The Perfect Mask!

No, this isn’t a late Halloween post. It’s a blog about the new 3Lab PerfectMask. However, it might be good to warn anyone in the area before you put it on because it’s kind of creepy in a Jason from the “Halloween” movies kind of way. In fact, I decided to scare my husband with it one night. And boy did it work. I laughed and laughed and laughed. He didn’t. (But he did say my skin was smoother after I took it off so I guess he wasn’t too mad at me.) Anyway, this is the easiest mask I’ve ever used. Just take it out of the package and place it on your face. They say it is “infused with Nano-Claire GY™, the world’s first bioengineered growth hormone.”  Whatever it is, it’s supposed to help boost collagen, smooth lines and give you a glow. They come in packets of six ($120 at Barneys) so you can have a beauty night with your girlfriends and try them together. Then you can all go outside and terrorize the neighborhood, or get drunk and watch the Sex and the City movie.

Texas’ Next Top Designer

Calling all aspiring designers in the state of Texas. The search for Texas’ Next Top Designer is on. If you think you have what it takes to become the next Abi Ferrin or Julia Plume (previous TNTD winners), go here to apply now. The winner of the competition will receive a financial reimbursement grant (up to $50,000) of in-kind support for business development. All entries must be received by January 31 (get it together designers)! Winners will be announced in spring 2009. Good luck!

V Spa is Very Swanky

I went to the opening of V Spa last night and was very impressed with the vibe. Offering a variety of services, from massage and skincare treatments to manicures and V-man grooming, V Spa embraces vanity as a mere venial vice. Its versed staff provides the veriest service, and a verily delightful perk to getting any 50-minute spa treatment is a day pass to the recently renovated Verandah Club. So, what’s the verdict? It’s a victory for V Spa!

(That’s 15 Vs in a single post—18 if you count the headline and the one I just used. Call Guinness.) Actual information about the spa here.

Tasty Treats

This doesn’t really have anything to do with fashion or beauty, but these yummy cupcakes are so cute, that I had to share with everyone. Fall flavors have arrived at Sprinkles. The orange cranberry with white chocolate cream cheese frosting, ginger maple with maple cream cheese frosting, pumpkin with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, and Belgian dark chocolate with bittersweet chocolate frosting cupcake combo is a great alternative to your run-of-the-mill pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Pick up a box (or order online) of assorted cupcakes adorned with festive decorations, sealed with an “Eat Turkey and Cupcakes” sticker, starting this Friday through November 30 for $36.

Free Yoga Tonight at YogaSport

Get bendy tonight at YogaSport’s free Beginner Power Flow class. It’s the perfect opportunity to give yoga a try. You like it, sign up for their soon-to-begin beginner series (they’re offering a special). You don’t like it, walk away a bit sweaty. You’re not sure, try another of the free classes on Dec. 2 or Dec. 16. Class starts at 8. Register online here.

ShopTalk Crush of the Week: David Cook

When it comes to American Idol, I’m about as predictable as a romantic comedy. I tend to root for the rockers, which means I’m usually disappointed at the end of the season. (Bo Bice, you were robbed! As were you, Chris Daughtry!) But I just can’t help myself. A scruffy face and an overly earnest interpretation of a classic rock tune get me every time. But then came David Cook. The Season 7 champ somehow managed to rock his way not only into my heart but also into America’s. The A.I. nation was finally on my side! Today Mr. Cook celebrates the release of his self-titled debut album featuring first single “Light On,” which makes him an obvious choice for Crush of the Week. If his first music video is any indication, D.C. is well on his way to heartthrob status. As iTunes reviewer shadowlovecookie says, “OMG…when David looks into the camera…those eyes melt me.” Couldn’t have said it better, shadowlovecookie.

Girls Night Out, Take Two

Well, it sounds like last night was a hit for Shecky’s GNO. Here’s the word from one lucky attendee:

It turned out to be a lot of fun. There were a lot of vendors and a lot of them were accessories. There were a few that caught my eye, but I was really excited to get some early Christmas shopping done. Sarah Briggs was there, and she was awesome. … She had several racks of earrings for $25 and $50 that were normally $75.00 to $180.00.

I know. You’re sad you missed it. Lucky for you, tonight’s take two. Head to the FIG between five and ten to get in on the fun.

