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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!

One Stop Christmas Shop

I have to admit, I usually put off all my holiday shopping until the last minute. Trust me, NorthPark on Christmas Eve is no fun. Think long lines and messy, picked over stores.  But this year things are going to be different. I plan on avoiding the crowds by doing my shopping early at the Chi Omega Christmas Market. Dallas-area Chi Omega alums have hosted this lux shopping event for the past 32 years in support of local charities. Here you’ll find everything from women’s fashion and accessories to home décor, so you’ll be able to find a gift for everyone (and maybe even yourself). General admission starts today and ends Saturday at the Dallas Convention Center. NorthPark, I still love you. I’ll be back after the holidays.

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.

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!

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.

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. )

Skinny Bitch Author at The Joule for Vegan Desserts and Book Signing

In honor of the launch of her website HealthyBitchDaily.com, Kim Barnouin, New York Times bestselling author New York Times of Skinny Bitch, will host a happy hour celebration downtown with vegan desserts and organic wine. If you haven’t checked out www.healthybitchdaily.com yet, it’s a straight-forward healthy living advice blog without the sugar coating and with a dollop of fun sarcasm. To toast to the author behind it all, head to The Joule Nov. 4 from 6 pm to 8 pm. 1530 Main St. 214-748-1300. To attend, RSVP to RSVP.03321@luxurycollection.com.

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!

‘Tis the Season for Dallas Sample Sales

Here’s another one. The annual Dallas Sample Sale at Dallas Market Center is here again, and as always, the admission is free, there are hundreds of booths, and giveaways happen daily. You’ll find women’s, men’s, and kids’ clothing, jewelry, home goods, toys, food, furniture, art, etc. at wholesale prices. And, if you bring a canned good for the Resource Center of Dallas, you’ll be entered to win a $100 gas card. Friday, Nov. 6 from 10 am to 7 pm; Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 am to 7 pm; and Sunday, Nov. 8 from 11 am to 5 pm. Dallas Market Center. 2100 Stemmons Freeway.

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.

Trick or Treat Happy Hour and Spa Goodies The Ritz-Carlton Spa

For the first 75 people who reserve a spot, the spa at the Ritz will offer a free happy hour Halloween event, which will include complimentary mini-margaritas, guacamole, gelato, chair massages, make-up consultations, trick-or-treat bags with spa and salon samples, and a 25 percent discount on retail purchases and treatments booked during the evening. We’ve been to these Ritz spa events before, and we’ve told you we love them. They’re worth your while for an hour or two during the week. Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 pm. Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Tomorrow Night: $500 Gift Bag

At least, that’s what they’re saying. Don’t forget the Nicole William’s Girl On Top event at The Limited at NorthPark. If you can’t make Wednesday night’s event, there’s another one on Thursday at The Limited Galleria. If you RSVP, you’ll partake in schmoozing with the other Dallas ladies that have come to participate, free Girl On Top cocktails for three hours, career advice from author of Girl On Top, Nicole Williams, and a 40 percent discount off The Limited’s new business wear. (Yes, yes, and the gift bag.) Both nights run from 6 pm to 9 pm. RSVP here and enter D Magazine in the “How did you hear about GOT?” field. We’ll see you there.

*Update: I was just told gift bags are first-come, first served basis.

Wilhelmina Hot Body Model Search

Noted modeling agency Wilhelmina Models is looking for you. Well, maybe. If you’re a man or woman 18 and up with a hot bod who lives a “healthy and fit lifestyle,” then they might be looking for you. Wilhelmina will be at the Plano Gold’s Gym on Saturday from 10 am-3 pm as part of its nationwide Hot Body Model Search. It’s an open casting call, so everyone is welcome. Go here for more info on the open call event.

Ali Landry in Dallas Today to Introduce Belle Parish, Her New Children’s Clothing Line

Ali Landry (a.k.a. “The Doritos Girl”) is at the Dallas Market Center today to launch her new children’s clothing line, Belle Parish, at Holly Hannon’s showroom – Hope’s Chest. Ali was inspired to develop the line after having her first baby, Estela (pictured at left in a BP frock) in 2007. She and friend, Annie Kate Pons (a former journalist), design the Southern-inspired line that features “classic and vintage styles with a modern twist”. Read more about it here and here. I am sure Ali will be making a stop to visit one of our favorite facialist’s, Renee Rouleau, while in town – the brunette beauty is a loyal client (see photo below).

Renee Rouleau & Ali Landry

Mad Hatter Mondays at Bar Belmont

Need a reason to wear that hat that’s been stashed since Mad Hatter’s? Join local milliner, Cassie MacGregor and a fun crowd of fedora-wearing folks at Bar Belmont tonight to view the latest House of MacGregor collection while you sip on cocktails (there will be drink specials) and catch a view of our captivating skyline.

Black Tie Appropriate: AT&T Performing Arts Center Gala

Saturday night, I (along with Sarah Eveans) attended the Broadway performance and gala at the Winspear Opera House for the grand opening of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. First of all, for those of you who haven’t made it by yet, it’s a must…we are so lucky to have this amazing addition to our city. Now, back to the fashion. The requested attire on the invite was “black tie”. Today, black tie doesn’t necessarily mean what it used to (i.e. dresses don’t have to be floor length, not all men wear a tux). While many women donned beautiful Oscar de la Renta’s (Jeanne Marie Clossey looked stunning in royal blue – pictured at left), as our friend over at Sweet Charity pointed out already (we borrowed the pic from her post- thanks Jeanne!), the rest of the crowds attire was all over the place. Lots of sparkles (including the adorable Kristin Chenoweth’s heels) and shine, but where do we draw the line? Do cropped pants with no socks cut it for men (there was more than one fellow sporting this look)? Should women wear pants? Discuss.

TX/OU Fashion

Urban Outfitters Cardigan

I am sure there are some stylish Texas fans out there that read this blog or, if you’re like me, your significant other is a Texas-ex and die-hard fan. Translation: you will be wearing orange to support the team tomorrow. Instead of sporting tee’s bedecked with Bevo, I’ve done some research and found a few fashionable options to consider, like this orange cap sleeve cardigan pictured at left by Silence & Noise from Urban Outfitters. Jump for more.

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American Apparel Open Call Model Search this Weekend

American Apparel is looking for models for print ads, online, photo shoots and artistic projects – which currently appear in 20 countries worldwide. If you have the figure to flaunt the brand’s daring duds and have always dreamed of gracing the pages of glossy magazine’s, now’s your chance. Stop by the open call this Saturday, October 17th from 1pm to 3pm at the Mockingbird Station location. Get more details here.

Kacky & Carl Third Anniversary Party Tomorrow

Cruise on over to Kacky & Carl tomorrow between 11am and 6pm to help them celebrate their third anniversary! Enjoy cake, champagne and 20% off clothes and jewelry. No gifts necessary. Happy birthday, K&C!

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.

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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