Escape to the Caribbean with the Trina Turk Capsule Collection

Winter will soon be upon us— bringing 3-4 months of chilly temperatures, bulky coats and a lifeless lack of scenery… yuck. Sometimes you just have to take a break and think of happier times! You know, the kind that includes sand between your toes, fruity drinks in hand, and swimsuit shopping. Well, lucky for us Trina Turk is making it all too easy with the release of her capsule collection: Trina Turks & Caicos.

The beachwear designer has collaborated with the Grace Bay Resort to create the limited edition capsule collection, a first for the luxury hideaway. It is made up of nine pieces, including mix and match bikini separates, a wrap one-piece, kimono sleeve tunic, and maxi dress. Each item will be made in a signature print created exclusively for the resort, which Trina says was inspired by “Turks translucent blue waters, white sand beaches and the terracotta Mediterranean-style architecture.” As of December 15, the collection will be available for sale at the Boutique at Grace Bay Club, Trina Turk stores, and TrinaTurk.com.

Ready for even happier thoughts? Starting on December 1, Grace Bay Resort and Trina Turk will host a Facebook sweepstakes where fans can enter to win a 3-day weekend trip to the resort, along with a $500 Trina Turk gift card and choice of swimsuit or tunic from the collection. Mark your calendars! Find more info by “liking” the Grace Bay Club Facebook page here.

Jamie O’Banion Chats with Roni Proter CW33

POP CULTURE TRENDSETTERS: She’s super model gorgeous, wife and mother of two children, and did we mention she has her own skincare line?  Jamie O’Banion is the Co Founder of Dallas based Beauty Bio Sciences and we talked beauty secrets and how she juggles it all.

Roni: You’re a Dallas girl, born and raised, went to Hockaday, as a Dallas woman, talk to me about how important it is to feel and look your best
Jamie: Women care about putting their best foot forward if you look at some of our wonderful Dallas women like Ebby Halliday.  I think that’s part of the legacy of being a Dallas woman is caring about your skin and taking care of those things.

Roni: You’re on HSN every 60 days, you have to look your best all the time, what is your beauty regimen and what do you put on to make yourself feel beautiful all the time?
Jamie: I have selfishly developed products that I personally love and embrace.  I’m a busy mother of two and I don’t have time for eight different products, so this is a 4 in 1, it’s your moisturizer, primer, sunscreen and foundation, all together in one.

Roni: How do you pull it all together?
Jamie: I think you should take some time for yourself and celebrate you and celebrate small successes every day.  I think it’s about living a good honest life and when you wake up with that attitude. I think that beauty comes from within.

Her new line hits Dillard’s shelves today. Watch the video on PinkMemo TV.

La Prairie at The Ritz Carlton NYC

One of my favorite places to visit during the holiday season is New York City. The already vibrant and exciting city really embraces the festivities that come with this time of year. Who doesn’t love to see Park Avenue lit up in twinkling lights or the huge, historic tree at Rockefeller Plaza? I know many North Texas women who like to venture to the Big Apple to get some serious holiday shopping done.

Besides your stops at the usual suspects (Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Macys and Bloomingdales), I encourage you to take some time for yourself and get pampered in true luxury at the La Prairie Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Central Park South.

I did this for myself on a recent trip to the City and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had in New York. The La Prairie Spa is so gorgeous. You immediately feel like you have escaped the hustle and bustle of the City while you relax in this cute urban oasis.

I was treated to the amazing Signature Facial and was immediately cleansed, toned and rehydrated. My hour-long facial left my skin glowing and looking and feeling better than ever. Of course, the La Prairie products that the aestheticians use are true luxury all on their own. After my visit there, I felt like I was ready to take on all that New York had to offer. Don’t miss out on a visit the next time you travel to Manhattan. For more details, check out the SPA.

Dallas Home Fashion Trends: Get Cozy

One of the best things about brisk fall weather is getting out the coats, dressing in layers, and getting cozy. The same goes for our homes! Why not dress your space from head-to-toe the same way you’d dress yourself? Dallas has the best to offer in home interiors and some of the top-of-the-line showrooms are getting cozy.

Scott + Cooner has decked their walls in a felted wool wall sculpture by textile visionary Elizabeth Anyaa, which adds instant warmth to any modern space.