Get Behind Your Ballet Tonight

If, for some reason, you’re not grabbing your girls for this event tonight, head to Fort Worth for the Get Behind Your Ballet Gala. It’s a fundraiser supporting the Texas Ballet Theater, which needs to raise more than $500,000 to help keep the organization afloat. A world without ballet would be too tragic. Don’t act like you don’t watch Center Stage every time it comes on. I know I do. Then I dust off my tutu and practice my plies.

Tickets are $35 ($75 for VIP). It starts at 7:30 at the Scott Theatre.

Hot Mama, You Make Me Blush

I love blush. In fact, I’m somewhat of a blush aficionado. I’ve tried them all—powders, creams, and stains in pinks, peaches, roses, and bronzes—and, like a mother praising her children, I think they’re all special in their own unique way. But this one really is outstanding for a multitude of reasons, which I’ll detail later, but mainly because it looks awesome on me! Woop, woop! Full disclosure: I’m pretty sure it’ll look awesome on you, too.

Hot Mama from theBalm, one of my new favorite makeup lines, reminds me of an old blush standby, the award-winning Orgasm by NARS. (Yes, that’s the name. Yes, you’ll feel weird when you ask your makeup lady for it. I suggest ordering online.) Both are described by their manufacturers as a peachy pink with a touch of shimmer—I describe both as a pinky bronze for that sunkissed look—but Hot Mama beats NARS in price point, $18 to $25. Plus, Hot Mama doubles as a shadow. A two-for! You know I love those. As far as the product itself goes, it’s a soft powder, goes on very smooth, and blends naturally. I can even apply it with my finger, which is helpful because it doesn’t come with it’s own applicator.

A little blush makes a drab face vivacious and young. Ladies (you know who you are), quit neglecting this cosmetic. Pick up a brush, and bring on the flush!

Botox vs. NoTox: What’s a Girl To Do?

Dear Botox,

I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. We’ve never officially met, but I’ve heard lots of good things about you. To be perfectly honest, the reason I’ve been so shy is because I’m a little afraid of you. I know, I know, it’s silly—the FDA says you’re safe. But, ya know, there’s that whole needle thing. Anyway, I’m writing today because I thought I was finally ready to make your acquaintance. The past several decades have started to do a number on my forehead, and I figured you could help. But then I heard about something called NoTox. It’s also called Relaxed Expressions, and you can get it at this place in Plano. I don’t know much about it, but you can read more here. The results are immediate, and it’s supposed to last up to two years! That’s impressive, no? I’m still thinking about you, Botox; I just wanted you to know that there was someone else, too. No matter what happens, I hope we can at least be friends. TTYL!

Polish Pick: Chanel Black Satin

Nail polish junkies understand that finding a fab polish color can make the whole day fab, too. Chanel’s Black Satin has makes my day every time I wear it. If Audrey Hepburn wore black polish, this would be it. With a hint of shimmer, this black’s as hardcore as any black, but classy still, and I’m not sure why. Give it a whirl. www.chanel.com.

ShopTalk Crush of the Week: Anderson Cooper

CNN anchor and hottie Anderson Cooper is many things: Emmy Award winner, truth seeker, dogged follower of all things hurricane-related, just to name a few. And any one of these things alone could have garnered him ShopTalk Crush of the Week honors at any given time. This week, however, the title goes to Anderson not because of any accomplishment or physical trait, but because of his admitted love for The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Yes, you read that correctly. This smart, handsome man also has exceptional taste in television. In an election-day interview on The Ellen Degeneres Show (view the clip here), the silver fox schooled Ellen on the ins and outs of my current trashy fave from the Bravo lineup. And last night, on Anderson Cooper 360, he reiterated his fondness for the ATL gals and claimed his spot on Team NeNe. A guy who can discourse at length about politics, the environment, and reality television? Check, please! (Photo credit: CNN Worldwide)

Dazzle Yourself With Dazzle Lash

MAC’s newest mascara, Dazzle Lash, comes out today. I’ve been using it for a couple weeks and I have to say that it does what it promises - separates and volumizes. The unique brush, created just for MAC, has a spring-loaded attachment to keep each fiber separated to prevent clumping. Apparently, the formula is conditioning too, so you’ll be doing you lashes a favor while you make them look fabulous. Ooh la la!

