Heaven Scent

I mentioned it was due to open in October and it has finally arrived…LAFCO (Luxury Articles And Fragrance Company) opens it’s doors just in time for Holiday shopping! LAFCO’s New York team (including owner, Jon Bresler) all flew down for the Highland Park Village store’s debut last week and I got a grand tour of the sophisticated fragrance shop. I have never smelled so many savory scents in my life, starting with the Claus Porto soaps (there are 16 scents to choose from) which are made by a century old Portuguese soap making company that is highly regarded throughout Europe. Each bar is milled seven times for the finest finish (lasting three times longer than other soaps the same size). The artful packaging, created using the same paper stock, embossing techniques and screen printing methods from decades ago, makes them great for gift-giving (many on my list will be getting them). Don’t worry guys, you aren’t forgotten. Be sure to check out the Musco Real men’s face and body collection. The shampoo/shower gel is perfect for the man on-the-go and all products are reasonably priced, starting at just $10. The shop is also the exclusive importer of infamous Santa Maria Novella (founded in 1221) products for men, women, children, and more (they even have fragrant fire-starters for the fireplace). Also find candles that are packaged in colorful art-deco glass (that can be recycled), Eau d’Italie fragrances, Linari diffusers, and Arte & Cuoio leather goods.

More Melanie Gayle

We told you this was coming, and now it’s here. Melanie Gayle has opened its second location at The Shops at Legacy. Plano peeps no longer have to make the drive south to find chic treats from brands like Amanda Sterett, Ali Ro, and Shoshanna. Plus, enjoy Partners Card perks at both locations between Oct. 24 and Nov. 2—that’s 20 percent off clothing and accessories. Fan-tastic.

Re: Marnie Rocks Wednesday Night

Okay, Raya, we’ve got a Wednesday-night shopping battle on our hands. Are you trying to upstage my Victory for the Cure event or what? Pink champagne and cupcakes? Whatever. My event has Grey Goose and free parking! Raise your hands for free parking!

Marnie Rocks Wednesday Night

We’ve mentioned Marnie Rocks before. If you didn’t go then, get goin’ now for Wednesday’s Girl’s Night Out. Here are a few reasons why. One, Marnie herself will be in town. Two, you can use your Partners Card, which entitles you to 20 percent off in the store. Three, there will be giveaways. Four, fashion bingo, and five, pink champagne and cupcakes. Oh, and most importantly, the jewelry, rain gear, and bags are way cute and wearable every day. Do you seriously need more to persuade you? (Reminder: pink champagne and cupcakes.) 6:30 pm to 8 pm. 8413 Preston Center Plaza Drive. 214-369-1200 or marnierocks.com.

2008 Dallas Fashion Award Winners

The 33rd Annual Dallas Fashion Awards gala was held at the Dallas Market Center Saturday night. Max Azria (of BCBG Max Azria) received this year’s Fashion Excellence Award for his Herve Leger collection (which was relaunched in 2007 and has since been seen on many starlets including Lindsay Lohan, Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Kate Bosworth) and Gianna Madrini (Style Editor and Executive Producer of Global Fashion News) was the recipient of the Personal Style Award. Other winners included:
Accessories: Sondra Robert
After 5: Marc Bouwer GLAMIT!
Jewelry: Devn Leigh
Contemporary: Kenzie
Casual contemporary: Taka
Modernwear: Lynn Ritchie
Children’s wear: Florence Eiseman
Bridge/Designer: Zelda

Congrats to all!

Where You Should Be Wednesday Night

On Wednesday from 6-9 pm, shop for a good cause at Victory Park’s Victory for the Cure. During this one-night-only event, the shops along Victory Park Lane will donate 10 percent of their sales to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. There will also be a silent auction featuring items from the Dallas Stars, with all proceeds benefiting breast cancer research. As an added bonus, shoppers can sip on complimentary Grey Goose cocktails. And, as always in Victory Park, the first two hours of self-parking are free, which is almost better than free booze. Jump for an auction map/guide. (Note: Click on the image to enlarge.)

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Should I Be Ashamed To Tell You This?

I got a lot done over the week end. I finally caught up on all kinds of housework that had been neglected over the past month because I was so busy with work. A few times a year we tackle several magazines at once leaving little time for exercise, cleaning, spending time with friends and family and sometimes even eating. If I make it through this week I’ll be home free for a couple months. Anyway, I digress. So over the week end I managed to clean the house, work in the yard and finish a few minor home projects. Needless to say, I wasn’t looking my best. I had last washed my hair on Thursday night. When Saturday night came and I was finally ready to shower off all the dirt and grime I had collected during the day I was extremely tired and didn’t want to deal with my hair so I didn’t wash it. I figured if I went anywhere I’d just put on a hat. Then on Sunday as I was working in the yard (with a hat on - no one needed to see the condition my hair was in) I had a brilliant idea. I decided not to wash my hair that night or on Monday morning and instead put my new Batiste dry shampoo to a REAL test. (more…)