Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Your Dallas Dad

Don’t buy any ol’ calendar from Barnes & Noble, pick up this Dallas Architecture Forum 2012 folio edition with beautiful shots of important North Texas architecture. Photographer Laura Wilson (Luke and Owen’s momma) captured every examined building, each of which is displayed on its own high quality page for framing post-use. Buy a calendar for $44 online or at a handful of shops including gift shops at Nasher, DMA, Fort Worth Modern, and Crow Collection, Nest, Forty Five Ten, the new Omni Dallas store, and more.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

Must See: Jean Paul Gaultier’s Exhibit in Dallas

If the fashion doesn't capture you, the animated mannequins will.

As I type, Jean Paul Gaultier is across the street at the Dallas Museum of Art chatting with the press about his exhibit, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, which opens to the public on Sunday, November 13. You may have seen pictures leaked from yesterday’s welcoming events, which included a lunch and evening reception. Enjoy the photos, but don’t let them satiate your appetite. I’ve had the privilege of walking through the galleries of gowns last night and this morning and I’m blown away. You’ll likely never be invited to his couture shows in Paris, and I’m guessing you’re not ready to hire him to make you a bespoke dress anytime soon. But you can see this collection of about 130 exquisite couture ensembles from over the years, all under one roof, glittering wildly on animated mannequins. We are only one of two cities on the map (and the first–take that, San Fran) for this U.S. tour. This is truly an opportunity not to be missed. Follow the jump for photos from the exhibit, a bit of Jean Paul Gaultier history, and a word on his collection of garments, which he says are not art.

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Texas Beauty Inspires New York Art

Rachel Hovnanian's “Wall of Confidence" is 8 feet wide and contains 220 jars of "Texas Beauty Queen Cream" with slogan from real beauty ad campaigns.

Texas girl Rachel Hovnanian made Women’s Wear Daily news recently for her artwork inspired by the world of Texas beauty. Check out the “Wall of Confidence” above. Each jar, labeled “Texas Beauty Queen Cream,” boasts a real slogan from a beauty product campaign. Other pieces include marble beauty queens holding knives and animated mirrors equipped with insults to toss out to anyone who dares take a peek at their reflection. (Inspired by the dreaded fitting room experience.) According to WWD, Rachel–who could come back home and fit right in as a Texas blonde, I should add–says she’s confronting the cultural obsession with beauty. Last week her work was on display in Los Angeles, but maybe she’ll pay her hometown a visit sometime soon.

What’s in Anna-Sophia van Zweden’s Bag?

photography by Matthew Shelley; design by Charlotte Tobin

Anna-Sophia van Zweden is a jet setter, art and culture expert, fashion lover, and philanthropist. Not to mention daughter of Dallas Symphony Orchestra musical director Jaap van Zweden. (She’s even the honorary chair for this weekend’s Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Gala After-Party.) We knew she’d have interesting things in her bag, and we were right. Take a look.

Hermès special edition bag.

1. Louis Vuitton cosmetic case and products: (from top) Lancome Hypnose mascara, Sisley Hydra-Global Intense Anti-Aging day cream, Harvey Nichols Instant Volume lip pencil in No.2, RMS Lip2Cheek stain in “Smile,” and Laura Mercier lip stain in “Peach Glaze.”
2. Magazine tear outs. “If I see something I love, I rip it out and keep it for inspiration.”
3. Signed Emanuel Ax CD. “He’s an amazing pianist.”
4. iPod, which contains everything from the obvious (classical and piano concerts) to David Guetta and Lil Wayne
5. Japanese artist, Mahomi Kunikata, note cards. “I like to write little thank-you notes.”
6. The Age of Absurdity by Michael Foley. “I love to read. Especially about great thinkers.”
7. Diptyque 34 Boulevard St. Germain perfume
8. Python jacket from Amsterdam. “I’m obsessed with python.”
9. Photo booth pictures with Dallas friends
10. Passport. “I always have my passport because I travel a lot.”
11. iPhone. “I found this case in St. Tropez. I know it’s a little tacky, but I mix it with classier things!”
12. Hermes scarf from Hong Kong. “It brings up any outfit.”
13. Re:Define – The MTV Staying Alive Foundation Benefit invites. “I’m co-chairing the event at Goss-Michael Foundation. It’s a big art auction.”
14. Mason Pearson hairbrush. “I can’t go anywhere without my Mason Pearson brush.”

Peek in more purses.

Think A Man with a Banana Can’t Be Fashionable? Think Again.

