Elizabeth Showers at Forty Five Ten Today

If you’re still looking for last-minute gifts, be sure to stop by Forty Five Ten today to meet the local designer and check out her 18K collection from noon to 8 P.M.

Stanley Korshak Fine Jewelry Sale

If you’re like me, you like to have a Christmas list, just so people get you exactly what you want. So I suggest sending your man a link to this blog–just as a little hint to say, hey, honey, I’d like some bling and you can buy me some at Stanley Korshak this week only for 25% off. We love the designs of Rachelle Dauphinee, which you can see in our 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas feature, and they’re also a favorite of designer Abi Ferrin. This will show that not only do you have good taste, but you’re also interested in saving him some cash. You know, because you’re thoughtful like that.

Chip the Chipmunk Charm Helps Hungry Children

Here’s the charity-charged scoop: In support of the North Texas Food Bank, Ylang 23 is offering an exclusive Chip the Chipmunk charm with sales benefiting the Food 4 Kids school backpack program. The charm, designed by Catherine Michiels, is $110, and $50 of that price goes to Food 4 Kids. Buy online or at the Ylang 23 store at Galleria Dallas.

More Stores Welcome Mistura Watches

If you haven’t heard of Mistura watches, you should check out our story in the brand-new winter issue of D Beauty. The timepieces are made by a local company dedicated to using eco-friendly materials and sustainable processes, and each bold, attention-grabbing piece is fun and stylish. Every time I wear mine, it never fails that someone asks about it. Now, in addition to the retailers we mention in D Beauty, two more stores have picked up the line: Maribella’s and JB Jewelers, both in Plano. Maribella’s is in The Shops at Legacy (972-378-3883), and JB Jewelers is at 2411 Coit Rd., Ste. 100 (972-398-6417). If you get a chance, stop by one of these shops and try on a watch or two. You’ll have a hard time not admiring the craftsmanship. (Photo credit: Elizabeth Lavin)

More Friday Fun

This weekend (starting tomorrow) is a good time to get out and shop if you can. Stock up on great gifts and treat yourself to something chic but cheap while you’re at it. Here are a few we have on our radar. Feel free to let us know about others Talkers shouldn’t miss out on!

What: Designer Sample Sale
What you’ll find: Clearance items from local designers Abi Ferrin, Courtney Warren, Sarah Briggs, Eddie Jo Jewelry, and Nest Jewelry. Tons of items only $10-$25!
When/Where: Friday December 5th, 10-8 and Saturday December 6th 10-6 at West Village, 3839 McKinney suite 160 (the old Lucy space at the NW corner of McKinney and Blackburn).

What: The Warehouse Sale
What you’ll find: 80% off premium denim (Frankie B, William Rast, AG Jeans, Rock & Republic, Diesel, and more), tops, dresses, and pants.
When/Where: Friday December 5th, 2-8 and Saturday December 6th, 10-4 at The Dallas Market Center, Freeway Hall, 2200 N Stemmons Fwy.

What: MaryGold jewelry Trunk Show
What you’ll find: 14k gold-filled bracelets, necklaces and earrings that are dripping with colorful precious and semi-precious stones. Full line priced 30-40% below retail for this event.
When/Where: Friday December 5th, 11-6 at Betty Cupcake in Snider Plaza.

Watch Out, World. Welder Is Here!

Just in time for the holidays, Welder watches, a new line of men’s timepieces imported from Europe, are now available at Barneys New York. Each watch in the brand, which just launched in the States this fall, is crafted in Italy, and prices range from $700-$2,200. If you don’t have a special man on your gift list, you might want to check these watches out for yourself. I’ve always preferred big, bulky, manly watches over dainty ones. And lots of girls these days are doing the same. Don’t believe me? Then click here. And here. And here.

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.

Marnie Rocks Wednesday Night

We’ve mentioned Marnie Rocks before. If you didn’t go then, get goin’ now for Wednesday’s Girl’s Night Out. Here are a few reasons why. One, Marnie herself will be in town. Two, you can use your Partners Card, which entitles you to 20 percent off in the store. Three, there will be giveaways. Four, fashion bingo, and five, pink champagne and cupcakes. Oh, and most importantly, the jewelry, rain gear, and bags are way cute and wearable every day. Do you seriously need more to persuade you? (Reminder: pink champagne and cupcakes.) 6:30 pm to 8 pm. 8413 Preston Center Plaza Drive. 214-369-1200 or marnierocks.com.

