Boy, does Houston have a lot of stylish men and women.
When we asked for nominations for the first CultureMap Stylemaker Awards, you responded in droves, nominating more than 135 stylish men and women in the Bayou City.
Then came the hard part.
A panel of judges had to narrow the pool to 16 deserving semifinalists.
There were many more than could have made the list, but after carefully considering each and every nominee, we present a list of men and women who represent a diverse array of styles and professions. Some have made an impact on the fashion business; others have simply impressed with their ability to make a fashion statement in any circumstance.
So take a look at this list, and then cast your vote. You can vote once a day, every day, through October 2. The top vote-getters will move into the final round to determine the readers’ choice. That person, along with the editors’ choice and your favorites, will be honored at the Stylemaker party at Tootsies in West Ave on October 14. To reserve your spot at the party, RSVP here.
Meet the Stylemaker semifinalists (listed in alphabetical order by last name) and then click here to vote:
Maryam Afshari
Occupation: Owner, Baanou Boutique
Website: baanou.com
Why Maryam deserves to be a Stylemaker: As a boutique owner, Maryam stays on top of not only what’s in fashion, but what will be. Her eclectic sense of style is reflected in the designers she seeks out for the store and her fashionable wardrobe.
Holly Alvis
Occupation: Program Manager at Robert and Janice McNair Foundation
Website: instagram.com/holllsa
Why Holly deserves to be a Stylemaker: Holly steps out with personal flair whether it’s to one of her beloved Houston Texans games or a charity function. She has a knack for getting it right and looking fabulous on every occasion.
Lindley Arnoldy
Occupation: Mom; Former Fashion Blogger
Website: instagram.com/lindleyarnoldy
Why Lindley deserves to be a Stylemaker: As a former blogger, Lindley remains devoted to fashion, with a unique expression of style that incorporates a host of of-the-moment designers.
Bill Baldwin
Occupation: Broker/Owner at Boulevard Realty
Website: yourblvd.com
Why Bill deserves to be a Stylemaker: Bill's style is as distinctive as his outgoing nature. His refined look, best described as "casual chic," reveals a modern perspective showcasing an on-the-go lifestyle.
Karina Barbieri
Occupation: Glamorous Mom/Philanthropist
Why Karina deserves to be a Stylemaker: A stylish mother of three, Karina captures attention when she walks into a room, looks stunning at all hours of the day, and is always wearing unique, elegant pieces that complement her figure beautifully.
Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl
Occupation: Household CEO
Website: instagram.com/carriebd
Why Carrie deserves to be a Stylemaker: Carrie loves to break the fashion rules and always stands out at glamorous charity functions with her own unique sense of style. She is an expert at contrasting hard and soft looks, and knows black is always in fashion.
Valerie Dittner
Occupation: Creative Partner at Cheeky Vintage
Website: adornyourselfaccordingly.com
Why Valerie deserves to be a Stylemaker: Whether it's modern chic or vintage/retro, Valerie makes fashion fun and always turns heads when she enters a room with her classy style.
Mohammad Elsaadi
Occupation: Industrial Engineer
Website: instagram.com/_brohammad
Why Mohammed deserves to be a Stylemaker: Moe breaks the stereotype that engineers don't have a sense of style. A trendsetter with a taste for adventure, he is a social, outgoing young Houstonian with a modernly masculine sense of style.
Ryan O. Harris
Occupation: Creative Consultant
Website: instagram.com/messagemofo
Why Ryan deserves to be a Stylemaker: When it comes to style, Ryan is a risk taker. But he also believes that a clean shirt, a great blazer, crisp jeans and leather shoes can be the easiest and most attractive look to achieve. Ryan's not severe or overpowering, but he's never boring either.
Staci Henderson
Occupation: Philanthropist/Fundraiser
Website: instagram.com/Stacirh71
Why Staci deserves to be a Stylemaker: Staci believes that fashion is a wonderful way to express who you are or how you are feeling without saying a word. And while designer goods are fabulous, she has a great eye and sense of style that trumps money spent any day.
Bryce Kennard
Occupation: Comcast Communications Director
Website: instagram.com/bhkennard
Why Bryce deserves to be a Stylemaker: Bryce is a spiffy dresser who combines preppy sophistication with fashion chic. He is always well dressed whether in the board room, on the polo fields or just lounging around.
Alex Martinez
Occupation: Bon Vivant
Why Alex deserves to be a Stylemaker: Dividing his time between homes in Puerta Vallarta and Houston, Alex combines Latin flair with American sophistication. He can be whimsical or dashing, depending on his mood, but never sartorially disappointing.
Rekha Muddaraj
Occupation: Anchor at KHOU
Website: instagram.com/rmuddar
Why Rekha deserves to be a Stylemaker: A stylish working mom with a great eye for fashion, Rekha manages to keep up with the latest trends while juggling a busy family life and her duties as KHOU weekend anchor/reporter.
Fifi Phi
Occupation: Librarian and Fashion Blogger
Website: wewearthings.com (Contributor)
Why Fifi deserves to be a Stylemaker: Fifi combines classic and cutting edge looks, with a minimalist urban style that always stands out. Whether at the library or at a party, she gets noticed wherever she goes.
Claire Cormier-Thielke
Occupation: Analyst
Website: instagram.com/clairect
Why Claire deserves to be a Stylemaker: Claire's sense of fashion shines through in the office and on the charity circuit, where her tastes range from elegant to get-down-for-a-good-time looks.
Lyndsey Zorich
Occupation: Founder/President Youth Hope Association, Fashion Blogger
Website: lavenueblog.com
Why Lyndsey deserves to be a Stylemaker: With a busy life that includes motherhood and work with pediatric cancer patients, Lyndsey also writes regularly for the hip style blog, L. Avenue, that she founded and that showcases her eye for fashion.
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Click here to your vote. To reserve your spot at the party that celebrates the winners on October 14 at Tootsies, RSVP here.
