A Q&A With TenOverSix’s Kristen Lee and Brady Cunningham

The womenswear side (photography by Jonathan Zizzo)

Yesterday a magical thing happened: TenOverSix at the Joule opened downtown. The much anticipated boutique is everything as good as I hoped. The clean white space is divided into two parts, women’s apparel and accessories and a “TenOverSix Presents” lifestyle section with home decor, kiddo stuff, beauty, and gifts. A rack of apparel includes Alasdair, Vena Cava, Suno, and Opening Ceremony. The pieces mimic the collection housed in the LA store but with the addition of more cocktail dresses. (They know we Dallas girls love a good fancy party.) Translucent boxes contain jewels for all occasions. Although TenOverSix is now sharing a few lines with V.O.D. (Pamela Love, Iosselliani, and Lizzie Fortunado) and Elements (Aesa), most of the pieces are exclusive to the store. I’m particularly thrilled about the dainty mix-and-match diamond and turquoise studs from Mociun. A departure from the exhausted patent pumps clicking all over town, the edited shoe collection is a welcome addition to our shopping scene. Loeffler Randall printed ankle strap heels, Rachel Comey sandals, and Jenni Kayne flats are a delightful change of scenery. (On Tuesday, co-owner Brady Cunning was wearing these, which set my heart on fire. Alas, they’re not available in the Dallas store at the moment.) The lifestyle side of the store has a color changing rack of sunglasses (such as Thierry Lasry), quirky giftables (like “You’re Cute” gold-embossed business cards), and a slew of natural beauty products like Ilias and Tata Harper. In summary, you need to go check it out. Joslyn and I had the opportunity to sit down with owners Kristen Lee and and Brady Cunningham Tuesday to talk shop and favorite things. Take a look.

On the new store…
Brady: I think we love an element of surprise, something that’s unexpected.
Kristen: Something that’s a little off, or a little interesting
Brady: And both of us really love to be comfortable.
Kristen: And always a little bit of a sense of humor. Most of our lines are really special. All of our designers are independent. We know them all personally, or we know the brand really well. We know where it’s made. It’s all niche brands that we really respect and love.

On what they’re currently excited about…
Kristen: Alasdair is a new line, which we’re carrying here, and we’re crazy about it. Calla is pretty amazing. [Ed note: This Calla crying dog tee might be coming home with me soon.] Nomia, which is out of New York. We just picked that up for next season. That’s amazing. We always do a lot of Electric Feathers and Rachel Comey–we just love her shoes, her handbags, ready-to-wear.

Beauty products that make their routines…
Brady: We’ll probably say the same stuff, because we use our products.
Kristen: Olo Fragrance. I roll that on, like, three or four times a day. I am obsessed with it.
Brady: And you can use it in so many different ways. I put it in my pillows and things. When we first bought the [Olo] line, I was wearing the hair tonic as perfume without knowing it. But it smells so good.
Kristen: We both wear the Ilia lipsticks. I wear Wild Child. And lavender oil is a big thing for me, too, just because it’s calming. Tata Harper has these little roll-ons that are stress relief–they smell amazing. There’s a bedtime one that I use.

Loeffler Randall Dahlia floral print heels and Heddie wooden heel sandals (photography by Jonathan Zizzo)

One their favorite shoes…
Kristen: I have a pair, but they’re not very glamorous. They’re Dieppa Restrepo oxfords, and they’re leopard print. They go with everything, and I wear them all the time.
Brady: I have to say my Loeffler Randall black-and-white woven shoes. They’re my absolute favorite shoes.

On how they get zen…
Kristen: Wine. It used to be yoga for me, but I don’t have time for that anymore.
Brady: We spend so many afternoons together at the end of busy workdays. We get together, have a glass of wine, and just kind of unload. We process what has happened, and we let our babies play.

