Snake Oil/Factory Girl looks (photography, cropped, by Scogin Mayo)

Factory Girl just got cooler. The vintage shop, owned by husband and wife duo, photographer Scogin Mayo and stylist Heather Mayo, have upped their art game again. In addition to the racks of vintage designer gems, rotating art exhibits, and updated online store with Mayo’s beautiful photography, the team has partnered with local, multi-media artist Lizzy Wetzel. The multimedium artist produces a collection of “small hand made totems“ under the name, Snake Oil, a line of  felt sculptures and hand-dyed garments. The collaboration with Factory Girl introduces new hand-dyed tees, tunics, dresses, and kaftans in silk, bamboo, and cotton jersey, ranging from $75 to $450.

According to a press release, the color palette is influenced by the West Texas landscape, as Wetzel says she’s currently dyeing the collection in Marfa, where the desert colors lend a hand for inspiration.

The line hits the store floor at Factory Girl for the first time on Saturday, April 27 during the trunk show, where you’ll find 30-40 of the new, one-of-a-kind pieces displayed. (More will be available by order.) Both shop owners and Wetzle will be on hand to present the new line, and sangria will be served. Valet will be provided out front.

Where: Factory Girl
When: Saturday, April 27, noon to 6 pm

photography courtesy of Gaia

Yesterday I was chit chatting with Brittany Cobb (interior designer, founder of The Dallas Flea, Dallas editor of Daily Candy) for a future D Moms story and she let loose her can’t-live-without cosmetics organizer: GAIA zipper pouches. I’ve heard about this local line of fabric accessories, handcrafted by female refugees, but it has been a while since I shopped the site. The current prints nearly put me in the mood for spring (I still need a little time). Vintage floral prints are so fresh against this week’s dreary weather. Sizes range from small to large ($36 to $52) and can be found at retailers like Neiman Marcus, Forty Five Ten, and Cabana.

Brandy Evan's updated (and cruelty-free) taxidermy sculptures (photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

From Elizabeth Anyaa’s handmade fabrics to Tony Barsotti’s LED gun lamps (on my wish list), D Home’s latest issue captured a handful of seriously talented craftsmen. Check it out.

1. The clothing includes some of our favorite lines, like Milly, Haute Hippie, Trina Turk.
2. The in-house shoe boutique, El’s Stilettos.
3. Sussie’s owner Rory Boyd just told me that purchases will be tax free all day.
4. Every $50 you spend, you’ll get you an entry into their raffle, where you could win prizes like a handbag, coat, or Sussie’s gift card.

Need another reason to stop by Sussie’s next Thursday? They will be serving up light bites cocktails all day long.

Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk intern.

via @cirquedusweet on Instagram

Just kidding. But I seriously love that Cirque du Sweet took a little inspiration from yesterday’s sticker printout suggestion and made this awesome “I voted” badge.

photography courtesy of Elle Studio

Over the weekend, we stumbled upon a local art festival in the Design District. Apparently, it was the Rendezvous with Fire and Art! fair. (I think they need to do a little PR work next time–not much of a crowd.) In any case, I wandered into the tent of local artist Elle Schuster and fell in love with a spiky “arrow” quartz crystal necklace. I regret not snapping a photo, but her “spear” version (see above) is pretty similar. As it turns out, Elle’s a multiplatform artist, too. Photographer, photo illustrator, and photo sculptor are a few of the hats she wears, so it’s no surprise her necklaces resemble wearable sculptures. Find a selection of her jewelry at the Dallas Museum of Art Gift Shop and the Meadows Museum Shop and her one-of-kind pieces online at Elle Studio.

1. @officeofangelascott, Dallas-based shoe designer
2. @lela_rose, Dallas native fashion designer
3. @ninistyle, Dallas personal stylist
4. @lifeintravel, Dallas fashion blogger
5. @shopfiveandten, Highland Park Village boutique
6. @myvioletheart (that’s me) pointing out @margauxanbouba’s cool Villy Customs bicycle

From top: Color Blocked Clutch, Leather Spiked Out Clutch, Handcrafted Leather Spiked Clutch, and Embossed Croc Clutch (photos courtesy of Jacque M.)

