Jenifer Strauss’s 5 Favorite Things

Our week of Dallas style makers and their favorite things, comes to a close with Jenifer Strauss, owner and founder of Strauss Marketing-Public Relations. I don’t know how she finds time to sleep between running a PR firm, managing her team, and making appearances at events all over town, but whatever she’s doing, she always looks polished. She co-chaired last week’s Neiman Marcus Stiletto Strut in sorbet-hued platform sandals with a matching tutu and, she loves unicorns. How could we not want to know her other favorite things?

photography from top left: by Kristi & Scot Redman, courtesy of Net-a-Porter, Cicada Collection, Flickr user metalifepilates, Bobbi Brown, and liquor.com

(1) Cocktail: “Tequila on the rocks, splash of soda, and 3 limes…anywhere they serve it.”
(2) Shoe: “YSL Tribute shoes at Neimans, sassy and super comfy.”
(3) Lip color: “Bobbi Brown’s Nougat.”
(4) Workout: “Pilates.”
(5) Spring thing: “I’m not sure if it is trendy but I’m really into ankle boots–I call them hooves–from Rag and Bone. They are comfy and stylish. And long necklaces with creative pendants and charms from Tiffany Forsberg.”

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Abi Ferrin’s 5 Favorite Things

Dallas designer Abi Ferrin is a gift to the city. Despite her success, prolific seasonal collections, philanthropic work, and traveling, she’s incredibly accessible. She appears at events, galas, and fashion shows around town, she’s a cheerleader for the South Side on Lamar community (see her favorite cocktail below), and she has managed keep her South Side studio open to shoppers, who can snag an appointment with Ferrin when her schedule permits. Then there’s the clothing, of course: colorful, boldly patterned, draped and ruched for ladylike curves, and full of movement for girls on the go from errand running to cocktail parties. We took a look in the Dallas designer’s handbag a year ago, but we thought it was time to touch base on a few of her current favorite things.

photography from top left: by Stanton Stephens, courtesy of Lucy Choí, style.com, Flickr user RelaxingMusic, Dior, and by Kevin Marple

(1) Cocktail: “The SouthSide at Cedar Socials–I ask for the ginger version. It’s a bespoke cocktail, a light refreshing alternative to a mojito, but very similar with the muddled mint leaves.”
(2) Shoe: “On my ever-growing wish list: Lucy Choí London’s Wysteria orange and blue heel.”
(3) Lip color: “Dior Addict Gloss.”
(4) Workout: “I love yoga! Tsada Yoga at South Side on Lamar conveniently is my favorite.”
(5) Spring thing: “Black and white. Full, monochromatic looks that have varying layers and unexpected details, but all within the context of those colors–or the two colors combined in a look.”

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Vicki Tollemache’s 5 Favorite Things

Next up during our week of Dallas style makers and their favorite things, Vicki Tollemache, a user research consultant at Usability Sciences and former owner of The Shining jewelry boutique, now closed. Tollemache cultivated the coolest collection (Erica Weiner, Bloodmilk, Flotsam and Jetsam, etc.) of hard-to-find–and slightly strange–pieces, so although she shut the doors to one of my favorite shops in town, I can’t cut the cord. Instead, I keep tabs on her through Instagram and Facebook and places I bump into her from time to time. Her store, dark and whimsical, was naturally inspired by her own taste, and I love seeing what she’s wearing. Her tip: “Since my store closed, I like to shop at Elements on Lovers Lane for jewelry. They carry a lot of the lines The Shining once did. Stevie, the shopgirl there, just ordered me a great Elizabeth Knight piece.” Now, a few more of her current favorite things.

photography from top left: courtesy of Tollemache, paperblog, Vivienne Westwood, style.com, polliter.com, and Rosebud Perfume Co.

(1) Cocktail: “I go to the Inwood Lounge from time to time because some of my friends do a record night there once a month, Vinyl Fantasy, and they make a great lychee martini.”
(2) Shoe: “Always Vivienne Westwood shoes, currently Seditionary boots in Khaki.”
(3) Lip color: “Smith’s Rosebud Salve. Love that stuff. I usually do a pretty nude lip because I wear so much eye makeup.” (Her favorite liquid liner: Tarte’s multiplEYE)
(4) Workout: “I play soccer at a variety of places here in Dallas.”
(5) Spring thing: “I hate spring trends (I associate pastels with Spring). Instead I am patiently waiting for this fall, specifically all the eyes at Kenzo.”

