photography courtesy of designers

These Dallas-designed jewels add a perfect pop of color over neutrals.

(clockwise from top left)
LunaTeal Pale Green Druzy brass ring, $66
Where to Buy: lunateal.com

Amanda Sterett “Cameron” earrings with rubylite, citrine, 14-karat gold beading, olive quartz, and pink opals, $445
Where to Buy: Melanie Gayle

NEST Yellow Long Neck on gold chain, $150
Where to Buy: Stanley Korshak

Barse turquoise Post Drop Earrings, $49
Where to Buy: Barse

Mistura Eclissi Dark & Bianco wood watch, $190
Where to Buy: Mistura at Galleria

Elizabeth Showers Simone 18-karat gold eternity bracelet in chrysophase (top), $4,280 and berry corundum (bottom), $4,280
Where to Buy: Elizabeth Showers

Kendi Skeen from kendieveryday.com in Brahmin's summer 2012 catalogue (photography courtesy, er, stolen, from Brahmin's summer 2012 catalogue)

Our very own (well, McKinney’s very own) cute-as-a-button Kendi Skeen from kendieveryday.com and owner of one of our fav shops, Bloom, stars in Brahmin’s summer 2012 catalogue with only two other young ladies. You. Go. Girl. And I think you deserve a round two with those Christian Louboutins. Check out the catalogue and shop the looks at our Galleria Dallas store.

photography: Pure Skin Therapy and Hard Night Good Morning by Matthew Shelley; all others courtesy of retailers

You know the Mary Kay brand is Dallas born and bred. You may also be aware that beloved guy line Jack Black, celeb-fav color collection Susan Posnick, and gift-worthy Niven Morgan were founded here, too. But there are dozens of local skincare collections still flying under the radar. Here are seven of my favorite locally created products to add to your beauty routine.

1. Pure Skin Therapy No. 2 Foaming Wash
Robyn Straza, owner of appointment-based Pure Skin Therapy spa, created a trio of facial cleansers that, when used in different combinations, can cater to a variety of skin types. My favorite is the Foaming Wash. The thick, herbal scent and natural, silky formula is both cleansing and refreshing.
Where to buy: By appointment only at Pure Skin Therapy.

2. Eraclea Purifying Gel Cleanser
The cosmeceutical line is based on products that aim to hydrate the skin using a patented “HylaSponge System,” which utilizes hyaluronic acids. I love the gel cleanser, created with oily skin in mind, for preventing breakouts in the summer but never drying out my skin.
Where to buy: EpiCentre at the Shops at Park Lane, $35

3. Hard Night Good Morning Facial Cocktail
The purpose of this serum, invented by Dallas’ D’Andra Simmons, is to revive tired, damaged skin, and perk it up. I like it to use it in the morning for the subtle tightening, plumping effects, and clean smell.
Where to buy: Nuvo, Stanley Korshak, Whole Foods, $69.99

4. Billy Jealousy Golden Gloves Therapeutic Hand Cream
Manly enough for him, but delightful soothing for me, this hand cream includes Monoi de Tahiti, a scented combo from soaking Tahitian gardenias in coconut oil. The formula is hydrating, but quick drying, so no oily residue.
Where to buy: Hair by Charlie, ZaSpa, Neiman Marcus NorthPark, Pockets Menswear, $28

5. Kale Naturals Bamboo Face Scrub
This mens grooming line, started by two Dallas women, Tia Pettijohn and Dana Kale, contains a variety of products, like face wash, shave gel, and a 3-in-1 wash, but I love the scrub. Bamboo, jojoba, aloe, and mint, exfoliate and soothe, preventing ingrown hairs for my boyfriend and refreshing skin post-workout for me.
Where to buy: Pockets Menswear, St. Bernard Sports, Indigo 1745, Culwell & Son, Ken’s Man’s Shop, $21

6. Colaneri Lipstick
Beauty lines by makeup artists are often my favorites. Who better to create a good lipstick then an expert at using and applying lipstick? Kristen Colaneri’s eponymous collection is simple and usable. I love the lipstick, which is smooth and creamy and comes in a variety of neutrals.
Where to buy: Order or make an appointment by phone (469-569-0132) or email, $15

