Paper City Article

Retail Rap

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:33:46 GMT

Meredith O%26#8217;Donnell Fine Furniture is opening a new shop at the former Linens %26#8216;n Things space on Post Oak at San Felipe in late spring. The 20,000-square-foot%26nbsp;showroom will serve as the anchor store for Meredith O%26#8217;Donnell, with more display space for her fine furniture pieces. O%26#8217;Donnell%26#8217;s corner%26nbsp;Kirby location will remain open for now %26#8230; Galleria news: Look for the new Lego store this month in Galleria II, between Hollister and Abercrombie, on the second floor. In Galleria IV, fashion and gift specialty store chain Apricot Lane has opened a location next door to the Disney Store %26#8230; Custom shirtmaker Hamilton Shirts has added more than 80 new fabrics to its inventory %26#8230; Local accessories designer Elaine Turner has launched her Spring 2010 collection. Check out the new duds inspired by Bali and St. Tropez at her namesake store or Tootsies %26#8230; The Texas Gulf Coast chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, along with Commerce Towers, is hosting ShowRise, a luxury designer showcase of six units in the historic downtown high-rise Saturday and Sunday, February 13 and 14, 20 and 21. Tickets asidtgcc.org %26#8230; Muse boutique has added new collections for spring. Check out designs by Tracy Reese, Aaron Ashe, Amanda Uprichard and Avenue Montaigne %26#8230; Chic, eco-smart fashion boutique One Green Street has opened at 5160 Buffalo Speedway. Stylish architect/artist Saba Jawda designed the interiors %26#8230; BB1 Classics in Uptown Park has launched a line of Suffuse Rooibos tea from South Africa, along with a new afternoon tea service. Swing by the chic shop to relax over a cup and a cupcake %26#8230; Linda Cunningham%26#8217;s Spring 2010 collection is now available at her namesake Edloe boutique. We adore the black hammered-silk handmade gown with double bows %26#8230; Casa de Novia Bridal Couture has expanded its offerings and its size. Owner Luvi Wheelock has added several hundred square feet to the intimate shopping experience and a special section catering to debutantes %26#8230; Home decor boutique Bespoke opens February 6 in the Heights at 238 W. 19th Street %26#8230; Bathroom designer and expert Aaron Laine (formerly of Waterworks in Houston) has opened Fixtures %26amp; Fittings on the sixth floor of a mod mid-rise at 3801 Kirby Drive. Laine sells to the trade as well as to home owners and their architects, designers or contractors; call 713.808.9069 %26#8230; New fashion boutique Lola G has opened at 2602 Persa at Westheimer. Owner/designer Gisela Velarde plans to carry a few pieces from her own collection, in addition to fun party dresses, denim, a vast collection of leggings and knits she purchases in Argentina ... Evelyn Gorman has secured even more chic lines for her retail revamp of 310 Rosemont. She%26#8217;s expecting deliveries from Halston Heritage, Comme des Gar%26#231;ons shirting, Rag %26amp; Bone, Paul %26amp; Joe, Shipley %26amp; Halmos, ADAM Adam Lippes and Foley %26amp; Corrina ... Affection has opened at 2811 Washington Boulevard. Think affordable party and day dresses, costume jewelry and handbags %26#8230; Karen%26#8217;s Kloset opens this month in Galveston at 2326 Strand, and will stock everything from gifts, designer clothing and lingerie to shoes, bathing suits, handbags and jewelry.

Retail Rap

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:05:45 GMT

For pint-sized wardrobes with the ultimate pedigree, head to Layette, a freshly opened infant and children%26rsquo;s boutique in The Shops at Highland Park (the store scooped up part of the old Talbot%26rsquo;s turf). Dallas native Ailsa Hurley%26rsquo;s trove of covetable clothing and accessory brands include Petite Bateau, Mela Wilson, Busy Bees and Baby Bespoke, to name a few. Did we mention the store also offers on-site monogramming, hemming and button mending? Key in layettedallas.com %26hellip; As if Burberry wasn%26rsquo;t already divine enough, we fell lips over heels for its Burberry Beauty collection and its plans to secure a cosmetic counter at Nordstrom in NorthPark Center come early March. The contents of said counter? Shimmery shadows, slick glosses, creamy lipstick shades and more nestled in pretty gunmetal packaging etched with that famous plaid. Dial Nordstrom at 214.231.3900 %26hellip; Design firm Gary Riggs Interiors has moved its Allen showroom to 5217 Alpha Road, across from Galleria Dallas. The 45,000-square-foot retail store, dubbed Gary Riggs Home, is open to the trade and public with GRI%26rsquo;s Park Cities spot on Preston Road remaining open for business as usual. Visit garyriggsinteriors.com for all the deets %26hellip; Bloomingdale%26rsquo;s, The Outlet Store opens this spring at The Shops at Park Lane and will span 25,000 square feet of prime, ground-level space across from Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Expect apparel and accessories, including women%26rsquo;s ready-to-wear, men%26rsquo;s, children%26rsquo;s, women%26rsquo;s shoes, jewelry and handbags %26hellip; Another outlet debut: Italian furniture label Cantoni has taken over the former Eurway store at 4720 Alpha Road to make room for its Cantoni Outlet, a 35,000-square-foot space next to its Dallas showroom. What%26rsquo;s more, Cantoni is expanding its current showroom to make way for a Natuzzi Gallery shop-in-shop concept. (You may remember the only two independently owned Natuzzi stores in America %26mdash; now shuttered %26mdash;%26nbsp;were located right here, in Plano and Dallas.) Showroom renovations are set to be completed by July 2012.

Image: What we want for spring: the fetching Golden Peach Lip Cover from Burberry Beauty.

Retail Rap

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:24:32 GMT

Bevello, a women%26rsquo;s contemporary fashion boutique from North Carolina, opens its first Texas boutique at River Oaks Shopping Center this spring %26hellip; J.Crew is opening a second Houston location, this one at CityCentre, at Beltway 8 and I-10. The preppy 5,127-square-foot boutique debuts in April between LMD Boutique and Amegy Bank, across from CityCentre plaza %26hellip; French Cuff Boutique, on Bellaire Boulevard next to Whole Foods Market, has opened a second location at 6401 Woodway %26hellip; The Pretty Kitty, which specializes in Brazilian waxing, opens on Rice Boulevard in Rice Village in March %26hellip; On May 6, Target launches an entirely new collaboration concept called The Shops at Target. This time, it%26rsquo;s not about teaming up with a particular fashion designer or fashion brand, but instead with shop owners of specialty stores. San Francisco%26rsquo;s The Candy Store, Miami%26rsquo;s hip fashion shop The Webster, luxury beauty boutique The Cos Bar, Boston-based Polka Dog Bakery and Privet House, a home-goods, antiques and curiosities shop located in Connecticut, have all been chosen as the first shops to curate their own collection of goods for the class-to-mass retailer. The five collections total 400 exclusive products, with prices that range from $1 to $160 %26hellip; At West Ave, premier gentleman%26rsquo;s boutique Q Custom Clothier has added custom shoes to its repertoire of just-made-for-you items: Q is now the exclusive provider of the Scarpe di Bianco custom shoe program in Houston. This handmade Italian shoemaker produces footwear for the likes of Lanvin and Tom Ford. Stop in to choose from the array of leathers and styles to make your own perfect pair %26hellip; To kick off the 2012 Heart Card, the discount shopping card benefitting American Heart Association, a fashion show (the third annual) featuring the best of River Oaks Shopping Center boutiques takes place Wednesday, February 29, at River Oaks Theatre. To purchase a Heart Card for $40 and receive discounts up to 30 percent at participating retailers from May 1 through 11, visit ahaguildhouston.org %26hellip; John Evatz, the former Cartier Houston director who left us three years ago to (most recently) help relaunch David Webb in New York, is now back in the Houston jewelry whirl, heading up fine jewelry and watches at Saks Fifth Avenue %26hellip; Fashion boutique Atrium now stocks Narciso Rodriquez. Owner Luvi Wheelock also let us know that her Vera Wang shop-in-shop carrying bridal and ready-to-wear opens in May %26hellip; Matt Camron has created a new collection of luxury rugs called the Over-Dyed Collection, featuring antique reproduction patterned rugs vibrantly drenched in shades of purple, green and hot pink.

Retail Rap

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:47:31 GMT

Well, hello, 2012. We couldn%26rsquo;t be more thrilled at what%26rsquo;s to come, especially this little tidbit of New Year scoop: Italian label Marni has signed on to partner with H%26amp;M on a men%26rsquo;s and women%26rsquo;s spring collection that is due in stores and online in early March. Until then, we%26rsquo;ve got secret details on a few Marni + H%26amp;M goodies that should definitely make your shopping list: for her, full-pleated skirts, dresses, cropped trousers and jacquard knits in bold colors and prints; for him, we%26rsquo;re betting that the shirts featuring hints of prints %26mdash; as linings or contrast elements %26mdash; will disappear in minutes. Hurry, March! In the meantime, shop H%26amp;M now at its NorthPark Center store or click to hm.com %26hellip; Emilio Pucci has popped up again, this time within Nordstrom at NorthPark Center. (Its first pop-up appeared in Highland Park Village last year; at press time, it%26rsquo;s still going strong.) The new temporary space, located on Nordstrom%26rsquo;s second floor, features the newest bright and boisterous ready-to-wear and accessories from Pucci creative director Peter Dundas. We%26rsquo;re told this Pucci pop-up will be open until March, although an insider has informed us that date will %26ldquo;very likely be extended.%26rdquo; Ring 214.231.3900 and beg %26rsquo;em
to stay %26hellip; Fancy a brand-new bag? Barneys New York now carries men%26rsquo;s and women%26rsquo;s leather goods from Smythson of Bond Street, the British purveyor of stationery and luxe leather accessories. The musts, in the NorthPark store and at barneys.com: handbags, briefcases, wallets, planners, even iPhone cozies. Cheerio goes very chic %26hellip; All it takes is a giant pink foam whale delivered to our offices, and we%26rsquo;re intrigued: Vineyard Vines, the utterly preppy clothing for madras-loving men, women and kids, has opened its first Texas stand-alone store in The Shops at Willow Bend. (Yes, most of it sporting VV%26rsquo;s jovial pink whale mascot.) Go for polo shirts aplenty, velvety cashmere sweaters and some of the cheekiest printed-silk men%26rsquo;s neckties we%26rsquo;ve seen %26mdash; just try to decide between the debonair martinis-and-cigars, or the vintage palms-and-parrots. Vineyard Vines is the WASP-y work of brothers Shep and Ian Murray, who founded the New England company in 1998. It%26rsquo;s so much closer to home now: VV%26rsquo;s shop-within-shop at St. Bernard Sports in Inwood Village rages on; ring the new standalone store at 469.366.0118, or tap vineyardvines.com. Here%26rsquo;s to a New Year full of pink-and-green pleasures.

Image: Consuelo Castiglioni, founder and creative director of Marni, prepping one of her line%26rsquo;s quintessential looks. Photo by Magnus Magnusson.

Retail Rap

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:59:15 GMT

At West Ave, the former River Oaks Shopping Center fashion boutique 310 Rosemont opens up shop under a new name, Sam and Lilli, early this year %26hellip; Joan Pillow Bridal Salon hosts two big Fall 2012 trunk shows this month: Monique Lhuillier, January 5 %26ndash; 7, and Vera Wang, January 12 %26ndash; 14 %26hellip; Project Runway has a new spinoff that brings back all your favorite contestants for another shot at fashion superstardom. Project Runway All-Stars premieres January 5 for a 12-week run on the Lifetime channel. Sponsor Neiman Marcus provides all the accessories for the reality runway %26hellip; Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf hosts Venezuelan designer Gionni Straccia January 13 and 14. His custom couture evening gowns have been worn by Miss Universe, Miss Teen USA and Miss Texas Teen %26hellip; A collaboration between Christian Dior and contemporary artist Anselm Reyle made a stellar debut last month at Art Basel in Miami. The radical collection of camouflage-print Lady Dior bags, shoes, jewelry, eyeshadows and solid-color nail polishes to complement the camo make their debut this month exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue and dior.com. Book a rad mani at Saks Fifth Avenue Dior Nail Bar January 5 through 7 to have your nails polished in limited-edition artistic shades as Pink Graffiti, Ultra Violet, Electric Blue, Untitled Black and Metallic Silver. Appointments 713.627.0500, ext. 5700.

Retail Rap

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:42:18 GMT

We don%26rsquo;t need any magical list to tell us how naughty we%26rsquo;ve been this year %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s just our nature. But rather than counting lumps of coal, we%26rsquo;re going shopping. And you are, too. Shoe swell Yosi Samra, the name behind those fold-up, fit-in-your-handbag flats, has teamed with high-fashion haunt Intermix to launch two exclusive styles of metallic leather ballet flats %26mdash; one in sparkly silver and the other in glimmering gold. Snag yours for $125 at the Intermix boutique in NorthPark Center or at intermixonline.com %26hellip; Two more bits of NorthPark news: We have it on good authority that Omega, the Swiss watch manufacturer, will open its first Texas boutique there in the fall of 2013. Additionally, this month, NorthPark adds Helen Ficalora%26rsquo;s flower-centric rings and earrings to its permanent roster. (The former pop-up was a hit!) More at helenficalora.com %26hellip; Quatrine Custom Furniture in Knox-Henderson has pulled a bit of a switcheroo, relocating to a temporary space at 4539 Travis Street, in the former Knox Street Flowers building. Our source informs us that the slipcovered-furniture outpost will be there until next spring, when it moves into bigger digs in an yet-to-be-named locale %26hellip; In record time, Quatrine%26rsquo;s former spot at 3120 Knox Street was snatched up by funky men%26rsquo;s and women%26rsquo;s clothing shop Original Octane, indeed involving Ort Varona as creative partner, he of the shuttered LFT, Premium 93 and Octane. Among its offerings? Everything from blouses by Equipment to tops and dresses by Amanda Uprichard to denim by Prps. What%26rsquo;s more, Original Octane also carries chic curios and sculptural bits for the home %26mdash; think mounted buffalo skulls, driftwood pieces, even furniture. Start hunting and gathering at 3120 Knox Street %26hellip; Now that temps are somewhat dipping below 60, you%26rsquo;ll have an excuse to indulge in a fetching fur. Enter Iteratti, a California-based repurposer of vintage furs. The pieces %26mdash; wraps, jackets, coats %26mdash; are made from found furs, each cut and crafted into a new garment. The one-of-a-kind warmers are then lined in a can%26rsquo;t-miss chartreuse silk and serial-numbered; prices range from $850 to $5,000. Find yours at Prashe at 163 Oak Lawn Avenue in the Design District, and at iteratti.com. Baby won%26rsquo;t be cold outside anymore.

Image: A sparkler of slipper: Yosi Samra%26rsquo;s embellished metallic leather ballet flats at Intermix. Photo courtesy of Intermix.

Retail Rap

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:40:57 GMT

Luvi Wheelock, stylish owner of luxe fashion boutique Atrium and bridal salon Casa de Novia, has scored a mighty coup: She%26rsquo;s secured Houston%26rsquo;s only Vera Wang shop-in-shop, to feature both the bridal and ready-to-wear collections. The new space is set to open in January %26hellip; We have a blockbuster PA at Tootsies this month. If you%26rsquo;re an American Express Platinum card holder, for $75 you can meet Italian fashion designer Alberta Ferretti and catch a runway show of her Spring/Summer 2012 collection on December 7 from 6 to 8 pm at Tootsies, along with InStyle magazine%26rsquo;s fashion director, Hal Rubenstein; for more information, call 713.629.9990 %26hellip; Sloan/Hall, emporium for all things hyper-stylish, has acquired the space next door toits store on Westheimer and Kirby (the former Riaro Salon) and will house there a tightly edited collection of dresses. At press time, Marcus Sloan and Shannon Hall have signed on Prova from NYC, Tsumori Chisato from Tokyo and Peter Pilloto from London. Opening is scheduled for mid-January, if not sooner %26hellip; Jewelry designer Rina Limor makes a personal appearance at Zadok Jewelers Wednesday, December 14 %26hellip; Luxury rug designer Matt Cameron hosts a Pop-Up Holiday Bazaar showcasing local designers and celebrating the opening of his new showroom Thursday, December 1, from 4 to 7 pm. Stop by to sip wine and shop fashion and home goods from such Houston-based designers as Kathy Bracewell of Agate Ranch + Marfa and Carla Christoph of Kaftans at the Kasbah %26hellip; River Oaks Shopping Center boutique Enticingly Chic now carries designs by Whit, aka Whitney Pozgay and Kate Spade%26rsquo;s niece and former designer for Steven Alan. So, expect great things%26hellip; Speaking of River Oaks Shopping Center, there are a few new tenants: Natural Pawz, a holistic dog store, is open next to Sunglass Hut; fashion boutique Hemline has opened next to la Madeleine; and Jos. A. Banks has expanded into the adjacent space %26hellip; Pet photographer Kim Hartz has teamed with Neiman Marcus public relations guru Alyssa Kilpatrick for a line of custom pet-silhouette necklaces and cuff links. Hartz will snap your pet, and Kilpatrick will design a laser cut of your furry friend in gold or silver. (Pricing and info, Kim Hartz at 713.521.7272; studio@kimhartz.com) %26hellip; Support the Buffalo Bayou Partnership this holiday season by purchasing a BBF silk tie, created in collaboration with Vineyard Vines as a gift for dad ($65 each, at buffalobayou.org) %26hellip; While she was in town for a PA at Neiman Marcus, fashion designer Tory Burch visited Tina Davis and Denise Hazan%26rsquo;s designer vintage boutique Cheeky Vintage and purchased mod dresses, pant suits, shoes, bags and jewelry %26hellip; The new E! series Scouted chronicles how an everyday girl can get discovered and skyrocket to stardom. Houston%26rsquo;s fabulous model scout Page Parkes is featured on the show, which premiered last month. You can thank Parkes for discovering sexy heartthrob Channing Tatum and cutie Alexis Bledel %26hellip; Jewelry designer Pamela Froman makes a personal appearance at Cotton Club December 15 through 17 %26hellip; Jeweler Marnie Rocks hosts a pop-up shop at West Ave in suite 116, along with Elizabeth Vallone and her tasty cheesecakes; Carrie Vallone, who will sell her molasses candies, custom stationery and paper goods; and Andria Frankfort from Lucy and Michael, with her stock of pop-up tents, aprons and other fun finds for the kids %26hellip; The Find is back! Shop for unique fashion and accessories by local designers at this special market on Saturday December 3, 9 am to 6 pm, at Hughes Hangar (2811 Washington Avenue). Tickets are $5 to shop The Find%26rsquo;s curated goods from such designers at DePetra, David Peck, Vintage Contessa and Herff Christiansen %26hellip; Linda Cunningham boutique hosts Lisa Keeper Neuhaus for a personal appearance and trunk show of her fine jewelry, December 8 and 9 %26hellip; Meet two of your favorite jewelry designers at Tootsies this month: Angelique Knafo (we love her stellar stingray cuffs), December 8 and 9, then Claudia Labao, December 15 and 16 %26hellip; Looking for a good-hearted way to spread your holiday spirit? Send a card to a child with terminal cancer with Clayton%26rsquo;s Cards. Donate $25 to The Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer in honor of a loved one, and a card specially designed by PH Design Shop will be sent to a child undergoing treatment at M.D. Anderson (Information claytondabney.org; bmccgee@claytondabney.org) ... Looking to take the kiddos to meet Santa Claus? Santa makes an appearance at CityCenter on December 12 in the Plaza%26hellip;%26nbsp; Grab a leash and get a shot of your pet with Santa at the Galleria on December 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Santa will be headquartered in Galleria II, Level 1, in front of Ann Taylor.

