September « 2010 « Thread Conscious

September 27, 2010

TCU vs. SMU: Football Fashion 2010

Filed under: Street Fashion,Trends — Tags: Coach, cowboy boots, Dallas, football fashion, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, SMU, TCU — Nik @ 6:16 pm

Louis Vuitton and cowboy boots...

Ok, I didn’t get the memo. I wore jeans, a tank top and black Addidas to the TCU vs. SMU game in Dallas, not cowboy boots, a mini-dress and a designer purse. Did I consider taking my Louis to the game? Yes, for a hot second, until I came to my senses and realized where I was going: a foot-ball-game. But I guess I’m one of few young women who have not drank the “designer bag and boot” kool-aid. (Is this really the official game ensemble of college campuses?!)

Let me tell you who showed up to the game: Louis, Gucci, Yves and I think I even saw some purple Prada (and of course, Coach). Wow, well I guess I’ll know for next time…wait, I don’t own a mini-dress, or cowboy boots…and I’m just fine with that. And my Louis, Gucci and Coach probably won’t be making any cameos at any football games. Alls I need is beer or bird sh*# on one of my bags. Congrats to TCU!

TCU Horned Frog Spirit

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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Vogue: The September Issue- Turban Renewal

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,Magazine,Trends — Tags: Ashley Olsen, Hanneli Mustaparta, Shala Monroque, The September 2010 Issue, Turban Renewal, Vogue — Nik @ 5:38 pm

Vogue Sept Issue 2010: "Turban Renewal"

There are sooo many trends out there that I’m just not feeling…they went away for a reason, and I don’t know why they came back around. Gladiator sandals, military garb and harem pants, please go away and never come back!

However, I saw something in Vogue’s September 2010 issue that got me to wondering: are turbans really back in? From casual to chic and everything in between, they really do seem to complete a look. But is it too much? It is too old to be revived and actually done well?

I can’t really make heads or tails of this trend…I’m not overly excited about it, but I’m not ready to dismiss either. Are turbans beautiful and bold, or just bizarre? What do you think?

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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September 26, 2010

Statement Jewelry at the Dallas Flea

Filed under: Great Sales,Shopping Event — Tags: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Hope Biba, Hopella Designs, Martha Cox, pearl, statement jewelry, The Dallas Flea, The Silver Importer — Nik @ 10:57 pm

While at the Dallas Flea earlier this month, I also had the pleasure of meeting two great vendors, Hope of Hopella Designs in Austin and Martha with The Silver Importer in Dallas.

Hope’s jewelry is organic, refreshing and nature-inspired. I really like the blue opal necklace and handmade earrings, but my favorite is the twisted pearl earrings.

Hope (far left) & Family

Hope Biba Twisted Pearl Earring

Forged brass wire delicately pirouettes around a small pink pearl. I love pearls, and the way these are suspended within the wiry tendrils is very attractive and, well, almost poetic. When I last checked, prices ranged from just $14.00 to $126.00, which is a steal for such beautiful, hand-made jewelry. Click here to check out Hope’s Etsy site.If you like bolder jewelry, then The Silver Importer is for you. Martha’s selection is great: it includes sterling silver and gold jewelry, including precious, semi-precious and other beautiful gemstones.

The Silver Importer

One necklace in particular stood out. An embedment of pearls on cascading hammered silver discs create a dramatic effect so arresting that it may have caught the attention of Ann Boleyn or Marie Antoinette herself. Even better, the prices are reasonable, so it’s nothing to lose your head over.

The Silver Importer- Statement Pearl Necklace

If you’re in Tarrant County, fear not, The Silver Importer does trunk shows in Dallas and Fort Worth. Click here for the schedule of events.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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September 23, 2010

Consignment on My Mind

Filed under: Clothing Store,Consignment — Tags: Consignment Association of Dallas, consignment stores, Dallas, men's consignment, ReThreads of Dallas — Nik @ 5:50 pm

Someone recently asked me if I knew of any men’s consignment stores in Dallas Fort Worth. I did not, so I set out to do some quick research. Here’s what I came across:

The Consigment Association of Dallas

This nostalgic (ahem, dated) website is pretty helpful in that it lists several consignment stores in Dallas and specifies the type of clothing sold at each, i.e. bridal, designer, men’s, women’s, etc.

