Paper City Article

Tiffany %26 Co. Arm Candy

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:37:39 GMT

Tiffany %26amp; Co. has opened a Tiffany Leather Collection boutique stocked with the legendary American jeweler%26rsquo;s handbag and accessories designed by Richard Lambertson and John Truex. The design duo culled through the Tiffany archives and found ample inspiration to create satchels, reversible totes, hobos, shoulder and top-handle bags, clutch purses, briefcases, wallets and card cases in a variety of leathers including glazed crocodile, ring lizard, snakeskin and natural-grain calf, with many dyed in rich onyx, burgundy, pesto and espresso %26mdash;%26nbsp;even a Tiffany Blue. As to be expected, the designers included jewelry-inspired clasps and handles on many of the bags, including the new Vivian clutch with a bead closure and the Morgan clutch with a tiger%26rsquo;s-eye closure. Meet the design duo in-store Wednesday, November 16, 3 to 5 pm, and have them dash off a siggy on your satchel. $50 to $17,500, at Tiffany %26amp; Co.; tiffany.com.

Images:

Tiffany %26amp; Co. handbags by Richard Lambertson and John Truex.

Richard Lambertson and John Truex. Photo by Bryan Derballa.

Hot Lots

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:16:46 GMT

Some swells collect vintage Rolls-Royces. Others covet Picassos and Koonses. But it%26rsquo;s those who stalk hard-to-find Birkins, Louis Vuitton steamers and fine gems that intrigue us most. If you consider yourself part of the latter, take note: Dallas-based Heritage Auctions is holding its annual Holiday Luxury Auction of jewelry, timepieces, handbags and accessories at its Slocum Street Annex December 5 and 6. (Online bidding begins November 1, and you can see it all in person at a PaperCity-sponsored preview party December 1.) Bidding paddles up! This is one time when a less-is-more philosophy need not apply. Heritage Auctions, 1518 Slocum St., 214.528.3500; ha.com.

Images:

1970s four-piece alligator trunk set by Mark Cross. Estimate: $8,000 to $10,000

Classic, H-Hour diamond-face watch with ostrich strap by Herm%26egrave;s. Estimate: $2,000 to $3,000

Exceptional collection, shiny-rouge H Porosus crocodile 30cm Herm%26egrave;s Birkin bag, with diamond-and-white-gold hardware. Estimate: $80,000 to $90,000%26nbsp;

J12 pink sapphire watch with crocodile strap by Chanel. Estimate: $3,000 to $4,000

Tohu Bohu enamel bracelet and Signature red-enamel bracelet by Herm%26egrave;s. Estimate: $400 to $600

Orange H Clemence leather-trim bag with palladium hardware by Herm%26egrave;s. Estimate: $2,000 to $2,500

Shiny-black crocodile classic clutch by Chanel. Estimate: $5,000 to $6,000%26nbsp;

Deep-purple mink evening bag with mink tail and removable crystal strap from Gucci by Tom Ford. Estimate: $1,000 to $1,500

Full-bead Diet Coke minaudi%26egrave;re by Kathrine Baumann. Estimate: $2,000 to $3,000

Kelly Wearstler Shows Her Colors

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:16:45 GMT

Rock-star designer Kelly Wearstler, who%26rsquo;s known for her bold interiors and luxury textiles, rugs and objets d%26rsquo;art, launches her much-anticipated collection of ready-to-wear and accessories this month. Taking inspiration from the over-the-top design aesthetic she%26rsquo;s crafted over the years, as well as her own personal style (she%26rsquo;s been on Vogue%26rsquo;s Best Dressed List), Wearstler%26rsquo;s RTW line includes brushstroke-type prints worthy of her wallpaper line, rendered here on dresses, skirts, tops, pants, blazers, some uniquely tailored jackets and fun fur coats %26mdash; in lots of black and white, as well as bright colors such as hot pink, orange and blue. Chunky, predominantly brass necklaces, cuffs, rings and leather-clad clutch purses showcase semiprecious lapis and quartz and the metallic mineral pyrite, calling to mind the furniture and sculpture she has designed for years. Maybe we can%26rsquo;t all have Wearstler design our living rooms, but now she can update all our wardrobes. At Neiman Marcus, net-a-porter.com.

