Dallas-Based Verum Clothing Does Monochromatic Minimalism

Leather-sleeved hoodie and zipper tee with python pocket

Verum, a new local unisex clothing line, launched a few weeks ago, but I finally got to look (and touch and feel) the pieces last week. I’m impressed. The spring collection, made up of only three pieces–a hoodie, a tee, and button-up, all made in the US–showcases what will be the line’s signature details: leather trim and exposed zippers. Co-owner Reham Choudhury (along with partners Rey Banaban and Haris Fazlani), who brought the collection to our offices on Friday, calls the aesthetic “dark” and “monochromatic,” a look he modeled after his own taste. Although Choudhury doesn’t have a design school background, he’s been tweaking, altering, and creating his own clothing for years. When friends wanted copies of his creations, Choudhury thought broader scale. But quality, he says, is key: “The moment I go cheaper, I’m going off track.”

Splashy branding isn’t the point either. You won’t find find obnoxious logos interfering with the clean lines, but you will find limited edition numbers sewn subtly into each item. Currently, production is small, so each garment is special and the number designates which piece you own. Spring, for example, included three designs and only 36 pieces were produced in total. (The sweatshirt above is marked with a black embroidered 5/12, marking it as the fifth of twelve hoodies made in initial production.) It’s like couture fashion with a streetwear twist. Oh, and crazy good prices. The python skin pocket tee with zippers is $75, the button-up with leather sleeves and trim is only $125, and the hoodie is a steal at $250. As you can guess, spring was devoured and sold out immediately, but as only a developing fashion business will allow, you can send the team an email with your size and have a custom piece made. info@verumclothing.com or 214-729-6487

If black isn’t your thing, stay tuned for fall 2013. Choudhury spilled that the line will made up of solid white.

The button-up shirt with leather sleeves and trim

Subtle logo

Spring Things and Cocktails at Piermarini Tomorrow

Racks of soft separates, modern prints, and shades of spring await

If any of these things struck your fancy last week, consider scratching your happy hour plans tomorrow and hitting up Piermarini instead. Grab a beverage, a few light bites, and peruse the racks packed with fresh spring/summer goodness, including this wicked cool neoprene (scuba suit material) blazer.

Where: Piermarini
When: tomorrow, March 26, 6 pm to 8 pm

Links We Love

styled by Nora Mezioud, photography by Scott Womack

Scott Womack’s spring fashion spread in the latest issue of D
This bit on how to eat healthy when you’re dining out on D Moms
Krystal Schlegel’s clean spring roundup (especially the Fornasetti plate)
The green glass and brass lamps as Pinned by Pink Memo founder Maxine Trowbridge
Green Grocer’s heirloom black rice and kale salad

Cynthia Vincent on Inspiration, Favorite Trends, and Her Favorite Place in Dallas

A look from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent spring 2013 (photography courtesy of Cynthia Vincent)

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent turns ten years old this year, and lucky for us, the super chic designer stopped by Tootsies on Wednesday for a cocktail event, where guests enjoyed a runway show featuring some of her spring designs. After watching the show and sneaking a peek at the upcoming fall collection (spoiler alert: it’s gorgeous), I sat down with Cynthia to chat about ten years of Twelfth Street, spring trends, and of course, Dallas.  –Jessica Mitzner

Me: Looking back on the past ten years, do you have a proudest moment or a favorite thing that has happened?

Vincent: Well, the birth of my daughter, but collection-wise, this year, I was going back and looking through the archives and seeing that the product is still relevant and meaningful, which then prompted me to re-issue some of my best-sellers and most requested pieces. We’re offering them for the 10th anniversary, so that’s been really great, because that means that people love the product, and the product lasts.

Me: Did you have a specific inspiration for your spring collection?

Vincent: Spring was all about the Ivory Coast meets Pueblo tribes–which is a reoccurring theme, mashing up different cultures, different tribes, different ethnicities, and putting them together. So I took a lot of the colors from the Ivory Coast, and I took it very nationalistic. I didn’t want to do flags, but I took the idea of stripes, and then mixed it in with Pueblo etchings and patterning that is associated with that. The interesting thing was that a lot of the colors are similar.

