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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.

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.

Free (well, sort of) Gift Cards at Ylang 23

Ylang 23 is offering a gift card special right now. Every purchase made between now and the end of November will earn a gift card based on the percentage of the total purchase. So, spend $250; get a $25 gift card. Spend $500; get $50. Spend $1,000; get $150. Spend $15,000; get $3,000. You get the point. Only problem is the gift card isn’t available for use until January 2010. But after a whopping jewelry purchase, maybe it’s best to wait anyway. And though it’s true it’s easy to find pieces priced at over $1,000 (like these gorgeous peony hoops in gold and diamonds from Catherine Michiels for $2,970), it’s also pretty simple to find elegant pieces at lower price ranges. For example, the opal pod charm necklace from Ten Thousand Things for $310, a sweet little rose gold feather pendant necklace from Vanessa Jenik for $105, Me & Ro’s heart and sword trinket necklace for $115, or Dogeared necklaces—personal favorites of mine—for as low as $50. Ylang 23, Galleria. 13350 Dallas Pkwy # 1300. 972-980-0819

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.

Adriana Carador Trunk Show This Saturday

If you aren’t familiar with Adriana Carador’s jewelry line now is the time to check it out – not just online but in person as well. She’ll be having a trunk show this Saturday, November 14 from 3-6:30pm. It’s an invite-only event but if you email Victoria Flores at victoria.flores@adrianacarador.com she can most likely get you in. Sip champagne while perusing Carador’s gorgeous, colorful designs which aren’t sold anywhere else in Dallas. Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase to a piece of jewelry that you will wear (and love) for years to come. Make it an early Christmas present – for yourself. You deserve it!

Amanda Sterett Livvy Leather Cuffs

Everyone that knows me, knows my affection for cuffs. I’m loving local jewelry designer, Amanda Sterett’s new Livvy cuffs. Handmade from deerskin leather and precious and semi precious stones, they come in three sizes (small, medium, large) and are available in black, brown, camel, green, purple, or red. A  simple and inexpensive ($130-$210) way to add a little something to your everyday look. View the entire collection here. Buy them at Melanie Gayle, The Shak, and A. Hooper now.

Sale of the Week: Barse

Get a great deal at Barse jewelry through October 11. For details, see our Shopping tab in the top left corner. Barse sapphire necklace pictured left

The Pin Show 2010: Emerging Dallas Designers & Talent Apply Now

Pin Show founders, Rachel Nichelson and Julie McCullough Kim, are seeking new and emerging talent in the Dallas area for the third annual event. If you think you have what it takes, apply here now. 25 independent fashion designers will be selected to showcase their line in a runway show in front of a crowd of 1200-1500 people, including fashion industry insiders (buyers, reps, retailers, & press). Student designers, jewelry & accessory designers, stylists, photographers, hair & makeup artists, and volunteers are also encouraged to apply to participate in the event that will take place on February 25 at Union Station. Local designers such as Courtney Warren (Cooper by Courtney), Darian Thomas, Lindsay Weatherread (L.Weatherread), and Tara Tonini (Tara to the T), have all gone on to make a name for themselves after being featured in past shows.

The Shak’s Rock Stars Jewelry Event

Sip cocktails with Dallas jewelry designers Rachelle Dauphinee, Amanda Sterett, Janette Wilkenson (of Nest Jewelry featured left), Stephanie Curtis, and Elizabeth Showers at The Shak this Friday (September 25) from 6 pm to 8 pm. If you want to go, RSVP to rsvp@stanleykorshak.com. The invite suggests dressing in “rocker chic.” Love it. The Shak. photo taken from www.nestjewelry.com

Melanie Gayle Fall Launch Event Tomorrow

Head over to the Melanie Gayle Snider Plaza location tomorrow from 6-8 p.m. for their fall kick-off party and an Amanda Sterret trunk show. In addition to basking in the glow of Sterret’s fantastic jewelry, enjoy storewide discounts like 15% off any purchase up to $100, 20% off purchases between $100 and $350 and 25% off purchases over $350. The discounts will be valid at both store locations and through Saturday, September 19th. Melanie always has a great selection of pieces so don’t miss out on this opportunity to get something tres chic for tres cheap!

D’s September Issue Is Bursting at the Seams With Dallas Fashion and Beauty News

My spa travel story in the September issue of D is not the only beauty-related item in that magazine. The issue is actually chock-full of girlie goodness. Lucky for you, I put together a rundown of all the fashion and beauty fabulousness. Happy clicking!

