full makeup and heels around the clock.
I grew up in OKla & TX and have Chanel, LV and Gucci in my collection if that helps.
In the affluent areas you'll see these bags, but that's true for any area I've ever lived in or traveled to

I make chix salad w/ Hellman's and a little apple cider vinegar BTW

KittyKat65 · Oct 21st, 2009, 05:05 PM

Oh, I need to add to my comments that I am originally from Australia and spent nearly a decade in Los Angeles before moving to Austin. Austin people are friendly and helpful and great fun to hang out with. Not pretentious at all. Most people are welcoming and lovely. The only down sides are the weather (be prepared for 75 straight days over 100 degrees with humidity) and some drivers can be very, very aggressive and rude. Austin kind of reminds me of Australia in that it's pretty laid back and chill and people are nice and genuine.

ETA: I don't make chicken salad...I buy it ready-made at HEB

isabellam · Oct 21st, 2009, 05:13 PM

The heat!!!! I have hair that frizzes when the weatherman even talks about humidity, and girls, I'll just be honest, I'm not one that "glows". I sweat like a field hand on hot days. I'm not looking forward to the hot weather at all. How do you all cope??

crazyboutcoach · Oct 21st, 2009, 05:18 PM

^^^Air conditioning & lounging at the pool! Oh, & lots of John Frieda Anti-Frizz Serum! Lol! I'm cold-natured & there is absolutley NO WAY I could live up North! My hubby jokingly calls me a true Southern Belle!

KittyKat65 · Oct 21st, 2009, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by isabellam

How do you all cope??

I complain about it incessantly. That is my coping mechanism

My husband barely breaks a sweat, but I am sweating within a minute of being outside. Summer for me means being in the house in the AC, in a mall in the AC or in the car in the AC. I don't glow either.

kroquet · Oct 21st, 2009, 10:38 PM

I don't glow either!! I sweat and cope by nagging at my DH and not leaving home or my car. I wear my hair short so I don't have to worry about the frizz.

In SA, I see Coach, LV, and horrible zebra looking bags. Occasionly Gucci and PRada, and every now and then, Hermes. Our NM and Saks have a fairly decent selection of bags. I have seen a gorgeous Birkin at my bank and another at LA Cantera carried by a real fashionable older woman. I think you will find a nice casual and friendly vibe throughout the state. I am not familiar with the Dallas area, but Houston is quite friendly as well. There is a wonderful Bottega SA at the Galleria.

redrobin1977 · Oct 21st, 2009, 11:44 PM

Hi- I live in Texas now and was raised in Louisiana just 40 miles from Texas border- Trust me, w/ red hair, I don't glow, I flat out burn. Just be really careful from mid june- august and you'll be fine. The nice other months make up for it. I have actually traveled to San Antonio to buy a handbag. I would say it would be the place for the higher end handbags. Everyone is right, Austin is really eclectic feeling and more new age/ casual. Check out Keep Austin Wierd for an example. Oh, I usually don't wear makeup- it melts here anyway!

isabellam · Oct 22nd, 2009, 09:49 AM

Thanks, everyone, for all of the informative replies. My husband came back from a business trip in Austin last night and things aren't looking as rosy for us to go as I was thinking. It's still very possible, but not the sure thing I was hoping. Sigh...

xostephie · Oct 22nd, 2009, 10:19 AM

Awww well I hope it works out for you!!! We love new comers:) The great thing about Austin/SA is the HUGE OUTLET MALL!!!! There's a coach outlet, NM Last Call, plus isn't there a Off 5th too??? It's been a little while since I've driven down that way (I live in Dallas, but I moved back From Corpus Christi in January)

Anyways, I agree, you don't see too many high end bags in either place beyond Juicy, Coach, etc minus the occasional sighting. Here in Dallas though, it's everyday, haha. People here definitely make an 'effort to look casual', if you will, but not too much of the big hair-usually just makeup.

golden's mom · Oct 22nd, 2009, 10:33 AM

I think it depends on where you live. I live in the Fort Worth area...I can't recall the last time I saw big hair, makeup thing going on. Was in shock after I moved from Houston. The big thing I notice here, it's so conservative.

