Dallas Designers, Louis Black & Shirin Askari on Season Six of Project Runway

Louise Black

Shirin Askari

Hometown gals, Louis Black (32, from Dallas) and Shirin Askari (24, from Richardson), are two of the sixteen contestants on the long-awaited sixth season of Project Runway (premieres August 20 on Lifetime). Click on their names above to learn more about the designers and to take a peek at their audition tape, casting session, home visit video, closet tour, and fashion tips. Be sure to pick up the September issue of D, which will feature both designers.

Peeling Groovy Facial = Bliss

Is it ironic that the Bliss Spa in the W Hotel is named Bliss? I don’t think so. I went in last week for the Peeling Groovy Facial. It was 30 minutes of sheer delight. 

From the moment you walk into the spa you know you are in for a treat. The luxe robe, zen-like decompression area, sauna and cozy treatment rooms are all A+. During my visit, I only ran into one other client which tells me that they strive to keep it private and relaxing.

The facial itself promised to reduce large pores, wrinkles and sun-damage spots. I can’t speak too strongly about wrinkle reduction as I am still in the beginning stages of development. However, I did notice a sizeable reduction in my pores and the dry skin from this 100-degree Texas sun is gone.  It’s almost a week later and my face still looks and feels fabulous.

I can’t wait to go back!

But, in the meantime, I can keep up with treatments at home. Bliss is now offering the Peeling Groovy Facial Serum online.

Halo Salon Opens: Richard Hayler is Back in Business

We reported back in February that Richard Hayler had closed the doors of his salon at Neiman Marcus and had temporarily relocated to Dear Clark. Although we are big fans of Dear Clark, we are happy to hear that the hair guru is back in business with the opening of his new salon, Halo. Hayler has partnered with pals, Henry Uldall (formerly of Jean Phillippe & Richard Hayler) and Lauren Bryant (formerly of Urban Home) to open a contemporary salon off of Henderson Ave. I haven’t had a chance to check it out yet (it only opened a week ago) but I have heard nothing but good things. Welcome back Richard! 5010 Miller Ave. 214-823-3600

Another Quirky Dallas Workout: Hilton Anatole’s Aqua Zumba Water Aerobics Class

If you’re going to be sweating, I can’t imagine it feeling better than if you are in a swimming pool. The Verandah Club at the Hilton Anatole has created a water aerobics class that features fun moves to Latin tunes and supposedly can help you burn up to 500 calories per class. This doesn’t sound like some old lady lift-weights-to-disco-fever-songs-in-the-shallow-end course. A membership to the Verandah Club’s fitness center is $118 per month, which includes fitness classes, but you can purchase a $16 day pass to check out the class, too. Hilton Anatole. 2201 Stemmons Freeway. 214-761-7855 or www.verandahclub.com.

Polish Pick: Peacekeeper “Paint Me Forgiving”

It makes me happy to have an eco polish (meaning non-toxic and made with natural ingredients) in the lineup of favs now. Introducing: Paint Me Forgiving by PeaceKeeper. Available at Whole Foods, this polish line comes in nine colors, most of which are vegan and made with Moroccan argan oil to nourish the nails. This color is a favorite because, again, it is a beautiful neutral for every day. It has a pink hue with a subtle silver sheen. I’VE GOT ONE Paint Me Forgiving polish TO GIVE AWAY. Send me an email–by clicking my name in blue–telling me why you need it, and I’ll choose a winner today and get it off in the mail to you tomorrow. Ready, go. (Image at left courtesy of All Lacquered Up.)