DailyCandy Dallas

More Than Words

2009-11-20T14:15:00Z

Library: Archives of Fashion Vintage Shop

It was Miss Lail with the horsebit belt in the library.

Need a bigger clue? We’re talking about Library: Archives of Fashion, an online vintage shop out of Charleston.

At the helm is Lauren Lail, who sees each fashion piece as a story, together creating a unique anthology.

Designer items share virtual racks with no names, all dangling reasonable price tags and detailed measurements.

Hopeless romantics will be drawn to floral dresses, ruffled tops, and crochet vests. Big sunglasses, chunky belts, and animal prints will appeal to those with a penchant for drama. And boyfriend cardis and blazers offer self-help on days when you’re not feeling your thinnest.

There are times we can all use a cover-up.

Available online at libraryfashion.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Sully Sullivan Photography

Can You Year Me Now?

2009-11-20T09:30:00Z

We Are 1976 Boutique Opens

What do Apple computers, the Ramones, and your first poopy diaper have in common?

They all splashed on the scene in ’76.

To remind us of the year’s achievements: We Are 1976, a new North Henderson shop owned by three thirtysomethings. The boutique, which quietly opens this week, backs budding brands like Superheadz (decorative Japanese cameras), Saikai (minimalist porcelain tabletop items), Pirwi (sustainable wood figurines), and Jeffrey Brown paperbacks.

They pimp creatives closer to home, too, such as F Is for Frank metal rings and bracelets and letterpress art by Casey McGarr of Inky Lips Press and Studio 204’s Kim Neiman and Virgil Scott. In January, they’ll also offer bookbinding classes taught by a local expert.

Which means a reading rainbow’s around the corner.

We Are 1976, 1902 North Henderson Avenue (214-821-1976 or weare1976.com).

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s a dog’s life.

MAKE
Cake for Canines
What: Give Fido a little something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving (or his next b-day) with a doggie dessert mix. For bonus points, get the bone-shaped cupcake pan.
Why: You’ve got a case of puppy love.
Where: Online at puppycake.com.

SAVE
Heidi Merrick Sale
What: The L.A. designer is discounting dresses, bathing suits, skirts, and blouses by 50-75 percent.
Why: It’s going, going, gone.
Where: Online at heidimerrick.com.

USE
Wordnik
What: The comprehensive online dictionary includes pronunciations, relevant quotes, etymologies, and recent appearances on Twitter and Flickr.
Why: Spread the words.
Where: Online at wordnik.com.

ORGANIZE
LobotoMe Notepads
What: Handy checklists make for more efficient packing, grocery shopping, working out, meal planning, and more.
Why: You’d forget your head if it weren’t attached.
Where: Online at lobotome.com.

WATCH
Handmade Nation
What: Artist/first-time filmmaker Faythe Levine traveled across America to make this inspiring documentary about the recent rise of crafting and DIY.
Why: Get creative juices flowing.
Where: Online at buyolympia.com.

EAT
Full Circle Flavors
What: Three lovely sisters in Pennsylvania make chocolaty Amaretto, Limoncello, and Orangecello cakes.
Why: You’re well rounded.
Where: Online at fullcircleflavors.com.

Would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Puppy Cake

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T09:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

If you’re a little bit country …

SHOP
Uptown Country Home
What: The shabby chic furniture and accessories mecca slashes everything (yes, everything) 30 percent to make room for holiday merch.
Why: Clean ’n’ clear.
When: Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: 3419 Milton Ave. (469-232-2042).

Holiday Shopping Night
What: Lovers Lane fashion boutiques Lou Lou, Mine, and Hemline serve wine, small bites, and 25 percent off purchases.
Why: The price is right.
When: Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Lovers Ln., b/t Armstrong Pkwy. & Lomo Alto Dr.

HEAR
The Blind
What: The super-bad rock cover band jams to Michael, Journey, AC/DC, and more at the new NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas.
Why: Happy hour specials ’til 10 p.m.
When: Sat., 8 p.m.
Where: 1001 W. Royal Ln., Irving (972-373-8900).

