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The Dallas Aveda Institute – Not Just a School But a Gorgeous, Insanely Inexpensive Spa/Salon

The Aveda Institute pedicure room.

OMG! OMG! I am sooooo excited!! Last night I went to the grand opening party for the Dallas Aveda Institute. What is it, you ask? It’s a cosmetology school for aspiring hairdressers, estheticians, masseurs, waxers and nail technicians. Why do I care, you ask? Well, here’s why: this incredibly beautiful facility offers super discounted prices on all beauty services all the time. How can they do that, you ask? Well, it’s because students perform the treatments. Doesn’t that scare you, you ask? No, not at all. If you knew how intensely dedicated Aveda is to training their students to be the best, you wouldn’t either. The company doesn’t only teach them how to cut hair or perform a massage but  they also train them in how to treat clients like gold. Yes, they are still in the learning process but their skill levels are high enough that Aveda will let them work on clients. Now would they do that if they didn’t think they were ready? No. Aveda cares too much about their stellar reputation. I got a personal tour from the president of the company who emphasized how important quality is to them. Jump to read about their incredible prices!!

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I Got Minxed

Yes I did. (Although, that’s not me over there on the left obviously.) Minx is a nail covering, kind of like wallpaper, which covers your nails in a layer of fun, funky prints and colors. Unlike with nail polishes, you can get a serious tinfoil-like metallic look, pictured left, or an ornate design, like the one also pictured left. Minx, made a hit probably by Beyoncé and Rihanna is still not available in all salons, though. I got mine done at Annice Spa in Grapevine in the fun black and silver polka dot print also pictured left (but pretend the dots are tinfoil silver). It was gorgeous! For the closest salon near you, check out the Minx spa finder. Or contact Annice Spa at Reflexology2009@gmail.com for an appointment.

Chanel Resort Trunk Show

Who doesn’t love Chanel? I certainly do. That’s why I will be at their Highland Park Village store on Tuesday, October 29 between 11am and 4pm to see all the gorgeous pieces from the resort collection in person. And you should too. Looking at clothing of this caliber in photos only doesn’t do it any justice. Part of what makes designer pieces so special are the details, the craftsmanship and the fabric – all of which must be seen (and felt) in person to really be appreciated. Be there or be square.

Sale of the Week: Barse

Get a great deal at Barse jewelry through October 11. For details, see our Shopping tab in the top left corner. Barse sapphire necklace pictured left

Friday Giveaway: Abi Ferrin Cambodia Clutch

Dallas Designer, Abi Ferrin gave V.I.P. guests who attended her spring 2010 show at the Metropolitan Pavillion in New  York a goodie bag. In that goodie bag was a Cambodia Clutch, which retails for $80. I brought one home (courtesy of my friend & former Dallasite, David Ninh – so you can thank him!) to give away on ShopTalk! Feel good while looking good when you carry this silver and grey pleated silk clutch that was handmade by women rescued from the sex trade in Cambodia with the help of an organization called Sak Saum. To view Abi’s collection, which was inspired by a trip to a Costa Rica Rainforest, go here. To fill out the form to win this exclusive clutch, go here. Good luck!