Oct 21st, 2009, 01:45 PM	#1
isabellam OP Member Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 417	Handbags in the South (United States) Ever since we've been planning a move to Texas (from Illinois), I've been curious about the differences between Northerners and Southerners. I've read several books and I've been to Texas once for a very short (and unfortunately uninformative) visit. I know that hair and makeup are a big deal there, and that it's a sin to make chicken salad with Miracle Whip, but I'm really curious about if there is a different point of view in regards to handbags. At this point, it's looking like we'll be moving within 6 months, so can anyone bring be up to speed? We'll probably be moving to the Austin or San Antonio area. Thanks in advance for any and all insights!
isabellam OP Member Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 417

Oct 21st, 2009, 02:50 PM	#3
kroquet Banned & Menopausal Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 9,505	I have lived in Tx all my life. Grew up in Houston, moved to Austin, now in San Antonio. Whoever told you about the miracle whip and chicken salad is wrong. Never heard that one!! lol I don't see much big hair, maybe that is a Dallas thing. Austin is a great city that's younger and hip. I will say that I don't go out without makeup and maybe I got that from my Mom. I think you will find a lot of very friendly people here and many different things to do. As far as bags, lots of LV and Coach, but that depends on where you are. Either city you choose will be great, just be prepared for the summers. Please pm me if you want to chat about anything in particular, shopping, residential areas, or anything else. We aim to please here in Texas!!
	__________________ Waitlist for Mulberry Alexa in Oak! Bella -Don't show me anymore bags!!!!

Oct 21st, 2009, 03:19 PM	#4
KittyKat65 Aussie Gal In U.S.A. Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,427	I live in Austin and I don't see too many designer bags. It's pretty casual here. There's a Saks and a Neiman Marcus, but over the past year or so I've seen the designer bags dwindling in NM (e.g. no more Balenciaga, due to lack of popularity). Nobody seems to really care about high-end bags and clothes because, as I mentioned, it's pretty casual. As for hair and make-up...again, not a big deal. I don't see much big hair here and none of my friends or I wear makeup unless we go somewhere special. It's anything goes. I usually hang out in a pair of boyfriend jeans, t-shirt and ballet flats. I admit that I do have designer bags that I love and am currently carrying my Valentino Histoire. There's a great hippy vibe here and lots of fantastic music.
	__________________ ~~Only one shopping day until tomorrow~~

Oct 21st, 2009, 03:52 PM	#5
crazyboutcoach "Kitty kitty kitty!" Joined: Jul 2009 Location: A town I call home, TX Posts: 774	I'm Texas born & bred & I love LV & Gucci, I'm so tired of seeing Coach & Dooney everywhere. Lots of Fakes too. I live in North TX & everyone but me seems to think it's ok to carry a fake. Oh & Juicy Couture is real popular with the teen scene.
	__________________ "It is a woman's perrogative to change her mind" (Lol, in my case many, MANY times)! Banned until.....AWW FORGET IT! My (GREATLY, narrowed-down) Wishlist LV Damier Trevi PM LV Galliera PM Gucci Medium Joy Boston Gucci Ladies Web Hobo Coach Garnet in leather

Oct 21st, 2009, 04:57 PM	#6
Swanky Mama Of Three Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas Area Posts: 42,788	hi! LOL! Wow, lots of misinformation out there! Make up and hair are not any more important here, IMO than anywhere else except for perhaps a small rural town in anywhere, USA. I've lived in Houston, Dallas, Nashville, San Diego and Okla and there's really not that big of a difference as people think - aside from the geography of course I'm in Dallas area now and overall people are vary casual. You can tell folks make an effort, but most women are NOT in full makeup and heels around the clock. I grew up in OKla & TX and have Chanel, LV and Gucci in my collection if that helps. In the affluent areas you'll see these bags, but that's true for any area I've ever lived in or traveled to I make chix salad w/ Hellman's and a little apple cider vinegar BTW
	__________________ Tweet http://twitter.com/PBSwanky

Oct 21st, 2009, 02:01 PM	#2
Kathy K Member Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Virginia (near Washington DC) Posts: 1,320	Good luck on your move! I don't know about San Antonio, but Austin is pretty progressive and seems like pretty much anything goes. I don't remember seeing a lot of designer bags there, but then I don't generally see that many outside of large cosmopolitan areas anyway. Texas generally seems to feature big hair and lots of makeup and a bit more glitz than I see elsewhere, but again I don't think Austin is like that as much. I hope one of the PFers from Texas sees this -- I'm sure they'd have better info.