Gucci's Artisan Corner

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:08:39 GMT

Witness the art of fine leather craftsmanship %26mdash; and a recently remodeled boutique%26mdash; at Gucci%26rsquo;s Artisan Corner Event Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22. Artisans flown in from Florence will hand-assemble some of the brand%26rsquo;s most iconic bags, including the New Bamboo, New Jackie and Stirrup, on a setup of custom work tables and sewing machines framed by mood boards and sketches showing the evolution of the Gucci brand, founded 90 years ago this year. Shop bags fashioned from exotic skins and exclusive colors, and personalize your purchase on-site with a hand-embossed monogram. Each bag has a plaque inside embossed with %26ldquo;Houston%26rdquo; and the date. Gucci, Galleria, 713.961.0778.

Romping in your Roma Provisions

Thu, 26 May 2011 02:07:35 GMT

Consider your first pair of Roma Provisions rain boots the ideal philanthropic first step. Founded by 28-year-old Samuel Bistrian%26nbsp;— a Romanian transplant turned Dallasite, now a fur specialist for Neiman Marcus — Roma Provisions and its nonprofit branch, Roma for All, is a footwear endeavor based on the one-for-one model of giving made popular by Toms Shoes. The concept is as simple as stepping into a new pair of wellies: When you purchase one pair of Romas, another is given to a child living among the nomadic, impoverished population — called Romas — in Central and Eastern Europe. For grown-up givers, there are sleek styles in five earthy hues — plum, navy, taupe, brown and gray. As for globally minded tots, it’s a spectrum of playful primary Romas in red, yellow and blue. Find yours at romaprovisions.com, or at Ditto Boutique on West Lovers Lane, Jackson’s Home %26amp; Garden on Lemmon Avenue or The Blue Jeans Bar in Snider Plaza.

Image: Charity, to boot: Roma Provisions’ benevolent rain boots. Photo by Ana Abigail.

Color Time

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 02:44:29 GMT

1. Hublot Big Bang Tutti Frutti steel watch $19,900, at deBoulle, Markham Fine Jewelers.

2. Chanel J12 Marine watch $4,700, at the Chanel boutique, Neiman Marcus.

3. Herm%26egrave;s H Hour PM watch $1,675, at Barneys New York, the Herm%26egrave;s boutique.

4. Michele Fleur Butterfly watch $1,795, at Bachendorf%26rsquo;s, Markham Fine Jewelers, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue.

5. Chopard gold watch set with 240 pink sapphires, price upon request, at Bachendorf%26rsquo;s.

6. Brera Orologi Isabella Diamond timepiece $1,915, at Barneys New York, Markham Fine Jewelers, Neiman Marcus.

7. Cartier d%26rsquo;art Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch, medium model $80,000, at the Cartier boutique.

8. Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Tourbillon, price upon request, at Eiseman Jewels.

9. Harry Winston Talk to Me, Harry Winston timepiece, price upon request, at the Harry Winston boutique.

10. Patek Philippe Celestial watch $240,800, at deBoulle, Tiffany %26amp; Co.

11. Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 945, price upon request, at deBoulle, Eiseman Jewels.

12. Fendi Crazy Carats Topaz Collection watch $3,200, at Neiman Marcus.

Eye Heart Insight

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:34:45 GMT

Contemporary interiors by Bernbaum Magadini Architects, an iPhone app for %26#8220;trying on%26#8221; frames (download a picture of yourself, then tap through the 150-plus styles), state-of-the-art Zeiss optical technology and frame choices from Tom Ford to Bottega Veneta? That should relieve most of your first-time angst when visiting the optometrist. Owner Dr. Ivan Bank is a former New Orleans resident, so catching up on the latest Big Easy eateries should relieve the rest. Insight Complete Eye Care, 8611 Hillcrest Road, 214.739.8611; insightcompleteeyecare.com.

