6 Events to Add To Your Social Calendar This Week

There are so many delicious things happening this week, and I want you to be able to do them all, so here’s an organized listing of our six favorite, must-attend, cocktail laden style events.

McQ by Alexander McQueen Trunk Show at Elements
Stop by one of our favorite boutiques (Elements) for one of our favorite drinks (champagne) and a trunk show of goods from one of our favorite lines (McQ by Alexander McQueen). You can pop in any time all day today for some bubbly and to shop the limited time collection of shoes, belts, dresses, and sweaters.
Place: Elements
Time: 10 am to 7 pm

BLKLN Menswear Launch Event
Hit up DISH for the first official preview of local designer Jim Duran’s new menswear label, BLKLN (pronounced “black line”). Order anything you want from the bar (we recommend the Jasmine Garden), snag a couple complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and sit back and watch the show which promises all kinds of edgy androgyny and glamour.
Place: DISH
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm

Number One/Le Jus First Day of Business
We’ve been patiently awaiting the doors of this new boutique and juicery to open, and the week has finally arrived. It’ll only be its first day of business, but we don’t care. We’re swooping in for a good-for-us juice concoction to keep us hydrated while perusing the wares of earth-inspired goods like Newbark’s accessories, Jenine Payer jewelry, Fog Linen Work home decor, Agonist fragrance, and Bellocq Teas.
Place: Number One/Le Jus
Time: 10 am to 5 pm

Nicole Kwon Grand Opening Party
We are in love with Nicole Kwon and her new boutique in West Village. It’s chock full of cool jewels, soft separates, urban pieces, party dresses, and wide price range. We pretty much want one of everything.
Place: Nicole Kwon
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm

Rent the Runway & Make Up For Ever Holiday Preview
Two of our favorite holiday things will be in one place: Rent the Runway’s borrow-and-return designer dresses and Make Up For Ever’s pretty much everything. Hit up the NorthPark makeup shop for a holiday preview from both brands along with light bites and cocktails.
Place: Make Up For Ever
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm

IZAVEL Spring/Summer 2013 Launch at Demerara
Isabel Varela, local designer and Project Runway finalist (season 8, that is) is celebration the launch of her spring/summer 2013 collection at Demerara with a party. Swing by for complimentary cocktails, a live DJ spinning tunes, and of course to browse the newest designs, which feature sleek lines, a tailored look, and the collection’s signature print in “peacock blue” and “tangerine.”
Place: Demerara
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm

Pencil This In: Deck the Halls with Rent the Runway and Make Up For Ever

Make Up For Ever's holiday look, left, and a few of our fav Rent the Runway holiday dresses

While some people have visions of sugarplums for the holiday season, we here at ShopTalk are dreaming of something better: the perfect holiday ensemble. Luckily, Rent the Runway and Make Up For Ever are here to help. Whether you need outfit inspiration for a holiday tea or New Years Eve, these companies will show you what to wear and how to wear it this evening from 6 pm to 8 pm at Make Up For Ever in NorthPark. For those of you who are not familiar with Rent the Runway, it’s an online service that makes the latest dress and jewelry trends–seen on the runway, on celebs, and in magazines–accessible to every girl. It’s easy: just sign up, pick your perfect dress, and it’ll be delivered to your doorstep just in time for your function. They have dresses for every event imaginable and will always send you two sizes to guarantee you have the perfect fit. While you’re there, check out Make Up For Ever’s new holiday collection, “Holodiam” is perfect for anybody who wants to sparkle this season. RSVP to rsvp@renttherunway.com.

Where: Make Up For Ever
When: TONIGHT, 6 pm to 8 pm

Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk Intern.

Pencil This In: 20th Annual Candlelight Walk on Henderson

We heart Henderson. The furniture, the coffee, the boutiques, everything. Take a candlelit stroll down the avenue to start off your holiday season on Wednesday, November 14th. From 6 pm to 9 pm, the street will be invites you to enjoy discounts, cocktails, and light bites at 14 participating stores. Participating stores on Henderson include Gypsy Wagon, Milton Kent Antiques, Beaucoup, La Mariposa, ART is ART, Pandemonium, Emeralds to Coconuts, Glitz Salon, The Wooden House, Sputnik Modern, Form, The Pearl Cup, Milk & Honey, and We are 1976.

