Organic Wine Shows True Colors

I know reporting on wine is a stretch for a beauty blog, but I’m going to classify this one under health and wellness. After all, it is made from organic grapes. But that’s not the only thing that makes this Yellow + Blue Malbec special. Dr. Vino reports that instead of a bottle, the wine will come in a TetraPak (think juice-box packaging). The lightweight packaging will help to lower its carbon footprint. Get it? Yellow plus blue makes … that’s right.

I picked up a bottle (?) at Central Market a few weeks ago. It was about $10, and I was pleased to learn that because of the new packaging, it also held a third more wine than a conventional bottle. I can’t say I was super-impressed with the vino, though. I remember it having a slightly tinny aftertaste. But it’s green, it’s organic, and it’s inexpensive. Three reasons I’ll definitely try it again.

His Work Is Shear Genius

Oh, Daniel. We loved you even before we knew you were a D Beauty reader! And although you made your “final cut” last night on Shear Genius, we are still rooting for you. Yes, ShopTalkers, it’s true. If you didn’t see it, we will no longer be able to watch Texas’ own Daniel Lewis do his magic on Wednesday nights. But we should consider ourselves lucky, because we can see him in person at his Frisco salon, Green Peridot, any time we want. And I must say that making it to the final four in a competition pitting some of the best hairdressers in the country against each other is a pret-ty big accomplishment. Who cares what the rest of the country thinks? Dallas loves Daniel, and that’s all that matters! So there.

(Photograph courtesty of Aravaggio Photography)

Win Cool Stuff in Urban Outfitters Photo Contest

Beginning today, you could win “incredible prizes” and attain “international fame” in the Urban Nomad picture-taking competition. Sponsored by the Lomographic Society and Urban Outfitters, the contest has a whole bunch of rules and guidelines that you can read about here. Far as I can tell, the big deal is that the grand prize winner will have his or her winning image reproduced as a wallpaper that will be sold in Urban Outfitters stores across America. The contest ends September 14, at which point you can find out if your work will grace the walls of freshmen dorms around the country—as well as some apartment homes whose inhabitants wish they were still in college. Happy clicking!

F.I.G. Finale Sale Tomorrow

I get giddy thinking about the biannual F.I.G. Finale sale. With men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, and shoes from about 30 retailers at 75 percent off, it’s easy to see why. I like to think of it as a treasure hunt, except there are big red Xs all over the map. Last year I found some gorgeous earrings, a funky embroidered top, and two t-shirts for my main squeeze. I passed up some red patent heels from Linus, though. Fool me once, shame on … shame on you. Fool me … wait. I won’t be fooled again.

Tickets are $10 today, $12 at the door, or $100 for a V.I.P. ticket, which gets you into the sale one hour before all the other savvy shoppers, among other perks. Get all the info you need right here.

Adriana Carador Trunk Show Coming in October

Who is Adriana Carador you ask? I asked the same thing. Here’s what I’ve been able to round up: the Brazilian jewelry designer and her Texas-born partner, Victoria Flores, have built a business out of Carador’s original designs made with 18-karat white, rose, and yellow gold; diamonds; citrines; tourmalines; topaz; smoky quartz; and other precious stones. The pieces are sold through trunk shows at private homes in Aspen, Manhattan, the Hamptons, and Dallas. (Guess we are fancy like that.) From what I’ve been told, the jewelry does well in Dallas–where, I suppose, we like to spend our money on something beautiful that no one else has. (Pieces are priced from $1,300–$12,000, though most are in the $3,000–$5,000 range.) I personally love this Moroccan cuff. The next trunk show takes place on October 10, at a private residence in Highland Park. For an invitation, you can send an e-mail to victoria.flores@adrianacarador.com.

Anti-Acne and Anti-Aging in a Bottle?

To be honest, I get a press release (or four) in my in box every single day about new products. It gives me tired head. But occasionally something piques my interest, and today it’s RéVive Acne Reparatif Acne Treatment Gel, which claims to combat acne and the signs of aging. The ingredients contribute to collagen synthesis (we all know that collagen stimulation=renewal=youthfulness), and salicylic acid helps to clear and prevent the development of new blemishes. Also intriguing: in it there is something called Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), a Nobel Prize-winning ingredient. Who knew? If someone out there tries this stuff, I am dying to know if it it’s worth the $125 price tag. You can buy it at Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, or Saks Fifth Avenue.

Tous Boutique To Open at Galleria in November

Coming in November to Galleria Dallas is Tous (famous for this little bear), the first North Texas outpost of this Spanish retailer. The Galleria store will carry the full line, including jewelry, handbags, accessories, and cosmetics. If you love Kylie Minogue, then you should check out the web site, where you can watch all kinds of behind-the-scenes footage of the Australian starlet, who is also the spokesperson for the brand.

The Little Polish That Could

A few years ago a company called Misa sent us some of their nail polishes to try out. Several of us fought over the beautiful colors but somehow we all ended up happy. I rarely wear nail polish on my fingernails because it comes off so quickly but I was feeling crazy that day so I gave myself a manicure. Get this: SIX days later the polish was still on! It was a little worn but it didn’t look half as bad as most polishes look after that long. I was sold. Since then, Misa has continued to send me their new shades each season and they are always on top of the latest color trends. Their new line has so many gorgeous colors I can’t decide which one I want to use. This week it’s between a sultry dark red and a mysterious steel grey/black (pictured). They can be purchased from their web site: www.misacosmetics.com.

I Like a Pink Flat Iron

Funny how looks count for so much–even if it’s something no one else sees but you. However, this little flat iron is all pretty in pink–and it comes with a pink travel pouch and pink mat to boot. Keep reading for product specs, or visit hanasalon.com for more information. You can’t buy it in Dallas (yet), but god bless the Internet, which makes it possible to get just about anything. (more…)

Usain Bolt, I Love Your Shoes

Yes, I know Jamaican Usain Bolt set some world records last night and earlier this week with his crazy-fast runs in the men’s Olympics. But what about those gold shoes? How awesome were they? The AFP has some up-close shots of the shoes here, and there have been some Internet rumblings about the golden kicks here. Looks like they’re Pumas, and it also looks like they were specially made for Bolt. Puma, will you make me some? I don’t really like to run, but I sure do like those shoes. Pretty please?

New Outlet Mall Coming To Grand Prairie

According to this brief item from the Dallas Business Journal, the shopping center will feature the likes of Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Prepare to get your discount shopping on right around the time of next year’s holiday onslaught.