I would be remiss not to mention that it even lists consignment furniture stores. Yes, my other passion is interior design/decor. [Hence the name "THREAD Conscious"- so eventually I can write about both fashion and furniture.] : )

Now, my darlings, I do not know how up to date the information on the website is, but it’s at least worth checking out. Each entry has the address and phone number to the store. Also, check out the map of stores if you’re planning to hop and shop several stores.

Next…

ReThreads of Dallas

ReThreads does, in fact, sell men’s and women’s clothing. I have never been there, BUT, I may have a reason to visit since a SALE (surprise surprise) is coming up:

The First Friday Sale (Oct. 1-3)- Get 20% Off ALL Merchandise

This store really does look promising…it’s been in business for at least 30 years and has an impressive collection of thousands of items to browse. As always, if I visit, I’ll let you know what I find.

That’s it for today. Just a quick post. I hope this was helpful.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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September 21, 2010

The Dallas Flea: Fashion Finds, Part II

Filed under: Shopping Event — Tags: Alissa Gearing, Chanel, Ferragamo, Gucci, Kinne's Jewelers, Louis Vuitton, Manolo Blahnik, Re-Finery Fashion, South Side on Lamar, The Dallas Flea, YSL — Nik @ 8:38 pm

South Side Mural

Welcome to Part II of The Dallas Flea excursion. There were a handful of other vendors that I wanted to highlight, and it was getting so late last night, that I decided to split this shopping experience into two posts. Girl’s gotta get her beauty sleep…

Any hoo, Re-Finery Fashion and Kinne’s Jewelers really stood out amongst all the other boutiques represented.

Re-Finery Fashion

Want Louis Vuitton, Chanel or YSL? She’s got it. What about Manolo Blahnik, Ferragamo or Gucci? She’s got that too. Undoubtedly, Alissa Gearing of Re-Finery Fashion knows a thing or two or three about the finer things in life. Re-Finery boasts one of the most diverse collections of designer fashions I’ve seen in DFW, hands down. Selling both new and like-new items, Re-Finery offers you designer labels at lower prices via online shopping, trunk shows and even by private appointment.

Alissa, Re-Finery Fashion

It gets better. If you have designer duds that are just taking up valuable real estate in your closet, you can sell them through Re-Finery, naming your price and receiving 50% of the sale proceeds! Yet another way to go green and make some green!

So if you’re looking for high-end fashion without the high price, Re-Finery Fashion is the perfect fit. Contact Alissa today at (214) 957-5003 or re-finery@att.net. (That black suede YSL bag with the silver horn handle is to-die-for!!! On the website, when they say it is in immaculate condition, they mean it. I saw it up close and personal and that bag is pristine!)

So the next boutique (Kinne’s) I want to tell you about is quite special. Located north of Denton, it may be a bit of a drive for some of us, but so totally worth it.

Kinne's Jewelers

Kinne’s Jewelers

What can I say? Kinne’s puts the “charm” in “charming.” Founded in 1889, Kinne’s selection of pendants, rings and bracelets transport you back to simpler times, times when sipping home-made lemonade from a mason jar while watching fireflies sleepily glow under a blanket of dusk was considered all the entertainment one needed for the evening. Rustic, yet refined, each piece is one-of-kind and sure to please.

Kinne's Jewelers- Monogram Rings

My favorite pieces are the wax monogram pendants, cast in sterling silver, and looking very much like relics from days long ago. These vintage-inspired baubles would make a fabulous personalized gift for anyone with an appreciation for antique jewelry. Kinne’s Jewelers is located in historic downtown Gainesville at 210 E. California Street. If you have questions, feel free to call them at (940) 665-3931.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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September 20, 2010

The Dallas Flea: Fashion Finds, Part I

Filed under: Shopping Event — Tags: Angela R. Mosera, South Side on Lamar, The Artisann, The Dallas Flea, three bishops — Nik @ 9:34 pm

The Dallas Flea- South Side on Lamar

With a name like the Dallas Flea, you know it’s got to be good…or at least interesting. This was my first visit to this quarterly event, and I must say, it was both good and interesting. Below, I’ve highlighted my favorite fashion finds from head to toe, literally including items from headbands to shoes.

