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Big Sale at Melanie Gayle

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of Melanie Gayle’s second store at The Shops at Legacy this week end (today through Sunday) with a 25% storewide discount. Owner Melanie Ramon has a great eye for what Dallas (and Plano!) girls like. I never leave her store without coveting at least half her inventory. And if that isn’t enough incentive to check out Melanie’s goods, both her stores (Snider Plaza and The Shops at Legacy) are offering up to 40% off select fall merchandise. Last one there’s a rotten egg!

AuctionHaus Open Tomorrow

As if I weren’t in enough trouble with all the money we’ve spent on Peggy’s Folly – the infamous third Friday AuctionHaus sale will be from noon until 4pm this Friday.  The Scott + Cooner Warehouse is packed with modern treasures -  including new floor samples,  classic iconic pieces, and even a full Pedini kitchen!  You can choose from a huge selection of vendors such as Cassina, Flou, Cappellini, and Baleri Italia all at deep discounts – really deep.  I swear I won’t be at  2150 Irving Blvd tomorrow.

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.

Assembly + Real Estate Party = Discounts and Free Food, Drinks, and Prizes for You

Dave Perry-Miller and Associates–surely you’ve seen the company’s signs everywhere–are throwing a little real estate soirée at Assembly in West Village Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6 pm to 8 pm. Here’s what it means to you, my non-real-estate-y friends: 20 percent discounts on Assembly goods, free food from Bella, free drinks, and possible free prizes, including a $200 gift certificate to the store. If you’re into real estate, that’s a bonus. 3699 McKinney Ave. 214-219 9991

Hemline, Lou Lou, and Mine Host Some Holiday Shopping

Thursday, Nov. 19 all three stores will be open until 8 pm. Drink a glass of wine, snack on some munchies, and take 25 percent off every purchase you make. 4439 Lovers Lane. 214-559-3600

What is the best drugstore powder?

My sister is looking for a new foundation–in powder form–and she wants to stick to the drugstore scene. I must admit, I haven’t used a drugstore foundation in a while. (I’m currently using a mix of MAC and Makeup For Ever.) ShopTalkers, I need your help! What are your favorite foundation products at your local Walgreen’s, grocery store, etc.?

Gotta Get GogoGear!

As you may know, D Magazine recently moved our offices from the Highland Park area to downtown. And many of us are now parking in garages a few blocks away from the office forcing us to re-think our entire morning routine. I, for instance, had to find a way to get my three inch heels, exercise clothes, work documents and various beauty products to and from my car. (Yes, I’ve become one of those people who walks in flats and changes into my sassy shoes once I get to the office. Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.) For a few days I tried an old stand-by, the backpack. But that just didn’t work. Not only did I feel like a sixth grader but it was too casual  and often heavy causing me to awkwardly lean forward as I walked. Are you picturing this? Right. Not pretty. Fortunately, I happened to stumble upon a bag that stole my heart from the moment I saw it. (more…)

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.

Post-Industrial Rainwear

That’s right, not only is post industrial everywhere in the design world, (you’ll find out more in the 2009 Design Book), it is also showing up in fashion in only the best places.  One of my favorite stores Gardens is carrying these raincoats by Mau made of Tyvec – as in the stuff home insulation is made of.  Go figure.  They are light as a feather, durable, washable and rain resistant.  They’re also very cool.  Regarded as site specific art rather than straight fashion, they make quite a chic statement.  Besides, your Burberry trench is so everywhere now.

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

Is H&M Blowing Us Off?

NBC DFW says maybe.

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.

The Dallas Flea Market Opens Doors Dec. 5

Our very own upscale flea market opens at South Side on Lamar December 5. Made up of rows of Texas-based artists, this flea market will feature all kinds of goodies, like art, home goods, accessories, clothing, furniture, and edible treats. According to the market’s curator, Brittany Edwards, the concept for this flea market was inspired by legendary flea markets in California and New York and will contain a highly edited mix of Dallas’ best jewelry makers, bakers, designers, etc. She’s hoping, she says, to give the public access to some of Dallas’ hidden treasures. So mark your calendars for December 5 and get ready to do some local shopping! Five dollars gets you in the door, and most major credit cards will be accepted. The Dallas Flea. 1409 South Lamar St. www.thedallasflea.com

Fall/Winter Must-Have: Commando Tights

Some of you may be familiar with the barely there, panty line-free underwear line, Commando. It’s one of my personal faves. This fall they introduced a line of hosiery, and I was sent a pair of tights to try out. I have worn them a couple of times now and I have to say, they are amazing. Not only do you not get that line that’s sometimes visible through lightweight fabrics, but the elastic-free construction and “dig-free” waistband makes them quite comfortable. I wore them all day and didn’t feel like ripping them off the second I got home. The matte opaque tights come in solid black and solid brown, and retail for around $32-$34. Find them locally at Neiman Marcus.

Hunting for the Perfect Shades with Jennifer Rade

How do you choose the right sunglasses for your face? We didn’t know, so we asked Jennifer Rade, Angelina Jolie’s stylist and ambassador to new sunglass boutique, ILORI. (She’s pictured left with the head of gorgeous curls.) Here’s what she had to say:

Why did you decide to partner up with ILORI?
I decided to partner with ILORI because the Luxury Sunglass Boutique has its finger on the pulse of trends in both fashion and eyewear, and is a true arbiter of style in both realms. Eyewear is that final piece that finishes off a look, and can be the extra touch of glamour and sophistication, or the edgy accessory that pulls everything together.

