Thread Conscious

October 31, 2010

H&M is Coming to Northpark Center in Dallas, TX!

Filed under: Clothing Store — Tags: , — Nik @ 6:12 pm

I was at a party last night and a very fashionable young woman mentioned that H&M finally came to its senses and decided to open a store in Dallas. It’s true- the Dallas Observer’s Robert Wilonsky reports that H&M will be moving into Northpark Center in 2011, probably filling the 30,000 sq. ft. space formerly housing Robb & Stucky. For whatever reason, I could not locate the official press release from H&M. 

Any hoo, the first and only time I visited H&M was in Boston a couple of years ago, and since then I’ve been dying for a store to open in Texas.  I’d heard through the rumor mill that if it did move to Texas, it’d be in Houston, so I’m super excited to hear that it’ll be right here in DFW!

October 29, 2010

Bag Magic: Bewitching Bags for Fall

Filed under: Celebrity Fashion,Fashionable Book or Film,Trends — Tags: , , , , — Nik @ 2:21 pm

Photo Credit: Look.co.uk

I have to admit, there’s something subdued and luxuriously languid about Fall in general…and October in particular.  While I don’t pay much attention to Halloween, this somber and spooky month does seem to put me under some kind of spell or mood, but in a good way.  It’s probably the anticipation of reviving the winter wardrobe as the Texas heat reluctantly surrenders to Autumn.  Yes, it must be excitement, as the universe ushers in a welcomed change of seasons, both in terms of nature and fashion. I’m a big fan of color, but we all know that black is infinitely, if not fundamentally, stylish. 

Take this memorable look from Carrie Bradshaw (who could forget anything she wears!) in the Sex and the City movie.  You remember, this is right after the scene in which Miranda quips that the only two Halloween costume options for women are witch and sexy kitten.  Somehow, Carrie seems to channel both in this black on black number.  She exudes tough-girl-chic and vulnerability effortlessly.  After all, in this scene, the still-single Carrie confronts her Vogue bridal shoot- and her failed attempt at marriage to Mr. Big.  Despite Carrie’s disastrous relationship woes, I literally wanted to applaud this ensemble when I saw it.  I love dark colors and black really is beautiful!  

Then I started thinking, “this overall look has a sort of modern goth, sexy witch thing going on- what handbags have the same look and feel?”  Below, you’ll find some of my favorite “bewitching bags”- I really am spellbound!  

Gustto Berlina Clutch

Gustto Berlina Clutch

 I fell for this adorable “bat-eared” clutch about 2 years ago online- admittedly it was in white when I first laid eyes on it.  But I’ve been obsessed with it ever since!  It sold out before I could get one, and I’ve been looking for another in white ever since.  Photo credit: www.thisnext.com 

Botkier Sophie Tote

Botkier Sophie Large Tote in Black

 Is it just me, or do the side pockets make this purse look like a rotisserie chicken?  I do love the diagonal zippers…not too much fuss, but just the right touch of metal and leather fringe.  Photo credit: Avelle.com   

Botkier Sophie Tote

Botkier Sophie Small Tote in Brown

 Here’s the same bag in cognac…I think I actually like this one more than the black purse.  Surprisingly, the hardware pops a little more against the brown.  Photo credit: Avelle.com  

Treesje Studded Leather Tote

Treesje Studded Leather Tote

 I love the shape of the Treesje purse, and the studs toughen it up.  If possible, this would look good worn cross-body style as well.  Photo credit: www.thepurselover.com 

Prada vernice medium bowler in patent leather black

Prada Vernice Medium Bowler

 I’m usually not a fan of the “quilted” look or patent leather for that matter, but the marriage of the two here is just so apropos!  I love that Prada did something different with the quilted pattern, as the structual zig zags add visual interest to the bag.  Photo credit: www.kaboodle.com 

 Last thing, if anybody knows the designer of the coat Carrie’s wearing, PLEASE let me know.  I did find out that the studded belt is vintage and that Patricia Field was selling exact replicas on her site here.  Original price was $120 but now it’s 50% off!  However, it seems the only size left is XS.  Now that’s just evil. 

Fashionably Yours, 

Nik

October 28, 2010

Thread Thursday: Two La La Women’s Boutique

Filed under: Charity,Clothing Store,Great Sales,Thread Thursdays — Tags: , , , , , , , — Nik @ 11:22 am

  

North Richland Hills, TX.  Big surprises come in small packages.  Tucked away in a unassuming shopping center off Boulevard 26 is a true gem of a women’s resale boutique.  Two La La is cute and quaint, and what it lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in its carefully curated selection of designer clothes. 

