Watch Out, World. Welder Is Here!

Just in time for the holidays, Welder watches, a new line of men’s timepieces imported from Europe, are now available at Barneys New York. Each watch in the brand, which just launched in the States this fall, is crafted in Italy, and prices range from $700-$2,200. If you don’t have a special man on your gift list, you might want to check these watches out for yourself. I’ve always preferred big, bulky, manly watches over dainty ones. And lots of girls these days are doing the same. Don’t believe me? Then click here. And here. And here.

Milk Does A Body Good, But Free Milk Is Even Better

Wanna save a few bucks on your Thanksgiving feast? Just spend $30 at Central Market and you can get a free gallon of CM Organics Milk. The offer is good through November 23. All you have to do is click here for the coupon. I’m thinking if I bring the milk, someone else will whip up the creamy mashed potatoes and the luscious chocolate cake. Who am I kidding? I know they will. I’m not even sure if chocolate cake calls for milk.

Shoe sales and more

My Mom often likes to refer to me as Imelda Marcos because of my adoration and slight obsession with shoes. So you can imagine how please I am when this time of year rolls around and I hear about sales like these. Linus Lounge, has teamed up with Stylebymail to offer 50% off shoes and handbags today (10 A.M.-7 P.M.) and tomorrow (10 A.M.-5 P.M.) Find shoes by designers such as Barbara Bui, Beatrix Ong, Banfi Zambrelli, Rupert Sanderson, and more. Handbags by Fendi, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Elaine Turner, Longchamp, Lodis, Donald Pliner, and more. Don’t miss out on the incredible deals at Gregory’s. Their fall sale started last week: buy 1 pair get another pair at 90% off! Selection includes shoes by Alaia, Sonia Rykiel, Luciano Padovan, Lesilla, Gianmarco Lorenz, and more coveted designers.

F.I.G. Sample Sale

Tomorrow from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. F.I.G. will hold a tenant sample sale. Thirteen showrooms will be selling fall/winter samples at 50%-70% of retail. Lines include Poleci, Puma, Garfield Marks, Nancy Rose, White + Warren, Prairie New York, Three Dot, Tommy Bahama, Hanky Panky, Melissa Shoes, Sweet Pea, and more. Admission is free!

Save Big at Unique Samples

Four times a year, Unique Samples in Bedford throws a wingding of a sample sale. The last one of 2008 is going on right now, and you don’t want to miss it. All merchandise, including brands such as White & Warren, Roxy, Arianne, and Alberto Makali, is priced wholesale, which means you’ll pay at least half of what you would at retail prices. The sale runs through December 5, and the store is open every day—Monday through Saturday from 10 am-8 pm and Sunday from noon to 6 pm, with new merchandise arriving every Monday through Friday. Unique Samples is located at 2816 S. Central Dr., Ste. 152, Bedford. For more information, call 817-267-1617 or e-mail uniquesamples@hotmail.com.

Sale at Barneys New York

Save up to 40% at the Barneys New York private shopping event. It started Wednesday, November 12, and lasts for a week, so you’ve got five days left to shop. Among the goods to be had are designs by 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Botkier, Helmut Lang, and Marc Jacobs. We love this Marc Jacobs bag–marked down to $699 from $1,295 (you know, if you have that sort of cash lying around). Oh, and if you order online, you get free ground shipping.

Add a Dash of Sass With Mary Phillips Designs

That little ditty on the left really says it all, doesn’t it? And it’s sass like that you can expect from all the goodies put out by Mary Phillips Designs. MPD says a mouthful on every item in the line, from apparel to note cards to great little gifts. I especially like the “I have high heels & low morals” cocktail napkins and the “It’s not me, it’s you” tank. And I’m pretty sure I found the perfect Christmas present for Katie. Buy Mary Phillips stuff online, or check it out in person at a few different places around town.

Who Doesn’t Love Stila?

Not me. I love Stila products. And even though the economy stinks, I love Stila even more for helping us to get our cosmetic fix by offering free shipping and a 20% discount on any web site orders of $30 or more from now until December 16. It’s the perfect time to get some holiday shopping done without breaking the bank. Just go to www.stilacosmetics.com and use code ECYX12 when checking out.

Go Green With St. Bernard Sports

St. Bernard Sports, which has stores in Inwood Village and the Shops at Legacy, is getting eco-friendly. Both locations now offer customers reusable bags that just so happen to be pretty cute, too. If you need some winter gear, make your way to one of the shops soon and be sure to pick up a bag. The earth will be so proud of you.

Milliner MacGregor at V.O.D. Tonight

Hats are a must-have accessory this season. If you’re anything like me (I have a rather small head), finding the proper fitting topper can be quite an ordeal. However, there is an answer. Local and talented milliner Cassie MacGregor (whom we profiled in our September issue) will be at V.O.D. tonight from 6 P.M. - 9 P.M. showing her fall line (both men’s and women’s) and to do custom hat fittings. It’s “First Thursday” at Victory Park, so all shops will be open late and drinks will be served. Get out there and grab a cocktail and a fedora!

