Dallas Holiday Gift Guide: An Under-$50 Stocking Stuffer for Jet Setters

photography by Matthew Shelley, design by Charlotte Tobin

There is one good thing that has come out of the tighter restrictions on baggage contents at the airport (because I’m pretty sure it’s not safety as I snuck in with my pocket knife necklace, full water bottle, and lighter last month). It’s the 3Floz.com company, a one-stop shop for TSA size-approved products in the best beauty brands. (Find Art of Shaving, Tocca, Fekkai, Oscar Blandi, and more in minis.) To make life even easier, 3Floz created a “Holiday Clutch Kit” with seasonal parties in mind. In it you’ll find: Air Repair Rescue Balm for lips and dry skin, Blow Out Serious Non-Stick Hair Spray, Help! I Have a Headache acetaminophen tablets, MBeze Deodorette natural deodorant stick, and Tatcha Blotting Pads oil sheets. Get this powerful pack for $45 at 3floz.com.

Check ShopTalk daily for new gift suggestions. See all of our stocking stuffer ideas here.

If You Ever Visit Pittsburgh, Shop Here

Hot Haute Hot on Penn Ave. and 22nd St. I won’t fill up too much valuable ShopTalk space with foreign matter–we are dedicated from the soul to Dallas–so jump to see pics of the adorable boutique. (more…)

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

I am planning my trip to New York to cover the Fall 2010 collections, taking place February 11-17. Let me know what designers you are interested in and what scoop (trends, beauty, backstage, etc) you want to read about on ShopTalk. I will be blogging (&/or tweeting) and posting photos from the tents at Bryant Park (last season NYFW will be held here before moving to Lincoln Center in September) and other locations such as Milk Studios.

The 2009 Dallas Holiday Gift Guide

…is here.

Valencia Fashion Week: Day 2

Visited Francis Montesino’s studio and shop this morning. Stopped for coffee and fresh “zumo de naranja” (seriously, why dont we have those machines anywhere in dallas?!) in a small outdoor/indoor market. Strolled by some shops and stumbled upon Mala Malisima (pictured here), a store stocked with great pieces by Marc Jacobs, Matthew Williamson, Proenza Schouler, DVF, & Alaia. They were having a 70% off sale…unfortunately I didn’t find much in my size. Met with Spanish shoe manufacturer (they are all based in Alicante – about two hours from here) Lola Torres. Jackie and I went crazy for the leather gladiator wedges and flats. Great price-point but they haven’t figured out a way to break into the US market yet. You can find them in almost every other country (UK, Austrailia, Russia, Japan, & all over Europe). Let’s keep our fingers crossed that someone in Dallas will pick them up soon!

Valencia Fashion Week: Day 1

First meal in Valencia at La Taberna de la Reina. Tapas and sangri…yum!

Valencia Fashion Week

At DFW about to depart on our trip to Valencia for Valencia Fashion Week! Designers such as Alex Vidal, Jose Zambrano, Itziar Gorriz, & Nona will show their spring 2010 collections. Check back for daily posts via the streets of Valencia. Adios until we touch down in Espana!

My Journey to Mii amo Spa in Sedona, Arizona

The only thing better than scouring the city to find the best spas in town is traveling the country to find the best spas in America. For the September issue of D, I wrote about my experience at Mii amo, a destination spa in Sedona, Arizona. You can read all about it right here. I don’t want to spoil the drama, but just so you know, I loved it.

Yansi Fugel Trunk Show and Personal Appearance at Turtletique this Week

Every woman can appreciate a stylish and practical sportswear line and that’s exactly what Yansi Fugel has been designing for over twenty years. Her innovative designs have appeared in Bazaar, Elle, Vogue, and W and has been seen on celebrities such as Madonna. Her latest collection of “Travel Jersey” (a capsule collection made of jersey-tech fabrics, in 3 weights) pieces are great staples to include in your wardrobe year-round and are travel-friendly (packs flat and wrinkle-free) and will be featured at Turtletique in Inwood Village August 6-8. The New York-based designer will make a personal appearance on Friday, August 7 from 10AM-5PM.