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Lisa Petty’s 5 Favorite Things

Our week of Dallas style makers and their favorite things continues with Lisa Petty, DFW Style Daily founder and editor. When you’re at a stylish soiree and you see Petty, you might mistake her for a model: tall, slender, flawless skin, sauntering around the room on stilettos with a cocktail in hand. But while the rest of the room is having one too many, Petty’s likely doing research for the next day’s content for her online Dallas fashion magazine, where she and a stable of contributors cover everything from local designers to fashion shows. Lucky for us, she was able to take a quick break from her journalistic duties and fill us in on a few of her current favorite things.

photography from top right: courtesy of Parker Haus Roles, Stella McCartney, Rimmell, Lisa Petty, Timo Weiland

(1) Cocktail: “I recently hosted a few friends for a 60s themed evening. We served this pretty retro punch while watching Valley of the Dolls.”
(2) Shoe: “Our newest columnist has me obsessing over Stella McCartney shoes… The Valerie is my current pick.”
(3) Lip color: “Love the collectible Lasting Finish by Kate Moss collection from Rimmel London. My favorite shade for spring is #12 (coral).”
(4) Workout: “I am not a workout fan. Period. I prefer more relaxing forms of activity to balance my Type-A personality. Currently, I’m enjoying creating mini-universes via terrarium gardening.”
(5) Spring thing: “I love the idea of mixing prints. We’ve seen this trend gain momentum for a year or more, to the point that right now, anything goes. I’m ready to mix up some fun for spring!”

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Kristie Ramirez’s 5 Favorite Things

Kristie Ramirez, writer-at-large for Texas Monthly, is serious style inspiration. She’s got this one part low-key Texas girl, one part fashion veteran vibe that always leaves her looking like the coolest girl in the room. I bump into her often at cocktail parties, and I’m always left wondering, do I look that effortlessly chic in a slouchy tee, pants, and killer stilettos? But I know the answer. Not so much. Girl’s got natural sartorial prowess that leaves much to be envied. (Along with her head full of thick, glossy curls.) We can, however, do a little copycatting. You can live vicariously through Ramirez’s artsy Texas sojourns on her blog, Texas Style & Substance, and pick up a few of her must-haves. Here are a few of her favorite things this moment:

photography (from top left): courtesy of Kristie Ramirez, Sophia Webster, Koch, Tom Ford, Beyond Pedaling

(1) Cocktail: “Tito’s Vodka on the rocks”
(2) Shoe: “My Sophia Websters from V.O.D.”
(3) Lip color: “Tom Ford’s Flamingo, an almost neon pink”
(4) Workout: “John Terlingo’s spin class at Beyond Pedaling three times a week”
(5) Spring thing: “I just stick to Isabel Marant, Koch, and silk button-downs, and I’m good.”

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Dallas Celebrity Gift Guide: Nha Khanh, Fashion Designer

In continuation of this week’s mission, Steal Dallas Celeb’s Wish Lists, I bring to you three prized items from a beloved local designer,  Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh. At this point, “local designer” is underselling this accomplished creator and mommy. She blew everyone away with her 2011 debut collection and has since been picked up by stores all over the country including Saks Fifth Avenue. Nguyen’s signature pieces have been spotted on celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Brooklyn Decker, Giuliana Rancic, and Ahna O’Reilly and, in November, she was honored with the Rising Star Award by Fashion Group International. So, yeah, she’s kind of a big deal.

Under $50: Senhoa Simplicity unisex cord necklace with antique brass chains, $49
Under $500: Jo Malone Orange Blossom Luxury Candle, $425 at Neiman Marcus
Unlimited: Christian Louboutin Donue open-front bootie, $1,295 at Neiman Marcus

Dallas Celebrity Gift Guide: Chuck Steelman, Neiman Marcus Manager of Special Events

On Day 3 of my local style celeb wish list roundup, I knew I had to have the items of desire of Chuck Steelman, head honcho of Neiman Marcus’ special events. He’s the dandy at all the fashion events perfectly polished from head to toe (often wearing a bow tie), on the boards of such hugely stylish affairs as Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars award gala and DIFFA’s Style Council, and more. And, he always smells good. Take a look at a few things that make his wish list this year.

photography courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Under $50: Arthur George by Robert Kardashian socks, $30 in The Man’s Store at Neiman Marcus
Under $500: Vince waffle-weave hooded jacket with jersey lining, $165 at Neiman Marcus
Unlimited: Robert Wilson digital owl portrait from the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, $70,000 at Neiman Marcus

Dallas Celebrity Gift Guide: Lucy Wrubel, DJ

It’s Day 2 of snooping through local style celebs’ wish lists. Today’s star: Lucy Wrubel, DJ extraordinaire, party crowd pleaser, and pink lipstick aficionado. She also has such a refreshing sense of style, one that’s all her own. (Remember the bag from her purse spill?) I knew this colorful gal would have a list of fun stuff.

Under $50 item: Casetagram iPhone cover (with her photographer husband’s photos)
Under $500 item: Two nights at the Hotel San José in Austin with Steve (husband) and Stella daughter) “Road trips down Austin way is the best tonic for our lil’ fam.”
Unlimited price item: Balenciaga Weekender. “Obsessed with the classic rocker bag!”