Ezra Petronio photos

Juergen Teller photo

Head to The Dallas Contemporary on Friday evening to celebrate two new photography exhibits opening by Ezra Petronio and Juergen Teller. Both artists will be at the gallery for the opening reception, which will, of course, include cocktails. Petronio’s Bold & Beautiful exhibit is described as a chaotic “star-filled yearbook.” Retro prints of familiar celebs will be around the museum. (See examples above.) Teller’s exhibit, Man with Banana, includes unseen photos of his work that include celebs and work with high fashion houses. (See right.) He’s known blending “commercial and non-commercial” work in his art. (Remember the recent Marc Jacobs ads that looked a little washed out and retro? That’s Juergen.) It’s definitely an opportunity not to be missed for photography-lovers, artists, and fashionistas. Love the beautiful pages of magazines like Vogue and W? These are the guys that give everyday tabloid celebs some depth in funky photo shoots (and the guys that make ads so pretty you drool on them).

Buy a Local Painting. Get Free Design Advice. That’s How it Works at ART is ART.

photography by Sergio Garza

One of my favorite pieces in the store in December.

Not very long ago I told you I fell in love with ART is ART on Henderson. The shop showcases local artwork, jewelry, candles, and a handful of fun, vintage things. I got an email recently from the women behind this boutique–Renata Holder and daughter Carrie Jepsen–and I love what they’re doing now. Buy a piece of artwork from them, and you’ll get the help of Renata, interior designer, on where to place the piece. The mom-and-daughter duo will even bring paintings to nearby homes. Don’t live close, Renata will examine photos of your home and help via email or phone. So, if you’ve been looking for a great piece of art (make it local) and you’re not sure you’ll know what to do with it, try shopping at ART is ART on Henderson. I think you’ll be pleased with the talent around the store and the price tags on the artwork. See some of the pieces currently in the store here.

V.O.D. Pop-Up Shop with Shoes and Jewelry on Wednesday

This week V.O.D., the best local treasure shop for designer finds, is hosting a pop-up shop for shoe designer Tiffany Tuttle. Her fall 2010 collection will be available for special order. I’d describe the footwear as funky, but totally flattering on feet. (Not to sound like Dr. Suess.) They’re part girly, part don’t-mess-with-me, and I love that look. Don’t miss the artsy jewelry from Arielle de Pinto, though, either. Pieces on display will be up for grabs. Some pieces are too avant garde to be wearable every day, but a lot of the collection is made up of statement pieces (like web-looking necklaces and crocheted, beaded bracelets) that will make every fashion savvy friend jealous. The store, Pop Up 310, will be in the old Gardens space in West Village on Wednesday, May 19 only. Shopping starts at noon and ends at 8 pm. Cocktails will be served at 6 pm.

The Wooden House Opens with a Special ShopTalk Discount

Wow, Henderson Avenue is really coming to life lately. With restaurants, bars and stores popping up everywhere it’s worth taking a stroll down the street to peruse all the new businesses. One of the newest kids on the block is The Wooden House, a home furnishings store that offers unique pieces and hand-crafted accessories imported from all over the world. Just look at the gorgeous items in the photo – makes me want to head over there right now. And, the kind folks at The Wooden House are offering ShopTalkers 25% off today through Sunday, January 17 just by mentioning this blog.

Free (well, sort of) Gift Cards at Ylang 23

Ylang 23 is offering a gift card special right now. Every purchase made between now and the end of November will earn a gift card based on the percentage of the total purchase. So, spend $250; get a $25 gift card. Spend $500; get $50. Spend $1,000; get $150. Spend $15,000; get $3,000. You get the point. Only problem is the gift card isn’t available for use until January 2010. But after a whopping jewelry purchase, maybe it’s best to wait anyway. And though it’s true it’s easy to find pieces priced at over $1,000 (like these gorgeous peony hoops in gold and diamonds from Catherine Michiels for $2,970), it’s also pretty simple to find elegant pieces at lower price ranges. For example, the opal pod charm necklace from Ten Thousand Things for $310, a sweet little rose gold feather pendant necklace from Vanessa Jenik for $105, Me & Ro’s heart and sword trinket necklace for $115, or Dogeared necklaces—personal favorites of mine—for as low as $50. Ylang 23, Galleria. 13350 Dallas Pkwy # 1300. 972-980-0819

