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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!

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!

Scent Selection: Flora by Gucci

This new(ish) scent from Gucci is delightful and feminine. Notes include rose, osmanthus flowers, peony, sandalwood, and patchouli, which Gucci describes as being “sensual and sophisticated” and “sexy” and “youthful.” I immediately think of “lovely,” which I suppose is what Sarah Jessica Parker wants you to think when you smell her perfume, but I think it with this one, too. The simple octagonal bottle with black ribbon tie is as clean as the scent, both inspired by Gucci’s classic Flora print, originally designed as a scarf for Princess Grace of Monaco in 1966. You can find the print on the inside of the perfume box. $52 for the 1 oz. bottle at most department stores.

Alain Mikli Trunk Show at Occhiali

Occhiali Modern Optics will be all about color this Thursday when the eyewear shop hosts a trunk show featuring designs by Alain Mikli. The French designer is known for using unique shapes and colors (he was responsible for Kanye West’s famous shutter shades), so Occhiali is devoting the entire evening to color. Besides browsing fashionable eyewear, you can also sip on a “moodtini” (poured in a shade to match your mood) and have your aura read. The free event goes from 6 to 8:30 pm.

Every Girl’s Dream…Win a Shoe Shopping Spree from Saks

In honor of breast cancer awareness month Baylor University Medical Center has partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue to bring you their Pink Passion contest. Decorate a pink shoe, deliver it to one of their drop-off locations and you could be the lucky winner of a $750 shoe shopping spree at Saks. All entries must be submitted by October 11 at 6pm though so kick it into high gear if you want to get in on the action. Online voting will begin on October 12 at BaylorHealth.com/PinkPassion and the winners (there’s an adult and a children’s category) will be announced at the Pink Passion fashion show on Saturday, October 17. For rules and detailed instructions go here.

Bikinis, Bellinis, and Brunch with Abi Ferrin

Don’t worry about the bikinis part. You don’t have to wear one. Of course, if you’re like me, now that summer’s over and you’ve started eating crappy food again, you don’t even really want to look at one, either. But that’s okay, because again, if you’re like me, you’ll do it for a Bellini and some brunch with Abi Ferrin. She’s bringing her spring 2010 swimwear collection, hot of the catwalk, to the W for a ladies’ brunch on the Wet Deck and after-meal swimsuit perusal. Part of the proceeds will go to Fashion with Freedom and Purpose, a personal organization of Abi’s, which supports the rescue of women from the sex trade in Nepal and Cambodia. Sunday, Oct. 11.  12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Brunch costs $35. RSVP to RSVP.01521@whotels.com.

Shop for the Cure: Elaine Turner Bags and Flats

Elaine Turner, who we interviewed recently, has joined the breast cancer awareness train with some fun pink accessories: flats for $175, featured left and the handbag, $275, and clutch, $195, after the jump. Grab them at NorthPark’s Elaine Turner or online at www.elaineturner.com. Fifty percent of proceeds from these sales will benefit the Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine.

To do more shopping for the cure, check out our gift guide.

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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!

“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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Dallas Bag Designer Bobby Schandra Unleashes His Fall Collection Online

The new arrivals feature gorgeous bags like the Faux Croc Hobo in purple (delicious!), the Animal Print Square Tote, and the eelskin bags, one featured left in brown. What better way to support local designers than by toting a beautiful bag around town? Go to AccessorySnob.com for discounted prices on even the newest styles. And if you’re not looking for a bag, check out the jewelry, like the fun purple cocktail ring and oversized watches after the jump. (more…)

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.

Danielle Teylor Trunk Show at Betty Reiter Today

Painter turned couture handbag designer, Danielle Davidson had an affinity for clutches but couldn’t find one that was versatile, creative, and travel-friendly at the same time. So, she designed her own. The result – a leopard-print hide clutch adorned with her grandmother’s brooch – got so many compliments that she decided to launch Danielle Teylor handbags in 2008 and has been handcrafting them ever since. The  handmade (in Davidson’s living room) collection of clutches will be available at a trunk show today from 11AM-5PM at Betty Reiter in The Plaza at Preston Center. Each bag features different patterns (solid, leopard, zebra, etc), skins (cowhide and embossed leathers), linings (all suede), and hardware (brooches, antique buckles, etc). The Dallas-based designer will even custom-make one if you like and can incorporate family heirlooms or special pieces into the design. They are truly one-of-a-kind! Check back here on Friday for an amazing giveaway that the designer made especially for  you, ShopTalkers!