Retail Rap

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:39:25 GMT

Tiffany %26amp; Co. has signed on as the fine jeweler for Baz Luhrmann%26rsquo;s remake of The Great Gatsby, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald%26rsquo;s 1925 literary classic. The iconic American jeweler maintains archives of Art Deco%26ndash;era designs that will relate perfectly to the storyline. The question is: Will they create a Jazz Era%26ndash;worthy special collection for the rest of us? We%26rsquo;ll have to wait and see %26hellip; Cameron Silver (owner of Decades, the leading vintage clothing boutique in Los Angeles) has teamed up with jewelry brand Miriam Haskell for a collection of jewels called Miriam Haskell for Decades. The %26uuml;ber-stylish Silver makes a personal appearance at Tootsies November 15 and 16 to showcase the new collection, plus his vintage designer dresses and gowns. Also making a personal appearance at Tootsies this month is hometown accessories designer Elaine Turner on November 8 and 9 %26hellip; Neiman Marcus news: Tory Burch makes a personal appearance at the retailer on November 3. Stop by Contemporary Sportswear on Level Three to meet her. Then on November 4, Neiman%26rsquo;s hosts Project Runway%26rsquo;s most successful winner, Christian Siriano, who will showcase his collection and greet fans in the Couture Salon on Level Two. On November 18, David Yurman swings by Designer Jewelry on Level One to show his latest ware. And on November 19, jewelry designer Miriam Salat shows off her own baubles at Neiman%26rsquo;s %26hellip; Saks Fifth Avenue updates: Jewelry designer Katy Briscoe makes a personal appearance at a trunk show November 9 and 10 %26hellip; Accessories boutique Joseph in Highland Village hosts its annual Girls%26rsquo; Night Out shopping event benefitting March of Dimes on November 10, starting at 6 pm %26hellip; CityCentre celebrations: J.Crew has signed on to open a 5,127-square-foot shop at CityCentre in 2012. Brookstone has opened a holiday pop-up shop at the complex next door to Cyclone Anaya%26rsquo;s. It%26rsquo;s open now through December 31 ... Sloan/Hall now carries Prova, a colorful print-happy clothing collection with gorgeous bead detailing %26hellip; Jewelry designer Rina Limor makes a personal appearance at her trunk show at Zadok Jewelers on December 14 %26hellip; At West Ave, Q Custom Clothiers continues to expand its offerings. Q now carries Gimo%26rsquo;s lightweight Italian leather jackets and leather goods by Moore %26amp; Giles, a company founded in Lynchburg, VA, in 1933 %26hellip; Walgreens has chosen Houston as one of six pilot cities to try out its new beauty concept, Look Boutique. Unlike a typical drugstore, the Look Boutique sections provide testers, lighting, mirrors, displays, samples and guidance from specially trained beauty advisors. The mix of products includes prestige skincare, color cosmetics, haircare and manicure/pedicure lines such as La Roche-Posay, Vichy Laboratories, Liearc, Phyto haircare, Rilastil, Ramy and Essie. Try out the concept at the Walgreens at Westheimer and Sage Road.

Retail Rap

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:38:52 GMT

We%26rsquo;re predicting your sweet, sweet November will be laden with dressing rooms, diamonds, desert boots with humanitarian appeal and hops to one hot bar of the olfactory kind. First, a multi-carat salute to Stanley Korshak, which recently became the exclusive Dallas carrier of London-based Graff Diamonds. Should you fancy a gem of utmost pedigree, dial Korshak%26rsquo;s jewelry department at 214.871.3625 to schedule a showing %26hellip;. Start November shopping off with a trip to 3005-A Commerce Street in Deep Ellum, where new vintage shop Factory Girl is quickly earning a spot on our can%26rsquo;t-miss list for designer finds. Owners Scogin Mayo and Heather Hayler have stocked their store with classic labels from Lanvin, Halston, Oscar de la Renta, Missoni, Bill Blass and Pierre Cardin, among others %26mdash; all circa 20 years and older. We%26rsquo;ve also pored over the vintage jewelry, handbags, sunglasses and one-of-a-kind home decor items. Click to imfactorygirl.blogspot.com for more info %26hellip; Count us in on any trip involving a bar %26mdash; especially one that%26rsquo;s been signed, sealed and delivered by none other than Niven Morgan. Belly up to the Bath Salts Bar inside Morgan%26rsquo;s new boutique at Stanley Korshak, where you%26rsquo;ll select your fave bath-salt scent and the crystal canister in which to store it. Of course, expect his signature candles and body and home scents, plus an only-at-Korshak tote bag that can be monogrammed to your liking %26hellip; The next time you%26rsquo;re browsing through Assouline tomes and Adler tables at decor haven Nest, you must see The Paper Store, owner Heather Wiese-Alexander%26rsquo;s in-store shop for her luxe letterpress stationery brand Bell%26rsquo;Invito. The shop features Bell%26rsquo;Invito%26rsquo;s five collections %26mdash; Couture, Signature, Studio, Professional Correspondence, plus Wiese-Alexander%26rsquo;s newest creation i-pezzi (Italian for %26ldquo;the pieces%26rdquo;), a DIY line with all the invitation-design trimmings and trappings (liners, envelopes and notecards) ready for purchase and self-assembling. Trot to 4524 McKinney Avenue or visit bellinvito.com %26hellip; This month, Uwezo, an African brand founded by the nonprofit Empower African Children, launches its made-in-Africa men%26rsquo;s and women%26rsquo;s desert boots, slip-ons and oxfords %26mdash; all crafted from hair-on-hide leather %26mdash; in the U.S. Sales from the charitable kicks will benefit education for Ugandan youth and start at $140. Purchase yours at uwezobrands.com. We%26rsquo;re thrilled over V.O.D. Boutique%26rsquo;s exclusive inventory addition: loungewear collection Piamita, which will be on hand this month, starting with the Resort 2012 collection. What pieces should you nab? Think drape-y blouses, silky tanks, wide-legged palazzo-esque pants and sleek dresses in charmeuse and crepe de chine. Drift off to 2418 Victory Park Lane or key in vodboutique.com for all the comfy couture %26hellip; A bit of diamond news: the gem dandies at Diamond Doctor have trucked their precious cargo from the jeweler%26rsquo;s former showroom near Galleria Dallas to a sparkling new location at The Plaza at Preston Center. Drop in at DD at 8127 Preston Road or ring 972.342.6663. Shopping in full force, just as we predicted. Your AmEx has been warned.

Retail Rap

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:11:00 GMT

Jewelry designer Ippolita makes a personal appearance at Zadok Jewelers for a trunk showing of her spectacular baubles Saturday, October 15, 11 am to 5 pm. Ring 713.960.8950 for more info %26hellip; In more jewelry news, designer Jill Reno will make a personal appearance at Tootsies on October 20 %26hellip; Luxury consignment shop
The Little Bird has opened at 1735 Post Oak Boulevard, near the Galleria. The 3,200-square-foot boutique stocks such sought-after gently worn labels such as Chanel, Herm%26egrave;s, Louis Vuitton and Valentino. It%26rsquo;s the second location for owner Keele Loyd; she opened her first The Little Bird in Aspen in 2007. Stop by for the grand-opening celebration Thursday, October 20, 5 to 8 pm %26mdash; a portion of the night%26rsquo;s sales benefits MD Anderson Cancer Center. (Owner Keele is a cancer survivor due in part to the help of MD Anderson.) ... Lululemon, maker of oh-so-stylish fitness apparel, opens this fall at CityCentre on Town %26amp; Country Boulevard %26hellip; Local jewelry designer Maria Duncan Earthman has opened Pomp %26amp; Circumstance, a 500-square-foot boutique at 2608 Persa Street in Studio 4. Her inventory includes jewelry, a few clothing and handbag lines, and candles. Information and appointments, pompandcircumstance.com %26hellip; Saks Fifth Avenue hosts its annual Key to the Cure Kickoff event Wednesday, October 19, benefitting CancerForward: The Foundation for Cancer Survivors. Join event chairs Joella and Steve Mach, along with honorary chairs Kelli and Eddy Scurlock Blanton Sr. and CancerForward founder Beth Sanders Moore as they toast the honorees: S. Ward %26ldquo;Tripp%26rdquo; Casscells III, The Honorable Ellen Cohen, Joann and Bill Crassas, Rose Cullen, Michael Dale, Arvia Few, Wendy Hines, Jackie Martin, Mary Ann McKeithan, Rosie Meyers, Barbara Padilla, Jane Parker, The Honorable Jack Morris Rains, Candice Schiller and Dan Woltermann %26hellip; Neiman Marcus news: On October 6, meet designer Elizabeth Showers at a trunk show of her jewelry on Level 1, then swing by handbags to meet Santiago Gonzalez, the son of exotic-skins handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez (he%26rsquo;ll showcase not only his mother%26rsquo;s luxe line, but his own collection for men) %26hellip; Fashion Houston brings a bevy of fashion designers to town this month for not-to-miss runway shows, and many have trunk shows at Neiman Marcus, including: October 11, Douglas Hannant and Barbara Tfank in Couture on Level II; October 12, Carmen Marc Valvo and Fabiola Arias. Also in town this month, jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke has a showing at Neiman%26rsquo;s October 12 and 13 %26hellip; Fabulous gown designer Carmen Marc Valvo will make a personal appearance at Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf on October 13 %26hellip; Think pink: David Yurman has released a limited-edition Spiritual Bead bracelet in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Fund. The $375 wrist wrapper is fashioned from pink chalcedony stones, a pearl and a sterling-silver box chain. Buy yours at the David Yurman boutique in the Galleria or davidyurman.com %26hellip; Lots of news from one of our fave bauble businesses: Lewis Jewelers, home to the tip-top timepiece collections of Audemars Piguet, A. Lange %26amp; Sohne and Breitling, turns 30 happy years and is celebrating with a party Thursday, November 3, 6 to 10 pm, with a silent auction benefitting Texas Children%26rsquo;s Hospital. This family-owned emporium has been in the same location in Webster for three decades (16972 Highway 3 in Webster), but come 2012, they%26rsquo;re moving to Bay Area Boulevard in the Baybrook Passage Shopping Center off I-45 %26mdash; no official address yet. For more information about the celebration, phone 281.332.8433.

Image: The limited-edition Spiritual Bead bracelet $375, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Fund, at David Yurman in the Galleria or davidyurman.com

Retail Rap

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:13:48 GMT

With our on-the-town schedules in full swing, we occasionally need to swap out our stilettos and loafers for more comfortable chaussures. Our pair of choice? Cozy shoes from the new Toms + The Row collection, an exclusive collab between do-gooder footwear and apparel company Toms and The Row, the ready-to-wear and accessories brand by celeb sisters Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen. The collection features myriad styles for women crafted in Italian-sourced wool and cashmere blends, all priced between $98 and $150. And in the Toms tradition, a pair of canvas slip-ons goes to one needy child for every pair of Toms sold. Click to toms.com, therow.com or neimanmarcus.com to purchase yours %26hellip; Think pink: David Yurman has released a limited-edition Spiritual Bead bracelet in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Fund. The $375 wrist wrapper is fashioned from pink chalcedony stones and a pearl, with a sterling-silver box chain and is available at the David Yurman boutique in NorthPark Center and at davidyurman.com %26hellip; Orange is one hot color this month (and we%26rsquo;re not just talking about pumpkins), particularly at the Plaza at Preston Center where it%26rsquo;s construction galore %26mdash; a barricade is up and ground has been broken for the new, five-story office and retail building that will house the University Park Library, plus a multi-level, underground parking garage that will afford you, dear reader, 450 more options to park the Prius. We%26rsquo;re told shopping schedules will be undisturbed during it all and every store and restaurant will remain open. Bonus: Several locations throughout the center are offering free valet. This is the sort of construction we can get used to.

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Image: The limited-edition Spiritual Bead bracelet $375, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Fund, at David Yurman in NorthPark Center or davidyurman.com

Retail Rap

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:36:31 GMT

Sweet, chic September. Nonstop shopping and all those other giant-sized fashion glossies are taking our world by storm. Herewith, the stylish bits worth noting: Last year, it was Louboutin. This year, it%26rsquo;s Stella. And come 2012, we hear another big, big name will open a shop at Highland Park Village. Brace yourself: Per the merchant map at hpvillage.com (see for yourself), the legendary French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent is moving into slot 29A, just between Diane von Furstenberg and, indeed, Christian Louboutin. May visions of YSL Les Smokings dance through your heads till we report back %26hellip; Bagsnob.com founder Tina Craig is at it again.This time, the Dallas entrepreneur and global expert oncarry-able accessories is working on a collaboration with Donna Karan. Bag Snob + DKNY is a collection of five essential handbags, from a clutch that is bliss for big nights on the town to a versatile, daytime It-bag. Our favorites? The Travel, in charcoal leather and equipped with a smart passport pocket and The Treasure, shown, in embossed crocodile and a shape that conjures the classics. The collection debuts next month at DKNY stores, Macy%26rsquo;s and netaporter.com %26hellip; Fresh from stops in Los Angeles, New York and Southampton, the Indagare Souk %26mdash; a traveling trunk show stocked with artisanal clothing, jewelry and accessories made by craftsmen and designers as far as Rwanda, Cambodia and Bali %26mdash; makes its way to our Rosewood Crescent Hotel. Snag as many boldly patterned tunics and tribal gems as possible Tuesday and Wednesday, October 4 and 5, with a VIP preview set for Tuesday evening. (Click indagare.com or drop a line to moniqueb@indagare.com) %26hellip; Know this local designer making headlines: Paula Minnis, the Dallas-based creator of Gaia %26mdash; Greek for %26ldquo;goddess of the earth%26rdquo; %26mdash; a benevolent accessories line of bracelets, napkin rings, pillows and table linens, all in vibrant patterns and made by local women in need and female refugees living in Dallas, who are paid and trained to make the wildly colorful wares. For immediate satisfaction, find Minnis%26rsquo; wares at Forty Five Ten and Cabana, or click gaiaforwomen.com for the full collection %26hellip; We love a good prodigy. The latest on our radar is 20-year-old John Piermarini, a Greenhill School grad who bypassed college life to open a namesake store, Piermarini Boutique in the State-Allen neighborhood. There, he stocks international and hard-to-find designer duds for men and women, including Abi %26amp; John, go-to tanks, slips and underthings designed by Piermarini himself, in partnership with local designer Abi Ferrin. Get thee to 2701 Hibernia Street or click piermariniboutique.com.

Image: The Treasure bag, designed by Bag Snob founder Tina Craig, in collaboration with DKNY.

Retail Rap

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:24:26 GMT

Sweet, chic September. Last year, you wore down your Viviers chasing all the parties during Fashion%26rsquo;s Night Out. This year, prepare to get yourself into even more stylish shenanigans Thursday night, September 8. The global shopping event %26mdash; %26ldquo;the best fashion party in history,%26rdquo; say FNO organizers %26mdash; is getting bigger, with even more soir%26eacute;es and in-store events. From 5 to 8 pm, check out the Galleria, where more than 50 retailers will participate, with red-carpet entrances and fashion lounges, DJs and bars throughout the luxury wing. From 6 to 9 pm, drop by Neiman Marcus, where a Fall Trend Fashion Show, Art Walk curated by Carolyn Farb of Colton %26amp; Farb Gallery, and Etro Lounge will rock (visit neimanmarcus.com/fashionsnightout for a complete list of the happenings). At Saks Fifth Avenue, an invitation-only event at the Miu Miu Shop (hosted by Isabel David, Jared Lang, Elizabeth Petersen, and Heather Pray) will let you test your fashion IQ while enjoying music, fashion, Italian eateries and cosmetic giveaways %26hellip;Neiman Marcus news: The always anticipated Manolo Blahnik trunk show is September 6 %26ndash; 11. On Wednesday, September 28, Manolo Blahnik president George Malkemus makes a personal appearance. The Chanel trunk is September 12 %26ndash; 13, and the shoes have their own trunk show September 8 %26ndash; 13. Christian Louboutin is September 13 %26ndash; 17 %26hellip; Aside from the monolithic new Restoration Hardware Gallery global concept store opening late October in Highland Village Shopping Center, next door will be another new concept%26nbsp; %26ndash; Restoration Hardware Baby %26amp; Child, which also promises to rock our decorating world ... Get your girl on at Haut Chocolat boutique in River Oaks Shopping Center at Girls Night Out, celebrating Fashion%26rsquo;s Night Out, Wednesday, September 7, 5 %26ndash; 8 pm. Sip wine and shop fall frocks, with 10 percent off that evening %26hellip; Stock up on crisp and colorful Craig Taylor shirts at a trunk show at Linda Cunningham, September 12 %26ndash; 17... Saks Fifth Avenue hosts trunk shows this month for: Angel Sanchez, September 8 %26ndash; 9; Oscar de la Renta, September 12 %26ndash; 13; Armani Made to Measure for men September 20 %26ndash; 22; and Chanel shoes, September 23. Beauty Week at Saks runs September 30 through October 8 (details at saks.com) %26hellip; Belle a Vie, a European-influenced lingerie boutique, opens on the south end of CityCentre in November, stocking luxe La Perla, Chantelle and Aubade ... Tootsies temptations: Raoul, a chic minimalist collection that%26rsquo;s relatively new to the U.S., makes its debut at Tootsies September 14 %26ndash; 16; jewelry designer Stephen Dweck shows wares at a Champagne Cowgirls benefit Wednesday, September 21; design duo Kaufman Franco%26rsquo;s collection is in store September 8 %26ndash; 9 ... Muse Boutique supports the Candlelighters Thursday, September 15, at a seated luncheon at Fleming%26rsquo;s Prime Steakhouse. Expect fall looks from Doucette Duvall, Calypso, Nanette Lepore, Roberta Freymann and more. Muse will donate a portion of sales September 15 through 18 to the Houston-based organization. Tickets from $100, through 713.599.1271 ... Hair guru Brad Hensler is back at Solution for Hair salon, where he trimmed tresses before a move to New York %26hellip; The Ralph Lauren boutique hosts the kickoff party for the Trees for Hope gala Thursday, September 15, with 15 percent of the evening%26rsquo;s proceeds supporting Star of Hope children%26rsquo;s programs %26hellip; Tired of shuffling your goodies from one handbag to the next? Houstonian Connie Coulomb, one of the owners of Inouis Core bag, has created the first luxury handbag organizer, crafted in Italian leather with posh hardware. Go to store-inouis.com to pick one up %26hellip; Kate Spade, in Galleria I, hosts a shopping party to benefit Camp For All Thursday, September 22 %26hellip; Fashion Plate hosts its annual Men%26rsquo;s Night Out Saturday, September 10, 7 pm to midnight, at Ovations Night Club (2536 Times Boulevard). Zoe Jackson-Jarra, Ciera Rogers and Jackie Adams chair the event, which will include several pop-up grooming and pampering bars and a men%26rsquo;s runway show. Tickets $25 to $50, through 713.398.2554.

