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RSVP For Our Cocktail Event at DISH

I know. I’m a bit bossy today, telling you what to do, like go to Ashley Pittman’s sample sale and vote for your favorite beauty services in town. This is the last thing I’m recommending you add to your to-do list today (well, until tomorrow): RSVP for DISH’s Battle of the Cocktail on Wednesday, May 16. I’ll be on hand representing one of four cocktails from the new seasonal menu. It’s called the Jasmine Garden. (Ingredients here.) Bloggers Daryn Doolittle from Dallas Tidbits, Kristie Ramirez from Texas Style & Substance, and Steven Lindsey from Gay List Daily have the other three drinks covered. (Frankly, they all sound delicious–the cocktails, that is.) You should go to a) taste test four new drinks, b) vote for ShopTalk’s Jasmine Garden, c) score some free hors d’oeuvres, and d) chill out to live tunes. RSVP to rsvp@dish-dallas.

posted by Raya Ramsey | May 14th, 2012 2:34pm | filed under Events, drinking | (0) Comments »

Join Us For a Jasmine Cocktail at DISH Next Wednesday

My visual interpretation of the Jasmine Garden

A series of four cocktails will be available for taste-testing and voting at Dish next Wednesday, May 16. I will be one of four hosts, each of us “guest bartending,” representing one of the cocktails off the new drink menu. I’ll be showcasing the delightful Jasmin Garden with cucumber, rosemary, berry jam, fresh lemon, St. George Terroir gin, Fruitlab organic jasmine liqueur, and a spritz of Pernod Absinthe served on the rocks with a jasmine flower and lemon wedge. Like a sophisticated garden party in a glass.

Here’s what you need to put on your calendar:
1. Go to DISH next Wednesday, May 16, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
2. Get a token at the door, try the Jasmine Garden, drop your token off at the ShopTalk station to vote for it as your favorite.
3. Enjoy light bites by Chef Garreth Dickey and live music.

posted by Raya Ramsey | May 8th, 2012 3:36pm | filed under Events, drinking | 2 Comments »

Where to Shop in Dallas This Weekend

I thought we’d let you get started early on your weekend shopping.

Heroes & Handbags Tomorrow: This year marks the seventh year for Heroes for Children’s annual handbag auction. Registration is still open so you can still grab a seat at the philanthropic society brunch/designer handbag auction at the Hilton Anatole. A good cause and good bags… life is good. Reserve your spot here.

Shopaholic Alert: Barneys Purple Card: Happening now online and in stores, when you spend $250 at Barneys (perhaps on these shoes?), you’ll receive a $25 gift card. Spend another $250, get another $25 gift card.

Dior at Dillard’s: Head to NorthPark Center’s Dillard’s and make a beeline for the Dior beauty counter on Saturday. From 10 am to 7 pm, beauty and fashion shows will be presented along with Dior beauty makeovers.

How-To at Movida: The affordable Mockingbird Station boutique is showing shoppers how to wear the spring and summer trends. Shop the looks without spending a fortune and take advantage of the in-store makeup, hair, and fashion stylists’ free advice. Plus, your purchase will be 20 percent off.

Bloomingdales, the outlet opens: Everyone keeps shouting, “We’re getting a Bloomies!” Well, yes, sort of. It’s the outlet in Park Lane. I think it will be a wonderful addition to the discount shopping over there, and, as Liz discovered, there’s a $25 for $50 coupon waiting for you to print out on Bloomingdale’s site.

posted by Raya Ramsey | May 3rd, 2012 11:06am | filed under Events, Shopping, drinking | 5 Comments »

It’s Not Too Late to Attend Fashion’s Living Canvas Tonight

You’ve got four hours to change your mind from going to yoga to attending Fashion’s Living Canvas tonight instead. Reserved seating is sold out but there’s plenty of room for standing and besides, you’ll make up for the missed yoga class that way. The event runs from 7 pm to 11 pm with an after party at Gossip Bar from 9 pm to 11 pm. With sold-out seating, you know it’s going to be a see-and-be-seen story. Don’t miss out. Reserve your spot here to watch models be transformed into works of art, a runway show highlighting the designs of Prashi Shah, Isabel Varela, Jesse Thaxton, Danh Ta, Chelsea Bond, and Becca Jett. More details here. See you tonight.