Dallas Celebrity Gift Guide: Amber Venz, rewardStyle President

I’m always thinking of ways to get local notables to spill their personally curated shopping lists. The holidays are a perfect time for a such a request, so I sent out a note to a handful of my favorite Dallas fashion gurus (our local style celebs, if you will), inquiring about the current state of their wish lists. I’m sharing the results with you this week. First up, Amber Venz, former jewelry designer, inspiring blogger, founder of rewardStyle, and internationally loved style setter.

photos courtesy of retailers

Under $50 item: Canadian Birch Straws, $8 at Anthropologie
Under $500 item: Cult Gaia Headband for resort, $100
Unlimited price item: Balmain spring 2013 RTW dress

Five Stylish Dallasites and a Few of Their Favorite Fashionable Things: Anna-Sophia van Zweden

We’re rolling out another round of Dallas style setters and the current stuff they love. Check ShopTalk every day this week for a fresh face and new favorite things. Next up, Anna-Sophia van Zweden, art-loving girl about town.

(clockwise from top left) Dolce & Gabbana spring 2012 RTW (photo courtesy of style.com), Christian Louboutin "Highness" pumps (photo courtesy of Louboutin), Zara spring 2012 (photo courtesy of zara.com), Anna-Sophia (photo courtesy of Anna-Sophia), Forty Five Ten (photo by Manny Rodriguez), and Christian Louboutin (photo courtesy of Highland Park Village) DESIGN BY CHARLOTTE TOBIN

ANNA-SOPHIA VAN ZWEDEN

PHILANTHROPIST

Favorite Shoe:
Christian Louboutin Highness Floral Peep-Toe Pump in “Popi.” “It is very classy, tall, and the peep adds a provocative edge to the shoe. It also has a painterly quality to it that reminds me off impressionists’ flower paintings.”

Favorite Dallas Shopping Spots:
1. Forty Five Ten and Barneys New York. “If I am shopping for a special occasion and in need of a spectacular dress or a new handbag.”

2. Urban Outfitters and Zara. “I like to mix things up with high-end and cheap to create a look that is more interesting.”

3. Christian Louboutin at Highland Park Village. “For shoes.”

Favorite Spring Trend:
Floral print and color. “But mix it up with more sculptural pieces like a solid peplum jacket.”

Check out the other style setters and their favorite things.

Five Stylish Dallasites and a Few of Their Favorite Fashionable Things: Hamilton Sneed

We’re rolling out another round of Dallas style setters and the current stuff they love. Check ShopTalk every day this week for a fresh face and new favorite things. Next up, Hamilton Sneed, events planner and bow tie aficionado.

(clockwise from top left) Salvatore Ferragamo oxford (photo courtesy of Ferragamo), Hamilton Sneed (photo courtesy of Sneed), Richard James colorblock socks (photo courtesy of MrPorter.com), Eli Tahari spring 2012 colorblocking (photo courtesy of style.com), Neiman Marcus (photo courtesy of NM), J. Hilburn shirts (photo by Maxine Helfman) DESIGN BY CHARLOTTE TOBIN

HAMILTON SNEED

EVENT PLANNER, HAS EVENTS

Favorite Shoe:
Salvatore Ferragamo Wing-Tip Oxford in Blanco Calf. “I own them as of last week from the NorthPark store.”

Favorite Dallas Shopping Spots:
1. Club Monaco Galleria. “They have easy classic pieces that fit well–and it doesn’t hurt to be a VIP.”

2. Neiman Marcus Downtown. “They have an extensive collection of bow ties including one of my new favorite designers Edward Armah, who makes reversible ones with fun prints and colors!”

3. J. Hilburn. “Their extensive fabric collection, prints and ability to do just about anything to create a one of a kind shirt makes them extra special. Plus they won’t break the bank. Alison Kravetz has been my personal stylist since they launched in Dallas!”

Favorite Spring Trend:
“Fun, even bolder colors and prints than last spring/summer. And color blocking is not just for women; men can do it too! You should never be afraid of color, from a great pair of trousers to a pop of color on your feet (socks).”

Check out the other style setters and their favorite things.

Five Stylish Dallasites and a Few of Their Favorite Fashionable Things: Tara McCray

We’re rolling out another round of Dallas style setters and the current stuff they love. Check ShopTalk every day this week for a fresh face and new favorite things. Next up, Tara McCray, stylish, supermodel-esque contemporary clothing expert at Tootsies.

(clockwise from top left) Tara McCray (photography by William Neal), braids (photo courtesy of Tara), Gypsy Wagon (photo by Sergio Garza), Charlotte Olympia shoe (photo courtesy of Charlotte Olympia), and Gypsy Wagon (photo by Sergio Garza) DESIGN BY CHARLOTTE TOBIN

TARA McCRAY

CONTEMPORARY SPECIALIST, TOOTSIES

Favorite Shoe:
Charlotte Olympia Rapunzel Braided Raffia Wedge. “I love the basket weave and the black ribbon on the back, super girly!”