Retail Rap

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:18:20 GMT

As is true of this month%26rsquo;s auto-centric issue, we can%26rsquo;t get enough of all things motorized. This discovery combines fashion and fuel: Meet The Vintagemobile, a kelly-green 1980s school bus that parks outside the Belmont Hotel in Oak Cliff every weekend from 11 am to 4 pm. You%26rsquo;ll want to know the drivers behind this off-the-wall store concept: husband-wife owners Kelsey and Jeremy Turner, who truck around everything from 1950s cowboy boots to mid-century dresses. Follow that bus at thevintagemobile.com %26hellip; With August comes plenty of hot shoptalk: Luke%26rsquo;s Locker has traded its longtime Oak Lawn digs for a new locale near SMU, at 3046 Mockingbird Lane. Good news for the in-shape set: All the apropos running gear (as your Sauconys must match your Nike shorts) and store-sponsored training programs (we%26rsquo;re down for the %26ldquo;9 Weeks to a 5K%26rdquo;) have made the sprint up Central Expressway, too. Check lukeslocker.com for more skinny %26hellip; Also on the move: The Wooden House, the Henderson Avenue home shop stocked with imported wooden furniture, well-edited art and classic objets. It%26rsquo;s hopping just blocks away, to 2003 North Henderson. Best of all? The new spot has more room for parking. For a sneak, see thewoodenhouse.org %26hellip; Switching Gears Cyclery is spinning its wheels in Exposition Park. Mere steps from Fair Park, the shop is fully stocked with bicycles in cool pastel hues (the Surly brand a specialty), plus bike-friendly accessories including custom Kongko cycling caps and Burro bags for strapping onto your new ride. Pedal to 833 Exposition Avenue or click switchinggearscyclery.com %26hellip; This just in: Hadleigh%26rsquo;s Bespoke owners Gable and Ed Shaikh are adding a Highland Park Village storefront to their repertoire. Hadleigh%26rsquo;s Ground Floor will carry a spectrum of buy-it-now items %26mdash; think Baker Black footwear for gents, BRM timepieces and Hadleigh%26rsquo;s ever-popular slipper collection. Fret not, the upstairs atelier will remain open, by appointment only, for those sought-after, made-to-order suiting and gown appointments. Look for the new boutique, set to debut during Fashion%26rsquo;s Night Out on Thursday, September 8. Click hadleighsbespoke.com or ring 214.770.4743 %26hellip; Also at Highland Park Village, St. John is revealing its first-ever jewelry collection, exclusively in-store this September. Jewelry designer Neville Ward has been tapped by the fashion house to craft the new line of feminine bracelets, necklaces and earrings inspired by St. John%26rsquo;s sophisticated aesthetic. It%26rsquo;s all in the details %26mdash; some pieces utilize iconic buttons and tassels pulled from SJ%26rsquo;s fashion archives. See the sparkle at 43 Highland Park Village %26hellip; Le Creuset has opened its first Texas shop at Inwood Village %26mdash; and we couldn%26rsquo;t walk through the store%26rsquo;s sleek, orange-tile doorway fast enough. We weren%26rsquo;t alone: A bevy of well-seasoned dinner hostesses has been charging the store, too, coveting as many stockpots, roasters, gratins and griddles as can possibly fit in their Bulthaup cabinets. The store itself? It%26rsquo;s what you might imagine, with hundreds of French-made kitchen essentials stacked to the ceiling, in dozens of shapes, sizes, and those gorgeous, glossy Le Creuset colors. Bon app%26eacute;tit, indeed.

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Image: St. John%26rsquo;s new jewels: Glass-bead and pearl necklace with crocheted silk-ribbon detail $295 at the St. John boutique.

Retail Rap

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:18:03 GMT

Galleria news: Original Penguin will open mid-month in Galleria I, third floor, near Billy Reid. The 2,000-square-foot space will stock contemporary fashions for women and men (we just love those retro golf shirts). Also opening this month in Galleria I is a Hugo Boss shop dedicated exclusively to the men%26rsquo;s collection. Also in Galleria I, Gucci has completed the renovation of its 5,000-square-foot space, with a brand-new design concept by creative director Frida Giannini. More information in our September issue %26hellip; Urban Retreat has opened its splashy new salon and spa in River Oaks Shopping Center above Barnes %26amp; Noble Booksellers. Just zoom up the parking garage ramps to the top, and Armando in valet parking will meet you at the entrance .%26hellip; Bright young things Lucy Thorp, Katy Mayell and Jennifer Hobson host a philanthropic shopping evening Wednesday, August 10, at fashion boutique Atrium. Stop by for light bites and cocktails, and pick up fashionable pieces by Christian Cota and Vera Wang, among others; a portion of proceeds benefits Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse %26hellip; At CityCentre, Urban Outfitters has opened, while Paper Source unveils its second Houston location there this fall. Elaine Turner%26rsquo;s chic boutique in CityCentre hosts Theatre Under the Stars Leading Ladies for pink champagne and breakfast bites Thursday, August 25, 10 am to noon, to toast TUTS%26rsquo; fall 2011 season. Twenty percent of all stiletto sales benefit the Pink Stiletto Fund for TUTS education %26hellip; Upcoming Neiman Marcus trunk shows include: Valentino, August 2 and 3; Donna Karan, August 10; Stephen Webster jewelry, August 17 and 18; J. Mendel, August 18 and 19; Robert Cavalli, August 23; and Rene Caovilla shoes, August 30 through September 4 %26hellip; Hot local fashion designer David Peck has launched his first e-commerce site, davidpeckcollection.com, where you can shop his Ugandan-inspired print-happy Spring/Summer 2011 CrOP by David Peck collection, of which 10 percent of profits are donated to Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative. The fall/winter collection, devised after a trip to New Orleans, launches on the site soon, with 10 percent of its proceeds benefitting the Gulf Restoration Network, which protects and restores the coastal environments of the Gulf Coast. Peck%26rsquo;s collections are also sold in Houston at Elaine Turner, 310 Rosemont and Tootsies %26hellip; Talk about window shopping: The Shade %26amp; Drape Co. has opened at 3441 Kirby Drive at Richmond, next door to Office Depot. For more information, visit shadeanddrape.com %26hellip; Carolyn Thompson%26rsquo;s Antique Center of Texas is moving 1.3 miles, into the old J.C. Penney space at Northwest Mall. The antique Mecca takes over the first floor, with the upstairs space reserved for specialty shows, for a grand total of more than 200,000 square feet. The move to 9950 Hempstead at 18th Street is set for late summer %26hellip; The Guild Shop, a favorite resource for local interior designers, has opened The Guild Shop Garden Center at the same Dunlavy location. Located in the front of the shop in a new patio area, the Garden Center has more than 2,000 square feet of outdoor furniture, birdbaths, decorative pots and yard art. Many are recycled or vintage, but you might also score something brand-new. All proceeds go to charity, primarily to a Financial Assistance Fund for the elderly-in-need at the Diocesan Retirement Center and to St. James House in Baytown %26hellip; After the June closing of Modern Worth, former co-owner Blake Woods has launched Blake Woods Design. The stylish interior designer is also working on a home collection, which is set to launch by the end of the year. For more information, visit blakewoodsdesign.com %26hellip; Saks Fifth Avenue launches an in-store Miu Miu handbag boutique this month %26hellip; We can%26rsquo;t wait to see the couture craftsmanship up close of Giambattista Valli%26rsquo;s%26nbsp; fall couture collection %26mdash; the designer%26rsquo;s first couture collection. Tootsies is one of only five stores across the nation chosen for this debut %26hellip; Willow Boutique, Jill Faucetta%26rsquo;s shop on Persa that closed a year ago, is back in business. The beloved shopping spot reopens inside the Brownstone Gallery at 2803 Westheimer, accessible through the gallery and also via a private entrance off Virginia Street. Expect lots of accessories and vintage items, such as luxe Adrienne Landau furs and colorful caftans by Cassin, and a tweens section curated by the owner%26rsquo;s daughter, Gray. Faucetta also has a private collection in the works, called Willow for Women and Children %26hellip; Designer and shop owner Linda Cunningham will be in town from her home in Florida August 24 and 25, appearing at her namesake boutique on Edloe for a Fall 2011 trunk show %26hellip; Fashion boutique Haut Chocolate in River Oaks Shopping Center hosts a shopping party with champagne and desserts Wednesday, August 4, 5 to 8 pm. Ten percent of profits from the evening will benefit Friends of Child Advocates %26hellip; Island bohemian-inspired brand Calypso St. Barth will open at 4035 Westheimer in Highland Village mid-September, in a new space carved out of the former Tootsies location. Besides caftans, dresses, shoes and jewelry, the shop will stock items for the home. Check back next month for more details.

Retail Rap: Houston retail news for July 2011

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 05:11:01 GMT

BBVA Compass, in partnership with Houston-based The Redstone Companies and Stream Realty Partners LP, marked the official start of construction on a new 312,000-square-foot building at a recent ground-breaking ceremony. Located at 2200 Post Oak Boulevard, north of Westheimer, the 22-story building is set to be complete by early 2013 and is the first high-rise office building to be built in the Galleria area in 30 years. It was designed by HKS Architects and will include approximately 15,000 square feet of interior restaurant space, plus an additional 4,000 square feet of outside restaurant space for two signature restaurants. Also part of the design are 4,500 square feet of retail space. Redstone, which owns and manages the Houstonian Hotel, Club %26amp; Spa, has announced plans to build a new luxury hotel next door, which will include 150 to 200 rooms, spa and fitness components; a more modern, urban feel will differentiate the new hotel from its established sister property %26hellip; Urban Retreat has finally moved to its new West Gray location in River Oaks Shopping Center, upstairs, next door to the restaurant Americas. More on this next month %26hellip; Attention, foodies: Le Creuset Signature Store has opened in the Village Arcade, in the space formerly occupied by White House/Black Market %26hellip; Move over, cupcakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes is opening this summer at the Centre at Post Oak, next door to Stride Rite %26hellip; At West Ave, two new men%26rsquo;s clothing shops, Q Custom Clothier and Rye 51, are opening next door to each other in August. The owner of both shops, Raja Ratan, opened the first Q Custom Clothier in Dallas in 2003 and has since grown to two locations in Dallas and one in Tulsa. Q%26rsquo;s specialties are made-to-measure shirting and suits, offering thousands of luxurious Swiss and Italian milled fabrics. Rye 51 will be Ratan%26rsquo;s new concept selling more casual sportswear from such labels as Wings %26amp; Horns, Steven Alan and Levi%26rsquo;s Made %26amp; Crafted. Adding to Rye 51%26rsquo;s draw is a %26ldquo;man cave%26rdquo; atmosphere complete with whiskey bar %26hellip; Saks Fifth Avenue launches Fendi%26rsquo;s newest fragrance, Fan di Fendi, on Friday, July 15. Also at Saks this month, local designer Katie Briscoe%26rsquo;s pre-fall collection of baubles is in stores %26hellip; Makeup artist Heidi Schulze of Solution Salon can now boast she%26rsquo;s the only place outside New York to carry the cult favorite FACE Stockholm cosmetics. True to the Swedish ideal of beauty %26mdash; natural, simple, clean and always on trend %26mdash; FACE%26rsquo;s natural line also never tests on animals %26hellip; Men%26rsquo;s clothing shop Mortar, located on lower Westheimer at Hazard, hosts a blowout sidewalk sale Saturday and Sunday, July 9 and 10. Swing by to sip lemonade and check out the pop-up shops by local Houston contemporary furniture design company Plodes and Re-Mod, which specializes in mid-century vintage furniture %26hellip; Twin sisters Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Faust, in partnership with the charitable organization Busters Friends (which is dedicated to helping abandoned and homeless animals in Houston), have opened a new pet adoption center in Uptown Park, Suite 1141-03 %26hellip; Auction house Morton Kuehnert hosts its summer catalog auction on Sunday, July 24, at 1 pm. The preview reception begins at 11 am. Highlights of the auction include a Rococo Revival 20th-century room screen and a pair of Teke Turkman silver cuff bracelets. To preview the items online, visit mortonkuehnert.com %26hellip; Galleria news: Microsoft has opened next door to Giorgio Armani in Galleria I. Opening this month in Galleria I is Hugo Boss. Update: September is the date for the Miu Miu and Prada openings. Cotton On, a shop of on-trend clothes at affordable prices, moves in to Galleria II, Level 2, at the end of this month near the play area.

Retail Rap

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:26:16 GMT

News for fine-linen lovers: Home-furnishings phenom Blue Print has announced the arrival of the exceptionally elegant Matouk bedding line. The collection brims with classic, casual and contemporary designs %26mdash; BP can special-order from a bespoke line, too %26mdash; in Italian-woven Egyptian cotton. To indulge, make your way to 2707 Fairmount Street or see blueprintstore.com %26hellip; Escada in Highland Park Village has undergone a chic, in-house remodel, freshening its former environs with sleek black-granite flooring, charcoal pliss%26eacute; fabric panels, cream-leather-lined niches for the displaying of accessories and a striking entrance chandelier constructed of clear glass beads fastened to aircraft cables. The new store concept %26mdash; what Escada is calling %26ldquo;joyful femininity%26rdquo; %26mdash; is being implemented around the globe. All that%26rsquo;s new isn%26rsquo;t in the design: Look for fashionable additions of cashmere, linen tops and suiting. See all this aesthetic allure at 34 Highland Park Village %26hellip; Have you met Adeline? She%26rsquo;s a stylish and fashion-forward boutique, with trust-fund-friendly prices all under $150. Young contemporaries of the Park Cities, we think you%26rsquo;ll adore the sophisticated Vintage Havana maxi dresses and the array of multicolored, beaded, drop earrings %26mdash; just part of Adeline%26rsquo;s refreshing stock. The best part? If you happen to love playful and vibrant furniture and lampshades, they%26rsquo;re here, too. Find it all at 4412 Lovers Lane or check facebook.com/shopadeline %26hellip; Essensuals London, a salon first established in the UK by the Mascolo family (hint: the crew behind Toni %26amp; Guy), is opening this month in NorthPark Center. What to expect? Cut and color services, and trend-driven styling. Look ahead at essensualslondon.com %26hellip; A clubby newcomer lands in West Village this month: Club Monaco takes over the former Ralph Lauren space, loading all 3,232 square feet with its urban-casual women%26rsquo;s collection. (Gents can still shop CM%26rsquo;s Galleria Dallas locale.) Stop by the store on Wednesday, July 13, for a celebratory styling event hosted by mother-daughter fashion bloggers Jane and Judy Aldridge, of Sea of Shoes and Atlantis Home, with champagne, bites from the neighboring Malai Thai Vietnamese Kitchen and advice from the Aldridge duo on integrating Club Monaco%26rsquo;s wares into your wardrobe %26hellip; Modern boutique Demerara opens this month in West Village between Tommy Bahama and Cowboy Cool. The shop offers men%26rsquo;s and women%26rsquo;s apparel and accessories for day, night, casual and cocktail. Stop by to peruse or key in demerarausa.com %26hellip; Should you desire to shop local, the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market on the third Saturday of each month provides the optimal opportunity. Invite the famille along for live music, local goodies and market-day specials galore. The next outdoor bazaar will be Sunday, July 16: Point the Country Squire wagon to 2820 Indiana Boulevard for hand-crafted vintage creations and %26mdash; of course %26mdash; to stroll the charming surrounds of Deep Ellum.

Image: The Serena bedding from Matouk, at Blue Print.