Who doesn’t need a chair like this one, by Poltrona Frau available at Scott + Cooner, that comes complete with an attached cocktail table that’s perfect to perch your hot toddy on fireside?

Edelman Leather has your feet covered with custom patchwork hair-on-hide rugs that will add a layered and textured feel to your home. When the season changes, don’t forget about your home. Kick your boots off and make your space warm and inviting this fall.

Madonna, Gaga and Snookie – Three Times is a Charm

What do Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Snookie have in common? Well, besides being pop cultural phenomenon’s and sometimes-unavoidable train wrecks. They also are very smart businesswomen who have a nose for what women want. Which maybe why they’ve each decided to launch their own perfume!

Snookie by Snookie Polizzi

First to hit stores is everyone’s favorite Jersey Girl, Snookie. Snookie’s perfume promises to not only make you smell Jerseyliscious but catch a meathead for sure, lovely. For those of you who don’t speak Jersey, Snookie swears it smells great and you’ll land a hunky gentleman. The perfume will be called, yep Snookie and on November 25th, after you get your GTL, you can purchase MTV’s ratings-darling debut fragrance on-line or in stores.

Madonna’s Truth or Dare

Jersey isn’t the only place that can produce break out stars; Detroit and New York City can too. Lady Gaga and Madonna will both debut a fragrance next year. And, of course each perfume will probably be a publicity nightmare. Last year, Lady Gaga informed her Little Monsters that her scent would smell like, “blood and semen”. No word on if she actually went through on her threat, but she has picked a name, Monster. As for Madonna’s perfume, the Material Girl seems to have settled down, simply naming her perfume, Truth or Dare. But it is still Madonna, so she’s still a little controversial; just take a look at the bottle. Coty will sell both Lady Gaga and Madonna’s perfume and each will hit stores sometimes next year.

Kendra Scott Boutique Opens in West Village

Kendra Scott’s West Village boutique has finally opened and it’s better than we could have dreamed! Kendra’s widely popular online color bar comes to life with an in-store version where you can design a piece of jewelry using a touch screen monitor. Your customized bauble will be ready to wear in minutes.

The store is also home to Kendra’s recently launched couture line. These statement-making sparklers caught our eye as soon as we walked in. Each piece is one of a kind and features special stones arranged in the unique Kendra Scott way.

As big fans of Kendra Scott’s designs we were more than thrilled to meet the woman behind the brand, Kendra Scott herself. We caught up with her last week when she was in town to ask her a few questions.

PM: What inspires your designs?

KS: First and foremost, the modern woman inspires me. I think about her as an individual before I design each season, making note of everything—from what she is wearing and the trends she is following, to the places she is traveling and the soirees she is attending. Of course, I scour the runways each season to find the hottest colors and trends, but my travels have also had a profound impact on my designs. Most recently, the beautiful people, art, food, landscape, and architecture of Italy have inspired my creations.  I strive for my jewelry to constantly and dynamically evolve, so I am always on the hunt!

PM: When did you first become interested in jewelry?

KS: From the time I could put on my mother’s high heels, I’ve had an infinite love for fashion. My aunt worked in the fashion industry and was a gorgeous, energetic woman who had an amazing ability to forecast fashion trends and was always dressed impeccably. I knew I wanted to follow her footsteps and tackle the fashion world, and my passion for jewelry became an outlet to fulfill that dream. I love designing jewelry because whether it is a delicate stud earring or an oversized cuff, the sky is the limit!  Best of all, unlike those skinny jeans staring back at you in your closet, jewelry always fits!

PM: What is your favorite piece from your new line?

KS: I have recently fallen in love with our new Maggie Earrings. The sparkling chains that hang from this gorgeous earring remind me of an elegant golden chandelier. They are absolutely head turners and will go with just about anything in your closet. You can bet you’ll see me rocking these sparklers day and night.

PM: Why did you want to open a Kendra Scott boutique in Dallas?

KS: Even though I’m a transplant from Wisconsin, Austin has been my home for over 20 years, thus I feel like a Texas native, so I wanted to expand in this fabulous state.  Dallas has been on my radar since the opening of our flagship store in Austin.  Known to many as the fashion capital of the south, Dallas is home to some of the nation’s most fashionable women, so it was a dream come true to open a boutique right in the heart of the city, in West Village.  Plus, it’s just a 50-minute plane ride from my home, so I have an excuse to explore Dallas even more now!

PM: What designers inspire you?

