photography (before crop and filter) courtesy of style.com

We’ve been having a serious love affair with Piermarini boutique and its mix of talented and harder-to-find designers since it first opened in Uptown. Nowadays days, in its Snider Plaza location, the shop is cooler than ever. For example, pop in this Saturday and you’ll be able to meet designer Timo Weiland and peruse his spring 2013 RTW collection. Minimalistic black and white pieces and feminine, mixed pattern dresses mingle with textured separates like skirts and cropped pants in oversized yellow houndstooth, blouses with sheer panels, and a smattering of fun pencil skirts.

Where: Piermarini
When: Saturday, May 11, 3 pm to 6 pm

Snake Oil/Factory Girl looks (photography, cropped, by Scogin Mayo)

Factory Girl just got cooler. The vintage shop, owned by husband and wife duo, photographer Scogin Mayo and stylist Heather Mayo, have upped their art game again. In addition to the racks of vintage designer gems, rotating art exhibits, and updated online store with Mayo’s beautiful photography, the team has partnered with local, multi-media artist Lizzy Wetzel. The multimedium artist produces a collection of “small hand made totems“ under the name, Snake Oil, a line of  felt sculptures and hand-dyed garments. The collaboration with Factory Girl introduces new hand-dyed tees, tunics, dresses, and kaftans in silk, bamboo, and cotton jersey, ranging from $75 to $450.

According to a press release, the color palette is influenced by the West Texas landscape, as Wetzel says she’s currently dyeing the collection in Marfa, where the desert colors lend a hand for inspiration.

The line hits the store floor at Factory Girl for the first time on Saturday, April 27 during the trunk show, where you’ll find 30-40 of the new, one-of-a-kind pieces displayed. (More will be available by order.) Both shop owners and Wetzle will be on hand to present the new line, and sangria will be served. Valet will be provided out front.

Where: Factory Girl
When: Saturday, April 27, noon to 6 pm

photography courtesy of style.com

I love Mary Katrantzou and everything about her fall 2013 collection. The heartbreakingly beautiful photographic prints, the abstract kimono silhouettes, the muted palette, everything. I wasn’t able to pop in and meeting her during her personal appearance at Neiman Marcus downtown last week, but fortunately, stylist Stephanie Quadri, a sometimes contributor for D Magazine, offered up her talents and covered it. Her Q&A with the designer below:

One of my favorite designer’s of the moment, Mary Katrantzou, is in town today for a trunk show and luncheon at Neiman Marcus downtown. I got the chance to visit with the friendly Brit (she’s actually Greek, but has lived in London for 10 years and calls it home), who has been recognized for her bold prints and shapes that make for standout style. –Stephanie Quadri

Stephanie Quadri: What brought you to Dallas?
Mary Katrantzou: We are hosting trunk shows all over –in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newport Beach, Seattle, New York, and Dallas is our last stop. I flew in yesterday, just in time for a dinner event my friend Nasiba [Adilova] was hosting. I was surprised that people flew in from all over the place to attend–Chicago, Laguna Beach, and New York. We went to The Mansion for a little after party, which was lovely.

Will you be attending the Art Ball and what will you wear?
Yes, I understand it is a very big thing here. I didn’t really know, so all I have to wear is my black Alaia dress but maybe I’ll buy something at Neiman’s today while I am here.

What else is on your agenda while in Dallas?
Everyone says I must go to Mi Cocina for mambo taxis, so I will definitely find time to do that amongst all the events we are attending. It would be great to see the Cindy Sherman exhibit as I haven’t had a chance to view it yet, and I hear it’s a really great space at the DMA. Better than the MOMA, a friend of mine mentioned.

Tell us about your technique and approach to designing.
It all starts with an image that I really like. It’s all about the composition and building on the shapes. That leads to a collage, which guides the collection as a theme. From there I start painting it on the computer with pixels. Everything I do is on the computer. Composing something surreal and using that to create a print to paint and then on the body.

The "Faumi Babelona" dress, far left.

How long does that process take?
We don’t stop working until show time. So about six months. Then three more months post-show to get the prints right.

Inspiration for the fall/winter 2013 collection?
It was based on landscapes. I wanted to stripe away the color this time to showcase other elements like our leather and brocade fabrics. To give it a deeper, moodier feel. The abstract textures give it a more diversified print that is easier for customers who don’t typically wear prints. It’s a good way to introduce them to it. There is some color in the collection, as well. I know how women in Texas love their color.

