Join me at the Nokia Pop-Up Beauty Lounge tomorrow!

How'd you like to experience a free exclusive manicure with custom nail art? Nokia is hosting a special pop-up beauty event tomorrow in north Dallas, and I'd like to invite all of you to attend!

The Nokia Lumia Lounge features celebrity manicurist Kandi Banks and fashion expert Niki Schwan. In addition to manicures, attendees will get insider tips on celebrity style and the chance to hear Kandi and Niki answer your questions regarding beauty and fashion. A professional photographer will be on-site as well. Escape the heat and bring your friends - this is a great chance to get pampered for free!

The event will be held  on the upper level of Stonebriar Centre Mall, located at  2601 Preston Road in Frisco, tomorrow from 10 am to 6 pm. I'll be there, and I hope to see you too!

Brahmin and Vogue: A Perfect Pair

Last week, Brahmin in conjunction with Vogue hosted a preview event for Brahmin's new store in the Dallas Galleria. Specifically, this event introduced new designs for fall 2011 - the Olivia Rose in Luna Polka Dot, with a signature hanging rose detail and quirky polka dot pattern.

The event was really fun! While everyone in attendance enjoyed cocktails and a DJ, it was the bags that received the most attention.

The brand, which has been around since 1982, is trying to increase awareness, and working with Vogue will do just that. There is a beautiful Brahmin ad in the November issue of Vogue showing two bags from fall - their rich red leather Kelsey tote, and their smokey grey Tyler bag, meant to attract a younger working professional. Brahmin's products are artfully crafted and look luxurious, yet are affordable compared to luxury leather goods from high-end brands.


My greatest love for Brahmin lay in the wide range of colors and styles available in their leather goods. From rich browns and smokey greys to snake-print and embossed crocodile, there was a bag that would go with every piece in my wardrobe. I will definitely keep up with Brahmin to see what they do next!

Marshalls took me shopping and gave me a gift card for you!

Last Friday I was treated to a special tour and shopping spree courtesy of Marshalls and TJ Maxx. I've been a huge fan of both stores for years and love the fact that I can always find this season's fashions at 40-60% retail prices. Thanks to both stores, I managed to outfit myself throughout my lean college years while staying both stylish and current.

While being led around the store, I learned that both stores receive over 10,000 new items every week, which means you never know what will come in - paradise for a bargain hunter such as myself. TJ Maxx and Marshalls aren't discount stores, as most consumers mistakenly believe. They're off price retailers, and provide this season's brands and styles while catering to bargain hunters who love the thrill of finding designer brands at deeply discounted prices. I saw brands such as Paige, Seven For All Mankind, Frye, Stuart Weitzman, Jessica Simpson, Ralph Lauren, Cole Haan, Coach, Free People and Ella Moss, all at between 40-60% off. It was kind of like being in heaven. 

With merchandise varying between store to store - and region by region - buyers are able to handpick items for each location. With over 1600 stores nationwide they're also able to get the best deals from thousands of vendors in over 60 countries around the world. Buyers have the opportunity to purchase merchandise at the last minute of any given season, and they can buy either a large quantity or just a few pieces.

Marshall's is well-known for the huge shoe department. And for good reason.

One of fall 2011 hottest trends - the high heel loafer, at 50% off. This came home with me.

I loved these stacked platforms. So I bought the leopard ones. Animal print and fall just kind of go together, don't they?

When I shop in Marshalls and TJ Maxx, I typically head straight for the handbags.

Did you know that Cynthia Rowley produces a special collection just for Marshalls and TJ Maxx? Neither did I. This leather and leopard satchel is just gorgeous.

Oh, and this? A Rebecca Minkoff bag. I loved the rich jewel tone, whip stitching and chain strap. And the price - 50% off retail. Yup, this came home with me too.

Here are some tips if you're thinking about shopping at Marshalls and TJ Maxx:

• Look carefully at the "compare at" price on the tag: The tag will show you exactly how much money you're saving;


• Look for purple tags: These tags indicate a higher-end designer item. A TJ Maxx near me has a Runway Section, which offers Gucci, Prada, Missoni, J Brand, and Alice + Olivia, and these items are identified by a purple price tag.


• Get to know your store's layout: Everyone has a favorite section, whether it be bags, shoes, lingerie or jewelry. Knowing where to go can help you quickly locate that special thing you're looking for.


• Never, ever pass up a good bargain: Stores receive limited quantities of each item, so merchandise can sell out quickly. The perfect dress or handbag might not be there the next time you visit. 


• Not sure where to start? Try shopping the displays at the front of the store before easing into the racks. Merchandise in this section is organized by style and designer on four-sided clothing racks. This is a good place to star before digging deeper into the store to search for even more styles organized by size.

And now, a giveaway for you! Marshalls and TJ Maxx offered me a $25 gift card for one lucky winner! The card can be used at either store and is only good in the United States.

To enter, simply do the following:

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect.

