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Blake of TOMS Shoes at Neiman Marcus Tonight

Get your rears to Neiman Marcus NorthPark tonight to check out TOMS new Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf exclusive line of TOMS. (Then check out Blake, the owner, left. Not exactly bad on the eyes, is he?) The famous footwear company donates a new pair of shoes to a child in need with every pair you purchase. And there is a very specific need for shoes around the world that, in this country, we don’t really see. As of February of this year, TOMS donated more than 130,000 pairs of shoes. That means 130,000 pairs of kids’ cute little feet are now protected thanks to this company. This new luxury line will include special linings,  metal logos, and trendy prints like skulls. They’ll be sold for $78 to $125. If these reasons aren’t enough to join the fun, there will be ping pong. Yes, ping pong. 400 NorthPark Center.

Friday Giveaways

Hey there, ShopTalkers. Just thought I’d check in with you guys. What do you want to see in your Friday Giveaways? I’m taking suggestions. I’m not saying I’ll definitely be able to make it happen, but I want to know what products you dream about at night. (A Louis Vuitton bag’s probably out of the question, FYI.)

Let me hear your thoughts! raya.ramsey@dmagazine.com.

Bridal Fashions Straight From the Runway

If you’re not a regular reader of our BridalBuzz blog, you may not know that our own Kristin Hull was in New York last week for bridal market, where top designers unveil their newest wedding gowns. Kristin snapped tons of great shots, so do yourself a favor and go here and here to see what looks were hot on the catwalk.

Friday Giveaway: Halloween Treats by Philosophy and MAC

Get in the spirit. The ghostly kind. The best holiday of the year is here, and we’re honoring it with a festive giveaway of spooky-inspired beauty supplies. We’ll start you off at bath time with Philosophy’s Haunted House set. You’ll get three 3-in-1 multitasking shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath bottles in three scents: black licorice, caramel apple, and pumpkin spice muffin. (So, shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath in one, but you’ll get the product in three difference flavors. Make sense?) They’re rich and foamy, and the fun scents are a vacation from the usual. Don’t forget not to eat it. Then get prepared for your chilling night out with Cinderfella eye shadow (get it wet for a to-die-for smoky eye), Greasepaint stick in black (with a hint of gorgeous purple glitter), Glimmerglass in Blackfire (a sheer black gloss with violet glitter—as beautiful on as in the tube), a creamy black Glimmerglass gloss in Blackware, and Midnight Media (an almost matte Mattene Lipstick in jet black), all part of MAC’s limited edition Style Black collection. So, three bath products and five MAC products. All treats here, no tricks. Fill out the form to enter. Good luck. To purchase your own, go here for Philosophy and here for MAC.

*Update: Congratulations Kileen!

Minx It Up at Troy Richard Salon

I told you you can get it here. Minx (as seen on Lady Gaga’s nails left)  is now being offered at Troy Richard Salon in Frisco, too. Prices for nails will be $45-47 (depending on your choice of a metallic or pattern set) and $52-57 for toes. The Minx application was similarly priced at Annice Spa Studio for $45 per fingernail application. Troy Richard Salon. 214-618-8071 or www.troyrichardsalon.com. Follow the jump to see Minx on nails and toes.

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Estée Lauder’s New 5-Tone Shimmer Powder

I’ve got a thing for these highlighting palettes because they’re such multitaskers. I rarely wear the same product on a consistent basis, because I’m always trying new things and wanting to wear new colors, but I’ve been using Estée’s 5-Tone Shimmer Powder in “Pink Shimmer” for almost three weeks almost every day. That’s a big deal for me. On cheeks it gives you a radiant flush in a sweet pink color. You can apply tons of it, and this silky pearl formula won’t make you look like a glitter ball. On eyes it’s a beautiful brow highlighter. Estée even suggests wearing it as a highlighter for shoulders and décolletage. Get this $36 treasure at any Estée Lauder counter. (And by the way, this image doesn’t do it justice. It’s much prettier in person.)

Shop for the Cure: Elaine Turner Bags and Flats

Elaine Turner, who we interviewed recently, has joined the breast cancer awareness train with some fun pink accessories: flats for $175, featured left and the handbag, $275, and clutch, $195, after the jump. Grab them at NorthPark’s Elaine Turner or online at www.elaineturner.com. Fifty percent of proceeds from these sales will benefit the Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine.

To do more shopping for the cure, check out our gift guide.

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Don’t Forget: Drive-Through Renée Rouleau Gift Bag Service Today!

Here’s what I posted a few weeks ago:

To celebrate Renée Rouleau’s National Skin Care Awareness Month (September), she’s hosting a Front Door Gift Bag Pickup Promo. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Drive up to the spa and receive a gift bag—that simple. But it gets better because, as usual, Reneé Rouleau has her team of male models handing them out right to your car window. Woo hoo! The bag includes a gift certificate and RR samples valued at $100. Go pick up your treats and ogle the models at her Dallas location at 1722 Routh St. or Plano location at 4025 Preston Rd., Ste. 606. September 30 from 10 am to 2 pm.

Today’s the day! Go get yourself a goodie bag!

