Accessories are in small numbers, but great. An ombre scarf, a black and white satchel, a pleated ruffle harness (in. love.), and studded belts by Beryll.

KEEP READING FOR MORE PHOTOS, INCLUDING A TO-DIE-FOR LITTLE BACK DRESS WITH A SHEER CAPE.

Cicada stocks a few pieces from the San Fransisco line Harput's Own. This leather shift dress has a peek-a-boo scoop back under a long, sheer panel. So superhero. So sexy.

With the exception of a few colorful garments, Cicada racks are beautifully monochromatic in blacks, grays, whites, and creams. The draping Verlaine blouse, left, would be killer over jeans or dressy trousers. The Elm Design is as versatile as it is cool. (And that's very.)

Cicada took the trendy midi skirt trend and amped it up by stocking off-the-runway Ivan Grundahl pieces with unusual textures and shapes.

Head over to Facelogic with your retired (or new!) profesional style purses and jewelry as a donation to Attitudes & Attire, and redeem a $29 Glam Microdermabrasion Treatment voucher. (It’s usually $79.) If doing good isn’t enough to get you there, perhaps a few treats and drinks on the spa will do it.  (You only have to bring one item, but let’s be honest, cleaning out the closet won’t kill you.) 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Stop by Brooks Brothers in West Village, where Brad will be stationed, signing his book Born to Be Brad: My Life and Style, So Far. 5 pm to 7 pm

Mizzou-themed TOMS (photo courtesy of Amy)

Amy Severson from Sevy’s Grill just alerted me to her cool new purchase: a pair of hand-painted, college-themed TOMS. Blossoming entrepreneur, Molly Fisher, only 19 years old, started Painted Pairs, a customization business personalizing TOMS shoes with paint jobs. It sounds simple as pie. Send Molly the size of shoes with a description of the design you’re looking for, and voila! She’ll begin and send you a proof for review. Expect to pay $50 for the famous buy-one-get-one shoes,  $30 for the artwork, and $5 postage if they’re being shipped. (If you already have a pair of TOMS you want used, it’s no problem. Send them her way.) Collegiate footwear will make a perfect graduating gift for high schoolers and TOMS lovers (like this Texas Tech pair), but Molly can handle a variety of motifs (sorority? game day apparel?). To get your paws on a pair, email Molly Fisher at paintedpairs@gmail.com.

On an unrelated note, I just discovered Sevy’s has a new happy hour every weekday with $7 glasses of wine from 5 pm to 7 pm in the bar, lounge, or patio. Patio, please.

Guests anxiously awaiting the next look. (photography by William Neal)

If you missed Fashion’s Living Canvas last week, allow me to fill you in on what you missed. Pink champagne, six emerging local designers and their creations, a runway show emceed by LeeAnne Locken and Steve Kemble, a live auction, and an after party at Gossip Bar. (And a black silk trench with a pleated black and white back that I can’t stop thinking about.) Jump for full recap.

(clockwise from top) Peacock body painting with Jesse Thaxton design, Society Language designs, models preparing for the show, live hair and makeup, IZAVEL design, and body painting with IZAVEL design (photography by William Neal)

A crowd of familiar faces from the Dallas social circuit, a catwalk showcasing local designers, and emcees to keep the crowd entertained: those seem to be the key ingredients for a successful Dallas soiree, and Fashion’s Living Canvas had them covered. Pink champagne was served to guests upon entrance at the Hilton Anatole (the key to my heart) and beauty stations lined the runway. To fill up the time waiting for the show to begin, guests were able to witness “live transformations” as the makeup and hair crew took models from bare faced to catwalk ready, a routine typically reserved for makeup artists, designers, models, and those lucky enough to sneak backstage. When guests finally took their seats, emcees were ready. Steve Kemble was armed with pizzaz (plus enough glitter on his pants to rival Ke$ha) and LeeAnne Locken looked sweet as a cupcake in her floor-length pastel gown. The long runway that sliced through the Hilton Anatole’s water garden was long, offering a good view to every patron and lots of time for analyzing the locally created attire. (No model fell in the ponds, either.)

