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A Few Favorite Things From a Few Favorite Dallas Blogs

One of the absolute most challenging and exhausting parts of my job (other than manning the ShopTalk Pinterest account), is being forced to peruse other local style blogs. Click and scrolling and scrolling and clicking through endless amounts of beautiful things can really wear a girl out. But I’d like to share my fav finds with you.

design by Charlotte Tobin, photography: black and white dress by StyleSheet, Chanel models courtesy of Chanel, Hanh Merriman courtesy of Life in Travel

1. The white cutwork eyelet dress on Dress Rebecca Jean. Lovely.
2. Our own Joslyn Taylor’s fun coin sculptures find on Simple Lovely. Pretty and fun.
3. The gorgeous white dress with black lace appliqué on our StyleSheet blog.
4. and 5. Sea of Shoes spotlight on Chanel’s 2013 resort collection. (Oh yeah, and the Weston printed silk journal in Jane Aldrige’s Mother’s Day post.)
6. The Mother’s Day gift guide on Mimosa Lane. I love the retro sunglasses.
7. Hanh Merriman’s stunning black cape on Life in Travel. I love capes to begin with, and the addition of leather sleeves and sheer fabric send me over the edge.

posted by Raya Ramsey | May 16th, 2012 1:02pm | filed under I'm Obsessed | (0) Comments »

My Favorite Things Right Now: Spiked Sandals, Bustier Swimwear, Tribal Clutches, and Lanvin’s Eagle Belt

(clockwise from top left)

BCBG Max Azria “Nasha” color-blocked dress
This off-the-runway piece makes my heart pitter-patter. That sexy neckline, pops of neon, shoulder cutouts, flowing skirt…sigh. So cool.
BCBG NorthPark, $598

7 For All Mankind cut-off shorts in Pink Whiskered
7′s summer collection is a throwback assortment with patchwork denim, metallic skinnies, and variety of printed jeans, like ikat, floral, and tribal. I’m in the market for the perfect cutoff shorts, though, and this pair is it.
7 For All Mankind NorthPark, $178

Christian Louboutin Lady Max spiked sandals
I’ve always loved spikes, chains, and anything else that says, “I’m a badass.” And then spikes saturated the trend market, and girl next door started wearing them, and it took the fun out of it. But these sandals could renew my love for the look. Subtle but wicked.
Barneys New York, $1,495

Lizzie Fortunado “Midnight Cruiser” tribal print iPad clutch
I love all the Lizzie Fortunado statement necklaces, but the leather collection of cross-bodies, satchels, and oversized clutches with the tribal print motif are equally wonderful. I’d pair this with solid black attire (as per usual) and let the bag shine on its own.
V.O.D., $450

Amore & Sorvete Black Bouquet print and mesh cutout bustier one-piece swimsuit
I’m into the on-trend athletic, scuba-inspired swimwear this season, but I like this version, which veers to the sexy side (with a pinch of girly) with the sheer side panels and neon floral print.
asos.com, $259.19

Lanvin eagle belt
I love this belt paired with a feminine dress for the edgy-meets-ladylike look, but I’d throw it over just about anything for a bit of rock-and-roll flare.
lanvin.com, $2,150

posted by Raya Ramsey | May 10th, 2012 12:48pm | filed under Accessories, Designers, Handbags, I'm Obsessed, Swimwear | (0) Comments »

Wednesday Shoe Porn: Jimmy Choo Rainbow Wedges

jimmy choo, pearl jimmy choo, summer shoes, dallas shopping, dallas shoe stores, dallas jimmy choo, wednesday shoe porn

photographed by Jessica Acklen

This platform sandal ($1,095) was screaming my name the minute I walked into Jimmy Choo. I need them. Don’t they just make you want to soak up the sun?

