D

We’re Starting a New Feature on BridalBuzz: Dallas Engagement Announcements

D Weddings assistant editor Kristin Hull is starting something new on BridalBuzz: Dallas engagement announcements. Do you want to be the featured couple—or know someone who should? Get detailed instructions here.

Xen-Tan’s New and Improved Web Site

You know that Xen-Tan is a favorite of ours here at D because we’ve not only written about it in D Beauty but blogged about it several times. Well, to celebrate the launch of their new web site today, Xen-Tan is offering 15% off! Use promo code VACATION09 on all orders before August 30, 2009 and get a golden tan without damaging your skin. Woo hoo!

Thursday Giveaway: 3 Sets of OPI’s Bright Pair Collection

Yep. You heard me. Three sets! OPI teamed up with designer line Paige Premium Denim to create a set of funky polishes to add to OPI’s Brights Collection for this summer. Beware: these polishes are not for the reserved. Matching the denim line’s colorful shorts and crops are Over The Taupe, a summery version of You Don’t Know Jacques—a personal favorite of mine, On The Same Paige, a fiery orange-red, In My Back Pocket, a melon orange color that looks like sherbet, A Grape Fit!, a hearty almost-Easter purple, No Room For The Blues, a vivid sky blue, and Shorts Story, a Barbie pink. Click on my name in blue to send me an email for your chance to win.

*Update: Now giving away FOUR sets.

Brooke Shields Visits Dallas and Talks Latisse

Brooke Shields was in town last week promoting the only lash-growth product approved by the FDA, Latisse. As you may remember, I recently blogged about my experience with a similar product, Neulash so I was interested to talk to Brooke about her results with Latisse - which is actually a glaucoma medicine with a fantastic side effect - it lengthens and thickens lashes. As you can imagine, once this was discovered, the manufacturer, Allergan, scrambled to get the word out.  Thus, a new beauty product was born. Raya and I sat down with Ms. Shields to discuss her experience with the product. But before we get into that I’ll answer the question that is on everyon’s mind - how did she look?

Continue reading "Brooke Shields Visits Dallas and Talks Latisse"

Isabella Collection

We love when new stores open - especially when they open in the same location where another store just closed.  (Remember Art & Lily which opened and closed before we could buy a single thing.)  So come to the grand opening of the Isabella Collection’s IBC Design Studio tomorrow, July 2 from 6 - 8 at 2000 Greenville Ave.  We’ll be drinking mojitos and trying out all the new bedding - depending on how many mojitos we have.

Laura Davis Design Lab Wares

I stumbled across local craftmaster and furniture designer, Laura Davis’ creation’s while I was scoping out Make Shop in Bishop Arts this past weekend. Her colorful pillows made of vintage linen’s, embroidered with assertive statements, caught my eye immediately. Shop owner, Julie McCoullough Kim, directed me to her pretty vintage dish stands. I love these pieces (like the teacup stands pictured at left)…so much you could do with them. Use them to hold knick-knacks, jewelry, candles, candy, or simply as decoration. Check out the rest of her stuff here (free shipping on all orders July 2-6) or stop by Make Shop & Studio to discover a slew of local designer’s like Davis.

TV With Laura: The Bachelorette Recap Episode VII

Read my take on chambray shirts, Kiptyn’s pretentious parents, Jesse’s scary brother, getting filled with the Holy Spirit (or something), and all the rest of the nonsense that went down on last night’s episode of The Bachelorette.

Get Your Glow On at Luxury on Lovers Day Spa

This afternoon I decided to spend my lunch hour getting a double glow hydrafacial at Luxury on Lovers. I’d driven by the place a million times because it’s practically in my neighborhood. And it feels like a neighborhood spa instead of a fancy, tricked-out hotel spa, thanks to its unassuming, cozy cottage location. Upstairs bedrooms are now treatment rooms, and the downstairs “living room” is where you’ll find reception and a slew of products. The double glow hydrafacial was unlike any facial I’d had, thanks to a wand that dispensed an exfoliating serum then gently sucked away the dead skin cells. Unlike microdermabrasion, which uses harsh crystals, this machine is gentle–although it did leave a tiny hickey on my neck, but I’ll just lie and say I had a good makeout session with a cute boy. After the machine treatment, I got a mild peel, and just as my skin started to tingle and heat a smidge from the peel, the aesthetician wiped it off and got out that wand again–only this time it blew cold bursts of air onto my face. It was delightful! And, yes, I’m glowing.

