St John Grand Re-Opening at Highland Park Village

Shopping just gets classier at Highland Park Village as it continues to cultivate a finely tuned state of luxury, next on the update St. John—which has been completely revitalized.

Join the St. John team for the Grand Re-Opening – Open House this Saturday, May 19th from 1pm – 5pm.  Summer is upon us, but before we hit oppressive temperatures enjoy a taste of the Pre-Fall 2012 collection with chilled champagne and tasty nibbles.

WHEN: Saturday, May 19th 1pm – 5pm

WHERE: St. John Boutique, Highland Park Village, Dallas

WHY: Grand Re-Opening, and view the Pref-Fall 2012 collection

LAGOS a Rare Wonder

Celebrating his 35th year in the jewelry business is quite a feat, but Steven Lagos the founder and creative genius behind his eponymous jewelry collection, LAGOS will be celebrating just that later this year.

LAGOS, first retail partner and longest, Neiman Marcus NorthPark, hosted a personal appearance by Steven Lagos last month, and I was intrigued to chat with him about his long-standing success in Dallas.

Lagos: Ombré and Signature Caviar.

MT: What celebrities and notables wear your jewelry?

SL: We’ve got a huge list, from Madonna, Barbara Walters, and Katie Couric—a lot of intelligent women.  People ask me why we are not on the red carpet, but we don’t make red carpet jewelry, we make everyday jewelry. It’s jewelry that you live in every day.

MT:  Why did you decide to create the Caviar collection, explain the inspiration?

SL: It all started with these hematite beads, twisted strings of beads that looked like caviar, and that became the namesake of the collection. Then I kept developing different ideas using that same theme, it really stuck and became our signature. We’ve been doing that collection for 25 years.

LAGOS Couture collection: 18kt Moonstone Donut Necklace with Coral Beads and Diamonds, weighing 1.03ct tw. Price: $9,950.

MT: What inspires your designs?

SL: I get my ideas from travel, and I travel all the time. I just finished a trip around the world, and I visited Burma for the first time, so I am always trying to find new places to be, also architecture, and people, I love to see the way people dress and put themselves together. Jewelry is super personal, and it becomes part of people’s lives. It’s always interesting when I meet people and talk about their jewelry, they know exactly when they got it, why they got it, even if they just bought it for themselves. It’s always very meaningful.

MT: What pieces are you featuring today?

SL: We have such a huge clientele in Dallas, and we’ve been selling for a long time, so we brought a lot of breadth. I am showing all of our new collections, the Ombré and Love Me, Love Me Not, and a lot of the classic pieces—many clients have collections and they will be looking for a particular piece, to fill in with what they already have.

Steven Lagos at Neiman Marcus NorthPark.

MT: Define Luxury and what it means to you?

SL: Luxury is quality with enduring style the word luxury is used very loosely today everything is luxury. We make every piece of jewelry as an individual piece.  Luxury comes from conception to delivery, and we stand behind everything that we do. For someone who has been collecting for 25 years if there is a problem it doesn’t matter where they live, where they bought it, we just take care of it. We have a very large, loyal following as a result of that. You don’t get to stay in a store like this for over 35 years unless you’re living up to all those promises.

MT: Do you have any charities that you’re involved with?

SL: Absolutely, we are very charitable. We are involved with Autism Speaks, and Alzheimer’s charities—what they have in common is they both really effect the caregivers as well the people inflicted.  It actually ruins two or three lives it’s not a singular thing. We chose those charities because we really wanted to work with children, and they other because we are all getting older.

MT: If you could design a special piece, for a celebrity, or someone special in your life, who would that be and what would it mean to you?

SL: That’s a really interesting question I don’t think in those terms, I’m not a star-struck person. My clients often tell me a story where they’ve attached a special meaning to a piece of jewelry, and I’ve sold over 2 million pieces of jewelry in my career, can you imagine.  But I do love to design special pieces for my daughter Kate. Since she was born I have designed pieces for her, and given them to her at milestone moments in her life.

