Brown satin and ostrich feather evening bag by Anthony Luciano

Erin Ahlfinger, D Magazine intern and fearless reporter, tackled the Heroes and Handbags event Friday, May 4. Her review below:

The seventh annual Heroes and Handbags Luncheon was the place to be Friday morning to shop for a fantastic bag for a great cause. Five hundred of the most fashionable women in Dallas gathered at the Hilton Anatole for a silent auction and luncheon benefiting Heroes for Children, a local non-profit dedicated to providing assistance to families of children fighting cancer.

Retailers and private donors contributed hundreds of vintage and designer handbags in styles ranging from elegant evening bags to funky floral totes. Highlights included the custom “Bella” clutch designed by Elaine Turner exclusively for Heroes for Children, but it was a brown satin and ostrich feather Anthony Luciano evening bag that stole my heart, but in auctions, as in life, there’s always the one who got away.

Heroes for Children co-founders Larissa Linton (left) and Jenny Scott (right) with Executive Director Kristy Hensel

Designer Susie Straubmueller was on hand to chat with attendees about her ostrich handbag valued at $4,500. Thanks to aesthetician Renee Rouleau, not a single bag left empty. The skin care goddess was kind enough to attend and provide everyone with a jar of her signature Glow Enhancing Cream.

Modern technology took all the fuss out of the event by allowing attendees to place and update their bids in real-time via text message. This transformation of smartphones into auctioneers made for less time spent bidding, and more time spent mingling and sipping mimosas.

As the auction came to a close and lunch was served, Heroes for Children beneficiary Hagan Hoppess spoke genuinely about how her battle with a rare bone cancer and the impact Heroes for Children had on her family, evoking a standing ovation and bringing many to tears.

Since its inception in 2004, Heroes for Children has provided over $3.5 million in aid to families struggling with the everyday challenges of caring for a child with cancer. Founders Larisa Linton and Jenny Scott hoped to raise $300 thousand dollars from this year’s Heroes and Handbags auction. That goal was exceeded with the total ringing up at $323,000 and 275 bags sold. –Erin Ahlfinger

St. John pre-fall 2012 lace-sleeve shimmer Milano knit dress

This stunner is part of the pre-fall collection, which will be on display at the St. John boutique’s open house and grand re-opening in Highland Park Village on May 19 from 1 pm to 5 pm. Champagne and light bites are being served all day.

Chandra North, Dallas model and event co-chair, wears the Cover Clothing American Cancer Society tee.

Here are two super fun, incredibly chic events to add to your calendar. First, on Tuesday, May 15, Five and Ten is place to be to celebrate Dallas-based Cover Clothing’s partnership with The American Cancer Society. Each purchase of the long-sleeve white tee, right, sends $10 to the cancer awareness group. Check out all of the “sun conscious” clothing and grab hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in Highland Park Village from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Then, the same week, on Thursday, May 15, at 5 pm, you can treat yourself to a glam night at Sol Ben Hair Studio. Talk to the pros about how to look your best from head to toe and check out Kendra Scott bling paired with neighboring Flirt Boutique fashions during a runway show. Plus, if you are one of the first 50 guest to the party at 2404 McKinney Ave., you will take home a swag bag. You can RSVP by calling 214-871-7700 or emailing solbenhairstudio@gmail.com.

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.

Yellow blouse and tribal mini at Adeline. Not a mini lady? Go with a pencil skirt.

We just finished telling you why Dallas-based Hari Mari flip flops are worth the purchase (like comfort and earth-friendliness), but we forgot to tell you all about the event tonight at Adeline on Lovers. The timing is perfect as you can reserve one parking space, head across the street to Hemline for some French Connection, pop up at Lou Lou for some Mother’s Day trinkets, and then move on to Adeline, from 6 pm to 9 pm, for the store’s one year anniversary, snacks, delicious sangria (as good as Eppa?), and, wait for it, drum roll… Hari Mari sandals! The founders will be on hand, chatting about their footwear. Then, shop the rest of the store and get 15 percent off. I’m eyeing the yellow blouse, right.

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.

Villy Custom Purple Plush Bicycle

If you are far too sophisticated to down tequila shots in a sombrero this Saturday (I am skipping down to do some classy canoeing), then you’ll want to head instead to Forty Five Ten for “Cruiser Day.” An assortment of about 25 Villy Customs Bicycles will be available for purchase on the patio. The local brand of made-to-order bikes are super hip and fat-tired for leisurely pedaling around town. If you’re looking to make a statement and your jewelry isn’t cutting it, try one of these on for size.  If you don’t see the perfect fit from the available selection, design your own. The staff will be taking custom orders. If you know my affection for purple, it won’t surprise you that I’m in love with this “Purple Plush” bicycle, right. Everything can tailored from the style of the handlebars down to the color of the tires. Don’t miss out. Saturday, May 5 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Edgar Gómez Spring Collection at Cohn Drennan Contemporary: Local designer Edgar Gómez reveals his “Birth of Venus” spring collection tonight to the masses at this arts gallery from 7 pm to 9 pm. A $20 donation is suggested to benefit the Creative Arts Center of Dallas but cocktails are on the house.