1. Stephanie Quadri has the scoop on must-have fall fashion.

2. Sarah Eveans, Allison Hatfield, Tim Rogers, and I bring you the 11 Dallas Style Setters You Need To Know.

3. Laura Kostelny wants you to look beautiful at any age.

4. The D Beauty staff rounded up the latest and greatest Dallas beauty news.

5. Raya Ramsey knows purple is fall’s signature color, and she’s found the products to prove it.

(Photo by Maxine Helfman)

Drink & Deal Shopping Event

There isn’t much I love more than drinking and shopping (besides pizza and taking naps), so every drink/shop event has my attention right off the bat. Pink Memo is sponsoring this Drink & Deal Tuesday event, which will feature $5 cocktails and merch from Betty Cupcake, LINUS, Kacky & Carl, Melanie Gayle, L. Bartlett, and Mine Boutique, on which you get to name your price and make a deal. Here’s how it works: you name a price, say $200 rather than $300, the store decides deal or no deal. Pretty good, right? Tuesday, July 28. 6 pm to 8 pm. Uptown Ballroom at Hotel ZaZa. 2332 Leonard St.

Don’t Miss Seeing Jean Schlumberger’s Pieces In Person At NorthPark’s Tiffany & Co.

In 1956, French “artiste” Jean Schlumberger (1907-1987) began designing jewelry for Tiffany & Co. where he had his own workshop until his retirement in the late 1970’s. His well-known clients were plentiful – John F. Kennedy, The Duchess of Windsor, Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn just to name a few. Jackie Kennedy often wore so many of his bracelets that the press started calling them “Jackie bracelets.” Well, now you can see his incredible designs in person at the NorthPark Tiffany & Co. from July 22 through August 2. Schlumberger is one of only four people Tiffany & Co. has ever allowed to sign their work which is quite an honor. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see why the company held him in such esteem.

“Brow’sing” at Calypso: Summer Sale and Free Brow-Shaping Sunday

What: “Brow’sing”  the “Wear Now Sale” at Calypso
When: Sunday, July 12  2PM-5PM
Where: Calypso St. Barth at The Plaza at Preston Center
Details: Free brow-shaping by Kimberly Peacock (who’s also a talented hair stylist at Dear Clark Hair Studio) while you sip mimosa’s and shop the spring/summer sale at Calypso. Everything’s marked down 20%-70% off, including designs by Chan Luu and the popular “Rowena” dress (pictured at left).
Bonus: Enter to win a $500 wardrobe from Calypso. Winner will be selected on July 29th, during an in-store cocktail party.

See you there!

DHome Editors at Santa Fe Folk Art Market

If you find yourself dying to get out of the Dallas heat this weekend (supposed to be 102) head to Santa Fe for the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market.  It is the largest of it’s kind  in the world, 147 master artists from 45 countries around the world will show their work, and preserve the traditions of their countries.  Christine Allison and I will be there admiring (and probably) buying glazed pottery from Mexico, embroidered  scarves from Pakistan, woven baskets from Rwanda, and textiles from Afghanistan.  Not only can you buy unique items for your home and body at amazing prices, but 90% the proceeds go back to these villages to help them develop economic stability.  This is such a win-win situation, you should already be booking your flight.

Laura Davis Design Lab Wares

I stumbled across local craftmaster and furniture designer, Laura Davis’ creation’s while I was scoping out Make Shop in Bishop Arts this past weekend. Her colorful pillows made of vintage linen’s, embroidered with assertive statements, caught my eye immediately. Shop owner, Julie McCoullough Kim, directed me to her pretty vintage dish stands. I love these pieces (like the teacup stands pictured at left)…so much you could do with them. Use them to hold knick-knacks, jewelry, candles, candy, or simply as decoration. Check out the rest of her stuff here (free shipping on all orders July 2-6) or stop by Make Shop & Studio to discover a slew of local designer’s like Davis.

Kara Ross Trunk Show

NY-based jewelry and handbag designer, Kara Ross, will be in town for a trunk show tomorrow evening. The designer’s pieces are sold locally at Neiman Marcus and Stanley Korshak but now’s your chance to have access to the entire collecion and meet the designer in person. Focusing on modern elegance with an appreciation for the past, her wearable yet standout collection is inspired by her travels around the world. Follow the jump for more information and to RSVP. (more…)

Kacky & Carl Jewelry Trunk Show and Sale

Love jewelry? Me too. We’re girls, after all. (I think it’s genetic.) So thank goodness the ladies at Kacky & Carl understand our need for beautiful baubles despite a bad economy. To help us get our accessory fix without breaking the bank they’re hosting a multi-designer trunk show and sale on Thursday, June 25 from 11am-6pm. Browse collections from Maja (pictured), Marygold and Three Bishops and snag one-of-a-kind pieces at crazy discounted prices.