Go, Girl for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

You may have seen our web exclusive about some of our favorite finds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Well, this just in: Dallas jewelry designer Dian Malouf has raised more than $25,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with proceeds from her sterling silver Go Girl ring. Says the designer: “The Go Girl ring is a celebration of life’s happy times: first job, promotion, graduation, marriage, or new baby. When loss or illness occurs, the Go Girl ring reminds us to hang in there, take charge, speak up, and remind ourselves that we are our own best support system. So give yourself a hug and show life that you can Go Girl!” Retail price is $66, and donations from this year’s sale go to Baylor Health Care Foundation to support breast cancer research.

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.

Maybe, Shaesby

That header really should say “Yes! Shaesby” but “Maybe” just sounded better. Shaesby is an Austin-based jewelry designer whose roots lie in art and sculpture. He lived for a time in Rio de Janeiro where he fell in love with their custom of adorning the body with art. His pieces (which are made-to-order for each customer) range from simple to elaborate, and are often adorned with gorgeous Brazilian jewels. Shaesby will be at Stanley Korshak on Wednesday and Thursday, October 29th and 30th from 10am to 6pm. Stop by to peruse his line and meet the artist in person.

Cole Haan Celebrates 80 Years

Back when I was in Junior High, Cole Haan loafers were a must-have if you wanted to be considered stylish. The loafer has come a long (yes, I am aware that I am aging myself) way and so has the iconic brand that’s celebrating its 80th anniversary this fall. To commemorate it, Cole Haan has released limited-edition Anniversay Collection creations, including the Penny Air High Moccasin, the Saddle Denney Bag, and limited-edition jewelry in collaboration with acclaimed jewelry designer Anna Sheffield (Marc Jacobs and Phillip Lim have called on her to create baubles for their runway shows). The collection takes its lead from the designer’s signature penny keepsakes, created to adorn Cole Haan’s anniversary penny loafer collection. The assortment of charm bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and cufflinks are available at the Cole Haan boutique in Highland Park Village. Cole Haan’s Design Director, Paul Overfield, and jewelry designer Anna Sheffield are in town this evening for a special in-store event.

Friday Giveaway: MaryGold Jewelry

I love it when we get fabulous giveaways! And I especially love it when they are created by local talent. Today we have a 14-karat gold-filled cuff with ruby, chrysophrase, labradorite, tourmaline designed by budding artist and entrepreneur Mary McNeill, founder of MaryGold Designs. She quit her job in pharmaceutical sales–I know so many women who have ditched their corporate jobs to follow their dreams!–to dedicate herself to jewelry design full-time. All of her pieces are one-of-a-kind, so no two are alike, and you can find her precious and semiprecious baubles at local boutiques Betty Cupcake and Kacky & Carl. This cuff is valued at $150. To be the lucky winner, e-mail me. You have through the weekend. Good luck!

Jewelry+Champagne+Facials=Good Time on October 10

We first introduced you to Adriana Carador on ShopTalk about a month ago. Well, I have more info on that trunk show. Turns out it’s being held at SkinSpaMed–which happens to be owned by Marie Reyes, one of our finalists for D Beauty’s 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas. So in addition to fabulous bling, you can sip some bubbly and have a facial, too. (God I love being a girl.) Gather your girlfriends at head out to North Dallas on October 10, from 1-5 pm. You won’t regret it.

Elizabeth Showers On Sale Today on Hautelook.com

I told you about Hautelook.com a while back, and pieces from local jewelry designer Elizabeth Showers, who has been featured in D Magazine and D Beauty, are on sale today through September 14. You have to join to get the sale, but it’s free. So check it out today before all the good stuff is gone. These pinwheel earrings are $395, marked down from $1,330.

Amanda Sterett Launches Fall Collection

Local jewelry designer Amanda Sterett—who recently hit it big by getting picked up by Kate Spade stores this year—just launched her fall collection. You can preview it on her web site now or find it in local stores such as Melanie Gayle, Stanley Korshak, Elements, and A. Hooper.

F.I.G. Finale

I stopped by the much-anticipated sale first thing this morning with my husband and cousin in tow. There was already a crowd gathered outside eagerly awaiting eleven o’clock. This time around there are even more local stores participating - over 45 - including some of our favorites, V.O.D., Melanie Gayle, Kacky & Carl, Linus Lounge, Elements, LFT, True Rumors, Merge, and more. Most shops are only taking cash (there’s an ATM on-site in case you need it), but we spotted a few accepting checks and credit cards. Some showrooms (like Policei and Puma) are open for sample sales as well. There are many items worth the trip including a Mayle dress at V.O.D. - marked down from $575 to $100, Earnest Sewn skinny jeans at Merge for $75, Gil Carvalho shoes at Linus Lounge for $223, a men’s Zegna coat marked down from $1245 to $200 at LFT (everything at LFT that originally cost $1000 or more is now only $200). I was there for a little over an hour, but I could have spent many more. I think I may have to go back after work - it’s open until 9 P.M. tonight and again tomorrow from 11-5. Note: Be sure to wear clothing that’s easy to change in and out of as dressing areas are limited. Happy shopping!