What: 20th Annual Candlelight Walk on Henderson
Where: Henderson Avenue
When: Wednesday, November 14, 6 pm to 9 pm

Mary Holbrook is a shopping intern.

Are You Sitting Down? Good. Look at These McQ by Alexander McQueen Things Soon to Be at Elements.

photography courtesy of Elements, illustrations courtesy of my greed

You’re invited for a little champagne and first dibs on the goods from the McQ by Alexander McQueen trunk show at Elements on Tuesday, November 17. The items (a few of which are pictured above) will be in the store for a few weeks, but quantities are limited–no reordering, no special sizes–so you’ll want to get your hands on the things you want early. According to one of my fav Dallas shop girls, Stephanie “Stevie” Moore, “This will be a great holiday shopping event, whether you want a scarf to give as a gift or a super amazing fabulous cocktail dress for yourself to wear to a party.” I’ll take both. Or, as you can see above, all of it.

What: McQ by Alexander McQueen Trunk Show
Where: Elements
When: Tuesday, November 17, 10 am to 7 pm

Pencil This In: Champagne Reception for The Woods Designers at Forty Five Ten

photography courtesy of Forty Five Ten

If you already know The Woods, you’re probably a fan. If you don’t, you will be. The Aspen-based line of necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings, is a fusion of earthy, organic materials and precious diamonds and gems. Celebs, stylists, and fashion bloggers are big fans, including our own Hanh Merriman, the stylish doll of Life in Travel blog, who’s hosting the upcoming trunk show reception for the line at Forty Five Ten. Head over on Friday or Saturday for a trunk show highlighting the newest pieces in the collection, but definitely aim for Friday from noon to 2 pm, when the champagne reception is taking place and you can say hello to designers (and sisters) Shawn Hecox and Samantha Hitchcock.

Where: Forty Five Ten
When: Friday and Saturday, Friday from noon to 2 pm for reception
RSVP: email here

Get Pampered. Give Back. All Happening at Lily Med Spa Tonight

photography courtesy of Lily Med Spa

September is National Hunger Action Month, and Lily Med Spa is doing their part to raise awareness. Tonight, from 3 pm to 6 pm, the spa is offering champagne, wine, and hors d’oeuvres, as well as special prices on Botox, Juvederm, photo facials, MicroLaser peels, Jane Iredale makeup, and more. For every treatment purchased, Lily Med Spa will donate a meal to the North Texas Food Bank. While services must be purchased during the event to receive the special prices (and have a meal donated), they can be redeemed at a later date. Take advantages of these prices, which will let you feed your ego as well as someone in need.

Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk Intern.

Happy Birthday, Bloom Boutique

photography courtesy of Bloom

Are you nearby, in, or heading to downtown McKinney this evening? Good! There’s a birthday party at Bloom. The homegrown shop, owned by Kendi Everyday blogger Kendi Skeen, is turning one. Naturally, there will be cupcakes, drinks, and best of all, a 15 percent discount.

Where: Bloom
When: Tonight, September 20, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Tonight: Cocktails, Sweets, and Rory Ashton’s New “Navajo” Jewels at Flirt Boutique

"Navajo" cluster earrings (photography courtesy of Rory Ashton)

Rory Ashton’s much adored cluster earrings are now available in a slew of new colors in her fall “Navajo” collection. Solid yellow, cobalt blue, see-through pink, and opaque gray are just a few new color options along with the debut line of “Lighthouse” hoops adorned with neon howlite chunks. Head to Flirt Boutique for the jewels’ official launch party. If bright gems aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of reasons to attend. Like, wine, cheese, cupcakes, Flirtinis, and 15 percent off the store’s merchandise.

Where: Flirt Boutique
When: 6 pm to 8 pm
RSVP: None

Our Guide to Dallas’ Fashion’s Night Out Just Got Better

Click to enlarge.

