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.

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.

Where: Piermarini
When: Saturday, May 11, 3 pm to 6 pm

photography (before crop and filter) courtesy of Hari Mari

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.

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.

photography (before crop and filter) by StyleSheet

Stiletto Strut.

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.

Where: Neiman Marcus Downtown
When: Thursday, April 25 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Tickets: $75 to $5,000 here

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.

Friday 6PM: PINK’D, BEAUTY LIVE KICK-OFF EVENT
Join Galleria Dallas and Honorary Chairs, Pat & Emmitt Smith, as we kick-off the 5th annual Beauty Live event with PINK’d, on Friday, March 1 from 6 – 9 PM in “The Alley”, located near the Grill on the Alley. Enjoy signature cocktails, bites and Celebrity DJ Brandon Olds spinning. Complimentary valet parking at event entrance. 100% of ticket sales benefit Treasure You, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women!

Saturday 11AM: BEAUTY LIVE EXPERT PANEL
Our panel of beauty experts shares their insider beauty secrets and their ‘can’t live without’ beauty products! Expert Panel: Holly Quartaro, Pat Smith, Cynthia Smoot, Steve Kemble, Raya Ramsey, LeeAnne Locken and Joanna Hathcock. PLUS RECEIVE A $20 GIFT CARD TO GALLERIA DALLAS.

Saturday 12PM: NORDSTROM PRESENTS SOLUTIONS TO YOUR TOP 10 BEAUTY CONCERNS
Join Nordstrom’s Regional Beauty Director, Karen DeLauro, and her team of beauty and skincare experts as she shares the solutions to every woman’s top 10 skincare and beauty concerns! Get inside tips on how to achieve spring’s glowing skin, brightest eyes, luminous hair, and learn about the latest breakthroughs in beauty technology. PLUS RECEIVE A $20 GIFT CARD TO NORDSTROM!

Saturday 1PM: TONI&GUY PRESENTS COLORSMASH & PRETTY PLAITS
A fabulous cut and color are important, but there is so much more! TONI&GUY, a leader in the latest hair trends, demonstrates how to create the hottest braids and temporary hair coloring for a look that will make heads turn. PLUS RECEIVE A $20 GIFT CARD TO TONI&GUY

Saturday 2PM: PAT SMITH, TREASURE YOU
Join Pat Smith, Founder and CEO of TREASURE YOU, as she shares her personal journey to founding her non-profit that helps women rediscover their self-worth and treasure their God-given talents. Plus view the reveal of our four TREASURE YOU BEAUTY LIVE MAKEOVER winners live on stage! RECEIVE A $20 GALLERIA DALLAS GIFT CARD!

Saturday 3PM: MACY’S PRESENTS SHAKE UP YOUR MAKEUP
Make a statement that is unique and all your own this season! Find out the latest beauty trends from lip to brow from Macy’s top cosmetic brands. PLUS RECEIVE A $20 GIFT CARD TO MACY’S!

Saturday 4PM: SEPHORA PRESENTS THE PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR: EMERALD
You are invited to experience color by dipping into Emerald, the 2013 PANTONE Color of The Year. Based on a gem that is rarer than diamonds, this vibrant, universally-flattering shade informs this spring’s must-have beauty collection from Sephora + PANTONE—and sets the tone for 2013. Whether you dare to go bold, or only add light accents of emerald, you’ll be introduced to playful shades that will ignite a newfound love of color. PLUS RECEIVE A $20 GIFT CARD TO SEPHORA!

Sunday 1PM: MAC COSMETICS PRESENTS CREATING A FLAWLESS FACE
MAC COSMETICS is one of the leading brands in cosmetic artistry, and their pros are here to share their secrets! Learn what’s HOT, and how to create that perfect flawless look on your own. PLUS RECEIVE A $20 MACY’S GIFT CARD TO USE AT MAC COSMETICS!

Sunday 2PM: STEVE KEMBLE PRESENTS MAN-OVER (MAKEOVER FOR MEN!)
Steve Kemble, America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru, shares the secrets to making every man look his best! Steve will be giving away full-sized products, so if your man is in need of a MAN-OVER, you won’t want to miss this session! PLUS RECEIVE A $20 GALLERIA DALLAS GIFT CARD!

Sunday 3PM: JOANNA’S FAVORITE THINGS
Win one of Joanna’s Favorite Things! Joanna Hathcock, Model, Makeup Artist and Beauty Coach, has hand picked dozens of her favorite beauty must-haves and she is sharing the love! PLUS RECEIVE A $20 GIFT CARD TO GALLERIA DALLAS

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.)

Where: Elements
When: Thursday, December 13, 5 pm to 7 pm

Where: Accents
When: Thursday, Dec. 13 from 5 pm to 9 pm

Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk Intern.

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.

Where: Neiman Marcus Downtown
When: Every Thursday through Christmas, 5 pm to 7 pm

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

Make Up For Ever's holiday look, left, and a few of our fav Rent the Runway holiday dresses

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.

Where: Make Up For Ever
When: TONIGHT, 6 pm to 8 pm

Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk Intern.

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.

photography courtesy of Forty Five Ten

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.

Where: Forty Five Ten
When: Friday and Saturday, Friday from noon to 2 pm for reception
RSVP: email here

Me: How do you feel men in dallas will react?

Jim: I think the style here in Dallas for men is pretty formulaic and they seem to adopt a uniform. What I did in launching here in Dallas is give an alternative perspective to those fashion forward thinkers. I’m not saying I’m here to change the Dallas fashion scene. I just want to give them a different option.

Raya: Who is your customer?

Jim: My customer is a downtown rock-and-roll guy who’s very edgy, very fashion forward, is a free thinker, and isn’t afraid to take risks in his wardrobe.

A friend of mine was like, “So are you tailoring the collection to Dallas?” and I was like, no. Why would I do that? With any designer, you shouldn’t tailor designs to fit a specific city. I’m just designing what I know, what I’m best at, and what I feel comfortable with, and I’m just hoping Dallas likes it.

Me: Where do these pieces get worn?

Jim: It’s definitely special event, going out. But I mean, if I were in New York and I had this, I’d just wear it because it’s Tuesday. One of the things I’m most proud of is the wearability of everything even though it is fashion forward.

Raya: Where will this line be bought?

Jim: I’m going to focus on specialty boutiques because I know that my customer is a very specific customer.

Raya: What about the price point?

Jim: The price point is really going to be across the board. I didn’t want to make it to terribly expensive, but I do have some pieces that are going to cost a little bit more. A cotton tank is going to be around $60 to $75. The hoodie, $600 to $700, and the jeans are going to range from $250 to $400.

Cowl neck shirt with ostrich shoulder details (left) and a row of monochromatic separates (right)