KS: Oscar de la Renta is my absolute favorite designer and when searching for inspiration, his timeless, feminine collections are always the ones I look to first. Best of all, I had the opportunity to meet and work with the world-renowned designer a few years ago when my jewelry was featured on his runway.  What an amazing experience that was!  I’m also inspired by the late Alexander McQueen, whose outrageously creative designs, and runway shows have birthed countless trends throughout the past two decades.  I have his coffee table book in my office and often flip through it for divine inspiration.

PM: When it comes to accessories, besides jewelry, what do you like to wear?

KS: I have always been a firm believer that accessories make the outfit, so it probably won’t be surprising that I have a slight obsession with shoes.  In fact, I have a pair of nude high heel shoes that I take everywhere.  They can go from work to a night out.  They take me everywhere I need to go.

PM: What is your favorite part of the holidays?

KS: My favorite part of the holidays is getting to enjoy quality, uninterrupted time with my family, especially my two boys.  Being a mother is my most important job and I always put my family first, establishing it as one of the core philosophies of my company…”fashion, family, philanthropy.” Just thinking about getting to spend an entire day with my whole family makes me giddy!

Head to the Kendra Scott boutique in West Village for all of your jewelry and holiday gift needs! 3699 McKinney Ave., Suite C305. Monday-Saturday 10-8 and Sunday 11-6.

A Night of Stars at the FGI Dallas Fashion & Lifestyle Awards

The annual Night of Stars awards gala was a night to remember. Event co-chairs Terri Provencal and Maxine Trowbridge created an unforgettable affair. Hosted by the Dallas Market Center and presented by Fashion Group International of Dallas the award gala was decidedly chic.  Voveti Prosecco poured copiously as guests arrived on the red carpet, amidst flashing light bulbs and filming cameras. The red carpet entry was adorned with platinum mannequins each wearing museum worthy clothes from the late Shelly Musselman’s closet.

Pamela Martin Duarte, Jarrod Fresquez, Susan Posnick, and Scott Kehn

As the party started, cameras from the Style Networks docu-drama Big Rich Texas were rolling. Cast members Pamela Martin-Duarte and daughter Hannah, Connie Dieb and Melissa Poe were filmed during the cocktail hour, with Heidi Dillon hanging on their every word.  The silent auction was in full swing as partygoers sipped on Grey Goose cocktails and bid on exclusive items from Forty Five Ten including an Alexander McQueen clutch, a blazer by The Row, exclusive sketch by Doo-Ri, and an angel statue by attending guest Jan Barboglio.

Fashion Group International of Dallas Shirin Askari Collection

DJ Lucy Wrubel spun stylish tunes as guests headed to their tables to start the awards ceremony. First the Fashion Police including Suraj Jagannathan, Mina Chang, Sarah Blacketer, and Cathy Williamson who channeled their inner models as they hit the runway in full strut. Next, Rising Star award winner for Fashion Design Shirin Askari presented her fall 2011 collection on the runway.

Dolce and Gabbana Peach Dress and Feather Coat

The gala continued as emcee Roni Proter announced the night’s honorees with their awards. Rising Star award winners Elizabeth Showers - Jewelry, D’Andra Simmons - Beauty, Hard Night Good Morning, Jane Aldridge – Fashion Communication, SeaofShoes.com, and Carley Seale – Retail, The Gypsy Wagon. The career achievement awards were presented to Tim Boole for Fashion Photography, Alberto Lombardi of Lombardi Family Concepts, and the late Shelly Musselman for a Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion.

Dolce and Gabbana Rose Embroidered Coat over Jean Paul Gaultier Yellow ress

Meredith Musselman accepted the award on behalf of her mother, after an emotional video featuring designers: Yigal Azrouel, Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, Doo-Ri Chung and Ippolita—who talked about Musselman’s influence in each of their lives.

Alexander McQueen Black Jacquard Evening Gown

The grand finale of this chic evening—a fashion show curated by co-founder of Forty Five Ten Brian Bolke, produced by Jan Strimple featuring Kim Dawson models. Many exquisite and rare pieces from Musselman’s closet sauntered down the runway covering thirty years fashion—each scene aptly named: The Eighties, The Nineties, Very Shelly, Cutting Edge and Alexander McQueen.