Retail Rap

Thu, 26 May 2011 01:29:53 GMT

Three new showrooms debut this summer at The Houston Design Center. In mid-July, Scalamandre opens a 3,500-square-foot showroom stocked with fabric, wall coverings, trim and furnishings. Fabric House is a new companion showroom to HDC%26rsquo;s Design House, Inc., owned by Connie LeFebre, ASID. It%26rsquo;s filled with exclusive fabric lines, trims and wall coverings, and is set to open this month. Need a contemporary custom rug? Look no further than Postmodern Traditions, opening in Suite 169 late this summer %26mdash; a new project by Pride of Persia owners Mehdi Abedi and Lisa Slappey %26hellip; As we go to press, Dennis Brackeen, Blake Karambis (of Kirby Antiques), Jenna McPhail and Linda Chan are readying to open Kirby and Company on West Alabama, in the space formerly occupied by Brian Stringer Antiques. Expect European antiques, contemporary accessories, mid-century pieces and custom furniture. Simultaneously, Blair Gordon opens Blair Gordon Design%26ndash;Tailored Home next door. The former New York designer is setting up a design studio and home-furnishings shop stocked with his eponymous line of custom furniture, as well as antiques, 20th-century vintage pieces, art, accessories and objects %26hellip; Thread, a designer baby consignment store, has opened on 19th Street in the Heights. In addition to consignment, they stock classic kids%26rsquo; clothing by Beanies and monogrammed clothing and gifts by Sam and Lucy %26hellip; Another blow-dry bar is blowing into town to tame your tresses. The Do Bar opens in West Ave in July. Owned by Cara Crafton, owner of the popular Montrose-area salon Craft, Do Bar features a prepared menu of blow-out styles, each only $35, such as the Modern Vintage Do (a Veronica Lake wave look) or the Classic Do (a big-barrel-brush blow-out). Until the doors open next month, you can visit The Do Bar POP within Craft Salon, where blow-out style specialists will be, well, working on their craft %26hellip; Designers Amanda Valentine and Chris Promecene, owners of PH Design Shop, are moving their South Shepherd store to 2414 Rice Boulevard in Rice Village. The new 1,440-square-foot shop (next to J. Silver) will continue to proffer the duo%26rsquo;s artful blend of stationery, paper goods and custom design services but will expand to include a curated collection of gifts and tabletop items. Look for an early summer opening, with interiors by designer Melanie Herz Promecene of Morris Architects %26hellip; Fashion accessories and gift boutique %26Agrave; Bient%26ocirc;t is moving into the former Indulge Linens space (before that, it housed Harriet Hart) in Lamar Shopping Center, just%26nbsp; around the corner from its current location. The new address is 2501 River Oaks Boulevard. Watch for a July opening %26hellip; Don%26rsquo;t miss the June Father%26rsquo;s Day windows at Neiman Marcus, where Gittings is displaying lush generational portraits of some of Houston%26rsquo;s leading families (June 13 %26ndash; 20). Gittings opened its first studio in Neiman Marcus Downtown, Dallas, more than 80 years ago, %26nbsp;so this exhibit is especially apropos. The luxe retailer also hosts a bevy of fashionable fall trunk shows this month, starting with Valentino June 2 and 3; St. John Collection, June 7; Luca Luca, June 6 and 9; and punchy prints from Etro, June 14 and 15 %26hellip; Saks Fifth Avenue hosts a cocktail party in honor of Father%26rsquo;s Day with The First Tee of Houston and Athletes Seeking Knowledge (ASK). Both organizations strive to help at-risk, low-income youth excel in their personal and educational lives. Come shop the men%26rsquo;s department Wednesday, June 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, and enjoy light bites, cocktails and a DJ. On June 16 and 17, Saks hosts a Naeem Khan resort trunk show %26hellip; Previously only open Wednesdays, luxury bauble boutique Deville Fine Jewelry has expanded its hours to Monday through Friday, noon to 5 pm %26hellip; Looking to make your beauty routine a little more green? Organic lifestyle store One Green Street now offers Eco manicure and pedicures %26hellip; Calling all sorority girls: Contemporary women%26rsquo;s%26nbsp; boutique Haut Chocolate in River Oaks Shopping Center hosts stylist Claudia Lederer Wednesday, June 15, for a What%26rsquo;s Haut for
Fall Rush Week Parties shopping event. Receive 15 percent off your purchase with your student ID.

Retail Rap

Thu, 26 May 2011 02:25:24 GMT

Before jetting off to the Hamptons, one quick thing: The design-inclined must shop Calypso St. Barth%26rsquo;s new home-furnishings store at The Plaza at Preston Center. Down the corner from Calypso%26rsquo;s clothing and accessories boutique, the second store stocks beach-y furnishings of all kinds, from its exclusive Maison de Vacances bedding to signature, bold-printed pouf ottomans. Decor dreams shall come true at 8413 Preston Center Plaza. Click calypsostbarth.com %26hellip; Dallas designer Stephanie Anne (of the namesake accessories and furnishings boutique) has baubles on the brain. Anne recently launched her first collection of gems at her Highland Park Village shop, with help from a flurry of ladies during a champagne-fueled afternoon f%26ecirc;te. We attended and fell in love with the wares: hand-sculpted gold and colorful-stone bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Add a piece (or three) to your jewelry box at 2 Highland Park Village or tap to stephanieanne.com %26hellip; While we%26rsquo;re talking sparklers for summer, take note that Eiseman Jewels at NorthPark Center now stocks with opulent creations by Houston jewelry designer Katie Decker. The collection, based on sketches Decker first made in the margin of her college finance-class textbooks, combines pearls, semiprecious stones and diamonds, forming pieces both classic and modern. We%26rsquo;re coveting a pair of black-onyx-and-diamond tassel earrings. To see it all, visit eisemanjewels.com %26hellip; Take your eye for extraordinary fashion to Snider Plaza%26rsquo;s newest boutique, Cicada Collection. The Santa Fe%26ndash;based store packs avant-garde looks including meticulously constructed pieces from small, independent designers such as Elm, Katharina Hovman and Ivan Grundahl. Restock with finds from 6817 Snider Plaza %26hellip; Suit up, impeccably: Astor %26amp; Black, the international clothier for women and men that offers made-to-measure suits, jackets, trousers, cashmere sweaters and leather jackets, has opened in Dallas. The fabrics %26mdash; Dormeuil, Marzoni and Scabal, to name a few %26mdash; are divine. Posthaste, jot down these digits for A%26amp;B%26rsquo;s representatives to come to you for fittings: Molly Schoen (469.878.8974) and Donna Herchmann (214.244.8755). Custom has never felt so chic.

Image: Katie Decker white-, yellow-, and rose-gold bracelets, collection beginning at $3,800.

Retail Rap

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:17:40 GMT

Cinephiles mourning the loss of the Angelika Film Center can now rejoice: Robert Redford%26rsquo;s Sundance Cinemas has inked a lease for the Angelika%26rsquo;s Bayou Place locale in the downtown theater district, opening November 1. Sundance plans to screen the finest films culled from film festivals as well as general releases, with, are you ready, drinking and dining options and reserved seating! Why Houston? Redford, as a child, spent summers in the San Marcos area, from whence his mother%26rsquo;s family hailed, thus he loves Texas %26hellip; West Ave heralds several new arrivals this summer: Raja Ratan opens his men%26rsquo;s casual and edgy clothing boutique Rye 51 next door to his (also-soon-to-open) Q Custom Clothier %26mdash; a favorite fashion outpost from Dallas stocking custom shirts, shoes, leather goods and accessories for the dapper dude %26hellip; Neiman Marcus is abuzz with trunk shows this month: John Hardy, May 3; David Yurman, May 4; Naeem Khan, May 5 %26ndash; 6; personal appearance by Margot McKinney, May 5 %26ndash; 7; Miriam Salat jewelry, May 6; Konstantino, May 7; personal appearances by Theodora %26amp; Callum designers Stefani Greenfield and Desiree Gruber, May 11; Douglas Hannant, May 24 %26ndash; 25; and Etro, May 25 %26ndash; 26 %26hellip; Tootsies big-name trunk shows include Michael Kors%26rsquo; fall collection and the introduction of Kors%26rsquo; new jewelry collection,%26nbsp; May 5 %26ndash; 6; personal appearance by Texan Lela Rose with her feminine frocks Wednesday, May 11; Giambattista Valli%26rsquo;s sumptuous fall ensembles, May 19 %26ndash; 20; and Monday, May 9, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Sachin + Babi designers fly in to team up with Recipe for Success Foundation (tickets $50, reservations recipe4success.org) %26hellip; Auction house Morton Kuehnert brings 120 new bridal gowns, sizes 2 to 14, to the block Thursday, May 12, 7 pm. Preview the white poufs starting at 5 pm, or view them online at mortonkuehnert.com. Coveted labels include Alfred Sung, Allure, Maggie Sottero, Paloma Blanca and more. Information 713.827.7835 %26hellip; On Saturday, May 14, The Find underground fashion market settles into the Boheme space at 307 Fairview at Taft, from 9 am to 6 pm. The Find%26rsquo;s creator, Chelsea Dryer, handpicks unique designers to show. Tickets $10 at the door. Information thefindhouston.blogspot.com %26hellip; Houston native Michelle Weisman, designer for 81Poppies, now sells her collection at Cotton Club, 3941 San Felipe %26hellip; Rebecca %26amp; Drew, home of the perfect-fitting, anyway-you-like-it-shirts, gives us the Insignia Collection customized with your monogram%26nbsp; or spiffy options like a boat, crown, bumblebee or fish; from $165. Information 713.522.7500, houston.rebeccaanddrew.com %26hellip; Proponents of the LBD can see a sea of them at the third annual Little Black Dress Project at House of Blues Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 to 9 pm; the event created by Jeff Shell, owner of Neal Hamil Models. Up%26ndash;and-coming fashion design students submitted their versions of the LBD, and celeb judges have ruled! See the top ten receive $5,000 in scholarships, as decreed by Ceron, Laurann Claridge of PaperCity, Clifford Pugh of CultureMap, Lindsey Love of the Houston Chronicle, Shannon Hall of Sloan/Hall, Chloe Dao, Lenny Matuszewski and more; $75 gets you front-row seats, $25 standing room. Information 713.789.1335; parties@nealhamilagency.com.

Retail Rap

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 05:59:20 GMT

Impressions Bridal Salon is changing its name. Houston partner Anita Gaylor reports that a chain of similarly named but very moderately priced bridal shops has caused confusion, so the chi-chi boutique located in Highland Village Shopping Center will hereafter be named after its owner: Joan Pillow A Bridal Salon. The rebranded salon (watch for new signage later this month) will continue to carry such covetable bridal names as Monique Lhuillier, Romona Keveza, Vera Wang, Marchesa, Carolina Herrera and Anna Maier ~ Ulla-Maija %26hellip; Several new blow-dry bars are blowing in to town. Cara Craft of Craft Salon has one in the works at West Ave, The Do Bar, scheduled to open in June. Blowing locks seven days a week, the concept offers a speedy blow-dry for $35, with additional beauty pick-me-ups such as 10-minute neck-and-shoulder massages. And in Lamar Plaza on Westheimer in River Oaks, The Blow Dry Bar, owned by Rebecca Tallerine, opens early this month, with blow-outs for $35 %26hellip; Here%26rsquo;s some music to our ears: Nordstrom recently acquired the Web site HauteLook, which currently holds 48-hour sale events with some of the top names in fashion, beauty and home decor. Might some tempting online shopping opportunities be in the works? %26hellip; Fans of David Meister%26rsquo;s women%26rsquo;s collection can now stock up on his flattering plus-size frocks at Saks Fifth Avenue. Meister%26rsquo;s eveningwear and red-carpet designs have been worn by Sharon Stone, Jennifer Hudson and Felicity Huffman, and now Saks is set to carry Meister%26rsquo;s previously online-only collection in sizes ranging from 14W to 24W, starting this month %26hellip; Sissy Davis has left her 17-year-position as managing director of Herm%26egrave;s to work with Wayne Smith Jewels. Davis has always wanted to design jewelry, and she and Smith will collaborate on bijoux creations %26hellip; Talk about a dream shopping event: The Salvation Army Women%26rsquo;s Auxiliary%26rsquo;s Chic Boutique after-sale, chaired by Suzie Conway and Debbie Rogers, is a pop-up store packed with fashionable goods donated from the closets of some of our city%26rsquo;s swans, located at 1992 West Gray in River Oaks Shopping Center April 14 and 15, 10 am to 7 pm, and April 16, 10 am to 5 pm, following the group%26rsquo;s April 12 luncheon and runway show (chaired by Linda McReynolds) %26hellip; On Thursday, May 5, IIDA Product Runway 2011, a benefit for The Furniture Bank of Houston at Verizon Wireless Theater, pairs architects and interior designers with students then challenges the teams to create unique fashion out of carpet, vinyl, tile, upholstery, among other curiosities. Tickets iidaproductrunway.com %26hellip; Tootsies spring trunk shows: Brazilian-born Claudia Lob%26atilde;o warms up the luxe new West Ave space with her jewelry designs April 6 through 8 (meet her on Thursday or Friday), while hometown gal Jill Reno dazzles with her own one-of-a-kind gems May 5 through 6 (with a PA on Friday). And while you%26rsquo;re at Tootsies, stop by the boutique%26rsquo;s %26ldquo;bazaar%26rdquo; for an asymmetrical Uzo umbrella, designed by Houstonians Ronald Obmaces and Josephine Firat %26hellip; Linda Cunningham boutique at 3310 Edloe hosts a trunk show for Luisa Cerano%26rsquo;s new spring wares April 4 through 9. And at BB1 Classic in Uptown Park, an Ambiente trunk show is April 1 through 3 %26hellip;. Whether your kids love sports, crafts, the arts, horses or robotics, they%26rsquo;ll find their niche in The Summer Book 2011: A Guide to Houston Day Camps and Classes for Kids and Teens. It%26rsquo;s never too soon to start planning for summer, so pick up your copy of Sarah Gish%26rsquo;s indispensable reference (now in its ninth year). Find the full list of retailers at thesummerbook.com %26hellip; After seeing %26ldquo;Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art%26rdquo; (though May 23) at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, shop its adjoining shop (installed on the second level of the Beck Building for the duration of the exhibition), which offers an enticing array of cadeaux.

Retail Rap

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:06:23 GMT

Collab alert: Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, the talented wunderkinds behind womenswear label Proenza Schouler, have teamed with the man who makes hair magic for their shows, stylist star Fr%26eacute;d%26eacute;ric Fekkai, on a limited-edition linen-and-leather tote. It%26rsquo;s jammed with goodies from Fekkai%26rsquo;s hair-care line, picked by the boys themselves, including a glossing cream, a wave-making spritz and a light-as-air hairspray. Snag a bag for $350 at the Fr%26eacute;d%26eacute;ric Fekkai Salon, Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue %26hellip; Fans of David Meister%26rsquo;s women%26rsquo;s collection can now find his flattering plus-size frocks at Saks Fifth Avenue. Meister%26rsquo;s eveningwear and red-carpet designs have been worn by Sharon Stone, Jennifer Hudson and Felicity Huffman, and now Saks is set to carry Meister%26rsquo;s previously online-only collection in sizes ranging from 14W to 24W, starting this month %26hellip; Can%26rsquo;t get enough Chlo%26eacute; or Kors? Clear your calendar for Thursday, April 28, from 10 am to 6 pm, when New York shoe boutique Iris hosts a trunk show at The Beretta Gallery in Highland Park Village. Expect a well-rounded, well-heeled collection of Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander, Rochas, Chlo%26eacute;, Michael Kors and Veronique Branquinho pumps, stilettos and classic flats. Find out more at 212.645.0950 %26hellip; Hadleigh%26rsquo;s in Highland Park Village has a new face to celebrate: Brian Cook, formerly with Esquire fave Baumans Fine Men%26rsquo;s Clothing in Little Rock, has joined the atelier as brand ambassador, responsible for touting the bespoke lifestyle across state lines. Visit 74 Highland Park Village or hadleighsbespoke.com to see what%26rsquo;s up Cook%26rsquo;s tailored sleeves for spring. (Hint: We hear multicolored, micro-check cotton trousers are so now.) %26hellip; Inwood Village%26rsquo;s Turtletique women%26rsquo;s shop has refreshed with design changes aplenty, including a modern, monochromatic environment and a sleek bar for drinks and light bites while shopping. As for fresh merch, look for the contemporary JS by Javier Simorra line and new shoe additions from Donald J Pliner, Stuart Weitzman, Isola and Andree Assous. See the new digs at 5550 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 168 %26hellip; One visit with the expert aestheticians at hair-removal spa Completely Bare, and we were hooked. On the menu? Laser and waxing services for ladies and gents, an exclusive Ouch-Less Wax formula, cellulite reduction and a major smell-good factor (think fresh and flowery) in its products. Find it all within the Exhale Spa at Hotel Palomar, or book online at completelybare.com. We%26rsquo;re just wild about April%26rsquo;s pop-y, pretty potential %26hellip; Popping up on our radar is Sample This!, a wallet-friendly, samples-only shop filled with women%26rsquo;s apparel from L.A. designers Cailey 22, Notice and Curtsey in sizes two, four and six. The best news? Nothing in the store is more than $100. Don your most comfortable flats and get to 5331 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 110 (in the former Counter Culture space).

Retail Rap

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:33:33 GMT

West Ave news: The first trunk show at the luxe new Tootsies spotlights sportswear designer Lyn Devon, Thursday through Saturday, March 3 through 5. More music to our ears: Bang %26amp; Olufsen has brought its high-tech audio solutions to a new space in West Ave. Opening in July at West Ave: Dallas-based Q Custom Clothiers, purveyors of fine men%26rsquo;s clothing %26hellip; Look for a busy month at Neiman Marcus, with PAs by Nicole Miller on March 3 and Carmen Marc Valvo, March 7 (Valvo launches his new book, Dressed to Perfection: The Art of Dressing for Your Red Carpet Moments, with a 6 pm book signing on Level One, followed by his Spring and Fall 2011 runway show; purchase seats at fgihouston.com). Also this month are Lafayette 148%26rsquo;s Edward Wilkerson, March 9; Escada%26rsquo;s Daniel Wingate, March 21; and Stephen Dweck, March 31. In other Neiman%26rsquo;s news, the retailer has a new exclusive: the denim jeans line Hudson by Georgia-May Jagger. Yes, she%26rsquo;s rock royalty %26mdash; one of Mick Jagger%26rsquo;s own %26hellip; Elsewhere at the Galleria, look for cool brand Free People to open next door to Steve Madden in late May ... Enticingly Chic boutique, newly opened at 2015 West Gray in River Oaks Shopping Center, stocks names such as Sea New York, McGinn, and Mark and James, along with accessories and home objects %26hellip; The muchachas who brought us Taco A Go-Go now delight with Chick %26amp; Chica, a southwestern clothing, home decor and gift shop at 3710 Main Street, next to the eatery %26hellip; Newly minted spectacle shop Eye Impact (5601 Washington Avenue) carries frames from some of today%26rsquo;s most eye-catching names, including Entourage of 7, Grotesque and Modern Amusement ... Baby%26rsquo;s %26amp; Kid%26rsquo;s 1st Furniture has opened its fourth location, this one in West University at the corner of Kirby and Bissonnet, stocking kid-friendly furniture, bedding, lamps, rugs and accessories %26hellip; Custom bike shop Fixed Gear Bicycles has moved down the road to a larger space at 2309 Dunlavy Street at Fairview %26hellip; Chloe Dao recently gave aspiring designers the chance to have their collections carried at her boutique, Lot 8. Eleven local designers were chosen, so come see the future of Houston fashion at 6127 Kirby %26hellip; On March 10, Hotel Sorella at CityCenter hosts a fashion show with designs from Elaine Turner and Claridge + King. Admission $20, with proceeds benefitting Country Playhouse Theatre %26hellip; Muse Boutique (2411 West Alabama) now stocks Toronto-based Pink Tartan and hot Trina Turk %26hellip; Haut Chocolat (2001 West Gray, in River Oaks Shopping Center) now carries covetable Italian linen scarves by Love Quotes %26hellip; On March 18 and 19, Hamilton Shirts hosts a trunk showing of Thomas Mason fabrics, available for bespoke shirts %26hellip; Visitors to Galveston%26rsquo;s historic Hotel Galvez can now explore the property%26rsquo;s storied past at the Hall of History exhibit, which celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the Queen of the Gulf.