Our incredibly talented StyleSheet photographers will be on hand, ready to capture the magic of the show and the stylish candid moments of attendees. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a look at their world behind the lens.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 10th, 2012 3:29pm | filed under Events, Fashion Show, drinking | (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 »

See and Be Scene: Fashion’s Living Canvas at the Hilton Anatole

A few fall 2012 looks from Izavel at the recent Pin Show. (photography by Duy Nguyen, courtesy of Izavel)

April’s Fashion’s Living Canvas event at the Hilton Anatole is a horse of the different color. Yes, it’s got the pleasant familiarities of other fashion affairs. You’ll admire the collections of local designers (six in total), enjoy emceeing personalities (on deck: LeeAnne Locken and Steve Kemble), munch on light hors d’oeuvres (courtesy of Hilton’s Media Grill + Bar), and sip on mandatory cocktails (bring cash!). But, as a twist on the usual, you’ll also watch models become art on the runway via live “radical” makeup and hair transformations. Check out clothing from Society Language by Prashi Shah, IZAVEL by Isabel Varela, Melancholic Design by Jesse Thaxton, and Danh Ta, and jewelry from Red-i by Chelsea Bond and Haute in Hong Kong by Becca Jett. Show begins at 8:30 pm and will be followed by a DJ for those who aren’t ready to leave.

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 20th, 2012 3:06pm | filed under Events, Fashion Show, Local, drinking | 6 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 »

Win Tickets to Our Exclusive 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas Party

The 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas 2011 (photography by Bode Helm)

Each year, we throw a celebration for the lovely ladies who participated in the 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas contest. All 20 nominees, including the top 10 finalists, show up to mix and mingle with friends, family, fans, and contest supporters. Attendees of this year’s invite-only affair will sip Ultimat Vodka cocktails, nibble on bites from one of the top restaurants in town, chill to tunes from Best of Big D DJ, Willie Trimmer, and enjoy knowing they’re total VIPs (at least for the evening). Every year, we get more requests to attend this swanky fete. (It’s truly a posh little event.) This time, we want to extend the invitation to two lucky ShopTalk readers. Enter HERE to win tickets to join us on Wednesday, December 7, from 6 pm to 8 pm, for cocktails, bites, beats, and a good time. Each winner will get to bring 5 guests. Good luck!

posted by Raya Ramsey | December 1st, 2011 1:40pm | filed under 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas, Events, You're Invited!, drinking | (0) Comments »

The Bottles, Bling and Blogs Event Tonight Just Got More Delicious

New details just in for the evening’s blogger-hosted, Amanda Sterett jewelry-adorned cocktail fete, and you’re invited!

On top of the running social media reel projected on HD TVs–it’s live Twitter gossip for all to see, which seems appropriate in the Hilton Anatole’s Gossip Bar–there will be free cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and sushi served throughout the party. Taste waygu beef carpaccio on French bread with aioli and micro greens, firecracker shrimp with mango chili sauce, herbed goat cheese with roasted pepper tartlets, and sushi. Lots of sushi. Cocktails will be served up by Deep Eddy vodka and Red Bull’s got live music covered.

Valet is complimentary. Details are here. See you tonight!

posted by Raya Ramsey | November 4th, 2011 12:46pm | filed under Events, Jewelry, drinking | (0) Comments »

Come Sip with ShopTalk at Gossip Bar on Friday

Gossip Bar's chic space. (photography courtesy of Hilton Anatole)

This Friday I’m helping host “Bottles, Bling and Blogs” at the Hilton Anatole’s recently opened Gossip Bar. My partners in crime (aka: co-hosts) for the evening include fellow bloggers Erica Nicole of YSF Magazine, Lisa Petty of DFW Style Daily, and Cynthia Smoot of Oh So Cynthia. RSVP to join in on the social media extravaganza and to check out creations from local jewelry designer, Amanda Sterett (a Best of Big D: Readers’ Choice award winner for 2010 and 2011) while sipping on Deep Eddy sweet tea vodka specials. Charge your iPhones to participate in the 60-inch flatscreen Twitter feed and jam to tunes provided by sponsor Red Bull. And yes, our beloved StyleSheet photographers will be there, scouting for the party’s most stylish to shoot. Friday, November 4 from 8 pm to 10 pm. Let us know you’re coming here. Jump for full details on the event and Dallas’ new bottle service bar.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | November 1st, 2011 2:42pm | filed under Events, drinking | 3 Comments »

Drybar Opens its Second Texas Salon in Plano

Drybar Dallas (photography courtesy of Drybar)

No surprise there. The ladies of Plano like to be coiffed to perfection. Drybar, based out of LA and currently operating a hot spot in the Shops at Highland Park (across the street from Al Biernat’s), is opening up Texas location #2 on November 4 at The Shops at Legacy. For those of you who are new to Drybar, these are the things you need to know:

1. A menu contains a list of styles (with photos) from the Manhattan sleek and straight to the Southern Comfort with big hair and curls. 2. Champagne is served. Order up a glass and enjoy the constant rotation of chick flicks. 3. Blowouts are just $35. All the time. Every day. Extra details include snacks available for purchase, iPod charging stations at each chair, and $10 scalp massages upon request.

