Under the heading of things that are good and bad, Julie Evans and the team at JEI Design Collection are moving. The bad news is that Evans hasn't yet found a new location, but the good news is that it won't stop them from having a sale. From now until the end of the year, all of the inventory is 50 percent off of the retail price (excluding Jan Barboglio merchandise). All sales are final. JEI Design Collection, 1009 W. Sixth St., 236-9070, www.jeidesign.com. .

In other news, I attended a party at the Austonian. The developers are celebrating now that the construction has reached the 28th floor (the full height is 56 floors). Though the space is still pretty raw (exposed concrete floors and walls and exposed ductwork), the gals at Giant Media decked out the 19th floor with candles and elegant holiday decor, such as vases filled with glitter-covered pears.

Sleek, white leather furniture from Lounge 22 (the event design and event furniture rental company that is the Austin arm of Ethos Design, the prestigious Los Angelos-and-New York-based event design firm) was scattered throughout the space.

Food stations with delicacies, such as roasted squash soup with truffle oil and black sea salt, by Occasions catering were scattered throughout the space. Members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra performed Christmas music, fitting since the Austonian will be the site of the Women's Symphony League 2010 showhouse, benefitting the symphony and it's children's educational programs.

The guest list included buyers, prospective buyers, the Austonian team and the media, as well as various people with the city. I also ran into interior designer Laura Britt of Laura Britt Design, who is working with the Austonian and it's buyers for some of the finish out.

Apart from a slightly harrowing ride in two construction elevators (I'm a little afraid of heights), the event was an elegant and clever way to keep people interested and excited about the Austonian. Unfortunately, it just made me more impatient for the completion, so that I can see some of the fabulously-designed spaces!