DHome Editors Heart International Folk Art Market

Christine Allison and I had the time of our lives at the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe last weekend.  Not only were we entertained like queens, we got completely inspired by the artists from around the world we were fortunate enough to meet.  They represent the best their country has to offer in thier native medium  – straw, silver, pottery, or silk.  And they make a lot of money that goes back with them to build hospitals and schools.  The Market motto “saving the world one piece of art at a time” is so apt when you see the elation of the artists at the procession when they come in in their native garb.  I bought silk scarves, silver bracelets, and greenware from Mexico and love every piece I got.  (more…)

DHome Editors at Santa Fe Folk Art Market

If you find yourself dying to get out of the Dallas heat this weekend (supposed to be 102) head to Santa Fe for the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market.  It is the largest of it’s kind  in the world, 147 master artists from 45 countries around the world will show their work, and preserve the traditions of their countries.  Christine Allison and I will be there admiring (and probably) buying glazed pottery from Mexico, embroidered  scarves from Pakistan, woven baskets from Rwanda, and textiles from Afghanistan.  Not only can you buy unique items for your home and body at amazing prices, but 90% the proceeds go back to these villages to help them develop economic stability.  This is such a win-win situation, you should already be booking your flight.

The Rich are Different – They Live on The World

Not in the world, on The World. It’s  like a floating Ritz Carlton that sails around the world  all year long, hitting every exotic destination you can or cannot imagine, and you can get off anywhere you please.  Buy your own apartment – bargain basement prices start at 3 mil.  For 1300 square feet.  Unfinished.  My friend Neal Stewart is doing one now,  he had to gut it for the new owners.  There are 100 apartments, never all occupied and they have 300 waiting on you – I wonder how many room service trips you can order in a day.  Of course, HOA runs about $500,000 so you’re not getting off easy with that 3 mil.  It’s going to take alot of my pay checks to save up for this one, but I really need to – there are so many places I want to go.

Girls’ Guide to the World – Sign Me Up!

Wouldn’t it be great to get information about travel destinations all over the world from your best friend? She understands your taste, your likes and dislikes, and your preferences because well, she’s the same way. A fantastic  new web site IS that best friend!  Girls’ Guide to the World provides travel information like accommodations, restaurants, shopping, drinking, pampering and playing for discerning, stylish women like us. (Yep, you and me. We can’t help it. We have great taste.) Choose from over 100 cities around the world and read “unbiased, insightful tips for women, by women.” I’m going to sign up so I can be in the loop. Men don’t know what we want. Women do. And GGTTW is on it!

Ritz-Carlton Destination Wedding Offer

The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Caribbean and Mexico have a summer offer that just might make you want to take your show on the road. When booking a wedding on the Reconnect package—for a minimum of three nights and at least 25 rooms—you and your guests will receive nightly accommodations, daily breakfast for two, and a $100 daily resort credit. You will also receive a complimentary wedding ceremony and a free three-night stay on your first anniversary. Participating locations include The Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Cancun, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St. Thomas, and San Juan. I just have one request. Because I was so generous and shared this great news with you, I think it would be a nice gesture if you invited me to the party. I mean, I’ve never been to San Juan, after all. I’m just saying. For reservations, call (786) 470-3400. And please jump for more details.

(more…)

Milan Shopping Porn: DMagazine Outlet

So I was wandering down Via Montenapoleone in Milan after a beautiful lunch of caprese and gnocchi at Il Salumaio, and I happily stumbled upon the DMagazine Outlet. It made me giggle, of course, to see the name of my city magazine in a window in Milan, but then I remembered that I had heard about this place from someone years ago. (Maybe it was Barbara Buzzell?) Anyhoo, it’s a little fashion outlet filled to the brim with all of the labels you can find along the ultra-chic Via Montenapoleone–Prada, Miu Miu, Lanvin, Gucci, Dior, John Galliano–at prices that are generally 50% off retail, similar to Neiman Marcus Last Call. Honestly, there’s not much to do in Milan besides shop, because it’s more of a financial center than a tourist destination. However, fashionistas will hit the mother lode at DMagazine. Stay with me after the jump for some photos of the deals I found. (more…)