BROWSE
Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash
What: Handcrafted goodies from 50-plus local artists, live music, cocktails, and a swagtastic raffle.
Why: Gift bags for the first 50 peeps.
When: Sat., 1-7 p.m.
Where: Sons of Hermann Hall, 3414 Elm St. (214-747-4422).

HELP
Winter Coat and Food Drive
What: Round up warm jackets and nonperishable food to support Goodwill and the North Texas Food Bank.
Why: Free fromage, vino, and chocolate from Scardello Artisan Cheese and Cork.
When: Thurs., 6-9 p.m. Donations also accepted Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Gardens, 3699 McKinney Ave., ste. 310 (214-528-7770).

DO
Tru Salon’s Wedding Day Open House
What: The budding beauty spot debuts its second-floor bridal salon with bubbly, hair demos, and loads of in-house services.
Why: The first 50 visitors to mention DailyCandy get free beauty booty.
When: Thurs. Open house, 3-5 p.m.; reception, 6-8 p.m.
Where: 2715 Fairmount St. (214-965-0373).

Wanna leave town this weekend? Don’t escape without our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Uptown Country Home

Under African Skies

2009-11-18T17:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Cape Town

Humming with young boho buzz, Cape Town has emerged from its rocky past as the creative capital of Africa. From high-stakes adventures (paragliding off Signal Hill) to creature comforts (crisp, local sauvignon blancs), the city will leave you breathless.

GPS
While the day away in City Bowl’s historic open-air markets, public gardens, and cobblestoned pedestrian malls dating back to the 17th century’s Dutch East India Company. Tamboerskloof has chic outdoor cafes and prime-time people-watching. Style junkies should head to emerging neighborhoods Woodstock (for design collectives and art galleries), Bo-Kaap (for colorful cottage architecture), and de Waterkant (for a hopping gay scene).

NEST
To experience the social swirl at its best, stay within easy access of Kloof Street. Kick up your heels at Tamboerskloof’s sleek and chic Kensington Place (38 Kensington Crescent; +27-21-424-4744) for primo pampering (like your suite sprinkled with rose petals).

The Airstream Penthouse Trailer Park atop the new Grand Daddy (38 Long Street; +27-21-424-7247) offers a campy-cool vibe in the form of seven vintage caravans refurbished by local artists and set against stunning Table Mountain. Trailers have themes — Afro Funk, Love of Lace, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Sip Castle lager at the rooftop bar and catch a flick at The Pink Flamingo outdoor cinema. Really, now. Who said trailer trash was a uniquely American phenomenon?

INGEST
Native glamazons start the day with Ouma Rusks, the South African equivalent of a biscotti, and yummy meia de leites (espresso with steamed milk) at Vida e Caffe (34 Kloof Street; +27-21-426-0627). For lunch, grab a quiche at Melissa’s (94 Kloof Street; +27-21-424-5540), which has an awesome pay-per-kilo buffet. Thirsty? Sundowners are a Capetonian institution. Snag a harborside table at Cape Grace’s Bascule (West Quay Road; +27-21-410-7100) and choose from more than 400 whiskeys. The largest single malt collection in the Southern hemisphere, it’s a whiskey lover’s wet dream.

INVEST
Share the love with jealous pals back home and swing through the historic Greenmarket Square (54 Shortmarket Street) for authentic African curios like Hutu masks, soapstone giraffe sculptures, and wooden rhino salad tongs. Saturday mornings, the city’s creative cognoscenti descend upon Woodstock’s vibrant Neighbourgoods Market (373-375 Albert Road; +27-21-448-1438). Tarts, curries, and biltong (South African beef jerky) are a must. And make room for one-of-a-kind textiles, vintage dresses, and handcrafted charm necklaces.

DIGRESS
For old-world glamour and traditional Afrikaans fare, stop by Sunday jazz brunch at Steenberg Hotel and Winery in Constantia Valley (10802 Steenberg Estate, Tokai Road; +27-21-713-2222), the oldest vineyard on the Western Cape. (Owner Graham Beck’s brut NV is what the Obamas popped on election night.)

