ShopTalk » Products

The Herbal Remedy

Kristin Hull — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:51:52 +0000

Happy 2009, ShopTalkers! I hope everyone had a great holiday! I spent a week in Michigan (where I grew up) and never noticed how dry is it up there until this trip. (I guess 20 degree weather, snow and wind will do that.) My hands looked horrible and they felt even worse. Luckily, my herbalist sister (Kathleen Wildwood) was visiting too and she gave me some of her homemade St. John’s Wort oil to relieve my parched skin (and it is a natural sunscreen as well so it solves two problems in one!). It kept my hands feeling silky smooth longer than any cream I’ve ever used. Unfortunately, she only had a small bottle and even though I am the baby of the family and could have probably gotten away with it, I tried not to hog it all. (Sad Puppy Face doesn’t really work anymore.) I am going to have her send me some ASAP though. She also gave me a bottle of her Immune Booster because I have a tendency to get sick a lot. Since herbs are long-term solutions, I can’t say yet how it has affected me but I’m all for anything natural that will help me stay well! Her products are fantastic because they are free of chemicals, pesticides and all that other junk they put in so many products these days. Kathleen grows the herbs herself in her yard and then makes her teas and herbal remedies with them. Thank goodness there are people in the world like her because I don’t have that kind of patience, or knowledge. I’ll stick to writing about fashion trends and store sales. To check out all her goodies go to www.wildwoodherbs.com.

Love Sole-Killing Heels? Then Carry A Spare!

Rhonda Reinhart — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:51:44 +0000

Every woman has been there. The totally fabulous three-inch heels seemed like a good idea when you left the house, but now your pretty little pedicured feet have become swollen, aching hooves just dying to break free from their miniature torture chambers. If you never again want to walk barefoot on a dirty sidewalk, parking lot, or other germ-laden surface while carrying a once-wonderful pair of overpriced stilettos, then you need to peep these peep-toe-pain saviors. Spare Soles are travel-friendly ballerina flats that come in a variety of colors and sizes and are designed to be a rescue tool for situations just like this. The rollable, bendable flats come with a handy pouch that should fit nicely in most purses. Buy online, or head over to J. Renee Shoes and More in Preston Royal Village (214-368-8030). Right now Spare Soles are on sale there for $12.95.

Update: Exact Eyelights Mascara by CoverGirl

Katie McNew — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:05:24 +0000

So, Josi, my fabulous make-up artist friend over at The Daily Beauty Break, finally gave the new Exact Eyelights Mascara by CoverGirl a try, and she’s got good news. First, the mascara comes with the same great brush as our other CoverGirl favorites (LashBlast and VolumeExact). That means no clumping. Second, Eyelights rules were meant to be broken. Gotta love that. Josi tried the Black Pearl for brown eyes, which she has, and the Black Sapphire for blue eyes, which we’d all like to have. Although she didn’t have much luck with the Black Pearl, the navy tone of the Sapphire did the trick, bringing out a hazel hue in her peepers. Third, the wands are priced below $10, so you can try them all and see what works for you. For Josi’s full review, go here. If you’ve tried it, tell me what you think in the comments.

Tie One On, Texas-Style

Rhonda Reinhart — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:43:15 +0000

When I say that the new Carrollton-based company Sine Die has Texas ties, I mean it literally has Texas ties. Sine Die’s Lone Star State-loving neckwear features everything from oil wells to Austin bats. Several of the patterns include our beloved state shape, and one even honors that favorite Texas pastry: the kolache. Bonus: if you order by noon on December 23, Sine Die guarantees delivery before Christmas.

Item of the Day

Stephanie Quadri — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:17:01 +0000

If you read this blog regularly then you know I am a shoe aficionado. You can imagine my excitement when a co-worker introduced me to Omelle, a new fab luxe footwear line that a friend of hers designs. The architectually inspired styles are truly unique and certain to be a big hit. Featured in this month’s Vogue, these high-design shoes are not available anywhere in Dallas yet (fingers crossed someone will pick up the line), but you can check out the entire collection on their website now and will be able to purchase online come February (gift cards available now). I know what I want for Christmas!