Oct 21st, 2009, 05:05 PM	#7
KittyKat65 Aussie Gal In U.S.A. Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,427	Oh, I need to add to my comments that I am originally from Australia and spent nearly a decade in Los Angeles before moving to Austin. Austin people are friendly and helpful and great fun to hang out with. Not pretentious at all. Most people are welcoming and lovely. The only down sides are the weather (be prepared for 75 straight days over 100 degrees with humidity) and some drivers can be very, very aggressive and rude. Austin kind of reminds me of Australia in that it's pretty laid back and chill and people are nice and genuine. ETA: I don't make chicken salad...I buy it ready-made at HEB
	__________________ ~~Only one shopping day until tomorrow~~

Oct 21st, 2009, 05:13 PM	#8
isabellam OP Member Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 417	The heat!!!! I have hair that frizzes when the weatherman even talks about humidity, and girls, I'll just be honest, I'm not one that "glows". I sweat like a field hand on hot days. I'm not looking forward to the hot weather at all. How do you all cope??
isabellam OP Member Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 417

Oct 21st, 2009, 05:18 PM	#9
crazyboutcoach "Kitty kitty kitty!" Joined: Jul 2009 Location: A town I call home, TX Posts: 774	^^^Air conditioning & lounging at the pool! Oh, & lots of John Frieda Anti-Frizz Serum! Lol! I'm cold-natured & there is absolutley NO WAY I could live up North! My hubby jokingly calls me a true Southern Belle!
	__________________ "It is a woman's perrogative to change her mind" (Lol, in my case many, MANY times)! Banned until.....AWW FORGET IT! My (GREATLY, narrowed-down) Wishlist LV Damier Trevi PM LV Galliera PM Gucci Medium Joy Boston Gucci Ladies Web Hobo Coach Garnet in leather

Oct 21st, 2009, 10:38 PM	#11
kroquet Banned & Menopausal Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 9,505	I don't glow either!! I sweat and cope by nagging at my DH and not leaving home or my car. I wear my hair short so I don't have to worry about the frizz. In SA, I see Coach, LV, and horrible zebra looking bags. Occasionly Gucci and PRada, and every now and then, Hermes. Our NM and Saks have a fairly decent selection of bags. I have seen a gorgeous Birkin at my bank and another at LA Cantera carried by a real fashionable older woman. I think you will find a nice casual and friendly vibe throughout the state. I am not familiar with the Dallas area, but Houston is quite friendly as well. There is a wonderful Bottega SA at the Galleria.
	__________________ Waitlist for Mulberry Alexa in Oak! Bella -Don't show me anymore bags!!!!

Oct 21st, 2009, 11:44 PM	#12
redrobin1977 Member Joined: Apr 2006 Location: sour lake, tx Posts: 407	Hi- I live in Texas now and was raised in Louisiana just 40 miles from Texas border- Trust me, w/ red hair, I don't glow, I flat out burn. Just be really careful from mid june- august and you'll be fine. The nice other months make up for it. I have actually traveled to San Antonio to buy a handbag. I would say it would be the place for the higher end handbags. Everyone is right, Austin is really eclectic feeling and more new age/ casual. Check out Keep Austin Wierd for an example. Oh, I usually don't wear makeup- it melts here anyway!

Oct 22nd, 2009, 09:49 AM	#13
isabellam OP Member Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 417	Thanks, everyone, for all of the informative replies. My husband came back from a business trip in Austin last night and things aren't looking as rosy for us to go as I was thinking. It's still very possible, but not the sure thing I was hoping. Sigh...
isabellam OP Member Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 417

Oct 22nd, 2009, 10:19 AM	#14
xostephie Member Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 294	Awww well I hope it works out for you!!! We love new comers:) The great thing about Austin/SA is the HUGE OUTLET MALL!!!! There's a coach outlet, NM Last Call, plus isn't there a Off 5th too??? It's been a little while since I've driven down that way (I live in Dallas, but I moved back From Corpus Christi in January) Anyways, I agree, you don't see too many high end bags in either place beyond Juicy, Coach, etc minus the occasional sighting. Here in Dallas though, it's everyday, haha. People here definitely make an 'effort to look casual', if you will, but not too much of the big hair-usually just makeup.
xostephie Member Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 294

Oct 22nd, 2009, 10:33 AM	#15
golden's mom Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 2,346	I think it depends on where you live. I live in the Fort Worth area...I can't recall the last time I saw big hair, makeup thing going on. Was in shock after I moved from Houston. The big thing I notice here, it's so conservative.
golden's mom Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 2,346

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