ShopTalk Crush of the Week: Dr. Drew Pinsky

ShopTalk’s newest Crush is a man of medicine, a healer if you will, Dr. Drew Pinsky. Dr. Drew snags the honor this week not only because of his scholarly good looks and overwhelming desire to cure the afflicted, but also because his Celebrity Rehab 2 has finally found its way to the airwaves. After the original Celebrity Rehab was such a hit with, well, me and at least two of my friends, I waited oh so long for the second installment. And now, thanks to the TV gods, it’s here. Besides the train-wreck aspect of the show’s cast of downtrodden low-list famous people, there’s much more to love about CR2—namely Dr. Drew, and the way he nonchalantly wears that stethoscope around his neck, and the way he fills out a snug black t-shirt (who didn’t love that episode from last season?), and the way he … well, I think you get the picture. Turn on VH1 tomorrow at 9 pm. Dr. Drew will be waiting. (Photo credit: VH1)

Bag Snob TV Webisodes

Local fashionista and Bag Snob, Tina Craig, has posted the latest Snob TV webisode on her popular site. The Snobs’ (Craig and her L.A.-based best friend, Kelly Cook) interview fashion designers (such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Devi Kroell, Oscar de la Renta) and insiders and post a new webisode every few weeks. Check out the latest with veteran (since 1981) designer, Michael Kors who chats with Craig about his Spring ‘09 collection, the effects of the economy on fashion, and Project Runway.

Celebrity Makeup Artist Sandy Linter Talks about Beauty for All Ages

Sandy Linter, celebrity makeup artist and Lancôme’s Beauty at Every Age Expert, made a stop in Dallas last week to visit NorthPark’s Lancôme boutique and its customers. I had the amazing opportunity to sit down with her and Vanessa, the assistant vice president of Lancôme Public Relations, at the Joule, where we talked for hours about the trick to getting glowing skin, how to apply eye makeup in three easy steps, and vibrating mascara. Jump to get these top beauty secrets.

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Spotted: Minka Kelly and Derek Jeter at Nordstrom

This doesn’t have much to do with beauty or fashion, besides the fact that I was shopping at Nordstrom at Barton Creek Mall in Austin this past Saturday with a friend of mine, when we spotted a couple that we both recognized. It took us a moment to realize who they were. It was none other than “rumored” couple, Derek Jeter (New York Yankees captain) and Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights actress), looking quite chummy. So there you have it. What guy would accompany a girl to the mall unless he was forced to or wanted to spend as much time with her as possible? Speaking of Nordstrom, their Half-Yearly Sale for women and kids starts this Wednesday. Save 40% and more on shoes, handbags, clothes and accessories. Earn twice the rewards points if you pay with your Nordstrom card!

Central Market Brings its A Game

As you know, I went to Central Market last night for what I thought was just a sneak peek at the new cafe and its menu. Instead I got the grand tour (why yes, I’ll try the guacamole from the new Guacamole Bar—sure, ceviche sounds delicious—a little bubbly from the new wine wall? mmm…). De-lightful.

First, I’ll admit my bias. I love Central Market. It’s my second home. I’m there four to seven days a week—sometimes twice a day for lunch and dinner, which is embarrassing when you get the same cashier. I thought it was perfect the way it was and, frankly, was a bit peeved at all the super market shuffling that had been confusing my shopping. But those days are over. Projects are complete. And here are the fruits of their labor, named in order of appearance, not awesomeness. (See map.)

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Tuesday Night is Zumba Night at the Hilton Anatole

Shake your bon bon right off every Tuesday night at the hour-long Zumba class offered in the swanky Verandah Club at the Hilton Anatole. If you’ve missed the craze, Zumba is the high-energy Latin dance-inspired workout program that’ll boost your heart rate while inspiring saucy moves on the dance floor. It’s like a two-for. Two-for Tuesdays! The VC is normally a private fitness club, but non-members can drop in for $16 (plus tax). Tuesdays at 5:30.