7. Clovertree Aromatherapy Rollerballs
Spa Habitat owners Greg and Amy Bohn created Clovertree as a line that was both pure and honest about its ingredients. Herbal remedies were the foundation, but the brand expanded to delicious bath and body products. I love the aromatherapy rollerballs as both a natural antidote (like the Comfort Me Calming Oil with lavender and vanilla) and a healthy perfume (like the Inspire Me Meditation Oil with ylang ylang, patchouli, and sweet orange).
Where to buy: Spa Habitat, $15

photography courtesy of Hari Mari

Flip flops don’t interest me much. For starters, there’s no heel. (Boo.) Also, they don’t make much of a statement. (Except, “Hi. I’m shorter than usual today.”) I’ve made an exception for homegrown Hari Mari sandals by Dallas owners Jeremy Stewart and Barrett Horton. I’ve been sampling a pair for the last few days (mostly walking the dog and such), and I’m quite pleased. So what makes these stand out from the millions of flip flops already being manufactured? One, they’re truly comfy. The footbed has been tailored to the perfect level of cushion. Not too soft, not too hard, just right. (Call me Goldilocks.)

“Hari Mari’s comfort starts with its unique memory foam-lined toe posts that make them easy on toes from day one, and continues with soft-squeeze mid-soles and firm arch supports to make any trek, from the park to the beach, an enjoyable one,” Stewart says.

Secondly, from the shoes’ materials to the proceeds, Hari Mari is a humanitarian brand. Each pair is made with reprocessed rubber, foam, and biodegradable hemp. For every set sold, $3 heads to Cook Children’s Hospital to help families battling cancer.  Lastly, to keep the footwear out of landfills, a incentive program offers shoppers a 15 percent discount on a pair of new flops with the return of the old ones.

“In my mind, a perfect flip flop also needs to be eco-responsible,” Stewart says.

I’m into the simplicity of the design. The debut collection, “Parks,” contains white bottoms with solid-color straps in green, blue, brown, black, and more, all for a clean $60 a pop. Shop online.

Update: Available at Adeline on Lovers Lane.

Every product in the collection is just $12. (photography courtesy of verbproducts.com)

It’s called Verb, a cheap line of unisex haircare products made with style in Austin. Get the details here.

A Emmanuel Tobias creation. (photo by Candace Moore)

The Pin Show is an annual event that features a flock of independent fashion designers and their wares. In this May issue, Krista Nightengale highlights the best in show: Mario Gallegos’ “Mario Alberto” collection of romantic cocktail and evening wear, Charlotte Elliot’s “Yomono” corset line, Isabel Varela’s “Izavel” womenswear collection inspired by menswear, Emmanuel Tobias’ avant-garde collection of gowns and headpieces, and Shona C. Gilbert’s “Shona” vintage-made-new jewelry line. Read it all here.

(photography clockwise from top left) Marni spring 2012 RTW (photo courtesy of style.com), Scoop NYC (photo courtesy of Highland Park Village), H&M (photo by Raya Ramsey), Neiman Marcus (photo courtesy of NM), YSL Tribute sandal (photo courtesy of YSL), Amy Havins (photo courtesy of Amy) DESIGN BY CHARLOTTE TOBIN

AMY HAVINS

WARDROBE CONSULTANT, DALLAS WARDROBE

Favorite Shoe:
Yves Saint Laurent ‘Tribute’ Sandal. ”Not only is it the perfect shoe to transition from day to night, it is one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned!”

Favorite Dallas Shopping Spots:
1. Neiman Marcus. ”It is a Dallas staple and what I call a one-stop shop. You can put together full outfits & the customer service is amazing.”

2. Scoop NYC. ”Although they always have a wide variety of clothing, they seem to have the best selection of tops in Dallas. Dressy to casual, Scoop has it all.”

3. H&M. ”I know it can be a bit overwhelming, but if you are patient, you are sure to find some amazing pieces that will enhance any wardrobe.”

