We’ve got high-end shops and budget friendly boutiques, but there’s middle ground left to be covered, and Nicole Kwon’s new West Village boutique is fresh and exciting. The New York ready-to-wear designer has worked in the houses of Hussein Chalayan, Vivienne Westwood, and Peter Som before creating her own line, NKWON. It’s this fashion resume that lends a hand to her racks packed with lines exclusive to her shop and collections created by fellow designer friends. (She’ll be carrying Hussein Chalayan come spring 2013.) The shop’s got a pared-down urban thing going on, from the Maria Francesca Pepe ear cuffs, to the soft, layerable SHIN separates, to the row of unisex oxfords and loafers. Other collections include Alice Yim, Josefina Larsson, Sena, Cheap Monday, Thatcher Collection, Sam & Lavi, PJK, A.L.C., and, of course, her own collection of bestsellers, which have been selling out like a new Twilight movie.
Nicole Kwon’s maintains a high-low wardrobe, and her store’s price points reflect that, ranging from $15 to $2,000. Pre-photo session, I got to spend a little time with Nicole and get the scoop on her new digs. She looked effortlessly cool in her sheer white sweater, maxi skirt, patent navy oxfords, and armful of dainty-meets-edgy jewels (all available in her shop). Exactly the kind of gal you want to trust with wardrobe decisions. So, how did Nicole Kwon, worldwide traveler, settle on Dallas as the home to her namesake shop? “I fell in love with the city,” she says. A big thank you from Big D, Nicole. I’m pretty sure it’s going to fall in love with you, too.
Jump for photos.
Paws in the City at Luxury on Lovers: Animal lovers and spa junkies will love this weekend’s Paws in the City fundraiser. Stop by on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm to find woman’s best friend as well deals on cryotherapy, Intraceuticals, Juvaderm, massages and more. (Women’s other best friends.)
Mary’s Finds Annual Hoopty Sale: While I may not know what ‘hoopty’ means, I definitely know the definition of the word sale. (Ed. Note: A “hoopty” is an old, not-lookin’-too-hot car.) Breakout Storage Wars: Texas star Mary Padian, owner of Mary’s Finds, will be offering all of her merchandise (including finds from the show) at 50% to 70% off.
Impeccable Pig Online Sale: You don’t even have to leave your couch to take advantage of this sale. 15% off of all new arrivals and a $10 sale for online purchases only.
Gift with Purchase at lou lou: The title speaks for itself – spend $50 this weekend at lou lou and receive either a pair of sunglasses or pair of earrings for free.
Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk intern.
Remember when I raved about the joy that is Elemental Herbology at Nest? Nest is the only shop in the south to carry this British line of beauty products, which I like to think of as the middle ground beyond results-promising cosmeceuticals and earth-loving natural brands. Products are free of synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, mineral oil, sulphates, and parabens, but contain heavy doses of herb and flower extracts and plant oils for skin preserving results. I’m a big fan of the Cool & Clear facial cleanser, so I’m thrilled to be able to give two away. It contains patented Cell Active HYDRO to “lock in moisture and quench thirsty skin” and Aquaxyl to “bind moisture to the skin,” green tea for its antioxidant properties, and delicious smelling lavender and tea tree oil for antibacterial uses, and, of course, to smell delicious. I use this cleanser year round for makeup removal, breakout prevention, and its cleaner formula.
Two lucky winners will be drawn on Monday. Enter here to win. Good luck!