Sunglasses, travel must-haves, quirky gifts, and kiddo toys (photography by Jonathan Zizzo)

On current reading material…
Kristen: Right now, I’m reading John le Carré. I’m also reading a great book about motherhood and working. It’s called The Conflict. It’s by a feminist writer who is French, Elizabeth Badinter. It makes me feel so much better about being a working mom, which I need.
Brady: I’m reading a great book by Françoise Sagan. It’s so good. I’m also reading a book called Positive Discipline.

Our their favorite tunes…
Brady: The new Phoenix album is basically all that’s played at my house right now. We listen to a lot of old music.
Kristen: I listen to a lot of old country and blues and stuff at my house, like Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Muddy Waters… The one new album I’m listening to is The Alps, because we carry it. It comes on vinyl, and it’s really relaxing.

On their favorite Dallas spots…
Brady: We love Spiral Diner.
Kristen: And Eno’s.
Brady: Oddfellows—that neighborhood’s great. We love the Klyde Warren Park. We’re just blown away by it. You can really feel that things are happening in Dallas. It feels like we’re just coming in at the right time. We went to Collage, a vintage store, yesterday.
Kristen: We bought a bunch of things there. I love the Nasher and DMA. Nasher is amazing.

Neighboring Taschen Library is a coffee book lover’s dream. (photography by Jonathan Zizzo)

Christian Dior Boutique Opens Today in Highland Park Village

Two looks from Dior's spring 2013 RTW collection (photography courtesy of Dior)

In another step toward luxury domination at Highland Park Village, the Christian Dior boutique opens today. The women’s shop will include ready-to-wear collections, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. According to Women’s Wear Daily (pay wall), Pamela Baxter, president of Christian Dior Couture, says, “It will probably end up being in our top five U.S. boutiques.”

I just want to get up close and personal with Raf Simon’s gorgeous iridescent full skirts for spring 2013.

Sneak Peek at Goods from Soon-to-Open TenOverSix

photography courtesy of Joslyn's iPhone

TenOverSix, a soon-to-open shop in the big downtown renovation project, hosted a little sneak preview for editors and VIPs on Friday. I couldn’t make it, but fortunately, Joslyn did, and she’s got a recap for you:

The preview featured a pretty edited selection of goods, but the mix got me really excited about the permanent shop. Manager Amanda Reed is beyond lovely and warm and incredibly knowledgeable about the artisans and designers that the shopwill carry.

Most of the merchandise hails from small indie labels that have a strong presence in “maker” communities like Silver Lake (LA) and Brooklyn and, until now, have yet to land in Dallas…

Standout items include Jesse Kamm totes, perforated leather accessories from Rachel Comey, a wide-selection of clutches and jewelry from Lizzie Fortunato, Opening Ceremony shoes, and the elevated architectural basics from Apiece Apart.

In case you missed it, here’s a look inside Traffic Los Angeles’ mens store, now open.

Peek Inside Traffic Los Angeles in Downtown Dallas

Traffic mens store Dallas

I told you how much I loved my first visit to the Traffic Los Angeles menswear shop, the first new shop to open in Tim Headington’s downtown makeover. You’ll find a mix of sophisticated suits, colorful dress socks, funky, paint-speckled designer denim, basic tees and tanks, gorgeous Moma Italian leather shoes, and adventurous pieces (hello, pink leather moto jacket). This shop is not for the subtle. Daring guys on fashion forward side of the tracks welcome.

Moma Italian shoes

Traffic is at once for dapper gents and edgy fashion lovers

The textures of the sneak preview women's section

SEE MORE PHOTOS.

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It’s Official: Traffic at the Joule is Open (Well, the Men’s Side)

Head over to Traffic immediately. It opened today and there are cocktails being served tonight.

The new LA-based shop has it’s men’s store open for business, and quite frankly, it’s killer. The store is gorgeous, with a dark, industrial palette and warm wood, and a curated batch of merchandise that will have men who love to dress drooling. I was drooling as co-owner Michael Moldovan (his counterpart is wife, Sara) walked me around showing off his exclusive lines ands their flawless craftsmanship thinking, Okay, if I bring this to my tailor, how I get this to fit?

Opening later this spring are the women’s store and Comme des Garçons PLAY store.

