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Lash Studio Opens in Dallas

If you’re a lash kind of lady, you won’t want to miss this new hot spot. Recently, I went to meet owner Shannon Sturdivant and PR gal Bee Lee (one of your 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas nominees) and if memory serves me correctly—although it often does not—Shannon called the vibe “flirty chic.” If she didn’t, then I’m calling the place flirty chic. It’s elegant with its black chandeliers and gorgeous light fixtures and wall sconces, but totally girly glam with hot pink walls and stripes–check it out after the jump. This sets the mood for getting the two awesome treatments offered at Lash Studio: NovaLash eyelash extensions and Bronze Biologic airbrush tanning. Shannon applies each extension one lash at a time for the most realistic look using NovaLash, her favorite U.S.-made lash line, which is said to last up to eight weeks. (We’ll let you know when we’ve tried it ourselves.) You can get a full set for $250 or The Flirt, which is a partial lashing of the outside corners, for $150. Other services on the menu include colorful lashes in brown, blue, green, and purple and glittery lashes (hello, Halloween!), and Discrete Lash, a travel service to your home so the paparazzi (or your nosy neighbors) don’t discover your faux lash secret. Bronze Biologic, also a U.S.-made product, is an airbrush tanning solution that uses only botanical ingredients for a chemical-free golden glow, only $35. Lash Studio is also planning to be host to girl’s parties—think bachelorette, bridal and birthday—where girls can gather for a little beautifying and champagne sipping. Check out at Lash Studio at its West Village home at 3699 McKinney Ave., Ste. 400 or click here to make an appointment.

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This Is the Last Week To Vote for the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas

Yesterday we said goodbye to Lisa Medlen, Kiley Wirtz, and Veronica Adri. In an interesting twist, Kameron Westcott received more votes than the first week’s frontrunner, Kinsey Wilton. What does it all mean? That anything can happen in week three. You can vote once a day, every day, through this Sunday. Winners will be announced in the December issue of D Magazine.

Are You Voting Every Day for the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas?

No? Well, you should be. I mean, everyone is doing it. This week we said goodbye to Beatris Martinez, Heidi Lockhart, and Merlene Phillips. But anything can happen in week two. So what if Kinsey Wilton was running away with it last week? There are several ladies gaining on her–and fast–this week. Cast your vote now. And then tomorrow. And then the next day …

Voting Starts Today for the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas

Perhaps you are familiar with this competition? We accepted nominations from you, dear readers, and we interviewed our favorites to select the 20 finalists you see here. These women are more than just pretty faces. You can vote once a day, every day, for the next three weeks. So go do it.

P.S. Remember last year’s winners?

Brynn Isom Starts Get Real Agency, A Modeling Agency for “Real People”

You may know Brynn Isom. The designer and all-around Renaissance woman was once a finalist for our 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas. It comes as no surprise to us that she and her sister have launched yet another venture: Get Real Agency. So you’ re not a model or an actor. No problem. Ad agencies and photographers often need everyday people for TV commericals, photo shoots, market research, or print ads. Also, companies sometimes need to fill a room for a big event. So how do you sign up? Easy. Just go to the Get Real Agency web site and upload a current photo. They need people of all shapes, sizes, ages, ethnicities, and gender. What’s the harm? You might earn some extra cash!

Last Call For Nominations For The 10 Most Beautiful Women In Dallas

Have you nominated your wife/mother/girlfriend/mom/friend/sister/co-worker for the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas? No? Well, today’s the last day. So get to it.

P.S. Check out last year’s winners here.

Have You Nominated Someone for the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas?

No? Well, why not? You can do so here.

Donald Fowler + Nest = Best Home Store in Dallas?

That is exactly what I’ve been promised by the Donald himself.  He’s left his position at Stanley Korshak and will be the new buyer/manager at Nest in Snider Plaza.  Far be it for me to argue – it looks like the winning-est combination of two talents.  Fowler has long been one of our magazine’s design/style favorites – featured too many times to count.  And we love the direction Nest is heading with Heather Wiese – Alexander as owner.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they are both beautiful people.  Oh, yeah, you’re going to be hearing more from them.

It’s Time To Nominate the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas

Yes, beauty means different things to different people. But here’s hoping that you, dear ShopTalkers, know women whose beauty is more than skin deep. That’s certainly true of last year’s winners. Now we’re accepting nominations for this year’s 10 MB, who will be featured in the December issue of D Magazine. So if you know someone deserving, enter her here. Below are the official rules:

Contestants must be 21 years of age or older and must be residents of the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. We are looking for candidates who exemplify values and integrity in line with the D Magazine reader. What does that mean? It means that special consideration will be given to candidates who give back to the community through regular charitable donations or community activism. This contest is not based solely on physical appearance. Let’s be honest: if you’ve got shark teeth and scars where they removed your vestigial gills, you probably won’t win our contest even if you’ve selflessly dedicated your entire life to working with wayward puppy dogs. All finalists must have compassion, charisma, intelligence, and respect for fellow man—in other words, inner beauty. And, of course, smoking-hot looks. That, too. The editors reserve the right to disqualify any candidates for unsavory behavior (vapid, vain, immoral, loose, unethical, etc.). Finalists will be chosen and contacted by the D editors. Online voting begins on August 3, 2009.

