Photo Credit: DFW Style Daily
Hello Fashionistas,
H&M, true to its word, is expanding across the metroplex and Texas. Following its debut at Northpark Center (Dallas) this summer, H&M opened a location at the Shops in Willow Bend (Plano) and has recently added a store in Mesquite’s Town East Mall.
No doubt all of the local H&M shops will be a hotspot to find the perfect New Year’s Eve ensemble!
Happy Holidays,
Nik
Photo Credit: WENN.com
We were at Sunday’s Mavs Game, which was also the debut of reality stars Lamar and Khloe Kardashian Odom in Dallas. We thought it odd that Khloe was not at the game, but as it turns out she was in an area under our suite. So no wonder we never saw her!
If you’d like to meet Khloe and embrace the Holiday’s spirit of giving, she is also having a toy drive at City Hall Plaza tomorrow, Wednesday, December 21, from 12pm – 2pm to benefit Children’s Hospital of Dallas.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
GO MAVS!
Brownstone offers an impressive menu of sophisticated down home cooking. Dishes are familiar, yet impressive, both in portion size and flavor. An ideal brunch spot on the edge of downtown in the trendy West 7th area- I’m looking forward to my next visit!
Nik
Grandmother’s Biscuit Pan (added Poached Eggs and Spicy Chili Hollandaise so I could create my own version of Eggs Benedict)
Fried Chicken and Grits
Bread Pudding French Toast
Dear Fashionistas,
I was recently at one of my favorite “cheap chic boutiques,” better known as TJ Maxx, and found this really cool and informative book while in the check out line. For folks interested in eco-friendly beauty and fashion, Style Naturally looks like a great resource. Authored by eco-fashionista and activist Summer Rayne Oakes, the shopping guide provides a comprehensive list of resources online and world-wide, including many retailers in Texas, naturally.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
December 10, 2011: Fashionistas, I wanted to repost last year’s Christmas guide, as it has some wonderful gift ideas that are still relevant and stylish. Be sure to check out this year’s Shopping Guide as well, just a couple of posts down the page. Happy Shopping! ~Nik
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Alright, so I’m sure some of you are in the full swing of Christmas shopping; however, for others who are fashionably late, so to speak (procrastinators, you know who you are), I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite places to shop, both physical and online. These are just suggestions in case you’re stumped on your own list. Admittedly, I asked my honey for assistance with the men’s gift list, so the format of the lists is a little different. You’ll find a range of wonderful gifts for your loved ones, and I’m sure a few things for yourself!
For the Gentleman
Photo Credit: F. Martin Ramin/Studio D
Ermenegildo Zegna Centennial Suit ($3,295)
I can appreciate the history behind this suit. Apparently an homage to the original heritage suit first created by Zegna 100 years ago, this masterpiece proves that classic style stands the test of time.
Photo Credit: Glamour Boys, Inc.
Lanvin for H&M Shoes
Finishes in metallic blue, fuschia and copper put a fun and memorable twist on the classic tuxedo shoe, and Mr. Elbaz doesn’t disappoint.
Mont Blanc Timewalker Chronograph Automatic Watch
(Black Ceramic, 18K Red Gold) (Price Upon Request)
Dark, sophisticated and sexy, this watch tells more than time- it speaks to the impeccable taste of the owner. You can find Mont Blanc retailers in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.
The Art of Shaving Kit ($150)
A perfect gift for the well-groomed gentleman.
Mad Men Season 3 DVD Collection ($29.99 on Amazon)
For any fan of the show, you know exactly why it’s on this list.
For the Lady
Let me warn you now: This list consists mostly of accessories, and by accessories I mean jewelry. However a few clothing boutiques made it on here.
This luxury website is an obvious go-to when looking for something extra special. On top of that, the End of the Season Sale is going on right now!
When I first met Alissa Gearing, I was so impressed with the variety and quality of the resale items. She takes pride in selecting the most fashion-forward and beautiful pieces. Just in time for the holidays, she has an awesome sale coming up.
All kinds of new inventory including Hermes, Gucci, Catherine Malandrino, Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, Milly and more!