Jessica Acklen is a shopping intern.

posted by Jessica Acklen | April 11th, 2012 3:40pm | filed under I'm Obsessed, Shopping, shoes | 3 Comments »

Bottling History: Arquiste Perfumes at Barneys New York

photography courtesy of Arquiste

One of the highlights of my life is the day I got to eat lunch with Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl, The Virgin’s Lover, and dozens of other historical fiction books I’ve devoured. I love history. I’ll take down a lengthy Antonia Fraser or Alison Weir biography, but I relish the drama that extra storytelling adds. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in royal ladies (my favorites include Anne Boleyn and Marie Antoinette) I’m actually disappointed when I pull my head out of my book and find myself in the 2000s. It’s occasionally unbearable to think that the closest I’ll get to knowing the characters that haunt me is by imagining them or watching a movie of someone else’s imagining.

Carlos Huber, perfumer behind Arquiste, understands this longing. His career in restoration architecture and love for art and travel led him to create six fragrances that aim to capture six evocative moments in history through scent. (He’s also very good looking, which is neither here nor there.) Included: a 1600 Spanish-French royal wedding, a 1775 Mediterranean harvest, and a 1400 Aztec festival in Tenochtitlan, Mexico, and more.

Jump for more details of this enchanting unisex fragrance line.

(more…)

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 4th, 2012 11:37am | filed under Beauty, I'm Obsessed | 2 Comments »

Wednesday Shoe Porn: Lovely People Colorblock Heels

lovely people, lou lou, dallas shopping, wednesday shoe porn, shops in dallas, dallas shoe stores

photographed by Jessica Acklen

I am a sucker for anything teal and these springtime shoes from Lovely People are to die for. Is anyone else thrilled that thick square heels are so in right now? Plus, at $99 from lou lou, they are insanely affordable. And happy birthday to lou lou’s owner, Molly! Shop today and get 20 percent off your most expensive item in celebration.

posted by Jessica Acklen | March 28th, 2012 2:09pm | filed under I'm Obsessed, Shopping, shoes | (0) Comments »

Happier Travels: A Spill-Proof Cosmetics Bag

We get press releases for all kinds of quirky things that, quite frankly, aren’t worth the money. This isn’t one of them. Veronica Mayo, a former American Airlines marketing executive with a heavy travel schedule, got tired of her the filth that built up in her beauty bag. After leaving AA, she did something about it and created Vemayca, a system of machine washable cosmetics cases and replaceable interior liners. I’m both a beauty junkie and bit of a germaphobe, so gunkless gear is appealing. I asked for a sample.

When it arrived, to avoid getting work done, I started reorganizing my purse and switching cosmetics cases to this super soft new suede one. I snapped in the liner, dumped all my stuff in and went about my day. The next evening I discovered pink grease smudged down the insides of the bag. A gloss had ruptured. I was ecstatic. Ha! I got to see the invention in action! And guess what? Soon as I got home, I dumped everything out, wiped down the gloss container, switched to a backup liner and moved on with my life. No stained satin. No greasy residue. The case still looks good as new. I’ve since cleaned the first liner so it’s ready to go should another emergency occur. Jet setters, moms on the go, helpless product addicts, I seriously recommend this, and it’s only $25 for a small case and $35 for a large one.

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 27th, 2012 11:38am | filed under Beauty, I'm Obsessed | 1 Comment »

Wednesday Shoe Porn: Stuart Weitzman Feather Heels

stuart weitzman, tootsies, dallas shopping, shopping in dallas, dallas shoes, shoe stores dallas, stuart weitzman dallas

photographed by Jessica Acklen

Hanging out at Tootsies all week styling for tomorrow’s Spring/Summer Preview Party has been a blast. Icing on the cake – I keep eyeing these Stuart Weitzman pumps ($425) downstairs. RSVP for the event, see some lovely gowns, and visit my latest obsession.

Jessica Acklen is a shopping intern.

posted by Jessica Acklen | March 21st, 2012 1:05pm | filed under Events, I'm Obsessed, shoes | 3 Comments »

Sherbet Sequin Shorts Alert

Mark+James by Badgley Mischka sequin shorts, $795 at Tootsies

Styling the lovely ladies of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Vivaldi Patron Circle for Thursday night’s spring/summer fashion fling is ridiculously fun. (Feel free to RSVP.) I’m “shopping” at Tootsies all week without a budget, picking out fanciful evening dresses you’ll see glittering down the Tootsies staircase. But there’s one little problem. These Mark + James by Badgley Mischka multi-colored sequin shorts are so distracting. How gorgeous are these?

