Assouline Luxury Collection Destination Guides

Don’t want to bother your best jet-setting friend for travel advice?  Assouline has done it for you, compiling The Luxury Collection Destination Guides that reveal insider information and share experiences in the well-traveled countries of Italy, Greece, Argentina, India, Spain, and the United States.  Each booklet in the set features a recipe from a local renowned chef including Mario Batali for Italy, José Andrés for Spain, Francis Mallmann for Argentina, and our very own Charlie Palmer for the US.  Bulky travel books begone!  With these little numbers crafted into the quirky shape of a passport, you will be stylish from your guide to your Goyard.  Bon voyage!

Visit: The Luxury Collection Destinations Guides set www.shopassouline.com

Marni and Current/Elliott, Hot New It-Couple

Denim junkies love nothing more than when a coveted brand puts their take on their most coveted item.  This June, you’ll get your fix when Marni and Current/Elliot release a limited edition eight-piece collection of anything-but-classic blue jeans.

Of her first foray into the world as a blue jean baby, Marni’s head designer Consuelo Castiglioni told WWD: “The great thing is that I was given free reign, which meant I could treat denim like any other fabric…The biggest challenge, however, was to design models that reflected the Marni style and bring my vision to the project.”

The off-beat, boyish bohemianism Marni is known for melds with the slouchy boyfriend jean Current/Elliot does best, resulting in the perfect stolen-from-your-boyfriend’s-closet denim, accentuated with leather piping, cloth borders, signature pearl prints on the cuffs, black ribbon belts, and even a pair already attached to a pearl-printed blue cotton shirt (the new breed of overalls?!) — all in a variety of washes.

In a world where “jeggings” rule, it’s nice to see something new and innovative.  Prices will range from $250 to $500, and will be available this June at Marni boutiques, as well as Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.

Tiny Boxwoods: An Oasis in the Bayou City

Did you miss your trip to France because of the Icelandic volcano? Provence is closer than you think. Tiny Boxwoods, one of my favorite places for lunch in the city of Houston, will transport you to the South of France. Part of  Thompson + Hanson’s landscape architecture complex which is also home to a nursery and a home décor store, the café is located in a veritable oasis in the middle of the city. The grounds are beautifully landscaped while the café is ultra-charming.

The former warehouse has been transformed into a chic space that is sure to evoke images of Southern France. It is so chic in fact, that Anna Wintour herself was spotted having lunch at Tiny Boxwoods a few months ago. More than just a place to see and be seen, chef Baron Doke’s menu is composed of classic French fare made with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Their chocolate chip cookies are out of this world and completely worth the indulgence. After lunch, be sure to check out their wonderful home décor store which features European antiques, books, fine housewares, and unique gifts.

Vilebrequin Unveiled In Highland Park

Tell your man to cool off and take the plunge in something French, festive, and unforgettable.  Vilebrequin, the famed French swimwear company, will debut its first pop-up-shop in Highland Park Village come  May 8, 2010.  Including more than 70 prints decorating most of their signature trunks, shorts, ready to wear linen shirts, hoodies and terry cloth polos, this store is on the right wavelength for the summer season.

What: Vilebrequin Pop-Up-Shop in Highland Park Village

Where: 29 Highland Park Village

When: Saturday, May 8, 2010 until January 31, 2011

Contact: 214.526.2300

Visit: www.vilebrequinonlinestore.com

Bra-Vo: The Bra Book Has Arrived

From lacy to loose, from full coverage to not enough, most women are gulity of committing at least one bra faux pas.  But The Bra Book is here to take some weight off your chest.  From style expert and author Jené Luciani comes a book inspired by Oprah, that gives smart sizing tips for a better, more beautiful bust line; a shopping guide for the male mind; and helpful hints that will give you all the support you’ll ever need.