Me: What do you like about being here in Dallas? Do you have any favorite spots?

Vincent: I love it here. This has been the third time that I’ve been here in the last six months, and it’s been great. And do I have a favorite place? Wow. Well, Driftwood has the most amazing meals I’ve ever had.

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Take a Look: Neoprene, Big Floral Prints, and Metal Cuffs at Piermarini for Spring

Osklen floral print frock with sheer back

Popped in Piermarini this morning to catch a peek at all the new spring merchandise on the floor. Owner John Piermarini has a great eye and has curated a well mixed spring collection. Alongside the colorful floral print dress above (with the ladylike sheer back), there are soft separates in neutral shades, light washed denim jeans, shirts, and dresses, and a wicked cool, black flower-splashed neoprene blazer with raw edges.

And intentionally or not, everything in the store comes in some feel-good fabric or unusual texture, so you’ll want to get hands on with these pieces and not just take my word for it.

Won Hundred zip-up, open-toe booties

J Apostrophe leather tote and Osklen neoprene (scuba diving material) blazer

Fiona Paxton double-wrap leather, chain, and gem bracelet

SEE MORE PHOTOS.

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Spring Has Sprung at L.bartlett Shoes

L.bartlett has completely moved on. Gone are sale sections of black garments and heavy textures. Taken over are racks full of airy fabrics in every color of the rainbow. And the shoes in their newly named L.barlett Shoes section, well they’re ready for warmer weather, too.

Schutz metallic wedge, $194

Dolce Vita Jury wedge, $96

Dolce Vita Dania Stella flat, $40

Sam Edelman Abbott sandal, $125

Sam Edelman Julia suede moccasin, $100

Bamboo Pompey wedge, $57

Kira Plastinina Opening Her LUBLU U.S. Flagship Boutique in Dallas

A look from the spring 2013 campaign (photography by Nino Munoz, courtesy of LUBLU)

Kira Plastinina, successful Russian fashion designer and 20-year-old SMU student, is opening her first American flagship store for LUBLU, her high-end line, this spring in the Plaza at Preston Center.

“I love Dallas and Dallas women,” Plastinina says. “I feel like it’s a very stylish city with a unique atmosphere and a fun shopping scene. And Dallas is my home, so it makes so much sense that this is my home base in the United States. And so many people always ask me where they can get my clothes, so I decided to bring LUBLU to them.”

Slated for a “mid spring” opening–we think that means March–LUBLU will offer full collections, starting, hopefully, with the spring 2013 collection, which is full of vivacious prints, sunny spring hues, and feminine dresses.

My Favorite Pieces from Nha Khanh Spring 2013 Are, Surprisingly, Pink

photography by Dixie Dixon, courtesy of Nha Khanh

I’m a proud pink hater, but something has happened this morning. I perused Dallas designer Nha Khanh’s spring 2013 RTW collection and fell for two looks. Hard. In pink. What is happening?

Look at that gorgeous dress with a ladylike cinched waist, pretty tulle, and edgy cutouts to combat a conservative sleeve. Swoon. And those shorts. Those beautifully tailored, high-waisted shorts. I’m in love. Perhaps it is a new year.

Huge Sale at Tootsies. Huge.

There’s a big sale at Tootsies right now. Like, really big. Nearly every shoe in the shop is discounted and racks of spring and summer threads are marked as low as 50 percent off. You’ll find Elizabeth & James blouses, a cream Rachel Zoe suit (gorgeous), blazers in colors, prints, and soft fabrics, summer hued denim, sexy army-colored shorts, and shoes. Lots of shoes. Like the Pour la Victoire pumps in pastel mauve for $179 (originally $250). Who’s ready to blow off eating lunch to go shopping instead? 