Retail Rap

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:53:01 GMT

Have your AmEx polished: There%26rsquo;s a fashion prince riding into town and setting up shop %26mdash; a pop-up shop, in fact %26mdash; at 61 Highland Park Village. The late Emilio Pucci was famously dubbed the %26ldquo;Prince of Prints,%26rdquo; and now, a modern boutique bearing his name opens this month next door to our favorite sole-saver, Deno%26rsquo;s. Further deets about Emilio Pucci will come posthaste, but we%26rsquo;re told Pucci%26rsquo;s current collections %26mdash; from hunky blond creative director Peter Dundas %26mdash;%26nbsp;will only be here through the end of 2011 %26hellip; During its recent 25th anniversary bash, The Rosewood Crescent Hotel debuted a revamped and refreshed Gallery Ballroom with contemporary light fixtures, gold brocade fabric panels and elegant ivory accents, all courtesy of architectural design aces Wilson Associates. To book your next soir%26eacute;e in the chic new environs, summon the Rosewood event visionaries at 214.871.3200 %26hellip; Gents, immediately make your way to Neiman Marcus at NorthPark Center, where Tom Ford has planted an exclusive-to-NM menswear shop-in-shop on Level One. The collection brims with suits, dinner jackets, dress shirts, pocket squares and ties %26mdash; Ford%26rsquo;s complete collection. Indeed, there%26rsquo;s something for every single man %26hellip; How could we resist when Barneys New York invited us to its NorthPark Center flagship to mingle with actress and style darling Katie Holmes? Holmes, along with stylist Jeanne Yang, was here to show off Holmes %26amp; Yang, the pair%26rsquo;s luxe designer label that launched last fall. It%26rsquo;s a spring collection full of delightfully versatile pieces that every girl will love, including menswear-inspired trousers, a suede shift dress and a sexy silk camisole (it goes with anything) in an unexpected army-green hue. Cruise to Barneys%26rsquo; second level to snatch it all up.

Retail Rap

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:06:34 GMT

Galleria news: Italian luxury fashion house Prada and its lesser-priced but equally fashionable sister Miu Miu are opening this fall and summer, respectively. Both boutiques will open in Galleria 1, next to MaxMara. These will be the first Prada and Miu Miu boutiques in Texas. Another exciting opening at the Galleria to watch for is Omega. The watch brand will open next door to Jimmy Choo this summer. And speaking of Jimmy Choo, the chic shoe shop is undergoing a renovation, due to be complete by June 1. Across the way from Jimmy Choo, the Michael Kors boutique is expanding its space by 1,041 square feet, construction to be completed late spring %26hellip; Carolina Ortega has opened a pop-up shop in husband Eric Lindsey%26rsquo;s Galleria-area salon, Kharisma. Look for an evolving collection of accessories by Elizabeth Cole, Peace Treaty, Jill Platner, Loquita and more at her shop B%26rsquo;uku before she moves to bigger digs later this year %26hellip; 310 Rosemont is bringing in a few new labels for spring. Guys, check out Hartford shirting, Tracy Watts hats and graphic cotton tees by Scrapper. Ladies, you%26rsquo;ll love the new collections, from fashion by Masons and Timo Weiland to shoes and handbags by Sequoia Paris (Pierre Hardy%26rsquo;s lower-priced line of chic shoes) %26hellip; Linda Cunningham hosts a Hilton Hollis trunk show at her Edloe Street namesake boutique February 7 through 12.

Retail Rap

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:08:08 GMT

Our two favorite besties %26mdash; Birkins and diamonds %26mdash; top our news. Not only has Heritage Auctions, based right here in our backyard, just opened a tony new outpost at Park and 57th in Manhattan, but it has also just pounded the final gavel on its first luxury-accessories auction and broken its own record for fine jewelry. (Those two sales, FYI, were held in Dallas.) In bidding frenzies, buyers scooped up two rare Herm%26egrave;s beauties, from an offering of more than 30: a shiny fuchsia 30-centimeter crocodile for $41,800 and a matte-black 35-centimeter croc for $50,788 %26mdash; both above their estimates. In the sparkle department, an emerald-cut diamond stunner weighing in at 18.40 carats doubled its pre-auction estimate and went home %26mdash; on a very happy finger, we suspect %26mdash;%26nbsp;for $388,375. Perhaps it%26rsquo;s your turn next? See what%26rsquo;s coming at ha.com %26hellip; Say goodbye to lackluster locks. L.A. hair phenom Dry Bar is blowing into The Shops of Highland Park, 4222 Oak Lawn Avenue, trumpeting its signature motto %26ldquo;No cuts. No color. Just blowouts.%26rdquo; Do it up with one of DB%26rsquo;s five trademark looks, all $35: the Straight Up, Mai Tai, Southern Comfort, Manhattan and %26mdash; the one we%26rsquo;re dying to try %26mdash; the loose and lovely Cosmopolitan. The 4-1-1 is at 214.989.6136 %26hellip; Fr%26eacute;d%26eacute;ric Fekkai in Highland Park Village has some beautiful news: Dolores Villanueva is its new makeup artist, available Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from noon to 6 pm. Ring for her at 214.219.3600, for everything from makeup and false-eyelash application to an hour-long beauty lesson %26hellip; Divine designer Beth Dotolo has left Nest Interior Design to head up her own firm, Pulp Design Studios, with design partner Carolina Gentry. If your space is in need of sprucing %26mdash; Pulp%26rsquo;s work is richly mid-century, with sophisticated hues %26mdash;%26nbsp;contact the two at 214.504.2606, or via pulpdesignstudios.com.

Image: The Herm%26egrave;s Birkin in matte black crocodile. Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions.

Retail Rap

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:24:52 GMT

The New Year is already off to a rousing start, with a few of the city%26rsquo;s top shops raising a glass or three to celebrate another year of success. William Noble Rare Jewels marked its 30th anniversary at the end of 2010 in grand style, welcoming Noble Boutique to its flagship at 100 Highland Park Village, Suite 370. See what%26rsquo;s lust-worthy this month (we%26rsquo;ve got our eye on the pink sapphire dome ring) at williamnoble.com %26hellip; Meanwhile, it%26rsquo;s a happy third anniversary for Hiatus Spa + Retreat. What we%26rsquo;re celebrating? Those must-have mani-pedis in its super-reclining, zero-gravity chairs. Book your session now at 214.352.4111 %26hellip; We happened to spot signage in Highland Park Village for a certain newcomer with a flair for Southern style: luxury clothing and accessories designer Billy Reid. Reid%26rsquo;s current shop in NorthPark Center is taking its Stetson chapeaus, wingtip shoes and chambray dresses and moving to a space near Anne Fontaine, Mi Cocina and Who%26rsquo;s Who Burgers ... When we caught up with vintage virtuoso Cameron Silver at a party in August, we couldn%26rsquo;t help but notice his to-die-for denims. %26ldquo;These are Decades Denim!%26rdquo; he told us. %26ldquo;This is the first time they%26rsquo;ve been worn out. They%26rsquo;ve only been on an 18-year-old model and me.%26rdquo; Now, all can don Silver%26rsquo;s fab line of jeans, which he launched with New York/L.A. social swan Angelique Soave. Find them at boutiques Forty Five Ten, Elements, Merge and Cabana %26hellip; The bag snob herself, Tina Craig, has introduced a fresh (read: colorful) collection of lightweight and luxe clutch wallets, handcrafted from South African ostrich and designed to tow your cell phone, passport, checkbook and, of course, lip gloss. Scoop one up for $595 at Forty Five Ten ... Treat your child prodigy to a host of music, art, dance and gym classes at Kidville, the new children%26rsquo;s-entertainment concept at Preston Royal Village where your little Suri and Maddox can practice their jump shots, twirl in tutus or even celebrate birthdays with a themed bash. (Our four-year-old selves would have died for the Glamour Girl party.) The best part? Everything%26rsquo;s under one kid-friendly roof. Learn more at kidville8.reachlocal.net/dallas. What a playful January.

Image: Decades Denim.

Retail Rap

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:46:51 GMT

New in the West Ave development is Ivory Bridal Atelier, owned by sisters Sharon Levy and Ronit Levy Mele. They carry wedding gowns by such designers as Anne Barge, Rivini, Liancarlo and Badgley Mischka %26hellip; High-end consignment shop Couture Blowout has opened a second location to house its fabulous finds, this one at 2419 South Shepherd at Westheimer %26hellip; Attention, foodies: Olive %26amp; Vine, a retail shop and tasting bar offering fresh olive oils and vinegars from around the world, opens at CityCentre this month. The shop also stocks packaged olives, pastas and sauces, as well as cruets, dipping bowls and virgin olive oil bath and beauty products %26hellip; Also opening at CityCentre this month is clothing and accessories shop Free People, while hipster clothing mecca Urban Outfitters unveils an 11,105-square-foot boutique later in the fall on the lower floor, below RA Sushi %26hellip; Pandora, maker of affordable hand-finished and modern jewelry, has opened a 500-square-foot shop at the Galleria, next door to Bath %26amp; Body Works in Galleria II %26hellip; Opening in the newly named EaDo neighborhood (that would be %26ldquo;east of downtown%26rdquo;) is Anh Gift Shop. Anny Dang has set up shop at 912 St. Emanuel, next to her family%26rsquo;s praised Vietnamese restaurant Huynh. The store features Asian art, furniture, vases, tea and china sets, pottery, children%26rsquo;s clothes, jewelry, accessories and home accents %26hellip; Hamilton Custom Shirts hosts its annual Winter Sale January 1 through 31 at 5700 Richmond. Select fabrics (more than 100 basic, stripes and checks) are priced 20 percent off %26hellip; On Wednesday, January 26, DeVille Fine Jewelry owner Liz Glanville will be in-store to show off her %26ldquo;best of%26rdquo; pieces for Valentine%26rsquo;s Day. Stop in at 5700 Woodway, noon to 5 pm, for a sip of champagne while you check out the beautiful baubles %26hellip; Take a %26ldquo;Hop, Skip and Jump with The Frog at Home and The Women%26rsquo;s Home Partnership%26rdquo; Wednesday, February 2, 6 pm %26mdash; a shopping event where 20 percent of sales at the 2427 Westheimer location will benefit The Women%26rsquo;s Home. information, Cheryl Gallagher at 713.521.3150, ext. 121, or 713.840.0844 %26hellip; Neiman Marcus hosts a Zac Posen trunk show Friday, January 7, on Level 2 %26hellip; H%26amp;M has announced its long-awaited foray into Texas %26mdash; alas, in Dallas, but still closer than NYC. The first and only H%26amp;M in Texas arrives at NorthPark Center in the second half of 2011 in a very big way %26mdash; 24,000-square-feet big, to be exact, with all of its fashion-forward wares and designer-collaboration collections for ladies and gents in tow. More details will be spilled in the coming months. Till then, click hm.com to salivate and satiate.

Retail Rap

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:22:06 GMT

Zadok Jewelers has added 2,500 square feet of sparkling new space to their jewelry emporium, making them the largest independently owned jewelry store in the state of Texas. With the added space come more fabulous jewels, including an in-store Mikimoto pearls boutique and more luxe watch names, including Breguet, Bedat %26amp; Co., Bell %26amp; Ross and Michele. The selection of Tacori engagement rings has expanded, and Zadok%26rsquo;s now stocks%26nbsp; the Tacori line of jewelry called 18K925, plus expanded offerings from current brands Marco Bicego, Roberto Coin, H. Stern and Ippolita %26hellip; Ceron Salon announces two exciting additions to the staff: Brad Hensler and Jen Marine. Senior stylist Hensler, a former co-owner of Solution for Hair, worked in advertising and editorial in NYC for the past few years before moving back to Texas, where he was at Shyn before joining Ceron Salon. Makeup artist Marine %26mdash; both a MAC and Nars Pro-artist %26mdash; creates%26nbsp; glamorous visages for balls, parties, luncheons and of course weddings %26hellip; Kari Gonzalez, who ran the Houston Louis Vuitton boutique for seven years is now store director for Cartier in the Galleria %26hellip; Local accessories designer Elaine Turner opens her new namesake boutique in CityCentre Wednesday, December 8. And speaking of CityCentre, bring your kiddos to the plaza to meet Santa Claus on Saturday, December 4; the ho-ho-holiday cheer continues that afternoon with a performance by the Houston Community College Choir %26hellip; Next month, Luvi Wheelock opens Atrium next door to her bridal shop, Casa de Novia on D%26rsquo;Amico Street. The new concept boutique offers customers as-close-to-couture as you can get, with cocktail dresses and ball gowns by such sought-after labels as Palazzo, Prabal Gurung, Christian Cote and Angel Sanchez %26mdash; all in only one size, which will then be custom-fitted to the customer %26hellip; Hairstylist Jon Henderson has opened an innovative new space, The Jon Henderson Salon, at 701 Richmond in the Montrose area. Blasts of bold color fill the space, in a design conceived by local agency Truit Foug Architects %26hellip; Just in time for the holidays, Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress off U.S. Highway 290 has expanded its retail offerings. Twenty-five new designers and name-brand outlet stores %26mdash; including David Yurman, J Crew, Lacoste, Original Penguin, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tory Burch and Tumi %26mdash; have opened in the Phase II development %26hellip; Fendi has published Whispered Directory of Craftsmanship, a coffee-table book chronicling the historic dialogue between fundamental Fendi craftsmanship, Italian history and tradition. Organized alphabetically, the volume takes you on a journey through Italy by the letters %26mdash; A is for Amici (%26ldquo;bicycle%26rdquo; in Italian), G is for Grom (traditional Italian ice cream), etc.%26nbsp; %26mdash; thus qualifying a modern-day guidebook as well. Look for it this month in Fendi boutiques and specialty bookstores, in conjunction with Electa publishing %26hellip;%26nbsp; Shamaine Klein Design has launched the Ava jewelry collection of earrings, rings and pendants in sterling silver with a variety of finishes and colorful gemstones, priced $180 to $285, exclusively at Joseph Keith Jewelry in Rice Village and at the Laura U Collection %26hellip; Neiman Marcus is wrapping up the year with a lineup of trunk shows, beginning with Luca Luca December 2 and 3 (Couture Salon), jewelry by Ippolita on December 8 (Level 1), followed by Elizabeth %26amp; James jewelry and Kara Ross trunk shows, both on December 10. (Neiman%26rsquo;s now carries all of New York designer Kara Ross%26rsquo; luxury designs, including the high-end Kara Ross Gemstone collection, Kara Ross handbags and the Kara by Kara Ross jewelry collection.) Valentino%26rsquo;s spring collection is in house December 12 and 13, Etro on December 15 and 16, and YSL December 17. Judith Ripka%26rsquo;s opulent baubles will be sparkling in the Precious Jewels Salon December 17 and 18 %26hellip; On December 9 and 10, Tootsies holds a trunk show for Naeem Khan%26rsquo;s Spring 2011 collection, as well as jewelry trunk shows for both M.C.L. (with an appearance by designer Matthew Campbell Laurenza) and Claudia Lob%26atilde;o. Later in the month, Tootsies hosts Charles Chang Lima%26rsquo;s spring trunk show on December 14 and 15 %26hellip; Jewelry designer Pamela Froman will be at Cotton Club on December 17 and 18 for a trunk show of her one-of-a-kind colored-gemstone creations. Want to check out the collection sooner? Swing by Cotton Club on Thursday, December 16, from 6 to 8 pm, for a cocktail-party preview %26hellip; Solution for Hair owner Mark Horn launches his own hair-care label, Disciple, this month. The 12-piece collection sells for $15 per product at Solution for Hair %26amp; Makeup at 1800 Westheimer.

Retail Rap

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:23:38 GMT

The city%26rsquo;s most-talked-about shop news? H%26amp;M has announced its long-awaited foray into NorthPark Center. The first and only H%26amp;M in Texas will arrive during the second half of 2011 in a very big way %26mdash; 24,000-square-feet big, to be exact, with all of its fashion-forward wares and designer-collaboration collections for ladies and gents in tow. More details will be spilled in the coming months. Till then, click hm.com to salivate and satiate %26hellip; Good news for the Allen set: That purveyor of bohemian fashion and rustic decor, Anthropologie, just revealed its plans to debut at Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, in Allen, in October 2011 %26hellip; Just as winter has us wishing for a warmer wardrobe, come January, troves of elegant, Italian-made cashmere knits arrive by way of Manrico Cashmere at NorthPark Center. Manrico already has shops in swank zip codes prone to chilly temps %26mdash; Aspen, Chicago and New York City %26mdash; so we know its silky-soft wares will play well here when those temps plummet (below 50, we mean). For a sneak peek, see manrico.com %26hellip; Last month, Express at NorthPark Center reopened its doors after a relocation and a glam remodel. Among the urbane new features are Louis-style chairs and mirrored display tables contrasted with modern sofas and sleek wood accents. See the new digs between Gap and Paper Source, or dial 214.265.6858 %26hellip; To celebrate its 95th year, Robb %26amp; Stucky Interiors has added legendary line to its array of furnishings. This month, the entire Ralph Lauren Home Collection can be sought at R%26amp;S%26rsquo;s Plano showroom. From sofas upholstered in Ralph%26rsquo;s signature tartan to desktop boxes of inlaid oak or silver plate, your manse will thank you when you visit 7240 Dallas Parkway or ring 972.403.3030.

Image: Express at NorthPark Center.

