Texas’ Next Top Designer

Calling all aspiring designers in the state of Texas. The search for Texas’ Next Top Designer is on. If you think you have what it takes to become the next Abi Ferrin or Julia Plume (previous TNTD winners), go here to apply now. The winner of the competition will receive a financial reimbursement grant (up to $50,000) of in-kind support for business development. All entries must be received by January 31 (get it together designers)! Winners will be announced in spring 2009. Good luck!

Twice the Feel-Good Factor at V Spa

There sure are a lot of opportunities to do some good while beautifying these days. Here’s another: The V Spa has officially opened at the Hilton Anatole. To celebrate, a portion of sales from every treatment—and gift card purchase—through the end of November will go to Genesis Women’s Shelter, which provides safety for battered women and their children in Dallas. The menu includes manicures, pedicures, organic facials, peels, and scrubs, aromatherapy massages, and an elixir bar, featuring healing teas and sparkling concoctions. Complimentary valet parking is provided. 2201 Stemmons Freeway. 214-761-7800. photography courtesy of David Lyles Photography Dallas

*Update: Well, Katie, great minds must think alike. I didn’t, however, think of all the clever V words that you’ve used! ShopTalkers, here’s double the info on V Spa. It’s clearly a trip worth making right now!

**Another update: V Spa was able to raise $2,100 for Genesis Women’s Shelter!

V Spa is Very Swanky

I went to the opening of V Spa last night and was very impressed with the vibe. Offering a variety of services, from massage and skincare treatments to manicures and V-man grooming, V Spa embraces vanity as a mere venial vice. Its versed staff provides the veriest service, and a verily delightful perk to getting any 50-minute spa treatment is a day pass to the recently renovated Verandah Club. So, what’s the verdict? It’s a victory for V Spa!

(That’s 15 Vs in a single post—18 if you count the headline and the one I just used. Call Guinness.) Actual information about the spa here.

Pass the Courvoisier, Big Poppa

In the late 1980s, the famed fashion designer and artist known as Erté took his love for cognac to a whole new level. For a limited-edition release, Erté designed the decanters and artwork for a seven-bottle collector’s set of Courvoisier cognac, with each image representing a different step in the cognac-making process. Now, in the spirit of the holiday season, Courvoisier has re-released the collection. And, get this, the whole set can be yours for the low, low price of $10,000. When you consider that individual bottles go for $1,500 a pop, I guess that price ain’t so bad. But 10 grand? If you have that kind of dough, more power to you—reserve your set here. As for me, I’ll have to find the real Big Poppa first. Since learning of his split with Kim—the Real Housewives of Atlanta finale confirmed this glorious news—I’m counting on the fact that the high roller is looking for a new main squeeze. Over here, Big Poppa! Over here!

Save Big at Unique Samples

Four times a year, Unique Samples in Bedford throws a wingding of a sample sale. The last one of 2008 is going on right now, and you don’t want to miss it. All merchandise, including brands such as White & Warren, Roxy, Arianne, and Alberto Makali, is priced wholesale, which means you’ll pay at least half of what you would at retail prices. The sale runs through December 5, and the store is open every day—Monday through Saturday from 10 am-8 pm and Sunday from noon to 6 pm, with new merchandise arriving every Monday through Friday. Unique Samples is located at 2816 S. Central Dr., Ste. 152, Bedford. For more information, call 817-267-1617 or e-mail uniquesamples@hotmail.com.

Woo Hoo! Free Misa Nail Polish!

You may remember this blog where I told you how much I loved Misa nail polish for its staying-power and its fantastic colors. Well, the fine people at Misa Cosmetics wanted to do something special for ShopTalkers so they have graciously offered to send a FREE bottle of to you if you are willing to pay $3.25 for shipping!  Just click on this link, pick out your color, and call them at 1-888-733-6472. Tell them you read about their offer on D Beauty’s ShopTalk blog. Thanks, Misa!