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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.

Friday Giveaway: Tickets to Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design at the DMA

Sorry for the delay, ShopTalkers, but the wait is worth it. This week we’re giving away several pairs of tickets to Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design. This special event takes place Thursday, August 27, at 7 p.m. at the Dallas Museum of Art and features Academy Award-nominated costume designer and author Deborah Nadoolman Landis. Using examples from her book of the same name, Landis—who has designed for such hits as Animal House, Coming to America, The Blues Brothers, and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video—will share “the inside scoop about Hollywood’s most tantalizing costumes and the characters they helped bring to life.” If you’re interested, click on my name and send me an e-mail.

Loyd – Paxton’s Royal Throne

Hey I’m back with the good stuff.  Well, it’s not blue eyeshadow or purple lipstick, but I bet this chair got your attention.  We here at DHome love us some chairs.  We might even be obsessed – the September issue is full of all the things that chairs can be – flowers, birds, and bouquets because it is so last century to just think of chairs as a place to sit.  Not that you would sit on this – unless you were the Last Emperor in China in the Qing Dynasty, 19th century.  This is all that remains of a room completely panelled in cloisonne.  And count on our local antique royalty, Loyd and Paxton to have possession of such a treasure.  Ha, and we thought that we here in Dallas wrote the book on conspicuous consumption and over the top furnishings.

DHome Editors Heart International Folk Art Market

Christine Allison and I had the time of our lives at the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe last weekend.  Not only were we entertained like queens, we got completely inspired by the artists from around the world we were fortunate enough to meet.  They represent the best their country has to offer in thier native medium  – straw, silver, pottery, or silk.  And they make a lot of money that goes back with them to build hospitals and schools.  The Market motto “saving the world one piece of art at a time” is so apt when you see the elation of the artists at the procession when they come in in their native garb.  I bought silk scarves, silver bracelets, and greenware from Mexico and love every piece I got.  (more…)

Design with Christie’s in Dallas

I hope you weren’t looking for your designer today around lunch time (or afterwards because the valet line was brutal)  because practically everyone I knew was at the Christie’s luncheon with Anne Igelbrink.  She is head of decorative arts and knows more about the value of antique furniture and accessories than anyone I know. I sat with David Cadwallader, also there were Sherry Hayslip, Cathy Kincaid, Mary Ann Smiley, Richard Trimble, Margaret Chambers, and others I missed.  Ms.Igelbrink had all kinds of tips about how to navigate the Christie’s website, even how to stay in your jammies and attend a live auction.  All good, and all kinds of prices.  Then the old commission question came up – 6% for sellers and a hefty 19% for buyers.  But, like all money subjects these days, negotiable.

DHome Editors at Santa Fe Folk Art Market

If you find yourself dying to get out of the Dallas heat this weekend (supposed to be 102) head to Santa Fe for the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market.  It is the largest of it’s kind  in the world, 147 master artists from 45 countries around the world will show their work, and preserve the traditions of their countries.  Christine Allison and I will be there admiring (and probably) buying glazed pottery from Mexico, embroidered  scarves from Pakistan, woven baskets from Rwanda, and textiles from Afghanistan.  Not only can you buy unique items for your home and body at amazing prices, but 90% the proceeds go back to these villages to help them develop economic stability.  This is such a win-win situation, you should already be booking your flight.

Laura Davis Design Lab Wares

I stumbled across local craftmaster and furniture designer, Laura Davis’ creation’s while I was scoping out Make Shop in Bishop Arts this past weekend. Her colorful pillows made of vintage linen’s, embroidered with assertive statements, caught my eye immediately. Shop owner, Julie McCoullough Kim, directed me to her pretty vintage dish stands. I love these pieces (like the teacup stands pictured at left)…so much you could do with them. Use them to hold knick-knacks, jewelry, candles, candy, or simply as decoration. Check out the rest of her stuff here (free shipping on all orders July 2-6) or stop by Make Shop & Studio to discover a slew of local designer’s like Davis.

Femme Fatales at Holly Johnson

Get your femme fatale on for the new show at Holly Johnson Gallery – tomorrow night at the art walk on Dragon St. from 6 – 8.   Most of the galleries will be open, and it’s such a great way to start your Saturday night, strolling down Dragon St, sweating in the humidity enjoying good art and bad wine.  And we all know with the recent art festivals that art viewing is the new purse shopping.  Or how about art walk is the new happy hour?

Check Out the Behind-the-Scenes Video from D Art Slam

Our trusty videographer, Kyle Kearbey, went to f.i.g. this past weekend to interview a few of the participating artists in our first-ever D Art Slam. More than 2,000 people browsed works from 150 Dallas artists, who were there, dutifully manning their stations and teaching the enthusiasts about their art. The displays were truly magnificent, making every artist look like a star.

Michelle goes Burmese at the Dallas Contemporary

The grand unfinished empty space that is soon to be the home of Dallas Contemporary was transformed Thursday night with silk hangings, huge pots with bamboo poles, and flowers thanks to the magic of Michelle Nussbaumer.  She’s looking pretty sly and spunky in this photo – maybe it was the magic drinks that Wendy Krispin was concocting.  Just as is with cinder block walls, it looked great and was the perfect background for the photography of Jonathan Dedman Dietz – but, without ac, exhibitions this summer will be pretty stifling.  So, we just need a couple of million more to finish this project.  Deep pockets, anyone?

