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Friday Giveaway: ANSR Anti-Aging & Acne Therapy Beam

I blogged about this bad boy a while back, so if you want to see why I’m giving one away to you, read it here. Now, fill out the form and good luck!

FGI Dallas Fashion & Lifestyle Awards: A Night of Stars

I can’t wait to attend this Friday’s Fashion Group International’s Fashion & Lifestyle Awards that will take place at the W Loft (the old LFT space) at Victory Park. Instead of the traditional seated dinner/awards ceremony (which to be honest, can be quite boring), the cocktail party and presentation will be interactive this year. The purple carpet will be rolled out and famed fashion TV Host, Style Expert and Editor in Chief of PinkMemo.com, Katrina Szish will welcome honorees including Harry Bock, Danielle Teylor, Holly Haber, Rachelle Dauphinee, V.O.D., and Sartel. In addition to the awards and the fashion show of Dallas-based designers (including Abi Ferrin, Geoffrey Henning, L. Weatherread Design, Nha Khanh, Oscar Fierro, Rochelle Rodriguez and more) – produced by the ever-fashionable and imaginative Jan Strimple – the event will be textured with artisans and designers who will be on-hand working their crafts and mingling with guests throughout the evening. Highlights include:

• Cassandra MacGregor, designer of House of MacGregor, will be building and shaping some of her hat designs.

• Louise Black (yes, the one from Project Runway) will be showcasing some of her prized waist and arm corsets in varying stages of completion.

• From Dallas Lace Society: Rita Hansen-Nieuwendijk will make Belgian lace and Patricia Bailey will be doing tatting lace.
• Rocio Ildemaro of her namesake shoe collection will have visuals of her design process.

• Elizabeth Anyaa, Textile designer will invite guests to try their hand at weaving.

It’s going to be a fun and fashionable night. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here. See you there!

AuctionHaus Open Tomorrow

As if I weren’t in enough trouble with all the money we’ve spent on Peggy’s Folly – the infamous third Friday AuctionHaus sale will be from noon until 4pm this Friday.  The Scott + Cooner Warehouse is packed with modern treasures -  including new floor samples,  classic iconic pieces, and even a full Pedini kitchen!  You can choose from a huge selection of vendors such as Cassina, Flou, Cappellini, and Baleri Italia all at deep discounts – really deep.  I swear I won’t be at  2150 Irving Blvd tomorrow.

An Evening with Robert Kuo

Robert Kuo, one of the great creators of the modern Chinese arts of  cloisonne and repousse  is at the Baker Showroom tonight.  You can see some of his amazing works there and meet the master himself, we featured some of his ceramic pieces in the Sept. DHome I’ve  been a huge fan of his for years – used to go to his flagship store in Los Angeles in the 1980s and 1990s every time I went to market there.  Just seeing his works gives me a sense of peace and well being.   I’ve been studying his biography – background and interests,  and am probably going to be best friends with him after tonight.

One Stop Christmas Shop

I have to admit, I usually put off all my holiday shopping until the last minute. Trust me, NorthPark on Christmas Eve is no fun. Think long lines and messy, picked over stores.  But this year things are going to be different. I plan on avoiding the crowds by doing my shopping early at the Chi Omega Christmas Market. Dallas-area Chi Omega alums have hosted this lux shopping event for the past 32 years in support of local charities. Here you’ll find everything from women’s fashion and accessories to home décor, so you’ll be able to find a gift for everyone (and maybe even yourself). General admission starts today and ends Saturday at the Dallas Convention Center. NorthPark, I still love you. I’ll be back after the holidays.

What are the Fashion Experts Reading?

Geoffrey Henning, J. C. Penney’s design director, sheds light on his top reads over at the Reading Room. Sneak preview: Twilight!

Assembly + Real Estate Party = Discounts and Free Food, Drinks, and Prizes for You

Dave Perry-Miller and Associates–surely you’ve seen the company’s signs everywhere–are throwing a little real estate soirée at Assembly in West Village Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Here’s what it means to you, my non-real-estate-y friends: 20 percent discounts on Assembly goods, free food from Bella, free drinks, and possible free prizes, including a $200 gift certificate to the store. If you’re into real estate, that’s a bonus. 3699 McKinney Ave. 214-219 9991

“Pamper Yourself Night” at Mockingbird Station Tonight

As part of the Station’s Cause for Celebration line-up (”community-oriented events every Wednesday evening during the holidays”), Pamper Yourself Night will feature mini-facials, massages, and hand massages, free with a donation to Genesis Women’s Shelter. The masseurs will be lined up near PURE Dental. (If you choose to pay for a teeth whitening special during the evening, PURE will also donate a portion of the proceeds to Genesis.) Billy Jealousy reps will also be at PURE for the mini-facials. The hand massagers will be located at Michael Raymond Salon, where you can also get make-up touch-ups, some hot chocolate or tea, and a free Aveda shampoo sample with a $5 donation. It’s a night full of minis, but your donation can be mini, too.