For insider access to vineyards, hook up with Roar Africa. Its people have been in the region for eleven generations, and co-founder Deb Calmeyer can impress the pickiest oenophile. The VIP visit to UK diamond king Laurence Graff’s new winery, Delaire Graff Estate (P.O. Box 3058, Stellenbosch; +27-21-885-8160), gets you into the off-limits barrel room and a sneaky sampling straight from the casks. (The property’s chic David Collins-designed boutique hotel is set to open next year.)

THE REST
No snoozing for you: There’s high-voltage adrenalin and raw wildlife at every turn. Swim with sharks at Seal Island. Ride big waves at Muizenberg Beach. Hike Table Mountain for sweeping views of the city and the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Visit indigenous penguins at Boulders Beach. And catch a glimpse of the only free roaming white lions in the world at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (+27-28-572-1824).

Don’t worry about the eternal flight home. You’ll be sleeping the whole way.

Photos: Courtesy of Kelley McMillan; Courtesy of The Grand Daddy; Courtesy of Cape Grace; Courtesy of Neighbourgoods Market; Courtesy of Delaire Graff Estate; Courtesy of Sanbona Game Reserve

Skin City

2009-11-18T14:15:00Z

Khirma Eliazov Handbags Debut

After your FUPA made an unscheduled appearance at a late-night dance party (followed by its own tag on Facebook), you swore your skin-showing days were over.

But you’ll rethink things when you get a glimpse of Khirma Eliazov’s handbags. The fashion editor-cum-designer uses unusual exotic skins to make them stand out (in a good way).

The carryalls are comprised of Italian leather, canvas, and gold or silver hardware with textured panels made of stingray. Styles include an oversize number for day, a sleek tote you can carry into the evening, and a pouch with a long body strap good for hitting the town at night. All are available in rich fall hues like navy, eggplant, black, taupe, and gray.

The price tags are steep ($240-$1,495 to be exact).

But you’ve considered paying more for tight skin.

Available online at khirmaeliazov.com. DailyCandy readers get 20% off on purchases made today with code DailyCandy.

Photo: Courtesy of Khirma Eliazov

Trio Dat

2009-11-18T09:30:00Z

The Cottage Spa Opens

You dream of holding the keys to a quaint little house off the grid.

In the meantime, escape locally to The Cottage.

An affiliate of Trio salon in Uptown, the residential bungalow-cum-private spa is available for rent in Dallas’s quiet Bluffview neighborhood. Book a treatment and the digs are all yours, from the cozy treatment rooms to the calorie-burning infrared sauna and homey living room lounge.

Services include bikini waxing, lash tinting, airbrush tanning, deep-tissue massage, and more. There’s also a makeup lab for creating bespoke beauty products and a table topped with sweet bites and healthy smoothie shots.

Out back, enjoy some sun salutations or just kick back and relax.

After all, you own the place.

The Cottage, 4286 Cresthaven Road (214-855-0500).

This Little Deal of Mine

2009-11-17T16:00:00Z

Let ’em shine!

Let's Be Ecological

2009-11-17T14:00:00Z

My, what a big carbon footprint you have! Try these green products with an edge, dear.

What Up, Dawg?

2009-11-17T09:30:00Z

Dallas Dog Guide 2009, Part III

This is some hot shit to step in.

Gimme Shelter
Dallas nonprofit August Dog Rescue recovers and rehabilitates suffering, homeless, and misplaced pups, especially those on Texas shelters’ euthanasia lists. Your new pal (we call dibs on Sparky) is just waiting to be adopted.

Pawty People
Another group with a big heart (and hair)? Paws in the City, which finds loving homes for abused and abandoned Dallas-area dogs and cats. This Thursday, wear your best retro getup to support the org at Hairballs and Hair Bands, an ’80s-themed bash with bites and a cover band.

Pillow Talk
Rescues will sleep easy on The Pillow Bar’s new dog beds (Linen Boutique, 5600 West Lovers Lane; 214-352-5400), which give back to the SPCA of Texas. The Lucky Dog collection is made of Hungarian goose down, 300-thread-count cotton sateen, and washable luxe fabrics (black and white damask, sage herringbone).