For extra bonus entries: 

• Follow me on Twitter @dresscourage;


• Follow @TJMaxx and @Marshalls on Twitter;


• Tweet the following about this giveaway: I just entered to win @dresscourage gift card giveaway from TJ Maxx and Marshalls! http://tinyurl.com/3uuvmhu

A HUGE thank you to Marshalls and TJ Maxx for the shopping spree and store tour! 

Like this post? PLEASE take a minute and vote for me in the CBS DFW Most Valuable Blogger Awards! I'm a finalist!

Event recap: Blogger Walk-Around at Knox Dallas with a giveaway!

Last Saturday, a small group of Dallas bloggers were invited to attend a blogger walkaround hosted by the Knox district of Dallas. Knox is home to a number of chic restaurants, boutiques, and home design stores, and it looking to distinguish itself from the Henderson district (they'd formerly been known as a unit called Knox-Henderson.) I've been to both areas  once or twice, but was generally unfamiliar with the shops located there.

I joined Tina of T Minus, T Plus; Julie of Rosy + Tart; Katie of Fashion Dinosaur;  Stephanie of Beauty and Gardens; Cris of My Fashion Juice; Isabel of Style Geek; and Ivonne of Ivonne Stacy Style for a fun day of shopping, eating, drinking, and blog talk. I've had the pleasure of spending time with these women before, but truly didn't know how much fun they were until we all got together for the walk around. Awesome women, all of them.

The first stop on our agenda was a cooking demonstration and class at the Milestone Culinary Arts Center. Well, that's what I thought we were doing. I soon learned that we were being broken into teams to compete in a "Chopped" cooking challenge. We were instructed to prepare a dish using two mandatory ingredients - pecans and currants - all within 30 minutes. I nearly broke out into hives because one, I'm not the greatest chef in the world (I had fish sticks for dinner last night. Fish sticks.) And two, I was competing against Julie who is an amaze-balls cook.

Isabel and I were team leaders, because I figured it was more strategic for me to tell everyone what to do rather than place myself anywhere near a direct flame. We were led to the ginormous kitchen and able to see all the ingredients before the cooking started to plan our recipe.

Then we got to cooking. It was crazy fun, y'all. Imagine a bunch of bloggers in high heels sliding around a kitchen, getting into way too much sugar, and taking photos of well, everything.

Isabel, Cris, Stephanie and Julie working on their fancy schmancy salad

Ivonne piping our homemade whipped cream. P.S I made that.

There was also lots of goofing around. Lots.

Katie and Tina. Love them.

We finished our dishes and brought them to the judges table. My team (Ivonne, Katie, myself and our PR guide) made pound cake french toast with homemade whipped cream and brown sugar pecans and currants. We like sugar. A LOT. We also like things that taste like instant diabetes. The other team made a nice, healthy, light salad with homemade dressing. While our dishes were being judged, we sat down for lunch provided by Milestone and talked with the head chef.

Then the winning team was announced - mine! Turns out people really, REALLY like sugar. What do you know.

High off my epic win, we walked over to or next stop - the showroom of designer Terri Ives. In business for 30 years, Terri has designed for Miss America participants, governor's wives, the former first lady of the United States, and many other nationally prominent women. Her showroom was filled with couture quality garments, all which can be made in dozens of fabrics and customizable styles.

Terri also offers custom-made jewelry to coordinate with her clothing lines. Made with precious stones such as turquoise, amethyst, jade and opelite, the pieces were truly stunning. Swoon.

After finishing at Terri's showroom, we walked next door to Forty Five Ten. Also known as Mecca, where I belong.

Tina with a python jewelry armoire. Python. Be still my heart.

In November 2007, Lucky Magazine described the boutique as "a European-influenced emporium, complete with a tearoom, beloved for its exquisitely selected clothing, accessories and beauty products." I saw things that that made me hold my breath, they were so beyond gorgeous. 

Oh, this old thing? A crocodile PS1 clutch from Proenza Schouler. If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it. Neither can I.

Charlotte Olympia embroidered cat velvet flats. Do want.

For the piece de la resistance I present to you a luxurious tailored, pre-Fall 2011 Moschino blazer...with a removable teddy bear and velvet collar. This is my Holy Grail. I WILL DIY the hell out of this blazer. Oh yes I will.

Somehow we managed to tear ourselves away from the couture and handbags and jewelry and shoes (oh, the shoes) and wind our way to The Riviera Spa and Salon for manicures and pedicures and facials and massages. 

I had a massage that turned my body into jello and a mojito pedicure. In my world, any pedicure that comes with free booze ranks quite highly, and this one was no exception.

ONE of those is mine. The other is Ivonne's. Who does not drink. And kindly donated her mojito to me.

Katie, wearing an entirely thrifted outfit. I want to be her when I grow up.

And finally, we ended our day at Sangria Tapas and Bar. If you've never had tapas, it's something to experience. The menu is composed of small plates offering Spanish inspired items, such as dates wrapped in bacon and olives marinated in garlic and potato and cheese croquettes and paella and manchego cheese with quince paste AND OH MY GOD I AM SO HUNGRY RIGHT NOW.

At the conclusion of our meal, we walked out with swag from both the stores we visited and other shops in the Knox district.

