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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!

Re-Finery Fashion

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)

Bess & Evie’s Vintage

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

Solange Azagury-Partridge

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.

Ivanka Trump Collection

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).

Amrita Singh Jewelry

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

Rainbow of Choices

Fashionistas,

A few months ago I was in the Washington, D.C. area and was fortunate to stop by ROSS, which I love.  ROSS has a great selection of clothing and accessories at totally reasonable prices.  So reasonable in fact, that even a frugalista like myself seriously thought about leaving with FIVE purses (hey, some folks like shoes, I like bags ’cause they don’t hurt my feet!).  But I had no room in my luggage so my pretties had to stay behind.  But that didn’t keep me from snapping a few pics in case I find them in Texas!  Enjoy.  :  )

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

STEVE MADDEN- Only $39.99

KDNY Zipper Handbag- I totally snapped a pic while someone was checking out this bag!

UNIQUE Teal Studded Handbag- Only $39.99

VERY COOL Side Zipper Peek-a-Boo Cheetah

STEVE MADDEN- Only $42.99

Midnight Madness Sale!

Fashionistas, one of my favorite boutiques is turning one and having a spectacular sale too!  Hope to see you there, Nik

Langford Market celebrates their One Year Anniversary!

WHAT: Langford invites you to join us from 6-9pm October 13, 2011 to celebrate their One Year Anniversary!  Come help us celebrate our birthday with bubbles, bites, and beats.  Our birthday treat for you is our $100 sale! Pick out $200 worth of merchandise and only spend $100.

Sounds Provided by Nabiya De Grace 

WHERE: 249 W. 2^nd Street Austin, TX 78701

Time: 6pm-9pm

WEB: http://www.facebook.com/langford.austin

ABOUT: Langford Market is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, offering carefully chosen, classically feminine clothing, accessories, furniture, and gifts. Striving to make women feel beautiful and unique, and to lend warmth and personality to your surroundings through the perfect finishing touches. Langford Market emphasizes authenticity, quality, and impeccable service, as well as our take on wearable trends and creative style.

 OMG Fashionistas, look what was in my inbox today!  Huge thanks to my friends at GW Boutique for the heads up- this is an event you won’t want to miss!!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik 

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GOODWILL FORT WORTH PRESENTS THE GOOD EXCHANGE

Support a Good Cause And Refresh Your Wardrobe Through A Clothing Swap

WHO: Event emcee Miss Texas, Kendall Morris (TCU Alumna); Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth executive management including David Cox, senior vice president retail sales & marketing, Kristen Bostick, marketing communications coordinator

WHAT: Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth will provide the community an opportunity to support a good cause and refresh their wardrobe through a clothing swap. For every article of clothing (limit five) donated to the Goodwill donation station at 5970 Park Vista Circle #154 (Hwy 377 at Kroger Drive) between October 7-13, participants will receive a voucher for a new article of clothing, to be picked out at the Good Exchange, to be held at the GW Boutique in Keller October 14. Individuals that do not donate in advance of the event can donate at the door, along with a $5 entrance fee to participate. Participants will enjoy refreshments and free hair and makeup styling’s courtesy of Goodwill during the event.

WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2011;  5:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

WHERE: GW Boutique; 750 S. Main Street Keller, Texas

WHY: Goodwill is a non-profit leader in providing education, training and career services for people with disabilities, such as physical or mental disabilities, lack of education or work experience and homelessness. Last year, Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth helped place thousands of people in jobs.

For more information on Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, please visit www.goodwillfortworth.org.

Dear Fashionistas,

This week marked a momentous occasion for thread-conscious fashion enthusiasts in Texas… our H&M has finally arrived.

If you’re like me, chances are you’ve been waiting years for H&M to move to Texas.  And while it’s been a long time coming, I can tell you, it was worth the wait.  (Even socialite Gregg Asher made an appearance.)

So, why Dallas, why now? Well as it turns out, H&M has been eyeing the Dallas market since it opened its first U.S. location (New York) in 2000.  And the clothing giant has plans to expand to even more Texas markets in the future, said spokeswoman Jennifer Ward.

The two-story, 24,000 square-foot shopping mecca is brimming with a variety of styles to suit every discriminating Dallasites’ taste, at any age (teens, adults and children) and for any occasion (casual, business, and party wear).  Fortunately, H&M will continue its practice of collaborating with the world’s hottest designers to bring us high-end, yet affordable, clothing.  (BTW, I died for the Lanvin collection.) 