Item of the Day

Stephanie Quadri — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:00:01 +0000

Belts are a great way to update your look and they don’t seem to be going out of style anytime soon. While shopping around the other day, I came across this stylish one from The Gap’s limited edition European collection. For only $40, this would make a great gift for your girlfriend or simply treat yourself!

The Better To See You With

Rhonda Reinhart — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:02:01 +0000

Doesn’t this picture make you want to buy some glasses? Or find a nice man rocking 5 o’clock shadow and close-cropped hair with his glasses? I can’t help you with the man part, but I can tell you where to get the glasses. Occhiali Modern Optics in Preston Center Plaza has a wide range of fashionable eyewear, including Tailored by Tom Davies, which you see there on the left. What’s cool about the Tom Davies line is that each piece is custom fit to the wearer, from the color to the distance between lenses. Sure beats the red Sally Jessy Raphael specs I sported in sixth grade. Yikes.

Jakks for Cracks

Kristin Hull — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:56:42 +0000

Speaking of butt cleavage/coin slots I too have tried a product that keeps your crack where it should be - hidden. Whenever I see someone’s “coin slot” peeking out from above their waistband I wonder, “Don’t they feel it sticking out?” I know I can tell when my pants have slipped down too far. Why can’t they? Maybe they’re butt cleavage-challenged. They sure could use JAKs, made by Miss Oops!, a company that has dedicated itself to helping us deal with all those unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions like lines of deoderant on our shirts and panty lines (even from thongs). Sorry, must make a side note here: One of my all-time pet peeves is thong panty lines! The whole purpose of thongs is so that no one can see your panty lines. However, with some pants you can still see the lines even if you are wearing a thong. THIS IS NOT OK! It defeats the whole purpose of the thong. Turn around and look in the mirror. If you can see any lines at all do not leave the house. In fact, try this Miss Oops product to solve the problem. Now, back to JAKs. As you can see from the photo above it is a stretchy piece of material that goes around your waist. When worn under a shirt, it looks like a cute little camisole. The material is soft and the lace is pretty. I’ve already worn mine several times and really love it. Plus, it keeps my middle warm in the winter and it holds my tummy in a bit too. Nice!

Quick Fashion Fix: isABelt

Rhonda Reinhart — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:15:06 +0000

The dreaded waistband gap is not pleasant for anyone. Coin slot, butt cleavage, plumber’s crack—whatever you want to call it, it ain’t good. Enter isABelt. This half-inch plastic belt is designed to eliminate back gap and belt bulk and provide a slimming effect at the same time. I don’t know about tucking in (even though the plastic is clear, you can still see it), but it will definitely smooth things over when a shirt is worn outside the pants. And besides all that, now you won’t need this.

New Scent: Diesel Fuel For Life Unlimited

Raya Ramsey — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:58:14 +0000

Diesel has launched its newest perfume, Diesel Fuel for Life Unlimited. I love the complicated mix of ingredients. It includes lemon, mandarin, pear, guava, licorice, aniseed, violet, tuberose, jasmine, Casablanca lilies, aloe, wet leaves, sandalwood, American cedar, musk, labdanum, and peach. At first spray, the perfume is fresh and fruity. As it warms up on the skin, you can smell it’s a woody-floral-musky combo. The press release describes Unlimited as “rebellious,” “feminine,” and an echo of the Roaring Twenties. With the combination of licorice core, violet, and musk, it’s easy to see why. To get your hands on the pretty bottle—wrapped in a sparkly brown net with gold chain—go to the Diesel store at NorthPark or to www.diesel.com.