Adriana Carador Trunk Show Coming in October

Who is Adriana Carador you ask? I asked the same thing. Here’s what I’ve been able to round up: the Brazilian jewelry designer and her Texas-born partner, Victoria Flores, have built a business out of Carador’s original designs made with 18-karat white, rose, and yellow gold; diamonds; citrines; tourmalines; topaz; smoky quartz; and other precious stones. The pieces are sold through trunk shows at private homes in Aspen, Manhattan, the Hamptons, and Dallas. (Guess we are fancy like that.) From what I’ve been told, the jewelry does well in Dallas–where, I suppose, we like to spend our money on something beautiful that no one else has. (Pieces are priced from $1,300–$12,000, though most are in the $3,000–$5,000 range.) I personally love this Moroccan cuff. The next trunk show takes place on October 10, at a private residence in Highland Park. For an invitation, you can send an e-mail to victoria.flores@adrianacarador.com.

Men’s Jewelry?

I got a press release today on these (pictured at left) necklaces for men by NASH. The mixed metal necklaces with vintage charms are described as “perfect for fashion forward men who don’t want to look like they are trying too hard.” My thoughts: Not so sure I can see any man I know pulling these off, but I like them for myself.

Fall Fashion Scoop

With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees, fall may be the last thing on your mind, but we can’t resist all the fabulous fall fashions arriving in stores now. Some of our favorite local haunts have us feining for frosty temps with new merchandise arriving daily. Follow the jump to get the scoop. (more…)

Neiman Marcus Last Call Begins Today

We’ve been so busy over here that I almost forgot that Neiman’s biggest sale of the season (Last Call) begins today. August 5 -10 save up to 75% off original prices on Spring/Summer merchandise all over the store including women’s and men’s apparel, shoes handbags, home and gifts. I’m there as soon as I can get out the door.

Amanda Sterett Fall Line Coming Soon to Melanie Gayle

Melanie Ramon over at chic boutique Melanie Gayle in Snider Plaza just sent word that Amanda Sterett’s new fall collection will be in the store August 15. We got a preview of some of the pieces, and we certainly like what we see. The necklace pictured at left is just one example. But it’s really no surprise that these new pieces are super cute. Amanda’s been on a roll lately. Stephanie wrote about the local jewelry designer, who is known for her use of color, in the May issue of D Magazine when several of her pieces got picked up by none other than Kate Spade. Check it out here. And go Amanda!

sonyarenee Trunk Show at Epiphany

Shopping seems to be Dallas’ favorite pastime–especially when the temperature is in the triple digits. Well, instead of fighting the crowds at NorthPark Center (even though we love you, NP), head to Epiphany Boutique in Bishop Arts District this Saturday, August 9, for a sonyarenee trunk show from noon-5 pm. We love the feminine creations of Dallas jewelry designer Gina Renée Peranio, and we have featured her pieces in D Magazine and D Weddings. While you’re at Epiphany, check out lines such as Chip & Pepper, Da-Nang, and C&C California.

Buy an Amulet at De Beers

New to De Beers this summer is the Amulets Collection, including this Tajimujaji pendant with 0.54 carats of rough and polished diamonds set in white gold. Cost for this little ditty that pays homage to the Spirit of Rain? $2,800. Tajimujaji represents renewal, new life, and fresh starts. I could use some of that—the fresh start bit, not necessarily the diamonds. Ask about it at the new De Beers store in NorthPark Center.

Sweet Shop: Betty Cupcake

At first I thought this was just another baker jumping on the cupcake craze, but I popped into Snider Plaza’s new addition to take a peek and was pleasantly surprised. A mother-daughter team recently opened this contemporary women’s shop which stocks casual to cocktail attire, accessories, and knick-knacks. Find lines such as Zova L.A., Hype, So Low, Lizzie Parker, Fortune Denim, Aidan Mattox, Linea Pelle, and MaryGold Designs (local jewelry designer) - many Dallas exclusives. It’s only appropriate that they offer up cupcake curiosities such as lipgloss, charms, and mini-confections to munch on while you shop.