Doing Good | Dallas Shopping, Sales, Deals, Bargains, Home Decor, Beauty Products, Fashion, ShopTalk Blog D Magazine

Articles about Doing Good

Heroes for Children Lends a Helping Handbag

Brown satin and ostrich feather evening bag by Anthony Luciano

Erin Ahlfinger, D Magazine intern and fearless reporter, tackled the Heroes and Handbags event Friday, May 4. Her review below:

The seventh annual Heroes and Handbags Luncheon was the place to be Friday morning to shop for a fantastic bag for a great cause. Five hundred of the most fashionable women in Dallas gathered at the Hilton Anatole for a silent auction and luncheon benefiting Heroes for Children, a local non-profit dedicated to providing assistance to families of children fighting cancer.

Retailers and private donors contributed hundreds of vintage and designer handbags in styles ranging from elegant evening bags to funky floral totes. Highlights included the custom “Bella” clutch designed by Elaine Turner exclusively for Heroes for Children, but it was a brown satin and ostrich feather Anthony Luciano evening bag that stole my heart, but in auctions, as in life, there’s always the one who got away. (more…)

posted by Raya Ramsey | May 11th, 2012 12:31pm | filed under Doing Good, Events | 1 Comment »

ShopTalk Giveaway: Limited Edition Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

Kieh's Rare Earth Rosario Dawson Pore Cleansing Masque for Earth Day

Earth Day month may be over, but you can still get your hands on the limited edition, celeb-designed jars of Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque. The beauty brand has put out Earth Day editions of a favorite product every year for the last four years, and this year’s partners included Florence Welch, Mark Ruffalo, Rosario Dawson, and Spike Lee. For each jar in the label series, Kiehl’s sends 100 percent of its proceeds to Recycle Across America. The Rare Earth masque aims to purify, detoxify, and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. Amazonian White Clay is said to draw out oil, dirt, and toxins, and oatmeal and aloe vera are soothing, hydrating, and protective of sensitive skin. We’ve got a jar with Rosario Dawson’s label to give away. Enter here to win. Even more exciting, Kiehl’s is opening up shop in NorthPark this month.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 30th, 2012 10:50am | filed under Beauty, Doing Good, giveaway | (0) Comments »

Cancel Your Evening Plans. Head to Original Octane Tonight for Scott James Trunk Show and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

photography courtesy of scottjamesonline.com

Scott James joins hands with The Make-A-Wish Foundation for its trunk show tonight at Original Octane. Check out the line’s spring/summer collection and should you decide to make a purchase (the Arden seersucker suit in gray, perhaps, or a pair of five-pocket pants in lime?), or, if you make a $10 donation to Make-A-Wish, you’ll be entered into a giveaway for a weekend getaway wardrobe selected by Scott James Kuhlman, the brand’s designer. Tonight, April 25 at Original Octane from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Update: There will be margaritas and light bites. Now you’re going for sure, right?

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 25th, 2012 10:30am | filed under Doing Good, Events, Guy Stuff, Trunk Shows | (0) Comments »

Former Highland Parkie Goes Granola, Making Cute, Planet-Friendly Tees

photography courtesy of Wild World

How cute is this?

Duncan Jones left the Highland Park bubble, moved to Austin, and started a Wild World, a company creating earth-friendly, nature-inspired tees. (See my favorites above.) For each shirt that sells, a kid in need gets one, too. Choose from a handful of animal awareness slogans on adult tees and baby onesies. (I like the “blind date” bat shirt above and the “trail mix” for baby.) All tees ship free. Woo hoo! He’s also currently hunting for a publisher to send his If I Were a Frog book into the loving hands of children, so holler at him if you love it (particularly if you’re a publisher). Currently, he’s online only, but hopefully you’ll see his goods in stores around town soon.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 11th, 2012 2:52pm | filed under Doing Good, Green, Local | 1 Comment »

Things to Put In Your Datebook, Er, iPhone, this Month

"Mega chic."

Is it bad that I still love my paper day planner? No matter your choice of organizational medium, add these dates to your to-attend list.

Free American Power Yoga Class at Mockingbird Station, Saturday, April 28 at 11 am
The free session, offered by instructors Ashley Geaner and Mike Jackson, will be followed by light refreshments and “goodies” from Relativity Outdoors. It’s a good way to kick off a Saturday, and you don’t even have to get up early. It starts at 11 am on the outdoor mezzanine.