Signature Looks in Shades of the Rainbow at Abi Ferrin’s Revolving Door

Abi Ferrin's The Revolving Door

It’s been too long since we last visited Abi Ferrin’s studio and storefront, The Revolving Door. The newly redesigned space feels more like an elegant living room, which is the perfect setting for a private girls’ shopping experience, which you can book by appointment. (Wine allowed.) Abi’s five-way tops and dresses have always been a staple for the designer, and her spring and summer collection is full of the trademark look in sheer fabrics, fun prints, and warm weather hues (like coral and cyan). We also spotted slinky, one-shoulder pants jumpsuits, a sheer hemmed dress in flirty magenta, and beach chic blouses that double as swimsuit cover-ups. Also noteworthy are Abi’s new Freedom Project comfy five-way tops in colorful cottons. Created by Sak Saum for Abi Ferrin, this collection of clothing and accessories is handcrafted by a group of Cambodian women who have overcome abuse and trafficking. I love wearing pieces with a story. To check out the full collections from Abi Ferrin, head in to the store or reserve a private shopping experience.

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Your One-Stop Color-Shop: Elements

Rows of shorts in purple, green, linen, and pale metallic gold. Purple print dress by Alice + Olivia.

If any of the following are on your summer shopping list, head to Elements:

• caftans
• bold prints
• colorful shorts
• bright cuffs
• kaleidoscope patterns
• local jewels
• colorblocked clutches
• flowy fabrics
• massive sale racks

Plus, June and July are months of seriously hot deals at Elements. For starters, the sales racks (four large ones) are full of designer pieces marked down to 50 percent off. Buy two 50-percent-off items, and get the third for 75 percent off. (I scored this Erin Fetherston halter maxi dress with a sheer hem for half the price today.) Shop Monday-Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm and awaiting you is complimentary champagne and 15 percent off your purchase. (Who needs happy hour?) If that’s not good enough, how about gifts with purchase? On Tuesdays, spend $500 and receive a gift certificate for a mani or pedi. Spend $1,000 and get both. So basically, Tuesday between 3 pm and 6 pm is officially the best time of the week. You can snag free champagne, serious discounts, and a free mani/pedi.

(clockwise from top left) Locally designed stingray skin cuffs and bangles, new obsession: Erica Weiner jewelry affordably priced under $200; Dallas designed Archipelago clutches in solid colors and colorblock snakeskin, Park blouses in rainbow shades

Elements is FULL of flow-y, vacation-y caftans that will help you survive the summer. Prints cover the spectrum from ladylike hues to statement-making on-trend photographic prints.

The staple-worthy sheer blouse, made more interesting with a cage cutout.

Petal Pushers: Six Splendid Spring Shoes

CLICK TO ENLARGE. photography by Dinah Jean

Each issue of D Magazine, we leave out a little content from the print publication online. In the May issue, these shoes were featured and I couldn’t not share them with you here on ShopTalk. Check out these six pretty pairs of platform of heels in vivid colors, styled by Brittany Winter and photographed by Dinah Jean.

Top photo: Yves Saint Laurent tricolor sandal ($1,195, Neiman Marcus NorthPark), Charlotte Olympia Masako Origami two-tone pump (Neiman Marcus NorthPark, $875), and Lanvin crisscross ankle-wrap espadrille ($770, Neiman Marcus NorthPark).

Bottom photo: Christian Louboutin painted python slingback (Neiman Marcus NorthPark, $1,495), Miu Miu patent leather peep-toe pump (Nordstrom NorthPark, $645), and B Brian Atwood suede color-block pump ($350, Saks Fifth Avenue) Galleria)

CLICK TO ENLARGE. photography by Dinah Jean

Sweet as Sugar: Our Favorite Spring Nail Polishes

Click to get closer up. (photography by Matthew Shelley)

I can break my beauty product addiction down into a much more specific breed: nail polish addiction. Limited edition collections of polish let you feel festive with each season and allow you to try out trends. (Subtly.) Brightly colored denim makes you feel like Peter Pan, you say? Try the hue on your fingertips instead.  Finding spring Prabal Gurung prints a bit dizzying from head to toe? Try them out on your nails.

