SHOPPING

The New York Times has annoyed us in the past with their parachute drops into Dallas to observe our "big hair," plastic surgery and over-the-top consumption. (Yes, I'm thinking of the infamous Neiman Marcus 100th gala slideshow incident.)

Well, they're back. This time it's Times beauty and style director Sandra Ballentine, whose "Tex Mix" list of Dallas' current hot-spots was ​published in Sunday's New York Times Style Magazine.

I have to say this time around that I think they got it right and would agree with Ballentine's list. Who all made the cut? Forty Five Ten, Grange Hall, MIchelle Nussbaumer's Ceylone et Cie, The Joule hotel, Cabana, Tei-An, V.O.D. (full disclosure: co-owned by former FD staffer Jackie Bolin) and Park restaurant on Henderson.

What do you think of the list? Are there any local spots you feel should also have made the list? Thoughts, please.

Photo by Carter Rose: Ceylon et Cie on Dragon Street

Viewers of RuPaul's Drag Race, which airs at 8 p.m. on Mondays on Logo, might want to stay up late this weekend. Current contestant and former SMU dance student Sahara Davenport hits the stage at S4's Rose Room Friday and Saturday nights.

S4, 3911 Cedar Springs Road, 214-526-7171

Jason Sheeler, Staff Writer

More Runway news: Tuesday brings the release of the series' Wii version. Atari's Project Runway: The Videogame will give players the opportunity to compete in the show's famous challenges, walk the runway (better have that Balance Board), play fashion photographer and be judged by MIchael Kors and Nina Garcia. Heidi and Tim are there too, as are the top eight contestants from Season 6, including winner Irina Shabayeva. Season 5 contestant Korto Momolu recently launched a line of handbags and accessories with Dillard's. To promote the new line, Momolu is on a nationwide tour and will hit Dillard's NorthPark from 5 to 7 p.m. March 10.

Jason Sheeler

The Fashionistas, Dallas' heel-clicking army marching with radioactive fabulosity, now has an office at South Side on Lamar. Check out the new digs and the latest from Project Runway alum Shirin Askari at 8 tonight. $25 will get you into the cocktail reception and a seat the group terms standard. Should you require something above average (and have $50), you'll have some company at 7 p.m. for the VIP party.

The Fashionistas at South Side on Lamar, 1409 Lamar st.

Jason Sheeler

Sigh. I've been searching for the perfect pair of jeans forever. My jean-shopping mostly consists of hauling about 6 pair to the fitting room, ranging from size 4 to 12, depending on wash, style and color. If the Denim Gods smile on me, I might buy one of those pair. Sound familiar?

My issues with jeans stem from the fact that I'm just barely 5'3" and a solid size 8. I used to be "pear-shaped," but the current buzz word for my body type is "curvy" (which sounds way better). So being shorter with a junk-filled trunk makes it hard to find jeans that are long enough, but not too long, that don't do that weird gap thing in the back, that don't come up too high at the waist, but aren't sort of grossly low-rise either, that ... well, you get the point.

If that sounds like what you go through, I've got two brands for you: Levi's and Gloria Vanderbilt.

For those of us who don't have the time (or funds) to jetset to Milan Fashion Week, Dolce & Gabbana is streaming their women's fall-winter 2010 show live from Milan on Android mobile devices and iPhones, at live.dolcegabbana.mobi. Smart phone users can watch Dolce & Gabbanna at 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Milan Fashion Week Web-only streamers include Jil Sander at jilsander.com and Giorgio Armani at live.emporioarmani.com.

Even if you're not looking for t-shirts with ironic slogans, vintage bedding or super-super-super skinny jeans, Urban Outfitters can be of use.

Their accessories are always fun, attractive and affordable. I think the majority of my costume jewelry, headbands and hats have come from the store at Mockingbird Station, actually. But my favorite piece is the Deux Lux bag (pictured) I bought on sale for $20. It holds a ton (thanks to its numerous pockets), has a peachy satin lining, and goes with almost anything.

