D

Big Sale at Melanie Gayle

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of Melanie Gayle’s second store at The Shops at Legacy this week end (today through Sunday) with a 25% storewide discount. Owner Melanie Ramon has a great eye for what Dallas (and Plano!) girls like. I never leave her store without coveting at least half her inventory. And if that isn’t enough incentive to check out Melanie’s goods, both her stores (Snider Plaza and The Shops at Legacy) are offering up to 40% off select fall merchandise. Last one there’s a rotten egg!

Assembly + Real Estate Party = Discounts and Free Food, Drinks, and Prizes for You

Dave Perry-Miller and Associates–surely you’ve seen the company’s signs everywhere–are throwing a little real estate soirée at Assembly in West Village Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Here’s what it means to you, my non-real-estate-y friends: 20 percent discounts on Assembly goods, free food from Bella, free drinks, and possible free prizes, including a $200 gift certificate to the store. If you’re into real estate, that’s a bonus. 3699 McKinney Ave. 214-219 9991

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

Hunting for the Perfect Shades with Jennifer Rade

How do you choose the right sunglasses for your face? We didn’t know, so we asked Jennifer Rade, Angelina Jolie’s stylist and ambassador to new sunglass boutique, ILORI. (She’s pictured left with the head of gorgeous curls.) Here’s what she had to say:

Why did you decide to partner up with ILORI?
I decided to partner with ILORI because the Luxury Sunglass Boutique has its finger on the pulse of trends in both fashion and eyewear, and is a true arbiter of style in both realms. Eyewear is that final piece that finishes off a look, and can be the extra touch of glamour and sophistication, or the edgy accessory that pulls everything together.

What is the trick to finding the right lens shape for your face?
I do feel that analyzing your face shape is a good place for consumers to start when selecting sunglasses, as a more rounded pair of sunglasses can soften a strong jaw line and a more squared style can help add definition to a rounded jaw line.  But I don’t feel that face shape is the only factor to choosing the right pair(s) of sunglasses.  (more…)

Herve Leger Now Open at NorthPark

The popular skin-tight bandage dresses by designer Max Azria are now available to daring Dallas divas in an array of styles at the new NorthPark location. New styles for the season include strong shoulders, removable sleeves (like look pictured at left), embellished fabrics, and exotic prints. New Year’s is just around the corner and there’s bound to be a few fabulous options in this store!

Mimosas and Muffins at Merge. Mmm.

In honor of Partners Card week, which starts Friday, October 30 and benefits the Family Place, Merge is offering its customers complimentary muffins and mimosas next Friday from 8-11 am. The store will open early for the special event. If you don’t have your Partners Card yet, you can pick that up at Merge as well. It’s 60 bucks and it will get you a 20 percent discount through Sunday, November 8 at this long list of restaurants and retailers.

Take $50 at The Shak for OU/TX Weekend

In honor of OU/TX weekend–notice I say OU/TX, not TX/OU–The Shak is offering up a $50 coupon. Print the coupon after the jump to receive your discount on purchases that are $200 or more. The offer is valid from Oct. 16 to Oct. 17. (more…)

Hadleigh’s Relocates to Highland Park Village

We introduced readers to the private lifestyle atelier, Hadleigh’s, in the September issue of D. It was located in the back of the owner’s (Gable and Ed Shaikh – pictured at left with daughter, Hadleigh) Kessler Park home. They recently relocated the shop to suite #74 in Highland Park Village – above Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.  The newly designed space features charcoal maple floors with snow-white walls, an open ceiling with exposed rafters and Italian club chairs…a chic base for the beautiful bespoke wares (i.e. Barker Black, Cesare Attolini, d’Avenza, and Emanuele Maffeis) offered at the appointment-only boutique. Call 214.770.4743 or visit www.hadleighsbespoke to book an appointment now!

Kacky & Carl Third Anniversary Party Tomorrow

Cruise on over to Kacky & Carl tomorrow between 11am and 6pm to help them celebrate their third anniversary! Enjoy cake, champagne and 20% off clothes and jewelry. No gifts necessary. Happy birthday, K&C!

What Does the Color of your Eyeglasses Say About You?