Signature Caviar, Rare Wonders, Ombré or the fun Love Me, Love Me Not, collections are well suited for every women, to wear every day. Visit: Lagos or Neiman Marcus at NorthPark Center.

Photos courtesy of Jamie Illian.

Nexus Recovery Center and J.R Martinez Reach for the Stars at the Annual Spring Luncheon

The Nexus Recovery Center held its annual spring luncheon at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas on April 23. This year’s theme was “Reaching for the Stars,” and who better to speak on the topic than Dancing with the Stars Season 13 champion J.R. Martinez? The actor, spokesman, and retired soldier was joined by Honorary Chairmen Pat Smith, Willa Ford (a former DWTS champion), and Mike Modano, along with Co-Chairs Misty Smathers and Carol Steele.

Pat Smith, Honorary Chairman, and J.R. Martinez

Martinez, who was named one of People Magazine’s 25 Most Intriguing People of the Year, gave an inspirational speech over his real life experiences and the similarities to Nexus. Said Martinez, “When you give somebody hope, you give them the tools to adapt, overcome and live their own success story. We all fight wars in life, and we all need people to help us because sometimes we need to be reminded that stars are reachable, and that’s exactly was Nexus offers.”

J.R. Martinez, Shilah Phillips, 2006 Miss Texas, and Emcee John McCaa from WFAA Channel 8.

The Nexus Recovery Center is a non-profit organization that offers specialized substance abuse services for females, and whose mission is to serve as a link to sobriety, independence, and dignity for low-income women and their families affected by addiction. More information can be found at Nexus Recovery.

Mother’s Day Treatments: The Spa at Equinox

Mother knows best and a mother’s work is never done, right? Right. Tis the time of year to treat the most special, wonderful, beautiful woman in your life so she knows how much you appreciate her. The folks at The Spa at Equinox have put together some packages especially suited for Mother’s Day that will make any mother feel loved, rejuvenated, and relaxed. What busy mom wouldn’t die for this level of pampering??

MOM’S THE WORD: Deep Tissue Massage (50 min).
This treatment uses a series of intensive techniques to manipulate sore, tight muscles and the connective tissue that holds them in place. Highly therapeutic, deep tissue work increases circulation, releases built-up toxins, and heals and restores balance to the body and nervous system. This can be excellent treatment for chronic injuries.
PRICE: Single $95, 3-pack $285.

HOT MAMA: Thermal Ice Facial.
This facial offers a juxtaposition of hot and cold skin therapy where pores are penetrated and impurities are removed leaving the skin rehydrated and rejuvenated. The 50-minute service includes a standard conditioning facial followed by the application of a cool mask made of seaweed with vitamins A, B, C, E & K, folic acid and niacin. The mask heats up to 107 degrees once applied to the skin, and then begins to cool down as it hardens. As the mask hardens, the skin begins to heal and tone and helps collagen penetrate the skin.
PRICE: Single $150, 3-pack $450.

THE MOTHER LODE: Deep Tissue Massage (50 min) with Thermal Ice Facial.

Go for the combination package and make Mom feel really special!

PRICE: Combo $245, Combo 3-pack $735

WHERE: The Spa at Equinox,
Preston Hollow, 8611Hillcrest Road: Call: 214.265.5512
Highland Park, 4023 Oak Lawn Avenue. Call: 214.443.9009

VISIT: Equinox

Fashion Star Nicole Richie Makes an Impulse Statement with Macy’s

Nicole Richie has gone from the Simple Life to a major Fashion Star with a very busy life. She is a wife, a mother of two, a fashion designer of two popular lines House of Harlow and Winter Kate. Not to mention she’s also a judge on a reality show. This may sound like a lot for a former celebutant, but Macy’s thinks she can handle it and is hoping she will become their next Fashion Star.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

This fall, Macy’s will release an exclusive limited-edition collection by Nicole Richie. The title of the collection will be called, Nicole Richie for Impulse. Impulse is a section of the contemporary department that is usually available for only six weeks and has previously featured designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Alberta Ferretti, Giambattista Valli, and Matthew Williamson. But with Richie’s name attached to the line, Macy’s think the line will sell a lot faster.

