Can You Wear Sandals in the Winter? Absolutely.

Fall 2012 RTW look books from left to right: L.A.M.B., Dolce & Gabbana, and Elie Saab (photography courtesy of style.com)

Can I wear sandals during the winter? –Jules

The answer is a definitive yes. Just look at a few of our favorite bloggers:

-Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller wears open-toed heels with a suit.
-Jane Aldridge from Sea of Shoes suggests ankle strap sandals with a sweater and leather skirt for an easy winter go-to.
-Merritt Beck of The Style Scribe pairs sandals with a knit ensemble and bare legs here and a tailored dress and blazer here.

Your tootsies may get chilly, but paired with a seasonal outfit, they’re a-okay in the fashion world. I’m particular fond of a slouchy sweater, skinny denim, and strappy heels. If you’ve got a pair with a little bling, they’re perfectly festive for holiday parties, as well. If you’re looking to keep warm and thinking a pair of tights will do you good, check out Who What Wear’s segment on how to pair tights with shoes.

Is It Acceptable to Wear Black to a Wedding?

A friend asked me that question over the weekend. My initial response was, yes. But there are stipulations involving the cut of the dress, the adornments, the shoes, etc. All important factors. But I decided to cut down to the heart of the yes-or-no question and Phone a Friend. On the receiving end is Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Southern Living editor-at-large and author of three wedding book titles, The Wedding Workbook, Wedding Inspiration, and The Party Planner.

I love researching old etiquette books and making informed decisions about questions like this but when I did a little bit of homework on it before I wrote my Wedding Workbook, I noticed that the same etiquette experts that wrote that we cannot wear black to a wedding also stated that a bride shouldn’t wear a strapless dress (and we all know that has become the norm!). So, I believe that, as long as it feels festive, you can wear black to a wedding. Reserve your conservative black looks for more somber occasions, and dress up your festive black dresses with a colorful clutch or a kick of color at your feet. I do think it is really important to respect the requests of the hosts and dress the part. If the wedding is black tie, wear a long dress. If we are asking our dates to don a tux, we should dress to the nines as well! –Kimberly Whitman

Kim was even kind enough to put together two appropriate looks.

Shoes | Clutch | Earrings | Dress

Shoes | Purse | Necklace | Dress

Don’t Have Time for a Facial? Try These 3 At-Home Products.

Summer wrecks my skin, and I have less time then ever for facials with my kids’ summer camps and sports. Anything you like to use at home to get facial-like results? –Sheryl

There are a handful of products that will deliver more dramatic results than your daily wash/tone/serum/moisturize routine. My favorites: Masqueology single use sheet masks, Renee Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel, and Kate Somerville Exfolikate.

Jump for details.

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Shape Shifting Time: Our 5 Favorite Workouts in Dallas

A reader writes:

I need a need a new workout class for summer. Bored of the gym, but gotta get rid of these not-so-lovely love handles. I know you try out different classes. What are your favorites? –Candace

I won’t lie. A perk of the job is “testing” different fitness programs around town. Most are good. Some, meh, but then there are the greats. Five of those, coming up. (Warning: You will not find yoga on this list.)

Class: Beyond Pedaling
What It Is: An indoor cycling studio in Snider Plaza. We love the Barre Blast + Bike class, a combination of 25 minutes of spin class and 25 minutes of ballet-inspired barre work that equals 50 minutes of pure, head-to-toe toning.
Why We Like It: The classroom is hip, lit up like a nightclub with colorful LED lights. A big screen at the front of the room plays music videos (nothing makes me pedal faster than Christina Aguilera’s “Fighter”), and instructors are all sorts of energetic. The time flies by (as it does when you’re having fun) and our bodies were sore for days in all the right places. (Buns, abs, shoulders, and thighs.)
Cost: $15 for your first ever class, followed by $3o a pop in singles, and packages ranging from $80-$300
Schedule: Click here.

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Where to Shop for Fancy Eyeglass Frames in Dallas

A reader writes in:

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.