Find out at Occhiali Modern Optics‘ Evening of Color event. So far, here’s what they say: red = outgoing, vigorous, impulsive, blue = wise, conscientious, self controlled, purple = unconventional, witty sensitive, and black = mysterious, dignified, and impressive. (I think black could just mean that you’re either a) boring or b) unaware that frames in color are cool.) If this isn’t enough, you can have your color read by aura Tarot reader Nattacia Zeviar. If you’re still not feeling the vibe, sip on a moodtini chosen to match your mood. Alain Mikli’s colorful and unique eyeglasses will be the star of the night’s events with a Alain Mikli trunk show. While you’re in the store, you can choose some eyewear in fun hues and receive 20 percent off your purchase. The event is free. For info, call 214-368-2777. Thursday, Oct. 15. 6 pm to 8:30 pm. Occhiali Modern Optics, Preston Center Plaza. 8304 Preston Center Plaza Drive, University Park. Now we’ve got sunglasses and eyeglasses covered.

*I clearly should have checked our own blog. Sorry, Rhonda.

Opening Party for Ilori at NorthPark: Come Find the Right Frames for your Face

Ilori will be the boutique-style home of designer sunglasses. Their goal is to keep limited edition shades and hard-to-find styles in the shop. This Dallas location will mark Ilori’s 25th store in North America. Brands for men and women will include Chanel, Oliver Peoples, Ray-Ban, Tiffany & Co., and emerging artists like Proenza Schouler and Derek Lam. Come celebrate the opening with their Wednesday, Oct. 21 party. Gracing us with her presence will be stylist Jennifer Rade (who deals with her highness Angelina Jolie). She’s teamed up with the boutique to keep eyewear as fashionable an accessory as any other. On Wednesday night you’ll have the chance to find the perfect sunglass shape for your face with knowledgeable in-store consultants. And if you decide to buy a pair, all purchases made will be donated to The Elisa Project, an organization dedicated to spreading eating disorder awareness and treatment. NorthPark Center, Level One. Wednesday, Oct. 21. 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. RSVP to the event at 917-553-1217. Photo of limited edition Tom Fords from Ilori’s 2009 lookbook

Friday Giveaway: Danielle Teylor Cowhide Clutch

This one-of-a-kind dyed cowhide clutch was made just for you, ShopTalkers. As Stephanie blogged earlier this week, Danielle Davidson is former painter now couture handbag designer. And now she’s hooking you up with this clutch. The designer handmakes each pretty bag and is willing to incorporate your own pieces (like Grandma’s antique brooch) into a creation for you. They’re available for purchase at Betty Reiter or www.danielleteylor.com. This clutch is lined with suede and signed by Miss Danielle Davidson herself. (And valued at $495.) You know the drill: fill out the form and good luck!

*Update: Congratulations Kim!

Mint by Jodi Arnold Trunk Show at Elements

From October 7 through 10, Elements (pictured left) is hosting a trunk show of Jodi Arnold’s newest line of clothing. Renamed to Mint, the line now reflects Jodi’s most recent design inspiration: busy modern women who need clothing that works from morning to evening every day. Sounds like us to me! The pieces are created to “make life easier” and work with what’s already in your closet. “I just want to create clothes that I would wear myself,” Jodi says. “Clothes that have a soul.” Elements.

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

Sale of the Week: Barse

Get a great deal at Barse jewelry through October 11. For details, see our Shopping tab in the top left corner. Barse sapphire necklace pictured left

Our Favorite Pastime: Drinking and Shopping. This Time: Plaza Style

As always, we never miss an event where there’s fashion and drinking. A chance to walk around, perusing the latest fall trends, with a glass of champagne (or in this case maybe a BachenTini created by Bachendorf’s) in hand? Not for the world. But The Plaza at Preston Center one-ups our fav hobby this year with hors d’oeuvres. For a quick and painless $10–you can’t do much with that these days–you’ll sip, munch, watch a fashion show, listen to beats by a live DJ, bid in a silent auction (optional, obviously), and shop the collections of Carla Martinego Boutique, Marnie Rocks, Calypso St. Barth, and more. The valet parking is complimentary, too. An RSVP is necessary, so send a line to rsvp@theplazaatprestoncenter.com or call 469-232-0000. Thursday, Oct. 6:30 pm to 8: 30 pm. See you there, glass of bubbly in hand.

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.

