Pass the Courvoisier, Big Poppa

In the late 1980s, the famed fashion designer and artist known as Erté took his love for cognac to a whole new level. For a limited-edition release, Erté designed the decanters and artwork for a seven-bottle collector’s set of Courvoisier cognac, with each image representing a different step in the cognac-making process. Now, in the spirit of the holiday season, Courvoisier has re-released the collection. And, get this, the whole set can be yours for the low, low price of $10,000. When you consider that individual bottles go for $1,500 a pop, I guess that price ain’t so bad. But 10 grand? If you have that kind of dough, more power to you—reserve your set here. As for me, I’ll have to find the real Big Poppa first. Since learning of his split with Kim—the Real Housewives of Atlanta finale confirmed this glorious news—I’m counting on the fact that the high roller is looking for a new main squeeze. Over here, Big Poppa! Over here!

Save Big at Unique Samples

Four times a year, Unique Samples in Bedford throws a wingding of a sample sale. The last one of 2008 is going on right now, and you don’t want to miss it. All merchandise, including brands such as White & Warren, Roxy, Arianne, and Alberto Makali, is priced wholesale, which means you’ll pay at least half of what you would at retail prices. The sale runs through December 5, and the store is open every day—Monday through Saturday from 10 am-8 pm and Sunday from noon to 6 pm, with new merchandise arriving every Monday through Friday. Unique Samples is located at 2816 S. Central Dr., Ste. 152, Bedford. For more information, call 817-267-1617 or e-mail uniquesamples@hotmail.com.

Arts Magnet Fashion Blog Makes Me Feel Old and Uncool

In blog referencing other blog referencing other blog news, cute David Ninh over at the Dallas Morning News tipped us off to something that makes me both nostalgic and jealous: the new fashion blog for the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Arts Magnet Style, run by a Booker T. photography teacher, features pictures of the school’s uber-fashionable kids in all their sartorial splendor. White jeans, shrunken blazers, and vintage sweaters all make an appearance. Sure beats the FFA jackets and Rocky Mountain jeans from my rural East Texas high school days. Go Lions!

YouTube Style Analysis by the Indie Guhls

D Home’s Laura Kostelny just shared with me something so deliciously disturbing and inexplicably entrancing that I had to pass it on to you, dear ShopTalkers. This ode to Kimberly Stewart—daughter of hot-legs-lovin’ Rod and sister of celebrity rehabbin’ Sean—is, um, interesting, and you must watch it now. Here’s a question: Are the Indie Guhls the new Chris Crocker?

Rocking and Rolling With DanniJo

For years and years, musicians of all stripes have been defined as much by their style as their choice of music. And when it comes to fashion, rock-and-rollers have been especially inspirational. I mean, what girl alive in the ’80s didn’t want to dress like Madonna? I know I did. That’s why I was so happy to discover the DanniJo line of jewelry. The two sisters behind the company design all sorts of statement pieces, but it’s their Rock ‘N’ Chains line that has the real rock-star cred. Relying heavily on mixed metals and varying styles of chains, each piece is named for a rock-and-roll great. There’s the Tina, the Etta, the Blondie, and the Cyndi, as well as my favorites: the Rockstar Bangles, the Joan, and the Axl Cuff (pictured left). Buy DanniJo online, or head to Calypso, the only Texas store carrying the line. Your inner rock goddess is waiting.

Bag Snob TV Webisodes

Local fashionista and Bag Snob, Tina Craig, has posted the latest Snob TV webisode on her popular site. The Snobs’ (Craig and her L.A.-based best friend, Kelly Cook) interview fashion designers (such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Devi Kroell, Oscar de la Renta) and insiders and post a new webisode every few weeks. Check out the latest with veteran (since 1981) designer, Michael Kors who chats with Craig about his Spring ‘09 collection, the effects of the economy on fashion, and Project Runway.

Spotted: Minka Kelly and Derek Jeter at Nordstrom

This doesn’t have much to do with beauty or fashion, besides the fact that I was shopping at Nordstrom at Barton Creek Mall in Austin this past Saturday with a friend of mine, when we spotted a couple that we both recognized. It took us a moment to realize who they were. It was none other than “rumored” couple, Derek Jeter (New York Yankees captain) and Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights actress), looking quite chummy. So there you have it. What guy would accompany a girl to the mall unless he was forced to or wanted to spend as much time with her as possible? Speaking of Nordstrom, their Half-Yearly Sale for women and kids starts this Wednesday. Save 40% and more on shoes, handbags, clothes and accessories. Earn twice the rewards points if you pay with your Nordstrom card!