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 20th, 2012 11:01am | filed under I'm Obsessed, OMG | 1 Comment »

Wednesday Shoe Porn: Marc by Marc Jacobs Gold Heeled Wedges

These black and gold wedges make me want to sing. Incredibly, these Marc by Marc Jacobs beauties are only $350. I wonder if they’re as comfortable as they look… Guess I’ll have to head back to Tootsies and try on a pair.

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 7th, 2012 9:13am | filed under I'm Obsessed, shoes | 2 Comments »

Wake Up and Smell the Black Raspberry Vanilla

photography courtesy of Ignite Candle Company

That’s the candle sitting on the dresser in front of my bed, and it. is. delish. It’s also local, made by the girls of Fort Worth-based Ignite Candle Company, a soy candle company boasting more than 300 scents. Candles are mixed, hand poured (wow!), and shipped next day from Funky Town. Each jar contains 100 percent all natural soy bean wax from soybeans grown in the United States. Sizes come in at 8 oz for $8.95, 12 oz for $11.95, and 21 oz for $17.95. There are nearly too many flavors, but you can shop by category. Find a handful of options for each holiday and each season, every fruit, flower, and earthly element, and, of course, brand imitations like perfume remakes and Yankee Candle clones. Then there are the desserts. Pumpkin Pie, Lemon Meringue, Cake Bake… the list goes on. (I don’t personally like my space smelling like Bread Winners because then I can’t concentrate on anything except whether I should/shouldn’t grab my keys and zip over for a pastry.) I do, however, love the samples I received. My love of floral notes, vanilla, and fruit scored me Black Raspberry Vanilla, Mandarin Cranberry, and Spiced Pear, and I’m thrilled with all three. They burn even (no lopsided wax puddles), smell strong (they’re triple scented), and come in fun, bright colors. Ignite Candle Company is still working on getting their name out there, so support local and go shop.

posted by Raya Ramsey | February 28th, 2012 11:23am | filed under I'm Obsessed, Local | 3 Comments »

One More Day to Shop These Sophisticated Things

Awaiting this little baby in black.

Clothes Encounter’s chic, three-day pop-up shop is how shopping should be: exciting, sophisticated, personalized, and fun. Sure, it can feel a little odd walking into a stranger’s (gorgeous) home to shop, but as soon as you do, you’ll be glad. Business partners Joanne Levy and Melanie Fogel are as nice as they come, and their team makes you feel like you’re shopping among friends. Peruse the racks of butter soft separates (brilliant for traveling), drapey sweaters, and deconstructed dresses. Clothing here is tailored to the slightly older set (no mini skirts or plunging necklines) and young things with a taste for smart wardrobe staples. (I bought a cozy, high-low loungewear dress in black–see right.) Don’t miss the jewelry in the middle. Geometric designs like metal tubes on black cord, stone lariat necklaces, and architectural square bangles are wearable and statement making. Prices seem to stick between $50 (for a tank) and $230 (for dresses, sweaters, etc.). Check out the photos. Ends tomorrow, Friday, February 24, at 5 pm.

posted by Raya Ramsey | February 23rd, 2012 4:47pm | filed under I'm Obsessed, Pop-Up Shop | (0) Comments »

Spring Thneeds: Neon Bag, Natural Stone Jewelry, and Floral Perfume

If you don’t know what a “thneed” is, ask your children to enlighten you. In the meantime, a few spring somethings that everyone needs. Well now I’ve told you.

photography courtesy of vendors

1. Reed Krakoff shoulder bag in Solar at Neiman Marcus, $590
2. Olivia k*at Factory Girl & Nasher Store at Nasher Sculpture Center, $250-$350*
3. Lela Rose floral print dress at Lela Rose in Highland Park Village, $1,495
4. NARS limited edition “Diamond Life” nail polish at Nordstrom, $18
5. Arquiste perfume in Fleur de Louis at Barneys New York, $175
6. Guiseppe Zanotti Cutout Wedge Sandals from Barneys New York, $695

*Local creation.

posted by Raya Ramsey | February 22nd, 2012 4:15pm | filed under I'm Obsessed, Jewelry, Spring | 1 Comment »

Get Your Rear in Gear with This Camp Gladiator Boot Camp Giveaway.