One hundred of the retailer’s chains will carry the designer’s capsule series, and the collection will be inspired by Richie’s style, which is usually bohemian glamour with fluid flowing garments. Don’t worry, this isn’t code for expensive, Nicole’s new line will be affordable. The prices will range from $49 to $149, which is pretty reasonable compared to Nicole’s other labels House of Harlow and Winter Kate.

Besides sharing the spotlight on the reality show Nicole and Macy’s seem to share another thing, mutual admiration. “Macy’s is the epitome of American fashion. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Macy’s and create a collection that channels the individual artist in all of us,” said Nicole Richie. Macy’s had nothing but kind words to say about the young fashion icon as well, “We are extremely excited to have Nicole Richie design the next capsule for our Impulse designer series. Not only is she on everyone’s best-dressed list, but also her talents for fashion and design, as well as her charismatic persona resonate with our Impulse customer,” said Jeff Gennette, Macy’s chief merchandising officer. Which translates into, high hopes for the latest Impulse line. But with the name Richie attached to it, I’m sure this September customers will make plenty of impulse buys!

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

It’s time to pay mom back for all those years of putting up with us, and what better way to start than with a gift? After scouring the Internet, we came up with a few favorites that are sure to make any mother smile on her special day.

From left to right, this Kendra Scott ‘Abena’ cuff is right on trend with a tangerine magnesite stone. The perfect summer accessory worn with a t-shirt or maxi skirt! Price: $150. Next is a necklace by celeb-favorite jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer, available at Ylang 23, it’s a splurge at $675, but the word mommy never looked so chic in 18k gold.  Now that the neck is covered, it’s on to the nails. Chanel’s Spring polish collection comes in delicious berry shades aptly named April, May, and June, $25 each, and available at Nordstrom.

If a trip to Paris is out of the question (or budget), then a Diptyque candle is the next best thing. Rihanna doesn’t travel without them, so why should mom have anything less? Also sold at Nordstrom, price: $60.  For the fierce fashionista, this coiled Kelly Wearstler cuff will be a sure hit. It is made out of twisted brass, and a statement piece for all seasons, price: $225, and available at Neiman Marcus.  Last on the list is a special edition Bond No. 9 I Love New York fragrance made just for Mother’s Day. This bottle is pretty in pink, and the fragrance is amazing with notes of lily, freesia, and amber. Price: starting at $105, sold at Nordstrom. Now you better get shopping… May 13 is just nine days away!

Forget Roses, buy Rose Gold for Mother’s Day!

Roses are red, violets are blue, take a look at the latest trends moms will love too! Ok, we all know mothers can be picky, so why not pick a rose she can keep forever. So, just in time for Mother’s Day we take a look at some of the best jewelry made of the precious popular metal, rose gold.

For the classic and elegant mom, check out the latest collection from Tiffany’s. Tiffany and Company is leading the way when it comes to the rose gold trend. Their latest special collection is called Rubedo. You can pick from various styles, an ultra wide cuff, an interlocking circles necklace in metal and gold, and even a padlock charm. The prices vary from $600 to $8,000, but seeing the look of joy on her face when she sees the little blue box will be worth every penny!

For the mother’s who like to keep track of their kids (even adults), check out these timeless pieces. Marc by Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors both have a line of rose gold watches. And, here’s the best part, all the watches are under $400! Plus, if you want to throw in an extra little present, Michel Kors has a matching rose gold ring!

Finally, if you’re mom is more of a hippy-chic, she might enjoy these jewelry items from House of Harlow 1960…A.K.A. Nicole Richie’s line. Harlow has really embraced the rose gold trend this season, so you will have a couple of options. House of Harlow 1960 has everything from an arrow ring to Aztec inspired earrings. So, who’s ready to go Mother’s Day shopping?

