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Cushion Your Tootsies With Insolia High Heel Inserts

If you knew a world-renowned podiatrist and an MIT rocket scientist had designed high heel inserts would you try them? And what if said design had received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association? Would that make you want to try them even more? I don’t know about you but I think they sound like something we heel addicts shouldn’t live without. The inserts, called Insolia, are the “only high heel insoles that are proven to shift weight.” And what does that do? Well, in simple terms, it allows us to wear our gorgeous shoes longer and more comfortably. (more…)

Big Sale at Melanie Gayle

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of Melanie Gayle’s second store at The Shops at Legacy this week end (today through Sunday) with a 25% storewide discount. Owner Melanie Ramon has a great eye for what Dallas (and Plano!) girls like. I never leave her store without coveting at least half her inventory. And if that isn’t enough incentive to check out Melanie’s goods, both her stores (Snider Plaza and The Shops at Legacy) are offering up to 40% off select fall merchandise. Last one there’s a rotten egg!

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

Gotta Get GogoGear!

As you may know, D Magazine recently moved our offices from the Highland Park area to downtown. And many of us are now parking in garages a few blocks away from the office forcing us to re-think our entire morning routine. I, for instance, had to find a way to get my three inch heels, exercise clothes, work documents and various beauty products to and from my car. (Yes, I’ve become one of those people who walks in flats and changes into my sassy shoes once I get to the office. Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.) For a few days I tried an old stand-by, the backpack. But that just didn’t work. Not only did I feel like a sixth grader but it was too casual  and often heavy causing me to awkwardly lean forward as I walked. Are you picturing this? Right. Not pretty. Fortunately, I happened to stumble upon a bag that stole my heart from the moment I saw it. (more…)

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.

Post-Industrial Rainwear

That’s right, not only is post industrial everywhere in the design world, (you’ll find out more in the 2009 Design Book), it is also showing up in fashion in only the best places.  One of my favorite stores Gardens is carrying these raincoats by Mau made of Tyvec – as in the stuff home insulation is made of.  Go figure.  They are light as a feather, durable, washable and rain resistant.  They’re also very cool.  Regarded as site specific art rather than straight fashion, they make quite a chic statement.  Besides, your Burberry trench is so everywhere now.

Is H&M Blowing Us Off?

NBC DFW says maybe.

Elizabeth Carlock Designs Offers Guilt-Free Shopping

Elizabeth Carlock got right to business after she graduated from SMU in August. Just a month after she received her diploma, she launched her own jewelry company, Elizabeth Carlock Designs. Pretty impressive. The collection includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and hair accessories hand crafted from metal and semi-precious stone. The best part? You won’t feel the least bit guilty after purchasing one of Carlock’s designs. The pieces are reasonably priced, plus it’s for a good cause. Carlock extends funds and support to charities in hopes of making a positive difference in women’s lives. For now, you can get these one-of-a-kind pieces online or via trunk shows.

The Dallas Flea Market Opens Doors Dec. 5

Our very own upscale flea market opens at South Side on Lamar December 5. Made up of rows of Texas-based artists, this flea market will feature all kinds of goodies, like art, home goods, accessories, clothing, furniture, and edible treats. According to the market’s curator, Brittany Edwards, the concept for this flea market was inspired by legendary flea markets in California and New York and will contain a highly edited mix of Dallas’ best jewelry makers, bakers, designers, etc. She’s hoping, she says, to give the public access to some of Dallas’ hidden treasures. So mark your calendars for December 5 and get ready to do some local shopping! Five dollars gets you in the door, and most major credit cards will be accepted. The Dallas Flea. 1409 South Lamar St. www.thedallasflea.com

Fall/Winter Must-Have: Commando Tights

Some of you may be familiar with the barely there, panty line-free underwear line, Commando. It’s one of my personal faves. This fall they introduced a line of hosiery, and I was sent a pair of tights to try out. I have worn them a couple of times now and I have to say, they are amazing. Not only do you not get that line that’s sometimes visible through lightweight fabrics, but the elastic-free construction and “dig-free” waistband makes them quite comfortable. I wore them all day and didn’t feel like ripping them off the second I got home. The matte opaque tights come in solid black and solid brown, and retail for around $32-$34. Find them locally at Neiman Marcus.