What is the trick to finding the right lens shape for your face?
I do feel that analyzing your face shape is a good place for consumers to start when selecting sunglasses, as a more rounded pair of sunglasses can soften a strong jaw line and a more squared style can help add definition to a rounded jaw line.  But I don’t feel that face shape is the only factor to choosing the right pair(s) of sunglasses.  (more…)

Meet Designer Rozae Nichols at Thursday’s Fashion Dish Luncheon

Rozae Nichols, known for her “artfully unique” designs, will be attending the Fashion Dish Luncheon this Thursday, November 5 at 11am at Craft (n the W hotel). In collaboration with The Shak, this event will also feature a trunk show of Nichols eponymous line where guests can shop her fall 2009 and spring 2010 collections. Tickets are $45/person and reservations are required. Contact W Dallas – Victory at 214-397-4106 to secure your seat. A portion of proceeds will benefit Two by Two for AIDS and Art. A great meal, great fashion and great company for a great cause - what more could you want? (While the next logical statement would be to quote Tony the Tiger, I just can’t do it. )

7 For All Mankind Party at NorthPark Store

If you are a fan of Seven jeans then you won’t want to miss their party this Saturday, November 7 from 2-5pm at the NorthPark store. Guests can sip cocktails and nibble tasty bites as they shop the new Holiday 2009 collection. A local DJ will be pumping out the tunes and exclusive artwork ,curated by Liliana Bloch of THE MAC and Hugo Garcia Urrutia of Decorazon Gallery, will be on display. So get on it!

‘Tis the Season for Dallas Sample Sales

Here’s another one. The annual Dallas Sample Sale at Dallas Market Center is here again, and as always, the admission is free, there are hundreds of booths, and giveaways happen daily. You’ll find women’s, men’s, and kids’ clothing, jewelry, home goods, toys, food, furniture, art, etc. at wholesale prices. And, if you bring a canned good for the Resource Center of Dallas, you’ll be entered to win a $100 gas card. Friday, Nov. 6 from 10 am to 7 pm; Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 am to 7 pm; and Sunday, Nov. 8 from 11 am to 5 pm. Dallas Market Center. 2100 Stemmons Freeway.

Intimacy Founder, Susan Nethero, on The Oprah Winfrey Show Today

If you read my rave review of NorthPark’s Intimacy store, then you know you have to run home at lunch and set your Tivo to record Oprah today. When I had my bra fitting at the opening party for the store I was lucky enough to be fitted by the founder, Susan Nethero. This Atlanta resident was sweet as could be and bubbling over with valuable information not only on how bras should fit but how the right fit can make a women feel more beautiful and confident than ever before. She was back in town last week for another Intimacy event and as we chatted her passion for helping women experience the perfect bra was clear. See what she has to say today on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Men’s Custom Clothiers in Dallas

Guys, if you don’t have a subscription to D CEO, then you may not have seen the latest issue that includes an article on “The Best Custom Clothiers in Dallas” by our talented and stylish Creative Director, Todd Johnson. He has the scoop on where to find the best custom apparel including suits, shirts, slacks, and more. Girls, take note, Christmas is just around the corner and you’ll find some goodies for yourself while you’re at it!

Unique Samples has a Sample Sale Going on Now

Unique Samples, the seasonal store (open four times a year), has a sample sale going on now in Dallas. The store, located at 2908 McKinney Ave., has women’s and children’s clothing and home décor. You know how sample sales work: you save oodles of money on retail prices because samples are discarded after stores do their purchasing. I haven’t been to this sale, but I can tell you the brands include Bordeaux, Roxy, Scanty Pajamas, Crème Fraiche, Interlude, and Baby Lulu, among others. The sale will last through Tuesday, Nov. 3, so get going! Store stays open from Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 6 pm. Cash and checks only. Red dress left is 2009 holiday wear from Weston Wear at sample sale

Update: Unique Samples will be opening their Bedford location for fall/winter samples on Nov. 13. at 2816 Central Dr., Ste. 152, Bedford.

Twist on Consignment Shopping: The Ultimate Exchange

I think I like this concept. It’s a little complicated, so I’m going to do less talking and let you read it for yourselves, but here’s the general idea: consign or donate your designer label clothing then shop other’s designer clothing for serious discounts at scheduled shopping events. Interesting, right? Check it the Dallas company at www.theultimateexchange.com.

Saks Fifth Avenue’s “Off 5th” Opening This Week

Who couldn’t use a little Off Saks these days? We’re getting a big, brand, shiny new one cross from NorthPark. Opening its doors tomorrow, the Saks will be part of the new shopping area that has sprouted across from the mall. The Saks Fifth Avenue outlet version will be home to all kinds of designer clothing and accessories for discounted prices. Get excited!

Louis Vuitton NorthPark Now Open

Louis Vuitton lovers, rejoice! The new store at NorthPark Center is now open, and it’s the biggest LV location in Dallas. The 6,200-square-foot space features a large women’s lounge area and a display of antique trunks, among many other special design touches. Merchandise includes luggage, handbags, men’s and women’s shoes, watches, jewelry, sunglasses, textiles, ties, and other accessories. This is great news, if only because you now have such easy access to the Christmas gift you’re going to buy for me. Just in case you’ve forgotten, it’s the Keepall 50 with shoulder strap that I have my eye on. Happy shopping!

Tomorrow Night: $500 Gift Bag

At least, that’s what they’re saying. Don’t forget the Nicole William’s Girl On Top event at The Limited at NorthPark. If you can’t make Wednesday night’s event, there’s another one on Thursday at The Limited Galleria. If you RSVP, you’ll partake in schmoozing with the other Dallas ladies that have come to participate, free Girl On Top cocktails for three hours, career advice from author of Girl On Top, Nicole Williams, and a 40 percent discount off The Limited’s new business wear. (Yes, yes, and the gift bag.) Both nights run from 6 pm to 9 pm. RSVP here and enter D Magazine in the “How did you hear about GOT?” field. We’ll see you there.

*Update: I was just told gift bags are first-come, first served basis.