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FGI Dallas Fashion & Lifestyle Awards: A Night of Stars

I can’t wait to attend this Friday’s Fashion Group International’s Fashion & Lifestyle Awards that will take place at the W Loft (the old LFT space) at Victory Park. Instead of the traditional seated dinner/awards ceremony (which to be honest, can be quite boring), the cocktail party and presentation will be interactive this year. The purple carpet will be rolled out and famed fashion TV Host, Style Expert and Editor in Chief of PinkMemo.com, Katrina Szish will welcome honorees including Harry Bock, Danielle Teylor, Holly Haber, Rachelle Dauphinee, V.O.D., and Sartel. In addition to the awards and the fashion show of Dallas-based designers (including Abi Ferrin, Geoffrey Henning, L. Weatherread Design, Nha Khanh, Oscar Fierro, Rochelle Rodriguez and more) – produced by the ever-fashionable and imaginative Jan Strimple – the event will be textured with artisans and designers who will be on-hand working their crafts and mingling with guests throughout the evening. Highlights include:

• Cassandra MacGregor, designer of House of MacGregor, will be building and shaping some of her hat designs.

• Louise Black (yes, the one from Project Runway) will be showcasing some of her prized waist and arm corsets in varying stages of completion.

• From Dallas Lace Society: Rita Hansen-Nieuwendijk will make Belgian lace and Patricia Bailey will be doing tatting lace.
• Rocio Ildemaro of her namesake shoe collection will have visuals of her design process.

• Elizabeth Anyaa, Textile designer will invite guests to try their hand at weaving.

It’s going to be a fun and fashionable night. For more information and to purchase tickets, go here. See you there!

An Evening with Robert Kuo

Robert Kuo, one of the great creators of the modern Chinese arts of  cloisonne and repousse  is at the Baker Showroom tonight.  You can see some of his amazing works there and meet the master himself, we featured some of his ceramic pieces in the Sept. DHome I’ve  been a huge fan of his for years – used to go to his flagship store in Los Angeles in the 1980s and 1990s every time I went to market there.  Just seeing his works gives me a sense of peace and well being.   I’ve been studying his biography – background and interests,  and am probably going to be best friends with him after tonight.

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

Hemline, Lou Lou, and Mine Host Some Holiday Shopping

Thursday, Nov. 19 all three stores will be open until 8 pm. Drink a glass of wine, snack on some munchies, and take 25 percent off every purchase you make. 4439 Lovers Lane. 214-559-3600

Blake of TOMS Shoes Kicked My Butt at Ping Pong

I headed over to Neiman Marcus last night to test my ping pong skills against the owner of TOMS, Blake Mycoskie. The challenge: Blake wins, you buy a pair of TOMS; Blake loses, you get a pair of TOMS. After watching him play against a 12-year-old girl, I decided that I had a pretty good chance of winning. Boy was I wrong. He was definitely just taking it easy on her to be nice. The final score of our game was 11-5. Take one look at Blake and you’ll understand why I had trouble keeping my eye on the ball.

After my defeat, I sulked over to the TOMS display to check out the Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman exclusive collection and pick out my first pair. (I had to hold up my end of the deal, of course.) The new line is a bit more high-end than the original. It includes trendy prints like Madras, fancy linings, and silver logo plates. I decided to keep it simple and went for the shimmery linen pair. All I have to say is, the post-match kiss on the cheek made the $80 shoes totally worth it. Plus, a child in need will get a new pair of shoes. I guess it wasn’t a total loss after all.

Lakewood Home Festival Market this Weekend

Shop over 60 unique vendors showcasing art, jewelry, children’s items, holiday keepsakes, gourmet foods, and more at the Lakewood Market, which is part of the 33rd annual Lakewood Home Festival – hosted by the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA (LECPTA) – that raises funds for Lakewood Elementary School, J.L. Long Middle School and Woodrow Wilson High School.
When: This Saturday (10 A.M. – 5 P.M.) & Sunday (11 A.M. – 5 P.M.)
Where: Lakewood Elementary  (3000 Hillbrook at Sondra)
What: Shop local vendors (such as Yes Ma’am! & APRONanantomy – pictured at left) while you snack and sip goodies from Penne Pomodoro, Paciugo, White Rock Coffee, and Society Bakery.

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

Adriana Carador Trunk Show This Saturday

If you aren’t familiar with Adriana Carador’s jewelry line now is the time to check it out – not just online but in person as well. She’ll be having a trunk show this Saturday, November 14 from 3-6:30pm. It’s an invite-only event but if you email Victoria Flores at victoria.flores@adrianacarador.com she can most likely get you in. Sip champagne while perusing Carador’s gorgeous, colorful designs which aren’t sold anywhere else in Dallas. Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase to a piece of jewelry that you will wear (and love) for years to come. Make it an early Christmas present – for yourself. You deserve it!

