Sweet Shop: Betty Cupcake

At first I thought this was just another baker jumping on the cupcake craze, but I popped into Snider Plaza’s new addition to take a peek and was pleasantly surprised. A mother-daughter team recently opened this contemporary women’s shop which stocks casual to cocktail attire, accessories, and knick-knacks. Find lines such as Zova L.A., Hype, So Low, Lizzie Parker, Fortune Denim, Aidan Mattox, Linea Pelle, and MaryGold Designs (local jewelry designer) - many Dallas exclusives. It’s only appropriate that they offer up cupcake curiosities such as lipgloss, charms, and mini-confections to munch on while you shop.

Get Your Vibrating Mascara July 31

A limited edition supply of Lancôme’s Ôscillation, with its vibrating mascara wand, will be available for one day only at Dillard’s and the Lancome Boutique at NorthPark Center. I haven’t personally tried it, but Stephanie Quadri has. I think the deal with the vibration is better coverage on every lash—right, Steph? You can also buy it online at Sephora.

Big Spa in Cowtown

We haven’t checked out the newly remodeled Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel & Spa, so we can’t vouch for its awesomeness, but we’re a sucker for spa news. The former Ramada property, located near the Fort Worth Convention Center, debuted late last month after a $46 million renovation. The 8,000-square-foot spa includes a yoga room, a Pilates studio, and six treatment rooms. Should be good for business travelers and Tarrant County spa lovers.

Win Cool Stuff!

For those of you who haven’t entered to win D Beauty Booty, you’d better hop to it. We’re giving away a fabulous beach bag full of Xen-Tan sunless tanning products and makeup from the summer collection of Shu Uemura. Nice!

Rock Out, Yoga-Style

If you love Austin rocker Bob Schneider, you’ll want to check out his show tomorrow night at Bend Studio. When yoga instructor Ally David launched her Intimate Evening Concert Series at Bend back in 2004, it could have been a flop. Maybe people didn’t want to see a rock-and-roll show in a smoke-free, all-acoustic setting where you’re required to kick off your shoes at the door. Turns out, they did. And those Intimate Evenings have thrived. Although I won’t deny digging on Bob back in the day, what I’m really looking forward to is singer-songwriter Ari Hest’s showcase scheduled for September 5. So tall, so dark, so handsome! Doors are at 7. Show is at 8.

Speaking of Exhale Spa’s Core Fusion

During the month of August, Exhale Spa Dallas is offering a new fitness class–Core Fusion Thighs + Gluteals–for free. The one-hour class, part of the popular Core Fusion series (we have friends who swear by it) focuses on shaping and toning the lower body–and who doesn’t need that? Space is limited, so book now for Wednesday afternoon (noon-1 pm) or Thursday evening (7:15-8:15 pm).

From Flabby To Firm

One too many frosty margaritas by the pool this summer, ladies? Yeah, me too. But not to worry, Exhale Spa’s got your back. Tighten and tone in any of the spa’s Core Fusion or Core Energy Flow classes for just $10 a pop every Friday. Those who prefer pilates-esque exercise, go with the former. Yogis, try the latter. Both will reap the benefits of a firmer, fitter physique. Or at least burn enough calories to neutralize Saturday’s vices.

Foundation Find: Amore Pacific

My current cosmetic obsession is the new Amore Pacific Time Response Skin Renewal Foundation. The silky smooth formula contains SPF 18 (to protect our precious skin) and doesn’t feel heavy, yet provides just enough coverage with a healthy glow. The skincare company is known for their use of rare Asian Botanicals and harvests green tea from their very own gardens located at the foot of Halla Mountain on the Pacific Isle of Jeju, off the coast of Korea. Seven hand-cultivated parts of the green tea plant, including green tea flower extract (a first in skincare) are used in this formula. Get some green tea goodness here now, or look for it to arrive at Neiman Marcus mid-August. It’s worth the $90 price tag.

Re: J. Crew Opens at Dallas Galleria

Hey, Sarah. I would like to know if the cute boy in the picture is for sale.

J.Crew Opens at the Dallas Galleria

I’m a huge fan of J.Crew. Those who live closer to the Dallas Galleria will be happy to know a big, beautiful new store opened there just yesterday. To celebrate the grand opening, they are giving away a free J.Crew gift with every purchase, and offering $25 off every purchase of $150 or more (for a limited time). That’s incentive enough to check it out, no?

St. Ives Launches Cellulite Treatment

I admit that St. Ives doesn’t exactly conjure up images of cutting-edge skin care, but I thought this was worth a mention. New on the market are two products–”a complete anti-cellulite regimen”–clinically proven (of course) to reduce the appearance of cellulite in as little as two weeks. It’s been my experience that anti-cellulite creams don’t really work (there is, alas, no real substitute for regular exercise), but here’s why I think this one might be worth a shot: the price. I would spend 12 bucks ($6.99 for the Gel Creme and $4.99 for the Advanced Body Moisturizer) to give it a whirl. What do you have to lose but a few unsightly dimples? I’m going to assume you can buy this stuff wherever St. Ives is sold, i.e. CVS or Walgreen’s. But it’s so new that I don’t even see anything about the products on the web site. Hmmm.

Want To Look Younger? Eat Beans.

That’s what Dr. Nicholas V. Perricone says in his latest book, Ageless Face, Ageless Mind. The author and dermatologist is especially fond of black beans, but his Five-Bean Salad doesn’t discriminate. Feel free to jump for the full recipe, which is excerpted from Ageless. What, uh, comes to pass after the eating of said dish is not disclosed. But we have a pretty good gas … we mean guess.

(more…)

It’s a Book! And a Bag!

Talk about a page turner. Made to look like such classic reads as a diary, a yearbook, and even the Holy Bible, these embroidered lambskin clutches from Femme Sud are the ultimate conversation piece. The satin-lined handbags, which come with a mirror, a coin purse, and a tube of lipstick, have been a hit with some of our fave celebs. Even book-club queen Oprah Winfrey is said to be a fan. Check ’em out at The Urban Blossom in Addison.

DVF for Decades

We’re loving the decade-inspired looks that we saw on the runway for fall and can’t wait to preview the entire Diane Von Furstenberg collection (which channeled the forties with belted jackets and cardigans, flared knee-length skirts, and bow-front blouses) at LFT. The shop will kickoff the two-week (in-store through August 14) trunk show with an event tomorrow evening from 5-7. A DVF stylist will be on hand to offer personal consultations. 10% of the evenings proceeds will benefit the Dallas Zoological Society. See you there.

A Clutch Worthy of Sex and the City

Handbag designer Jada Loveless, once a PR exec for Neiman Marcus, has added Stanley Korshak to her growing list of retailers. Her sexy clutches, made with exotic skins such as alligator, crocodile, ostrich, and python, have been seen in the hands of celebs like Candace Bushnell, who carried the Grace clutch in Viola to the premiere of Sex and the City. Now, if only we could get Carrie’s fabulously redecorated NYC apartment …

Going Green: The Lips Edition

If you care about the environment—and you so should—let your lips get in on the action with on10’s Green Glam Gloss. The gloss features eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials, and the hydrating formula is infused with ingredients such as organic extra virgin olive oil and organic coconut oil. It’s also scented with sweet green tea. Anybody else getting hungry? Green Glam Gloss will be available exclusively at Sephora starting in August.