What piece do you think the women of Dallas will love?
I think they are going to like the ‘Faumi Babelona’ dress. It’s a cap-sleeve dress with a waist and full skirt that hits just below the knee, featuring the print on our brocade fabric with a little metallic woven in.
Note: we hear someone was interested in wearing this very dress to the Art Ball so be on the lookout for it to make an appearance on one lucky lady.

Do you ever take time off?
I visit my family in Athens every summer, it’s the only break I really take.

Viktor & Rolf fall 2013 ready-to-wear (photography, cropped, courtesy of style.com)

Starting tomorrow, Forty Five Ten is hosting a trunk show for Viktor & Rolf’s Fall/Winter 2013 collection. In case you missed the duo’s latest runway show, the line is full of classic closet staples, with a modern twist–sculptural black dresses, textured white blouses, and ruffled leather jackets that strike the perfect balance between feminine and edgy. Need more convincing? This will be the only Viktor & Rolf trunk show in the U.S. this season.

Where: Forty Five Ten
When: Thursday, April 11 through Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jessica Mitzner is a ShopTalk intern.

Hosted by yours truly, this champagne reception runs all afternoon, so you can pop in for a late lunch break or toast with us before your evening begins. We’ve already told you how much we love the beautifully crafted Emy Mack shoes by SMU grad Emily Jamison and trust the skilled artists at Blushington Beauty Lounge. Here’s the perfect chance to check out both in one stop.

Where: Elements
When: 1 pm to 6 pm
RSVP: Here (or just stop by)

Imagine all the things you could stuff in this deep harness bag (left). Love the Brogue booties with the buckle and double layers of fringe (right).

I’m blown away by the prints in this lineup. From the signature navy and green plaid to the animalistic green chain print to the kaleidoscope hummingbirds. And, of course, those growling wolves that I love. Perhaps they’re just playing.

McQ by Alexander McQueen Trunk Show at Elements
Stop by one of our favorite boutiques (Elements) for one of our favorite drinks (champagne) and a trunk show of goods from one of our favorite lines (McQ by Alexander McQueen). You can pop in any time all day today for some bubbly and to shop the limited time collection of shoes, belts, dresses, and sweaters.
Place: Elements
Time: 10 am to 7 pm

BLKLN Menswear Launch Event
Hit up DISH for the first official preview of local designer Jim Duran’s new menswear label, BLKLN (pronounced “black line”). Order anything you want from the bar (we recommend the Jasmine Garden), snag a couple complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and sit back and watch the show which promises all kinds of edgy androgyny and glamour.
Place: DISH
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm

Number One/Le Jus First Day of Business
We’ve been patiently awaiting the doors of this new boutique and juicery to open, and the week has finally arrived. It’ll only be its first day of business, but we don’t care. We’re swooping in for a good-for-us juice concoction to keep us hydrated while perusing the wares of earth-inspired goods like Newbark’s accessories, Jenine Payer jewelry, Fog Linen Work home decor, Agonist fragrance, and Bellocq Teas.
Place: Number One/Le Jus
Time: 10 am to 5 pm

Nicole Kwon Grand Opening Party
We are in love with Nicole Kwon and her new boutique in West Village. It’s chock full of cool jewels, soft separates, urban pieces, party dresses, and wide price range. We pretty much want one of everything.
Place: Nicole Kwon
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm

Rent the Runway & Make Up For Ever Holiday Preview
Two of our favorite holiday things will be in one place: Rent the Runway’s borrow-and-return designer dresses and Make Up For Ever’s pretty much everything. Hit up the NorthPark makeup shop for a holiday preview from both brands along with light bites and cocktails.
Place: Make Up For Ever
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm

IZAVEL Spring/Summer 2013 Launch at Demerara
Isabel Varela, local designer and Project Runway finalist (season 8, that is) is celebration the launch of her spring/summer 2013 collection at Demerara with a party. Swing by for complimentary cocktails, a live DJ spinning tunes, and of course to browse the newest designs, which feature sleek lines, a tailored look, and the collection’s signature print in “peacock blue” and “tangerine.”
Place: Demerara
Time: 6 pm to 8 pm

photography courtesy of Elements, illustrations courtesy of my greed

You’re invited for a little champagne and first dibs on the goods from the McQ by Alexander McQueen trunk show at Elements on Tuesday, November 17. The items (a few of which are pictured above) will be in the store for a few weeks, but quantities are limited–no reordering, no special sizes–so you’ll want to get your hands on the things you want early. According to one of my fav Dallas shop girls, Stephanie “Stevie” Moore, “This will be a great holiday shopping event, whether you want a scarf to give as a gift or a super amazing fabulous cocktail dress for yourself to wear to a party.” I’ll take both. Or, as you can see above, all of it.