Favorite Spring Trend:
Bold prints. ”From Chevron to Zigzags, these style lines are the new stripe of the season!”

Check out the other style setters and their favorite things.

Think you’ll die without your golden bronze this summer? Get an airbrush tan. Continue reading for our very favorite sunless tans in Dallas.

These golden glows get gold stars:

Bronze & Beautiful (read the review) *mobile
The Beauti Studio (formerly Studio Cava – read the review)
The Spa at the Crescent (read the review)
The Tan Bar
Luxury on Lovers
Spa Nordstrom
Riviera Spa
B Tan
Equinox
Haus of Beauté (read the review)

photography courtesy of Wild World

How cute is this?

Duncan Jones left the Highland Park bubble, moved to Austin, and started a Wild World, a company creating earth-friendly, nature-inspired tees. (See my favorites above.) For each shirt that sells, a kid in need gets one, too. Choose from a handful of animal awareness slogans on adult tees and baby onesies. (I like the “blind date” bat shirt above and the “trail mix” for baby.) All tees ship free. Woo hoo! He’s also currently hunting for a publisher to send his If I Were a Frog book into the loving hands of children, so holler at him if you love it (particularly if you’re a publisher). Currently, he’s online only, but hopefully you’ll see his goods in stores around town soon.

Signorina perfume and Dallas' Nile Nussbaumer

In an effort to promote their new perfume, Signorina, Salvatore Ferragamo rounded up a handful of international “it” girls to be part of their “The Girls About Town” campaign. The bevy of ladies include Bianca Balti, Rachel Chandler Guinness, and other “influencers with a polished finger on the pulse of what is cool in her city.” The four newest ladies from LA, New York, and Paris, include Dallas’ own Nile Nussbaumer, publicist for Ceylon et Cie (and daughter of the owner). Check out her online inspiration diary on The Girls About Town Tumblr page. You can also apply to be part of the pack.

They looked so pretty sitting on my mirrored nightstand.

Do you know how many beauty brands come out of Texas? Aside from the well known ones like Mary Kay, Jack Black, and Niven Morgan, we’ve got a slew of under-the-radar local skincare and makeup lines that will blow your mind. I got a pitch last week from Austin mineral-based cosmetics company CATTIVA, launched by former model Joelle Maryn. The sparkles scared me. I like glitter, but anything too bedazzled doesn’t tickle my fancy. These cases are all kinds of sparkly. (Although I’m sort of into the black rhinestones on the mascara–they remind me of edgy studs.) But, more importantly, after playing with a couple samples that were sent, I think I really dig the products. The lip gloss is a bit sticky (I can handle that), smells like vanilla, and stays on for hours. The eyeliner surprisingly lasted through an 85-degree outdoor workout with only a minimal amount of smudging. The mascara is my favorite part. It actually gives my lashes a little volume and no. clumping. (And everything makes my lashes clump.) It’s not dramatic. No thick goop hanging onto a couple strands. Just clean, evenly coated lashes. As for the eyeshadow? Haven’t tried it yet. TBA. Until then, the compact would be fun to whip out out parties as a glamorous accessory. Find CATTIVA at Stanley Korshak. Prices run $20 to $50.

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

Ashley Burghardt, former 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas winner, handbag designer, and now fashion designer has a lot of her plate these days between her burgeoning business and design work. It’s always a pleasure spending a few minutes with the delightful Ashard Richley founder and I enjoyed getting to chat (and a laugh a little) over the contents of her latest bag(s).

Ashard Richley "Half Hour" bag with wallet flap.