Retail Rap

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:15:04 GMT

Wardrobe consultant and Highland Park grad Cissy Jones is painting the town these days %26#8212; all from a seat at her dining-room table. Appropriately named after her mother and daughter, Jones%26#8217; Two Helens line of MoMA-worthy hand-sewn and hand-painted geometric cotton tees %26#8212; named Rothko and Mondrian %26#8212;%26nbsp;is available at Cabana, from $135, and online through twohelens.com %26#8230; We love a glamorous good deed, and this month Glamour magazine teams up with sizzling young designers such as Prabal Gurung, Genevieve Jones, and Max Osterweis for its Fashion Gives Back project: a tony collection of limited-edition tote bags ($68) with 100 percent of sales benefitting the National Audubon Society. Find them all at Henri Bendel at NorthPark Center or at henribendel.com %26#8230; Forty Five Ten has roped in a new gem: Headstone Designs is the just-launched jewelry line from antiques guru Jacqui Stoneman, whose whimsical, curated abode has been in D Home. Collect Stoneman's necklaces and bracelets %26#8212; all made from found beads, vintage jade and antique silver chains, but with highly sculptural results %26#8212;%26nbsp;at 4510 McKinney Avenue %26#8230; An abundance of sparkle has replaced the contemporary art in the former Goss-Michael Foundation space at 2500 Cedar Springs Road, as Park Cities Jewelers moves from its McKinney Avenue spot this month. Our eyes are on over-the-top jewels and timepieces by Maurice Lacroix, plus a bounty of Baccarat crystal. Info 214.520.6148; parkcitiesjewelers.com %26#8230; There%26#8217;s plenty to talk about at West Village. From across the pond, Lilli London has made its U.S. debut with luxe loungewear, camisole vests and palazzo pants. And for gents? Hangers, purveyor of trendy men%26#8217;s shirts, makes a move from Galleria Dallas to Uptown this month, filling its new shop with styles from Robert Graham to 7 Diamonds and more. Ring 972.392.9700.%26nbsp;

Image: Fashion Gives Back tote bags at Henri Bendel.

Retail Rap

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 12:16:10 GMT

Wayne Smith of Wayne Smith Jewels is packing up his bijoux and moving lock, stock and beryl to Uptown Park, next to Gittings. His new doors swing open mid-November. Meantime, his precious-jewels salon remains open until the move at 2736 Virginia near Westheimer %26#8230; Handbag designer Elaine Turner opens a 1,500-square-foot boutique (her second Houston location) in CityCentre at 800 Town %26amp; Country Boulevard this month %26#8230; In January, Ann Taylor Loft opens in the Village Arcade, next to Banana Republic on University Boulevard %26#8230; Polished Day Spa has opened at 3910 Kirby Drive %26#8230; The first annual Montrose Bazaar takes place November 13, at 4317 Montrose Boulevard. Shop for fashion, furniture, accessories and art from local designers and stores including Kwanda Klothing, Fashion Plate, Chile De Anya and Nation Collaborative, and artist Juan Carlos DeLeon %26#8230; Shop for antiques at fall%26#8217;s Urban Market Saturday and Sunday, November 6 and 7, at The Knights of Columbus Field, north of the Heights at 607 E. Whitney. Info theurbanmarkethouston.com %26#8230; Kuhl-Linscomb hosts an Ila %26amp; I jewelry trunk show November 6, 11 am to 6 pm. Can%26#8217;t make it? Check out the collection at a second trunk show at Cotton Club November 13, 10 am to 6 pm %26#8230; Luxury jeweler Bulgari hosts a trunk show of its latest timepieces, including Grand Complications, November 24 through December 2 at the Galleria boutique %26#8230; Tootsies hosts a bevy of trunk shows this month, including Michael Kors spring, November 4 and 5; Miriam Haskell jewelry, November 12 and 13; Elizabeth %26amp; James jewelry, November 19 and 20; Naeem Khan spring, November 22 and 23 %26#8230; Joseph hosts a trunk show for designer Meredith Wendell%26#8217;s bags and belts that dazzle with colored glass on November 19 and 20 %26#8230; Casa de Novia bridal boutique now carries Reem Acra and Melissa Sweet bridal-gown confections %26#8230; Neiman Marcus%26#8217; upcoming trunk shows include Dolce %26amp; Gabbana on November 3; Chanel cruise, November 4 and 5; Jason Wu resort and spring, November 10; Christian Dior spring, November 13; and Oscar de la Renta, November 22 through 24. Don%26#8217;t miss personal appearances by housewares designer Michael Aram in Gift Galleries on November 17 and jewelry designer John Hardy in Precious Jewels Salon on November 19 %26#8230; Fashion boutique Linda Cunningham (3310 Edloe) hosts a Lisa Keeper Neuhaus Jewelry trunk show November 17 through 19.

Retail Rap

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:09:58 GMT

One of our favorite home design stores, Area, is expanding this month. Owner Don Connelly and store director Daniel Cuellar have taken over the vacated space next door, adding 1,500 square feet to the 5600 Kirby location to house more of Area%26#8217;s fabulous furniture and accessories, including the new collection of hide rugs from Yerra, a South American line. Also in the works: a redo of the patio area by Gregory/Henry Landscape Design ... Salvatore Ferragamo launches Ferragamo World this month, an eco-friendly collection of men%26#8217;s footwear designed with special sole technology and inspired by the traveling lifestyle of the Italian city man. Proceeds from Ferragamo World sales benefit the Acumen Fund %26#8230; In the flesh at Neiman Marcus: Wednesday, October 6, handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez shows off exotic skins. Thursday, October 7, the beautiful Roberta Armani presents uncle Giorgio Armani%26#8217;s Spring 2011 women%26#8217;s collection. Wednesday, October 13, jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke makes a personal appearance with her collection of heraldic baubles. Tuesday, October, 19, crystal designer William Yeoward is in Gift Galleries, and Thursday, October 28, Magic%26#8217;s wife Cookie Johnson swoops into town with her new sportswear collection ... Paul Carter Jewels owner Paul Carter Johnson has opened a second luxe location at CityCentre (the first is at Uptown Park) %26#8230; Azur Salon owners Gregory Decker and Nick Brines will open a second location, Azur West, at the new West Ave retail and residential haven at Westheimer and Kirby by the end of the year. Two thousand square feet of luxe pampering %26#8212; we can%26#8217;t wait! %26#8230; The new women%26#8217;s boutique Lavo Collections at%26nbsp; Rice Village Arcade will open at the end of the month %26#8230; River Oaks Shopping Center news: Linda Cunningham%26#8217;s Haut Chocolat women%26#8217;s boutique has opened and is stocked with contemporary collections from Robert Rodriquez, Catherine Malandrino, Robbi %26amp; Nikke and Parameter. Jennifer Diehl is opening Enticingly Chic early next year, with plans to carry such names as Mcginn, Rachel Antonoff, WHIT, Corey Lynn Calter and Gessica Brooke %26#8230; Avalon Massage %26amp; BodyWorks has opened in the Centre at Post Oak between Swirll and Nordstrom Rack. Owners Paula Vidal, Damazo Vidal and Randy Greer offer luxe spa treatments, from shiatsu and hot stone to cranial sacral massage and reflexology. Facials, body wraps, personal training and a therapy hot tub are also on the menu.

Retail Rap

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:46:17 GMT

Richard Lambertson and John Truex, the creative duo behind Tiffany %26amp; Co.%26#8217;s darling new handbag and accessory collection, have added NorthPark Center%26#8217;s T %26amp; Co. boutique to their list of appearances. The L and T team will make a stop on Thursday, October 21, from 2 to 4 pm, to meet and greet fans. We see bags lined with Tiffany blue in your future, so dial 214.378.9800 for details %26#8230; Diamond Affairs is planning its own celebration with an expansion into non-wedding events such as soir%26#233;es abroad, gourmet dinner parties and birthday f%26#234;tes. Another reason to raise a toast to Diamond Affairs? Jamie Singer has joined the team as lead celebration and event planner. Visit them at 3000 Carlisle Street, diamondaffairs.com, or program 214.740.1818 into your speed dial %26#8230; Master artisan Michael Aram will pay a visit to St. Michael%26#8217;s Woman%26#8217;s Exchange in Highland Park Village to sign or engrave his popular collection of bowls, vases, candelabras and more. See and be seen at 5 Highland Park Village on Friday, October 22, from 2 to 5 pm %26#8230; Announcing even more store openings at Galleria Dallas: Denim-centric boutique Apricot Lane opens on Level Two, while iconic American sportswear designer Michael Kors will move in this month on Level One %26#8230; Stanley Korshak%26#8217;s jewelry cases are overflowing with a bevy of new designers this month. Steer the Range Rover (you%26#8217;ll need cargo space to haul these jewels) to the Crescent Court specialty store to see shining new gems from Monique Pean, Wendy Yue, John Iverson and more.%26nbsp;

Retail Rap

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:17:00 GMT

Ylang 23 has us begging for baubles this month as it welcomes a crew of jewelry designers for in-store appearances at its Galleria Dallas boutique. On September 1 and 2, meet designer Jamie Joseph and snag her one-of-a-kind, hand-cut stones. Come September 15 and 16, Irene Neuwirth sweeps in with her newest collection, inspired by a recent trip to Spain. Finally, on September 29 and 30, Ten Thousand Things designers David Rees and Ron Anderson will show their organic, over-the-top wares (972.980.0819; ylang23.com) %26#8230; Bling takes a benevolent turn as Sue Gragg (of Sue Gragg Precious Jewels) and Trisha Wilson (of The Wilson Foundation and founder of design firm Wilson %26amp; Associates) team up to create a black-onyx and sterling-silver charm bracelet, with all the profits supporting education and healthcare for children in South Africa. The charitable arm candy has a $125 price tag and can be purchased via thewilsonfoundation.org %26#8230; Hotel ZaZa is toasting yet another accolade as ZaSpaDr. Vu T. Ho, plastic surgeon and guru of non-invasive cosmetic procedures, who will offer everything from Botox to Latisse. Get on the books: 214.550.9492. More buzz at ZaZa this month: The Rebecca %26amp; Drew Manufacturing trunk show on Saturday, September 18, in the Red Shoes suite, plus the Fall 2010 collection of handbags by Mary Nichols and charitable scarves from Dress For Success Dallas. Reply to lindsay@rebeccaandrew.com %26#8230; Oscar de la Renta has set a date: By Thursday, September 30, the NorthPark Center boutique will be stocked with the designer%26#8217;s complete bridal collection of gowns, shoes and accessories %26#8212; a most joyous announcement, indeed. Ring 214.346.0400 or see oscardelarenta.com %26#8230; D. Jones Tailored Collection is the newest point of contact for modern-day Cary Grants desiring perfectly tailored suits. They%26#8217;re oh-so-bespoke, in more than 400 fabrics and with hand-stitched, wool-canvas linings. To schedule a fitting (there is no shop; a tailor comes right to you), click djones.com or call 214.226.0133 %26#8230; Manscaping has its moment as gents take over the back cabana at Luxury on Lovers Advanced Skin and Body Care. Come one, come all alpha males for Mensday Wednesdays, where Led Zeppelin tunes, specialty cocktails and services such as waxing, teeth whitening and HydraExpress facials are on the bill of fare. By appointment (on Wednesdays only, natch): 214.352.8800 %26#8230; While on the shopping circuit at The Plaza at Preston Center, one must pay a visit to Mal Malouf, the eponymous new boutique from Mal Malouf Parsons. Housed in the former Viva A Paris digs, MM is stocked with a bevy of goodies including jewelry by Rory Ashton and Kendra Scott and clothing by Hard Tail, Kay Celine and Pink Polka Dot. See the shop at 4014 Villanova Street %26#8230; Yigal Azrou%26#235;l, a master of modern, sculptural fashion, has just launched Cut25. The urbane collection brings forth edgy pieces, including leather bomber jackets, sequined leggings and T-shirt dresses, and falls into a rather remarkable price range %26#8212;%26nbsp;most pieces are less than $500. Find it this month at Intermix at NorthPark Center, 214.691.3800.%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Image: The Wilson Foundation's Hope Bracelet. Photo by Doug Wright.

brings a licensed medical doctor onboard. You%26#8217;ll want to become acquainted with

Retail Rap

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:10:39 GMT

Rome Salon and Day Spa has opened at West Ave, the new retail and residential development at Kirby and Westheimer. The 9,500-square-foot Roman-inspired sanctuary features 12-foot columns and a Venetian plaster rotunda with an alluring goddess, a full-service relaxation lounge, VIP suite with private entry and a spa boutique. Check out romedayspa.com to see the menu of treatments that are, says director Zahira Coll, reminiscent of the spa and beauty rituals enjoyed by the ancient Romans ... Muse boutique now stocks Trina Turk, Rachel Pally, By Francine and 302 ... On Saturday, October 2, from 4 to 8 pm, River Oaks Shopping Center hosts the first of what is set to be an annual cultural festival called Fall Fusion. Four hot spots along West Gray will take visitors on a tour of the five senses of art, fashion, food, wine and music for only $20. Information riveroaksshoppingcenter.com ... Jewelry designer Shamaine Klein is in town this month for a weekend of fun trunk shows. Check out her stylish collection at Ceron Salon Thursday, September 23, for 7 pm cocktails, then again on Friday, September 24. On Saturday, September 25, the baubles are on view from noon to 5 pm at Donald J Pliner in Highland Village with a special appearance by shoe designer Mr. Pliner himself. Pliner%26#8217;s wife, Lisa F. Pliner %26#8212; the new face of the Shamaine Klein%26nbsp; jewelry collection %26#8212; will greet customers at all three events ... Sur La Table opens its second Houston location at CityCentre, the new shopping center at I-10 and Beltway 8, by the end of the year ... It%26#8217;s a party: Syma Levy has launched an event-planning company, Oulala! What an Event, where she meticulously organizes over-the-top celebrations from conjuring the theme and carrying it through creatively from invitations to the ta-da moment when it all comes flawlessly together. Reach her at 713.855.8755; oulalaevents.com) ... Polished Day Spa has opened at 3910 Kirby Drive. We can%26#8217;t wait to indulge in the Citrus Polished Pedicure %26#8212; sounds so refreshing ... Saks Fifth Avenue dates: Join fine jewelry designer Katy Briscoe for a pre-holiday trunk show at the luxe retailer Wednesday, September 22.%26nbsp; On Saturday, September 30, Saks welcomes Lafayette 148 designer Edward Wilkerson for a trunk showing %26#8230; On Wednesday, September 1, luxury consignment shop More Than You Can Imagine launches its e-commerce site at mtyci.com. All the fashionable inventory will be posted online as soon as it arrives in the store, so you can %26#8220;Windows%26#8221; shop for Louis Vuitton duffels and barely worn Louboutins right from your desktop ...%26nbsp; Last but not least, don%26#8217;t forget Fashion%26#8217;s Night Out! on Friday, September 10. Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and a bevy of other stores host events that evening to celebrate the nationwide initiative. Let%26#8217;s shop!

Retail Rap

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:55:54 GMT

Florida-based fashion designer Linda Cunningham opens a second boutique in Houston later this month in River Oaks Shopping Center. The 3,017-square-foot space will stock women%26#8217;s contemporary collections including Parameter, Laundry, Catherine Malandrino, Robbi %26amp; Nikke, Ali-Ro, Liquid, Phoebe, Carmen Marc Valvo Line, Robert Rodriguez and Leifsdotttir, and given the name %26#8212; Haut Chocolat Delicious Clothes with Sweet Aplomb %26#8212; we bet it%26#8217;ll be highly addictive %26#8230; Also at River Oaks Shopping Center, decorator Jann Wisdom has opened her home decor boutique, Jann Wisdom Designs Home Accents %26#8230; Venerable florist Empty Vase has opened in its new River Oaks Boulevard space in Lamar %26#8211; River Oaks Community Center, which is a little cozier than its last address. Swing in to order a bouquet or leave with a handful of freshly cut buds %26#8230; Tile and stone retailer Casalinea will open a second location mid-month, this one in Highland Village Shopping Center next door to Pierre Deux. The new, larger showroom will showcase more of their fabulous mosaic-tile designs, Boffi bathroom furniture and contemporary lighting by Viabizzuno %26#8230; Guess Accessories opens in Galleria I this month, across from Victoria%26#8217;s Secret %26#8230; Trellis The Spa at The Houstonian Hotel has a new spa director: Renae Cassam, who previously served as spa director at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa in Jupiter Island, Florida, and The Mansion on Peachtree in Atlanta %26#8230; Local accessories designer Elaine Turner%26#8217;s fall collection hits the shelves at her namesake boutique on August 1%26#8230; Hank Richardson opens his second Define: Body %26amp; Mind fitness studio next month at 1945 West Grey. The two-story, 3,800-square-foot space %26#8212;%26nbsp;which was a dance studio circa the 1940s %26#8212; will feature three separate studios for classes, a large retail space and health counseling to take your health and wellness even further.

Retail Rap

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:37:54 GMT

Talk about a bright fashion forecast: NorthPark Center welcomes a blast of designers this fall. In September, Gucci opens its 6,445-square-foot, marble-festooned boutique between Salvatore Ferragamo and Versace %26#8212; a grand place to find Gucci%26#8217;s ready-to-wear collections for men and women, plus accessories, jewelry, shoes and handbags. Also appearing on NorthPark%26#8217;s stylish terrain this September is Gregory%26#8217;s %26#8212; a must-shop should you be pursuing the clothing and shoes of Alessandro Dell%26#8217;Acqua, Nicholas Kirkwood, Moschino and more. Next spring, Elie Tahari moves in, bringing its sleek collections of polished womenswear. For all the opening deets, click northparkcenter.com %26#8230; Galleria Dallas is also partaking in the retail rage: French Riviera native Fa%26#231;onnable is set to open there by summer%26#8217;s end, with plenty of pressed shirts, preppy blazers and tony accessories for all. Following suit is the prolific handbag line Dooney %26amp; Bourke, which will carry all its DB-emblazoned leather accessories and handbags at its second Dallas store %26#8230; In time for fall stiletto-seeking, Jimmy Choo is freshening its Highland Park Village boutique with shiny new furniture and decor. Until the store%26#8217;s reopening on August 18, those in desperate need can arrange a personal shopping appointment via 214.528.6801 %26#8230; Snider Plaza is having a youth quake as Babybliss celebrates the opening of sister store miniMe. In addition to irresistible baby necessities, the space brims with clothing, shoes, furniture, bedding and more for stylish toddlers, elementary schoolers and pre-teens. Adore it all at 6719 Snider Plaza; 214.346.5401 %26#8230; Another place your tot must shop is Chocolate Soup. The children%26#8217;s-clothing boutique has changed addresses within Preston Royal Village (it%26#8217;s now at 6025 Royal Lane) and has added some adorable new clothing, too (214.363.6981) %26#8230; Just as withdrawal from Swoozie%26#8217;s colorful stationery and accessories set in, the temporarily closed shop returns this month, with its grand reopening party at the Plaza at Preston Center slated for September 10 and 11. A resounding welcome back to all those hostess gifts, baby goodies and tabletop frills. Make tracks to 8417 Preston Center Plaza Drive %26#8230; A historic locale ventured into retail when The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza recently snipped the ribbon at its Museum Store + Caf%26#233; at 501 Elm Street, across the street from the museum itself. Contemporary offerings include books, documentaries, pop-culture knickknacks and local artisanal wares from Brad Oldham, The Eye on the Sparrow Designs and more. Click to jfk.org.