Biggest Dallas Sample Sale in a Decade

Or so says the Dallas Market Center about their upcoming annual Sample Sale (yes, it’s open to the public) which takes place at the Market Hall tomorrow through Sunday. Admission is free! Scour women’s, men’s and children’s apparel and accessories, furniture, gifts, toys, home decor, gourmet foods, collectibles, rugs, jewelry, fine art, books and more. Special drawings and product giveaways as well as free photos with Santa will be available during the Sample Sale. Great place to get your holiday shopping started! Go here for more details.

Big Sale at LFT

Never one to pay retail myself, this is good news: fall merchandise for men and women is 45% off at LFT in Victory Park. Among the many, many labels to be found: Ella Moss, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, James Perse, Diane Von Furstenberg, Sass & Bide, Rag & Bone, and Loeffler Randall. Get it while the gettin’s good.

Time To Start Christmas Shopping!

Kid Biz in Preston Center will be having a Jon Hart trunk show tomorrow from 11am-5pm. This Houston-based luggage and handbag line, has something for everyone - suitcases, sports and outdoor bags, backpacks, totes and travel accessories. Many items come in several colors like basic black, ocean blue, fuschia, camouflage, burgandy and many others. So no more grabbing the wrong bag at the luggage carousel! And no risk that someone else will accidentally take yours! The best part of the trunk show is that monogramming and shipping on bags and accessories will be free starting tomorrow through Saturday, November 8th. Click on the Kid Biz link above for details and to check out which Jon Hart styles are available in the store. Drinks and refreshments will be served too! Let the holidays begin!

Spotted: Minka Kelly and Derek Jeter at Nordstrom

This doesn’t have much to do with beauty or fashion, besides the fact that I was shopping at Nordstrom at Barton Creek Mall in Austin this past Saturday with a friend of mine, when we spotted a couple that we both recognized. It took us a moment to realize who they were. It was none other than “rumored” couple, Derek Jeter (New York Yankees captain) and Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights actress), looking quite chummy. So there you have it. What guy would accompany a girl to the mall unless he was forced to or wanted to spend as much time with her as possible? Speaking of Nordstrom, their Half-Yearly Sale for women and kids starts this Wednesday. Save 40% and more on shoes, handbags, clothes and accessories. Earn twice the rewards points if you pay with your Nordstrom card!

Green Gift Ideas from Current Energy

At a time when being kind to the environment is just as important as price, our friends at Current Energy have a few gift ideas for the earth-loving person on your list. No, they aren’t sexy. But these days I’m more interested in functionality, especially after buying a house. So I would totally dig this wind-up LED flashlight from Freeplay ($35) that doesn’t require batteries or bulbs.

This one would make a good stocking stuffer, especially for the yogi or gym rat on your list: a personal water filtration bottle ($14). Yes, I know. I have water bottle fatigue, too. But this one has a built-in filter, so it’ll remove any chlorine, bad taste, bad odors, heavy metals, lead, and mercury from your tap water. For more ideas, go to the Current Energy web site, or visit the store on Knox.

Mockingbird Station Gets in the Holiday Spirit

As always, the holidays have creeped up on us. But that’s not the case for Mockingbird Station. This place is totally prepared to get its season’s greetings on. Be you grinch or holiday sweater wearer, there’s bound to be something you’re interested in during the Station’s Hot Holiday Happenings. Every week night from November 3 through December 19 (excluding Thanksgiving), expect a series of promotions and events, including music, movies, discounts, free gift wrapping, and more. The property’s annual Toys for Tots drive also kicks off November 3. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at either the Angelika Film Center or Urban Taco through December 8, and you will receive a free gift from Mockingbird Station as a thank-you. Jump for more details on upcoming events and go here for a complete list of participating shops and restaurants.

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Heaven Scent

I mentioned it was due to open in October and it has finally arrived…LAFCO (Luxury Articles And Fragrance Company) opens it’s doors just in time for Holiday shopping! LAFCO’s New York team (including owner, Jon Bresler) all flew down for the Highland Park Village store’s debut last week and I got a grand tour of the sophisticated fragrance shop. I have never smelled so many savory scents in my life, starting with the Claus Porto soaps (there are 16 scents to choose from) which are made by a century old Portuguese soap making company that is highly regarded throughout Europe. Each bar is milled seven times for the finest finish (lasting three times longer than other soaps the same size). The artful packaging, created using the same paper stock, embossing techniques and screen printing methods from decades ago, makes them great for gift-giving (many on my list will be getting them). Don’t worry guys, you aren’t forgotten. Be sure to check out the Musco Real men’s face and body collection. The shampoo/shower gel is perfect for the man on-the-go and all products are reasonably priced, starting at just $10. The shop is also the exclusive importer of infamous Santa Maria Novella (founded in 1221) products for men, women, children, and more (they even have fragrant fire-starters for the fireplace). Also find candles that are packaged in colorful art-deco glass (that can be recycled), Eau d’Italie fragrances, Linari diffusers, and Arte & Cuoio leather goods.