Favorite Dallas Shopping Spots:
1. Tootsies. “TOOTSIES of course! It’s your one-stop-shop from designer to denim, handbags, shoes, and jewels. Tootsies has such a fun vibe and caters to all ages. What other place in Dallas can you shop while having a cocktail at a fully stocked bar, listen to some great tunes, and walk out looking like a million bucks?”

2. Vintage Martini. “I’m super into discount shopping and finding that “diamond in the rough.” It’s a great place to find your vintage designer pieces.”

3. The Gypsy Wagon. “Anytime I need to pick up a gift, this is my go to spot.”

Favorite Spring Trend:
Braided hair and bright floral prints. “I love braided hair because its a quick fix on a bad hair day, whimsical and girly. And floral prints are so much fun and it makes me smile.”

Check out the other style setters and their favorite things.

Five Stylish Dallasites and a Few of Their Favorite Fashionable Things: Amy Havins

We’re rolling out another round of Dallas style setters and the current stuff they love. Check ShopTalk every day this week for a fresh face and new favorite things. Next up, Amy Havins, cute-as-a-button wardrobe consultant.

(photography clockwise from top left) Marni spring 2012 RTW (photo courtesy of style.com), Scoop NYC (photo courtesy of Highland Park Village), H&M (photo by Raya Ramsey), Neiman Marcus (photo courtesy of NM), YSL Tribute sandal (photo courtesy of YSL), Amy Havins (photo courtesy of Amy) DESIGN BY CHARLOTTE TOBIN

AMY HAVINS

WARDROBE CONSULTANT, DALLAS WARDROBE

Favorite Shoe:
Yves Saint Laurent ‘Tribute’ Sandal. ”Not only is it the perfect shoe to transition from day to night, it is one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned!”

Favorite Dallas Shopping Spots:
1. Neiman Marcus. ”It is a Dallas staple and what I call a one-stop shop. You can put together full outfits & the customer service is amazing.”

2. Scoop NYC. ”Although they always have a wide variety of clothing, they seem to have the best selection of tops in Dallas. Dressy to casual, Scoop has it all.”

3. H&M. ”I know it can be a bit overwhelming, but if you are patient, you are sure to find some amazing pieces that will enhance any wardrobe.”

Favorite Spring Trend:
Bold prints. ”From Chevron to Zigzags, these style lines are the new stripe of the season!”

Check out the other style setters and their favorite things.

Five Stylish Dallasites and a Few of Their Favorite Fashionable Things: Chas Martin

We’re rolling out another round of Dallas style setters and the current stuff they love. Check ShopTalk every day this week for a fresh face and new favorite things. First up, Chas Martin, former maître d’hôtel of Dragonfly at ZaZa, now onto his own venture, Chas Martin Companies.

(clockwise from top right) A double-breasted blazer at DSquared2 spring 2012 RTW (photo courtesy of style.com), Hadleigh's (photography by Elizabeth Lavin), Chas (photo courtesy of Chas Martin), Hadleigh's slippers (photo courtesy of Hadleigh's), Forty Five Ten (photo by Manny Rodriguez), Stanley Korshak (photo courtesy of Stanley Korshak) DESIGN BY CHARLOTTE TOBIN

CHAS MARTIN

MANAGING PARTNER, CM COMPANIES

Favorite Shoe:
Hadleigh’s spring slippers. “They go with white jeans, blue jeans, shorts, slacks, suits, tuxedos, swim shorts. They’re awesome.”

Favorite Dallas Shopping Spots:
1. Hadleigh’s. “They’re the best. They merge classic and modern perfectly.”

2. Forty Five Ten. “They have brands no one else carries, and they kill it at high and edgy.”

3. Stanley Korshak. “They’ve been able to grow, but stay true to their designers’ visions and styles. They’ve gotten big, but stayed small.”

Favorite Spring Trend:
Double-breasted blue blazers. “So regal!!!!!!!”

Check out the other style setters and their favorite things.

Five Dallas Style Setters and Their Favorite Things for Spring

Five spring must-haves from five local fashion darlings.

photography: Angela Scott by Anthony Chiang, all others courtesy of vendors, design by Charlotte Tobin

ANGELA SCOTT

SHOE DESIGNER, THE OFFICE OF ANGELA SCOTT

1. The Levi’s Vintage Clothing collection.
2. Bottega Veneta’s “Sunset Intreccio Memory Nappa Knot” clutch in yellow
3. Greg Lauren cropped sailor jacket made from vintage U.S. navy jumpers
4. Wildfox Couture knitwear line
5. Isabel Marant spring collection (Find it at V.O.D.)

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