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…)

Steph’s Stash Giveaway: Amanda Sterett Sophia Earrings

We know how you love the Friday Giveaway’s we do on Shoptalk each week, but did you know that you can also enter to win something from “Steph’s Stash” every month? That’s right, I personally select something to giveaway from my “stash” of fashion and beauty goodies that I receive from local designers, international cosmetic companies, and more. You don’t want to miss out on this month’s giveaway: a beautiful pair of multi-gemstone (peridot, pearl, apatite, garnet, amethyst, and aventurine) and gold earrings (pictured at left – note: they are larger than they appear) from one of our favorite local designers, Amanda Sterett. Sterett has made quite the name for herself since launching her jewelry line in 2004. In addition to selling to Kate Spade and Anthropologie, she was recently featured in InStyle magazine. Check out her latest collection and some one-of-a-kind pieces at The Shak today and tomorrow from 9 A.M. – 6 P.M. Don’t forget to use your Partner’s Card and get 20% off! Oh, and go here to enter now…good luck!

UPDATE: There will be another trunk show (Amanda will be there to help customers) at A. Hooper & Co. in Ft. Worth Thursday, Nov. 13th and Friday, Nov. 14th from 11 A.M. – 4 P.M.

Jean Paul Gaultier Designs Collection for Target

Whoever started the discount store/designer collaboration movement was a genius. Target’s partnerships with Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui have proven successful and I can only imagine that their next one with Jean Paul Gaultier will be equally as popular. Gaultier, a favorite of Madonna, is known for starting the underwear as outerwear trend, and he always puts on one of the most exciting and elaborate shows during Fashion Week. His line for Target will only be sold at 250 stores nationwide so when we all kneel down to say our prayers tonight let’s put in a plug for one of those being a Dallas location. The collection will debut on March 7 and only be in stores until April 11. So if you’re super anal like me, mark your calendars now! (Laugh if you will but I will be the one laughing all the way through the checkout line in the end.) If I find out which stores will be carrying Gaultier’s goods I’ll be sure to let you know.

Meet Designer Rozae Nichols at Thursday’s Fashion Dish Luncheon

Rozae Nichols, known for her “artfully unique” designs, will be attending the Fashion Dish Luncheon this Thursday, November 5 at 11am at Craft (n the W hotel). In collaboration with The Shak, this event will also feature a trunk show of Nichols eponymous line where guests can shop her fall 2009 and spring 2010 collections. Tickets are $45/person and reservations are required. Contact W Dallas – Victory at 214-397-4106 to secure your seat. A portion of proceeds will benefit Two by Two for AIDS and Art. A great meal, great fashion and great company for a great cause - what more could you want? (While the next logical statement would be to quote Tony the Tiger, I just can’t do it. )

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!

7 For All Mankind Party at NorthPark Store

If you are a fan of Seven jeans then you won’t want to miss their party this Saturday, November 7 from 2-5pm at the NorthPark store. Guests can sip cocktails and nibble tasty bites as they shop the new Holiday 2009 collection. A local DJ will be pumping out the tunes and exclusive artwork ,curated by Liliana Bloch of THE MAC and Hugo Garcia Urrutia of Decorazon Gallery, will be on display. So get on it!

Friday Giveaway: His and Her Burberry 2009 Special Editions Perfumes

For her, eau de parfum, for him, eau de toilette, but they’re both housed in beautiful Burberry limited edition bottles with glossy fabrics in metallic with a hint of pink and charcoal. (So they’ll look good next to each other on the dresser.) The scents are a “glamorous and festive variation of the classic London line.” Both contain similar notes to the original scents. For women, you’ll find notes of pink pepper, two different roses, cyclamen, and lily of the valley, with a woody, musky feel. For men, you’ll notice lemon, green pineapple, blackcurrant buds, plum, lavender, and woody notes. His-and-her fashion statements are usually pretty lame—think matching tracksuits—unless it’s his and her houses (like Diane von Furstenberg, which is brilliant), but with scents, it’s sexy, right? These two hit shelves this month and cost $84 for her and $70 for him. Fill out the form and good luck.

*Update: Congrats Matt!