A Peek Inside New Thrift Kitten Vintage Shop

I popped into Thrift Kitten (update: now named Mieux & Mieux) on Boll Street yesterday. Housed in a cozy cottage next to the Shabby Sheep yarn boutique (a must for any knitter), this vintage and consignment shop offers secondhand clothing and thrifted finds, scouted by freelance clothing hunters. Owner Kelsey McLain opened doors last week, and she’s already hosting her grand opening party tonight. My guess is that the clothing will feed a younger set. Racks, organized by clothing type, include a hodgepodge of contemporary brands at seriously low prices. I spotted an Express leopard print trench dress for $12, a Zara shirtdress for $14, a velvet Gap shift for $14, and a Forever 21 neon coral shorts suit for $12. A few real vintage pieces are scattered throughout.  The shopping experience is a little hit or miss for the professional set (and for the uncreative), but the decor is spot-on with grayed purple walls, pops of chartreuse, perfectly staged coffee tables boasting an impressive collection of fashion coffee table books, and organized shoe cubbies doubling as tables for complimentary coffee, bottled water, and cupcakes.

I love this shoe cubby.

A smorgasbord of prints and colors.

Champagne at Cupcakes at Thrift Kitten Grand Opening Party

photography courtesy of Thrift Kitten

There’s still a void in my soul from the closing of Ahab Bowen, but my heart is open and willing to love anew. I’m looking forward to shopping the scene at new Thrift Kitten (update: now named Mieux & Mieux) on Boll Street. Owned and operated by local gal Kelsey McLain, the store offers “new and gently loved brand name women’s clothing and accessories.” I suggest you make a post-work pit stop this Friday for champagne, cupcakes, and a storewide 10 percent discount. To RSVP, text 214-886-1377.

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.

Fort Worth Girls, You’re Getting a Madewell Boutique

A look from Madewell spring 2013 (photography courtesy of Madewell)

I wish Fort Worth didn’t feel quite so far. Like, if I could just grab a rope and pull it closer by just 20 minutes or so. (Then I would hit up Beehive more often for under-$75 favorites.) Also, I would love a standalone Madewell, like the one University Drive is getting on Wednesday, the 23rd. Hit up the store from 10 am to 8 pm for Texas map tote bags (which are actually pretty cool–click here and zoom in), drinks, sweets, and the chance to win one of the $20 gift cards being handed out throughout the day. 1604 S. University Drive, Ste. 502, Fort Worth

Omega Watch Boutique Opens in NorthPark with a Cocktail Party

Even as a poster, George Clooney dazzles as he watches over the partygoers. (photography by Jeanne Prejean)

If you haven’t heard (or weren’t invited), the Omega luxury watch store grand opening at NorthPark was a smashing success, according to Jeanne Prejean, packed to the brim with people who can more likely afford these high-end wrist pieces than I can. Glenn Hunter, the executive editor of D CEO, snagged an interview with Omega CEO Stephen Urquhart who was in town for the festivities.

From Glenn:

The president and CEO of Omega, the Swiss luxury watch company, was in Dallas Tuesday to open the brand’s new Omega Boutique at NorthPark Center. Stephen Urquhart told us that the 1,308-square-foot store, which will offer the brand’s entire selection of products, is Omega’s second retail boutique in Texas. A Houston boutique opened earlier, he said, and a third Texas store may open in San Antonio by June. “Dallas is a very upscale market,” he said, before snipping a ribbon during a well-attended cocktail party at the NorthPark store. The CEO later hosted a private dinner at Abacus for the North Texas Food Bank’s Food 4 Kids program, its local charity of choice. Omega, a division of the Swatch Group, has forged marketing partnerships over the years with such iconic groups as NASA, the Olympic Games, and the PGA, and with actors like Daniel Craig and George Clooney.

REUSE Jeans in The Shops at Park Lane is Closed

Sadly, our last year’s editors’ pick for Best Place to Shop for Jeans has closed in The Shops at Park Lane. REUSE, an 80-percent recycled denim line, can still be purchased online. In its place will be a store decidedly less earth-friendly: Koslow’s, “the finest in fur & leather.”

