Circuit12 Contemporary is one of Dallas’ latest cool kid hangouts. The Design District art gallery, which is home to modern art, new media, and installations, has become a go-to venue for fashionable shindigs, like new monthly event series, Another Fashion Party. This Friday’s affair, co-hosted by Jim Duran of Blkln features local designer Izabel Varela of Izavel. A tiny $10 gets you in the door to this party with a full bar, a nighttime view of the Circuit12′s works, live tunes by DJs Ynfynyt Scroll & Tony Schwa, and, of course, fashion-obsessed partygoers, who will surely provide all the entertainment you need. Plus, you can check out the latest creations from Izavel, whose wares will be displayed on models posing on risers above the crowd.
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What: Another Fashion Party
Where: Circuit12 Contemporary
When: Friday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Tickets: $10, RSVP here
It’s total excitement overload at The Joule. First, Traffic’s men’s store stunned the crowd with its slick city styles. Then, we got to shop TenOverSix, which opened last week; peruse the coffee table book selection at sleek Taschen library; sniff the aromas stirred up by neighboring coffee house, Weekend (which opens later this month); and take a sneak preview tour of Espa, the hotel’s sexy underground spa, set to open in early June. Now, there’s even more to jump up and down about.
Impressively, Traffic Los Angeles, who hasn’t even opened their women’s shop yet, is already hosting a pop-up shop with merchandise marked down to 40 percent off. It’s happening today. Stop by The Lumen from 1 pm to 9 pm for complimentary sips, light bites, valet, and to shop discounted spring and summer collections from the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Paul Smith, Iro, Comme des Garçons, Dsquared, Rick Owens, J Brand, and more.
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What: Traffic Los Angeles Pop-Up Shop
Where: The Lumen Hotel
When: Today, May 14, 1 pm to 9 pm
Update: Weekend will not open until later this month, and the spa opening has been pushed back to early June.

photography (before crop and filter) courtesy of style.com
We’ve been having a serious love affair with Piermarini boutique and its mix of talented and harder-to-find designers since it first opened in Uptown. Nowadays days, in its Snider Plaza location, the shop is cooler than ever. For example, pop in this Saturday and you’ll be able to meet designer Timo Weiland and peruse his spring 2013 RTW collection. Minimalistic black and white pieces and feminine, mixed pattern dresses mingle with textured separates like skirts and cropped pants in oversized yellow houndstooth, blouses with sheer panels, and a smattering of fun pencil skirts.
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Where: Piermarini
When: Saturday, May 11, 3 pm to 6 pm
Hari Mari sandals, free drinks, clothing from soon-to-open TenOverSix and Original Octane, and live local music all in one scene? You can bet your sweet patootie all the cool kids will be at this warehouse party hosted by House of Plates. All kinds of good stuff is going down this Saturday: music by DJ Chriis at 8 pm, a fashion show at 9 pm, and live tunes by Dallas-based Catamaran at 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Plus, the Hari Mari sandal collection will be out in full force and on display. Hari Maris have since been picked by Scoop NYC and are being seduced by a couple fashionable retail giants, so get on board while they’re still under the radar. See you Saturday.
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What: Hari Mari & The Factory Show
Where: 2625 Main St.
When: Saturday, May 4, 8 pm to 11 pm
RSVP: free
Update: Catamaran is based in Dallas.
This annual event at Neiman Marcus Downtown hits its sixth birthday. This Thursday, gaggles of ladies will flock to the flagship boutique in their finest footwear to march around the block to benefit The Family Place. But as enjoyable as it is hearing the thunderous harmony of hundreds of heels clicking together (I love that sound), let’s be honest: the real fun is in the socializing and clinking champagne glasses afterward. Tickets and sponsorships for the event can still be purchased here and fall under aptly named categories such as “Kitten Heel” and “Slingback.” Proceeds help the organization fight against domestic violence. And don’t worry, fellas, your complaints of being left out have been heard and resolved. Jeanne Prejean has the details on the dudes’ Loafer Lounge on My Sweet Charity.
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Where: Neiman Marcus Downtown
When: Thursday, April 25 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Tickets: $75 to $5,000 here
The skies are going to open up and the sun is going to shine this weekend, so it’s the perfect time to head to Oak Cliff and wander about the Urban Street Bazaar. Hosted by IndieGenius, a shop for independents artisans, the outdoor market will showcase tents full of local goods. I had a few favorite vendors last year, but this year I’m looking adding a few new favorites to my list, like pendant necklaces from That Guy Joey, a soft summer tee from Dowdy Studio, and maybe more tea from By the Grace of Tea.