The collections of four clothing and two jewelry designers were under the spotlights (and dozens of photographers’ paparazzi flashes). IZAVEL by Isabel Varela included wearable knit cocktail dresses, office-to-happy hour ensembles with interesting details, and drapey tops. The signature black and white crackle print of the collection was placed on trousers, tops, and on the pleated back of a gorgeous black silk trenchcoat. Melancholic Designs by Jesse Thaxton blends the designer’s costume creation experience with modern practicality. She seems aims for a structural look with higher collars and multiple fabric layers for dimension. Although I could have done without what appeared to be a Moulin Rouge-inspired corset dress, I really dug a heavy, pin-striped, high-low midi skirt in dark taupe. Very wearable but statement making. Danh Ta’s aesthetic is the most in line with my own. Basics like tailored cream tops were paired with leather minis. Structured shoulder dresses were done in suede. A fairy princess dress in lavender satin with puffy shoulders threw me off, but the previous mod-shaped dresses in a sleeveless plum and long-sleeve periwinkle were the ones that stuck with me. Society Language by Prashi Shah dazzled with show-stopping fabrics. Colors popped and sequined blazed in classic shapes with a twist, like a cocktail dress with a scoop back, a one-shoulder frock with a mini ruched skirt, slit up the center, and a tiered, empire waist maxi with ombre layers of sea green. Jewelry, covered by Chelsea Bond of Red-i and Becca Jett’s Haute in Hong Kong, was occasionally hard to spot on the runway, but an auction highlighted pieces post-catwalk show. Each designer’s segment ended with a body-painted piece. Garments that accompanied the beautiful body paint of Sharon Hodges were unwearable and costume-y, but I’m pretty sure eyeing the paint job was more the point. Hodges, a local contemporary painter, turned the models into living, breathing, strutting murals, and the crowd went crazy over them. Particularly, the peacock. (It was my favorite too.) Of course, in typical Dallas fashion, there was a philanthropic element (with the Fashionistas on the receiving end) and an after party for patrons to keep sipping at Gossip Bar. If this didn’t get you caught up enough, I’m sure, based on the turnout, there will be another Fashion’s Living Canvas next year.

(from left) Hereith dress, $498; Iris dress, $398; Nasha dress, $598

Lubov Azria spins for StyleSheet

Over the weekend, Lubov Azria, creative director for BCBG Max Azria (and Herve Leger) stopped in town to chitchat about the spring collection, give a little love to the brand’s most loyal locals, and shed some light on the brand’s inner workings. I’ve always liked BCBG’s knack for flattering frocks and fun prints, but I didn’t know anything about the family-oriented company. A cocktail reception and screening of the spring 2012 RTW show was following by lunch with Lubov, a few of her staff members, and Dallas BCBG lovers. Attendees shared their favorite BCBG-related moments and nearly everyone cried. Seriously. There is so much love for the company and the designers of the brand, it was inspiring. My favorite story shared was Lubov’s own. She told the team of an experience in a dressing room of a fancy department store long ago. She found the perfect dress, she tried it on, she fell in love, she flipped the price tag, and her heart sank. She felt unworthy. That shame led her to decide then and there, if she ever became a designer, she would never make a dress that expensive. And she stayed true to her word. BCBG MaxAzria spring 2012 pieces ring up at under $1,000.

Check out the collection’s heavily colorblocking, inspired by 70s tracksuits. You’ll find a lot of dresses with flowing skirts, peek-a-boo pops of color, sheer paneling, and slices of exposed shoulders and cutout necklace lines. My favorites are above. They’re slowly rolling out into the NorthPark store, so look at the full collection and call to find the ETA of your favorites.

Update: Spring 2012 runway pieces hitting stores at the end of May!

Spring's bright colors make you happy to be shopping (and even happier when you see their price tags). (photography by Alex Ham)

Our photography excursion through some of Dallas’ best off-the-grid shops continues. In past weeks, CABANA, Original Octane, and Piermarini. This week’s stop: Beehive.

Remember I told you all about Beehive in February?

Jump for pics.

