Review: WeYogis

This month, we’ve taken you on a tour of our favorite places in Dallas that will help you jumpstart your best year yet. From surfboard cardio to fresh-pressed juice, DFW Beauty Guide hopes to have reinvigorated your approach to health and happiness in 2015. Our last stop this month is WeYogis, one of the best yoga studios Dallas has to offer.

Courtesy WeYogis

WeYogis is a great place to start for yoga novices. With a contemporary approach and non-intimidating environment, WeYogis feels modern and inclusive upon first arriving. WeYogis has two studios, a bevy of skilled instructors, and a whole list of classes to choose from. It’s safe to say that any and everyone who’d like to like to participate at WeYogis can find a class to fit their age range, yoga experience level, and busy schedule. Yoga for kids? Check. Prenatal yoga? You bet. And speaking of moms and kids, one of the greatest aspects of this studio, and what largely sets it apart from others in our area, is that it offers childcare while parents are in class.

Courtesy WeYogis

If you’re a yoga skeptic, I’ll tell you that I used to be one of them, but the class I took at WeYogis was a different experience – no chanting, no aggressive, synchronized breathing that always tempts me to laugh. The Yogis Power Hour was fast paced and engaged every muscle in my body. Even though I wasn’t running or lifting weights, when the class was over, I felt that I was sweaty and sore enough to have come from an intense gym session, which I liked. Another thing I liked about this studio was the infared heat. This specialized heating system does not make it “hot yoga” per se, but keeps the studios comfortably warm so you can stretch further, faster.

So by all means, if you’re looking to mix up your workout routine, take yoga at WeYogis. Practicing yoga is said to enhance your overall wellness, increase longevity, and (best of all) help manage stress. Added benefits include flexibility, Zen, and yoga pants. Check out the convenient location, class schedule, and class descriptions at www.weyogis.com.

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

New in Dallas: Snap Kitchen

Photo Courtesy of Snap Kitchen

Thanks to Snap Kitchen, fast food is no longer synonymous with greasy burgers and chemical-ridden milkshakes. In April 2010, restaurant veterans Matt Reinhart and Andrea Hinsdale founded Snap Kitchen to meet the food needs of their families. The mission of Snap Kitchen is to provide healthy, flavorful, and convenient take-away food that is handmade daily. At Snap, you’ll find a carefully curated wall of food items – everything from a glazed salmon fillet, to green juice, to a pre-workout granola bar. What you won’t find? Pre-packaged, processed, and globe-trotted foods.

Snap Kitchen is the perfect solution for people with busy schedules who don’t have the time to cook a well-rounded dinner. All packaged meals are portion controlled, which not only aids many in maintaining a diet, but also helps to cut down on large amounts of food waste. Snap is an easy go-to for those who have restrictive food allergies. 98% of the menu items are gluten free, and each package is carefully labeled to indicate the items that are dairy-free, vegan, paleo, etc. Other aspects of Snap that we love include their preference for local ingredients, recyclable packaging, efforts towards sustainability, and the fact that at the end of the day they donate their leftover food to homeless shelters.

When I went to Snap Kitchen last month, I visited with Snap Kitchen Dallas’ registered dietitian, Daniel Magoon. Each city with a Snap Kitchen – Austin, Houston, and Dallas – employs a highly trained dietitian to help customers design eating plans and meet their health goals. Dallas’ registered dietitian has a background in the psychology behind food – i.e. understanding and changing the way a child feels about broccoli. Daniel’s health mantra is “healthy not skinny,” which we at DFW Beauty Guide couldn’t agree with more.

To get healthy in the New Year, Daniel’s first bit of advice is to understand that diets don’t work. Getting healthy is about committing to a lifestyle change. Daniel suggests prioritizing hydration, being mindful of the food you are ingesting, and listening to internal hunger cues. In terms of beauty, and the health of your hair, skin, and nails, Daniel has a few suggestions for working from the inside out. Foods that are good for your skin include turmeric, walnuts, cucumber, tomatoes and olive oil. Walnuts increase skin elasticity, cucumbers are hydrating and reduce inflammation, tomatoes act as natural sunscreen, and olive oil balances out oil production.

Our top 5 food picks at Snap Kitchen include:

Easy Greens Juice – Packed full of fruits and vegetables that are great for your skin, and a little more sip-able than the Super Greens juice

Energy Boost Juice – A tropical combo of papaya, watermelon, lime, mint and coconut water

Snap War Bar – Made with nuts, quinoa, dates, and seeds, this is the perfect pre-workout energy bar

Turkey Chili – If you’re dairy free, dress this chili up with a fried egg on top, it’s a great lunch go-to

Ginger Glazed Scottish Salmon – A clean, filling, and tasty fish fillet that’s ideal for dinner

Visit Snap Kitchen online to learn about curbside meal pickup, home delivery, juice programs, the Snap Commit eating plan, or to get a nutritional health assessment from Snap’s local registered dietitian. Also – head to Daniel Magoon’s Instagram, @dmagoo, to get a first hand look at his “Snap-hacks.” These are creative adjustments to pre-existing Snap meals to insure you are never bored of your go-to dish. One of his most popular hacks? Add a shot of Snap Black Coffee to the Chai Cashew “Milkshake” and pour it over ice, for a refreshing, caffeinated, and dairy-free coffee drink.