After all, high-end, yet affordable, fashion is what H&M is known for and what sets it apart from other retailers world-wide.  Accessories start as low as $5, denim as low as $15 and dresses $30…you can spend less than $100 for an entire ensemble and still look like you stepped off the runway.  This is the magic of H&M, which I witnessed firsthand during its Papercity Preview Party this week. 

So without further adieu, I present to you our H&M.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik 

Fashionista reports that Cynthia Rowley and Birchbox have teamed up to offer beauty enthusiasts a great deal.  You remember Birchbox, right?  Cynthia Rowley has designed a fun and sophisticated limited edition gift box, and it could be yours if you sign up for a Birchbox membership (only $10 per MONTH) before June 30th.

Chicology reports that Rent the Runway has partnered with beauty giant Lancome to offer makeup for purchase in addition to wardrobe rentals.

QVC joins forces with Kim Kardashian and Kelly Ripa to fight ovarian cancer.  QVC Presents Super Saturday Live, on July 31 from 2 PM – 4 PM (EST).  All proceeds will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

Hello Fashionistas,

I’m still learning my way around Austin and where all the great sales are, but a friend just told me about an online sale at TULLE that was too good to pass up.

Good news: It’s 50% OFF.  Bad news: It ends TODAY (Thursday 6-23-11).

Admittedly, I’m not familiar with TULLE; I think its collection is best described as a cross between Anthropologie and Forever 21.  It’s cute and flirty with a splash of folksy vintage inspiration (see below).  Sale prices ranged from just $14 for a v-neck t-shirt to $47.50 for a coat.  That’s right, I didn’t see anything over $50!  Happy shopping!

Fashionably Yours,

Nik

 All photo credits: www.tulle4us.com 

10:00 AM Private Yoga Lesson in Shipe Park

I didn’t think it’d be very zen of me to snap photos during yoga, so after we ended class with my favorite pose, Savasana, I took a few pics of my vantage point on my mat. Afterwards we dangled our feet in the pool to cool off.

12:00PM Lunch- Torchy’s Tacos @ Trailer Park Eatery 1st Street

Photo Credit: trailerfooddiaries.blogspot.com

This taco stand always has long line of dedicated foodies. I ordered my two tacos to go and while I waited stepped next door to Holy Cacao for an iced Mexican Hot Chocolate. Cold and sweet, with a devilicious hint of cayenne pepper, it’s the perfect summer treat.

1:00PM Sale at Anthropologie on 6th and Lamar

Expensive to some, reasonable to others and charming to most, Anthropologie has really grown on me over the years. And now that I know it’s the sister company to Urban Outfitters and Leifsdottir, I like it even more. 

 2:15PM Sale at West Elm on 5th and Lamar

Now, I’ve not been to West Elm in quite a while. It seemed they never had any really good sales, and I always found myself at Z Gallerie instead. Well, I suppose things have changed. It’s their End-of-the-Season Sale and my friend just got a steal of a couch from West Elm (marked down to $350 from $1500!!!). He showed me pictures of it on his phone after yoga class. It’s so chic and classic: white with black damask print- there are so many ways to decorate his living room I don’t know where to start! Luckily, this sale includes accessories and dishes as well. So, if you’ve wanted to revive a tired-looking room in your home, get to West Elm now. 

3:15PM Picked up dinner from Whole Foods on 5th and Lamar

My new obsession: Tandoor Chef Indian Cuisine, specifically palak paneer. You can get it in the freezer section of Whole Foods. I discovered it while in California two months ago…OMG, it’s sooo good, as in I stopped going to Indian restaurants in Cali when I found this. Why fight San Francisco traffic when you can just eat a delicious meal at home? Anyway, palak paneer is a dynamic blend of creamed spinach, curry and other seductive Indian spices adorned with delectable cubes of cheese.  Have this over brown rice with a side of naan (kinda like pita bread): heaven!

4:00PM Real Housewives of New York Re-runs

I’ve been missing them all week- and they’re in Morocco! It’s so Sex and the City 2…well, not quite.

5:00PM Dinner at Home/Reflection

It was a great Saturday. I started my day getting centered with a little yoga in the park, went window shopping in downtown, and picked up a healthy dinner. I am seriously digging the Austin vibe.

Other Sales: A little birdie told me at a party this past Thursday that Neiman Marcus in Austin is having a great sale right now!  It’s been going on for a week now so be sure to check it out.

Fashionably Yours,

Nik