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How to Prevent Greasy Morning Hair: 6 Tips From Salon Lucien

A reader wrote in with this disturbing dilemma:

“My hair is pretty much always oily except for day 1 after a shampoo. (I live on dry shampoo so I’m not washing every day.) I’d like to be able to wash my hair at night and style it in the morning, but by the time I wake up, my hair is already a little greasy! Is there anything I can do to keep my hair fresh while I’m sleeping? My old college roommate used to hairspray her hairline before bed, but does that really work?” –Lily

I went to the mane masters at Salon Lucien:

photo courtesy of beautyeditor.ca

We get asked that question quite a bit from our clients.

1. We recommend a shampoo for oily roots and dry ends such as the Kerastase Cristalliste.
2. Conditioners are going to add to her problems so she needs a detangler, such as Oribe’s Foundation Mist, which is light and weightless.
3. After styling her hair at night, put on top of the head in a loose scrunchy (preferably the old-fashioned kind with fabric on it).  This really helps holding the style and or blow out. It will stop the distribution of oil from directly laying and rolling over the hair at night.
4. THE MORE BRUSHING OF THE HAIR, THE MORE OIL SECRETION.
5. The last thing, try distributing a small amount of witch hazel or Sea Breeze throughout the scalp when EXITING the shower.
6. Dry Shampoo is a must, but for her, try one that is not a texturizing spray and a true dry shampoo such as Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair!

P.S. Hair spray has a lot of alcohol and can actually increase her oil production if used in excess.

Becoming a Hat Person: 101

A newbie to the hat world writes:

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!

Things You’ve Always Wanted to Ask Your Waxer

You might head to your waxer, plop your unshaven legs on the table unapologetically, and get back to your iPhone emailing without giving a second thought as to what she thinks of you. You are probably the one. Most of us spend the session worrying 99 percent of the time that we’re too hairy, too weird, too inconsiderate of the poor woman to has to deal with our exposed bodies. (During the other 1 percent, we’re mentally yelling ‘ouch’.) One reader wrote asking if I’d climb in the mind of a waxer for a bit, so while I had Lisa Lazarra, expert hair remover, lead aesthetician, and director of training at The Pretty Kitty waxing salon on the line, I asked for a few more questions pitched in by other friends and readers.

ShopTalk: How can I prepare to make it hurt less?

Lisa Lazarra: First, stop worrying. The number one thing we hear from customers at The Pretty Kitty is, “Wow, that’s it?” Second, avoid caffeine before your waxing appointment. I love those vanilla iced lattes like the next girl, but caffeine increases sensitivity at the follicle level.

Should I apologize that I haven’t shaved my legs?

We are in the hair removal business, so I assure you, your legs will not frighten us! If at the appropriate hair length, it may be a great opportunity for a leg wax.

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Looking to Go Under the Needle? Three Sure Bets for Botox in Dallas

photography courtesy of National Laser Institute

“I just moved here from California and I need a recommendation for a place to go for Botox. Help!” –Calissa

Here’s a short list of local med spas personally approved by the lovely ladies (and their crows feet) of D Magazine. Rejoice, rhytiphobics.

Skintastic Medical & Surgical Rejuvenation
The D staffer says: “I’d never had any needles put into my face before, and Dr. Adelglass totally put me at ease. A nurse even humored me and held my hand. His technique is subtle but noticeable, so I walked away looking better, but no one could tell exactly what I had done. (Restalyn and Botox.)”

Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
The D staffer says: “Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery is who I use and love for BOTH Restalyn and Botox. Dr. Bassichis is helping me keep my youthful look as I get older!”

Regional Plastic Surgery Center
The D staffer says: “I’ve had Botox numerous times over the years with various physicians and most recently had it done in the fall with Dr. Watumull at Regional Plastic Surgery. Not only was it almost pain free, he did a great job of not “over doing it” and making the look very naturally improved. I’ve gotten lots of compliments and will be certain to return later in the spring when I need refreshing.”