The sold out crowd of over 400 guests included Jimmy Musselman, Elaine Agather, Tom and Cinda Hicks, Marty and Josy Collins, James Valenti, Renee Rouleau, Alberto and Vivian Lombardi, Shelly and Barry Rosenberg, Faisal Halum, LeeAnne Locken, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Sue Gragg, Laura Noble, JB Hayes and Robert Weatherly—with FGI Board Members Chuck Steelman, Alden Clanahan, and Jenny Seide.

Next year’s event is sure to be just as impressive thanks to the newly announced Shelly Musselman Scholarship provided by the Musselman family for one deserving student in 2012.

Special thanks from Fashion Group International of Dallas to all the sponsors: Dallas Market Center, Cadillac, Forty Five Ten, Kim Dawson Agency, Toni & Guy, G.E.S., Prashe Décor, Patron Magazine, CW33, PinkMemo, Centennial, Voveti, Grey Goose, Smartwater.

Photo Credit: Rachael Wise – Cymbidium Photography.

Tom Ford Beauty Collection

Designer Tom Ford is known for redefining luxury and now he takes his talents to the world of beauty. A few years ago, he launched a collection of 12 lip shades in stunning white and gold cases that left the beauty world all abuzz. Now, he has expanded the brand and recently launched The Tom Ford Beauty Collection.

It is available exclusively in Dallas at Neiman Marcus NorthPark Center and is only available in four other Neiman Marcus stores across the country (Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco and Las Vegas), and Bergdorf Goodman in New York. In a word, the collection is stunning. In another word, it’s also very expensive. The collection is designed to achieve glamorous color on the perfect foundation. At the core is an emphasis on sensual eyes, bold cheeks and lacquered lips.

There are gorgeous eye color quad palettes, cheek colors, new lipsticks and lip glosses and giant bottles of nail polish. The line begins with radiant skin, but the collection is limited to just a few key products (think cleanser, toner, moisturizer, eye cream, primer and make-up remover). Ford is a big believer in proper beauty tools and his make-up brushes certainly don’t disappoint.

But if you aren’t careful, they will most certainly break the bank. The brushes combine white horse hair, super goat hair and synthetic fibers, one brush alone is $110. The Tom Ford Beauty Collection is exactly what I thought it would be: gorgeous, glamorous, colorful and with a super designer price tag.

Beauty Bloggers Create Online Charity Auction

Does your collection of cosmetics need a facelift? Well you’re in luck because for the second year in a row beauty bloggers are using their endless knowledge of all things beauty for a good cause. Auction founder Karla Sugar has gathered a group of over 40 beauty bloggers and some of the best beauty brands to create beautyblogggers.org an online auction site benefiting Doctor’s Without Borders.

Items up for auction include products by prestigious beauty brands like  Armani, Bobbi Brown, Guerlain, and Lancome. The online auction starts Monday, November 28 and goes until Monday, December 12. When the auction ends the winning bidders will donate directly to Doctors Without Borders. Cosmetics and charity make for a beautiful combination.

Reese Witherspoon’s Slithers Out of Trouble

Reese Witherspoon is accused of making a crime against fashion! The shocking news comes as a surprise to most unless you follow PETA. People for the Ethical Treatment of animals have stuck their claws into America’s sweetheart and it’s all because of a $4,000 Chloe bag.

Reese Witherspoon carrying the python Chloe purse

Once donned the Sexiest Vegetarian by PETA, the animal lovers are calling Reese a different name—Ms. Witherspoon was photographed carrying the 4,000 python Chloe bag. The horse shape purse called, Marcie is made out of exotic snakeskin. Lets face it, no one loves snakes but everyone hates animal cruelty. Which is why once Reese learned of the cruel intentions towards obtaining the exotic material, she ditched her Python bag. Which pleased PETA once again, “We’ve long known Reese to be a kind person, so we’re pleased—and not surprised—that she is hanging up her python bag for good,” said PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange.

Besides PETA, some have also wondered how the A-list star captured the illusive skin, since it has been unlawful to sell or buy in California since 1970. Which is probably why stores like Neiman Marcus will not ship the python Chloe bag to California. But fear not Reese fans; she isn’t in trouble with the law. It’s perfectly legal for the Legally Blonde store to buy the bag somewhere else and bring it back to California. If you still like the bag but don’t want to face PETA wrath, the bag is also available in leather. But then again, PETA may have a slight problem with that fabric too.

Neiman Marcus