Hemline, Lou Lou, and Mine Host Some Holiday Shopping

Thursday, Nov. 19 all three stores will be open until 8 pm. Drink a glass of wine, snack on some munchies, and take 25 percent off every purchase you make. 4439 Lovers Lane. 214-559-3600

What are the Fashion Experts Reading?

Let’s start with Forty Five Ten owner Brian Bolke over at D’s Reading Room. Hint: perezhilton.com’s on his list!

What is the best drugstore powder?

My sister is looking for a new foundation–in powder form–and she wants to stick to the drugstore scene. I must admit, I haven’t used a drugstore foundation in a while. (I’m currently using a mix of MAC and Makeup For Ever.) ShopTalkers, I need your help! What are your favorite foundation products at your local Walgreen’s, grocery store, etc.?

Gotta Get GogoGear!

As you may know, D Magazine recently moved our offices from the Highland Park area to downtown. And many of us are now parking in garages a few blocks away from the office forcing us to re-think our entire morning routine. I, for instance, had to find a way to get my three inch heels, exercise clothes, work documents and various beauty products to and from my car. (Yes, I’ve become one of those people who walks in flats and changes into my sassy shoes once I get to the office. Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.) For a few days I tried an old stand-by, the backpack. But that just didn’t work. Not only did I feel like a sixth grader but it was too casual  and often heavy causing me to awkwardly lean forward as I walked. Are you picturing this? Right. Not pretty. Fortunately, I happened to stumble upon a bag that stole my heart from the moment I saw it. Continue reading "Gotta Get GogoGear!"

Blake of TOMS Shoes Kicked My Butt at Ping Pong

I headed over to Neiman Marcus last night to test my ping pong skills against the owner of TOMS, Blake Mycoskie. The challenge: Blake wins, you buy a pair of TOMS; Blake loses, you get a pair of TOMS. After watching him play against a 12-year-old girl, I decided that I had a pretty good chance of winning. Boy was I wrong. He was definitely just taking it easy on her to be nice. The final score of our game was 11-5. Take one look at Blake and you’ll understand why I had trouble keeping my eye on the ball.

After my defeat, I sulked over to the TOMS display to check out the Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman exclusive collection and pick out my first pair. (I had to hold up my end of the deal, of course.) The new line is a bit more high-end than the original. It includes trendy prints like Madras, fancy linings, and silver logo plates. I decided to keep it simple and went for the shimmery linen pair. All I have to say is, the post-match kiss on the cheek made the $80 shoes totally worth it. Plus, a child in need will get a new pair of shoes. I guess it wasn’t a total loss after all.

Lakewood Home Festival Market this Weekend

Shop over 60 unique vendors showcasing art, jewelry, children’s items, holiday keepsakes, gourmet foods, and more at the Lakewood Market, which is part of the 33rd annual Lakewood Home Festival – hosted by the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA (LECPTA) – that raises funds for Lakewood Elementary School, J.L. Long Middle School and Woodrow Wilson High School.
When: This Saturday (10 A.M. – 5 P.M.) & Sunday (11 A.M. – 5 P.M.)
Where: Lakewood Elementary  (3000 Hillbrook at Sondra)
What: Shop local vendors (such as Yes Ma’am! & APRONanantomy – pictured at left) while you snack and sip goodies from Penne Pomodoro, Paciugo, White Rock Coffee, and Society Bakery.

Architectural Tour at TKO

It’s not exactly what you would think of as a typical architectural tour – it is a display of architecturally sound and design driven gingerbread houses.  Also, sustainable.  Just kidding – sustainable gingerbread??   Just in time for the holidays, four of our top architects/designers – Paul Draper, Vision Design, Ashley Astleford, and Demarest Architects are being given a plain gingerbread house to design and decorate with their own brand of creativity.  So, tomorrow between 4 and 6 come down to TKO in the  and check out the houses.  I  will be judging the contest, and, as always, open to bribery.

Friday Giveaway: Smashbox Photo Finish

This is my absolute, absolute favorite foundation primer. It’s got this slick silicone-y texture that leaves your face feeling as silky as the models look in Sephora ads. Apply it to your whole face to soften the look of pores and fine lines, and as Smashbox says, to “create a perfect canvas for foundation.” Once you add your foundation, you’ll see a smoother finish and longer-lasting results from your makeup. It’s oil-free, $36, and a winner of beauty awards from Sephora, InStyle, and Marie Claire. (Just in case you don’t believe me.)

*Don’t forget: if there’s something you want to see in your Friday Giveaways, send me suggestions. You can send me an email at raya.ramsey@dmagazine.com or make a comment here

*Update: Forgot to list a link to the form. Fill out the form to enter the contest.

*Congratulations to our three winners!