D Art Slam Starts Tonight and Runs Through May 31

Our first-ever D Art Slam, presented by D Magazine and f.i.g., starts tonight, from 7-9 pm, with a VIP preview emceed by the one-and-only Tim Rogers. You can meet the artists, be the first to buy, and get to know the 2009 New Dallas Nine winners. Can’t make it tonight (or pay the $100 entrance fee)? Then stop by f.i.g. this weekend to browse and buy works from 150 local artists–including our very own Elizabeth Lavin and former 10 Most Beautiful finalist Katherine Baronet. To see a full list of participating artists, or to purchase tickets, visit the web site.

Hats, Hats & More Hats: A Mad Hatter’s Recap

Today I had the pleasure of being a judge for the 21st Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Dallas Arboretum. The theme this  year was “Under the Cherry Blossoms”, so many sported hats topped with Asian-inspired designs and cherry blossom twigs. There were so many wonderful and whimsical hats that it made judging quite difficult. One of the best hats (which won the “Thematical” category) featured a tall-standing pagoda and was donned by D’Andra Simmons, who just so happens to have been one of our 10 Most Beautiful women in Dallas. Speaking of hats, my fellow judge and master milliner, Cassie MacGregor, loaned me one of her clever creations for the event (I am not typically a hat person, but I must admit after today, I am very tempted to wear them more often…it’s amazing how an article of clothing can put you in a good mood) and when I went by her studio to pick it up I spotted these (pic at left) great tie-dyed toppers that are currently available for sale at V.O.D. Follow the jump to see a photo of the judges (Cassie MacGregor, Shane Walker, Niven Morgan, Tiffany Divis, and myself) today pictured with the lovely Yvonne Crum and Jill Rowlett, who’s hats were both fabulous! (more…)

Spring Cleaning Sale at Nest in Snider Plaza

Out with the old, in with the new. That’s what I always say–which is probably why I have a garage sale every three months. But I digress. Head to Nest immediately to save up to 75% off winter items, including throws, pillows, side tables, books, candles, bath items, and more. While you’re there, say hi to the lovely and talented Heather Wiese-Alexander, one of D Beauty’s 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas. And buy something for me while you’re there, will ya?

Meet the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas

In case you skipped the dmagazine.com homepage and came straight to ShopTalk, you can now see the winners of D Beauty’s 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas. And, if you happen to be friends with any of these lovely ladies–D’Andra Simmons, Heather Wiese-Alexander, Neely Holland, Gail Warrior-Lawrence, Karen Noseff, Nanci Masso, Joette White, Marie Reyes, Nikki Ngo, or cover girl Wendy Cruz–please go out and buy a keepsake copy of the winter 2009 issue of D Beauty, on newsstands tomorrow.

Behind The Scenes: 10 Most Beautiful Contest Photo Shoot

Phew! We made it! The last two days have been filled with gorgeous designer clothes, eye shadow, lipstick, curling irons and hair spray as we glammed-up and photographed the winners of D Beauty’s 10 Most Beautiful contest. No, I’m not going to tell you who the winners are – you’ll have to wait for the winter issue of D Beauty to get that information – but I can tell you all of the lovely ladies lived up to their title. They were such a pleasure to work with and they truly looked absolutely fabulous! The backdrops for their photos were various spots in downtown Dallas so it was fun being out on the streets. At one point a vibrantly dressed skateboarder even stopped to pose for a few pics with one of our winners.

Photo shoots are crazy in general. When we first arrive it can take over an hour to get everything from our cars into the “staging area” (whatever that may be – a studio, hotel room, unoccupied office, etc.), organize all the clothes, shoes and jewelry that have been pulled (borrowed) from local designers and stores, and get the hair and make-up artists all set up. At the same time the photographer is usually getting all his equipment set up as well. When each 10 Most Beautiful winner arrived we had her try on several outfits to see what would look best. (more…)

Things I Learned from the 10 Most Beautiful Photo Shoot … Abridged Version

For the past two days, several of the D Beauty staffers, a slew of MAC makeup artists, and two Frederic Fekkai hair stylists converged in downtown Dallas to pull of a most spectacular photo shoot (if I do say so myself). Of course there were others involved—the photographer, his assistants, the location coordinator, the stylist, etc.—but I only mention hair and makeup because when my interviews are done and the women are gorgeous and ready for their close up, I get to hang out, chit chat, and learn a few tips from the pros. These are the fruits of our conversations. (more…)

It’s the Final Week To Vote for 10 Most Beautiful

Sadly, we lost three more contenders. So it’s down to the final 14 in D Beauty’s 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas competition. Vote once a day, every day, to make sure your favorite girl wins!

Jewelry+Champagne+Facials=Good Time on October 10

We first introduced you to Adriana Carador on ShopTalk about a month ago. Well, I have more info on that trunk show. Turns out it’s being held at SkinSpaMed–which happens to be owned by Marie Reyes, one of our finalists for D Beauty’s 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas. So in addition to fabulous bling, you can sip some bubbly and have a facial, too. (God I love being a girl.) Gather your girlfriends at head out to North Dallas on October 10, from 1-5 pm. You won’t regret it.

Round 2 of 10 Most Beautiful Begins Today

Well, the people have spoken, and today we say goodbye to three of our lovely finalists for the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas: Amanda Kirane, Donna Scoggins, and Allison Moran (sniff, sob). But the polls are still open, so vote now! Remember, you can vote once a day, every day, through September 28. Winners will be revealed in the winter issue of D Beauty, on newsstands December 11.