Pet Project
Dallas shutterbugs David Woo and Richard Pruitt captured nearly 100 pooches (and their notable owners, many of whom have Texas ties) for Top Dogs and Their Pets. It’s not just coffee-table fodder: The tome also benefits the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation (yes, that dog whisperer).

Go Fetch
Local, recently launched Fetch Dog Store’s treats are high in protein and fiber and contain no preservatives, additives, or processed sugars (we heart the PeaMutt Butter Footballs and Bark-Be-Cue Bones).

And not a bit of crap.

Photos: Courtesy of August Dog Rescue; Courtesy of The Pillow Bar; Courtesy of Fetch Dog Store

Get Pumped

2009-11-16T14:15:00Z

Easy Does It: How to Change a Flat Tire

We’re always looking for a reason to hang out with hunks. Especially if it requires flexing, moaning, and pushing.

So it only made sense to find a muscley beefcake to teach us how to change a busted tire for our next Easy Does It how-to video.

Don’t be intimidated by the task at hand: Fixing a flat is actually really easy — and totally beats waiting for AAA or flagging down a sketchy truck driver. Plus, we figure self-sufficiency (especially if you’re in BFE) is always a good policy.

Now it’s time for a little pump and grind.

To submit questions you’d like us to answer in our next Easy Does It video, e-mail easydoesit@dailycandy.com. Feel free to ask us anything (anything!).

Kick the Habit

2009-11-16T09:30:00Z

Miz Mooz's Carlito Cowboy Boots

You have a thing for old soles. But even your half-homeless honey is embarrassed to walk with you in public.

Put your best foot forward with Miz Mooz’s new Carlito cowboy boots.

Yes, the well-heeled company is known for its trendy footwear (cork wedges, strappy sandals, swanky boots). But this season it breaks the mold with a cute Western number for less than 140 bucks.

Since they’re no Luccheses, the boots show their true colors with eye-popping leathers (beige, blue, red, mustard, green, orange) and a fashiony ankle height. Trad types will appreciate the black and brown styles, as well as a couple worn-in, distressed options.

Kick back and relax.

Available at Anthropologie, 8687 North Central Expressway, NorthPark Center (214-691-8450); Nordstrom, 5220 Alpha Road, Galleria Dallas (972-702-0055); online at infinityshoes.com. To see styles, go to miz-mooz.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Miz Mooz

Let's Take It Slows

2009-11-13T14:15:00Z

Split Pea and Okra Fritter Recipe from Detroit's Slows Bar B Q

You’ve never been the type to fritter things away. Until now. Down at Slows Bar B Q, Detroit’s destination for all things slathered in saucy sauce and washed down with craft beer, chef Brian Perrone’s split pea and okra fry-ups make a scrumptious start to any meal.

Split Pea and Okra Fritters
Makes 25-30 fritters

Ingredients
2 c. green split peas, cooked and cooled
4 c. baby spinach, packed
½ c. hot sauce
¼ c. buttermilk
6 eggs
2 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. baking powder
¼ c. yellow cornmeal
3 c. all-purpose flour, plus a little more
8 c. okra, sliced

1. Combine split peas and spinach in food processor, add hot sauce and buttermilk, process until smooth. Transfer to large bowl.

2. Whisk in eggs; add salt, sugar, baking powder, and cornmeal.

3. Whisk in flour a little at a time until mixture is not too loose, not too firm.

4. Fold in okra.

5. Drop by rounded tablespoon into 350º oil, fry until golden brown and cooked all the way through. Serve immediately.

Slows Bar B Q, 2138 Michigan Avenue, at Fisher Freeway West, Detroit (313-962-9828‎ or slowsbarbq.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Greg Holm

A Work in Progress

2009-11-13T09:30:00Z

Artisan Style Art Gallery and Gift Shop Opens

Your place is a total Picasso. (And your man a well-hung Monet.)