Check out more bags (many of them Deux Lux) in the sale section at your nearest Urban or online.

Dallas jewelry designer Amanda Sterett is showing her 2010 collection today and tomorrow at specialty boutique Melanie Gayle. The trunk show runs until 6 p.m. today and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow. Shoppers who spend $350 or more will receive a free pair of gold or silver Amanda Sterett Amy earrings. Happy jewelry hunting ...

Melanie Gayle, 6818 Snider Plaza, 214-369-1700

A little bit David Hicks, a little bit Tory Burch ... I love the patterns on these embroidered throw pillows at Stephanie Anne. They are brand new at the store for $96 each. Check them out. They also tell me their white-washed case goods are hot right now.

Stephanie Anne, Highland Park Village, 214-368-3025

Look for Rihanna's first fashion tome to hit shelves June 29. The Grammy winner's self-titled book chronicles the "it girl" in all her best looks from her first solo tour to photo shoots and interactions with the fashion world. The hardcover retails for $50 and is available now for pre-order on Amazon.com.

Shecky's, a fashion and lifestyle female marketing company, brings its Shecky's Girls Night Out party to Dallas tonight and tomorrow night at Fashion Industry Gallery (1807 Ross Ave.) from 5 to 10 p.m. Sip cocktails, shop marked-down apparel and stop by Conair's booth for a makeover. Snag a $25 goody bag (the cost includes admission) packed with beauty products from the Body Shop, Kiss and Suave Naturals.

If it looks unlikely so far, consider that Oak Cliff's Bolsa and Jack's Backyard are both in former automotive garages and that Kelly Hightower transformed an old Dairy Queen into Kavala (and coming next, Nova.)

Now add to the list Rusty Taco, slowly taking shape inside a former Just Brakes/Mobil gas station (above) at University and Greenville Avenue. The name is a partial play on owner Rusty Fenton, who helped found Uncle Julio's years ago and was a big dog with Realty America and the late Trader Vic's Dallas. The small menu will consist of (surprise!) gourmet tacos made from scratch and include hangover-friendly breakfast versions.

What I find intriguing is the setting. Dallas architectural and design firm JonesBaker is transforming the space with industrial touches such as Kee-Klamp table bases, galvanized light fixtures and speckled marmoleum table tops that recall the space's original shop floor. I'm just waiting to see the drink station, which they are customizing from a mechanic's red tool chest.

Expect this to be a hit with the SMU crowd when it opens in early spring.

Photos: cwynn

Seems like we've gone from the Shopping blog to the Closings blog as of late (Stacy Hyde, Gardens, Odegard, Robb & Stucky). Here's another one: Jaya.

After eight years at Inwood Shopping Village, the "East meets nest" furnishings store will shutter on Sunday. The owner tells me that the brand's Austin and Houston stores will remain open, but they just couldn't make it work in Dallas with the economy.

All remaining stock (wood chairs and case goods, vases and accessories, lamps) is priced to move and I can tell you the store is looking more and more empty. If you want to pick up a bargain, be sure and stop by before Sunday.

Jaya, 5370 West Lovers Lane, 214-352-5115

Photo: cwynn

We're sad to learn that Odegard is closing its Dallas showroom. Manager Michael Reagan says that while the parent company is doing well, they just weren't able to make the Dallas location work in this tough economy. You may recall that Reagan's team had just moved into a renovated warehouse space on Glass Street last year.

Rather than trying to ship merchandise out, the showroom is heavily discounting its remaining stock of beautiful handcrafted rugs and decorative furnishings. This is a rare opportunity to really score a bargain here.

We wish the Dallas team the best of luck in their next ventures.

Odegard, 154 Glass St., 214- 573-7644, odegardinc.com

Photo by cwynn

Lingerie boutique Trousseau (3699 McKinney Ave., 214-520-9333) is now revamped. Not just with fresh paint and a sparkling chandelier -- owner Nasrin Hormozi has added new lines, including La Perla and Honeydew Intimates. Hormozi also offers private parties with sips, bites and consultations. Happy shopping ...