Hunting for the Perfect Shades with Jennifer Rade

How do you choose the right sunglasses for your face? We didn’t know, so we asked Jennifer Rade, Angelina Jolie’s stylist and ambassador to new sunglass boutique, ILORI. (She’s pictured left with the head of gorgeous curls.) Here’s what she had to say:

Why did you decide to partner up with ILORI?
I decided to partner with ILORI because the Luxury Sunglass Boutique has its finger on the pulse of trends in both fashion and eyewear, and is a true arbiter of style in both realms. Eyewear is that final piece that finishes off a look, and can be the extra touch of glamour and sophistication, or the edgy accessory that pulls everything together.

What is the trick to finding the right lens shape for your face?
I do feel that analyzing your face shape is a good place for consumers to start when selecting sunglasses, as a more rounded pair of sunglasses can soften a strong jaw line and a more squared style can help add definition to a rounded jaw line.  But I don’t feel that face shape is the only factor to choosing the right pair(s) of sunglasses.  (more…)

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.

Jean Paul Gaultier Designs Collection for Target

Whoever started the discount store/designer collaboration movement was a genius. Target’s partnerships with Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui have proven successful and I can only imagine that their next one with Jean Paul Gaultier will be equally as popular. Gaultier, a favorite of Madonna, is known for starting the underwear as outerwear trend, and he always puts on one of the most exciting and elaborate shows during Fashion Week. His line for Target will only be sold at 250 stores nationwide so when we all kneel down to say our prayers tonight let’s put in a plug for one of those being a Dallas location. The collection will debut on March 7 and only be in stores until April 11. So if you’re super anal like me, mark your calendars now! (Laugh if you will but I will be the one laughing all the way through the checkout line in the end.) If I find out which stores will be carrying Gaultier’s goods I’ll be sure to let you know.

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. )

Herve Leger Now Open at NorthPark

The popular skin-tight bandage dresses by designer Max Azria are now available to daring Dallas divas in an array of styles at the new NorthPark location. New styles for the season include strong shoulders, removable sleeves (like look pictured at left), embellished fabrics, and exotic prints. New Year’s is just around the corner and there’s bound to be a few fabulous options in this store!

‘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.

Intimacy Founder, Susan Nethero, on The Oprah Winfrey Show Today

If you read my rave review of NorthPark’s Intimacy store, then you know you have to run home at lunch and set your Tivo to record Oprah today. When I had my bra fitting at the opening party for the store I was lucky enough to be fitted by the founder, Susan Nethero. This Atlanta resident was sweet as could be and bubbling over with valuable information not only on how bras should fit but how the right fit can make a women feel more beautiful and confident than ever before. She was back in town last week for another Intimacy event and as we chatted her passion for helping women experience the perfect bra was clear. See what she has to say today on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Men’s Custom Clothiers in Dallas

Guys, if you don’t have a subscription to D CEO, then you may not have seen the latest issue that includes an article on “The Best Custom Clothiers in Dallas” by our talented and stylish Creative Director, Todd Johnson. He has the scoop on where to find the best custom apparel including suits, shirts, slacks, and more. Girls, take note, Christmas is just around the corner and you’ll find some goodies for yourself while you’re at it!

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.

Saks Fifth Avenue’s “Off 5th” Opening This Week

Who couldn’t use a little Off Saks these days? We’re getting a big, brand, shiny new one cross from NorthPark. Opening its doors tomorrow, the Saks will be part of the new shopping area that has sprouted across from the mall. The Saks Fifth Avenue outlet version will be home to all kinds of designer clothing and accessories for discounted prices. Get excited!