That's trainer Amy Mack, left. I try to sneak in breaks during plank holds, and she always catches me. On the right, you'll see happy faces. Those are real. I was there. (photography by Jason Janik)

I’ve lost 10 pounds since January 9. It doesn’t count as rubbing it in if I tell you how I’ve done it, right? Well, I go to Camp Gladiator. (To be more specific, I participated in a semi-annual Camp Gladiator Fitness Challenge which are offered throughout the year.) Here’s the basic rundown of this award-winning fitness program, courtesy of our beauty guide:

Campers are fiercely loyal to this program; after attending, we understand why. Few fitness programs can make you feel so motivated you want to sign up for the rest of your life. Trainers are professional, fun, and work to know the names of campers, so personal encouragement is shouted out regularly. Every workout changes, so there’s no monotony. Sessions are offered from 5:30 am to 7:30 pm all over DFW. Various locations.

To summarize, it’s a go-at-your-own-pace boot camp with experienced trainers who have created this unusual sense of community during their one hour workouts all over DFW. They make you do annoying things like yell “Camp Gladiator” while you’re doing jumping jacks or sprint when the workout is nearly over (or both), but somehow, some way, CG-ers are sort of still smiling when they’re finished. This four-week camp is nearly one week in, but enter to win right now, and CG has allowed me to pick THREE WINNERS. Each one will receive a certificate to participate in the remaining 3 weeks of this session of CG boot camp. Winners selected tomorrow.

posted by Raya Ramsey | February 16th, 2012 3:57pm | filed under Beauty, Fitness, Health & wellness, I'm Obsessed, giveaway | 1 Comment »

Wash Off Winter With These Clean, Spring Soaps

Fizzy Bath Bombs, set of 3, $9.99; Mango Guava butterfly, $4.99; Spring Wildflower butterfly, $4.99; Creamy Coconut heart, $4.99; and Spanish Rose heart, $4.99 (photography by Matthew Shelley)

I have a friend who works for Hugo Naturals. (They make the pretty products above along with the red heart soaps from last week). I knew right away what a perk having this BFF would be. I’ve loved Hugo Naturals since my first bar of their soap. It was delicious smelling (grapefruit), didn’t get gooey in the soap dish, and kept my skin feeling hydrated. Plus, the line’s clean. No parabens, no sulfates, no petroleum, no phthalates, none of that mess. Apparently, like fashion houses, Hugo releases new collections with the seasons. When I saw these new shimmery butterflies and sherbet-hued bath bombs glittering like jewels on my friend’s desk, I knew I had to had to have them. And like the Grinch stole Christmas, I plundered them all. I mean, she can get more, right? (Fear not. Karma came back around and my photographer asked to be paid in some of my loot.) In any case, you can quit admiring my stash now and go get your own, because each of these spring confections is under $10 at a Whole Foods Market near you.

posted by Raya Ramsey | February 14th, 2012 10:30am | filed under Beauty, Hot Deals, I'm Obsessed | 1 Comment »

My Addiction Worsens: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Have I told you how lucky we are to have one of Fresh’s crisp, white storefronts in our city? Yes. Yes, I have. Sure, you can buy the goods at Neimans and other places, but nothing beats the original store. Please welcome the newest addition to the lineup of Fresh lip heroine, I mean, lip balm: Sugar Advanced Therapy. For $25, this stick will be as deliciously buttery as the original and tinted sisters, but it will also “significantly boost moisture, enhance volume, and improve the definition of the lip area.” I don’t know about all of that. (The skeptic angel on my shoulder who tells me to ignore fancy marketing language gets kind of quiet around Fresh products.) But I do know that after applying this at bedtime, I wake up with super soft lips.