Now check out my absolute favorite of the spring polish collections from Essie, Estee Lauder, NARS, Le Metier de Beaute, Tom Ford, and Chanel.

1. MAC “Pinkly Fresh,” a creamy pink with a hint of blue, $16 (NorthPark’s MAC Pro Shop, Dillards, Nordstrom, and Macy’s)
2. Estée Lauder “Molten Lava,” a dark mauve with gold and copper shimmer, $19 (Neiman Marcus, Dillards, Macy’s, and Nordstrom)
3. Essie “Orange, It’s Obvious,” a dark neon orange, $8 (CVS, Target, and Walgreen’s)
4. Tom Ford “Silver Smoke,” a metallic silver with pearl shimmer, $30 (Neiman Marcus)
5. Chanel “Distraction,” a coral with micro pink shimmer, $26 (Chanel Boutique, Stanley Korshak, or Neiman Marcus NorthPark)
6. NARS “Diamond Life,” a metallic lilac with silver shimmer, $18 (Sephora and Neiman Marcus)
7. Le Métier de Beauté “Yield to Yellow,” a slightly sheer, bright mustard yellow, $18 (Neiman Marcus)
8. Essie “Navigate Her,” a sweet spring pastel green, $8 (CVS, Target, and Walgreen’s)

Jump for a close-up of each swatch.

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How the Stars of StyleSheet Wear Colorful Denim

Colorful jeans are everywhere. I mean everywhere. You want jewel tones? You want neons? You want pastels? You want classic white? You won’t have to go far to get your paws on a pair. The trick is figuring out how to wear them so you don’t look like Peter Pan. Take a cue from StyleSheet’s brightest street models on the chicest way to wear colored denim.

(top row) You can keep it simple and go with basic white, black, and neutral accessories or get a bit edgy with booties in back (middle). Hadleigh’s owner Ed Sheik makes white jeans look dapper with a blue suit jacket and slippers (far left). Looking to try the colorblock trend? Follow this guy’s lead (center right) and add bright sneakers. I’m a fan of the all white look (bottom right) that’s been made a little splashy with colorful accessories (think tribal).

Our suggestions of best shops in Dallas for your denim hunt:
REUSE Jeans: Colorful jeans are the specialty here. Find pastels like lavender and mint for spring and neons like yellow and coral for summer in several different styles.
Target: (that’s right) We’re following Kendi’s lead and checking out the colorful collection at Target. Expect magenta, green, purple, and more.
Blues Jean Bar: Our favorite place to by classic blues is carrying fuchsia, yellow, orange, peaches, emerald, bright purple, plum, and white, too.
Studio Sebastian: In typical sophisticated style, Studio Sebastian is keeping it chic with coral, on-trend tangerine, blush, and gray. Expect more options this summer.
Epic Apparel: This West Village denim hot spot is serving delicious pairs in pastels, tangerine, green, purple, blue, key lime, and even paisley and floral prints.
Turtletique: The newly revamped Inwood Village boutique is carrying a slew of hues including clean white, hot pink, trendy turquoise, lime green, and coral.
Mal Malouf: Always on-trend in the Plaza at Preston Center, it’s no surprise she’s got the bright jean beat covered with hot pink, coral, aqua, royal blue, green, and a floral printed gold. More are arriving this week.
The Gypsy Wagon: Even more are expected for summer, but to tide you over, grab pairs in red, white, rust (sounds amazing!), and green.

Add Tootsies’ Spring & Summer Fashion Preview for the DSO to Your Agenda

Join us at Tootsies on March 22 in celebration of Vivaldi Patron Circle Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Professionals. Along with congratulations to the organization’s existing members and the opening of arms to potential new members, there will be cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, and a fashion show featuring new spring and summer collections handpicked by yours truly. Check out the invite below for details and RSVP to courtney@franciscoandco.com.