Natura Bissé Spa Party at the Ritz-Carlton Spa, Thursday, April 12 at 6 pm
Newly launched at The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Natura Bissé, a high-end European beauty brand, is a the star of the evening. The first 100 to RSVP (call 214-922-4820) will receive complimentary mini treatments inspired by three new Natura Bissé services being introduced at the spa, champagne, wine, healthy bites, and numerology coaching by numerology expert, Lex Rice.

Rummage Roundup Shopping Extravaganza, Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29
This rummage sale shopping experience, put on by Junior League of Dallas, offers the opportunity to get your paws on some serious designer duds. (We hear brands include Fendi, Alice + Olivia, Louis Vuitton, and more.) Just $3 gets you in the door at Dallas Market Hall. Or, if you like to do thins VIP style, grab a $35 ticket to Friday night’s affair, which includes cocktails and light bites. Proceeds go to more than 40 charities in the area.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 3rd, 2012 10:38am | filed under Beauty, Doing Good, Events, drinking and shopping | (0) Comments »

Where to Shop in Dallas This Weekend

Slew of trunk shows at Stanley Korshak: There are seven – that’s right, seven – trunk shows to browse this weekend. You can shop Brunello Cucinelli’s fall styles, jewelry from Mahlia, and shoes from Di Bianco. Tibi, Shamask, Isaia, and Reinstein/Ross trunk shows will all be there, too, for our weekend enjoyment.

Neiman Marcus Shoe/Handbag Event: This weekend at any Neiman Marcus location, with $350 purchase of handbags or shoes (you were going to do that anyway, right?) you will receive a $50 gift card. Do we ever need an excuse for new shoes? No.

YSL Trunk Show: Stop by Saks this weekend and see YSL’s lovely shoe designs for the spring and summer.

Ralph Lauren Sale: To celebrate it’s Pink Pony Fund of the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation’s fight against cancer, they are offering 25% off a selection of merchandise. Support a good cause and stock up on some Ralph Lauren for the spring.

posted by Jessica Acklen | March 30th, 2012 11:37am | filed under Doing Good, Shopping | 1 Comment »

Where to Shop in Dallas this Weekend

There is so much to do, I thought we’d get started early and give you your weekly where-to-shop post today instead of tomorrow.

Join us tonight, of course, at Tootsies for a glittering bundle of spring and summer evening wear and also cocktails, light bites, and a round of applause for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Vivaldi Patron Circle members.

H.D.’s Clothing Company is hosting a clothing drive for Genesis Women’s Shelter. (See the men’s store featured in D this month.) Aptly named, Long Live Your Clothes, serves as a weekendlong drop-off for customers who need a place to recycle clothing. For every 10 pieces donated by customers, HD’s will match it with 10 pieces from the shop. (According to owner Vicki DeMarco, 500 garments were donated last year.) Of course, you should replenish your stock by shopping the new merchandise flown in from Paris.

Five and Ten is celebrating their grand opening with puppies and ice cream. So cute. Fits the theme with that little Baby Lanvin dress in the store’s window. (Except, for $1,000+, I wouldn’t let my kid near ice cream in that dress.) Stop on by on Saturday, from 3 pm to 5 pm, for Mr. Softee ice cream, tunes by DJ Lucy Wrubel, and adorable dogs up for adoption.

Grab a seat at Accessories in the Nude fashion show on Saturday. Hosted by Courtney Kerr and Daylon Pereira of Bravo’s Most Eligible Dallas (sigh), the catwalk will showcase local accessory designers and their wares. Proceeds from the show got to the North Texas Thyroid Awareness Foundation.

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 22nd, 2012 1:30pm | filed under Doing Good, Events | (0) Comments »

The DIFFA Collection Just Got Hauter with Jean Paul Gaultier’s Cut-Out Jacket

Rihanna in the Jean Paul Gaultier cut-out jacket. (photography courtesy of Huffington Post)

Worn by Rihanna, the sexy-as-sin cutout jacket (right) designed by Jean Paul Gaultier has been donated to the lineup of smoking jackets that will be up for silent auction at DIFFA’s 2012 Collection event on Saturday, March 31. If you are looking for a good time, ignore the phone number on the back of the bathroom stall; buy yourself a DIFFA Collection ticket. You won’t be sorry.

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 21st, 2012 9:27am | filed under Doing Good, Events, Fashion, Fashion Show, drinking | (0) Comments »

New to the Must-Have List: Les Amis’ Baubles, Bangles, and Bold Jewels

Beautiful jewels come from England, India, Italy, Singapore, Thailand, and Turkey (photography courtesy of Les Amis)

I have to have this tri-top ring with vintage Rajastani patchwork fabric.

