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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

Billy Reid, Please Stop Taunting Me

Once upon a time, Billy Reid had a warehouse in Exposition Park. Once a year (or was it twice?), there was held a most glorious sale at that warehouse — a sale that, frankly, was the only way I was ever going to buy Billy Reid. You know, like a $600 blazer for $100. I got a $1,000 suit for, if memory serves, about $200. I own a number of pieces by Billy Reid. Each one came from that warehouse sale.

Alas, the warehouse moved to some backward state like Tennessee. Gone. My heart was broken. And it is broken anew, just about every week it seems. The Billy Reid brass has gotten ahold of my e-mail address. They keep inviting me to this or that event at the NorthPark store. “Join us at the Fall Made to Measure Event, September 21 and 22, featuring new fabrics selected by Billy Himself and celebrating the launch of the the new Made to Measure program.” Or: “Stop by for our fall Launch Party this Thursday night, September 17. Browse our new fall arrivals, have some fried catfish courtesy of Topcat, and groove to some tunes from Southern Drive. Plus, engage in casual sex with female pro beach volleyball players!” (I might have made up that last part.)

Listen to me, Billy Reid: stop it! I beg you! I can’t afford your sumptuous fabrics and smart styling at full price! I am a humble, ink-stained wretch, not some trust-fund layabout!

Buy One, Get One Free Nail Polish from Misa

The ShopTalk sale starts today! (See below for details.) Call or email Misa to get a free nail polish with the purchase of another. (Polish on left is Can’t Nobody Take Me Down from Misa’s fall I’m Only Human collection.)

Flip-flop Heaven at Union Jack

Gentlemen, be warned: I’m not a big fan of sandals, especially flip flops, on you. On South Beach, they look great. Some South Pacific isle, even better. But Dallas? Not so much. If you must wear them then 1) they should be well-designed and stylish, and 2) get a pedicure, please. That said, Oak Lawn mainstay Union Jack is offering 20 percent off all sandals: Kenneth Cole, GBX, Micros, NYGB, and more. Even better, they’re offering a Buli Cafe Bucks special. This week, buy any regular priced pair of denim jeans or pants and get a $5 Buli gift card good towards panninis, salads, coffee drinks, or anything your hungry heart desires.

20% Off Manis and Pedis at Troy Richard Salon

Nici Jewkes has joined the Troy Richard Salon as their new nail technician. Get 20% off your treatment on your first visit. She specializes in nail art, gel nails, manicures and pedicures. Don’t you deserve a little pampering? I know I do and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Call (214) 618-8071 or email hair@troyrichardsalon.com for an appointment.

Buy Sunglasses at Solstice Sunglass Boutique & Help Support The Climate Project

You’re future’s so bright (or at least the sun in Texas is), you gotta wear shades, so why not buy them at Solstice Sunglass Boutique, (at NorthPark Center or Galleria Dallas) and help heal the Earth at the same time. As part of their “Summer Solstice” promotion, they will donate 10% of all sunglass sales on June 21st, (the first official day of summer…although here it has already begun) to The Climate Project, an international non-profit organization founded by Al Gore to raise public awareness of the global climate crisis. They’ve got a slew of fashionable brands to entice you including Carrera, Dior, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, and YSL. Don’t miss out on the exclusive new collection of vintage 1980’s-styles from Carrera. Not in the market for a pair of sunglasses? Buy a beach tote ($20) through the month of June and they will give 100% of the net proceeds to the organization as well. Need more incentive? From June 10th to July 19th, spend $125 and get the beach tote for $10 or by any pair of sunglasses valued at $250 or more and receive the beach tote for free.

Mother’s Day Idea: Aqua Medical Spa Mother’s Day Package

This just landed in my in box: four Mother’s Day packages from Aqua Medical Spa, in all price ranges. If you’re on a budget–and Mom is always supportive when we are–you can get her the Quick-Fix Mom package with express pore purifying facial and express stress buster massage (50 min) for $99. For $51 more, you can treat her to a vitamin C antioxidant facial and deep tissue massage (100 min). If money is no object, Mom will surely thank you for the Refreshed Mom package, which includes Botox (two areas), Juvederm (two syringes), vitalize peel, and Zoom! teeth whitening for $1,945. If you think your mom deserves the latter, I suggest you hit up dad for some cash. IJS.

Mother’s Day Idea: MomFit at Vert Fitness and Wellness Center

Buying a woman an exercise package as a gift is tricky. Either she’ll hate you (do you think I’m fat?) or she’ll love you for giving her the jump-start she needed. That said, purchase at your own risk. However, these programs, designed for new moms and moms-to-be, are pretty cool. Vert. Fitness and Wellness Center–which we wrote about in the current issue of D Beauty–is offering MomFit Workouts, including Mom & Baby Programs and MomToBe Pre Natal Fitness, which cater to the needs of new moms and pregnant women. That means a regimen designed specifically to whip your post-baby body into shape, plus they can make childcare arrangements if need be. For moms-to-be, Vert has trainers with pre- and post-natal certifications. These MomFit packages have been discounted for Mother’s Day, which means three months at the studio, fitness assessment, and 10 specially designed programs for $700 (a discount of $25 per session).