Blake of TOMS Shoes at Neiman Marcus Tonight

Get your rears to Neiman Marcus NorthPark tonight to check out TOMS new Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf exclusive line of TOMS. (Then check out Blake, the owner, left. Not exactly bad on the eyes, is he?) The famous footwear company donates a new pair of shoes to a child in need with every pair you purchase. And there is a very specific need for shoes around the world that, in this country, we don’t really see. As of February of this year, TOMS donated more than 130,000 pairs of shoes. That means 130,000 pairs of kids’ cute little feet are now protected thanks to this company. This new luxury line will include special linings,  metal logos, and trendy prints like skulls. They’ll be sold for $78 to $125. If these reasons aren’t enough to join the fun, there will be ping pong. Yes, ping pong. 400 NorthPark Center.

Post-Industrial Rainwear

That’s right, not only is post industrial everywhere in the design world, (you’ll find out more in the 2009 Design Book), it is also showing up in fashion in only the best places.  One of my favorite stores Gardens is carrying these raincoats by Mau made of Tyvec – as in the stuff home insulation is made of.  Go figure.  They are light as a feather, durable, washable and rain resistant.  They’re also very cool.  Regarded as site specific art rather than straight fashion, they make quite a chic statement.  Besides, your Burberry trench is so everywhere now.

Free (well, sort of) Gift Cards at Ylang 23

Ylang 23 is offering a gift card special right now. Every purchase made between now and the end of November will earn a gift card based on the percentage of the total purchase. So, spend $250; get a $25 gift card. Spend $500; get $50. Spend $1,000; get $150. Spend $15,000; get $3,000. You get the point. Only problem is the gift card isn’t available for use until January 2010. But after a whopping jewelry purchase, maybe it’s best to wait anyway. And though it’s true it’s easy to find pieces priced at over $1,000 (like these gorgeous peony hoops in gold and diamonds from Catherine Michiels for $2,970), it’s also pretty simple to find elegant pieces at lower price ranges. For example, the opal pod charm necklace from Ten Thousand Things for $310, a sweet little rose gold feather pendant necklace from Vanessa Jenik for $105, Me & Ro’s heart and sword trinket necklace for $115, or Dogeared necklaces—personal favorites of mine—for as low as $50. Ylang 23, Galleria. 13350 Dallas Pkwy # 1300. 972-980-0819

Is H&M Blowing Us Off?

NBC DFW says maybe.

Elizabeth Carlock Designs Offers Guilt-Free Shopping

Elizabeth Carlock got right to business after she graduated from SMU in August. Just a month after she received her diploma, she launched her own jewelry company, Elizabeth Carlock Designs. Pretty impressive. The collection includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and hair accessories hand crafted from metal and semi-precious stone. The best part? You won’t feel the least bit guilty after purchasing one of Carlock’s designs. The pieces are reasonably priced, plus it’s for a good cause. Carlock extends funds and support to charities in hopes of making a positive difference in women’s lives. For now, you can get these one-of-a-kind pieces online or via trunk shows.

The Dallas Flea Market Opens Doors Dec. 5

Our very own upscale flea market opens at South Side on Lamar December 5. Made up of rows of Texas-based artists, this flea market will feature all kinds of goodies, like art, home goods, accessories, clothing, furniture, and edible treats. According to the market’s curator, Brittany Edwards, the concept for this flea market was inspired by legendary flea markets in California and New York and will contain a highly edited mix of Dallas’ best jewelry makers, bakers, designers, etc. She’s hoping, she says, to give the public access to some of Dallas’ hidden treasures. So mark your calendars for December 5 and get ready to do some local shopping! Five dollars gets you in the door, and most major credit cards will be accepted. The Dallas Flea. 1409 South Lamar St. www.thedallasflea.com

Fall/Winter Must-Have: Commando Tights

Some of you may be familiar with the barely there, panty line-free underwear line, Commando. It’s one of my personal faves. This fall they introduced a line of hosiery, and I was sent a pair of tights to try out. I have worn them a couple of times now and I have to say, they are amazing. Not only do you not get that line that’s sometimes visible through lightweight fabrics, but the elastic-free construction and “dig-free” waistband makes them quite comfortable. I wore them all day and didn’t feel like ripping them off the second I got home. The matte opaque tights come in solid black and solid brown, and retail for around $32-$34. Find them locally at Neiman Marcus.

Big Art Sale at Banks Fine Art

Banks Fine Art lost its lease and is moving to Slocum Street. (2010 Slocum St. to be exact.) What does this mean for us? Massive sale. Prepare to take 50 to 75% off more than 1,000 original oil paintings. These could make really fabulous, personal gifts, too. The sale will end Dec. 19. Banks Fine Art. 1231 Dragon St. 214-352-1811 or www.banksfineart.com.

Adriana Carador Trunk Show This Saturday

If you aren’t familiar with Adriana Carador’s jewelry line now is the time to check it out – not just online but in person as well. She’ll be having a trunk show this Saturday, November 14 from 3-6:30pm. It’s an invite-only event but if you email Victoria Flores at victoria.flores@adrianacarador.com she can most likely get you in. Sip champagne while perusing Carador’s gorgeous, colorful designs which aren’t sold anywhere else in Dallas. Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase to a piece of jewelry that you will wear (and love) for years to come. Make it an early Christmas present – for yourself. You deserve it!