What:  The Bra Book by Jené Luciani

Visit: www.thebrabook.com

Giles Deacon Takes on Ungaro

After WWD spotted British born designer Giles Deacon lunching with Ungaro owner Asim Abdullah and his management team on Friday in Avenue Montaigne’s Le Relais Plaza, rumors surfaced that he was in line to assume the position at the helm of Emanuel Ungaro’s merry-go-round of creative directors.

All parties kept mum, but when Estrella Archs, the Spanish unknown who was brought on to co-design with Lindsay Lohan left just the next day, we assumed it was true.

Designer Giles Deacon

Yesterday, JCReport editor Jason Campbell confirmed our suspicions when he tweeted:

It’s official Giles Deacon is at Ungaro

Giles will be the fifth designer for the precarious brand in as many years. Ungaro handed the creative director reins to Giambattista Valli in 1998, but by 2005 both left the company and new owner Abdullah was left to find a successor. Vincent Darré took over in 2005, only to be replaced by Peter Dundas after two seasons, and two seasons later, was himself replaced by Esteban Cortazar, who only lasted three seasons. Archs and Lohan last held the reins, and we all remember what happened there.

Giles has some experience under his belt: he set up his own label in 2004, and started his career working with French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Italian luxury goods firm Bottega Veneta. With his fashion chops, maybe Giles will finally be able to get the struggling brand back on its feet.

Alexandra (Beck) The Great

A new face that’s gracing the Dallas art scene belongs to that of Alexandra Beck.  This Texas born talent will be showcasing her work at Krimson & Klover Thursday, April 29th from 4-8pm.  Be sure to stop  by and sip on skinny girl margaritas and browse for a new inspiring purchase that will have you looking and feeling like the ultimate art world insider.

Whimsical, Mixed Media, 20″ x 20″, 2010

What: Krimson & Klover Event and Trunk Show featuring artist Alexandra Beck

Where: Krimson & Klover Boutique, 3111 Cole Ave.

When: Thursday, April 29, 2010 from 4-8pm

Visit: www.krimsonandklover.com

www.alexandrabeck.com

Beach Ball

Frozen or on the rocks the Dallas Margarita Society’s first annual Beach Ball will be one strong concoction of Jimmy Buffet tunes, island attire and all the attractions of Moody Gardens.  Benefiting Dallas Children’s Charities, the DMS Beach Ball is the primary event during a weekend getaway and island excursion that includes golfing, swimming and relaxing all on island time.  We say surf’s up.

What: DMS Beach Ball

When: Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 6:30pm-11:30pm

Where Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston

Visit: www.dallasmargaritasociety.org

Tickets: Click Here

Beyond Vintage

Oh, this old thing?  The Beyond Vintage trunk show at Cusp this Saturday, April 24th from 10am-5pm will have you seeing sequins and batting your lashes over batwing silhouettes for hours after you peruse and purchase some retro-inspired ’60s and ’70s spring blouses.  Designer Elizabeth Klein will be there to help you find and harness your inner Jerry Hall and work it with all the right moves that even Studio 54 would deem worthy.

Lace Dolman Blouse

What: Beyond Vintage Trunk Show

Where: Cups, Neiman Marcus, Northpark Dallas

When: Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 10am-5pm

Visit: www.cusp.com

Bump It Up

If you’ve got a  bun in the oven and feel stumped on style, then let the experts at Lancôme and author Amy Tara Koch of the pregnancy style guide Bump It Up lend a hand.  This Tuesday, April 27th from 5-7pm at the Lancôme Boutique at Northpark Dallas, they will be transforming soon to be mothers into major hot mammas.  Plan to be blow away by beauty tips that will help you achieve the best faux glow and rework your beauty regimen.  It’s all about pregnancy with panache.

What: Author Amy Tara Kosh and Lancôme experts host a Pregnancy Event

Where: Lancôme Boutique at Northpark Dallas

When: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 from 5pm-7pm

Contact: 214.750.9364 for Appointments.  Space Limited.

visit: www.randomhouse.com

www.lancome.com