New Shops at Watters Creek

The resort-style outdoor shopping center in Allen is growing, with the addition of ten new tenants including Dallas-based Flirt Boutique (the original location is in Uptown), Houston-based Charming Charlie, and children’s salon/spa/party place  Sweet & Sassy. Coming soon: Filthy Rich (June) – specializing in replicas of jewelry worn by the stars, Apricot Lane (September) – moderate to high-end apparel and accessories, and the infamous Luke’s Locker (September) – specialty running, walking, & fitness shop. If you live in town you probably won’t be making a dash for the suburbs to see these shops since most of them have other locations nearby, but why not make the trip simply for a change of scenery and full day of shopping, eating, and relaxing.

(*photo  above by Gregg Ellman)

Nest Carrying Fabulous KILN Design Studio Jewelry Collection

Leave it to a Dallasite to convince a jewelry designer to create a new line just for her customers. Nest owner (and one of D Beauty’s 10 Most Beautiful winners), Heather Weise-Alexander, commissioned the NY-based KILN to make their line of black enamel jewelry in white. And boy are we glad she did. The black is classic  (and is also carried at Nest) but for summer I like the clean, crisp feeling of the white. Besides the bangles (pictured), there are necklaces and earrings as well. Prices range from $160-$480.

Bling Yourself At Zales NorthPark In Honor of Stephanie’s Day

Hello, ShopTalkers. I haven’t seen you in a while. Hope things are well, and that you’re looking forward to Real Housewives of New Jersey tonight as much as I am. Anyway, here’s a little event worth mentioning: The grand opening of the new Zales jewelry store at NorthPark Center. You know how you’ve lately been feeling like something is missing? Yep, it is. And it could be these. Or this. Or possibly this.

From June 11 through the 14th, a portion of the proceeds of each day’s sale will benefit the Dallas Chapter of Autism Speaks. Why these days? Well, Stephanie’s Day, a resource fair at NorthPark Center for children with special needs, is happening on the 13th, so the nice folks at Zales decided to do their part for the cause, too. Doesn’t that make you feel like spending? If not, I suggest a trip to La Duni for a pre-Zales mojito. That always helps me find my credit card much faster.

Bonus points for anyone who can name the celeb bling pictured here (photo courtesy of JustJared.com). Shouldn’t be that hard. Laura? Where are you?

Andrew Hamilton Crawford Jewerly – Southern Charm with Sass

Take two Southern boys, add a huge amount of talent, a chunk of creativity, and equal parts fine jewelry and costume jewelry experience and you have the Andrew Hamilton Crawford collection. Chad Crawford and Andrew Tessier have been making such beautiful baubles together that they’ve been in many national magazines as well as on the arms, necks, ears and fingers of celebs like Oprah, Paris, Beyonce, Fergie, and the man we all bow down to, Christian Louboutin. All designs are made with sterling silver or 18 karat gold vermeil and come in a variety of eye-catching styles that can be purchased on their web site (link above) and at Cabana.

Trend Watch Dallas: Layered Necklaces

Whether you wear several different necklaces, or just one made of multiple strands doesn’t matter. The layered look is a versatile way to accessorize simply and easily. Depending on what materials your piece(s) is (are) made of, you can be rocker chic, hippie cool, classicly elegant or perfectly preppy. The first two photos above are from Lou Lou. The pearls with pendants range from $38-$45 while the wood strands by Lauren Bell run $188, and the Diana Esber turquoise necklace sells for $96. At Elements you can find the Scarab Vint gold chain necklace for $242 and the Hoss wooden bead necklace for $112. So mix and match, layer it up and show off your personal style.

Huge Sale at Merge

As Jennifer pointed out, the whole world  is on sale…at least it seems that way. Just got informed of a huge sale happening at Merge, starting today. Almost everything in the store is 40% to 60% off to make room for new arrivals! Find trendy tanks, floral dresses, accessories, shoes and more for you and your tots (including items by See by Chloe, Young, Fabulous & Broke, Rory Beca, Mike & Chris, Mint, Splendid, Elizabeth & James, and Elijah; denim from Anlo, Joe’s Jeans, JBrand, and Hudson; shoes by Delman, Pedro Garcia, Belle and Givenchy). We are so there…as soon as we get off work that is.

Let Rosena Sammi’s “Passage To India” Jewelry Take You to Exotic Lands

It’s a good thing I paid my bills yesterday. Had I seen Rosena Sammi’s “Passage to India” line prior to that I may be without electricity right now. In fact, I can hear my credit card calling from my purse and it is taking everything in me to resist the urge to “click to purchase.” From bangles to earrings this vibrant collection is sexy and exotic. Sammi’s pieces combine traditional Indian elements with modern touches and each is hand-made by artisans in India.  The baubles, which range in price from $50 to $299 have been worn by Lindsey Lohan, Jessica Alba, Naomi Watts, Debra Messing, Claire Danes and Hilary Duff. Although we didn’t need them to tell us it’s gorgeous. It’s pretty obvious. Purchase online at the link above.