Dallas based fashion e-tailer, Les Amis, is founded on the principal that luxury should be as responsible as it is beautiful. In that spirit, headed up by Dallas gals Ami Doshi and Amisha Patel, the newly launched website peddles colorful, exotic artisan accessories that give back to charity-of-choice Global Fund for Children. Silk and leather wrapped bangles, bracelets with South Asian gemstones (called Kundan), funky, eclectic necklaces from Singapore, and patchwork three-top rings are just a few of my new favorite things. Along with resumes boasting a healthy dose of humanitarianism (Ami for United Nations and Amisha’s extensive volunteer work), both women appreciate the joy in beautiful things. (Ami was once a buyer for Neiman Marcus and Amisha owned a cosmetic laser skin-care center.) Shop the glorious goods by country, designer, price, or by product, and enjoy knowing 10 percent of every purchase will benefit The Global Fund for Children.

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 9th, 2012 2:23pm | filed under Doing Good, Jewelry, Shopping, online shopping | (0) Comments »

Buy Your DIFFA Ticket to Schmooze, Be Philanthropic, and Check Out Couture Smoking Jackets

Geoffrey Henning's Smoking Jacket Sketches for DIFFA 2012 Collection (courtesy of Strauss Marketing)

Last year’s denim jackets were fantastic, but I’m thrilled for this year’s sexy array of smoking jackets. The Smoking Haute DIFFA Collection 2012 will be debuted and up for silent auction on Saturday, March 31. Purchase tickets now for this favorite annual black tie affair which includes cocktails (lots of those), a seated dinner, live auction, runway show (which is quite a spectacle), and backstage celebration. Sure, this fancy ordeal has a fancy price tag, but proceeds benefit North Texas HIV/AIDS charities. Besides, you don’t want to hear everyone talking about how much fun they had at the DIFFA event when you didn’t attend, do you? If you love the menswear-for-ladies look like I do, you’re probably pretty excited to see these tuxedo jackets dolled up, couture style, but until then, I leave you with Geoffrey Henning’s smoking jacket sketches. Sigh.

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 6th, 2012 4:33pm | filed under Designers, Doing Good, Events, Fancy Pants, Local, drinking | 1 Comment »

Society Lunch Alert: 15th Annual Attitudes & Attire

You might not have a half day like we do for Burmese Peasant’s Day on March 2, but it’s no reason not to treat yourself to a little afternoon of luxury while the rest of the city slaves away over their keyboards. I’ve got the perfect midday treat for you: the Attitudes & Attire Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show. A $125 ticket grants you access to this glamorous society luncheon featuring a fashion show by Elements, 2011′s best boutique in Dallas. (Have you voted for your favorite stores yet for the 2012 awards, by the way?) If a posh meal doesn’t blow your skirt up (ladies who lunch don’t eat anyway, right? kidding.), surely raffle tickets for jewelry, hotel packages, and autographed footballs will. Plus, of course, there’s the philanthropic effort. All proceeds from the day’s event will benefit Attitudes & Attire, a beautiful group dedicated to helping women become self sufficient by building confidence, teaching job search skills, and creating a positive image. Invaluable stuff. Buy tickets now and reserve your high-heeled self a seat.

posted by Raya Ramsey | February 24th, 2012 3:24pm | filed under Boutiques, Doing Good, Events, Fashion Show, Lunch Break | 2 Comments »

Donate Your Coat, Get a Discount at Merge

photography courtesy of Merge

You know you have coats you don’t wear. I, for example, have a shimmery, puffy coat that, for some reason, I can’t seem to wear out of the house (other than to walk to the dog). It’s the perfect thing to bring to Merge’s coat drive happening now through Saturday, January 14. Bring in a gently used coat and get 15 percent off anything in the store. Bring two coats for 30 percent off. Now where’s my puffy coat with the fur-trimmed hood?

posted by Raya Ramsey | January 13th, 2012 11:42am | filed under Doing Good, Hot Deals | 1 Comment »

Sip Bubbly, Shop Gifts, and Enjoy Discounts at These Dallas Shops

'Tis the season for poinsettias. (photography courtesy of Cebolla Fine Flowers)

There are some festive fêtes happening this week at some of my favorite shops in town.

Who: L.bartlett
When: Thursday, Dec. 1 from 5 pm to 8 pm
What: Join this Holiday Cheer party for champagne cocktails, sweet treats, and discounts around the store. Book an appointment with in-store makeup artist, Lindsay Hartley, for 30-minute, $35 holiday makeovers with new Smashbox and Too Faced cosmetics. Email lindsay@lindsayhartleymakeup.com for an appointment.
Hot Deal: Find discounts on apparel and accessories around the store and take 15 percent off any cosmetics purchase with an appointment.