Just In: Blushington Beauty Lounge Opens December 15

photography courtesy of Blushington

Blushington Makeup and Beauty Lounge, the LA-based $40 makeover spot, is scheduled to open its doors on Saturday, December 15 at the Shops at Highland Village.

Sophisticated Shopping On Wheels? You Bet. Meet LuxeLiner.

photography by Aaron Bowen

When Charlotte Anderson, Jennifer Clark, Alyson Griffith, Capa Mooty, and Wendy Poston huddled up with their (designer) thinking caps on, it became a recipe for a new Dallas venture that I’m sure is going to make shopaholics squeal with delight. Meet LuxeLiner, a boutique on wheels. Think food truck but with jewelry and handbags instead of tacos and baked potatoes. Tagline: Style Driven. Cute, right? We were lucky enough to be part of LuxeLiner’s exclusive launch party recently, so I got there early to sort through the display tables of the truck’s merchandise. There were cuffs, chained double rings, Western but contemporary belt buckles, heavy, beaded statement necklaces, soft-as-butter tanks and cool, raglan tees, skull print scarves à la McQueen, gold and silver bangles and bracelets for layering, and locally designed accessories, like colorful, oversized leather ring keychains and Jenny Galbraith’s wood bead bracelets. Check out some of the merch below.

Weekly stops are scheduled for deBoulle Diamond and Jewelry store (first appearance: Tuesday, December 4, between 2 pm and 6 pm) and Hotel Lumen (first appearance: TBA). You can follow @luxeliner to keep up with the most current stops.

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The Nasher Gift Shop at NorthPark is Back for the Holidays

And that makes me very happy, as it’s always been one of my favorite gift spots. It opened over the weekend on the first level, near Neiman Marcus, and will remain there until January 6. For smart, beautifully designed gifts for art and gadget lovers, the Nasher Store really can’t be topped. A permanent location is still open for business downtown.

Take a Look Inside New Number One/Le Jus

photography by Emilia Gaston

Numer One/Le Jus is the only store of its kind in our city. It’s a hybrid combo of organic cafe, boutique, and apothecary. Owners Brian Bolke (of Forty Five Ten and Five & Ten) and Dana Card (of Le Jus juices) are offering a sophisticated but earthy respite where you can relax with a fresh, organic, cold-pressed juice, a grain free lemon poppyseed muffin, and a magazine from their killer selection of international and indie titles. (Like British Vogue, Dwell, and The Gentlewoman.) Then, shop at your leisure through the racks of wardrobe staples by thoughtful design lines. Browse skinny jeans by Victoria Beckham, outerwear (like a military green zip-front poncho) by Greg Lauren, cashmere sweaters with silk hoods by Kristensen Du Nord, cotton scoop and v-neck tees by The Lady and The Sailor, and an in-house, Number One collection of cotton long sleeve shirts and cropped sweatshirts. A selection of jewelry includes everything from light and dainty charms to chunky necklaces made from leather disks. I’m particularly drawn to the apothecary side, a compilation of all sorts of delicious smelling goodness, like Forty Five Ten’s own candle trio, Le Feu de L’eu candles in funky jars, Aesop body creams (including a tea tree-infused dog wash), and Agonist fragrances. Each perfume is more unique than the last–I smelled each one.  I highly recommend you stop by this weekend to grab a juice–like the La Vie Melange greens and juice mix–and bring your “nice” shopping list. You’ll be able to cross off a few names, I bet. But first, check out first peek at the shop.

photography by Emilia Gaston

photography by Emilia Gaston

We sampled the Monsieur Palmer, a green tea and grapefruit juice and ginger concoction, and the La Vie Melange greens and juice combo. Juices will rotate, but we were lucky enough to have the pineapple, jalapeno, and cilantro version today. Most surprising was the La Vie No. 1 green blend with 11 vegetable ingredients. I can solidly say this is the best green juice I’ve ever had.

More photos.

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