Keep canvassing the joint at Artisan Style.

The up-and-coming art gallery and gift shop is tucked away on a quiet Uptown street. But don’t be fooled by the historical Victorian building’s traditional bones. The owners have packed the walls with bold, colorful, contemporary art.

Most pieces are by budding local creatives like Oscar Picazo, Rosemary Pierce-Lackey, and Darrah Dean Gooden (we love the new mom’s “Morning on Greenville Avenue” cityscape). And prices are totally affordable, starting around $80 a pop.

Crafty handbags, jewelry, and clay figurines also go for very little dough.

Hurry up and Van Gogh.

Artisan Style, 2417 Mahon Street (214-468-9095 or artisanstyle.net).

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Drink up.

CARRY
Wine Totes
What: Carry vino in these perfectly sized cotton bags. They’ve got designs just for Bordeaux, Rioja, and Napa Valley wines.
Why: Beats a paper bag.
Where: Online at maptote.com.

MAKE
All-Natural NyQuil
What: The handsome Hot Knives blogger guys devised a recipe using booze, mint leaves, green chili, and ginger that’ll show your cold who’s boss.
Why: It’s good going down.
Where: Online at urbanhonking.com.

SHOP
Castor & Pollux
What: NYC-based store is bringing its equine-themed clothes, accessories, and antiques to the Net. Designers include Filippa K, Acne, and United Bamboo.
Why: Start horsin’ around.
Where: Online at castorandpolluxstore.com.

USE
Cell Phone Radiation Protection
What: These cases purport to be the first of their kind to reduce radiation from your cellular.
Why: Don’t fry your brain.
Where: Online at pongresearch.com.

EAT
Bobbysue’s Nuts
What: Delish organic snacks are the perfect combo of savory and sweet (even the It’s Raining Chocolate variety). A portion of sales goes to help homeless animals.
Why: You’ll love deez nuts.
Where: Online at bobbysuesnuts.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Kate Mathis

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T09:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

We’ve got your back.

GO
Lakeway Resort and Spa
What: DailyCandy subscribers get a free 30-minute signature massage and post-dessert pamper session (including gratuities) when they book a room at the waterfront retreat.
Why: It’s your license to chill.
When: Thru Dec. 31.
Where: 101 Lakeway Dr., Austin (512-261-6600). Reservations online at gc.synxis.com. Use code SUGARFIX at checkout.

SHOP
Denim After Dark
What: Join DailyCandy for denim distressing, a 20 percent discount, free cupcakes, and tunes by DJs Jennifer Miller and Paul Paredes.
Why: You’re a blue jean baby.
When: Thurs, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Madewell, 8687 N. Central Expy., ste. 2124 (214-363-5414).

CassandraCollections
What: Browse the local line of baubles while gorging on free appetizers, discounted bottles of wine, and music by Fort Worth’s KatsüK.
Why: Get stoned.
When: Thurs., 6-9:30 p.m.
Where: Veritas Wine Room, 2323 N. Henderson Ave., ste. 103 (214-841-9463).

TASTE
Ocean Prime
What: The fancy-schmancy steak and seafood minichain does Uptown.
Why: The Prime Hour menu that includes $5 truffled deviled eggs.
When: Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 4-11 p.m.; Sun., 4-9 p.m.
Where: 2101 Cedar Springs Rd. (214-965-0440).

Pinkberry
What: The famous fro yo chain takes a bite out of Big D.
Why: We get first dibs on the new creamy chocolate flavor.
When: Opens Fri. Daily, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 5959 Royal Ln., ste. 622 (214-361-6617).

SUPPORT
Taste at Lee Park
What: Popular Dallas restos (The Mint, EatZi’s, Campisi’s) dish bevvies and bites alongside live music and entertainment.
Why: Benefits The Lee Park Junior Conservancy and The Breathe Easy Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis.
When: Fri., 5:30-11 p.m.
Where: 3333 Turtle Creek Blvd. Tickets online at thetasteatleepark.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lakeway Resort and Spa

Easy Does It: DIY Denim Distressing

2009-11-11T22:30:00Z

Future Perfect

2009-11-11T17:00:00Z

Top Ten Destinations for 2010

Last week we announced our partnership with Black Tomato. Today we’re showing what it can do: get you to the destinations everyone’s going to be talking about next. (P.S. to those who haven’t booked holiday trips yet: Look. how. easy.)

