photography courtesy of Gaia

Yesterday I was chit chatting with Brittany Cobb (interior designer, founder of The Dallas Flea, Dallas editor of Daily Candy) for a future D Moms story and she let loose her can’t-live-without cosmetics organizer: GAIA zipper pouches. I’ve heard about this local line of fabric accessories, handcrafted by female refugees, but it has been a while since I shopped the site. The current prints nearly put me in the mood for spring (I still need a little time). Vintage floral prints are so fresh against this week’s dreary weather. Sizes range from small to large ($36 to $52) and can be found at retailers like Neiman Marcus, Forty Five Ten, and Cabana.

Do your civic duty and go fill in those bubbles. It’ll only take a few minutes. Or a few hours. Depends.

Then, if you’re assigned to a stickerless polling station, print out the image to the right. I suggest you rhinestone it, too.

photography courtesy of vendors

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and retailers around the world are raising awareness with limited edition items, which send a portion of their proceeds to help find a cure for the disease. So shop with a conscience and pick up a little pink. Below are some of our favorite Breast Cancer Awareness products – all available from retailers in the Dallas area.

(clockwise from top)
Endearing “Go Girl” rings, $76-$210 by local designer Diane Malouf
Danielle earrings in rose, $60 at Kendra Scott
Pink Ribbon Gaiam yoga mat, $21.98 at Target
Bobbi Brown Pink Peony set with blush and brush, $45 at Macy’s and Nordstrom
Smashbox BCRF BE Legendary Lipstick, $19 at Ulta

Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk intern.

photography by Desiree Espada

These Lionette earrings are so versatile. They remind me of scorpion tails–but prettier. $246 at Elements

photography by Desiree Espada

(left) This Misha clutch works for all seasons, but I especially enjoy it with chunky amethysts. Clutch, $250; locally designed M. Elizabeth ring, $48 at Haven

(right) These sunglasses Costalots sunglasses in style 83, come in a variety of colors, but we love the ladylike berry hue. $214 at Piermarini

1. We Are Owls sculls scarf at Blinc, $120
2. Gianvito Rossi ankle wrap pump at Barneys New York, $865
3. Aesa agate triangle Saita necklace at Elements, $368
4. Issey Miyake Bilbao Platinum Prism Series bag at Nest, $1,250
5. Moonshine cologne with black pepper, tobacco, leather, gin, and patchouli for my honey at Stanley Korshak, $72

I just moved in Dallas. I am originally from Europe. I show your article about Cicada Collections and I felt that I can trust your taste. I was wondering if you know any place that sells nice frames for eye glasses as well as a store for fashion jewelry. –Anna-Maria

Eyeglass Shops
Fashion Optical: Local celebs (like Abi Ferrin and Jan Strimple) love owner Morgan Metcalf’s ability to find the perfect frames for every face.
Goo Goo Eyes: This shop has a digital scanner so you can virtually try on frames before making a decision.
Illori: This NorthPark boutique used to be all designer sunglasses, but now you can bring in your prescription and be fitted with trendy eyeglass frames, too.
Occhiali Modern Optics: If you don’t have a clue what you’re looking for, experts here will help you navigate through their upscale selection.
Tom Barrett Optical: This eyewear shop has pairing faces with the perfect frames for 30 years. No eye exams here, so style is the focus.

Jump for jewelry shops.

Fashion Jewelry
Castle Gap: For on-trend Native American designs in silver and turquoise.
F. is for Frank: For funky metal rings, bangles, necklaces, and cufflinks inspired by animals and geometrical shapes.
The Gypsy Wagon: For cute, Texas-inspired, locally create jewels like bullet necklaces and personalized vintage charms.
Kendra Scott: For affordable jewels using bold colored stones and dainty metal details.
SWAG: For trendy fashion jewelry from lines like Virgin Saints and Angels, Otazu, and a few local lines.
Stephanie Anne: For heavy, chunky gold pieces with ornate stone designs.
Grange Hall: For high-end, off-the-cuff designs like fly earrings and spider necklaces you won’t find anywhere else in town.
Ylang23: For a little bit of everything from a huge selection of designers from Alexis Bittar to Cathy Waterman.

See all jewelry shops here.

photography by Matthew Shelley

These slouchy Marie Turnor paper bag clutches are effortlessly cool and cooly priced, ranging from $145 to $310. Available at equally awesome Cicada Collection boutique.

photography by Kelly Belter

The wedge epitomizes summertime; it’s effortless, comfortable, and, of course, stylish (basically, everything that summer should be). These wedges by Jessica Simpson are all of the above. Plus they give off a cool, nautical vibe that makes you want to head straight for the beach. For an affordable $98, you can pick up this pair at lou lou.