Dezso Does Dallas at Forty Five Ten: A trunk show and personal appearance by Dezso jewelry designer Sara Beltran is taking place today and tomorrow all day in the store. Pick up an ocean-inspired accessory to celebrate the arrival of spring (and 90-degree days).

Meet Carlos Falchi’s Designer at Stanley Korshak: Scoot over the shoe and handbag salon to meet the luxury handbag designer from noon to 5 pm. Explore the colorful snakeskin totes and clutches alongside their maker.

Happy Birthday, Talulah Belle: In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the boutique is hosting a little fete. Head to the store tonight, from 6 pm to 8 pm to wish another 10 years of success and, perhaps, pick up an early present for mom. Plus, there will be food, drinks, live music, raffle prizes, and a 10 percent discount to shoppers.

Spring Sale for Friends and Family at Hemline, Lou Lou, and Mine: You are a friend of Hemline, Lou Lou, and/or Mine no? If not, hurry up and get acquainted. This weekend, through Sunday, take 20 percent off your entire purchase at these fantastic, neighboring boutiques.

photography courtesy of scottjamesonline.com

Scott James joins hands with The Make-A-Wish Foundation for its trunk show tonight at Original Octane. Check out the line’s spring/summer collection and should you decide to make a purchase (the Arden seersucker suit in gray, perhaps, or a pair of five-pocket pants in lime?), or, if you make a $10 donation to Make-A-Wish, you’ll be entered into a giveaway for a weekend getaway wardrobe selected by Scott James Kuhlman, the brand’s designer. Tonight, April 25 at Original Octane from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Update: There will be margaritas and light bites. Now you’re going for sure, right?

photography courtesy of style.com

I can think of very little that compares to the joy of meeting the designer who creates the clothing that takes my breath away on the runway. It adds soul to a garment to meet its maker and understand why it was created. That’s why you can’t miss the opportunity to meet designer Jeremy Laing this Thursday night for a welcoming reception at V.O.D. (He’ll be in the store all day Friday, as well.) He’ll be in the boutique with a selection of his spring 2012 RTW pieces up for grabs. The collection is full of  lustrous fabrics, translucent tops and dresses, utilitarian style rompers, and oversized jackets in earthy neutrals. If you’re not brave enough to rock some of the heavy, artistic, geometrical shapes, you can pick apart wearable separates that will enhance your wardrobe for a long time to come. (See the metallic jacket, sheer printed dress, and off-the-shoulders top above.) V.O.D. 6 pm to 9 pm. RSVP at talk@vodboutique.com.

Update: fall will be available for pre-order.

My can't-live-withouts: Quench Hydrating Face Serum, Deep Tissue Repair Cream with Peptide K8, and ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment.

I have picked my can’t-live-without skincare products from brands all over the board. I’ve got my earth-friendly Hugo Naturals soap stock, luxurious Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme, beloved Revision Skincare Intellishade tinted moisturizer, etc. But if you asked me my two favorite skincare lines ever, it would come down to Renee Rouleau (whose purse we spilled yesterday) and Kate Somerville. These are lines that I love from wash to moisturizer and everything in between. My love affair with the Kate Somerville line began when I had the opportunity to sit down with Kate and talk product. Her understanding of skin from the inside out and passion for results is what drives this collection of lotions and magic potions. (Read up on her philosophy here.) The deal was sealed when I played with several products from the line. Each one had a glorious texture and an immediate effect on my face. You have an opportunity to meet Kate, too, in a Master Class at the Kate Somerville counter at Neiman Marcus Willowbend on Friday, and I highly recommend it if you’re in the market to see difference in your skin. Friday, April 27 at 11 am or 2 pm. Reservations can be made by calling Gina at 972-629-1700 ext. 1333.

If you can’t make this work, consider picking up the Glow Kit. You’ll be as head over heels as I am. I know it.

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.

The Cleanse collection.

Lure Salon is throwing a little fete with Good Morning Texas‘ Amy Vanderoef in celebration of the a new haircare collection the ec0-friendly beauty parlor will carry. Meet Intelligent Nutrients, a natural beauty line that aims to take some chemical exposure out of your daily routine by using food-grade ingredients, plant stem cells, aromatherapy, and no pesticides, pthalates, or other toxic additions. Bottles of goodness are packed with ingredients with purpose: seeds for nutrients, a patented oil blend for its antioxidant properties, flower extracts for their hydrating properties, and more. Head in this Wednesday, April 11, from 6 pm to 8 pm for wine, light bites, music, and giveaways. Anyone can attend, but it’ll help if you give them a heads up and email info@luresalondallas.com as a quick RSVP. A part of the evening’s proceeds (perhaps you’ll stock up on shampoo or schedule a cut and color?) will go to Earth Day Dallas.