Yea for Billy Reid (at left), who recently won the GQ Best New Menswear Designers in America project. Reid took top honors over five other designers, along with the $50,000 cash prize and a chance to create a limited-edition Levi's brand to be sold at Bloomingdale's this fall. Score some of the designer's apparel and accessories at what's described as "a warehouse sale in all aspects except location" from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Saturday at his NorthPark Center outpost. Clothes shipped in from his other locations will be marked down as much as 75 percent off.

Founded in 2007 to spotlight the talents of emerging local designers -- and give stores a chance to buy locally made clothing -- the annual Pin Show is also quite a party with shopping, live photo shoots and plenty of booze. Thursday, Feb. 25, the show chugs into Union Station, bringing along 31 designers (Madeline Wood, Enju, Cooper by Courtney, Merrick Jewels, above) and more than 130 men's, women's and children's looks. General admission tickets are $12, but lay down $60 to get a VIP seat and access to the 7 p.m. cocktail hour with designers, models and sunglassed hangers-on. For tickets and more information, go to thepinshow.com.

Above: Fort Worth's Merrick Jewels gold and turquoise earrings, $70, available at The PIN Show or by clicking here.

Catalog retailer Lands' End recently expanded its rooted-in-sailing- culture offerings with the launch of a new line of clothing. Lands' End Canvas offers durable, all-American separates that, stylistically, hang at the intersection of J.Crew and Abercrombie & Fitch. But -- this is why you care -- while an over-washed gingham men's button-down costs $70 at Abercrombie and $59.50 at J.Crew, the Lands' End Canvas Heritage Poplin Shirt rings up at just $39.50.
The Canvas line includes swimwear, shoes, accessories and outerwear for both men and women. Naturally, there are narrow khaki cotton Heritage Chinos, $39.50 for each. But women should check out the $130 linen eyelet dress, a tidy little white dress for spring. A standout for men is the $69.50 cotton anorak (above). The slim, red plaid jacket has an adjustable hood and waistline, and is a special piece that truly looks like an updated Lands' End product.
Worth noting: Canvas' fit is more streamlined than the Lands' End main line (small means small). And the new label doesn't offer petite, plus or big and tall sizes. But, as is the way at Lands' End, what you buy is guaranteed, and can be returned at any time for an exchange or refund.

Lands' End Canvas, landsendcanvas.com, 800-877-1963

As we previously reported, Lofty Concepts has taken the wraps off its new Glass Street showroom near the Dallas Design District. We finally got a chance to check it out. More on what's new in stock later. For now, check it out in person at 154 Glass St., Suite 104.

Photos: cwynn

Looks like DJs aren't the only ones loving old school records. Vinyl sales nationwide topped 2.5 million in 2009 according to this story in today's DMN, up 33 percent from the year before.

BUYING, SELLING VINYL

Here's a sampling of Dallas-area stores that buy and sell LPs, compiled by contributor Kathleen Green.

• Bill's Records, 1317 S. Lamar St., Dallas, 214-421-1500
• CD Source, 5500 Greenville Ave., Dallas, 214-890-7614
• Forever Young Records, 2955 S. Highway 360, Grand Prairie, 972-352-6299
• Good Records, 1808 Greenville Ave., Dallas, 214-752-4663
• Half Price Books, multiple locations
• Paperbacks Plus, 6115 La Vista, Dallas, 214-827-4860; 108 E. Davis St., Mesquite, 972-285-8661

Prices vary, depending on the store, the supply and demand, rarity and the vinyl's condition. A typical LP will net a seller from about $2 to $8, then sell for anywhere from $6 to $15. New vinyl can retail from $8.99 to about $32.99.

BONUS: Look after the jump for Green's list of the "Top Selling Spins of 2009"