Thread Conscious

March 29, 2010

West Village Shopping

Filed under: Clothing Store,Great Sales — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Nik @ 5:58 pm

Dear You,

 What can I say?  I love Dallas’s Uptown scene, but  I rarely have the time to stop and visit.  Any time I can swing by, I make sure to hit up the West Village.  So when a friend invited me to lunch at the chic Toulouse Café and Bar (part of the delicious Lombardi Family Concepts), I couldn’t resist stopping by a few boutiques.

 While the drive there was horrendous, the day was glorious.  I’m sorry- I have to take a moment here- when there’s a stalled car on the opposite side of the freeway, why does everyone on my side slow to a crawl?  To those nosey folks: pay attention and drive sensibly before you cause a wreck on our side of the freeway too!  But I digress.

 The weather was perfect for al fresco dining and shopping.  My friend enjoyed a salad while I had the Vegetarian Sandwich with Pommes Frites: marinated portobello mushroom, goat cheese, tomato confit, lettuce & basil pesto, accompanied by delectably crisp and light fries.  OMG, to-die-for!  I would drive back to Dallas just to eat here- in fact, I plan to have the Lobster and Rock Shrimp Risotto on my next visit!  But I digress again.

 West Village is nestled within the affluent Uptown area of Dallas, and is the perfect place to sip and shop.  After lunch, I headed over to Epic, to see what was new and on sale. 

Purple Studded Belt

I found a really great purple belt, embellished with brass studs.  I love these types of items because this is where fashion meets function- a wide belt like this is theanswer to any girl’s prayers- it creates a waist line while disguising any body sins (I have a few body sins lingering from Thanksgiving and Christmas, ok!).  The belt is also a great mix of femininity and rock ‘n roll edginess. 

Close Up of Hook Closure

I also found a pair of glamorous and glittering tear-drop loop earrings.  I love these because they can be both dressy and casual, frame the face well, and the unique texture really is responsible for these earrings radiant shimmer.

Bling Bling Earrings

Next, I visited J’AdoreParis for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by their selection of accessories.  They had very unique tribal-inspired pieces, which I always find interesting.  After a long debate, I settled on a burgundy pendulum necklace (burgundy can be chic, I tell you) and earring set as well as a soothing rust-colored knit scarf, all at 50% off.

"Aztec" Inspired Necklace and Earrings

Super Soft!

 J’Adore also had really cute dresses, jackets, blouses and loads of statement jewelry.

Perfect LBD

Fun Beaded Chrystal Cuff

For my last stop, I visited Pitaya, also new to me, and loved the hand-crafted, vintage folksy look of their selections (think Anthropologie).  But I fell in love with the owl necklaces- what an assortment!  In another post, I’ll have to show the little collection I’ve got going now- antique malls are a goldmine for such things!

 Pitaya had a white owl pendant adorned with crystals and glitter, but I wasn’t sure it was right for me.  I also saw another owl necklace which incorporated a watch into the design- very cute.  But then there was this crystal-incrusted, silver number that had my name on it.  Isn’t he cute?

Owl with an Attitude

 Tips for this Trip:

1. We all know Dallas traffic requires some patience.  Expect the unexpected delays on I-30 and I-75.

2. Wear comfortable shoes for this trek, but it’s an urban oasis, so look cute.  It’s a place to see and be seen.

3. The chance of parking in front of a store is slim to none, so I suggest using the parking garage.  Beware, it’s a 2-lane garage, so be careful going around corners, as there could be on-coming traffic.  Do find a spot as close as possible to the elevator, so there’s not a long haul through the lot with tons of shopping bags. 

4. I suggest starting at Taco Diner or Toulouse Café and Bar, shopping and ending with a visit at Pacuigo for gelato.

 Happy shopping!

 Fashionably Yours,

Nik

March 24, 2010

Shopping at GW Boutique

Filed under: Charity,Clothing Store,Great Sales — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Nik @ 6:20 pm

 

Note: Check out my latest post about GW Boutique, published on Mar. 27, 2011.  

GW Boutique; 750 S. Main Street, Suite 125, Keller, Texas 76248 

817-741-6600 

Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm 

Hello! 

So I wanted to report back what I found at the GW Boutique in Keller, TX. 

