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!
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.
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. )
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!
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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!
Louis Vuitton lovers, rejoice! The new store at NorthPark Center is now open, and it’s the biggest LV location in Dallas. The 6,200-square-foot space features a large women’s lounge area and a display of antique trunks, among many other special design touches. Merchandise includes luggage, handbags, men’s and women’s shoes, watches, jewelry, sunglasses, textiles, ties, and other accessories. This is great news, if only because you now have such easy access to the Christmas gift you’re going to buy for me. Just in case you’ve forgotten, it’s the Keepall 50 with shoulder strap that I have my eye on. Happy shopping!
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.
In honor of Partners Card week, which starts Friday, October 30 and benefits the Family Place, Merge is offering its customers complimentary muffins and mimosas next Friday from 8-11 am. The store will open early for the special event. If you don’t have your Partners Card yet, you can pick that up at Merge as well. It’s 60 bucks and it will get you a 20 percent discount through Sunday, November 8 at this long list of restaurants and retailers.
About five years ago, Jen Menchaca set out to make a t-shirt—not just any t-shirt, mind you, but a very specific t-shirt. Growing up, she loved the comfort and ease of her dad’s old white v-necks, and she was determined to re-create that feel in a stylish lady version. So, she did. And, turns out, people loved it. Thus was born Nation Ltd., Menchaca’s line of comfy, cozy tees, tanks, dresses, and more. Yesterday, the Texas native and U.T. grad stopped by our offices for a little meet-and-greet. She described her clothes as “approachable, easy, and down to earth,” and you could say the same about Menchaca herself. She chatted about her Texas girlfriends and how they always shop for the most fitted tops they can find, a sharp contrast to Menchaca’s easygoing L.A. style. She also came bearing a sample from the fall 2009 collection, which is why I’m currently sporting Nation’s vintage baseball jersey (that’s Menchaca in the photo wearing the same). Not sure how sexy I look in the one-size-fits-most number, but boy am I comfortable. This thing is crazy soft, and the bell sleeves add an extra level of roominess. Maybe we should all take a cue from the California girls—at least every once in a while. You can find Nation locally at Merge, Mine Boutique, Betty Cupcake, Stanley Korshak, and Nordstrom.
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
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.
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.

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.
We introduced readers to the private lifestyle atelier, Hadleigh’s, in the September issue of D. It was located in the back of the owner’s (Gable and Ed Shaikh – pictured at left with daughter, Hadleigh) Kessler Park home. They recently relocated the shop to suite #74 in Highland Park Village – above Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. The newly designed space features charcoal maple floors with snow-white walls, an open ceiling with exposed rafters and Italian club chairs…a chic base for the beautiful bespoke wares (i.e. Barker Black, Cesare Attolini, d’Avenza, and Emanuele Maffeis) offered at the appointment-only boutique. Call 214.770.4743 or visit www.hadleighsbespoke to book an appointment now!
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.
I’m new to Mad Men, and like any convert, I’m obsessed. I have Mad Men outfits. I pretend I’m going to Ossining, New York, when I’m taking DART to Mockingbird Station. And I desperately want to copy Betty Draper by going to Italy, piling my hair up in a very, very, very high beehive, and kissing my husband Don Draper. In the meantime, I am making due with this gorgeous book–Italian Touch by Donata Sortorio. This gorgeous book almost makes me forget all about the fractious families on Mad Men for a moment or two and instead focus on gorgeous and stylish Italian families and how they live. How do they get away with looking this good in casual clothes? Seriously, do you know how absurd my family would look if we tried to pull off this off? Sigh. Go get the book now.
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.
Ilori will be the boutique-style home of designer sunglasses. Their goal is to keep limited edition shades and hard-to-find styles in the shop. This Dallas location will mark Ilori’s 25th store in North America. Brands for men and women will include Chanel, Oliver Peoples, Ray-Ban, Tiffany & Co., and emerging artists like Proenza Schouler and Derek Lam. Come celebrate the opening with their Wednesday, Oct. 21 party. Gracing us with her presence will be stylist Jennifer Rade (who deals with her highness Angelina Jolie). She’s teamed up with the boutique to keep eyewear as fashionable an accessory as any other. On Wednesday night you’ll have the chance to find the perfect sunglass shape for your face with knowledgeable in-store consultants. And if you decide to buy a pair, all purchases made will be donated to The Elisa Project, an organization dedicated to spreading eating disorder awareness and treatment. NorthPark Center, Level One. Wednesday, Oct. 21. 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. RSVP to the event at 917-553-1217. Photo of limited edition Tom Fords from Ilori’s 2009 lookbook
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:
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.
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!