A Day in Her Diet: Meals, Snacks, and Drinks with a Dallas Dietician

photography courtesy of vendors

Unsurprisingly, a few recent Ask Raya questions have included a plea for health counseling. Like this question below:

“It’s the new year, and I’m already ready to break my resolution to get healthy and shed a couple pounds! I can’t afford a nutritionist, but I need help with meal planning. I thought you might know an expert that can help with some healthy meal pointers!” –Elisa

I immediately contacted Cooper Clinic. From the brain of resident dietician Cynthanne Duryea, RD, LD, to your plate, here is a list of delicious healthy meal and snack suggestions worth their weight in chocolate, er, gold.

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Into the Closet: Bring Your Wardrobe Back to Life with Amy Havins

We can't all have Nanette Lepore's closet (as documented by Elle Decor), BUT we can have much, much better.

I used to snub my nose at the idea of a personal stylist, shopper, or wardrobe consultant. Not because I’m the coolest girl around town (I’m not), but because I’m bossy and independent and I like to do everything myself. (Including shopping and selecting outfits.) Then one day I shocked myself. I took a peek in my closet, turned to my dog and said, “I have nothing to wear.” Oh the horror! What a cliche I’d become. A closet full of clothes and “nothing” to wear? How painfully uninspired I sounded. Then I met Dallas Wardrobe stylist Amy Havins and completely changed my tune.

Amy does a combo of things to make stepping into your closet exciting again, and although she’s fully capable of doing some damage with a Black Card, it doesn’t have to include maxing out your Mastercard at department stores around town. She can tackle family styling (like getting your 13-year-old to dress appropriately and stylishly), special occasion dressing (got a gala? no problem), wardrobe makeover (giving old garments a fresh start with new ideas), and closet design and organization (pull out the weeds and make your closet work for you). Jump to learn a little about Amy, why I’m a believer, and get her three biggest pointers fo’ free.

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Costume Help: Where to Find a Tiara?

A reader has written in asking for help finding a tiara (pageant style) to top off her Halloween costume. HELP! Who has ideas? Where to shop for a Miss Texas-worthy crown?

How to Wear Fall Fashion When it’s Freaking Hot

photos courtesy of retailer

A reader wrote this:
“What can I wear to transition into fall while it’s still too hot for full-on fall fashion?”

The goods news is this:
It actually is doable to look autumn-inspired and not sweat your clothes off when you step outside. Stephanie Quadri, former fashion editor for D Magazine and stylist at Sisterbrother Mgmt, answers this burning (get it?) question.

Says Stephanie, “There are some light-weight basics like sheer blouses or soft blazers you can add into your wardrobe now. Soon you can start to incorporate slightly heavier pieces, like thicker blazers and booties, which can be worn with shorts or dresses.” Jump to see her favorite pieces and how to wear them.

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Chic, Black Ballet Flats at Lou Lou

photo courtesy of Molly Thayer

I cannot, for the life of me, find a pair of classic black flats that are stylish AND comfortable. I’ve bought countless pairs that always leave blisters on my heels or pinch my toes. I’ve spent way too much money on at-home fixes like inserts, moleskin, etc. trying to make my flats work. I just want a timeless, Audrey Hepburn-esque pair that works from the moment I buy them. Please help! –Caitlin

I checked with Molly Thayer, owner of Lou Lou, and she’s got a great pair in store now. Check out the Vince Camuto “Ellen” flats, $79, above. Black patent covers the classic look, and according to Molly, they’re “so comfy.”

Got Sensitive, Red Skin?

A coworker of mine has seriously sensitive skin.On top occasional rosacea, she’s allergic to zinc. She’s tried a million and two products and can’t find a good cleanser to keep her skin from drying out. I thought this was a perfect problem to take to local resident skincare expert, Renee Rouleau. According to the guru:

“Based on the information given, it’s my assessment that she has a damaged moisture barrier in her skin which is causing increased sensitivity, dryness and irritation.”

Continue reading to see Renee’s solution.

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