West Village a Welcome Haven for Haven

I finally dropped into Haven’s new digs at the West Village the other day. You remember that store, right? Lovely home furnishings boutique in Victory Park. Such wonderful chic finds. Oh that’s right. You probably don’t remember it because hardly anyone shops at Victory. At least that’s what co-owner Jon Tutolo (pictured left with co-owner John Bassignani) told me. “Some days I wouldn’t see a soul. Now, there’s people walking by my shop. There’s such an energy here at the West Village,” he said. Though the new store is a 1/3 of the size of the original, it’s chocked full of candles, linens, lamps, books, furniture, and gifts galore. Couple Haven with Gardens around the corner and you have two of Dallas’ chicest stores (almost) side by side. That’s some good shopping. Photo by Vanessa Gavalya

How to Avoid Doing Bad Things for Shoes You Can’t Afford: Christian Louboutin Lace-up Booties

I’d kill for these (pictured left). Okay, okay, so maybe not kill. But steal? Cheat? Lie? Most likely. I may not have to, though. So they’re not exactly the same, but the feel is there… Got  $297? Click here. Got $154? Click here. You’re welcome.

Dallas - 21st Century Sexy City?

That’s right, we’re finally getting the national credit for our design and style according to Steve Nobel of Nobelinks, an international consulting practice specializing in luxury markets for home furnishings.  I was on a panel discussion with him, Jan Showers, and Ron Wommack at the Decorative Center this spring.  Check here to see how we measure up as the It City now - NY is so last century, and LA is broke.  It helps that our economy isn’t in the toilet, either.  But, I do love when Dallas is referred to without discussion of big hair and boots.

Exhale Spa Presents Kids and Teens Fitness Classes

Yesterday I saw a nine-year-old boy ride his bicycle two houses down. He was on a cell phone telling his friend he wanted to play Playstation. What happened to the days of walking to friends’ houses before heading to the neighborhood pool after a little soccer in the cul-de-sac? I’ll tell you what happened. Cell phones happened. (No need to walk to a friend’s house. Just call ‘em.) Videogames happened. (What’s a swimming pool?) Well, Exhale will get the kids and teens back in shape again. And it can all take place while you’re in YOUR workout. Perfect. Children’s yoga classes use “animated poses, stretching, and interactive games,” and teen classes focus on “improving concentration, stimulating the imagination, and promotion strength, flexibility, and basic body awareness.” The Mind Body Summer Series for Kids is for ages 5-9 on Wednesdays, 2 pm to 3 pm. The teens series is for ages 10-16 on Tuesdays, 2 pm to 3 pm. (Yoga for you takes place at the same time both days.) Classes run through the month of July. Exhale Spa Dallas. 5300 Mockingbird Lane. 214-370-5800 or www.exhalespa.com/locations/dallas.

Stuart Weitzman’s New Heels = Serious Shoegasm

OMG! Do these Stuart Weitzman heels make you as giddy as they make me? I’m trying to brainstorm ways to make an extra $575 by mid-August when they arrive in stores. Hmm, since anything immoral or illegal is out of the question I wonder if a lemonade stand might work. It is insanely hot out. Oh wait, that means I’d have to sit outside in the heat day after day after day waiting for kind souls to pity me and fork over ten cents. Never mind. I’ll figure something out. Or, more realistically, I won’t and I’ll just spike said lemonade, sit in my air-conditioned house and wallow in my sorrows. Oh, why does love hurt so much?

Happy Hour Shopping at Accents

West Village fashion accessories Mecca Accents is throwing a happy hour event today 4:30-8pm: beverages (of course) and buy two items and get another two items free. That’s a nice way to start the weekend.

Tom Davies Event: A Recap

Here at ShopTalk we’ve given a lot of press to Tom Davies and his fashionable eyewear. First it was a Q&A with the man himself. Then it was a Friday Giveaway featuring a pair of his frames. Mostly, this was because I thought his glasses looked sleek and stylish and because the custom-fit concept intrigued me. But until I had a personal consultation of my own, even I didn’t know my hype was so well deserved. Plus, I’m pretty sure Tom (I call him Tom) is my soul mate. Jump for my recap of the eyewear designer’s meet-and-greet at Occhiali Modern Optics last night.

Continue reading "Tom Davies Event: A Recap"

Dean’s Margarita Salt Glow at the Ritz-Carlton Spa. You NEED It.

We’ve written about this Texas-only treatment before, but I simply must expand because I’ve now tried it for myself. Trust me when I say: you need it, too. For $170—not too bad—you get a treatment that, I would say, feels more like three separate relaxing therapies that when combined, created the most relaxing evening I’ve had since…well…I can’t even remember when. One, you get scrubbed. Two, you shower off. Three, you get re-hydrated with a massage. But grab Jackie for your treatment at the Spa, and each treatment feels like one step closer to heaven. The exfoliation portion felt like a massage itself, but left my skin feeling brand spanking new. Even the shower was delicious. Rinsing off in the cozy atmosphere made me never want to get out. When I did, though, it was beyond worth it. The massage was next, and Jackie is a brilliant masseuse. After a quick feel in the eucalyptus steam room and a glass of wine in the relaxation lounge, I was like a little puddle of happiness leaving the Ritz. 