Friday, December 17th from 10 am to 3 pm
Saturday, December 18th from 10 am to 3 pm
5431 W University Blvd Dallas 75209
Special promotion – earn a $20 credit when you bring a friend to next week’s Show!
(only one credit allowed per customer)
I’ve been casing this place since at least September. I love, love, love the cardigans here. All vintage and sparkly, they never fail to make me smile. These lovely cardigans are suitable for the office- and off-hours!
Photo Credit: Donna Alberico
Funky, mystical and soulful, I am mesmerized by the jewelry Solange creates. Her jewelry even made a cameo in Sex and the City 2. The Hot Lips silver and lacquer ring is my favorite.
No stranger to luxury herself, Trump has designed some lavish pieces (with equally lavish prices). Some items are under $1,000 though, and I particularly like her cocktail rings (and so does Natalie Portman).
I was first introduced to this Indian designer through Gilt Groupe and have been a fan ever since. Regal, expressive and vibrant, the earrings alone are cause for celebration. And, yes, even royalty wears them.
Introducing Charming Charlie. A friend turned me on to this boutique over Thanksgiving while in Houston (I’ll post about that later). Color-coded and well-stocked, this store has every bauble imaginable and in every color. Set at the same price point as Forever 21’s jewelry, it’s super reasonable and something everyone can afford. And believe me, I saw every age group shopping there too, so they have something for everyone! Plus it has really unique and quirky pieces too- from watch rings, to graphic rain boots.
They have locations throughout Texas, including in the Arlington Highlands and Highland Village and more DFW locations.
I hope this list gave you a lot a great gift ideas. Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Fashionistas,
You know I love statement necklaces. Specifically, collar necklaces are a great way to add an elegant touch to your ensemble. Check out all the varieties available at Polyvore below- a collar necklace would be a perfect addition to your holiday dress!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
GIFTS FOR THE GIRLS
Subscriptions and Memberships
Clockwise from the Top:
1. Birchbox; $10/month
2. Massage Envy; Approx. $59/month
3. Bag Borrow or Steal; Starting at $25
4. Spa Finder; Starting at $25
5. Conde Nast Subscription to Vogue, Lucky, etc.; Approx. $20-30/year
Simple and thoughtful, giving the gift of a subscription or membership makes a great impression. Subscriptions and membership applies to a range of products, from fashion magazines to massage therapy to makeup and skincare. And just think: each time your loved one receives her magazine in the mail or schedules her monthly massage, she’ll think of you!
Custom/Personalized Style
From Left to Right:
1. Rose Gold and Diamond Initial Necklace ($214.99); Photo Credit: Overstock.com
2. Monogram Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 with Personalization ($1,100; without Initials- $800)
3. 14k Gold-Plated “Carrie” Style Name Necklace ($49.95); Photo Credit: Mynamenecklace.com
There’s nothing like a customized gift to show how much you care. Always popular, initial or name necklaces never go out of style. And if you want to give an uber-chic gift, Louis Vuitton offers personalization on select items in a variety of festive colors.
Fashion Gadgets & Entertainment
From Top to Bottom:
1. A Patricia Field Trifecta: The Devil Wears Prada, The Sex & the City Movie, and Confessions of a Shopaholic (Approx. $20 each); Photo Credit: IMDB.com
2. iPad 2 Tablet (starting at $499); Photo Credit: Apple.com
3. Purseket: The Original Purse Organizer (Approx. $20-30); Photo Credit: Purseket.com
Fashion and film go hand in hand and make a great gift for any fashionista who’s also a film buff. Iconic stylist Patricia Field made fashion magic in the Sex and the City series on HBO and other successful shows like Ugly Betty. Naturally, Pat styled both Sex and the City Movies and others such as The Devil Wears Prada and Confessions of a Shopaholic. For fashionistas who love history, I also recommend Valentino: The Last Emperor and Coco Before Chanel, starring Audrey Tautou.
If you’d like to give the gift of gadgets, well you can’t go wrong with an iPad 2. Want to go the extra mile? How about an iPad preloaded with fashionable movies like those listed above! Also, there are a variety of fashion apps that can be added to keep the most dedicated fashionista up-to-date.