The Artisann

With the Artisann, you can order anything that suits your fancy, from nautical-inspired headbands to nature-inspired headbands and more. She uses ordinary materials like felt, buttons, zippers and ribbon to create extraordinary, one-of-kind pieces, and most are under $20! Perfect for weddings or just a girls weekend out, The Artisann’s got you covered.

Ann, The Artisann

Angela R. Mosera Wooden Boxes & Handmade Purses

Angela R. Mosera Handmade Purses & Jewelry Designs

Angela is a true artiste! She crafts stunning wooden purses, jewelry boxes and jewelry. Look closely. Can you tell that this exquisite, metallic butterfly was created by watch pieces?! That’s right- the painstaking detail of the butterfly’s wings and body are the internal gears and whatnot from pocket watches! Recycling never looked so chic.

Angela R. Mosera Necklaces

Another of Angela’s designs that I found to be very captivating were here necklaces, many of them also made from watch parts. Her jewelry is strangely poetic…it feels as though it moves even though it’s static. My favorite necklace is the one shown in the middle of this picture toward the top. For some reason it reminds me of an airplane or pilot’s wings that would be worn on a captain’s jacket. Perhaps the imagery of planes and the perpetual forward-motion of time lends Ms. Mosera’s jewelry its poetic edge. Amazingly, I spied nothing over $100 and most items were $50 and less. A very small price to pay for rare, hand-crafted wearable art.

Three Bishops

Three Bishops Jewelry

What would any Dallas shopping event be without Three Bishops? The ladies have added even more delicacies to the collection: jade rondelles on chain earrings, hand hammered hoops and bangles and citrine globes with rutilated quartz cube. Of course, my favorite pieces hail from the Signature line, which features rubies, emeralds and sapphires suspended between vintage watch crystals and wrapped in an 18k vermeil bezel. There’s something Victorian and bewitching about these pieces…if the Signature line had a signature song, it’d definitely be Nina Simone’s “I Put A Spell on You!”

Three Bishops jewelry

Lucky for me, they have a less expensive and equally mesmerizing line of necklaces featuring stones like smoky quartz, which would pair perfectly with my new cocktail ring I picked up at FIG. Hmm, decisions, decisions! Christmas could come a little early, couldn’t it?

More to come tomorrow in Part II!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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September 16, 2010

Top 6 Online Luxury Shopping Sites

Filed under: Great Sales,Online Shopping,Trends,Vintage — Tags: 1st Dibs, Avelle, Bag Borrow or Steal, Bluefly, Gilt Groupe, online luxury shopping, SeenOn!, Shop It To Me — Nik @ 2:27 pm

Hello,

Since we don’t always have time to shop at an actual retail store, what better way to shop than from the comfort of your own home? Below, I’ve listed 6 luxury shopping websites that I admire and think are top-notch. Memberships are free, so sign up, shop and save!

6th Place

1st Dibs

Why I like this site: It has a dizzying array of beautiful vintage treasures, from furniture, to cocktail dresses, to estate jewelry. Only reason it’s in last place is because even the sale prices make me dizzy too.

5th Place

Shop It to Me

Why I like this site: This is actually a shopping “service.” Each week, Shop It To Me delivers a personalized email to your inbox with the latest and greatest fashions catalogued from a variety of designer online retailers across the web. You tell it what designers you like and it scours the web and collects sales from Neimans, Bluefly.com, Net-a-Porter and more. Then you shop all the stores featuring your favorite designers in one email. Genius.

4th Place

SeenOn!

Why I like this site: If you’ve seen it on a tv show, they just might have it available for purchase! You can wear the same jewelry or carry the same bag your fave tv star is wearing on the show.

3rd Place

Bluefly.com

Why I like this site: It’s fairly user-friendly, has a great selection and decent sales. I’ve done my Christmas shopping for friends on Bluefly.