It's not brights and flirtatious prints--there dark basics and professional staples, too. (photography by Alex Ham)

Accessories are statement making like agate earrings, left, and colorful bow belts, right. (photography by Alex Ham)

The shop caters to trendy Fort Worth college girls and young moms on a budget. (photography by Alex Ham)

World of Jimmy Choo Spring Event:

Stanley Korshak Trunk Shows: If you have some time to kill this weekend, Stanley Korshak is the place to be. (Isn’t it always?) You can check out three great trunk shows today and tomorrow and they are ones that the men will love. Shop Hamilton‘s dress shirts and Spivey LLC’s fabulous cuff links. You can even meet Megan Spivey, the designer. And, Belvest is bringing an assortment of their luxurious suit styles in plenty of fabrics.

Barneys NARS Makeup Event: Browsing Barneys is always a joy. But today and tomorrow its even better than usual. You can check out NARS Better Than Bare Makeup, a new line that makes your skin feel light and airy. So check out these barely-there cosmetics and chat with Barneys beauty experts.

Dolly Johnson Antique and Art Show: Ok, I know it’s all the way in Fort Worth, but this expansive antique and art show is a must-see this weekend. Drop by the Will Rogers Memorial Center today until 7 or tomorrow from 9 am to 5 pm for a look at some unique pieces. It’s $7 at the door. Plus, tonight there is a Happy Hour Party with BBQ, live music, and drinks. Can you really pass that up?

Estée Lauder National Makeup Artist Event: Neiman Marcus is giving the gift of beauty until 6 pm today. You can check out this event and meet Estée Lauder Makeup Artist Derek Miller. Browse deals and Estée Lauder’s newest collection. You can also enter to win some of the fabulous new collection here in our ShopTalk giveaway.

Brahmin’s Treat Yourself Savings: The clock is ticking. You have from now until January 31 to get 40% off of select items at Brahmin at the Galleria. Don’t miss your chance to shop the beautiful Brahmin bags during this sale.

Budgeting for Christmas shopping now may sound like a chore but it can be the lifeline you need to avoid crazy January debt and what I call “The Holiday Hangover.” Typically, when a person goes Christmas shopping and there is no budget, this gives the illusion of having no limits, and no limits often leads to overspending and credit card bills that hurt. Designing a budget helps you to avoid all of that and can keep the happiness of the Christmas holidays lasting well into the New Year.

So how much should you budget? Well, some financial experts recommend keeping your budget within two to five percent of your annual income. (For example, if your income is $100,000, this this allows the budget to rest between $2,000 and $5,000.) But for some families, this may not be possible. For them, the best thing to do is to sit down and work out how much they can take out of each paycheck from now until December 25th and work with that number. Don’t forget the ancillary spending on Christmas cards, wrapping, ornaments, outside lights, parties and all the other “extra” things we spend during the season. Keep track!

Here are some extra tips to prevent overspending and bursting your pockets this Christmas:

1. Make a list. This is a good place for you to see the “magnitude” of your gift giving.
2. Think of a gift. If you’re not sure what you’re going to buy, have a few potential gifts on the list so you have something in mind when you are out shopping.
3. Start a gift budget. For each gift, estimate how much you would spend on that. Total all the prices for the gifts you have budgeted and see if it comes close to your overall budget. You may have to go back to steps 2 and 3 several times to get it right.
4. Do online research. A good way to check to see if your budget is realistic is to do some research before you get to the stores. It also can give you good gift ideas and saves you time and energy before you go out. I recommend Amazon.com, Ikea.com, Overstock.com, Bizrate.com, Outnet.com, and Bluefly.com
5. Review actual spending against your budget. For each actual gift you purchase, compare it against your budget. Don’t forget to include tax on your purchases—it can add up! If you overspend in one area, make it up in another area. Keep doing this throughout your entire shopping list. It’s vitally important to help keep you on track.

It does take some extra effort to plan your Christmas shopping, however that extra effort will allow you to shop with focus and save you time and money later on. Also, children are never too young to get involved in gift budgeting and shopping, good lessons to learn early.

Remember that come January, you can be hung-over with credit card debt, or you can be enjoying the start of a new year with bills you can pay off!

I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season.

Found this holiday mani on flickr. (Click to see more festive designs by panphila.)