For fashion and functionality on the go, I think a purse organizer is a great idea. I’ve seen several on TV: just place keys, a phone, makeup and money in the pockets, and drop the entire organizer in your purse!
GIFTS FOR THE GUYS
Guest Post by J. Edward
The 3-Piece Suit
From left to right:
1. Photo Credit: Askandyaboutclothes.com
2.Ralph Lauren Suit (Starting at approx. $1500); Photo Credit: Esquire.com
3. Photo Credit: Monkeysuitvintage.com
Every man wants to be stylish, and nothing says class and sophistication like the 3-piece suit. Whether it’s muted tones and stripes or bold lines and lapels, the true character of any man comes forward with this ensemble. As a gift to your loved one, or to yourself, this is one gift that will add to any man’s wardrobe.
The Professional Tablet Case
Top Left: Fossil (Approx. $40); Photo Credit: Ipadcaseden.com
Bottom Right: Louis Vuitton in Monogram and Damier Patterns (Approx. $350); Photo Credit: Most-expensive.net
Who carries around laptops anymore? The business world is about speed and ease, and the introduction of tablets into the boardroom has changed how we get the job done. So who wants to be ordinary when you can be fabulous…and why not accessorize what is now as commonplace as our cellphones? For fashionistos on a budget, consider the very sleek and simple offering from Fossil. If you have a little more to spend, and really want to standout, visit your local Louis Vuitton retailer to see their selection.
John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star
John Varvatos Shoes (Approx. $145); Photo Credit: Shopstyle.com
When you’re lounging around on a weekend afternoon, is there anything more stylish and comfortable than a pair of Chuck Taylors? John Varvatos has lent his style expertise to the brand to create a super cool yet casual rendition to their line. When you are wearing these All Stars, people will know you didn’t just walk into the local shoe store.
The Pocket Watch
From Left to Right:
1. Vintage Watch (Prices Vary); Photo Credit; Gstatic.com
2. Harley Davidson (Approx. $202.50); Photo Credit: Harleyitems.com
Why limit your accessories to the usual… step outside of the norm. Pocket watches have been around for centuries, and yet remain rare and stylish. Harley Davidson offers a cool version of the classic time piece. If you are like me and like antiques, visit your local retailers and trade shows to see what they have to offer. Never forget that one person’s junk could be another person’s treasure.
Hopefully these gift ideas will find their way onto your gift lists or at least give you some great ideas. Starting at just $10, there’s something for everyone, and every budget, listed here. So Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
In a bold move, Barneys is partnering with Lady Gaga and Nicola Formichetti on an unprecedented holiday campaign. The theme: Gaga’s Workshop, starring the Lady as Santa.
Gaga and Formichetti have designed a range of limited edition gifts, including candy, CDs, books, apparel and cosmetics. In the spirit of giving, Barneys will donate 25% of the proceeds from the sale of these exclusive items will be donated to a charity of Gaga’s choosing.
“Holiday is about joy, sharing and inclusiveness, and to me, Gaga really represents all of that,” Barneys’ CEO Mark Lee mused.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
I just can’t get enough of Spiral Diner. I’ve been going here for at least the past three years and it’s always wonderful. This vegan eatery has expanded from Fort Worth to Dallas, but the best Christmas gift of all would be having an Austin location to frequent as well (hint hint). Spiral Diner has a charming retro 1950′s vibe, complete with a quirky sculpture to greet you in the foyer. While it has delicious cold and hot entrees, the desserts are out of this world! Carrot cake, sweet potato pie, apple pie- there’s so much to choose from. My favorite is the chocolate chip cookie. Can’t wait to see what Thanksgiving specials are served as well!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Fashionistas,
The Very Best of Versace for H&M Collection is available at Northpark Center in Dallas starting TODAY. There is already a line outside the store! There is such a fashion frenzy that H&M has set up a shopping system to make scooping up your favorites a bit easier. The Ladies’ Collection ranges from about $29.95 to $399 while the Men’s Collection is priced about $17.95 to $299. If you love bold and bright with a touch of rock ‘n roll edginess, then this is the Collection for you. Happy Shopping!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