Tonight’s the big night. Not only do we have a comprehensive guide (complete with cocktail menus) to the best Fashion’s Night Out parties of the evening, we now have the cutest. map. ever. Check it out. Print it out. Strap on your best heels, grab a glass of bubbly, and let us guide you through the best parties of the evening. When your champagne glass is empty (but before your tootsies start to hurt), join us over at Highland Park Village’s LAFCO New York from 9 pm to 11 pm for Svedka cocktails, a hot scene, and live tunes by DJ Jennifer Miller.

Check out our guide here. Print out our wicked cool map here. Get your after party invite is here.

Our cutest map ever is made by the talented (and local) Daley Harris of Merry Maps.

OMG. These Limited Edition Fashion’s Night Out Palettes at Make Up For Ever

This might be one of my favorite things about Fashion’s Night Out so far: these special, FNO eye shadow palettes by Make Up For Ever. If you’re already making a trip to NorthPark for Fashion’s Night Out (here’s why you should be), then make sure you make a stop at the Make Up For Ever cosmetics boutique. For $60, you can snag your favorite of four limited edition containers (I might have to eeny, meeny, miny, moe it) and then select your favorite four shadows to fill it. (Choose from the entire range of 125 colors.) Tough decisions will be made, but macaroons and champagne will make it easier.

Where: Make Up Forever Boutique, NorthPark Center
When: Thursday, September 6, 6 pm to 9 pm

You’re Invited: Audra Janak Local Handbag Launch Party

photography by Matthew Shelley

This fashion fête, hosted by local designer Audra Janak, serves as both a kick-off to Fashion’s Night Out festivities and a launch party for her debut collection of handbags. On scene will be drinks, small bites, music by DJ Michael Jerome, and the full collection of totes and clutches in all their colorblocked glory. Each bag is 100 percent leather, fully lined (in blue), and comes with exterior pockets for stashing keys (or whatever) and enough room to store an iPad (even the clutch). See here for the full collection. See details below to join tomorrow’s launch party.

Where: Poggenphol Kitchen Design Studio. 1804 Hi Line Drive
When: Wednesday, September 5, 6 pm to 9 pm
RSVP: rsvp@audrajanak.com or Facebook

Guide to Fashion’s Night Out in Dallas 2012

It’s Year #4 for Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out shopping initiative, and like all good shopaholic cities, Dallas is ready to party on Thursday, September 6. Here’s our guide to our favorite hot spots this year.

Where: Park Cities
When: 4 pm to 7 pm
Why: Hit up Elements for a little pre-party philanthropy. This Fashion’s Night Out shindig, co-hosted by Patron magazine benefits One Heart Project, which nobly benefits at-risk and incarcerated youth. Stop by for sweets and cocktails, music by Fred Holston, and complimentary valet, courtesy of Audi. Make a purchase, and you’ll receive a Jean Philippe makeover and a gift bag featuring jewelry designer Erica Weiner.
Sips & Bites: Cocktails by Urban Taco, Tart Bakery sweets, and champagne
RSVP: None

Where: Upper Greenville
When: 4 pm to 6 pm
Why: Consider Movida the perfect pre-Fashion’s Night Out stop. Like, an aperitif before dinner, if you will. Sip, munch, and enjoy a few live tunes. Need a makeup touch-up? Good. MAC artists will be on hand to spruce you up before your next stop. Stick around for the store’s fashion show at 5:15 pm. If you like what you see, go shopping. Your purchase will be 20 percent off.
Sips & Bites: Champagne and cupcakes
RSVP: None

Where: Uptown
When: 4 pm to 7 pm
Why: Creative festivities are happening at The Shak, Stanley Korshak’s contemporary boutique. Like, an interactive competition that challenges shoppers to style themselves from head to toe. Peruse your dream closet for the perfect ensemble, then pick out jewelry, shoes, and accessories. Makeup artists will help you get camera-ready, and a professional photographer will snap your good side. A panel of fashion bloggers will judge and to determine a winner. The entire evening benefits the Family Place.
Sips & Bites: Stoli cosmos and wine popsicles
RSVP: None