Here are the top ten for 2010.

Colombia is the perfect cocktail of sea (Caribbean), mountains (Andes), and rain forest (Amazon). In Cartagena, check into Sofitel Santa Clara, then wander cobbled streets to gaze at brightly colored buildings, watch spectacular sunsets from Cafe del Mar on the harbor, and have dinner at Club de Pesca (order mahimahi). End your visit snorkeling crystal blue waters while recuperating in a stunning ecohab in the cliffs above the Parque Nacional Tayrona beaches. Details.

Safaris always deliver, especially in Botswana, where the flood plains of the Okavango Delta are home to elephants, lions, wildebeest, giraffes, and buttloads of wild cats. Bond with the beasts from a different perspective on HMS Zib, a spanking-new houseboat that cruises the river. At Zarafa Camp, you can sleep in a four-poster bed, relax in a free-standing copper tub, and snooze by roaring open-stone fires. Details.

If you want to turn a classic on its head, set your compass to the land Down Under, which has so much more than the well-publicized East Coast. Western Australia has laid-back charm, beautiful beaches, and rugged landscapes. Start at The Richardson Hotel in Perth, then head up the coast to Ningaloo Reef to swim with whale sharks, surf alongside dolphins, and take in mesmerizing sunsets at wine tastings. From the ecotents at Sal Salis, it’s a quick kayak ride to the reef’s fish, turtles, and manta rays. Details.

Since Turkey is outside the euro, your budget will stretch further. European Capital of Culture Istanbul will be throbbing next year and, when combined with Bodrum and Cappadocia, mixes ancient and modern. In Istanbul, stay at Tomtom Suites in the historic Pera area for incredible views of the rooftops and harbor. Or across the water on the Asian side at Sumahan for huge suites with funky fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bosphorus. Look out Côte d’Azur: Bodrum’s up-and-coming beach hotspots Cesme (your hotel: 7800) and Türkbükü (book Maçakizi) have sugar white sand and emerald waters and are the coolest place to top up your tan in style. In Cappadocia, take a balloon ride tour of the stunning lunar landscapes and ancient caves, then recover from it all at Anatolian Houses. Details.

Rounding out the list: lost cities in Syria, volcano surfing in Nicaragua, spiritual awakening in Bhutan, maharaja living in India, lunar landscapes in Chile, and wildebeest migrations in Tanzania.

The got-there-first bragging rights are yours for the taking.

For more information and help booking trips, go to blacktomato.co.uk.

Photos: Courtesy of Black Tomato; Courtesy of Ningaloo Reef

I Love You, Mann

2009-11-11T14:15:00Z

Elliot Mann Handbags Launch

Your dating life is proof that men are from Mars and women are from Venus.

So Elliot Mann must be from Marnus.

One look at his bags, and you’ll suspect the guy’s too good to be true (he is, in fact, imaginary — inspired by two of the designer’s mentors).

Made out of vintage embroidered fabrics from all over the world, each carryall is a one-of-a-kind creation. All are vibrant in color and pattern with sturdy braided leather handles, and they’re big enough to tote around a laptop and groceries on top of the essentials.

The just-launched online shop stocks only twenty bags at a time, and at $275, expect them to go like hotcakes. Thankfully, inventory will constantly be replenished as it’s sold.

Looks like the planets have been aligned.

Available online at elliotmann.com.

Elliot Mann Bag Collection

2009-11-11T14:00:00Z

One-of-a-kind showstoppers, Elliot Mann bags ($275) have a rich history. Fabrics are sourced from Asia, Nepal, and Peru, with Morocco next on the horizon. They all had a previous existence in some other form — furniture upholstery, curtains, even a monk’s robe.

Get the full story on Elliot Mann.