Isaac Mizrahi Is Coming, Isaac Mizrahi Is Coming!

Uh-oh, Talkers. Our Wednesday-night shopping battle just got more interesting. I just realized that Isaac Mizrahi will be in our neck of the woods tomorrow night signing his new book, How To Have Style. Isaac will be at Legacy Books, that fancy new independent bookstore in the Shops at Legacy, at 7 pm. To get an early spot in line, you can pick up tickets at the store as early as 9 o’clock Wednesday morning. You don’t have to have tickets, but it might keep you from getting stuck at the back of the line sweating over whether or not you’ll make it to the front before Mr. Miz has to dash. I’ve loved Issac ever since he had that show on Oxygen where he was always doing weird stuff with celebrities and sharing screen time with his cute dog Harry. And, of course, his collection for Target was fun, too. So what to do on Wednesday night? Too many choices…

2008 Dallas Fashion Award Winners

The 33rd Annual Dallas Fashion Awards gala was held at the Dallas Market Center Saturday night. Max Azria (of BCBG Max Azria) received this year’s Fashion Excellence Award for his Herve Leger collection (which was relaunched in 2007 and has since been seen on many starlets including Lindsay Lohan, Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Kate Bosworth) and Gianna Madrini (Style Editor and Executive Producer of Global Fashion News) was the recipient of the Personal Style Award. Other winners included:
Accessories: Sondra Robert
After 5: Marc Bouwer GLAMIT!
Jewelry: Devn Leigh
Contemporary: Kenzie
Casual contemporary: Taka
Modernwear: Lynn Ritchie
Children’s wear: Florence Eiseman
Bridge/Designer: Zelda

Congrats to all!

Two Days of Trunk Shows at Occhiali Modern Optics

In celebration of Partners Card week, which Sarah already told you about, Occhiali Modern Optics is holding four trunk shows of fabulous designer eyewear. Today until 5 p.m.—you still have a few hours!—check out the complete collections from David Yurman and Alain Mikli. Then tomorrow from 11 am to 5 pm, it’s Tom Ford and Cavalli. A highlight for Saturday’s show: the Tom Ford 007 sunglasses worn by Daniel Craig in the new James Bond flick Quantum of Solace. I’ve never seen a James Bond movie in my life, and I have no idea what “quantum of solace” means, but Daniel Craig? I know about him. Uh huh, I sure do.

Bonobos Gets Into Men’s Pants

Besides making money, the two guys behind New York-based online retailer Bonobos have one main goal: to provide men with “awesome-fitting pants.” You can read more about their story here, but basically these fellas were tired of retail shopping and tired of not being able to find pants that fit them properly. So they started their own business. Their stuff looks pretty snazzy, and the founders are awful cute, too, so I must say I’m a new fan. But just so you know, no matter how you dress them up, boys are still boys. Bonobos is named after the bonobo, a type of chimpanzee, and, as designer Brian Spaly told one reporter, “It’s known to be the most sexually promiscuous animal in the animal kingdom.” Uh, awesome?

Style Network to Fashionable Dallas Families: Bring It!

Hear ye, hear ye! The Style Network (a.k.a. TV, as in, “Honey, will you turn on the TV?”) is searching for fashionable mother-daughter duos to star in a reality show based on The Fashionistas, a Dallas-based organization devoted to fashion appreciation. Think The Hills-meets-glamorous Dallas fashion philanthropy. Go here if you’re a fashionable young lady age 17 to 23. Go here if you’re that fashionable young lady’s fashionable, hip mom. Send all completed forms, pictures, and inquiries to Fashionistas founder Heidi Dillon at heidi.dillon@thefashionistas.org. And do it all by this Friday or you won’t be considered, thereby having no shot at becoming the next Heidi Montag!

Get Your Palin Peepers Now, Darn It!

Here’s one for Mrs. Joe Six-Pack. The Kazuo Kawasaki eyeglass frames sported by Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin are now available at the office of Dr. Arnold M. Stokol in Richardson. That’s good news for both sides of the party fence, I do believe—whether you’re looking to emulate Sexy Sarah’s signature style or you’re just bound and determined to have the most authentic Halloween costume imaginable (à la Lindsay Lohan). According to Stokol’s office, it’s the only place in the area that is carrying the line, so you’d better hurry if you want to snag a pair—ya know, in case there’s a run on the frames before October 31. Go on now, get maverick-y!