Kelly Wearstler at Forty Five Ten

The latest it-girl in interior design, Kelly Wearstler, made her way to Dallas last month for a chic cocktail party at Forty Five Ten that also featured a preview of pieces from Dallas Contemporary’s BESPOKE auction. Wearstler was greeted by Forty Five Ten’s Brian Bolke as well as other fashion and art notables including designer Christian Siriano, Carol Riddick, Beth Rogers, Neal Friske, Kara Titus, Executive Director of Dallas Contemporary Peter Doroshenko and Ceron.

Niven Morgan, Julie Butler Hawes

All Photography by Bo Joplin.

Guests chatted with the designer du jour who was on hand to promote her eponymous home collection as well as her recently launched clothing line. As partygoers browsed the selection from the BESPOKE auction they enjoyed music by DJ Lucy Wrubel, munched on Bites by George, sipped cocktails by Belvedere Vodka and juice by Le Jus. Of course no fashionable fete is complete without champagne; Moët & Chandon provided the bubbly beverage for the night.

Lucky for Dallasites, Forty Five Ten has been named an exclusive purveyor of Wearstler’s home collection. Until now the collection was sold exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman and the Kelly Wearstler flagship store in L.A. To get your fix of Wearstler’s unique home offerings head to Forty Five Ten located at 4510 McKinney Avenue.

May Trunk Shows at Champagne’s Luxe

May is finally here, which means spring has arrived and it’s time to shop! At Champagne’s Luxe they are welcoming May in style, by hosting a different trunk show every Saturday complete with hors d’oeuvres, live music and of course —champagne.

If you haven’t found the perfect Mother’s Day gift yet you’re in luck. On May 5 the latest from Judith Leiber’s jewelry and handbag collections will be at the store. These sparkly accessories will be the perfect present for your mom.

On May 12 the Moser trunk show will be held. The brand is renowned for their top quality barware and stemware .

On May 26 Champagne’s Luxe will feature a special trunk show with gifts for the bride and groom. Take a peak at the fine crystal, china and table linens.

On May 5, 12, 19 and 26 head to the store to see the Clara Kasavina handbag collection, these bags are handmade in New York and feature luxe details with exotic skins, Swarovski Crystal elements and precious metals.

Ready, set, shop! Champagne’s Luxe is located at 5201 W. Lovers Lane.  Click to their website for more information.

Lisa Perry Loves Jeff Koons Pop Art

Artist Jeff Koons is known for giant balloon dogs, a King of Pop inspired statue, and extremely sexy artwork. So we were curious to see how designer Lisa Perry meshed her designs with her favorite artist and latest muse.

Perry’s latest fashion collection features some of Koons’ most legendary artwork. Lisa wore one of her designs featuring his work to a dinner party celebrating their unique collaboration—a white sequined shift dress with Koons’ “Pink Panther” print on the back.

Lisa Perry in “Pink Panther” dress.

Some of the other pieces included in Perry’s collection are Koons’ stainless steel “Rabbit” on a white jacket, “Loop” a strapless white A-line dress featuring a dollop of whip cream with a cherry on top on the bust line, and a short dress covered entirely in “Monkey Train (Birds)” screen print. There are also two bangles available with the “Loop” and “Monkey Train” prints.

Jeff Koons and Lisa Perry.

This isn’t Ms. Perry’s first collaboration with famous Pop artists; in the past she picked deceased artists, Warhol and Lichtenstein to feature on her clothes. So would a living artist prove be more critical of her work? One of the ideas Lisa envisioned was using Koons’ balloon-dog sculpture placed on a poodle skirt. Here’s what she had to say about Jeff’s take on the look. “I did something that I thought was really cute. I thought that was such a fun idea. He didn’t like it…. It wasn’t that he didn’t like it, because he’s so kind. He would never say a bad word. He just said, ‘Of all of these, I prefer this one the least.’ If you want to see more of her work or buy something a style from the collection shop on her website at Lisa Perry.

Photo Credit: WWD – Steve Eichner.

link: http://www.lisaperrystyle.com/collections/Limited/Koons.htm