Who: Flirt Boutique
When: Thursday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Dec. 2 from 5 pm to 7 pm
What: This “Shopping Spree” event features home accessories from Blueprint boutique and jewelry from B5x.
Hot Deal: Take 15 percent off Flirt items when you make a Blueprint or B5x purchase.

Who: H.D.’s Clothing Company
When: Through Dec. 24
What: Participate in H.D.’s 23rd holiday canned food drive. Head to the store, cans in tow, through Christmas Eve day to donate 25 cans or $25 (which will be used to purchase cans) to do some good and get a special discount. The goal is 110,000 cans this year, which will be split evenly between The West Dallas Multipurpose Center and The AIDS Resource Center.
Hot Deal: With your donation, you’ll get 25 percent off your entire purchase at both the men’s and women’s store.

Who: Cebolla Fine Flowers
When: Thursday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm
What: Shop the Lovers Lane spot for holiday cocktails, treats, and a gander at all the holiday decorations: wreaths, garlands, ornaments, poinsettias, and holiday floral arrangements.
Hot Deal: All holiday decor will be 20 percent off.

*Update: Cebolla’s event starts at 5:30 pm, not 7:30 pm.

posted by Raya Ramsey | November 29th, 2011 1:30pm | filed under Doing Good, Events, Holiday, Hot Deals | (0) Comments »

Where to Shop in Dallas This Weekend

Since most people are preoccupied with carving pumpkins and going to haunted houses, shopping options this weekend are about as skimpy as the ladybug costume you wore in college.

Penny Preville Event at Bachendorf’s: For one day only stop by this trunk show to snap up an exquisitely constructed diamond piece to add to your jewelry collection. Enjoy a gift with your Penny Preville purchase.

Vintage Martini‘s North American Trunk Show: After taking a trip to scour the land of the free and the home of the brave, Vintage Martini is excited to bring Dallas shoppers 1000 new items to the sales floor, and it’s all being kicked off Friday night. From 5pm-9pm on the 28th grab a drink, a bite to eat, and some vintage Chanel.

The last few days of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at NorthPark: The month of pink and raising awareness for the devastating disease that is breast cancer is drawing to a close. Do your part by purchasing Brighton’s Power of Pink bracelet, a Vera Bradley Tea Garden product, or True Religion’s pink Casey legging. If you’d rather just donate directly to the cause, check out Dallas’ own Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Dog Days: This weekend’s lineup of activities includes a LOT going on for our furry friends. Head to West Village to shop for your pooch, One Arts Plaza for cocktails and a doggie costume contest, and the rest of the Arts District for paw printing, dog yoga, and more. See it all here.

Update: Partners Card Happening, Too: Don’t forget the shopping paradise that is Partners Card starts this weekend. Details here.

posted by Bailey Powell | October 28th, 2011 10:27am | filed under Doing Good, Shopping | 3 Comments »

What’s in United Way CEO Jennifer Sampson’s Bag?

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

Jennifer Sampson is the new president and CEO of United Way in Dallas. With a new job, a 4-year-old son, and a recent 9-day trip to Italy on her agenda, we were thrilled she could stop by and show us what this girl-on-the-go keeps in her bag. Take a look.

Jennifer's new Prada bag from Italy's outlet

1. Kate Spade cosmetics bag with (from top) Quelques Fleurs perfume (“I’ve been wearing it since college; I stick with what I like”), travel hair spray (“I have out of control hair and it needs to stay in place”), Lollia hand cream, NARS lipstick in “Morocco,” and Starbucks sugar-free gum
2. United Way’s Healthy Zone Schools poster with Cooper Institute and Troy Aikman
3. Pal DJ Lucy Wrubel’s handmade tour guide book. “It’s the best guide to Italy ever. Priceless.”
4. Notebook. “My son made this for me in art class.”
5. iPhone and Blackberry. “The Blackberry’s easier for typing long messages, and the iPhone’s better for internet.”
6. Mask. “We bought this from a street vendor in Venice for our son.”
7. Keepsake menu from Harry’s Bar in Italy
8. Passport
9. Dr. Seuss books. “They’re small for a quick read in a restaurant or waiting at a doctor’s office.”
10. Picture. “When we got back home from Italy, our four-year-old son was at the airport holding this sign.”
11. “Boss Lady” gum, sheriff badge, new United Way business cards. “The gum and badge–for the ‘new sheriff in town’–were gifts for my new position.”
12. iPad.
13. Cat ears. “For a quick costume.”