More Melanie Gayle

We told you this was coming, and now it’s here. Melanie Gayle has opened its second location at The Shops at Legacy. Plano peeps no longer have to make the drive south to find chic treats from brands like Amanda Sterett, Ali Ro, and Shoshanna. Plus, enjoy Partners Card perks at both locations between Oct. 24 and Nov. 2—that’s 20 percent off clothing and accessories. Fan-tastic.

Marnie Rocks Wednesday Night

We’ve mentioned Marnie Rocks before. If you didn’t go then, get goin’ now for Wednesday’s Girl’s Night Out. Here are a few reasons why. One, Marnie herself will be in town. Two, you can use your Partners Card, which entitles you to 20 percent off in the store. Three, there will be giveaways. Four, fashion bingo, and five, pink champagne and cupcakes. Oh, and most importantly, the jewelry, rain gear, and bags are way cute and wearable every day. Do you seriously need more to persuade you? (Reminder: pink champagne and cupcakes.) 6:30 pm to 8 pm. 8413 Preston Center Plaza Drive. 214-369-1200 or marnierocks.com.

This Flier For Trousseau in West Village Says Everything You Need To Know

Shop Stanley Korshak Online

One of our favorite local haunts, Stanley Korshak recently launched their new website, introducing online shopping. Browse and purchase a selection of jewelry, gifts, home decor, handbags, luggage, and cosmetics at any time of day from anywhere. Seeing as the store only stays open until 6 P.M. everyday, I am sure many Korshak customers are rejoicing. Lines available for purchase online include Yossi Harari, Ted Muehling, Loree Rodkin, Nambe, Baccarat, Agraria, COR, Niven Morgan, Bottega Veneta, Beirn, Jada Loveless, and even some one-of-a-kind items like this Ethiopian Festival Mask. Also find seasonal trends, wedding dress previews, and more. Happy shopping.

Bonobos Gets Into Men’s Pants

Besides making money, the two guys behind New York-based online retailer Bonobos have one main goal: to provide men with “awesome-fitting pants.” You can read more about their story here, but basically these fellas were tired of retail shopping and tired of not being able to find pants that fit them properly. So they started their own business. Their stuff looks pretty snazzy, and the founders are awful cute, too, so I must say I’m a new fan. But just so you know, no matter how you dress them up, boys are still boys. Bonobos is named after the bonobo, a type of chimpanzee, and, as designer Brian Spaly told one reporter, “It’s known to be the most sexually promiscuous animal in the animal kingdom.” Uh, awesome?

Buy Winter Stuff, Help a Good Cause

In collaboration with Martini Park, and to celebrate its newest location at the Shops at Legacy, St. Bernard Sports will kick off a charity event on Thursday, November 13, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County. Beginning at 7 pm at the Shops at Legacy store, guests can enter a free raffle for prizes that include winter jackets, a child’s ski suit, UGG boots, a snowboard, and a set of skis. After that, the party will move to Martini Park, where the winners of the giveaways will be announced at 8:30 pm. St. Bernard Sports will donate 10 percent of its proceeds from November 13-16 to the Boys & Girls Clubs.

The Coolest Yard Sale You’ll Ever See

We’ve told you before about the Junk Gypsies, a trio of sassy Texas ladies from College Station who sell funky original tees and accessories and even funkier one-of-a-kind junk. While you can always go online to browse their goods and make purchases, there ain’t nothing like a Junk Gypsy warehouse sale. And it just so happens that the girls are having one of those sales on Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8. It’s the first one in two years, so expect all kinds of clearance items, vintage home decor, t-shirt seconds, and other stuff priced below cost. If you ask me, it’s definitely worth a road trip to College Station. I just have one piece of advice: borrow somebody’s truck. Last time I went down to Gypsyville, my poor little Nissan Sentra could hardly hold the haul I made.

Pamper Your Fanny

Exhale Spa’s got it right with this event: “Get Your Rear In Gear.” I love breathing in Child’s Pose, stretching in the Downward Facing Dog, aligning my chakras, and all that jazz, but let’s get to the point. What I really need is a firmer tush to get me through the fall season’s best pants. On Wednesday, October 22, the spa is teaming up with experts from the Blues Jean Bar to provide us with a wealth of knowledge—and goodies. The class will teach techniques for shaping and toning the lower body. The Blues Jean Bar pros will tell us about the latest and greatest trends and styles. The spa will send us off with a gift bag full of Exhale Spa product samples and coupons to the Blues Jean Bar. And the whole thing’s FREE. Enjoy! The BJB trunk show starts at 9 am. The class begins at noon. To register, go to www.exhalespa.com/locations/dallas or call 214-370-5800.