I noticed Jacque Martin at a fall fashion event with two of her girlfriends. They looked like a fierce trio with their basic black ensembles and colorful handbags. (Not matchy-matchy like the Olsen twins circa 1995, but like Charlie’s Angels with clutches instead of weapons.) When Jacque handed me her card, it all fell into place. She was a handbag designer and each lady was carrying one. Since that party, her brand, Jacque M., has launched its online shop. Now you can easily get your hands on one of her colorful creations. Moderately priced between $190 and $395, the collection’s highlights include an embossed croc clutch, organic shaped clutches with spikes, a classic leather tote, and what I suspect is a favorite of Jacque’s: the Glam Leather, Feather, and Crystal clutch. Shop them all here.

photo courtesy of www.garancedore.fr

Check out Dallas jewelry designer Amber Venz’ cameo on Garance Doré’s blog. Then read what shopping intern Mary Holbrook took away from the Garance Doré lecture at SMU.

A few things on Amber’s love list: V.O.D., The Crescent Spa, and fried bacon at the State Fair.

See all what else makes the list here.

Me: How do you feel men in dallas will react?

Jim: I think the style here in Dallas for men is pretty formulaic and they seem to adopt a uniform. What I did in launching here in Dallas is give an alternative perspective to those fashion forward thinkers. I’m not saying I’m here to change the Dallas fashion scene. I just want to give them a different option.

Raya: Who is your customer?

Jim: My customer is a downtown rock-and-roll guy who’s very edgy, very fashion forward, is a free thinker, and isn’t afraid to take risks in his wardrobe.

A friend of mine was like, “So are you tailoring the collection to Dallas?” and I was like, no. Why would I do that? With any designer, you shouldn’t tailor designs to fit a specific city. I’m just designing what I know, what I’m best at, and what I feel comfortable with, and I’m just hoping Dallas likes it.

Me: Where do these pieces get worn?

Jim: It’s definitely special event, going out. But I mean, if I were in New York and I had this, I’d just wear it because it’s Tuesday. One of the things I’m most proud of is the wearability of everything even though it is fashion forward.

Raya: Where will this line be bought?

Jim: I’m going to focus on specialty boutiques because I know that my customer is a very specific customer.

Raya: What about the price point?

Jim: The price point is really going to be across the board. I didn’t want to make it to terribly expensive, but I do have some pieces that are going to cost a little bit more. A cotton tank is going to be around $60 to $75. The hoodie, $600 to $700, and the jeans are going to range from $250 to $400.

Cowl neck shirt with ostrich shoulder details (left) and a row of monochromatic separates (right)

EcoArmoire embellished tees

We told you to check out the Indie Genius Urban Bazaar over the weekend, but in case you didn’t, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite finds.

Cherry’s Bad Ass Boutique: It’s full of all kinds of weird odds and ends. Cool things–like handbags, coin purses, and colorful vintage pumps–and the obligatory junk. I bought two mini lampshades for $2.

Malachite earrings by Freeforged

Victrola Design: Illustrator Victoria Corbett stamps clothing, pillows, and accessories with her nature inspired designs. I was particularly taken with the tree-themed satin pillows.

By the Grace of Tea: This tea company lured shoppers in with samples of the holiday FestiviTEA blend spiked with wintery spiced cranberry and citrus notes. I bought a bag.

Freeforged Jewelry: Metalsmith Kristin Freeman puts together dainty-but-earthy jewels that are refreshingly perfect for everyday wear. I dig the colorful stone stud earrings and simple and stackable rings.

EcoArmoire: Owner Melissa Hoover tackles old gaudy dresses and costumes, salvages the interesting bits, and reuses them in new ways, like for embellishment on basic organic tees. I saw a white tee with big purple fabric bow, a dark tee with sparkly shoulder ornamentation, and baby onesies with ties.

photography courtesy of Nha Khanh

I’ve stopped working so that I can continue to examine, swoon, and sigh over the fall collection of local designer Nha Khanh. The ladylike-meets-industrial vibe, the sheer sleeves, leather details, tailoring… I just can’t concentrate on anything else.

I bet it’s even more delicious in person, so perhaps I’ll head to Stanley Korshak, where it all lives for the season.

Fall 2012's Miss Quimby boot, $750 (photography by Robert Robertson)

The Office of Angela Scott local shoe line is finally opening a storefront. Luckily, although designer Angela Scott has made it big, with her hand-crafted footwear featured in Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, and Teen Vogue, it’s in Dallas. Next to V.O.D. in Victory Park to be exact.

Scott’s bench-made, cobbler-stitched footwear collection is inspired by her grandfather’s tailored suits and and bespoke shoes. You can see it reflected in her androgynous oxfords, saddle shoes, and booties with sexy details like wedge heels last fall, colorful cap toes for spring, and lace-up and fur-trimmed details this season. (Like the Miss Quimby boot above.) Check out the newest collection and visit her storefront on Friday for champagne and shoe shopping during the soft opening.

Where: The Office of Angela Scott
When: Friday, September 21, 4 pm to 6 pm