1. Lipsticks from NYX, L’Oreal, Revlon, Maybelline, and MAC. “It’s a new obsession of mine. I like to add a pop of color with my shoes, my bag, and my lips. And I’m cheap. CVS all the way.”
2. Vitamin case. “I take, like, eight different vitamins a day.”
3. Camera. “It’s a must-have all the time for funny things at the office, inspiration, and whenever someone might be carrying a bag.”
4. Ashard Richley “Envelope” clutch. (Doubles as an iPad case.)
5. Zinc lozenges. “I’ve been fighting getting sick because I’m always running around like crazy.”
6. Earbuds. “I haven’t purchased a handsfree set yet, so I stuff my phone in my shirt and that’s my ghetto hands free.”
7. Pantone color system. “I use this to match colors for my bags.”
8. Business card holder.
9. Thread. (We left the needles and giant scissors out of the photo.)
10. Kale Naturals face lotion. “I stole this from my husband Richard.”
11. Burt’s Bees lip balm tin. “My lips get so dried out.”
12. Hairbands, Q-Tips (“for fixing makeup”), bobby pins (“to go from day to night”), and Band-Aids (“for shoes and also when I’m sewing samples–I do poke myself quite a bit”).
13. iPhone. “My baby. I can’t live without it.”
14. Revlon Extra Life No Chip top coat nail polish.
15. Gloss collection: MAC clear Lipglass, MAC gloss in “C-Thru,” and Lip Shine in “Essence”
16. Excedrin

Update: Forgot to mention that Ashley is a pretty competitive Draw Something player. Check out her “canoe” doodle after the jump.

Some of my spring favs. (photography courtesy of Nha Khanh)

This weekend you can catch a preview of Nha Khanh’s sure-to-be-fabulous fall 2012 RTW collection for the first time at Stanley Korshak. Like what you see? Pre-ordering is available. We’re already in love with the spring line (particularly the silk bib and wool pencil skirt above), which you can shop immediately. Head in on Saturday, from 11 am to 5 pm, because designer Khanh Nguyen (who stopped by our Tootsies event last night–thank you!) will be in the store, with her precious baby bump, helping customers pick seasonal pieces. Drinks and light bites will be served. I’ve been a fan of Khanh’s work since I saw her first collection. Her aesthetic is architectural, modern, unique, slightly edgy, and totally wearable. They’re the kind of pieces that will become staples in your closet but always turn heads when you’re out wearing them. And, she’s local. So there. See you tomorrow. But first, a nap after discussing DIFFA on WFAA with Ron Corning this morning at 6:30 am…

A few fall 2012 looks from Izavel at the recent Pin Show. (photography by Duy Nguyen, courtesy of Izavel)

April’s Fashion’s Living Canvas event at the Hilton Anatole is a horse of the different color. Yes, it’s got the pleasant familiarities of other fashion affairs. You’ll admire the collections of local designers (six in total), enjoy emceeing personalities (on deck: LeeAnne Locken and Steve Kemble), munch on light hors d’oeuvres (courtesy of Hilton’s Media Grill + Bar), and sip on mandatory cocktails (bring cash!). But, as a twist on the usual, you’ll also watch models become art on the runway via live “radical” makeup and hair transformations. Check out clothing from Society Language by Prashi Shah, IZAVEL by Isabel Varela, Melancholic Design by Jesse Thaxton, and Danh Ta, and jewelry from Red-i by Chelsea Bond and Haute in Hong Kong by Becca Jett. Show begins at 8:30 pm and will be followed by a DJ for those who aren’t ready to leave.

Geoffrey Henning's Smoking Jacket Sketches for DIFFA 2012 Collection (courtesy of Strauss Marketing)

Last year’s denim jackets were fantastic, but I’m thrilled for this year’s sexy array of smoking jackets. The Smoking Haute DIFFA Collection 2012 will be debuted and up for silent auction on Saturday, March 31. Purchase tickets now for this favorite annual black tie affair which includes cocktails (lots of those), a seated dinner, live auction, runway show (which is quite a spectacle), and backstage celebration. Sure, this fancy ordeal has a fancy price tag, but proceeds benefit North Texas HIV/AIDS charities. Besides, you don’t want to hear everyone talking about how much fun they had at the DIFFA event when you didn’t attend, do you? If you love the menswear-for-ladies look like I do, you’re probably pretty excited to see these tuxedo jackets dolled up, couture style, but until then, I leave you with Geoffrey Henning’s smoking jacket sketches. Sigh.