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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!

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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Girl on Top Book Tour Event (Plus 40% off at The Limited, Free Cocktails, and $500 Gift Bag)

Here’s an event we, at ShopTalk, are excited about. Nicole Williams, author of freshly released book, Girl on Top, presents her expert advice to you in this tale of career advice, where she turns “dating rules into career success.” Playing hard to get, she says, can actually apply in the business world, too. Exploring attitude, stress, networking, etc., this tell-all book aims to make work “glamorous, relevant, and fun.” Anyone that can make work feel like a trip to the mall is worth a trip to see, right? The career coach herself will be in attendance at two fun events here in Dallas on her book tour. They’ll take place at The Limited, because, as Nicole confirms, “clothes are a big part of it. (You can tell your husbands she said that.) Sign up now—spots are limited—to get in on the fun, which will include:

• 40 percent off on The Limited’s new business-chic attire
• free cocktails all night
• a $500 gift bag (Warning: I don’t know what’s in them.)
• career advice from Nicole Williams

The events are free, but you must reserve yourself a spot. Click here, and make sure you mention D Magazine in the “How did you hear about GOT?” field to book yourself a place. We’ll see you there! Event dates: Wednesday, Oct. 28, The Limited at NorthPark and Thursday, Oct. 29, The Limited at Galleria. Both run 6 pm to 9 pm. Don’t forget to choose the correct date when you sign up.

Preview the Tibi Spring 2010 Collection at The Shak

This Friday, October 16 from 6:30-8:30pm The Shak, Dish Dallas and Tibi designer, Amy Smilovic will be hosting a Tibi fashion show in the courtyard between Stanley Korshak and The Shak. You’ll be able to peruse Tibi’s bright, cheerful spring 2010 collection in person as well as watch it move on the runway (show starts at 7:15). You must rsvp to rsvp@stanleykorshak.com to attend. In addition, The Shak will be having a Tibi trunk show and selling event from October 15-17. Ten percent of proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. This is a gorgeous collection – don’t miss the chance to see it up close and meet the designer!

La Mer’s “Ten Reasons to Believe” Free Event at Neiman Marcus NorthPark

What makes La Mer the Manolo Blahnik of the skincare world? Book an appointment with the La Mer team at Neiman Marcus NorthPark to find out. You’ll enjoy a signature La Mer skincare and skincolor treatment while learning more about the line. You’ll meet with Loretta, La Mer’s senior vice president of the Product Development and Innovation team. Appointments are available between 11 am and 2 pm, but call now to reserve your free spot. 214-363-8311, ext. 2533.

Alain Mikli Trunk Show at Occhiali

Occhiali Modern Optics will be all about color this Thursday when the eyewear shop hosts a trunk show featuring designs by Alain Mikli. The French designer is known for using unique shapes and colors (he was responsible for Kanye West’s famous shutter shades), so Occhiali is devoting the entire evening to color. Besides browsing fashionable eyewear, you can also sip on a “moodtini” (poured in a shade to match your mood) and have your aura read. The free event goes from 6 to 8:30 pm.

For All Fashionistas: Don’t Miss the “Haute on the Trail” Event

This fantastic (and free!) event on Wednesday, October 7 from 6-9pm located at The Travis at Katy Trail (4711 Travis St. at Knox) will honor both The Friends of Katy Trail as well as Texas’ Next Top Designer. Enjoy live music, nibbles from Toulouse, wine from Hall Wines and sake by Ty Ku while you preview The Travis at Katy Trail’s newly-renovated common areas adjacent to the Katy Trail as well as tour residences including the penthouse. And if that isn’t enough Texas’ Next Top Designer winners and finalists will be presenting their 2010 collections at a trunk show throughout the property. Designers include: Abi Ferrin of Abi Ferrin, Megan Summerville of Sew Sister Lingerie, Chance Jackson of Chance Handbags, James Martinez of Barron and J, Lessie Pool of Minivir, Jessica Sharpe Designs, Darian Thomas of Darian Thomas and Rachelle Dauphinée of Rachelle Dauphinée Jewelry. RSVP to FashionParty@TheTravisAtKatyTrail.com. Complimentary valet parking.

“YEOHLEE: DESIGN FOR NOW” Exhibition Crow Collection of Asian Art: Designer Yeohlee Teng Visits Dallas

Yeohlee Teng

F/W 2009

Renowned fashion designer, Yeohlee Teng, is in town for the opening of her exhibition, “Yeohlee: Design For Now”, at the Crow Collection of Asian Art. The Malaysian-born designer (who resides in New York), is known for her innovative and functional style and will be giving a lecture and signing books tomorrow in the Horchow auditorium at the DMA at 6:30 P.M., following the members preview on the mezzanine level of the Crow Collection on Flora Street. The exhibition (which will be open to the public from October 3 – January 3) centers around four themes: Urban Nomad, Made in New York, Fluid Geomety, and Zero Waste; and will feature 30 pieces from designer’s 2004-2009 collections, including a skirt that has been deconstructed and installed in square panels of the sky bridge. I caught up with the designer, who had just had lunch at Seventeen Seventeen, on the phone this afternoon. Jump for a short Q&A and to get more information on the events surrounding the exhibit.

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Mint by Jodi Arnold Trunk Show at Elements

From October 7 through 10, Elements (pictured left) is hosting a trunk show of Jodi Arnold’s newest line of clothing. Renamed to Mint, the line now reflects Jodi’s most recent design inspiration: busy modern women who need clothing that works from morning to evening every day. Sounds like us to me! The pieces are created to “make life easier” and work with what’s already in your closet. “I just want to create clothes that I would wear myself,” Jodi says. “Clothes that have a soul.” Elements.