Show Your Mom Some Love at Zen in Frisco

We often tell you about specials at Zen Luxury Nail & Beauty Bar in Frisco, a 2008 D Beauty Award winner. Well, this time you need to share the love with your mom, because Zen is offering complimentary Sprinkles cupcakes, champagne, and truffles (while supplies last) now through Mother’s Day (May 10). And you can get a Heavenly upgrade with purchase of two Ultimate Zen or Eternal Zen mani/pedi packages. That’ll save you $24-$30–and don’t you think Mom is worth it?

Free Circuit Training at Aeon in May

If the words “free” precede some type of fitness activity, then I’d say you’ve run out of excuses not to exercise. AEON Studio, which we wrote about in the current issue of D Beauty, is hosting complimentary hour-long circuit training classes every Saturday in May, at 9:30 and 10:30 am. Classes include a combo of boxing, cardio, weights, medicine balls, and full body workout. You must reserve your spot to attend. Just send an e-mail to info@aeonhealth.com. Also, in conjunction with their sponsorship of the Katy Trail 5K on May 14, AEON will donate $50 to Friends of the Katy Trail for every additional member who joins, and those new May members receive three complimentary services such as musculoskeletal evaluation, nutrition analysis, personal training session, physical consultation, or Pilates and yoga.

Your Mom Deserves a Free Year of Massages!

Come to think of it, so does my mom. Heck, I do too–but I’m not a mom. (Drat.) Anyway, check out this contest from Massage Envy: one lucky winner receives a one-year membership to Massage Envy (that’s one one-hour massage a month) and a $100 gift card to Calloway’s Nursery. Plus she’ll be crowned the Most Amazing Mom (in the world?). Nice! Be prepared to write 250 compelling words about the woman who gave birth to you. It’s the least you can do. And you’ll have a totally awesome gift for Mother’s Day–that didn’t cost you a penny. (But we won’t tell.) Deadline for submissions is May 9.

Earth Day at Mockingbird Station

In honor of Earth Day—which is today, remember—Mockingbird Station is celebrating with a slew of activities, including the kickoff of its Farmers Market series. Through the month of May, every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm, Mockingbird Station will welcome local growers and organic farmers to sell their locally grown produce. But today’s events are not all about food. Here are some highlights of what the day is set to bring: sidewalk sale spotlighting eco-friendly or locally made products from retailers at Mockingbird Station, PURE Dental’s “PURE Style” VIP launch party with Society Stylist for Almay’s new Pure Blends eco-friendly makeup line, and Movida Boutique’s in-store Earth Day Fashion Show. If you love your planet, you will go to this. Also, you will not litter. Have fun!

Spa Deal at Corinthian

Here’s the scoop from Kellyn Curtis:

You can finally check those burdensome taxes off the list. Now it’s time to reward yourself for all your hard work without breaking the bank. Corinthian Wellness Spa in Southlake is offering 20 percent off on all spa services and retail products Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you think you’re still too busy to take a break after taxes, don’t worry. The luxurious hideaway offers a service that will run errands for you during your treatment. Sounds like that to-do list just got a little shorter.

Jazzy Jellies

Jellies take me back to my childhood in the 80’s, when every little girl sported the transparent plastic flats that came in a rainbow of colors for less than $5. They’ve come a long way and are a summer essential with labels like Tod’s, Ralph Lauren, and Burberry creating sleek modern interpretations. If you don’t have a pair yet, be sure to stop by Tod’s at NorthPark today through April 19 to get some. In honor of the 20th anniversary of the DIFFA/Dallas Collection, Tod’s will donate a percentage of proceeds from sales of the Jelly Sandal Collection to the organization.  The tassel accented jellies, available in a medley of colors (nautical two-toned navy and white, to bright magenta and blue), are $175. Be sure to check out the RTW collection (Dallas is one of 4 stores in the US to carry the line which is all designed by creative director Derek Lam) that just arrived this month.

Do the Earth a Solid. Buy Makeup!

The folks at Physicians Formula Organic Wear want to help you help them save the Earth. In honor of Earth Day, during the month of April, a portion of the proceeds from the purchase of any Organic Wear product will benefit Global Green USA, an environmental nonprofit whose name tells you a whole lot about its goals. As an added bonus, Physicians Formula is also throwing in a free lip gloss with the purchase of a blush/bronzer or a mascara with the purchase of a tinted moisturizer. I’m picky about mascara, but I’ll take a free lip gloss any day, especially this one in Super Rose. I’ve been using it for the past few days, and I likes!