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Where: Bishop Arts District
When: Saturday, April 6, 11 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, April 7, 11 am to 4 pm
Galleria Dallas’ annual Beauty Live event kicks off this Friday. The weekend event highlights current beauty trends, national makeup artists, makeovers, giveaways, and a handful of beauty panels so you can take home tips and tricks.
I can’t help but put a little extra promotion into Saturday morning’s Beauty Live Expert Panel at 11 am. Not because I’m on it–okay, because I’m on it–but also because it’s going to be a blast to sit down and talk beauty products with my fellow panelists: Holly Quartaro, Pat Smith, Cynthia Smoot, Steve Kemble, LeeAnne Locken and Joanna Hathcock. A $20 ticket (buy it here) will get you a reserved seat at the panel of your choice, plus a gift card. It may sound a little steep, but actually it all goes to a $20 gift card that you get to turn around and spend after picking up some great beauty advise and product suggestions. It’s a winning situation.
If you’re not interested in our Beauty Live Expert Panel, with a heavy heart, I’ll understand. There’s plenty to choose from, including the VIP kick-off affair, Pink’d, hosted by Pat Smith and benefiting her charity, Treasure You. Jump for a full lineup of festivities.

Anine Bing designs, left, and Jane of Sea of Shoes in Anine Bing, right
Thursday is going to be a good night. As per usual in Dallas, there are several great things happening, but first, there’s this killer party happening at Elements. Jane and Judy Aldridge (of Sea of Shoes and Atlantis Home, respectively) will be hosting Anine Bing, Danish singer/model-turned designer and her collection of effortlessly cool tees, motorcycle jackets, leather leggings, studded ankle boots, and wrap bracelet accessories. (You may have seen a couple of her designs on Jane back in October, top right.) If this doesn’t already sound too cool for school, let’s throw in Jane DJing as Paris Vidal, free snacks and cocktails, and, of course, access to shop the entire store with wild abandon (and buzz-fueled guiltlessness.)
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Where: Elements
When: Thursday, December 13, 5 pm to 7 pm
Now that we here at ShopTalk have helped you find gifts for those those on your nice list and told you about our favorite holiday makeup looks, you’re almost ready for holiday party season. Next on your list? Picking up some inexpensive holiday threads for yourself and learning how to style your hair for said party season. For all this, stop by Accents in West Village on Thursday, between 5 pm and 9 pm, for their Holiday Sip, Shop and Style party. Grab a festive holiday cocktail, shop the store with a 25% off discount, receive style instructions on how to do the perfect braided or bun up do, and be entered to win a blow out from Lure Salon.
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Where: Accents
When: Thursday, Dec. 13 from 5 pm to 9 pm
Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk Intern.
The holidays are here, which means cooler weather, lots of shopping for those on your nice list, and hopefully a holiday party or two. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a gift, you should add Sussie’s Annual Holiday Bash to your list of places to stop for a few reasons:
1. The clothing includes some of our favorite lines, like Milly, Haute Hippie, Trina Turk.
2. The in-house shoe boutique, El’s Stilettos.
3. Sussie’s owner Rory Boyd just told me that purchases will be tax free all day.
4. Every $50 you spend, you’ll get you an entry into their raffle, where you could win prizes like a handbag, coat, or Sussie’s gift card.
Need another reason to stop by Sussie’s next Thursday? They will be serving up light bites cocktails all day long.
Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk intern.
For years, only kiddos could experience the joy of slithering through the famous Neiman Marcus Holiday Window Display downtown. Not this year. Finally, we’re invited. In partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, Neiman Marcus Downtown is opening up the festive jungle gym to us big kids on each Thursday before Christmas. (That’s tonight!) Bring a $20 donation (for the NTFB), and from 5 pm to 7 pm, enjoy Adult Crawl Night, where you can sip a complimentary beverage at the NM Espresso Bar and go clambering through the tube. FYI: Bring a pair of pants. No one looks ladylike crawling through tunnels in a dress. Not even if it’s Dolce & Gabbana.
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Where: Neiman Marcus Downtown
When: Every Thursday through Christmas, 5 pm to 7 pm
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
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.
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Where: Make Up For Ever
When: TONIGHT, 6 pm to 8 pm
Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk Intern.
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.
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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.
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.
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Where: Forty Five Ten
When: Friday and Saturday, Friday from noon to 2 pm for reception
RSVP: email here