Experience it yourself by making an appointment at 214-922-4820. You won’t be sorry. (photography at left by Maxine Helfman)

50% off Abi Ferrin This Weekend

What: Abi Ferrin “Freedom Friday” shopping event
When: June 26 & June 27, 10 A.M.-6 P.M.
Where: The Revolving Door, 1409 S. Lamar Suite 103
Details: Stop by the local designer’s studio to sip cocktails and shop the latest collections. 50% off any one item (*excluding custom pieces & new prints). 10% of all sales will be donated to The Freedom Project.

Friday Giveaway: Mission, Athlete-Engineered Skincare

I was the girl making headbands out of the daisies on the kickball field instead of watching the ball. But add a little beauty to sports, and you’ve got my attention. Enter Mission Skincare. Katie blogged about ‘em here. We’re giving ‘em away here. Send me an email for a chance to win the full set of summer-proof athletic products: Anti-Friction, a formula to help relieve effects of friction—think footwear blisters or under-the-sports-bra irritation, Foot Synergy Gel to energize feet pre-workout and relieve them post-workout, Sweatproof Sunscreen in SPF 30, Fast-Drying Sunscreen spray in SPF 30, Ultra-Soothing After-Sun Gel, Ultra-Hydrating Lip Protector Gel in SPF 20, and five athlete signature lip balm sticks in organic strawberry by Amanda Beard, pomegranate by Serena Williams, orange by Ryan Sheckler, sweet vanilla by Gretchen Bleiler, and mint, a classic Mission chapstick.

*By the way: Next week’s Friday Giveaway will take place on Thursday!

*Congratulations Lee, on winning the Mission giveaway.

Flip-flop Heaven at Union Jack

Gentlemen, be warned: I’m not a big fan of sandals, especially flip flops, on you. On South Beach, they look great. Some South Pacific isle, even better. But Dallas? Not so much. If you must wear them then 1) they should be well-designed and stylish, and 2) get a pedicure, please. That said, Oak Lawn mainstay Union Jack is offering 20 percent off all sandals: Kenneth Cole, GBX, Micros, NYGB, and more. Even better, they’re offering a Buli Cafe Bucks special. This week, buy any regular priced pair of denim jeans or pants and get a $5 Buli gift card good towards panninis, salads, coffee drinks, or anything your hungry heart desires.

Shop Like a Dallas Designer at Wisteria

Shhhh…. Carrollton-based Wisteria–much like Z Gallerie, CB2, and the antique stores along Industrial Blvd.–is a hush-hush shopping secret for area designers looking to get the most bang for their oh-so-chic buck. If you haven’t discovered the online and catalog retailer, here’s a great reason to check it out: Wisteria’s “Bigger Is Better” sale. The more you spend the more you save. ($100 = 10%, #200 = 15%, and $300 = 20%) Start shopping!

Trend Watch Dallas - Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are one of the few long pieces a Dallas girl can wear in 100 degree heat. They’re loose enough to allow airflow to keep our legs cool yet sexy enough to say, “Yep, I’m a hottie.” So with that in mind check out this adorable Alice & Trixie black and white one from Assembly. At $340 it might seem a bit high but think about how many times you can wear it. I, personally, am not one of those people who believes wearing something more than once is tacky. I think wearing a quality piece over and over is smart (as long as it’s not one day after another). Plus, if you love something you should wear it. I’m not going to keep my favorite clothes in my closet just because I’ve been “seen” in them before. But back to the dress - it can be worn casual or dressy and will work for many different occasions. So do it, get maxi!

West Village Regimens No More

Men, it looks like we’re going to have to go back to NM and Barneys for our skin care needs. Regimens is no more. At least, that’s how it appears at the West Village shop. The doors are locked. The phone has been disconnected. Another one bites the recession-clogged dust.

Forty Five Ten Sale

Had an interview this afternoon at Forty Five Ten and while I was there couldn’t help but scope out the 60% off sale items. I picked up a pair of Moschino shoes for $238! There’s still a great selection of spring/summer clothing and shoes left…get there before it’s all gone!

Tory Burch’s New Line of Sunglasses Are Retro-Cool

The good news is that Tory Burch is launching a line of sunglasses. The bad news is that they won’t be available until November, just in time for the cloudy days of winter. Regardless, you know you want a pair. Burch says the collection was inspired by Fifties and Sixties icons James Dean, Peter Fonda (pictured) and Faye Dunaway, as well as her parents’ trips to Greece, Istanbul and Morocco during the same era. Styles are varied - from navy cat-eye frames to a collapsible pair to an ombre frame transitioning from transparent blue to green. Prices range from a managable $135 to  a splurge-able $195.

Bishop Arts Sidewalk Sale This Saturday

Yes, it’s hot. Crazy hot. But you’re a Texan. You’re used to it. Besides, anything for a great sale, right? So don your tank top and short shorts and head over to the Bishop Arts District for its sidewalk sale this Saturday 11am-6pm. Stores include Bishop Street Market, Indigo 1745, Zola’s Everyday Vintage, Green Pet, Dicho’s Books, 10 Footwear, and more great local retailers.