On Saturday, March 20th, at 9:50am SHARP, yours truly and a friend arrived at the GW Boutique. We were going to stay in the car until the doors officially opened at 10am, as an ungodly cold front had descended upon north Texas, but one by one, women, no, our Sisters in Shopping, began to congregate in front of the store. Not wanting to miss out on the camaraderie (or be the last in line), we left the warmth and ventured out into the chilly morning. 

And We're Waiting...

 

Still Waiting...

 

In her excitement, one woman peered through the glass and several women at one time or another knocked on glass…do y’all remember that old Mervyn’s commercial where the shoppers are outside the store chanting “Open open open”? Yeah, women did that here too. 

Open! Let the Games Begin!

 

Finally, a store clerk opened the door and according to plan, I zigged left while my friend zagged right. I found some great winter pieces and she lucked up on some lovely summer dresses. 

Michael Kors jeans- for cheap!

 

I apologize that I only have a few pictures of the madness going on inside the store, but I couldn’t shop, hold my purse, balance a mountain of clothes on my arm AND take pictures! So I took a few pics while I was in line to check out. 

Check-out Line

 

Speaking of the check out line, it literally snaked through the racks and all the way to the wall- I highly recommend visiting on a week day, when there’s likely to be less traffic. It is, after all, a boutique and drastically smaller than the regular Good Will Stores. 

So here’s what I came home with: 3 Banana Republic Sweaters and a dreamy cream coat. 

Banana Republic in the House!

 

Banana Republic Bell-Sleeved Sweater

 

Banana Republic Striped Knit Shirt

 

Banana Republic Sweater

 

Piece de Resistance!

 

Sleeve Button Detail

 

Back of Coat

 

So here are the Tips for this Trip:
1. Don’t go on the weekend. If you do, go EARLY to avoid a crowded store. Within 30 minutes of our arrival the store was pretty full. I think there’ll be more breathing room during the week. 

2. There’s only ONE fitting room. Therefore, shoppers resorted to changing in the restrooms as a fitting room alternative to speed things along. The line to get a dressing room was still long however. 

3. The Boutique is small, so there aren’t any shopping carts. 

4. No shopping carts means you’ll end up piling clothes up on your arm, so if you’re looking for a particular brand, I suggest knowing how their sizes fit on you and skipping the dressing room (some brands run smaller or larger than others). 

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want these tips to suggest that the shopping experience wasn’t good. On the contrary- we had a great time! The entire Boutique was pristine, the staff was efficient and courteous and the clothing quality and prices were fabulous! (Coach bag for $30, anyone?) I just wanted to give you all a heads up on a few things so you can plan accordingly. 

Oh, and I do plan to go back- again and again. 

If you have any questions about my shopping experience, or would like to share your shopping experience from March 20th, please feel free to do so. Please also remember that by shopping at the GW Boutique, you are going green, giving back to the community and looking good while doing it! 

Fashionably Yours,
Nik 

March 19, 2010

Breaking News: Goodwill Opens a High-End Boutique in Keller, TX!

Filed under: Charity,Clothing Store,Great Sales — Tags: , , , , , — Nik @ 5:50 pm

Note: Check out my latest post about GW Boutique, published on Mar. 27, 2011.

Ladies,

I’ve been hearing rumors for almost a year now that Goodwill would open a high-end boutique somewhere in the area.  Well, the wait is over.  TODAY, grab your comfortable shoes and cash and get on over to Keller’s “GW Boutique.”  Located at 750 Main St. Suite 125, this boutique features “Gap-quality” and above merchandise, including the hottest designers!  Here’s what Pegasus News reported:

“The Keller location will feature gently used women’s clothing and accessories at fantastic prices. Unlike traditional Goodwill stores, GW Boutique will have an elegant, sophisticated look and will target fashion-forward women. Goodwill will pull from the top 1% in quality from its donations, selling only Gap-quality and above merchandise at the shop. The store will features labels like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, theory, and even Dolce and Gabbana.”  Read the complete article here.

You can also check out examples of what’s being offered at the boutique, courtesy of Good Morning Texas below:

GW Boutique offers you a way to go green, give back to charity and look good!  So, happy shopping to all you fashion-forward, thread-conscious ladies in DFW!

GW Boutique; 750 S. Main Street, Suite 125, Keller, Texas 76248

817-741-6600

Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

March 9, 2010

Shoe Philosophy (aka My Lucky Day!)