Unique Samples has a Sample Sale Going on Now

Unique Samples, the seasonal store (open four times a year), has a sample sale going on now in Dallas. The store, located at 2908 McKinney Ave., has women’s and children’s clothing and home décor. You know how sample sales work: you save oodles of money on retail prices because samples are discarded after stores do their purchasing. I haven’t been to this sale, but I can tell you the brands include Bordeaux, Roxy, Scanty Pajamas, Crème Fraiche, Interlude, and Baby Lulu, among others. The sale will last through Tuesday, Nov. 3, so get going! Store stays open from Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 6 pm. Cash and checks only. Red dress left is 2009 holiday wear from Weston Wear at sample sale

Update: Unique Samples will be opening their Bedford location for fall/winter samples on Nov. 13. at 2816 Central Dr., Ste. 152, Bedford.

Twist on Consignment Shopping: The Ultimate Exchange

I think I like this concept. It’s a little complicated, so I’m going to do less talking and let you read it for yourselves, but here’s the general idea: consign or donate your designer label clothing then shop other’s designer clothing for serious discounts at scheduled shopping events. Interesting, right? Check it the Dallas company at www.theultimateexchange.com.

Saks Fifth Avenue’s “Off 5th” Opening This Week

Who couldn’t use a little Off Saks these days? We’re getting a big, brand, shiny new one cross from NorthPark. Opening its doors tomorrow, the Saks will be part of the new shopping area that has sprouted across from the mall. The Saks Fifth Avenue outlet version will be home to all kinds of designer clothing and accessories for discounted prices. Get excited!

Tees From Nation Ltd. Blend Style and Comfort

About five years ago, Jen Menchaca set out to make a t-shirt—not just any t-shirt, mind you, but a very specific t-shirt. Growing up, she loved the comfort and ease of her dad’s old white v-necks, and she was determined to re-create that feel in a stylish lady version. So, she did. And, turns out, people loved it. Thus was born Nation Ltd., Menchaca’s line of comfy, cozy tees, tanks, dresses, and more. Yesterday, the Texas native and U.T. grad stopped by our offices for a little meet-and-greet. She described her clothes as “approachable, easy, and down to earth,” and you could say the same about Menchaca herself. She chatted about her Texas girlfriends and how they always shop for the most fitted tops they can find, a sharp contrast to Menchaca’s easygoing L.A. style. She also came bearing a sample from the fall 2009 collection, which is why I’m currently sporting Nation’s vintage baseball jersey (that’s Menchaca in the photo wearing the same). Not sure how sexy I look in the one-size-fits-most number, but boy am I comfortable. This thing is crazy soft, and the bell sleeves add an extra level of roominess. Maybe we should all take a cue from the California girls—at least every once in a while. You can find Nation locally at Merge, Mine Boutique, Betty Cupcake, Stanley Korshak, and Nordstrom.

Mattia Bonetti – I’m Looking for You

I’m currently obsessed with a new book by Rizzoli of Mattia Bonetti’s work that is a somehow cross between Gaudi and modern architecture.  I’m also sure I’ve seen this table somewhere in Dallas – Laura confirms I had this image on my wall at the old office.  So where is it, and where can I see the whole collection? Any ideas from anyone?  A self-described “troublemaker turned traditionalist”, Bonetti’s style was referred to as “barbaric.”  Now. that wasn’t nice, was it?

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

The Beautiful DayNa Decker at NorthPark’s Neiman Marcus Oct. 17

DayNa Decker, mastermind behind amazing smelling DayNa Decker candles, will be at Neiman Marcus NorthPark on Oct. 17 to mingle with shoppers and introduce her new fragrance to the EcoCouture collection, Posy. If you haven’t had the pleasure of burning a DD candle in your home, I’ll tell you this: her company describes her candles as “seductive luxury and decadent sophistication.” Usually that’s just sexy language public relations companies use to suck you in, but in this case, I would actually say those words describe her candles perfectly. They truly are one-of-a-kind smelling, sleekly packaged little guys. And the wick is a funky, horizontal strip—follow the jump to see what I mean. For example, Acacia, from the Chandel Flora collection, includes orange flower, mimosa leaf, gardenia, lily of the valley, and vanilla. Beautiful, right? Saturday, Oct. 17. 12 pm to 3 pm.
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Preview the Tibi Spring 2010 Collection at The Shak

This Friday, October 16 from 6:30-8:30pm The Shak, Dish Dallas and Tibi designer, Amy Smilovic will be hosting a Tibi fashion show in the courtyard between Stanley Korshak and The Shak. You’ll be able to peruse Tibi’s bright, cheerful spring 2010 collection in person as well as watch it move on the runway (show starts at 7:15). You must rsvp to rsvp@stanleykorshak.com to attend. In addition, The Shak will be having a Tibi trunk show and selling event from October 15-17. Ten percent of proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. This is a gorgeous collection – don’t miss the chance to see it up close and meet the designer!