Two La La’s philosophy is actually “buy sale trade,” not to be confused with consignment.  Here’s the difference in a nutshell: consigning can be  fussy, inconvenient and time-consuming, none of which appeal to any true fashionista on the go.  Sales of the consignor’s clothes must be constantly tracked, and weeks or more can roll by without a sale, or payout, for the consignor.  The “buy sell trade” model offers hassle-free instant gratification.  You drop off your fashionable clothes at Two La La, the clerk selects desirable items and within 24 hours, contacts you with an offer of cash or store credit.  That’s it.  

Actually, there’s more.  Let’s talk prices.  Nothing, I mean nothing, is over $20.  Smitten with that Christian Dior pant suit?  $20.  Oh, and that genuine fur coat?  $20.  Don’t want to spend $20?  No problem.  Two La La’s pricing structure is simple: $5-$10-$15-$20! 

Who do we have to thank for this miracle?  DFW, meet owners Amy Dunker and Mikell Sullivan Rowley, the masterminds behind this bargain boutique.  Friends and colleagues for over 16 years, these two left corporate America, started Two La La this summer and have never looked back (or looked better might I add!).  

And while the ladies are big on style, they’re also big on giving back.  Two La La is a proud supporter of SafeHaven of Tarrant County.  SafeHaven’s mission is to “end domestic violence through safety, support, prevention and social change.”  Right now, Two La La is selling HeartCardsfor just $55, all proceeds go to SafeHaven, and you get 20% off purchases at participating retailers from Oct. 29- Nov. 7!  Once again, another way to look good and give back! 

Why are you still sitting there?!  Get over to North Richland Hills right now! 

Two La La: your new favorite destination for designer deals.

Two La La

Two La La, 7305 Boulevard 26, Suite 100, North Richland Hills, TX 76180

(817) 605-0189; Hours: Tues.-Sat.. 10am-6pm & Sun. 1pm-5pm.

Fashionably Yours, 

Nik

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

October 27, 2010

Three Bishops Jewelry Trunk Show TODAY in Ft. Worth!

Filed under: Great Sales — Tags: , , — Nik @ 1:32 pm

This just in: Three Bishops Trunk Show TODAY, Oct. 27, 10am-6pm at April Lane Exquisite Footwear- 3911 Camp Bowie Blvd. Ft. Worth 76107; 817-732-7700.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

October 25, 2010

Media Monday: NOLCHA- Making Business Easy for the Fashion Minded

Filed under: Fashion Business,Media Mondays — Tags: , , , , , — Nik @ 12:07 pm

NOLCHA

Ladies and gents, I am so excited about my newest discovery, NOLCHA.  My goal for Thread Conscious is to cover all things fashion, including behind the scenes business aspects of the fashion industry. 

NOLCHA is the ultimate resource for those working or aspiring to work in the fashion biz.  This website’s Fashion Entrepreneur Report offers daily videos on a wide variety of important subjects, such as “How to Determine Your Start-up Costs,” “How to Hire a Sales Rep for Your Fashion Business,” “How to Differentiate Your Brand and Your Business,” and yes, it even covers ”How to Get Blogger Attention.”

NOLCHA’s stated mission:

“Nolcha is a leading business platform for independent fashion designers and retailers via educational, online and event resources; making business easy for the fashion minded.(tm)”

For anyone thinking about working in the fashion industry, just starting out or at veteran status, I think NOLCHA is an indispensable and reliable resource (it’s been featured by CBS, NBC and ABC). 

And if you’re in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and need another reason to check out NOLCHA, there is a native Dallasite on its team! 

Noelle Frost

Shout out to Ms. Noelle Frost, Event and Marketing Assistant and Fashion Institute of Technology student in New York.  Noelle, congratulations to you and good luck with everything!

If you like what you’re reading, please sign up to receive email updates from Thread Conscious in your inbox or subscribe via Facebook or Twitter!  All subscription options are located in the upper right hand corner of the page in the sidebar.

Also, feel free to leave comments, especially if you find great sales in the DFW area- remember to share the shopping love!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

October 21, 2010

Thread Thursday: Weekend Shopping in DFW, Oct. 22-24

Filed under: Consignment,Great Sales,Thread Thursdays — Tags: , , , , — Nik @ 7:46 pm

Accents Fashion Accessories

Hello Everyone, check out Accents Fashion Accessories and Re-Finery’s Fall Open House this Weekend in Dallas!

 

Accents Fashion Accessories- Dallas Location

3699 McKinney Avenue #502, Dallas TX 75204  |  214.252.3870         
 

Happy Hour Fridays

On the 2nd to last Friday of each month from 4:30pm – 8pm, sip on
complimentary cocktails. Take advantage of our Buy 2 – Get 1 FREE storewide sale.