Go ahead and reserve yourself a seat and a blowdryer for November. Appointments can be booked online.

posted by Raya Ramsey | October 11th, 2011 12:55pm | filed under Spas & salons, drinking, hair | 1 Comment »

Beauty & Puppies Party at Skintastic with Most Eligible Dallas’ Tara Harper (Courtney Will Be There, Too.)

Head to Skintastic’s new Uptown location for a little beauty party, “Cocktail for Tails,” hosted by the med spa’s leading man, Dr. Adelglass, and Most Eligible Dallas’ Tara Harper. The benefit (because in Dallas, there has to be a benefit, you know) will be Paws in the City, of course. Show up between 6:30 pm and 9 pm for free champagne (need I say more?), snacks, goody bags, and a silent auction for treatments, whose proceeds do doggie charity work. If you’re not into injections and don’t enjoy bubbly, perhaps you’re a reality TV junkie? Courtney Kerr will also be at the event, mingling. RSVP here or email info@lamontpr.com.

Wednesday, October 5 at Skintastic. 6:30 pm to 9 pm

posted by Raya Ramsey | September 29th, 2011 2:20pm | filed under Beauty, Events, drinking | 4 Comments »

Skip the Bar. Do Thursday Happy Hour at Sol Ben Hair Studio.

Chic decor at Sol Ben

Every Thursday Sol Ben salon in Uptown is hosting late night beauty happy hour. From 5 pm to 10 pm (they weren’t kidding when they said late), the hair studio is offering cocktails, a menu of blowouts, and complimentary “image consultations” with hair and makeup tips. Pay $35 and select from a world-inspired list of blowouts that include “Moscow Prima Donna” (braided half or full updo), “Parisian Mademoiselle” (elegant ‘do with a “romantique finish”), and “Tel Aviv Babe” (sultry beach waves). I love seeing classics on the menu (like big volume “Dallas Diva” and sleek and straight “Manhattan Chic”), but I really love seeing a few additions to the typical lineup and the fun international names. Plus, as I’ve told you before, I really dig this salon. Make an appointment to guarantee yourself a chair or walk in and see what’s available.

Ps. Guys, don’t feel left out. You can head in, too, for a relaxing massage, shampoo, neck trim, and, of course, drinks.

posted by Raya Ramsey | September 26th, 2011 11:24am | filed under Spas & salons, drinking | 1 Comment »

What to Wear to Fit in at Dallas’ Best Gay Bar,
the Round-Up Saloon

A few weeks ago, as I was leaving the rooftop bar at Renfield’s Corner, Roger, the employee overseeing this territory, called me by name. I’ve got a healthy dose of self-confidence, but honestly I’m a pretty forgettable person. My weekends had officially become far too predictable. This name recognition led me to accept (OK, propose) the challenge to visit the vast majority of D’s Best of Big D Nightlife honorees.

Of course, no one at the magazine specified what I needed to do at these bars, but I believe in Jane Goodall-style journalistic integrity. Immersion, if you will. And last Saturday night I ventured where I’d never gone before: Cedar Springs Road. But what to wear?

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posted by Courtney Egelston | August 9th, 2011 10:01am | filed under Dancing, Nightlife, drinking, drinking and shopping | 3 Comments »

Johnny Rodriguez Salon Launches a Beautifying Happy Hour Menu, and We Likey

Johnny Rodriguez Salon, the 2010 salon winner of the Best of Big D award, has launched some “happy hour” specials. Come in after work, grab a glass of champagne, and relax with the following options: The Night Cap, $55 (relaxing scalp treatment and blowout); A Chase, $20 (glossing treatment); The Roadie, $20 (a scalp massage and leave-in treatment, which you remove the following morning at home); Straight Up, $35 (classic blowout); and The Twist, $35 (a blowout with volume and curls). I love the idea of having a scalp massage after work, heading home with some super luxe leave-in conditioner on my head, passing out, waking up, and rinsing it out to discover my locks are extra lovely. Of course, JR does a great job with a blowout, as well.