Check Out the Pictures from Last Night’s D Art Slam VIP Party

They’re here.

Visit Burma at the Dallas Contemporary

The Jonathan Dedman Dietz Burma photography series will be the star tonight at 161 Glass St. And we get a construction preview of the new Dallas Contemporary Museum.   The event tonight will be a blast – guest DJs including Capera Ryan (I can’t wait to see my friend Capera get down and dirty) and Jennifer Miller, high styling from Michelle Nussbaumer, and great nibbles by Wendy Krispin.  Be sure and wear comfortable clothes – no ac.  I probably wouldn’t be sporting the 4 inch Manolos either.

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.

Cantoni Warehouse Sale this Weekend

Attention modern mavens, don’t miss Cantoni’s annual Warehouse Sale this weekend. Now’s your chance to adorn your abode with contemporary seating, dining, bedroom, entertainment, tables, lighting, rugs, art and accessories for less. Doors open this Saturday at 10 A.M. and will continue through Memorial Day. Be one of the first to shop and receive an additional 10% Off. Get a sneak peek of what’s in store here.

Coming Next Week: D Art Slam at F.I.G.

It’s almost here! Our first-ever D Art Slam, presented by D Magazine and f.i.g., begins May 29 and runs through May 31 at f.i.g. (1807 Ross Ave.). More than 150 local artists–Rees Bowen, Glenn Comtois, Frankie Garcia III, Michael Ledoux, Michael Longhofer, Shane Pennington, George Tobolowsky, and our award-winning staff photographer Elizabeth Lavin–exhibit and sell their works at this three-day juried show in the Dallas Arts District. At the VIP preview party on Thursday, March 28, from 7 to 9 pm, attendees can mix and mingle with the artists and be the first to purchase their favorite works. Tickets for the preview party are $100. To see a full list of participating artists, or to purchase tickets, visit the web site.

Etsy Spring Bash

As I’ve mentioned before, Etsy.com is one of my favorite sites to browse when looking for unique handmade items. This Saturday we’ll all have a chance to see and shop the Etsy Dallas artists (such as Stephanie Hindall’s Tefi Designs – pictured at left) goods in person at the 1st annual Spring Bash Craft Show.
WHERE: South Side on Lamar (1409 South Lamar)
WHEN: 11 A.M. – 5 P.M.
WHAT: Over 50 artists, crafters, & designers.
First 50 shoppers will receive free goody bags, so get there early! Be sure to bring cash for shopping and donations to The Family Place.

Tigersprung: Obscure Couture at The MAC

If you’re looking for something different to do this weekend, be sure to check out the new exhibit Tigersprung: Obscure Couture, which opens on Saturday evening with a reception at The MAC. See fashion-based art objects by artists from North America and Europe, including Sunny Sigler (work is pictured at left) and Keri Oldham from Dallas. The exhibition’s title comes from the fashion historian and researcher Ulrich Lehmann’s book, Tigersprung: Fashion in Modernity, based on the writings of Charles Baudelaire and Walter Benjamin. Curated by Dr. Charissa Terranova, Assistant Professor of Aesthetic Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas and Director of Centraltrak, it will run through June 20th in the square gallery.

First Thursdays on Dragon Street

Remember tonight is first Thursday – that means that Dragon Street is open until 8.  It is such a great urban experience to ditch the car and just walk in and out of art galleries, antique stores, and showrooms.  I hate to miss it but I’m having what could end up being a wild night with George Nash and some of the crazier editors here at the magazine.  He’s coming to check out the mess at my new house and hopefully add some much needed advice, and the editors are coming to add a little spice to the evening.  Hmm, George Nash and Laura Kostelny could be dangerous.  Be sure and check out Lance Letscher’s new work at Conduit Gallery on Hi Line.

Fashion + Technology + Art + Music = Fun

Last night I attended a fab party for the Old State House of Design and Development (web, that is) I must admit going into it, I was unsure what to expect. On the invitation it said “attractions include a fashion show, charity art auction, live music, and an interactive experience highlighting technology and design”. Quite a lot going on all at once. The main attraction for me was, of course, the fashion show. To sum it up, the event was put on to showcase the creative work of the Old State and local talents, and to raise money for the Goss Michael Foundation. An added bonus was the music performances by DJ Guillaume (see pic after jump…love him!), and bands Smile Smile and Radiant. A very pregnant and adorable (she’s due  in June) Amy Vanderoef and “surprise celebrity” host, Jeremy Anderson (of “The Bachelorette” fame) kicked off the fashion show that featured models from Campbell Wagner Runway clad in the latest by Commes des Garcon (compliments of Forty Five Ten) with avant-garde hair designed by the Shampoo Beauty Shop, make-up by MAC and styling by Tammy Theis. Models emerged from a giant ornate frame which displayed a screen that flashed images and testimonials from OS clients such as Woly Wake, Premier Transportation, Centre, and Bell Invito. Some models even carried mini-framed screens that displayed the various web designs. It was a multi-media extravaganza and the crowd was a refreshing mix of creative individuals. Jump for some photos (sorry for the quality, still mastering the iPhone). (more…)