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Image:%26nbsp; Gucci Fall/Winter 2010

Retail Rap

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:36:22 GMT

Be it the quiet social calendar or the longer days, there%26#8217;s something about summer that leaves us with a hankering for antiquing. We%26#8217;ll be heading to 100 Riveredge Drive in the Design District, where Uncommon Market is set to move in late August. In need of more space for all those vintage armoires, buffets, bookcases and accessories, the 40-year-old decor destination will bid adieu to its two houses on Fairmount Street and say hello to a new brick-encased industrial space. Stay in the know at uncommonmarketdallas.com %26#8230; Speaking of summer cravings: Seafaring weekends at the beach in Southampton call for a sporty pair of Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes. Before embarking, make tracks to Sperry%26#8217;s new NorthPark Center boutique, which is stocked with preppy styles for ladies, gents and their tony tots. See sperrytopsider.com or call 214.987.3676 %26#8230; Make room for this in your beach bag: Fr%26#233;d%26#233;ric Fekkai%26#8217;s new Marine Summer Hair Collection. For hydrating luscious locks, there%26#8217;s the Beachcomber Leave-in Conditioner, while Beach Waves spray promises sexy, textured curls. But our favorite is the Zero-Humidity Frizz Control, which rids the coif of flyaways in even the muggiest climes. Find it all at the Fekkai salon at 47 Highland Park Village, 214.219.3600 %26#8230; If you hear hammers and saws at 4519 McKinney Avenue, look for Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams in hardhats. The gents are planning to open one of their eponymous wonderlands there this September: 7,500 square feet filled with contemporary-chic furniture, lighting, rugs and accessories. Pull up a Chesterfield and stay tuned %26#8230; The 4th Wall Gallery has introduced a bookish new chapter named The Story Book House, located just behind the Uptown gallery in a 100-year-old carriage house. The children%26#8217;s bookshop is stocked with picture books and custom-made, book-filled gift baskets that your mini Jane Austen or soon-to-be Hemingway is sure to love. Bring them to 2925 Fairmount Street or click thestorybookhouse.com %26#8230;%26nbsp; We do sometimes subscribe to %26#8220;less is more,%26#8221; which means we%26#8217;re suddenly obsessed with the barely there makeup concept. Ready your skin for a world sans blush and foundation with Flower Road Natural Therapies, local gal Michelle Bardwell Shelmire%26#8217;s line of synthetic- and preservative-free, organic skincare products. Try the lavender cream or the Egyptian elixir, which uses frankincense oil and bitter-orange extract to help enhance the skin. We%26#8217;re all for that. For information, visit flowerroad.net or call 214.987.2766 %26#8230; What does one get the couple that has everything? Fabulous vacays, of course. Savvy online honeymoon registry sendusoff.com allows brides and grooms to select a destination and register for airfare, hotels, spa treatments, dinners, even picnics and champagne %26#8230; Designer Vera Wang is collaborating with David%26#8217;s Bridal on a line of chic wedding gowns priced no higher than $1,500. Look for the budget bridal confections on David%26#8217;s Bridal racks in Spring 2011.

Image: Sperry Top-Sider%26#8217;s leather and suede Montauk slip-on.

Retail Rap

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:35:23 GMT

River Oaks Shopping Center is welcoming several new tenants. Phoenix-based, old-time-y V%26#8217;s Barbershop opens this summer next door to Jamba Juice. Day spa Urban Retreat is relocating this October from its San Felipe home to a new 6,734-square-foot spot atop the Barnes %26amp; Noble at West Gray and Shepherd. The luxury spa will be adding to its already supreme list of services a wellness center that includes two full-time doctors on staff administering a variety of anti-aging treatments. The space also includes an outdoor patio with a view of the downtown skyline.%26nbsp; Galleria news: Crocs has opened in Galleria II, Level 2, near Saks Fifth Avenue. East 5th Hub and Guess Accessories are due to open midsummer, both in Galleria I, Level 2. Watch for their neighbor, Michael Kors, to expand into part of the former Bailey Banks %26amp; Biddle space %26#8230; Saks Fifth Avenue has opened a new children%26#8217;s department on the third floor. Shop Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Juicy Couture, Joie and Ella Moss in sizes from infant to 14 girls, and size 7 boys %26#8230; Mortar, the hip men%26#8217;s store on lower Westheimer that just opened in March, has already outgrown its space and is moving across the street to the former Martin Driscoll space at 1911 Westheimer. The new 2,600-square-foot location, which was originally a plumbing supply house in the 1920s and %26#8217;30s, is being redesigned by co-owners Sacha Nelson and Iris Riff with products and trimmings from local green hardware store New Living %26#8230; Blue Leaf in Rice Village Arcade now carries trendy designs by MollaSpace. We love the Love Grenade and Money Tree coin banks, plus the animal-head shot glasses %26#8230; Opening late this month in CityCentre is Flora %26amp; Muse, a European-inspired flower shop, cafe, bar, patisserie and late-night eatery %26#8230; Now you don%26#8217;t need to visit Dallas or Austin to shop at Madewell, the boutique known for its hip denim bar and stylish casual wear (created by the geniuses at J.Crew, no less). Madewell%26#8217;s ecommerce line has launched at madewell1937.com %26#8230; Repair your favorite tattered jeans the right way %26#8212; by reweaving, not patching %26#8212; with Denim Therapy. Just fill out the online form at denimtherapy.com, ship your tired denim and have it back within days. These experts repair rips, tears, hems, belt loops, zippers, buttons and rivets, and will even re-dye denim. Denim Therapy can also covert your fave jeans into your new fave maternity jeans %26#8230; The Woodlands%26#8217; successful Dionysus Salon %26amp; Spa has opened a Houston outpost at 3201 Louisiana at Elgin %26#8230; Marlo Miller boutique, located off Fountainview, now stocks summer styles from Ivy Jane, Bentley A, Notice and Makers of True Originals %26#8230; What does one get the couple that has everything? Fabulous vacays, of course. Savvy online honeymoon registry sendusoff.com allows brides and grooms to select a destination and register for airfare, hotels, spa treatments, dinners, even picnics and champagne %26#8230; Designer Vera Wang is collaborating with David%26#8217;s Bridal on a line of chic wedding gowns priced no higher than $1,500. Look for the budget bridal confections on David%26#8217;s Bridal racks in Spring 2011.

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Image:%26nbsp; MollaSpace Love Grenade banks at Blue Leaf

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Retail Rap

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:03:59 GMT

There are two new terribly fashionable reasons to get to Galleria Dallas. On Level One? BCBGenerations, a new concept from BCBG with youthful, urban attire for glam girls. Upstairs on Level Two? Shasa, the Mexico City%26#8211;based boutique that houses trend-driven, globally inspired fashions with dreamy price tags. Click bcbgenerations.com and sasha.com for more on this dynamic duo %26#8230; The Goss-Michael Foundation makes a rather big move from its Cedar Springs address (already closed, FYI) to a new spot at 1405 Turtle Creek Boulevard in the Design District. The new art space will be offline all summer for renovations, with a grand opening and inaugural exhibit planned for fall %26#8230; Cherished bohemian gift shop The Gypsy Wagon has also made a move, closing its Bonita Avenue shop and opening at 2928 Henderson Avenue. The new Gypsy is twice the size and now offers a bedding line and garden section. Take a sneak peek at the-gypsy-wagon.com %26#8230; We love anything that pops up, especially when it involves one of our choice shopping spots, Highland Park Village. This time it%26#8217;s Vilebrequin, making a temporary appearance with its colorful French swim trunks, hoodies, and beachwear for les hommes. The catch? The store, just down the sidewalk from Carolina Herrera, will only be in town through January 31. More HPV dish: Diane Von Furstenberg will be Herrera%26#8217;s neighbor, too, this fall. We%26#8217;re on it %26#8230; After a long evening of parties and galas, a bit of self-pampering is in order. Enter Bath Junkie in its relocated spot at 6829 Snider Plaza, where you choose your product %26#8212; lotion, body mist, shave gel, hand wash, body oil %26#8212; before selecting from 200 different scents and a multitude of colorful shades. It%26#8217;s true: Custom-made is always best %26#8230; Now that the much-anticipated 2,300-square-foot Fendi outlet store has opened at Prime Outlets in San Marcos %26#8212; joining fellow Italians Giorgio Armani, Ferragamo, Gucci and Loro Piana %26#8212; the gurus at Prime Outlets asked fashion stylist James Aguiar (Full Frontal Fashion, Where D%26#8217;Ya Get That?, Style Court) to weigh in with a must-have shopping list of fashion icons from this Italian contingent. Aguiar%26#8217;s timeless treasures: Fendi Baguette bag, Ferragamo shoes, Gucci printed scarf, Loro Piana cashmere sweater, Armani jacket. Naturally, the outlet center is housed in an architectural design inspired by the Piazza San Marco in Venice ... In even more Fendi-mania, the house%26#8217;s hyper-glam Fendi Casa showroom opens soon in the Design District, at 1617 Hi Line Drive, in Suite 240. For your own casa, that means chunky, architectural sofas and tables, all with that saucy Fendi flair. La dolce vita, here we come.

Image: Vilebrequin, popping up at Highland Park Village

Retail Rap

Wed, 26 May 2010 04:24:08 GMT

Neiman Marcus will host a trunk show of Ralph Lauren%26#8217;s Fall 2010 ready-to-wear collection on Thursday, June 24. While you%26#8217;re there, check out fashion designer Dahlia McPhee%26#8217;s collection of evening gowns, both cocktail and formal, new to Neiman%26#8217;s %26#8230; I.W. Marks Jewelers has received the Better Business Bureau%26#8217;s Winner of Distinction Award for the 11th time %26#8230; Now you don%26#8217;t need to visit Dallas or Austin to shop at Madewell, the chic boutique known for its hip denim bar and stylish casual wear (created by the geniuses at J. Crew, no less). Madewell%26#8217;s ecommerce line launches this month at madewell1937.com %26#8230; Repair your favorite tattered jeans the right way %26#8212; by reweaving, not patching %26#8212; with Denim Therapy. Just fill out the online form at denimtherapy.com, ship your tired denim and have it back within days. These experts repair rips, tears, hems, belt loops, zippers, buttons and rivets, and will even re-dye denim. Denim Therapy can also covert your fave jeans into your new fave maternity jeans%26#8230; Luxe day spa Rome opens this month at West Ave. Visit romedayspa.com for hours and spa menu %26#8230; 7 For All Mankind denim launches a new collaboration with design powerhouse Jonathan Adler this month. Adler%26#8217;s collection for men and women comes in three cheeky themes %26#8212; Deluxe, Rustic and Pop %26#8212; and includes several of his iconic patterns, such as bamboo, keyhole and Acapulco prints. At the 7 For All Mankind boutique in the Galleria %26#8230; Linda Cunningham hosts a Lafayette 148 trunk show Monday through Saturday, June 7 through 12 %26#8230; The Woodlands%26#8217; successful Dionysus Salon %26amp; Spa has opened a Houston outpost at 3201 Louisiana at Elgin %26#8230; Marlo Miller boutique, located off Fountainview, has stocked new summer styles from Ivy Jane, Bentley A, Notice and Makers of True Originals %26#8230; Blue Leaf in Rice Village Arcade now carries trendy designs by MollaSpace. We love the Love Grenade and Money Tree coin banks, plus the animal-head shot glasses %26#8230; Talented sisters Saba and Sarah Jawda have joined creative forces to launch Jawda and Jawda, a company focusing on creative outlets ranging from architecture and interior design to art, graphic design, marketing and company branding. Visit jawdaandjawda.com for more details %26#8230;%26nbsp; Beverly Hills%26#8217; famous cupcake bakery Sprinkles opens in Highland Village Shopping Center this month at 4014 Westheimer. Also moving in to Highland Village this month at 4016 Westheimer is PaperSource, offering %26nbsp;fine and artisanal papers, stationery, invitations, gift wrap, greeting cards, quirky gifts and a custom collection of envelopes and cards %26#8230; Now that the much-anticipated 2,300-square-foot Fendi outlet store has opened at Prime Outlets in San Marcos %26#8212; joining Italian outlet stores Giorgio Armani, Ferragamo, Gucci and Loro Piana %26#8212; the gurus at Prime Outlets asked fashion stylist James Aguiar (Full Frontal Fashion, Where D%26#8217;Ya Get That?, Style Court) to weigh in with a must-have shopping list of fashion icons from this Italian contingent. Aguiar%26#8217;s list of timeless treasures: Fendi Baguette bag, Ferragamo shoes, Gucci printed scarf, Loro Piana cashmere sweater, Armani jacket. And, naturally, the outlet center is housed in an impressive architectural design inspired by the Piazza San Marco in Venice.

Retail Rap

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:24:11 GMT

Empty Vase is moving from the Westheimer location that%26#8217;s been its home since 1970 to the former Carlton House space on River Oaks Boulevard, and expects to open early this month %26#8230; The newly remodeled Kate Spade boutique has opened in Galleria I. Also opening at the Galleria this month are Bare Escentuals and Guess Accessories %26#8230; Muse now stocks T-Los Angeles tees and 49 Square Miles handbags %26#8230; Nordstrom news: Makeup artist Trish McEvoy makes a personal appearance on Tuesday, May 11. Call 832.201.2700 to make an appointment with the beauty maven %26#8230; Tootsies hosts a bevy of designer trunk shows this month: Michael Kors (May 6 %26#8211;%26nbsp;7), Naeem Khan (May 11 %26#8211; 12), Rene Lange (May 12 %26#8211; 13), Monique Lhuillier (May 20 %26#8211; 21) and Jason Wu (May 25 %26#8211; 26) %26#8230; Can%26#8217;t get enough of Jason Wu? His collection will also be at a trunk show at Neiman Marcus Tuesday, May 11. And there%26#8217;s more in store at Neiman%26#8217;s this month. Catch a trunk show for MCL%26#8217;s edgy jewelry and the handcrafted Ippolita collection Thursday, May 6, in Designer Jewelry. Linda Bergman showcases her jewelry collection Friday and Saturday, May 7 and 8. Then on Tuesday, May 18, Neiman%26#8217;s hosts a trunk show of Roberto Cavalli%26#8217;s Fall 2010 collection %26#8230; Celebrity makeup artist and La Prairie Colour Ambassador Raychel Wade offers one-on-one consultations at Saks Fifth Avenue Thursday, May 20. Appointments jaime.maser@laprairie.com %26#8230; Bring man%26#8217;s best friend to CityCenter Saturday, May 22. Roseann Rogers and Deborah Duncan will judge your pooches in costume and trick contests, while local pet companies showcase puppy wares %26#8230; A new contemporary men%26#8217;s clothing store has opened in Rice Village at 2542 Amherst. P-Jai%26#8217;s carries designs by William Rast, Big Star, LTB, Stone Rose, Desigual, Psycho Bunny and Monarchy %26#8230; Tory Burch has released her second limited-edition compilation CD. Proceeds benefit The Tory Burch Foundation, which provides economic opportunities to women and their families in the United States. The album features music personally selected by Burch and includes Citizen Cope with Carlos Santana, Kanye West, K%26#8217;naan, Michael Franti, Neville Brothers, Santigold, The Smiths and Wyclef Jean. At the Tory Burch boutique this month.

Retail Rap

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:09:46 GMT

We%26#8217;re overcome with red-sole excitement as Christian Louboutin is set to open its first Texas boutique, in Highland Park Village this fall. Look for the glamorous shoe destination in a portion of the former Banana Republic space. Stay tuned for more Louboutin buzz to come %26#8230; We love firsts. Meet us at Tread Fitness, the first tenant at the Cityville Oak Park development on Lemmon Avenue, for a first-to-Dallas group workout: one room, 28 people, half of us on treadmills, the other half curling free weights. Every 15 minutes, we all switch %26#8212; with zero downtime %26#8212; until an hour is up. Beach bods, here we come. More at treadfitness.com %26#8230;Your palace decor always needs freshening %26#8212; so make tracks to Highland Park Village Thursday through Sunday, April 1 through 4, for The Great Sample Sale by Stephanie Anne. Her one-of-a-kind furnishings will fill the former Harold%26#8217;s space, just for that long weekend. For more scoop: 214.368.3025; stephanieanne.com %26#8230; Just two weekends later, The Plaza at Preston Center hosts its Plaza Days extravaganza. It%26#8217;s sidewalk-sale bliss for grownup shopaholics (steals galore!) and a charming fair (think balloons and treats) for the young ones. It all happens Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17 %26#8230; Hip! Hip! Hooray!, Jennifer Howell%26#8217;s kids%26#8217;-clothing boutique in Snider Plaza, welcomes a new sibling this month: Night %26amp; Day, where she will stock hard-to-find furniture, nursery decor, bedding and gifts. Your tot%26#8217;s good taste will require a visit to 6816 Snider Plaza; 214.369.6816 %26#8230; We can think of three ways West Village is changing things up. (1) The curatorial creation Pop Up 310 from The Goss-Michael Foundation%26#8217;s James Cope and The Public Trust%26#8217;s Brian Gibb. This temporary art gallery is housed in the former Gardens space, next to Polo Ralph Lauren, where the focus is on experimental projects including small works, books, prints, even artful T-shirts. View it Friday through Sunday at 3699 McKinney Avenue, Suite 310, or click popup310.blogspot.com. (2) Wink, a quaint, four-chair salon that offers threading services %26#8212; the ages-old method of hair removal via pure cotton thread, with no trauma to your precious epidermis %26#8212; for ladies and gents at 3839 McKinney Avenue, Suite 115; 214.599.9465. (3) Sergio Ortega%26#8217;s Salon Lure, the new %26#8217;do destination at 3839 McKinney Avenue, Suite 100. Ortega was with Osgood-O%26#8217;Neil Salon, so we know a chic coif is imminent %26#8230; It%26#8217;s the best-dressed auction around: refinestyle.com is a well-edited online spot for buying and selling %26#8212; the perfect place to dump your Derek Lam and score some Stella McCartney. Headed by SMU alum Megan Masoner, the virtual boutique is posh and picky: You have to adhere to a list of approved brands (genius) %26#8230; Now, if you%26#8217;re not a tech-savvy fashionista, consign your designer excess at Ditto Boutique at 4326 West Lovers Lane %26#8212; and maybe walk out with a few stylish finds, too.