2nd Place

Avelle.com

Why I like this site: Also known as Bag Borrow or Steal, infamously mentioned in the first Sex & the City movie, this luxury rental service has grown leaps and bounds since it first stepped on the scene in 2004. Now it not only rents luxury handbags, jewelry and sunglasses, but you can sell your gently loved handbags to Avelle and make a little money too. Because many items are second-hand, if you choose to buy an item you’ve rented, or buy in lieu of renting, then the Avelle price will generally be lower than the retail price of the item if it were new.

1st Place

Gilt Groupe

Why I like this site: Just looking at this site makes me happy. It exudes luxury. The selection of designer goods is thorough, yet restrained, proving the powers that be have thoughtfully curated each collection. Each sale lasts only 36 hours and is first come first served, so shop early.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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September 14, 2010

Upcoming Events: The Family Place Partners Card and NOVA

Filed under: Charity,Fashion Show,Shopping Event — Tags: Clueless Fashionista, Dallas, domestic violence, Gucci, Northern Virginia Fashion Show, NOVA, Partners Card, The Family Place — Nik @ 7:57 pm

Hello All:

Please see below for more about The Family Place and The Northern Virginia Fashion Show.

The Family Place is Dallas’ largest family violence service provider and has been assisting victims of family violence for 32 years. You can help The Family Place continue its mission by donating directly or by purchasing a Partners Card, which will give you 20% off your purchases at over 750 retailers and restaurants from Oct. 29th to Nov. 7th. A friend of mine used her Partners Card to get 20% off a fabulous Gucci purse! (And you know every little bit helps!) Help the Family Place- then help yourself to some Gucci.

Nova Fashion Week

The Northern Virginia (NOVA) Fashion Week will be held Oct. 21-24, 2010 at Waterfront Park. I know I usually blog about Dallas/Fort Worth, but let’s not pretend like Texans don’t travel! As fellow fashion blogger the Clueless Fashionista pointed out during our chat last week, everyone can’t make it to New York, Paris and Milan, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t enough catwalks to go around!

I, in fact, thought Northpark’s Fashion at the Park in Dallas two years ago was quite lovely and I felt fortunate to attend the Valentino show and afterparty. Plus, it gave me an excuse to swing by Tiffanys and pick up something for myself!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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September 10, 2010

Vote for Dolly Pearl!

Filed under: Clothing Store,Fashion Blog — Tags: Daily Candy Contest, Dolly Pearl, fashion designer, Houston, New York, Texas, Vi Hoang, Vote — Nik @ 11:44 pm

Please vote for Dolly Pearl Women’s Wear! I’ve been following this line for a while and Vi Hoang, the designer, is truly talented. Her designs are timeless, sophisticated, romantic and beyond chic.

Dolly Pearl Emily Top

Dolly Pearl Jackie Dress

The line is less than a year old and Vi, a native Texan (whoop whoop!), has accomplished so much. She is one of four fashion finalists selected in the Daily Candy’s “Start Small, Go Big” contest. Help her take Dolly Pearl to the next level by voting today. You can even vote each day, up until September 29, 2010, to show your support! Good luck Vi- I hope you win!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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International Gem & Jewelry Show in Dallas

Filed under: Shopping Event — Tags: Dallas, Dallas Market Hall, International Gem & Jewelry Show, Jewelry, Vintage — Nik @ 9:02 pm

Ok, the International Gem & Jewelry Show (Inc.) is another Dallas shopping experience that you won’t want to miss! This company has been around for 44 years and does over 90 shows across the U.S. each year.

I attended this last year and came away with some beautiful rings. It’s held at Dallas Market Hall, so I assure you that the inventory is vast and there’s something for everyone. Vendors sell everything from costume jewelry, to estate jewelry (code word for vintage) to loose gems. Put on a comfortable pair of shoes because you’ll need them!

October 1, 2, & 3; Dallas Market Hall (Main Hall); 2200 Stemmons Frwy., Dallas, TX 75207; Admission $8; $6 with coupon. No children under 9 years old permitted.

Hours: Fri. 12pm-6pm; Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 11am-5pm.

For more info, click here. In the top right-hand corner is a link for a coupon, good for $2 off, but you have to create an account, which I don’t like. (My coupon came in the mail, so I guess I’m on their mailing list.)

Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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