Photos from CFDA Dinner

Douglas Little and Amy Vancleave

Peter Som and John Tesar

Thakoon Panichgul and Stacey Coldwall

Clair Parker and Me

Tabletop at The Mansion

Photos by Steve Foxall, Fashion at the Park, NorthPark Center, Fall 2008

A Fashionable Fete: CFDA/Vogue Dinner

Fashion at the Park began on Friday, with a big moment: Roberto Cavalli made a personal appearance at his runway show and the opening bash. While I didn’t attend that (Kristin Hull did and I am sure she will be giving a report), I was lucky enough to be invited to the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America)/Vogue Dinner at The Mansion following the show on Saturday night at NorthPark. Guests mingled with some of the fashions top talents including Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig of Marchesa, Peter Som, and Thakoon Panichgul. I was lucky enough to sit at a table with Thakoon and Douglas Little (of D.L. & Co.), who has a tent on display at FATP featuring his gothic goodies (think: black wax-covered mannequins, skull candles, a fountain filled with dark red “Black Dahlia” perfume, and other creative curiosities), which can be found at many local stores including Barneys and The Nasher Store. Little mentioned that he may plant some roots in Dallas due to how well-received he is in the city (he had a hand in the design of new hotspot, PM at The Joule). Thakoon, on the other hand, had his first experience in Dallas and didn’t care for the drive from the airport (who can blame him?), but he did love NorthPark, Mi Cocina, and The Mansion.

Fashion at the Park Opening

Fashion at the Park began on Friday night with an awesome Roberto Cavalli show. The air was cool, the people were cool and the clothes were cool. Mr. Cavalli even made an appearance and garnered a standing ovation. The first dresses to come down the runway were soft and flirty with hemlines ranging from mini to tea length. Models also donned the most fantastic shoes and booties made of leather and lace. At first, most of the dresses were A-line but later they were reminiscent of the twenties and one model even wore an amazing royal blue jacket that reminded me of the the Tudor era. My favorite pair of shoes came later in the show - purple patent lace-up booties that I would have killed for. Hair and make-up were simple and minimal. Models wore low buns in their hair and faces were very natural with soft pink lips. Throughout the show the designer’s color palette ranged from soft pastels to bright hues to basic black to lovely cream.

Afterward the opening party was in full swing as we sipped champagne under the stars and munched on foie gras burgers, lobster ke-bobs and tuna tartar. The NorthPark people did a great job. It was nice to be in the new outdoor location in the center of the mall. Stay tuned - the Carolina Herrera show is tonight. Stephanie or I will report tomorrow.

Photo courtesty of: Evans Caglage, Fashion at the Park, NorthPark Center, Fall 2008

Constructing the Gommini

Ever wonder how those infamous driving loafers (the “Gommini”) by Tod’s are made or why they get so much hype? Get an inside peek at how the luxe loafers are crafted from beginning to end. Tomorrow and Saturday artisans will be on hand demonstrating the process at the Tod’s boutique at NorthPark from 2 PM - 8 PM. Now is the time to buy that new tote you’ve been coveting for fall, as  on-site monogramming will be available as well. It’s all part of the celebration for NorthPark’s bi-annual Fashion at the Park event. Don’t forget it all starts tomorrow! So if you haven’t purchased tickets (they are only $5-$25 per show) yet, you still have time.

The Future of Fashion?

I have to say designer, Hussein Chalayan has a way of getting people’s attention. He’s certainly got a unique point of view and always creates futuristic fashions that somehow relate to what’s going on in the world today. His Spring 2009 collection features hand-painted dresses (some made of silicone) with blurred images of crushed cars. As Style.com reports, “It’s about the speed in our lives and how it can only result in a crash,” Chalayan explained, adding that the prints, which included number plates, car handles, and fenders, were “taken from pictures of car graves.” You can view a video of the show, that concluded with shattered wine glasses, here. I am definitely intrigued.

Behind The Scenes: 10 Most Beautiful Contest Photo Shoot

Phew! We made it! The last two days have been filled with gorgeous designer clothes, eye shadow, lipstick, curling irons and hair spray as we glammed-up and photographed the winners of D Beauty’s 10 Most Beautiful contest. No, I’m not going to tell you who the winners are - you’ll have to wait for the winter issue of D Beauty to get that information - but I can tell you all of the lovely ladies lived up to their title. They were such a pleasure to work with and they truly looked absolutely fabulous! The backdrops for their photos were various spots in downtown Dallas so it was fun being out on the streets. At one point a vibrantly dressed skateboarder even stopped to pose for a few pics with one of our winners.