One of the best things about the holidays? Holiday-themed spa treatments, of course. Check out our roundup of candy cane-inspired pedis and pumpkin spiced facials. Follow the jump.

Go on holiday at Hiatus.

• Holiday Trio $229 includes Hiatus massage, Hiatus facial, and Mani-Pedi Retreat.
• Hiatus To-Go $169 includes Hiatus massage or Hiatus facial, spa wrap, neck wrap, eye pillow, and Aveda holiday candle.
• Hiatus Instant Gift Certificates 20% off online only, now through December 14th. Enter promo code HoHoHo.

Now through the end of the year, V Spa at the Hilton Anatole is offering several relatively inexpensive treatments to spice up your holiday season.

• Very Merry Cranberry Body Treatment $95 includes a full body scrub and a 25 minute massage.
• Spiced Hot Stone Massage $95/$140, for 50/80 minutes respectively, incorporates yummy spices.
• Holiday Spice Facial $95 includes a pumpkin mask and a pumpkin spice buttercream hand and arm massage.
• Gingerbread Manicure or Pedicure $50 uses gingerbread scented scrub and lotion and includes a gingerbread cookie while you relax.
• Candy Cane Manicure or Pedicure $50 is peppermint scented and includes a mug of hot cocoa and a candy cane to enjoy.

Riviera Spa is serving up a spa treatment with something to entice the taste buds to boot.

• Chocolate Mistletoes Pedicure $95 is an hour and a half long and comes with a chocolate espresso martini.

Exclusively for the holidays, Bliss Spa at the W has thirty minute treatments for those especially short on time. What makes Bliss stand out is their experts and estheticians they keep on hand to give advice on at-home relaxation and holiday stress remedies.

• Party Dress Prep Body Treatment $70 includes a circulation-stimulating, body-firming dry brushing and “Fatgirlslim slathering”.
• Shopper’s Delight Massage $70 includes leg and head massages and a cucumber mask.
• Post-Party Perk-Up Facial $60 includes a facial and eye treatment.

Red Door Spa is the motherlode of holiday packages and series. If you buy $200 in gift cards you get a $30 salon card for yourself. Win/win.

• Warm Wishes Package $181 includes a Warm Cream Manicure, Warm Cream Pedicure, makeup refresher, and  your choice of a Signature Facial or 50 minute Signature Massage.
• Prosperous Life Package $335 includes a 50 minute Signature Massage, Signature Facial, Magnolia manicure, Warm Cream Pedicure, makeup refresher, and lunch.
• Health and Happiness Package $500 includes an Oxygen Infusion Facial, 50 minute hot stone massage, Magnolia manicure, Magnolia pedicure, Shampoo, Blow Dry and Finish, makeup refresher, and lunch.
• Peaceful Moments Series $315 includes a Swedish massage, hot stone massage, Signature Massage, and makeup refresher.
• Beautiful Glow Series $390 includes a Signature Facial, Phyto Organic Rescue Facial, Time Saver Facial, makeup refresher, and your choice of Microdermabrasion or  an Oxygen Blast.

"Guilt free" options include a squirrel wrap, a raccoon coat, and a mink stole. (photography courtesy of Iteratti.com)

I’m not sure there’s that much guilt in Dallas about wearing fur, but for those who do question the life of the furry creature that provided his or her coat, you might welcome the opening of Iteratti at The Prashe Showroom. Vintage furs are recycled, refurbished with a green satin lining, and sold without harming a hair on the head of another squirrel, mink, fox, raccoon, or badger. (Yes, even badgers are coveted for their chic outer layer.) I like the idea of preventing more animal cruelty, but I’m a bit worried that people are often fashion sheep. You see one person wearing a fur (vintage or new) and think, “Hey! Furs are in. I’m going to buy me one.” But maybe that’s too negative? In any case, I’m not judging. My great-grandfather was a furrier. (Not to be confused with a furry.) Shop the new boutique for stoles, wraps, jackets, and full-length coats that run from $800 to $5,000.

Some of my fav dog costumes online.

It’s all about the pups this weekend. We’ve gathered info on shopping West Village with your dogs, a new luxe pet boarder in DFW Airport, and dog parties in the Arts District.