The Dallas Flea Market Opens Doors Dec. 5

Our very own upscale flea market opens at South Side on Lamar December 5. Made up of rows of Texas-based artists, this flea market will feature all kinds of goodies, like art, home goods, accessories, clothing, furniture, and edible treats. According to the market’s curator, Brittany Edwards, the concept for this flea market was inspired by legendary flea markets in California and New York and will contain a highly edited mix of Dallas’ best jewelry makers, bakers, designers, etc. She’s hoping, she says, to give the public access to some of Dallas’ hidden treasures. So mark your calendars for December 5 and get ready to do some local shopping! Five dollars gets you in the door, and most major credit cards will be accepted. The Dallas Flea. 1409 South Lamar St. www.thedallasflea.com

Big Art Sale at Banks Fine Art

Banks Fine Art lost its lease and is moving to Slocum Street. (2010 Slocum St. to be exact.) What does this mean for us? Massive sale. Prepare to take 50 to 75% off more than 1,000 original oil paintings. These could make really fabulous, personal gifts, too. The sale will end Dec. 19. Banks Fine Art. 1231 Dragon St. 214-352-1811 or www.banksfineart.com.

Black Tie Appropriate: AT&T Performing Arts Center Gala

Saturday night, I (along with Sarah Eveans) attended the Broadway performance and gala at the Winspear Opera House for the grand opening of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. First of all, for those of you who haven’t made it by yet, it’s a must…we are so lucky to have this amazing addition to our city. Now, back to the fashion. The requested attire on the invite was “black tie”. Today, black tie doesn’t necessarily mean what it used to (i.e. dresses don’t have to be floor length, not all men wear a tux). While many women donned beautiful Oscar de la Renta’s (Jeanne Marie Clossey looked stunning in royal blue – pictured at left), as our friend over at Sweet Charity pointed out already (we borrowed the pic from her post- thanks Jeanne!), the rest of the crowds attire was all over the place. Lots of sparkles (including the adorable Kristin Chenoweth’s heels) and shine, but where do we draw the line? Do cropped pants with no socks cut it for men (there was more than one fellow sporting this look)? Should women wear pants? Discuss.

“YEOHLEE: DESIGN FOR NOW” Exhibition Crow Collection of Asian Art: Designer Yeohlee Teng Visits Dallas

Yeohlee Teng

F/W 2009

Renowned fashion designer, Yeohlee Teng, is in town for the opening of her exhibition, “Yeohlee: Design For Now”, at the Crow Collection of Asian Art. The Malaysian-born designer (who resides in New York), is known for her innovative and functional style and will be giving a lecture and signing books tomorrow in the Horchow auditorium at the DMA at 6:30 P.M., following the members preview on the mezzanine level of the Crow Collection on Flora Street. The exhibition (which will be open to the public from October 3 – January 3) centers around four themes: Urban Nomad, Made in New York, Fluid Geomety, and Zero Waste; and will feature 30 pieces from designer’s 2004-2009 collections, including a skirt that has been deconstructed and installed in square panels of the sky bridge. I caught up with the designer, who had just had lunch at Seventeen Seventeen, on the phone this afternoon. Jump for a short Q&A and to get more information on the events surrounding the exhibit.

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Halloween Home Decorating Contest at Apples to Zinnias

From Preston Plaza’s (adorable) PR girl:

Apples to Zinnias, located in The Plaza at Preston Center, is challenging Halloween-lovers to deck their haunted houses in ghoulish decor for All Hallows Eve and submit photos of their creations for a grand prize. The head witch at Apples to Zinnias will judge the photos for the most festive décor and the winner will receive a Halloween gift to add to their decoration collection. Please submit your photos by email to appplestozinnias@sbcglobal.net or come by the store located in The Plaza at 4024 Villanova, Dallas, TX 75225. All submissions must be made by October 15.

So get going! Send in your photos! photo grabbed from apartmenttherapy.com

Sue Monk Kidd is Coming to Town

Sue Monk Kidd fans, get your books out for signing. She’s coming to visit us tomorrow. (For those who aren’t fans yet, she’s the author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair.) The Dallas stop on Kidd’s nationwide tour is sponsored by the Dallas Museum of Art as part of its Arts & Letters Live Series. Kidd will be discussing her newest novel, Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story. This memoir comes from the perspectives of both Sue and her daughter Ann as they experience the world, trying to discover their true selves and reconnect with each other. As with her other books, Kidd offers an inspiring, female-empowering tale that almost all women can relate to on some level. If you want to get in on the Q&A with Sue and Ann, you can order your ticket here. Girls, bring your mommas. Mommas, bring your daughters. $30 for the public or $25 for DMA members. First Presbyterian Church of Dallas. 408 Park Ave.