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The Dallas Aveda Institute – Not Just a School But a Gorgeous, Insanely Inexpensive Spa/Salon

The Aveda Institute pedicure room.

OMG! OMG! I am sooooo excited!! Last night I went to the grand opening party for the Dallas Aveda Institute. What is it, you ask? It’s a cosmetology school for aspiring hairdressers, estheticians, masseurs, waxers and nail technicians. Why do I care, you ask? Well, here’s why: this incredibly beautiful facility offers super discounted prices on all beauty services all the time. How can they do that, you ask? Well, it’s because students perform the treatments. Doesn’t that scare you, you ask? No, not at all. If you knew how intensely dedicated Aveda is to training their students to be the best, you wouldn’t either. The company doesn’t only teach them how to cut hair or perform a massage but  they also train them in how to treat clients like gold. Yes, they are still in the learning process but their skill levels are high enough that Aveda will let them work on clients. Now would they do that if they didn’t think they were ready? No. Aveda cares too much about their stellar reputation. I got a personal tour from the president of the company who emphasized how important quality is to them. Jump to read about their incredible prices!!

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Wisteria’s Warehouse Sale

You know you love it and have all those catalogues at home, but you might not know they are in our backyard.  The stylish on line catalogue Wisteria is right up I35 in Carrollton Texas and they are having a huge warehouse sale Sept 24 – 26. Their already low prices will be discounted 40 – 70% off and certain catalogue pieces are 80% off.  If the prices get any lower, you might just have to take your penny jar at home.  You know your abode could use a little spiffing up, and besides, Christmas is coming.  Much better gifts than ties or fruitcakes.

Alcone Make-Off Makeup Removers…Love Them!

A while back, Kristin launched her makeup remover experiment. Here’s one to add to the bunch: Alcone Make-Off makeup remover cloths. Here’s why they’re great: They come in individually wrapped packages, so they’re perfect for throwing in your bag and on-the-go. I’m keeping one at my desk for after-work workouts (if I ever actually do it), one in my purse, and one in my gym bag (which is collecting dust). The super soft cloths are wet, but not oily, so they feel more than a cleanser than a greasy eye makeup remover. You don’t have to rinse afterward, but you won’t want to anyway; you won’t feel leftover residue. They’re made by Alcone, which serves professional makeup artists, so you know you’re getting the best, and these babies are pretty cheap. Options include $6 for 12, $22 for 50, or even $200 for 500. Go here to buy.

There’s a Bumpit in the House!

Once the excitement dies down at ShopTalk headquarters, there might be a full report. Stay tuned.

New York Fashion Week: Abi Ferrin

Abi Ferrin showed her spring collection, titled “Genesis”, at the Metropolitan North Pavillion tonight. The collection was inspired by a trip to the Osa Rainforest in Costa Rica (lots of color, as you would expect). More on it later, but Lisa Garza (in photo with the designer below) was there with a film crew in-tow for a new reality show they are taping.

Lisa Garza & Abi Ferrin

New York Fashion Week: Erin Wasson X RVCA

Erin Wasson showed her collection (Erin Wasson x RVCA) for the first time at the tents last night. Dallasites were there to show their support to the model-turned-designer, including Erin’s family, Jackie Bolin, Elizabeth O’Mahony, Stephanie & John Roberts. The collection featured mostly layed-back looks that you could see Erin wearing herself and many seem to admire her style. We even saw some girls in Spain sporting Wasson-esque looks (loose tanks, short jean shorts, & blazers with rolled up sleeves). Chris Wasson was so proud of her daughter, she could hardly hold back tears of joy after the show. We spotted Bruce Willis with wife, Emma Heming, in the crowd as well as Gossip Girl Taylor Momsen.

Sylvie Chantecaille, Woman Behind Prescriptives and Founder of Chantecaille, will be at Neiman Marcus on Saturday

It is rare these days that the founder of a cosmetic company is still around, choosing each palette for every season and visiting the labs and spas, making sure each product and treatment is up to par. But Sylvie Chantecaille of Chantecaille is. This amazing makeup/skincare/fragrance line relies on ingredients plucked from nature and chosen through scientific research to create luxurious products that are good for skin and the environment (like the whale palette we used in D Beauty) and make you look beautiful. The eye shadows are creamy, the fragrances therapeutic, and the skincare miraculous. And the woman behind it all will be at Neiman Marcus on Saturday, helping customers get in touch in products and choose the best foundation colors. To be part of Sylvie’s personal appearance, head to Neiman Marcus at NorthPark Saturday, September 12 from 11 am to 4 pm in the Level 1 cosmetics area.

’80s Fashion Flashback: Fruit Cocktail

DallasDirt digger Candy Evans sent me this photo with the subject line “What was I thinking?” I don’t know, Candy, I just don’t know. This outfit takes matchy-matchy to a whole new level. But you know what? It’s awesome. Totally awesome. Let’s see what else you got, kids. Still waiting to see a Coca-Cola shirt!