Jump for details.

Trot & Treat
Sunday, October 30, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Head to West Village for this annual pooch party that benefits The Katy Trail. Shop your tails off at stores around the Village, picking up doggie treats as you go, and then head back to the center for music, drinks from Cork Wines, and a “doggie bag full of goodies.” (Don’t ask; I don’t know what’s in it.) Vendors will be set up, too, with pet portraits and baked dog snacks for purchase. Buy in advance and you’ll pay $15 per pet involved or just show up, and pay $20. It’s a good cause and good way to get the little guys out of the house.

Paradise 4 Paws
A new pet boarder is opening at DFW Airport. Woohoo! Services include the obvious overnight stays, but if you live nearby, drop Snowball off for day care, grooming, training, or even a massage. If you need a little socializing, too, reserve a spot for “Yappy Hour” where you can sip and schmooze alongside your furry pal. Plus, if you’re heading out of town you can park the Benz here for $10 a night and be chaffered to and from your gate by the doggie’s spa driver. (No shuttles lines and luggage help? Yes, please.) First day of business is November 1.

One Arts Plaza Fall Block Party
Sunday, October 30, noon to 4 p.m.
One Arts is hosting a little autumn shindig that also includes your favorite four-leggeds. Dress ‘em up and bring them to the plaza for some farmer’s market and craft vendor finds, a nosh or two from Tei-An, The Commissary, Fedora, and Jorge’s, and seriously fall festive snacks from Screen Door. (Like, apple carrot muffins, blood orange and gin martinis, and bacon cotton candy. Um, yeah.) Halloween cocktails are made at 1 pm, live jazz starts at 2 pm, and the pooch costume contest is judged at 3 pm. It’s free to attend.

Doggies in the District
Sunday, October 30, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This dogs-do-the-Arts-District event invites a pit stop at the One Arts Plaza event (above), but this is the dog-lovers dream date. Visit the Dallas Museum of Art to make and take home a framed print of your pup’s paws and participate in the “Pawcasso” photo shoot to have his/her photograph taken while posing as an artist by Dawn Daze Pet Photography. Enjoy a little Down Dog with, well, your dog, at the Crow Collection of Asian Art from 2 pm to 3 pm and then catch the costume contest at the fountain of the DMA. Finish it up at the Crow Collection with a DIY treat decorating party and a “paw-dicure.” Full schedule here.

Birds of a Feather: For all you looking to get in on one of the summer’s hot new trends, KidBiz in Preston Center will hook you up. During their Feather Extension Party you’ll get the new look just in time for all your weekend plans. Head-featherings will be held on Friday from 2pm to 4pm and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.

Flying solo at Mockingbird Station: No date for Friday night? No problem. Celebrate being solo at the Single in the City event in Mockingbird Station. From 8pm to 11pm you can mingle to music while enjoying food and cocktails from some of The Station’s finest. View the latest summer trends from Centre Boutique and stick around for an art-and-fashion silent auction afterward. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Falling Whistles, a campaign for peace on Congo.

Hostess with the Mostess: Now that summer has officially arrived and the Fourth of July is just around the corner, it’s high time to purchase your party-hosting essentials. Swoozies in Preston Center has all the koozies, festive food trays, and invitations you’ll need for a successful soiree. Many of their products will be 50 percent off their regular price during the weekend.

Bridal Bonanza: Yet another mother-of-all Bridal Sample Sales is happening this weekend at Warren Barron in Highland Park Village. With gowns by Vera Wang and Oscar De La Renta hanging on the racks, this sale is not for the faint of heart. Bridal Buzz has the scoop.

Has your grandmother ever dragged you to a flea market, auction or garage sale that was a complete waste of your time? Ok, well this is nothing like that. Indie Genius, the super hip micro-boutique shop near the Bishop Arts District is hosting Indie Genuis, The Bazaar this Saturday and Sunday. The event is featuring 80 vendors, will be set up inside and outside, and it’s going to be chock-full of “handmade and vintage” goodies. Need a present for an upcoming grad? Gotta revamp your accessories collection? Just want to do something fun and different? Make up whatever excuse you need to, but you so don’t want to miss out on this.