Diane Von Furstenberg Does Wonder Woman

Stephanie Quadri — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:56:49 +0000

One of fashion’s most influential women has looked to the iconic heroine for inspiration for her Holiday 2008 collection and a limited edition comic book (pictured at left). Von Furstenberg has collaborated with DC Comics to release “Be The Wonder Woman You Can Be: Adventures of Diva, Viva, and Fifa“. The book, written by Von Furstenberg herself, is available for purchase here for only $25 (fun gift for fashionista’s on your list!). Featuring art by Konstantin Kakanias, the 48-page book includes previous published material from William Moulton Marston, comic historian Les Daniels, television’s Wonder Woman Lynda Carter, and Gloria Steinem. “The collection and the stories that I have created are really about empowerment and finding our inner strength.” says the designer. “The truth is that there is a little bit of Wonder Woman inside each of us.” Bonus: Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit Vital Voices, a non-profit organization dedicated to emporwering women worldwide. The comic-adorned tote ($165) or tee ($46) also make great gifts.

Athlete-Engineered Skincare, Because Shopping is a Sport

Katie McNew — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:06:53 +0000

Don’t believe me? Head to NorthPark this Saturday at, oh, say 1:30pm, and see if you don’t change your tune. It’s advisable to practice your two-step juke prior to arrival. But back to the product: MISSION Skincare is the brainchild of ultra-endurance athlete Charlie Engle, who last year finished an 111-day run across the Sahara Desert. (That’s right. An 111-day run. Across the Sahara.) Joining him on the mission to create high-performance skincare is a group of first-class athletes the likes of Mia Hamm, Amanda Beard, and Steve Nash. The result is a collection of products made to protect, soothe, and revive in the harshest of environments (read: NorthPark and beyond). Two that I can’t wait to try are the Foot Synergy Gel, which moisturizes and soothes sore feet after mall madness, and the Anti-Friction Cream, which I’m hopful can turn my two-hour party stilettos into acceptable eight-hour attire. I’ll also pick up the Daily Offense SPF 30 Stick—I love the no-spill aspect and, even more so, the anti-sting technology to protect the eyes from suncreen sting. Learn about MISSION Skincare’s charity involvement here, and buy products online or at Lady Foot Locker, The Vitamin Shoppe, or Champs Sports.

Wave Goodbye To Flabby Arms

Rhonda Reinhart — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:00:16 +0000

While perusing the L.A. Times fashion blog, I came across this ingenious undergarment. It’s a girdle. For your arms. I’m serious.

Chip the Chipmunk Charm Helps Hungry Children

Rhonda Reinhart — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:48:28 +0000

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.

Genius! A Contemporary Garter Flask!

Raya Ramsey — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:43:15 +0000

When the Juliette Garter Flask came in the mail to Kristin, it was love at first site for me. Our gorgeous make came in plum silk with a floral design. Tucked delicately inside the pocket was a sleek little silver flask. I knew I had to have it. Fortunately, Kristin is generous, and she handed it over. I cradled the little love, thinking of all of the wonderful things I could do with it. Creator Nanette suggests wearing it under your wedding gown to soothe wedding day jitters—I’ll need one for each leg—or wearing it as a bridesmaid at a bachelorette outing. (I wore it around the office for a little while.) But the uses don’t stop there! You can forget wearing a purse. Stuff your camera, cell, and lip gloss in there, too. I wish I had known about these things when I was in college. I would have filled up the flask for the football games. Be creative. The possibilities are endless! The garters can even be customized by color, initials, and the addition of crystals and pearls. To get your own, go to www.garterflask.com. To see a photo of the real thing, jump.

Mix Your Own MAC Nail Polish

Rhonda Reinhart — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:26:33 +0000

Sure, you probably already knew that MAC pigment (pictured here in Mauvement) is a multipurpose product. Use it on eyes as a glittery shadow, for instance. Or sweep across cheeks for a splash of color. But did you know you can use it to make your own nail polish? Well, I didn’t. And Katie didn’t either. So when a couple of MAC makeup artists told us this amazing news (to us, anyway), we just had to try it. Luckily, the experiment was a success! Just mix a little bit of the powder into a bottle of clear polish, and voilà—you get a brand-new shade that nobody else has. And it just so happens to match your eye shadow perfectly!