A GROOBy Idea

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 06:56:29 GMT

Thirty-four-year-old Jason Fry was blessed with a successful career in commercial real estate lending%26nbsp;until the recession hit. Then everything began to change. One Sunday in church, he was having a pity party until the preacher flashed photos of impoverished children on a screen behind the pulpit. Something began to stir inside Fry. The guilt of the have-nots weighed on the conscience of the man who still had much, even in the midst of an economic downturn. Soon afterwards, the self-professed shoe fan asked his wife, %26#8220;Wouldn%26#8217;t it be great if I designed shoes and for every pair I sold, I could give a pair to a child in need?%26#8221; She replied, %26#8220;Yes, but the concept already exists %26#8212; Toms Shoes.%26#8221; Undaunted, he brainstormed other ways to create both a charitable business model and great shoes. After working 17-hour days for months, Fry finally launched GROOBS (%26#8220;Giving Relief Out Of Buying Shoes%26#8221;). Under this acronym, he creates fun and comfortable casual shoes; partners with Soles4Souls to distribute the pairs he gives away; and lets customers donate to dozens of charities as well. Confused? Let%26#8217;s say you buy a pair of GROOBS lace-up Varsity-style sneakers for $46. A child somewhere in the world gets a new pair of shoes, while here at home, you%26#8217;ll designate a charity (such as the%26nbsp; SPCA, The Rose or Bo%26#8217;s Place) to receive $6 to $9 on that very sale, depending on the style you choose. %26#8220;I want people to feel empowered to choose to give to charities in their own community, as well as larger national ones,%26#8221; Fry says. %26#8220;And if there%26#8217;s a nonprofit [that%26#8217;s] not on our list, you can suggest your own charity upon checkout, and we%26#8217;ll track them down and donate the proceeds to them.%26#8221; GROOBS come in three cool unisex styles for men and women. $33 to $46 a pair, at groobs.com.

Color Time

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 06:29:52 GMT

%26nbsp;

Hublot Big Bang Tutti Frutti steel watch $19,900, at Zadok Jewelers.

%26nbsp;

Chanel J12 Marine watch $4,700, at the Chanel boutique.

%26nbsp;

Herm%26#232;s H Hour PM watch $1,675, at the Herm%26#232;s boutique.

%26nbsp;

Van Cleef %26amp; Arpels Timeless Birds of Paradise watch, price upon request, at Neiman Marcus.

%26nbsp;

Chopard gold watch set with 240 pink sapphires, price upon request, at Zadok Jewelers.

%26nbsp;

Brera Orologi Isabella Diamond timepiece $1,915, at Neiman Marcus.

%26nbsp;

Cartier d%26#8217;art Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch, medium model $80,000, at the Cartier boutique.

%26nbsp;

Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Tourbillon, price upon request, at Valobra Jewelry %26amp; Antiques, Zadok Jewelers.

%26nbsp;

Audemars Piguet Montauk Highway watch $22,600, at Lewis Jewelers, Webster.

%26nbsp;

Patek Philippe Celestial watch $240,800, at Tiffany %26amp; Co.

%26nbsp;

Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 945, price upon request, at Valobra Jewelry %26amp; Antiques.

%26nbsp;

Fendi Crazy Carats Topaz Collection watch $3,200, at the Fendi boutique.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

DB Holds the Bag

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:11:21 GMT

Perfect timing: Just as the shoulder bag has its long-awaited fashion revival, the classic American handbag label Dooney %26amp; Bourke opens its second Dallas boutique, at Galleria Dallas, this fall. Stocked with timeless leather satchels, equestrian bags, bucket bags and totes, the new shop will live on Level One near Macy%26#8217;s and Ylang 23. 13350 Dallas Pkwy., in Galleria Dallas, 972.702.7100; dooney.com.

It's Going to Our Heads

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:22:31 GMT

We%26#8217;re hot on the hat trail: Whimsical milliner Albertus Swanepoel has partnered with classic American westernwear-maker Stetson to create a collection of 14 limited-edition, unisex chapeaux. Dandy and divine! $115 to $600, at Barneys New York in NorthPark Center.

Tiffany %26 Co. Launches Leather

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:04:39 GMT

This month, Tiffany %26amp; Co. launches the much anticipated Tiffany Leather Collection, the legendary American jeweler%26#8217;s first in-depth handbag and accessories line. Design directors Richard Lambertson and John Truex culled through the Tiffany archives and found ample inspiration to create the 29-piece collection of satchels, reversible totes, hobos, shoulder bags, top-handle bags, clutch purses, briefcases, wallets and card cases in a variety of leathers including glazed crocodile, ring lizard, snakeskin and natural-grain calf, with many dyed in rich jewel tones such as garnet and violet %26#8212;%26nbsp;even a Tiffany Blue. As to be expected, the designers included jewelry-inspired clasps and handles on many of the bags, including the Bracelet bag, a frame pouch with a chunky beaded wrist chain. $95 to $16,500, at tiffany.com.

Image: Tiffany %26amp; Co. East Side totes. Photo by Stephen Lewis.

Cartier Saddles Up

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:32:15 GMT

We are in love with Cartier%26#8217;s chic new saddle bag. The leather-and-waterskin reinterpretation of the brand%26#8217;s iconic Marcello de Cartier tote comes in caramel, brown, black and, our personal favorite, the limited-edition cherry-red. Girls on the go will appreciate the snakeskin strap that takes the bag from stylish messenger to over-the-shoulder in seconds. From $1,200, at the Cartier boutique.