Where: Park Cities
When: 6 pm to 10 pm
Why: Highland Park Village is a hub of stylish activity during FNO. On top of two fashion shows produced by Jan Strimple (a luxury version at 7 pm and contemporary at 9 pm), each store hosts it’s only little fête, so you can bounce from shop to shop. It’s like trick-or-treating for cocktails. Find champagne at Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Escada, Harry Winston, and Vince; light bites and treats at Cole Haan, Kiehl’s, Leggiadro, Q Custom, and Warren Barrón; grown-up snow cones at Stella McCartney; skinny margaritas at Scoop NYC, an LED photo booth at Trina Turk; and limited edition FNO items at Chanel, Christian Louboutin, and Anne Fontaine.
Sips & Bites: Variety of bubbly and treats around the center
RSVP: None

Where: North Dallas
When: 6 pm to 10 pm
Why: It’s no surprise NorthPark Center, the city’s beloved shopping mecca, does it big for FNO. In addition to mini in-store parties around the mall, you’ll stumble upon beauty stations for product demos and mini makeovers and DJs spinning tunes scattered around the mall. Plus, catch one of three live fashion shows making their way down runways in NorthCourt: Nordstrom, H&M, and more at 6 pm; Neiman Marcus at 7 pm; and Ted Baker, Macy’s, and more at 8 pm. Don’t miss the retrospective of red carpet gowns at Roberto Cavalli, champagne at Barneys, FNO bedazzled tees at Henri Bendel, bubbly and macaroons at Hervé Léger, the Braid Bar at Madewell, limited edition DIY palette cases at Make Up For Ever, light bites and gifts with purchase at Stuart Weitzman, and bang trims, braids, and makeup touchups at Toni & Guy.
Sips & Bites: Variety, of bubbly, cocktails, light bites, and sweets around the mall
RSVP: None

Where: North Dallas
When: 6 pm to 10 pm
Why: NorthPark’s Neiman Marcus is a FNO party in itself. Head to Level Three for the Confections + Cinema + Couture featuring a screening of The September Issue alongside sweet stations by five different bakeries. There’s also Jay Strongwater appearance in Gift Galleries with Oxley Gin cocktails. On Level Two you’ll find a Manolo Blahnik trunk show and live tunes, a Lagos trunk show with FNO edition nail lacquer, a Fendi Baguette handbag celebration, Ray-Ban gifts with purchase, and Cosabella demonstrations. Gents can stick around on Level One for It’s a Man World with cigar rolling, scotch tastings, and a DJ in the mens department.
Sips & Bites: Cocktails, champagne, TART Bakery treats, Tiff’s Treats, Trailer Cakes cupcakes, Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory treats, and Uptown Popcorn around the store
RSVP: None

Where: Knox
When: 7 pm to 9 pm
Why: Forty Five Ten still gets our vote for best place to shop for designer labels. Its edited mix of labels that are more high-fashion than highly flashy makes us swoon every time we visit, and we can’t think of a better spot to mix and mingle on FNO. DJ Lucy Wrubel will be spinning tunes while tequila cocktails and Tex-Mex hors d’oeuvres are passed around.
Sips & Bites: Patrón cocktails and light bites from Mr. Mesero
RSVP: Email rsvp@restandrevolutionpr.com

Where: Park Cities
When: 6 pm to 9 pm
Why: Tootsies has rounded up a few of its favorite bloggers to host this year’s FNO party. Jewelry by Virgins, Saints, & Angels and clothing by Cabe, along with a personal appearance by its designer Kathy Rego are also stars of the evening. Don’t miss the Photomadic photo booth, color consultations by Clishade Custom Cosmetics, tunes by DJ Esquire, and swag bags.
Sips & Bites: Z Tequila cocktails and Rockstar Bakeshop sweets
RSVP: None