Filed under: Consignment,Great Sales — Nik @ 10:16 pm

Recently, I decided to visit teen consignment shop Plato’s Closet (ooh, do NOT roll your eyes!). To my surprise, the inventory had expanded considerably and included some designer pieces- a little Coach here, a little Juicy Couture there…

Any way, as I roamed the aisles, I spotted my favorite type of shoe, The Mighty Wedge. For those of us who are, ah hem, vertically challenged and also a little clumsy, The Mighty Wedge not only acts as a height enhancer, but also as a balance stabilizer. It’s the best of both worlds; you get the sexiness of a stiletto and the stability of a flat.

And what’s this? Michael Kors you say? On sale?! That’s right, baby.

So my shoe philosophy for today is, “Don’t let your nose keep your feet from finding happiness.” In other words, don’t turn up your nose (or look down your nose, you get the point) at the thought of visiting a consignment shop, even one that targets teens, because high-end shoes can be hiding in unexpected places.

Remember, one person’s trash is another’s treasure- don’t be uppity. Uh un, don’t be that person.  So, may the shoe gods smile upon you the next time you’re out shopping.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

March 8, 2010

Shecky’s 2010 & International Women’s Day

Filed under: Great Sales,Networking Event,Shopping Event — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Nik @ 10:40 pm

Being that today is International Women’s Day, it makes sense to celebrate some very hard-working, independent and creative women I’ve met in the DFW area. These are the women entrepreneurs of fashion- the fearless and the fabulous who remind us that we are only limited by what we allow ourselves to dare to dream.  

I had the pleasure of meeting these ladies at Shecky’s Girls Night Out this past February, and it’s this gathering of talent that makes Shecky’s such a fun and memorable event. Here’s to you, ladies, and all the women of the world.  

Fashionably Yours,
Nik  

Kate & Ana of Amaria of Houston, TX

Please visit www.amariastudio.com and www.amaria.etsy.com for more information.
   

Chase M.- Love the Blouse!

Please visit www.fivedollarearringz.com for more information.  

Tiyaka R. of Star Boutique in Atlanta, GA

 Please call Star Boutique at 770-952-0105 for more information. 

 

Jennifer Jones Collection

  Please call 310-497-0233 for more information about the Jennifer Jones Collection. 

 

Lovely statement earrings from Jennifer Jones Collection

I love the white cuff...

Anika L. of Divas Den Accessories in Fort Worth, TX

For more information, please contact Anika at divasden@live.com or call 817-846-2837.  

Mod K. of Mod Clothing in Los Angeles, CA

For more information please visit www.myspace.com/mod411 or www.picasaweb.com/mod411.  

March 2, 2010

Sea of Shoes/Atlantis Home Vintage at V.O.D.

Filed under: Clothing Store,Shopping Event,Vintage — Tags: , , , , , , — Nik @ 9:25 pm

 

It's ok. I know you want me.

Please, prepare yourself for a little something I like to call, “Jewelry Mecca,” better known as the vintage collection of Atlantis Home’s Judy Aldridge. Light a candle, burn some incense, do a chant- whatever gets your mind right, honey. And when you’re ready, come on in…

Guests arriving...

The air was abuzz with electric anticipation as guests arrived to pay homage to, and cold hard cash for, some very divine vintage pieces. Shoppers swirled around the displays, reverently caressing and tenderly holding the necklaces and belts before trying them on. Ever so often, the jewelry was rearranged and pieces were added or taken away as they found new homes around the necks or waists of jewelry enthusists.

Jane & Judy Aldridge

 I chatted with Jane and Judy a while before spying a few items I thought would look good in my own collection. Scroll on down and prepare to be amazed!

Jewelry Mecca

I swear, the jewelry practically called out from the table, “Take me! I’m yours!”  Below: blinged out shrimp, octopus and monkey, oh my!

Monkey See, Monkey Cool

Insane Monkey Necklace

Stylish Ladies

Stylish Ladies- Michelle L. & Stephanie G.

Stingray necklace anyone?

 

Vintage Upside Down Bottle Necklace

I finally settled on this piece- an “Upside Down Bottle” necklace. I immediately loved the shape of it and the stone was a nice finish. I also thought it was the perfect length, as most of my vintage necklaces are not as long as I’d like them to be. I feel this a perfect statement necklace.

Details of the Vintage Upside Down Bottle Necklace

All in all, this was a wonderful event, and I’m so glad to have met a lot of down-to-earth and very talented folks. Thanks to Karen, Judy and Jane and all those who made this event spectacular!

Fashionably Yours,
Nik

Flier design outside of V.O.D.