And now, as a reward for making it this far, here's a little giveaway for you: A pair of handmade semi-precious stone earrings from Terri Ives!

Retail price for these beauties is $120! To enter, just follow me on Google Friend Connect and on twitter at @dresscourage. Leave a comment letting me you've done both, and you're in.

A HUGE thank you to Knox Dallas for hosting such a truly epic event. I had a fantastic time, and got introduced to a slew of new shops and restaurants. I'll definitely go back for a visit...soon!

Event recap: Preview party for H&M store opening in Northpark Center

On Wednesday night I was invited to attend a special preview event for the opening of H&M in Northpark Center. The 24,000, two-story store was filled with fashionistas excited to scoop up H&M's fashion-forward clothes and accessories, with an additional 25% off for lucky attendees. With a pounding heart (and open wallet) I was thrilled to be one of the first into the store.

Julie from Rosy + Tart met me there, and we tried to keep our excitement in check. Which was an epic fail. We wanted literally everything in the store windows...as did the swarm of people around us. There were TV crews, and journalists, and PR directors, and photographers, and police officers. It was pretty insane.

Julie and I just before the event began. Photo via Oh So Cynthia.

Once the doors swung open, we were welcomed by a line of waiters offering wine, beer, cocktails and appetizers. And many many pretty things. So many things.

 

Why is H&M so popular? First, H&M offers yearly designer collaborations which targets those who love top brands such as Stella McCartney and Sonia Rykie, but can't afford to buy them. Such as myself. Take H&M×Lanvin as an example. Lanvin’s clothes range from $1000 to well over $3000. However, the H&M×Lanvin collection ranged from $30 to $200. The same went for their collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld and Viktor and Rolf.

Secondly, H&M's pricing strategy targets young people who love fashion. Clothes and coordinating accessories are affordable and, more importantly, wearable. In addition, H&M's LOOKBOOK teaches customers to wear items differently. Their designs are of higher quality than other fast fashion giants in business as well.

I left with a bag of new clothes and a huge smile on my face. Then Julie and I celebrated with sour cream chicken enchiladas and margaritas. But that's a story for another time.

A HUGE thank you to H&M for the invite to the event - it was an evening I will never forget!

As long as you're here...PLEASE take a minute and vote for me in the CBS DFW Most Valuable Blogger Awards! I'm a finalist!

Event recap: John Frieda Tour comes to Dallas

This past Saturday I was invited to attend the John Frieda Tour over at The Shops at Park Lane in Dallas.

Described as a mobile salon on wheels, the tour was held in a convertible truck that opened up into a full-size salon, complete with six hair stations, touch screens with product information, and consultation areas. Participants were invited to receive free 15-minute consultations from John Frieda stylists, many of whom are working as celebrity stylists in Los Angeles and New York City.  Each stylist was also equipped with an iPad, on which they could offer personal "prescriptions" of products depending on your hair care needs.

I met with Daniel, a stylist based in L.A, hoping to learn tips for preventing my faux red hair color from fading. He suggesting using a color-depositing shampoo such as John Freida's Radiant Red Shampoo every other day, and washing my hair with cool water. He also recommended limiting my shampoo use to three times a week, conditioning every day, and adding a dry shampoo for texture. He demonstrated their Volume Refresher, a dry shampoo he worked into the roots of my hair. It smelled divine, and felt light - a nice change from the molding wax I normally use for texturizing my pixie crop. I've been using it all week and have bee really pleased with the results.

Daniel also informed me that I can color my hair every fifteen days if needed. Considering red hair fades faster than other colors, I was a little excited to learn I don't need to wait the traditional 30 days to color (though blondes still need to wait it out, due to the harsher chemicals involved.) 

He also demonstrated the new John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Color, a product I'm truly excited to try. The drip-free formula blossoms into a rich, thick foam that covers every strand. Foam travels through hair better than liquids or creams and is more effective at saturating hair. And one box is enough to color even the longest, thickest crown of locks. Precision Foam Haircolor was developed in Japan after seven years of development, out of a quest to create a hair color that wouldn't drip into eyes while penetrating every strand of hair. Frieda first line of permanent haircolor, it comes in 20 shades selected by London supercolorist Nicola Clarke (Kate Moss and Madonna  have been know to whisk her  to location by helicopter.)

I was also able to listen in on a few other hair consultations - those of my fellow DFW Network bloggers. Julie of Rosy and Tart, Tina of T Minus, T Plus and Stephanie of Beauty and Gardens tested John Frieda's Full Repair Deep Infusion, Flyaway Tamer, and Sheer Blonde Hairspray (check their blogs for a review of other Frieda products.)

Tina, Julie, me and Stephanie. We have all perfected the skinny arm.

Vintage thrifted sequin tank; vintage thrifted pleated skirt; Forever 21 leopard sports bra; Old Navy belt; White Mountain sandals; TIKKR watch

Huge thanks to John Frieda for the invite and special treatment! Check to see if the tour is coming to your city, and head over for a consultation with a stylist. Guaranteed fun.