Mother’s Day Deals at Corinthian Wellness Spa

Because I’m on the Mother’s Day beat, I wanted to share with you dear ShopTalkers another mom-friendly spa deal. At Corinthian Wellness Spa in Southlake (a 2009 D Beauty Award winner), you can treat your mama to high tea (for a $25 add-on) then pamper her with one of four special Mother’s Day packages. The Relax Mom package ($120) includes a foot soak, a Beauty Blitz Facial, and a Mini Zen massage. The Restore Mom package ($150) includes a foot soak, a Collagen Facial, and a Peppermint Scalp Massage. The Rejuvenate Mom package ($153) includes a foot soak, a Dragonfly Dreams Massage, and Harmony Restore Reflexology. And the Queen for a Day package ($228) includes a foot soak, a Corinthian Custom Massage, and a Corinthian Organic Facial. Although Queen for a Day does sound nice, I recommend the Restore Mom deal. I’ve had that Collagen Facial, and it is awesome. And, at $150, the package is smartly priced.

Don’t Forget: Spa Week Starts Today

Easter Gifts for Grown-ups

Just because we aren’t kids anymore doesn’t mean we can’t get excited about getting a pretty basket filled with goodies on Easter morning. My thoughtful mom always puts together something special for my brother and me (perhaps it’s because we have yet to produce grandchildren for her, but that’s beside the point). Adults celebrate Easter too and luckily there are some great grown-up gifts to give. Just don’t forget the Peeps!

LAFCO’s “Powder Room” soy based candle in reusable art deco glass vessel ($55/LAFCO Highland Park Village)

Claus Porto Guest Pastilles ($20/LAFCO Highland Park Village)

NOKA Chocolate Bunnies & Eggs ($3-$40/NOKA at NorthPark)

Signature Porcelain Bird Arrangement from Grange Hall (Price upon request)

Permanent Makeup Party!

That’s right. Be at Plano Aesthetics in, duh, Plano for this event on April 15 to explore the world of permanent cosmetics. Erika Seamayer will be applying permanent eyeliner, brows, and lip color for a discounted price: get two or more areas done, take 10 percent off; get three or more areas done, take 15 percent off. Alone, eyeliner, brows, and lips are $500, $500, and $600, respectively. Sounds pricey, but it could save you money on makeup in the future. Midway Medical Clinic. 3108 Midway Rd., Ste. 102A, Plano. www.planoaesthetics.com.  

Any ShopTalkers have permanent makeup? If so, what do you think?

V Spa Aims To Make Moms Happy

When I was little, maybe 6 years old, I gave my mom a Timex watch for Mother’s Day. It probably cost in the neighborhood of $5, and I bought it at Wal-Mart. I was very proud of that timepiece, even though it was hideous. My mom wore the watch every day—not because she loved it so but because she thought it might die a faster death that way. Well, joke was on her. That Timex took a licking and kept on ticking…and ticking and ticking. So, because of me, Mom sported an ugly piece of metal on her wrist for many years. Moral of the story: don’t make the woman who gave you life suffer this Mother’s Day. Send her to V Spa, where the spa’s special Mother’s Day packages will have her feeling like a queen. Jump for all the yummy details.

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Need a New Happy Hour Spot?

Wednesdays and Thursdays through April and May hit up the patio at Bolla (at the Stoneleigh Hotel) for drink specials and complimentary treats from the restaurant’s new spring menu. I went last week (or was it two weeks ago?), and it was fantastic—great location (perfect for people-watching the folks at the Stoneleigh P) and chic scene without the fuss (annoyance?) of Uptown riffraff. Also there was lots of bubbly, which may or may not have contributed to my glowing review. Happy hour is from 5:30 to 7:30. Bring your credit card.

Sweet Deal: Join Planet Fitness for Just $1

But hurry because the offer expires soon. April 1-7, you can join Planet Fitness for only $1. (Regular initiation fee is $59-$99.) And here’s some better news: the monthly membership fees start at just $10, and there are no contracts. If you upgrade to $19.99 a month, you get access to all 266 locations across the country, plus unlimited tanning and unlimited guest privileges. Talk about affordable fitness! Planet Fitness has two locations in Dallas-Fort Worth–one block north of the Galleria at 5301 Alpha Rd. and 6101 Windhaven Pkwy. in Plano. You’re officially out of excuses. Start exercising!

More Cheap Deals at Polished Through April 8

You’d better act fast for this one–and reservations are required this time. D Beauty Award winner Polished is offering a Sparkling Duo mani/pedi for just $26–that’s a $20 savings and cheaper than you’ll find anywhere. This offer is good Monday through Thursday; Friday through Sunday it’s just three bucks more. Call 972-378-9149 right now to reserve your spot, and be sure to mention offer code “orange.”

Spring Specials at Zen in Frisco

Between Polished in Plano (a 2009 D Beauty Award winner) and Zen in Frisco (a 2008 D Beauty Award winner), you should never have to pay full price for beauty! Right now at Zen, get 25% off hair services, 20% off facials, and a mini mani/pedi for $39 (available Monday through Thursday). For more information, or for more specials, visit the web site.

I Want This: 110-Minute Massage for $130 This Weekend at Aqua Medical Spa

Listen. That’s almost $1 a minute–which is outrageously cheap for a spa and a $30 discount off the regular price. This offer is good at Aqua’s Uptown location only (2222 McKinney Ave.), Friday through Sunday, and they have only two slots per day. So call 214-443-0100 right now to book it. I would call to book one for myself if I weren’t having a garage sale. Talk about the opposite of relaxing.