What: McQ by Alexander McQueen Trunk Show
Where: Elements
When: Tuesday, November 17, 10 am to 7 pm

photography courtesy of Forty Five Ten

If you already know The Woods, you’re probably a fan. If you don’t, you will be. The Aspen-based line of necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings, is a fusion of earthy, organic materials and precious diamonds and gems. Celebs, stylists, and fashion bloggers are big fans, including our own Hanh Merriman, the stylish doll of Life in Travel blog, who’s hosting the upcoming trunk show reception for the line at Forty Five Ten. Head over on Friday or Saturday for a trunk show highlighting the newest pieces in the collection, but definitely aim for Friday from noon to 2 pm, when the champagne reception is taking place and you can say hello to designers (and sisters) Shawn Hecox and Samantha Hitchcock.

Where: Forty Five Ten
When: Friday and Saturday, Friday from noon to 2 pm for reception
RSVP: email here

Junkadoodle Fall Flea Market:

Tootsies Carpe Denim Trunk Show Featuring DL 1961 & Viscanio Denim:
Stop by Tootsies this weekend to find your perfect pair of  DL 1961 jeans with the help of a “denim specialist” and complimentary tailoring. There will also be snacks, cocktails and a DJ–sounds like a sweet deal to us.

Happy Hour with Dee Keller at Julep: Julep is combining some of our favorite things this weekend: shopping, wine, and shoes. The party starts at 6 pm, where you can meet shoes and handbags designer Dee Keller while checking out her fall line.

Grand Opening of Nicole Kwon Boutique: The new eponymous boutique opens doors in West Village this weekend. Check out merchandise from all over the world and the price points for all budgets.

Holmes & Yang Trunk Show at Forty Five Ten: Drop by one of Dallas’ favorite upscale boutiques this Friday to see the Holmes & Yang trunk show. Designed by actress Katie Holmes and stylist Jeanne Yang, this luxury ready-to-wear line features classics that ooze casual glamour.

Amanda Sterett Fall Trunk Show at Melanie Gayle: If you haven’t stopped by to check out Melanie Gayle’s new location in Snider Plaza, this event is the perfect excuse. Jewelry Designer Amanda Sterett’s fall line will be featured, as well as on-site wrapping of her signature Game Day Hoops in the colors of your choice.

Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk Intern.

Visit the boutique today and tomorrow to peruse the line with brand specialists who can put you in the perfect pair. If you’re free tomorrow, from 3 pm to 6 pm, make that your scheduled stop; the store will be serving cocktails.

Where: Elements
When: Thursday, September 27 (today) and Friday, September 28 (tomorrow)

Note: Factory Girl has moved to 2923 Canton Street.

Stars wearing Magna Berliner. photography: (from left) courtesy of Magda Berlina, Cool Spotters, and Sea of Shoes

Magda Berliner, queen of chrochet fashion designer, is spending her weekend at V.O.D. this week for a two-day trunk show, highlighting her one-of-a-kind, handmade lace designs. You can shop skirts, tops, and dresses that have been made specially for this sale, or consult with Magda on your own custom piece. (!)

Where: V.O.D.
When: Friday, August 24 to Saturday, August 25, 11 am to 6 pm.
RSVP: talk@vodboutique.com.

Flash Sale at Hemline:

Canal Clothing Hosts Customer Appreciation Days: Today and Saturday, let Canal Clothing thank you for being a dedicated customer. Enjoy a Damee and Fridaze trunk show, plus surprise party favors. Who wouldn’t want to shop great deals and win a gift certificate, scarf, or earrings?

Krimson & Klover End Of Summer Sale: The summer K&K merchandise needs to go. Fall is quickly approaching, and more room for merchandise is needed. Today and Saturday, snag deals of up to 50% on every item in the store!

FashionABLE Trunk Show at The Gypsy Wagon: Shop with a purpose this Saturday by supporting sustainable business in Africa. By purchasing a fashionAble scarf at this weekend’s trunk show from 10 am until 6 pm, you will be supporting women who have been poverty stricken and own a versatile piece for your wardrobe. For every $50 spent on jewelry and accessories, $10 will be donated to the cause.