So check out Accents THIS Friday, October 22nd for this oh-so-stylish Happy Hour!

———————————————————————————————-

DON’T FORGET! Several new pieces in just this week – Fendi bags, Gucci shoes, Marc Jacobs and Dior accessories
Fall into Designer, Fall into Savings! 

Re-Finery Fall Open House

Friday, October 22 9:30 am to 2:30 pm

Saturday, October 23 10 am to 2 pm

www.re-fineryfashion.com

 5431 W. University Blvd. Dallas 75209

 New Missoni, Prada, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, Current Elliott, Ella Moss, Louis Vuitton and much more!

Special markdown section for older inventory and more “loved” items!

Happy Shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

October 19, 2010

Heart Card 2010: SafeHaven of Tarrant County

Filed under: Charity,Shopping Event — Nik @ 10:00 pm
Heart Card supporting SafeHaven of Tarrant County

Heart Card supporting SafeHaven of Tarrant County

Shop with your heart!  By purchasing a Heart Card for just $55, you can help support SafeHaven of Tarrant County in its mission to end domestic violence through safety, support, prevention and social change. 

From Oct. 29th to Nov. 7th, the Heart Card will save you 20% at over 120 participating retailers in Tarrant County, such as Daired’s Salon and Spa Pangea in Arlington and Anthropologie and Banana Republic in Southlake.  You can purchase a Heart Card at Two La La Women’s Boutique in North Richland Hills or online from SafeHaven.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Empora and FashionFreax

Filed under: Online Shopping,Street Fashion — Tags: , , , , — Nik @ 3:40 pm
Alexander Straub

Alexander Straub

Meet Alexander Straub, the German genius behind Empora, The Fashion Engine and FashionFreax, a multilingual fashion and design social network.  Straub, once an engineering student pursuing his PhD, is now a serial entrepreneur and investor.  Brief history:

1. In 1996, Straub founded Mondus, an online business to business marketplace, for which he quit school to pursue full time.  

2. In 2000 he sold Mondus and became a general partner at Lazard Technology Partners in New York, where at some point he discovered the fascinating research of Dr. Daniel Heesch.

3. Straub and Heesch founded Pixsta, a visual search engine and from this union Empora was born.

Empora, The Fashion Search Engine, utilizes and exploits Pixsta’s unique visual search capabilities to deliver a detailed and streamlined shopping experince.   As reported by Erin Bury of Sprouter Blog, Straub stated that   “[F]ashion lended itself to apply the technology… and I decided to focus on apparel photography as a starting point…[w]e essentially solved the key issues in online fashion shopping.”

While Bury espoused the virtures of the “More Like This” feature, I found the “Similar Items Sorter” to be a great virtual stylist.  Located at the top of the shopping page, this feature filters clothes by color or shape- super sensible and super helpful.

In July 2010, Straub acquired FashionFreax, a multilingual fashion and design social network spanning over 90 countries.  As you can guess, Empora and FashionFreax share a very symbiotic, and stylish, relationship:

“Straub said it’s easy to see how Empora will help the members hone their style. ‘Each of them will benefit from the fashion search engine to better navigate fashion and decide how to build new real-world style and get product inspiration.’ FashionFreax will use Empora’s search technology to connect its street style content to items available online, while the social network will showcase users on Empora’s street style channel.” (Erin Bury, Sprouter Blog)

Yes, from what I gather, FashionFreax is similar to LookBook, but hey, the more the merrier, I say.  So take a moment to check out Empora and FashionFreax; you’ll be glad you did.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

October 15, 2010

Re-Finery Fall Open House in Dallas- Oct. 22-23, 2010

Filed under: Consignment,Great Sales — Tags: , , , — Nik @ 2:12 pm

Hello All,

This just came across my desk and I wanted to share with all of you.  Not too long ago, I raved about Alissa Gearing and Re-Finery Fashion, who I met at the Dallas Flea in September.  Well, Ms. Gearing is having an open house- two days only- so don’t miss it!  For details, see below. (And let us know in the comments section what you find!)

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Fall into Designer, Fall into Savings!

Re-Finery Fall Open House

Friday, October 22 9:30 am to 2:30 pm; Saturday, October 23 10 am to 2 pm

www.re-fineryfashion.com

5431 W. University Blvd. Dallas 75209

New Missoni, Prada, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, Current Elliott, Ella Moss, Louis Vuitton and much more!

Special markdown section for older inventory and more “loved” items!

October 10, 2010

Short Vacation

Filed under: Uncategorized — Nik @ 11:22 pm

Hi All:

I’m going on a quick little vacation- I hope to have a post up by Thursday, Oct. 14th.  As usual, if you hear of any great sales in Dallas/Fort Worth, please share by leaving information in the comments section.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

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