Where: Far North Dallas
When: 3 pm to 11 pm
Why: If you’d like, you can make the Galleria FNO an all-day affair. Starting at as early as 3 pm, you’ll spy Sephora beauty stations surrounding Center Court for makeup touch-ups, a Smartwater Shopper Lounge with Skinny Girl drinks at 5 pm, an FGI Shopper Lounge with Skinny Girl drinks at 7 pm, mini cocktail parties with philanthropic proceeds at Bachendorf’s (for the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas), Brahmin, and Carlo Pazolini, and more in-store events around the mall, like style outs, braids, and makeup applications at Toni & Guy, The Photo Stand for keepsake pics outside of Kenneth Cole, mini makeovers at MAC, champagne and desserts at Karen Millen, hand massages at L’Occitane, and a free bar, live DJ, Armani fall preview, Bobbi Brown fall look event, and a Brian Atwood trunk show, all for DIFFA, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Like every year, a highlight of the evening includes two fashion shows produced by Jan Strimple down a quarter-mile runway, “the longest catwalk in America.” Happening at 6 pm and 8 pm.
Sips & Bites: Variety, of bubbly, cocktails, light bites, and sweets around the mall
RSVP: None

Where: Plano
When: 6 pm to 11 pm
Why: Neiman Marcus Willow Bend may be a quieter alternative to NorthPark on a regular day of the week, but during FNO, it should be packed full of partygoers. Enjoy live music by singer Aubree-Anna, live fashion sketches, a personal appearance by jewelry designer Stephanie Anne and the creators of Kale Naturals beauty products, and Tex-Mex drinks and bites being passed around. Catch one of three fashion shows: the couture canines fashion show to benefit the Collin County Humane Society at 6 pm; a Top Ten Trends for Fall show at 7 pm; and a Men’s Trends shows (featuring the FC Dallas soccer team) at 8 pm.
Sips & Bites: Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Mi Cocina and Taco Diner
RSVP: None

Where: North Dallas
When: 6 pm to 8 pm
Why: During Clotheshorse Anonymous’ special two-hour party, you can peruse the racks of consigned clothes so beautiful it’s hard to believe former owners were willing to part with them. Don’t miss pastries, beverages, and 20 percent off anything you buy during the event.
Sips & Bites: Coffee, tea, and petit fours from Stein’s Bakery
RSVP: None

Where: Uptown
When: 5 pm to 7 pm
Why: The Hawaiiana may be new to town, but it’s not missing out on the FNO party. Head over to the island-themed shop for a Tiki cocktail party with tropical drinks, fresh flower leis, and 10 percent off all purchases. Shop for both new things (like Sundry pullovers, Indah caftans, and Jens Pirate Booty tunics) and vintage things (like floral print dresses and cover-ups), plus accessories like kitchy flower headbands and tablewear, along with sea-inspired jewelry full of fresh water pearls from Mignot Sisters.
Sips & Bites: Mai Tai cocktails and Tahitian snacks
RSVP: None

Where: North Dallas
When: 6 pm to 9 pm
Why: While you’re at NorthPark Center, strut your bad self on over to Gregory’s for a little soiree hosted by shop owner Leslie Matney and Pat Smith. Enjoy sips, bites, and most importantly, shoes. Plus, percent of the evening’s sales will benefit Treasure You, Smiths’ nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women.
Sips & Bites: Cocktails
RSVP: 972-490-1285

When: 6 pm to 8 pm
Why: We’re thrilled our favorite affordable boutique, Milk & Honey, has decided to throw its own Fashion’s Night Out shindig. On top of perusing their new fall merchandise, you can sip, munch (cheese, yes please), and hear lives tunes by an in-house DJ. Plus, there will be a station for on-the-spot nail art. How cool is that?
Sips & Bites: Wine and cheese
RSVP: None