Drink to your Health….or Skin!

Jamie Laubhan-Oliver — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:21:32 +0000

While I was out Christmas shopping this weekend, I saw a huge display at Neiman Marcus for the Glowelle Beauty Drink. The drink is packed with antioxidants and vitamins and claims to nourish and hydrate the skin from the inside out. Today, I got my 7-day supply of the Pomegranate Lychee flavor. Can’t wait to see the results. I will fill you in next week.

If you want to try it out with me, you can get yours at Neiman Marcus stores. A seven-day supply is $40.

Love Your Lashes With neuLash

Jennifer Chininis — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:54:32 +0000

Actually, that statement might be a bit premature. But I do hope in three to eight weeks I can say it’s true. I just got a sample of neuLash, an ophthalmologist-tested “active eyelash technology” that promises fuller, healthier-looking lashes, thanks to a magic mix of essential proteins, vitamins, and moisturizers that fight the effects of that darned eyelash curler and mascara. It’s so easy to apply–just once across the lash line at night, before you go to bed. There’s absolutely no irritation. If you can’t wait to see if it works for me, neuLash is now available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $150.

More Stores Welcome Mistura Watches

Rhonda Reinhart — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:59:13 +0000

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)

A Gift For the Well-Groomed

Rhonda Reinhart — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:46:37 +0000

If you didn’t win the Kiehl’s gift set Jennifer gave away earlier this week, my condolences. But if you’re still in the market for a grooming-related guy’s gift, check out this kit from Anthony Logistics. The handy travel case includes a glycolic face cleanser, face scrub, pre-shave oil, shave cream, after-shave balm, body scrub, and hand and body lotion—all in airline-approved travel sizes. This set is $60 at Nordstrom, but if you’re looking for something at a higher or lower price point, check out the store’s other Anthony Logistics For Men gift sets. There’s everything from a starter kit to a bursting-at-the-seams weekender package.

Getting Fit With FitFlop, Winter Edition

Rhonda Reinhart — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:32:21 +0000

Over the summer, Sarah told us about FitFlop, “the flip-flop with the gym built in,” and its promises to trim and tighten legs while you walk. Well, now FitFlop has introduced a winter shoe using the same technology. The Billow, pictured at left, does double duty as a casual outdoor boot (cuff rolled up) and a thick, fluffy slipper (cuff rolled down). And it claims to do everything from firm your fanny to relieve lower back pain. The shoe is not terribly cute, but if it does what it promises, it might be worth wearing around town for shopping and errands and such. Somehow, though, I don’t think Stacy London would agree.

Help Plant Trees With Half Price Books

Jennifer Chininis — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:38:29 +0000

Here’s a loss I hadn’t thought about before: because of Hurricane Ike, more than 238,000 acres of trees were lost or damaged in 29 Texas counties, which prompted Half Price Books and Keep Texas Beautiful to form the Replant Texas initiative. Their mission is to buy and plant trees to replace those lost in the storm. How can you help? If you buy one of these cute, environmentally friendly, reusable tote bags for 98 cents, HPB will donate 10 cents from each sale to the cause. In fact, HPB has already promised a minimum of $15,000 to kick off the program, and proceeds will be deliverd on Earth Day 2009. I ask you: when was the last time you bought something good for less than a buck?

Re: Friday Giveaway

Jennifer Chininis — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:42:02 +0000

I forgot to mention that our winner of the last Kiehl’s giveaway is Sarah Moore, and the winner of the super-fancy Nude products is Katie Martin. Congratulations, ladies!

Friday Giveaway: Kiehl’s Ultimate Man Collection Gift Set

Jennifer Chininis — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:02:43 +0000

Ladies, here’s something your man will love. (Actually, this is something you will love for your man.) And, for our guy ShopTalkers, you finally get something you can use! In this collection are Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, Facial Fuel Engergizing Moisture Treatment, Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm, Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream, and Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash. Phew! If you don’t win today but still want this gift set, you can get it at Kiehl’s in Highland Park Village. E-mail me (by clicking on my name) and I’ll alert the winner on Monday. Happy holidays, yo.

