DKNY Wellies

Rain, rain go away…

I actually quite enjoy the rainy weather we’re having, but what I don’t enjoy is that I haven’t bought a pair of rain boots since, well, freshman year of college. And they’re just not cutting it. It seems DKNY is reading my mind, because not only have their Fall 2010 Active Rain Boots just become available for purchase, but the pictures of the collection were the first thing in my inbox this morning. Impeccable timing!

Rainy days are the perfect time to add a little whimsy to your feet, so I’ll be ordering up the yellow Niagara boots in the hopes that I can splash in some puddles later, a la the graphic girl emblazoned on the boot’s shaft.

Now, what will DKNY do about my umbrella situation…?

Ross Akard Presents Mercy

Ross Akard Gallery will play host to artist Shannon Niehus’ first solo show in Dallas this month, and we can’t wait for the two part exhibit and performance piece.

Mercy features nine oil on masonite panels as part of the Continuum of Ecstasy series and The Ecstasy, a soft sculpture and performance piece produced by Niehus and directed by Jonathan Taylor, a company member of Kitchen Dog Theater.

To get a first glimpse, make your way to the opening reception on September 9^th, or the only live performance of The Ecstasy on September 17^th.

When: Show runs September 9^th to October 9^th; Opening Reception with the artist is on

September 9^th from 6 to 9 pm; Performance of The Ecstasy is on September 17^th at 7 pm.

Where: Ross Akard Gallery, The Fairmont Dallas, 1717 North Akard, Dallas, TX 75201

Tickets: Complimentary

Contact: 214.720.5394

American Fashion Designers at Home

Assouline is our go-to for coffee table tomes, and the latest title in their line-up is American Fashion Designers at Home, which is a must-have for fashion and design lovers. Assouline has partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America to showcase the homes of some of the most sought-after names in fashion including: Diane von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Cynthina Rowley, and Kate Spade among others. It will certainly be interesting to see if the designers’ homes are a reflection of their fashion personalities. For example, is Carolina Herrera’s home as tailored and chic as her collection? Does Donna Karan’s home consist of sleek, modern pieces? Get your hands on this fabulous book by Rima Suqii and find out how Herrera, Karan, and 100 of America’s top designers live.

Texas’ Next Top Designer

It launched the career of Texas style staples Megan Summerville and Abi Ferrin, and it could shoot you into the spotlight – it’s that time of year again, and Texas’ Next Top Designer is putting out a call for entries.

This design challenge provides aspiring designers with the opportunity to showcase their talents and win a prize package worth more than $30,000 – a well-welcomed helping hand to any newbie.

Today is the first day they are accepting applications for the 2010 competition, so log on to www.texasnexttopdesigner.org if you think you’re up for the competition. The schedule goes as such:

September – Kick-off and registration events in Dallas, Austin & Houston

November – Preliminary Judging in Dallas, Austin & Houston

December – Final Judging in Dallas

February – Winner Announcement Gala & Fashion Show in Dallas

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Just around the corner on Thursday, September 9^th, you can head to Park’s Bar Celine to meet the Board of Directors at a cocktail party. Have one of their signature cocktails; listen to live music by DJ Frances Jaye and Brainwave, and discuss who you think is going to be Texas’ Next Top Designer.

When: Thursday, September 9^th from 7 to 9 pm

Where: Bar Celine (inside Park), 1921 Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Visit: www.texasnexttopdesigner.org

Proenza Schouler For J Brand

What happens when my favorite denim brand collaborates with beloved designers Jack and Lazaro from Proenza Schouler? A six-piece collection of graffiti print J Brand skinnies I WANT NOW.

They debuted at the fall 2010 runway presentation and have been available for pre-sale for several weeks, but they’re finally available now (we love instant gratification) at ProenzaSchouler.com.

Each pair, in both high-waisted and low-rise styles, is hand-painted and retails at $550.

I can’t wait to wear these with military booties and a cozy cashmere sweater.  Perhaps saying goodbye to summer isn’t so bad after all…

Jamie Joseph at Ylang | 23

There’s nothing quite like a pretty rock glistening on your finger…

Renowned jewelry designer Jamie Joseph and her husband Jeremy, will be visiting Ylang | 23 for a trunk show on September 1^st and 2^nd.

Joseph will be showcasing a collection of one-of-a-kind rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Hand cut by head stone cutter and hubby Jeremy, each pretty rock is has equal parts movement, asymmetry, texture and luminosity. They are each transformed into wearable art when set in organic framework consisting of gold, silver, platinum and diamonds. Everything from the duo’s glacier cut treatments, organic shapes and textures to their vivid use of color would make any jewelry collector coo.

Colorful, unique stones in organic settings – there’s no better way to add vibrancy to your fall wardrobe. See you there!

When: Wednesday, September 1 and Thursday, September 2 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Where: Ylang | 23, Dallas Galleria, 13350 Dallas Parkway Suite 1300, Dallas, TX 75240

Visit: www.ylang23.com and www.jamiejoseph.com

Dallas Contemporary’s y@161 at Meddlesome Moth

You’re never too young to make a mark on the art world, and the Dallas Contemporary knows that better than anyone. They have a new group geared toward 20- and 30somethings interested in contemporary art called y@161.

Membership will grant you exclusive access to private gallery talks, studio visits, auction house tours, viewings of corporate art collections, film screenings, parties and other events – what more could you ask for?

To learn more, savor some light bites at the Arts District’s newest hotspot, Meddlesome Moth, while listening to James Cope of The Goss-Michael Foundation speak on the importance of being a young philanthropist in Dallas and the state of contemporary art globally.

See you there young philanthropists!

When: Wednesday, September 1^st from 5 to 7 pm

Where: Meddlesome Moth, 1621 Oak Lawn, Dallas, TX 75207

RSVP: events@dallascontemporary.org

Visit: www.dallascontemporary.org

EmersonMade debuts a New Clothing Line

EmersonMade started out with a line of signature flower pins, which led to a charming collection of accessories and a huge following among style bloggers and blog readers. Now, Emerson is launching her first-ever clothing line, filled with amazing staple pieces for any girl’s wardrobe. EmersonMade’s new line includes fabulous 1970s-inspired jeans made from premium denim, fitted blazers, feminine blouses, and timeless shift dresses. My favorite piece is the Silk Dots blouse which is at once classic and sexy in the most subtle fashion.

Lusting For Lace

We’re loving the resurgence of feminine lace, but our favorite way to wear this trend is on our feet. A material usually synonymous with “delicate” or “fragile” in our minds is being redefined by everyone from Christian Louboutin to Valentino, and it’s the prettiest way to add sex appeal to your wardrobe. Now excuse me while I slip (my feet) into a sweet little something…

Alexander McQueen, Giuseppe Zanotti and Stella McCartney put it on a pump, while Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino sweeten up tough boots.

Occhiali Goes Back To School

For most of us the days of pop quizzes and recess are long gone, but that doesn’t mean we don’t still get childishly giddy about back to school shopping. Occhiali Modern Optics recognizes that it’s not just the kids that like to have fun – they’re offering PinkMemo readers 20 percent off a complete pair of glasses for the rest of August in honor of “Back To School.”

In the same way you used to get new pair of specs every year to keep that chalkboard clear, you should keep up your eyewear routine. From rimless to retro, David Yurman to Bellinger, Occhiali has the perfect fall styles for you.

Just mention PinkMemo.com for your discount!

Occhiali Modern Optics

8304 Preston Center Plaza Drive

University Park, TX 75225

Call: 214.368.2777