Where: Southlake
When: 5 pm to 10 pm
Why: Don’t live in Big D? Don’t worry. Try Southlake Town Square. Get there early (5 pm) to visit the Beauty Night Out Plaza with pre-party makeup touch-ups. Pop from store to store for mini parties, look for HGTV Design Star celebs Hilari Younger at Michael Kors and Mikel Welch at Pottery Barn, and catch a runway show at 7:30 pm. Don’t miss sips and bites at The Hair Bar, Michael Kors, Malouf’s, and L’Occitane, a braid and ponytail bar at Ann Taylor, discounts at Banana Republic, and more.
RSVP: None

Where: Park Cities
When: 4 pm to 7 pm
Why: Add Snider Plaza’s Bittano boutique to your itinerary. On top of the 20 percent discount you’ll get on anything you purchase, you’ll also score complimentary OPI nail polishes. Sip, shop, score a discount. Sounds perfect to us. Plus, there’s still enough time to scoot over to another location to end the evening.
RSVP: None

Where: Park Cities
When: 9 pm to 11 pm
Why: Just when the party looks to be slowing down in Highland Park Village, it’s just getting started over at its official after party at LAFCO New York. Beauty products by Santa Maria Novella should be enough to seduce you on over, but free vodka cocktails, live tunes by DJ Jennifer Miller, and some of the best people watching of the night ought to do it, for sure.
Sips & Bites: Svedka vodka cocktails
RSVP: Email rsvp@strausspr.com

Where: Far North Dallas
When: 9 pm to midnight
Why: If you’ve ended your night at the Galleria, you’re in the perfect position to pop over to Townhouse for the mall’s official FNO after party. Signature cocktails will benefit the North Texas Food Bank, and happy hour prices are running all night.
Sips & Bites: Svedka vodka cocktails
RSVP: None

Where: Old East Dallas
When: 9 pm to 2 am
Why: When all the other after parties are shutting down, the party at dance club It’ll Do will just be getting going. Dance the rest of the evening, sponsored by Kim Dawson Agency, away to music by DJ Red Eye. There’s no cover and valet parking is available.
Sips & Bites: Bring your wallet; order what you want from the bar
RSVP: RSVP via Facebook

Banana Republic Girls, This Happy Hour’s For You

Breaking News: Banana Republic in West Village is hosting a happy hour tonight. From 6 pm to 9 pm, you can drink free wine from neighboring Cork wine bar, eat light bites from next door’s Grimaldi’s and Malai restaurants, and take 25 percent off your purchase on $100 on more. That’s a sweet gig. If I haven’t been waiting a year to eat dinner at Lucia’s, I would ditch dinner tonight to be there for a little vino and these Sloan fit pants in cinnamon and these easy, lace-up ankle booties.

RECAP:
Where: West Village
When: tonight, 6 pm to 9 pm
RSVP: none required

Personal Shopping Parties By Krimson & Klover

Like a 50s Tupperware party, but way better.

The gals at Krimson & Klover have made Mondays something to look forward to with their new Manic Mondays at-home shopping parties. Pick a time, any time, any place, any Monday, and Krimson & Klover will bring their store to you. For free. No requirements or minimum purchase necessary (although you’ll surely persuaded by under-$100 colorful blazers, party dresses, and high-low hems). These shopaholic shindigs can happen just about anywhere: at home, at the office, during a birthday party, at a sorority house, in a box with a fox, etc. If you don’t have the perfect spot, you can use the boutique instead. Expect a 30-40 minute set-up process and lots of options. According to co-owner Emily Hayes, “We will be bringing almost the entire store with us, so there will be quite a bit of selection.” This just sweetened up Mondays and start-of-the-week girls’ nights. Just call the shop to book in advance.

Happy Birthday, StyleSheet! Let’s Party!

It feels like only yesterday we were celebrating the launch of our street style fashion blog, StyleSheet. But it’s hasn’t. It’s been a whole year. And you know what that means? You got it. PAR-TY. So let’s do this. Scratch out tomorrow night’s plans and pencil in StyleSheet’s one-year anniversary fête in Neiman Marcus NorthPark’s Cusp boutique. Join us tomorrow, August 15, from 6 pm to 9 pm for cocktails and birthday wishes to StyleSheet and its fabulous photogs, Kristi and Scot Redman. Details here. RSVP here.