Free Yoga at the W Every Sunday Night

W Dallas – Victory is kicking off its newest yoga series on Sunday, September 13. The FREE series, a collaboration between the W and Power Yoga Dallas, takes place every Sunday night from 6 pm to 7 pm on the Wet Deck (pictured left, um, yeah!). The class will be taught by Jennie Bartholomew, founder of Power Yoga, who will instruct for all levels of yoga. Upcoming dates for this Sunset Power Yoga class include September 13, 20, and 27, and October 4, 11, 18, and 25. Mark your calendars and set your TiVo to record your favorite Sunday night shows while you’re at yoga. This will be worth it. All they ask is that you RSVP to RSVP.01521@whotels.com.

Valencia Fashion Week: Feria Valencia

We have arrived at Feria Valencia, on the far north side of the city, for the shows. The venue is huge and is very well organized. Very impressed thus far. If only NY Fashion Week had this size press room! The three day event, which officially starts today, is sponsored by Revlon, Bobbi Brown, Mercedes Benz, El Corte Ingles (their big department store), and others. The shows begin at 1:30 and we break for lunch from 2-4 (typical in Spain), and then the shows pick back up at 4:30 and go on until 8, break for dinner, and then the last show takes place at l’umbracle by the river at 11:30.  

Cargo’s Runway Kit is as Cute as a Button

And really, there are buttons! I haven’t seen a makeup palette this adorable since, well, I don’t even know when. Almost makes it hard to use, doesn’t it? This valued-at-$175-but-on-sale-for-$49 palette Cargo calls the Runway Kit because it contains a variety of colors inspired by the fall 2009 runway makeup trends. Here you’ll find the tools to tackle the smoky eye (see labeled gray palette), the dramatic jewel-toned look (check out buttons colors: hellooooo green gold at top right!), the warm, natural cheek flush, and the bronze goddess look (see bottom row for both). Go to Sephora stores–or online–to pick one up, and you’re good to go for fall. Follow the jump for pics of runway looks and to get up close and personal with the palette. (more…)

Friday Giveaway: Kate Somerville Glow Kit

It’s nearing the end of summer, but a fresh face glow is never out of season. Congrats ahead of time to the winner of this giveaway, because this one’s a good one: Kate Somerville’s Glow Kit. Kate Somerville, esthetician to the likes of Paris Hilton, Kate Walsh, Felicity Huffman, and Jessica Alba, knows what she’s talking about, and she didn’t mind a bit sharing all the top secrets with me to pass along to you. Follow me after the jump to learn how to enter this giveaway and read up on the products. (You’ll want to, to understand the true power behind the Glow Kit.)

*Update: We’re giving away two sets! You’ve got until noon today, Monday, Aug. 31.

Congratulations Fern and Kathy!

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Donna Karan’s Personal Appearance and Fashion Show at Neiman Marcus NorthPark

Stephanie, Donna Karan, Kristin, & Raya

Kristin, Raya, and I attended a “light brunch and conversation” with designer, Donna Karan and Neiman Marcus Fashion Director, Ken Downing at  NorthPark this morning. The powerful woman behind the design empire known as Donna Karan New York dashed through Dallas and left us all with some tips (both fashion and personal) and even helped style some lucky ladies (Heidi Dillon and Tina Craig) in her fall designs. Here are some standout points the designer made while presenting her versatile and elegant fall 2009 collection.

Expose your shoulders: They never gain weight. Shoulder pads accent the shoulder and delete the hips.
Start with a bodysuit everyday: It flattens the body and functions as a good base, it’s like wearing hosiery.
Wardrobe essentials: Bodysuit, pants, top, scarf, jacket, skirt, dress and accessories.
On draping: It slenderizes and supports the body by bringing in the waistline.
Grey is great: accents almost any color (red, blue, camel, etc) and is a good foundation. Goes from day to night.
Red accents: Feminine, beautiful, and strong. A classic with a twist.
Find the calm in the chaos: Meditation, yoga, and focus on overall health care for ourselves. The designer is the co-founder of Urban Zen Foundation that helps to raise awareness and inspire change in well-being, preserving cultures, and empowering children.
Biggest pet peeve: Changing the system and timing of fashion. Time purchasing – buy fall in fall, and spring in spring.
What to expect from the designer next (for spring 2010): a lot of white

Amazing statement necklaces designed by Robert Lee Morris

We loved meeting the down-to-earth designer and can’t wait to see the spring 2010 collection at New York Fashion Week next month!

Pinkberry Opening Soon in Preston Royal Village

The preferred fro-yo treat of Hollywood stars and New York fashionistas is coming to Dallas this fall. Read more about it here.

Grand Opening Pool Party at NYLO in Irving Tonight

Head to the new NYLO in Irving for the Grand Opening Pool Party tonight. The party will include an art auction, which will benefit the Make A Wish Foundation, a live band at 5:30 pm, DJ at 9:30 pm, half-priced drinks, and of course, special rates for a room starting at $69, valid through Sunday.

Kacky & Carl’s “Heat in the Hundreds” Sale

Tomorrow and Friday only Kacky & Carl’s prices are being slashed. All summer items will be between $25 and $99. They have one of the cutest stores in town in one of the cutest buildings. Shopping there makes me feel like I am at a friend’s house and discounted prices will make it even more fun!