Image: Crib appeal: Beds for all the best babies, at Night %26amp; Day.

Retail Rap

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:26:58 GMT

The Herman Miller showroom of all things modern has relocated to a 5,206-square-foot space on the third level of BLVD Place on Post Oak Boulevard %26#8230; Galleria news: Kate Spade has reopened in Galleria I, following a remodel. In late May or early June, Bare Escentuals mineral makeup opens in Galleria 1, on the street level next to Christian Dior %26#8230; Edition by George Chakra is now available at Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf. Chakra%26#8217;s designs have been worn by such celebs as Emily Blunt and Carrie Underwood %26#8230; Neiman Marcus now carries Ashley Pittman%26#8217;s jewelry, which is inspired by and handcrafted in Kenya. Ten percent of sales go to charities in Kenya %26#8230; Apple%26#8217;s revolutionary new touch-screen tablet, the iPad, hits the Apple Retail Store Saturday, April 3. Reserve yours now at apple.com/ipad for store pickup.

Retail Rap

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:03:59 GMT

This month, we%26#8217;re on the Cusp %26#8212;%26nbsp;as in the new boutique inside Neiman Marcus at NorthPark Center. What to expect? A defined space where stylish Gossip Girls (think 18 to 30ish) will find well-edited clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories. Organized by trend rather than by designer, Cusp Boutique is stocking Beyond Vintage, French Connection, Winter Kate, Kite and Butterfly, and more. (As if we needed another reason to love NM.) %26#8230; Barneys New York is set to unveil yet another new project: a dapper menswear collaboration with Lacoste. Gents need at least one of these rethought polo shirts %26#8212; they fit trimmer and longer, which makes them very 2010. Find them beginning this month at Barneys New York in NorthPark Center %26#8230; The charming Dallas Flea is back! Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 13, as style writer Brittany Edwards brings her indoor market back to South Side on Lamar. Don%26#8217;t miss these booths: decor scores at Arteriors Home, hats from The House of MacGregor, gifts at Bows and Arrows and goodies from Tart Bakery. Intrigued? Click thedallasflea.com %26#8230; It%26#8217;s Gucci, Fendi and Prada for your peepers at Insight Complete Eye Care. Consider Insight the Ritz of eye-care practices: Inside the 3,000-square-foot space %26#8212; just downstairs from the new Preston Hollow Equinox at the corner of Hillcrest Avenue and Northwest Highway %26#8212; the luxe boutique is stocked with designer frames, while the eye-exam office brims with state-of-the-art technology. See and be seen at 8611 Hillcrest Avenue, Suite 102, 214.739.8611; insightdallas.com %26#8230; Update your address book: Perry Henderson has moved %26#8212; and is booking blowouts, cuts and colors at his salon%26#8217;s new location. Call ahead at 214.522.2870 (or just look for the trail of perfectly coiffed socials coming out of 5715 Lemmon Avenue at Inwood Road) %26#8230; Should life be more than your iCal can handle, call in one of The Riley Group%26#8217;s personal concierges. They%26#8217;ll take care of your errands, party planning, travel arrangements and office organization while you check off the more important things on your to-do list: lunch at the French Room, gown hunting at Forty Five Ten, massage at The Palomar, etc. Lessen your load at 972.754.1381 or therileygroup.info.

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Image: Insight Eyecare. Image credit: Pam Lary Photography

Retail Rap

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:52:34 GMT

Impressions A Bridal Salon is hosting a Carolina Herrera trunk show Thursday through Saturday, March 18 through 20 %26#8230; Diane von Furstenberg celebrates femininity with a compilation compact disc including songs from Mary J. Blige, Joss Stone, Santogold and Annie Lennox. Proceeds will benefit Vital Voices, an organization that empowers women. The CD will be available Monday, March 8, at dvf.com %26#8230; Ferragamo fans, take note, the Italian powerhouse has launched a made-to-measure program. Suiting, jackets, pants and outerwear can be custom-tailored to the client%26#8217;s choice of style and fabrication. For more information, contact the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique %26#8230; Galleria News: Inspirational apparel, accessories, cosmetics, books and music store East 5th Hub will open in Galleria I, next door to Abercrombie %26amp; Fitch, later this month or early April. Guess Accessories opens early April, next door to Arden B. Fans of Vans can rejoice that the skater brand will open a shop in Galleria II later this month %26#8230;On Thursday, April 1, West Houston%26#8217;s new shopping mega-plex, CityCentre, will showcase 40 classic and exotic automobiles from Keels %26amp; Wheels and Houston Motor Club. View the vehicles from 3 to 9 pm, and catch high-energy band Mambo Jazz Kings on stage at 6 pm %26#8230; Past Era owner Marion Glober has just jetted in from a European buying trip with loads of exquisite jewels. Stop in to check them out %26#8230; Abejas boutique hosts a trunk show for designer Tysa Friday Sunday, March 5 through 7. Tysa%26#8217;s designs are featured on Julia Roberts in the upcoming movie Eat, Pray Love %26#8230; BB1 Classic has opened a satellite McWhorter Gallery on the upper deck of its Uptown Park Boulevard location, featuring local Houston artists including Roberto Del Rio, Justin Garcia, Janet Wayte, Lindsey Peyton, and Allan Rodewald %26#8230; High Fashion Home has expanded its accessories and clothing boutique offerings. The design mecca now stocks collections from Heather, Goldhawk, MK2K and Velvet. Local jewelry-designing sisters Cynthia and Lorena DePetra have also created a special DePetra Collection exclusively for High Fashion Home, set to debut this month %26#8230; Materials Marketing, which just so happens to be America%26#8217;s oldest (and largest) stone fabricator of hand-carved architectural stone and tile, has moved from its Alabama Street locale to take up residence at 1335 West Gray Street. Known for exquisite hand-carved hearths, pilasters, fountains, moldings, corbels, columns, tiles and the like, they work with materials as varied as ceramic, glass, travertine, marble, canterra and limestone.

Retail Rap

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:43:10 GMT

You wouldn%26#8217;t attend a party without your Viviers and your Versace, so why not do the gym in style, too? Come spring, trot to Leggiadro, the new luxury workout-wear boutique in Highland Park Village. Your personal trainer will be jealous of your bold tanks and leggings in wild prints: think pink-and-white leopard, fish swimming through coral and Kandinsky-esque swirls. Get a sneak peek at leggiadro.com %26#8230; Trade in your stash of Architectural Digests for World of Interiors at Design Within Reach%26#8217;s new magazine exchange. Find inspiration for your villa with this chic library concept, where you bring in your old glossies and go home with new ones. (But don%26#8217;t you dare bring in your PaperCitys.) Start swapping at 4524 McKinney Avenue, Suite 103 %26#8230; Consider Countertop Valet the Fr%26#233;d%26#233;ric Fekkai of kitchens: a fabulous stylist on hand to revamp your cucine%26#8217;s look by dropping in a new countertop. Just give your Personal Kitchen Stylist three days to install your new marble, quartz or granite tops. Our favorite surfaces? The Prexury series: carnelian, red jasper, even petrified wood. Info 888.508.2538; countertopvalet.com %26#8230; Banks Fine Art is moving to 1313 Slocum Street. Find work from new artists hanging alongside longtime favorites in the new gallery %26#8230; Marj Rash, owner of Yoga Mart, has created a new bag in which you must tote your mat. Think of them as elongated baguettes with short straps, in two sizes and seven prints. Twist and bend to 6039 Oram Street (near Skillman Avenue) to stock up %26#8230; Schedule an appointment at Salon Madrid. Your tresses will thank you. The new Preston Center salon offers brow tinting, a Brazilian silk hair treatment and eyelash extensions. Ring 214.954.7330 or visit 6003 Berkshire Lane; salonmadrid.com %26#8230; After 25 years of working with personal clients, jeweler Susan Saffron has opened a boutique, where you will find custom rings, bracelets and earrings, even loose gemstones. See what sparkles at Saffron Designer Jewelry, 5956 Sherry Lane; saffronjewelry.com. Now, the big question: rubies or diamonds? (Do we have to choose?)

Image: Leggiadro%26#8217;s Ocean Reef Club boutique in Key Largo, Florida

Retail Rap

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:19:17 GMT

Every child%26#8217;s favorite toy building-brick company, Lego, opens in Galleria 1, next door to Abercrombie, in late spring, early summer %26#8230; Pamela Halverson%26#8217;s Texas Tuscan Furniture Design is relocating from its Washington Avenue space to larger digs at 1302 West Grey. Check out her expanded collection of handmade exotic wood designs %26#8230; House of Letters/La Casa Letras has just picked up ultra-luxe bamboo paper collection Smock Paper %26#8212; perfect for any social occasion or wedding invite %26#8230; Mark your calendars: Famous London milliner Philip Treacy is back at Neiman Marcus on February 1 for a personal appearance and trunk show %26#8230; Saks Fifth Avenue wants to organize your beauty bag. Bring your cosmetics to Saks January 14 to 18, and let the beauty experts help you decide what blush to keep and shadow to toss. Appointments 713.627.0500 %26#8230; Designer Linda Cunningham will be in town January 13 and 14 at her namesake boutique to showcase her spring collection %26#8230; Anne Bowen Bridal is now available at Casa de Novia %26#8230; Fashion Plate, a new by-appointment-only fashion boutique, has opened at 4317 Montrose. The shop features one-of-a-kind vintage reworked clothing and accessories for men and women, name-brand consignment pieces, plus designs from Miss Sixty and Custo Barcelona. Call owner Zoe Jackson-Jarra at 713.398.2554 for an appointment %26#8230; Two new moves in the hair arena: Adorable hair guru Brad Hensler has moved to Shyn Salon (pronounced %26#8220;Shine%26#8221;) at 321 West Alabama (shynsalon.com). Hensler was formerly at Solutions salon before he temporarily moved to NYC. He%26#8217;s now back and %26nbsp;taming tresses %26#8230; Francie Willis at Urban Retreat has brought in a hot new stylist from NYC, Trey Gillen, who counts Donna Karan, Amanda Peet and rapper Charli Baltimore as clients. In NY, Trey sheared with the best of the tressers: Peter Coppola and Garren.

Just Heard …

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:08:18 GMT

Evelyn Gorman may have shuttered her edgy designer fashion boutique Mix: (Modern Clothes) in 2008 to move to the bright lights of New York City, but she never left fashion. In fact, she started her own fashion consultancy firm, and Lee Ellis, co-owner of 310 Rosemont, has hired the super-stylish Gorman to refresh his River Oaks store with chic yet affordable lines including a number of exclusives. This spring, be on the lookout at 310 Rosemont for designs by Jarbo, Halston, I.AM, Of Two Minds, A Peace Treaty and, for men, Levi%26#8217;s Vintage and Simon Miller.

Moo-ey Fabulous

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:33:07 GMT

A very chic collection of children%26#8217;s clothing, called Moo Boo%26#8217;s, is now at Tootsies. If I could just supersize the chocolate satin sheath with chocolate velvet jacket and jeweled neck %26#8230; so very Vera Wang. Alas, it%26#8217;s only in precociously tiny 2T to children%26#8217;s 8.

IMAGE: Moo Boo's at Tootsies

Retail Rap

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:30:00 GMT

Call in the movers: Matthew Trent is packing up the jewels and taking them to The Plaza at Preston Center this month. (The original Maple Avenue shop stays open until early spring, FYI.)%26#160; Expect to see Trent handcrafting away in the new atelier, while you peruse the one-of-a-kind bijoux. (See our fairy-tale jewelry story beginning on page 24 for a peek at one of Trent%26#8217;s latest creations.) For more, call 800.292.6842 or see matthewtrent.com %26#8230; Brush up on your beauty upkeep at Saks Fifth Avenue%26#8217;s Brushes with Greatness event on Saturday, December 12, at Galleria Dallas. Indulge with a facial at SFA%26#8217;s Holiday Escape Spa before taking notes at a presentation of luxurious holiday gifts at 1 pm %26#8230; Making a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus in NorthPark Center this month is Judith Leiber, our favorite designer of Swarovski-studded clutch purses. This is the final stop of Leiber%26#8217;s retrospective exhibition, showcasing the best known of her 3,500 designs. Meet Leiber on Thursday, December 10, between 2 and 4 pm, in designer handbags on Level Two %26#8230; Strut Dallas may just be the new wardrobe secret of stylish Park Cities mamas. The Austin-based boutique carries women%26#8217;s clothing, jewelry, purses and shoes, all on-trend and with smart price tags. Perfect for mixing and matching with your Prada and your Vivier. Stock up at 4348 Lovers Lane, 214.361.8519; shopstrut.com %26#8230; From the front lines of our fashion report: Denim leggings are flying off the racks at Intermix at NorthPark Center. Think stretchy blues by Citizens of Humanity, Current Elliot and J Brand %26#8230; Get that holiday glow on with SkinCeuticals%26#8217; two latest lifesavers: The Pigment Regulator controls uneven skin tone, while the Retexturing Activator exfoliates and eliminates those pesky fine lines. We%26#8217;re in. Order up at skinceuticals.com %26#8230; Spend a night at the theater %26#8212; minus the red curtain %26#8212; in the new Dallas Summer Musicals Broadway Suite at the Fairmont Dallas hotel. The hook? The room%26#8217;s stage-worthy decor changes to match the newest show in town. A reservation here includes two tickets to DSM%26#8217;s latest production and an original cast CD. Reserve your own opening night at fairmont.com/dallas or call 214.720.5290 %26#8230; QuestCare, the new urgent-care clinic in Snider Plaza, offers 2,500 square feet of spa-like accommodations, board-certified physicians, even valet parking. Should H1N1 come our way, we know where we%26#8217;ll be heading: 3414 Milton Avenue. Dial 214.368.4822 or click to questcareurgent.com for more.

Retail Rap

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:21:07 GMT

Christina Nicodemus, owner of the chic West University%26#8211;area fashion boutique Abejas, has expanded her Miel de Abejas collection of flip-flops, handbags and jewelry into a line of clothing that includes dusters, slip dresses and skirts made of European metallic linens and light cotton voiles %26#8230; Shannon Koszyk%26#8217;s one-of-a-kind necklaces of African beds, freshwater pearls, vintage coins and hand-cut stones, sold at Blue Leaf in Rice Village %26#8230; David Yurman makes a personal appearance at his eponymous Galleria boutique on Wednesday December 2, from 6 to 8 pm. Later that day, catch him at Neiman Marcus, 11 am to 2 pm %26#8230; Also making a %26nbsp;personal appearance at Neiman%26#8217;s this month is Judith Leiber, our favorite designer of Swarovski-studded clutch purses. This is the second stop of Leiber%26#8217;s retrospective exhibition, showcasing the best known of her 3,500 designs. Meet Leiber on Wednesday, December 9, between noon and 2 pm %26#8230; In other Neiman%26#8217;s news, the retailer now carries the men%26#8217;s collection of the hot new denim line 4 Stroke %26#8230; Enamellist and jewelry designer Leigh Elena Navarro, whose Leighelena jewels sell at High Gloss and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston%26#8217;s gift shop, will showcase her latest designs at a trunk show Thursday, December 6, 5 to 7 pm, at 13 Celsius %26#8230; Dionysus, the hot-spot salon and spa in the Woodlands, has opened its first inner-loop location, in Midtown at Elgin and Louisiana %26#8230; Swing into Laura U Collection Thursday, December 9, 6 to 8 pm, to welcome artist Ashley Longshore for Artful Appointments, a series of paintings and art furnishings %26#8230; Coquette Boutique %26amp; Bistro has just opened in the spot formerly occupied by Pixie %26amp; Ivy, at 1848 Westheimer at Hazard. Check out Coquette%26#8217;s collection of edgy fashion labels Michelle Mason, LnA, Sass %26amp; Bide, Alice McCall and Alexis Lamontagna while snacking on pastries and sandwiches delivered daily by Scott Tycer%26#8217;s Krafts%26#8217;men Bakery. A psychic will also be on hand to deliver your fashion forecast %26#8230; One Green Street opens in January at 5160 Buffalo Speedway, just north of Westpark. This new entirely green fashion, home and beauty boutique will carry earth-friendly designs by Edun Jeans and A Lot to Say, essential oils by Crazy Rumors, hair products by Hamadi and organic skincare by W3LL People and Billy Jealousy %26#8230; The Italian designers behind jewelry line Faraone Menella, Amedeo Scognamiglio and Roberto Faraone Mennella, are making a personal appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue Tuesday and Wednesday, December 1 and 2, in the first-floor fine jewelry department. Also at Saks: Giambattista Valli%26#8217;s resort collection is now available in the second-floor designer area. And Saks%26#8217; newly remodeled first-floor contemporary designer area now carries hip collections Helmut Lang, Elizabeth %26amp; James, Current Elliott, Hanii Y, Rag %26amp; Bone and Gryphon %26#8230; Dreams do come true. Tom Ford has finally announced that he will launch a collection of womenswear, possibly as soon as Fall 2010. We%26#8217;ll keep you posted %26#8230; Molly Hubbard and Patricia Peckinpaugh Griffith have opened up their Nobility Studio for holiday shoppers. Stop by 2413 San Felipe, one block east of Kirby, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 am to 4 pm, until December 22 to check out Patricia Peckinpaugh%26#8217;s luxe jewelry designs, Baird %26amp; Baird exotic skin handbags and accessories, plus fashion designs from Hubbard and Peckinpaugh Griffith%26#8217;s Nobility Studio %26#8230; Sew Crafty, Houston%26#8217;s first craft studio and sewing lounge, has moved from White Oak Avenue to a new space at 321 W. 19th Street, the heart of Houston%26#8217;s Heights neighborhood.%26nbsp;

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