The Next Big Thing?

Stephanie Quadri — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:54:38 +0000

The Dallas Market Center has announced the finalists for their “Next Big Thing” contest. They received over 100 entries and have narrowed it down to three, one of which is from Rowlett, TX. Congrats to Renee Williams, founder of SIPATINIZ, a spill-free martini glass (pictured at left). Other finalists include Good For You Girls, a natural skincare line for teenagers and Vintage Hem (my personal fave), slips that add a little something extra to the bottom of skirts and dresses. The three finalists will receive a free booth and travel to the upcoming Dallas FINDS Temp Show January 16–19, 2009. During the show the finalists will be judged based on their product, trade space presentation, and production plan. The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 17, 2009 and will win a prize package worth more than $10,000. Talkers, who do you think should win?

Ready-to-Write Stationery

Stephanie Quadri — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:00:09 +0000

Dallas native, and one of my favorite designers, Lela Rose has collaborated with renowned New York stationer Dempsey & Carroll to create a limited edition collection. The stationery set features ecru note cards with a bobbins and thread sketch and envelopes lined with blue tailor’s measuring tape on a gray background. The fashion designer was enlisted to design stationery based on her “chic style and whimsical flair”. The $65 boxed set would make a great gift for any fashionable girl on your list and can be purchased here now. Bonus: It’s a gift that gives back. A portion of sales from the designer collaboration will benefit The Children’s Storefront, an independent, tuition-free school in Harlem.

Perfume-To-Go! Why Didn’t I Think of This?

Kristin Hull — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:44:04 +0000

When I received the new Happy Solid Perfume Pencils from Clinique, I was so excited that I immedialte ran to show them to Raya (she’s my fellow beauty product junkie). We wondered why no one had ever made them before because they are a brilliant idea. The gift set (available for $30 at Clinique counters nationwide in December) features three scents -”Wealth of Flowers,” “Hint of Citrus” and my personal favorite, “Happy.” They come with a special sharpener and the best part is that they won’t leak all over your purse like so many of those roller ball perfume bottles do. All three fragrances are fresh and light, and I’m a sucker for packing so I can’t help but love their bright, cheerful colors. They’re convenient and uncomplicated, and will fit into even the smallest purse. Put them on your wishlist for Santa, and buy them for every female you know. They (and you) will be grateful all year long!

Happy Holidays From The Gap

Rhonda Reinhart — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:28:02 +0000

This new Gap ad featuring inaugural ShopTalk Crush of the Week Jon Hamm makes me want to buy a sweater and scarf. Good job, Gap!

Polish Pick: No More War

Raya Ramsey — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:58:17 +0000

When I first caught a glimpse of this Rescue Beauty Lounge color on the web, I knew I had to have it. When it came in the mail, I began polishing immediately. It has to be one of the most unusual nail colors in existence. Indoors, it’s mostly an olive-y green. In the sun, it becomes a brighter, more vivid olive with a yellowish-brown glow underneath. Sounds totally disgusting—and a few people told me it was—but mostly, it’s just different. I really like it, though. I think it’s a trendy fall color. What do you think? To purchase No More War, click here. To peruse the Lounge’s other colors, click here. (Image courtesy of All Lacquered Up.)

Today’s Fun Find: CC Skye Screw Bracelet

Rhonda Reinhart — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:54:37 +0000

Spotted on the likes of teenybopper Miley Cyrus, famous for being famous Kim Kardashian, and Gossip Girl Leighton Meester, this CC Skye leather screw bracelet is apparently hot with the L.A. “it girls” right now. Which means that by the time you finish reading this sentence, it will be très passé. Either way, I’m digging this combo of tough and sweet. The metal accents on the colorful band are pretty representative of CC Skye’s style, so if you like this, you’ll probably like her other stuff, too. To get your own screw bracelet, buy online or head over to Intermix.