Kelly Belter is a shopping intern.

I just bought a straw fedora for summer but have no idea how to wear it. I’m new to hats. Help! –Lindsey

Naturally, I directed the question to the city’s most well-know milliner, Cassie MacGregor of House of MacGregor. She responded with the following.

The biggest tip I can give is to wear your hat with confidence, it makes all the difference. You can’t go half way and once you get a few compliments you’ll forget you even have it on. I prefer my hats to be worn more forward than back and cocked at a slight angle. If it is a nice hat, you can wear it to a nice occasion, but if it is a cheapie (which there is nothing wrong with) save it for the pool or hanging out on the weekends!

BCBG Max Azria “Nasha” color-blocked dress
This off-the-runway piece makes my heart pitter-patter. That sexy neckline, pops of neon, shoulder cutouts, flowing skirt…sigh. So cool.
BCBG NorthPark, $598

7 For All Mankind cut-off shorts in Pink Whiskered
7′s summer collection is a throwback assortment with patchwork denim, metallic skinnies, and variety of printed jeans, like ikat, floral, and tribal. I’m in the market for the perfect cutoff shorts, though, and this pair is it.
7 For All Mankind NorthPark, $178

Christian Louboutin Lady Max spiked sandals
I’ve always loved spikes, chains, and anything else that says, “I’m a badass.” And then spikes saturated the trend market, and girl next door started wearing them, and it took the fun out of it. But these sandals could renew my love for the look. Subtle but wicked.
Barneys New York, $1,495

Lizzie Fortunado “Midnight Cruiser” tribal print iPad clutch
I love all the Lizzie Fortunado statement necklaces, but the leather collection of cross-bodies, satchels, and oversized clutches with the tribal print motif are equally wonderful.  I’d pair this with solid black attire (as per usual) and let the bag shine on its own.
V.O.D., $450

Amore & Sorvete Black Bouquet print and mesh cutout bustier one-piece swimsuit
I’m into the on-trend athletic, scuba-inspired swimwear this season, but I like this version, which veers to the sexy side (with a pinch of girly) with the sheer side panels and neon floral print.
asos.com, $259.19

Lanvin eagle belt
I love this belt paired with a feminine dress for the edgy-meets-ladylike look, but I’d throw it over just about anything for a bit of rock-and-roll flare.
lanvin.com, $2,150

Ashley Pittman dark horn cuffs with brass studs (photography courtesy of Ashley Pittman)

Native Dallas designer Ashley Pittman’s horn and gemstone jewelry is not only a treasury of unique accessories, but a way to help support the Kenyan tribe who hand-assembles the line. (Plus, 10 percent of all profits are donated to the area’s healthcare clinic and primary school.) If you’re looking to add a few new options to your accessory collection, do it with the upcoming Ashley Pittman stock and sample sale this week. From Friday through Sunday, you can shop past-season pieces, samples, and a few damaged pieces, seriously discounted between 30 and 60 percent off.

To summarize, you’ll be shopping local, supporting a humanitarian cause, scoring a hot deal, and adding to your summer wardrobe. Shop this Friday, May 11, through Sunday, May 13, from 11 am to 6 pm. 4218 Oak Lawn. (Next door to Nosh in the Shops at Highland Park)

Update: A special preview on Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm include cocktails.

Shauns Shades "Lomond" sunglasses in brown and ivory with a brown gradient lens. (photography by Matthew Shelley)

I got sent a press release regarding Shauns Shades, a cool sunglasses company with a buy-one-give-one-back business model. I was getting ready to deliver the bad news–that I can’t blog about it because we really only cover products that are available locally–when I received another email that the line was picked up by two boutiques we love: Piermarini and Original Octane. The eyewear collection contains more than 40 different styles (like aviator, oversized rectangle, etc.) in a variety of different colors priced from $150 to $295. You can try them all on in the virtual mirror, too. (See right.) The best part is in the purchase. For every pair of sunglasses bought, a pair of eyeglasses, along with an eye exam, is donated to a someone in need in a developing country. It’s not the first line of its kind (Warby Parker eyewear does the buy-a-pair-give-a-pair gig, too), but I’m happy to see more businesses taking a philanthropic approach.  And, of course, I’m thrilled to have one more reason to visit Piermarini and Original Octane.