(more…)

The Shak’s Rock Stars Jewelry Event

Sip cocktails with Dallas jewelry designers Rachelle Dauphinee, Amanda Sterett, Janette Wilkenson (of Nest Jewelry featured left), Stephanie Curtis, and Elizabeth Showers at The Shak this Friday (September 25) from 6 pm to 8 pm. If you want to go, RSVP to rsvp@stanleykorshak.com. The invite suggests dressing in “rocker chic.” Love it. The Shak. photo taken from www.nestjewelry.com

Missoni Home Trunk Show at StellaDallas

Today (Thursday, Sept. 17) through Saturday (Sept. 19) StellaDallas is hosting a Missoni Home trunk show in the store. Check out the pillows, throws, bed linens, and more, and receive 20 percent off any order you make. (And tell me those gorgeous colors and prints above don’t tempt you to make one.) The trunk show runs from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Click on the StellaDallas link above to get more info on the storefront.

Melanie Gayle Fall Launch Event Tomorrow

Head over to the Melanie Gayle Snider Plaza location tomorrow from 6-8 p.m. for their fall kick-off party and an Amanda Sterret trunk show. In addition to basking in the glow of Sterret’s fantastic jewelry, enjoy storewide discounts like 15% off any purchase up to $100, 20% off purchases between $100 and $350 and 25% off purchases over $350. The discounts will be valid at both store locations and through Saturday, September 19th. Melanie always has a great selection of pieces so don’t miss out on this opportunity to get something tres chic for tres cheap!

Elaine Turner’s New Collection is London Chic and Mad Men Cool

London chic and Mad Men cool might sound like an odd combination but believe me, it’s fabulous! Raya and I met with Elaine Turner at her NorthPark store yesterday and got to see and hear about this fantastic new collection straight from the designer’s mouth. First let me say that Elaine was a sweetheart – warm, friendly, easy to talk to. She explained that she’s always had a passion for interior design and often gets inspiration for her handbags and shoes from various interiors. Many pieces from the current collection are based on the work of well-known British interior designer, David Hicks who was extremely popular in the sixties. Hicks was known for mixing styles and patterns into a cohesive, clean, clutter-free space. (more…)

West Village Buy Buy Summer Sidewalk Sale

This sidewalk shopping extravaganza in will feature racks of spring and summer styles at up to 75 percent off. Stores participating include Assembly, Epic Apparel, L. Bartlett, Via Pelle, Accents, and The Glass Slipper.The sales are happening to make room for new fall fashion, but the good news is, here in Texas, the warm weather provides plenty more time to wear the summer styles, so go stimulate that economy. Saturday, September 12 from 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday, September 13 from 12 pm to 6 pm. West Village. 3600 McKinney Ave. (image of Sam Edelman sandals at L. Bartlett)

The Gypsy Wagon’s Ridiculous Two-Day Sale

If you love a bargain, you definitely need to stop by The Gypsy Wagon today or tomorrow. For two days only, the funky little shop we love so much is having a big ol’ yard sale. Get deep discounts on shirts, dresses, tchotchkes, and more. I snagged a cute cowl-neck top regulary priced at more than 100 bucks for a mere $20. Told you the discounts were deep. It’s cash or check only for the outside bargains, and the sale ends Saturday at 6 pm. In other words, hurry!

D’s September Issue Is Bursting at the Seams With Dallas Fashion and Beauty News

My spa travel story in the September issue of D is not the only beauty-related item in that magazine. The issue is actually chock-full of girlie goodness. Lucky for you, I put together a rundown of all the fashion and beauty fabulousness. Happy clicking!

1. Stephanie Quadri has the scoop on must-have fall fashion.

2. Sarah Eveans, Allison Hatfield, Tim Rogers, and I bring you the 11 Dallas Style Setters You Need To Know.

3. Laura Kostelny wants you to look beautiful at any age.

4. The D Beauty staff rounded up the latest and greatest Dallas beauty news.

5. Raya Ramsey knows purple is fall’s signature color, and she’s found the products to prove it.

(Photo by Maxine Helfman)

V.O.D. on Style.com: What Dallas’s Most Fashionable will be Wearing this Fall

Speaking of fall must-have’s, one of our favorite boutiques in town, V.O.D., is currently featured on Style.com’s Style File blog. Check out what owner, Jackie Bolin, says their fashionable customer’s will be wearing this fall.

*Photo by Billy Surface