ShopTalk Crush of the Week: Jon Hamm (aka Don Draper)

If you don’t already know, Jon Hamm is the smoldering star who plays Don Draper in the fashion-fabulous, ’60s-era AMC drama Mad Men. The show wrapped up its second season on Sunday, leaving me with a gaping hole in my TV schedule and a gaping hole in my Don Draper-obsessed heart—and therefore solidifying his spot as our first-ever Crush of the Week. As it did last season, when Mad Men returns for its third season, it will jump two years ahead to 1964. Wonder what sexy secretary Joan, recent makeover candidate Peggy, and oh-so-troubled wife Betty will be wearing in the post-Kennedy years. Not at all curious about Don, though. What he wears won’t matter. He looks good in everything. (Photo credit: Saturday Night Live)

Attack of the Giant Pores

Breakouts? Yes, I get ’em. Wrinkles? There are a few cropping up. And hyperpigmentation? Yep, got some of that, too. But these little annoyances pale in comparison to my real skin problem: oversize pores. Aestheticians from here to Zihuatanejo have pointed out this particular flaw and chastised me for not exfoliating regularly. I understand such a problem does not bode well for my dermatological future. The VISIA Complexion Analysis I got a few months ago told me such. (The high-tech piece of depression-inducing technology ages you five to seven years then shows you the results. So not awesome.) So my question is this: what exfoliator do you use? Katie, my dear friend and fellow ShopTalker, told me about this little bit of microdermabrasion in a tube from Kiehl’s (pictured), and I do like it. I’m just not sure if it’s enough. So give me what you got, and I’ll try it out. My next facialist will be so proud.

Bonobos Gets Into Men’s Pants

Besides making money, the two guys behind New York-based online retailer Bonobos have one main goal: to provide men with “awesome-fitting pants.” You can read more about their story here, but basically these fellas were tired of retail shopping and tired of not being able to find pants that fit them properly. So they started their own business. Their stuff looks pretty snazzy, and the founders are awful cute, too, so I must say I’m a new fan. But just so you know, no matter how you dress them up, boys are still boys. Bonobos is named after the bonobo, a type of chimpanzee, and, as designer Brian Spaly told one reporter, “It’s known to be the most sexually promiscuous animal in the animal kingdom.” Uh, awesome?

It’s Time For Partners Card!

It’s that special time of year we all look forward to. No, not Halloween, or Daylight Savings Time (although honestly, I do enjoy falling back). It’s Partners Card week, and if you haven’t purchased yours yet, you’d better getcha one. This is the 16th year for the PC, and this year, they’ve added places like Craft restaurant, The Mansion, Juicy Couture, Carolina Herrera, and Papyrus. You get the card for $60, and then you get 20% discounts literally all over the city (it’s really tough to find places that don’t participate), and proceeds benefit the Family Place. I was at the Spa at the Crescent yesterday, and they also accept Partners Card, for example.

Some of my uber-organized friends get all their holiday shopping done using this card. So get going. You’ve got from today until November 2 to maximize your holiday savings. Oh–you can buy them at Tom Thumb stores and tons of other participiating retailers.

Expert Hair Advice For Windy Weather Woes

I had to run some errands today at lunch—post office, Salad Creations, home to walk the dog—and let me tell ya, I was not pleased with the effect this windy weather has had on my hair. Luckily I just got an e-mail from non other than Blaine of Blaine’s Color. I seized the moment and asked, “What can I do when the wind wreaks havoc on my hair?” And here’s the solution:

“The new little woven headbands are awesome. They are about a quarter of an inch wide, braided, and come in all kinds of colors, from black and brown to hot pink, purple, and orange. Wearing them two or three at a time is really cute too.”

I agree. I’m going to go get some here before my hair begins to resemble hers. **See a pic of the headbands after the jump. (more…)

2 For 1 Elemis Facials at Nordstrom NorthPark

The skinny, courtesy Christine Sracic:

If your skin isn’t necessarily adjusting to the slight weather change we’re experiencing, not to worry. Nordstrom NorthPark has the perfect remedy for your dry, pasty mug. Each Tuesday and Wednesday during the month of November, you and a friend should make a beeline straight to the Elemis counter, where you can book two SpaPod appointments for the price of one. That’s two facials from the famous London-based skin-care line for only $55. (Why aren’t you writing this in your calendar already?)

In case you’re not familiar with what the SpaPod experience entails, here’s the scoop. You’ll choose one of four facial therapies, which include Pro-Collagen, City Survival, Skin Radiance, and for your man, the aptly named “Only for Men.” The 30-minute Power Booster Facials are performed on an “Intelligent Massage Chair” that measures the length of your spine, takes your body weight, warms your body, and gives a customized massage, focusing on your calves, legs, buttocks, back, and neck. We’re not quite sure why it needs our body weight, but everything else sounds absolutely divine. We’ll see you at the counter.