Photo shoots are crazy in general. When we first arrive it can take over an hour to get everything from our cars into the “staging area” (whatever that may be - a studio, hotel room, unoccupied office, etc.), organize all the clothes, shoes and jewelry that have been pulled (borrowed) from local designers and stores, and get the hair and make-up artists all set up. At the same time the photographer is usually getting all his equipment set up as well. When each 10 Most Beautiful winner arrived we had her try on several outfits to see what would look best. (more…)

Fashion Fringe

Paris Fashion Week wrapped up on Friday. Marc Jacobs made sure it went out with a bang with his collection for Louis Vuitton. Packed full of eye-pleasing pieces and loads of accessories, it certainly made an impact. Amongst the many trends seen on the runways for next spring (I know, hard to image), fringe seems to be one that made many appearances. At Louis Vuitton it came in the form of feathers and the luxe looks from Hermes got a Texas twist, with leather and suede fringed pieces and accessories. There was even a fringed Birkin! What do you all think Talkers? Do you fancy the fringe?

Fashionista Heidi Dillons Blogs on Couture Snob

Our favorite Fashionista, Heidi Dillon, now has a column called Haute Thoughts by Heidi Dillon on Couture Snob, one of the latest spin-offs from the wildly popular Bag Snob, which we write about in the current issue of D Beauty. While scanning one of her posts, I learned about young Dallas entrepreneur Kirby Allison, founder of The Hanger Project. It left me scratching my head, wondering, why didn’t I think of that? Guess I was too busy watching HGTV.

Jeans Aren’t Just For Your Legs

Nope, not anymore. Jen Abrams has designed a very cool collection of jewelry utilizing vintage denim.  She combines it with 10-karat gold to create earrings, cuffs and rings that are not only unique but incredibly wearable. Whenever I don my Jen Abrams Collection ring EVERYONE notices it and comments on how cute it is. I haven’t seen anything like her pieces before - although now that I wrote this eveyone in town will be wearing them! The Blues Jean Bar in Preston Center carries her line, or you can place an order on her web site. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Stick It To Me

One of my favorite tricks for fixing wardrobe malfunctions is toupee tape. Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like. It is a double-sided tape called TopStick that is intended to keep a toupee from moving around or worse, falling off. Fortunately, I don’t have to use it for that. But I do find it incredibly helpful when my blouses pull apart between the buttons due to my (ahem) ample bosom. I simply place a piece in the section that is pulling and it stays perfectly intact all day long. Toupee tape is also great for keeping low-cut shirts from revealing too much. It adheres to skin as well as to material and doesn’t leave any sticky residue. Simply place it along the edges of your top, then press it against your body and voila, no embarassing mishaps. There are so many ways to utilize this fantastic product that it would take forever to list them all but you name it, TopStick does it - prevents straps from falling down, holds together a hem that is coming apart, keeps collars in place, etc. It comes in pre-cut strips or in a roll (which I like better because you can just cut the size that you need) and can be purchased at any Sally Beauty Supply store. There - now you’re in on a styling secret that you will use over and over again!

Baby Stilettos: Fun Fashion or Faux Pas?

I’m sure you’ve all heard the news. You can now buy your trendy tot her first pair of high heels. The (self-proclaimed) “extremely funny, completely soft” shoes are made by Heelarious for fashionable babes 0-6 months, a.k.a. crib crawlers. They retail for $35 and come in pink, black, leopard print, and zebra print. But some moms aren’t laughing. What do you think? Hilarious or hideous?

Hat Attack

I almost don’t want to tell you about this event. I’m afraid if too many people know then there won’t be anything left when I get there. But I believe in supporting local designers so I’ll take my chances. Here goes: Cassie MacGregor, hat-maker extraordinaire, is having a 50% off sale on all of last seasons styles (which doesn’t mean they’re out of style now, it just means she has created a new line) on Sunday, September 28 from 2-7pm at her studio (614 Davis, Dallas above Bolsa). What’s even better is that Cassie is being incredibly generous and donating 10% of all sales to the Texas Theater restoration project. (Please bring cash only.)