Image:%26nbsp; Model Fernanda Motta and the Marcello de Cartier saddle bag in Rio. Photo by Denis Dailleux / Agence VU %26#169; Cartier 2010.

Lovin' Loquita

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:49:54 GMT

Designer and avid polo player Sara Rotman launched a collection of colorful and bold silk scarves, pocket squares and ascots when she discovered a lack of equestrian fashion on the polo fields. The collection, dubbed Loquita after her prized pony, is available in a variety of quirky color combos and punchy patterns, such as a hot-pink-and-red design of antique guns arranged like a quilt, and a ball-and-chain print. The super-stylish silks reflect the design aesthetic that her company, the digital agency MODCo, has created for other top-notch designers, including Tory Burch, Nina Ricci and Carolina Herrera. Scarves $268, at Sloan/Hall.

These Boots Were Made for Walkin’… 24/7

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:56:59 GMT

Jimmy Choo gives its recently launched Choo 24:7 shoe collection the boot (literally) with the addition of 30 collectable boot styles. Hand-selected and updated by Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon from the brand%26#8217;s extensive archives, these best sellers provide the definitive assortment of must-haves, from the Perfect Weekend biker boot (best to pair with blue jeans or a lacy white sundress in summer) to our favorite, the modern Perfect Pointy-Toe. All boots arrive in boutiques this month. From $725, at the Jimmy Choo boutique.

%26nbsp;

Image: Jimmy Choo's Choo 24:7 boots, from left: April, Alanis, Biker

Major Toms

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:50:11 GMT

Toms Shoes%26#8217; new Wedge espadrilles remind us of what the cool girls used to wear in the %26#8217;70s. Available in six colors, some with stripes, the open-toe shoe%26#8217;s vintage appeal pairs perfectly with a %26#8217;70s-style maxi dress or a pretty peasant blouse. As always, for each pair of Toms Shoes purchased, a pair is donated to a child in need. $69, at Cotton Island, Nordstrom, Stanley Korshak, Whole Earth Provision Co.

Bespoke My Heart

Wed, 26 May 2010 04:25:15 GMT

Truly, my heart pounded when I went through the marine-blue lacquered door at Hadleigh%26#8217;s, tucked away behind a wall of bougainvillea on a second floor in Dallas%26#8216; Highland Park Village. The natty shop %26#8212; part menswear, part womenswear %26#8212; is lorded over (and I mean that in the nicest way) by Ed and Gable Shaikh, who earned their merchant medals at Ralph Lauren and Stanley Korshak in Dallas, respectively. The shop emanates a bespoke lifestyle, with dandy hand-sewn suits and jackets, an array of shirtings and collars, a pitch-perfect women%26#8217;s short evening trench, rich velvet bow ties, Barker Black men%26#8217;s shoes, luggage, pocket scarves %26#8230; and these inimitable, indescribable, intoxicating slippers in washed linen with the two gents %26#8212; one modern, one old world %26#8212; that comprise the Hadleigh%26#8217;s logo and, fortunately for me, the letter H. They%26#8217;re quirky and cool. Choose your linen or velvet color, the trim color, and they%26#8217;re custom-made to your specs, with marine-blue soles, in three to four weeks. $395, through Hadleigh%26#8217;s, 214.770.4743, hadleighsbespoke.com. Trunk showing in Houston Tuesday and Wednesday, June 1 and 2, details info@hadleighsbespoke.com.%26nbsp;

She's Sew Crafty

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:39:01 GMT

My grandmother made beautiful hand-sewn dresses with lace for me when I was little. My mother is an avid needle-pointer. Our generation? We keep our fingers occupied by tapping on PDA%26#8217;s and MacBooks. But Callie Works-Leary, owner of CityCraft Fabric Boutique and Sewing Lounge in Inwood Village, has created a haven for those who want to put aside their Sidekick for a Singer. Armed with the opinion that sewing can be cool (and targeted to someone who also enjoys a dirty martini at Shinsei), Works-Leary stocks her shelves with bolts of graphic fabrics from designers such as Michael Miller and Heather Bailey, thread in every hue of the spectrum, and patterns to aid in piecing it all together. Sewing classes are held weekly for those not seasoned in the world of DIY interior design and clothing projects %26#8212; from newbie basics to a freestyle %26#8220;Lounge Night%26#8221; (with wine!) for those nimble thimbles.%26#160; 5460 Lovers Lane, Suite 234, 214.366.4220; citycraftonline.com.%26#160;