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

New in Dallas: City Surf Fitness

Courtesy City Surf

Bored of cycling but enjoy the group fitness environment? Check out City Surf Fitness in uptown Dallas for an intense, hour-long workout that is the first of its kind. City Surf is an innovative, surf-inspired fitness boutique, founded in the spirit of the surfer dude. City Surf offers a handful of classes, from Beach Body Bootcamp to Big Kahuna, all of which recreate the kind of workout you’d get while actually surfing.

Courtesy City Surf

While you won’t be in the water during class, you will be atop a surfboard 80 – 85% of the time. The City Surf studio in Dallas is home to 10 surfboards, each secured to two exercise balls with cords. When you’re on the board, it naturally shifts around on the exercise balls underneath to mimic the movement of the board while riding waves. As if the surfboard didn’t transport you to the beach fast enough, a video loop of crashing waves is projected on the walls of the space during class for a completely immersive experience.

Courtesy City Surf

At City Surf, most people have little to no surfing experience. Not surprisingly, you can expect to be doing surf-inspired actions during class, such as paddling, pop-ups, and carving. Each of the six classes are different programs but work on the same principles. Regardless of the class you choose, it will include cardio elements and strength training. With regular City Surf training, people see increased flexibility, endurance, and agility. Overall, class at City Surf is fun, relaxed, and enjoyable, but physically challenging.

Courtesy City Surf

Currently, there only 10 boards available per class at City Surf. It is suggested that beginners should start out with a class either taught by Mitchell or Katherine, but that being said, all classes are beginner friendly. Be sure to reserve your board in advance online to get the class and time that you want. You can either purchase one class for $15 or a pack of 10 classes for $130. So what are you waiting for? Get your board and paddle out to the only place in Dallas where the surf’s up!

Courtesy City Surf

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

Service Review: Blownaway App

This weekend, to prepare for a black-tie event, I tried out Dallas’ latest on demand beauty service, Blownaway. Blownaway was launched just this July, and is the love child of instant gratification and the Drybar/Blushington experience. Using mobile technology similar to transportation game-changer Uber, Blownaway instantly delivers blowouts, updos, professionally done makeup, and spray tans straight to your door.

Scheduling an appointment is easy. Download the Blownaway app from iTunes, and from there, you can shuffle through several blowout, makeup, and spray tan looks. A blowout and makeup can be done in the same sitting, each service taking only 45 minutes. It is suggested that the spray tan be completed separately, not only because it requires a different stylist, but because it should be finished two days before an event so the color has time to mellow out.

Things you should know before scheduling your first appointment? Blownaway asks that you book at least two hours in advance, and have your hair freshly washed before the stylist arrives if you are scheduling a blowdry. Also, for girls who are sensitive to certain product ingredients, or simply want to stick with an eco-friendly beauty product regimen, this request can be entered into the “notes” section upon mobile scheduling so your stylist can prepare accordingly.

For my Blownaway appointment, I booked two days in advance, and the same stylist was scheduled to do both my hair and makeup. Immediately after booking, I got a confirmation text with the stylist’s name, and 10 minutes before the appointment, the stylist confirmed once more. The entire booking experience was professional and painless.

Bianca, my Blownaway stylist, was incredibly prompt and upbeat. Most stylists come from a Drybar background, and become certified Blownaway stylists after background checks, an intense interview process, and comprehensive training. Bianca listened to all of my needs and suggestions regarding hair and makeup, and was both confident and easygoing.

One huge perk about Bianca’s blowout was that she knew exactly how to manage my thick, coarse hair. With her own hair as thick and long as a Disney princess’, she used the perfect technique and products on my hair to make the blowout last for over three days. Her number one tip for creating the perfect blowout at home is to rough-dry the hair 85% before going back through with a round brush. This allows you to save both time and energy.

Blownaway is quickly becoming every Dallas girl’s beauty go-to, whether it is to prep for a major business meeting, a wedding, or date night. A Blownaway tip from us to you?  Great discount rates are available for party and group orders, meaning that Blownaway is an ideal and fun solution for bachelorette parties, or just a glam evening in with girlfriends. While services for one are best booked on your mobile phone, book services for a party online.

Pricing:

Blowouts start at $65

Makeup starts at $70

Spray tans start at $65

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

How to Wear: Cowboy Boots

Unless you’re a rodeo regular or visiting Texas from overseas, odds are you probably don’t want to look like a ranch hand each time you slip into your cowboy boots. Cowboy boots are a great alternative to completely unoriginal Fry boots, but unfortunately are overlooked because they carry such heavy western connotations. Before I explain the non-caricature way to wear cowboy boots, here are the things not to wear with them (at least in the beginning). By all means, once your cowboy boots become a staple, please break these rules – except for #4 that one is a non-negotiable.

1. Blue jeans. I don’t care if they are dark wash, light wash, skinny or bootcut, if you’re self conscious about looking like a rodeo queen in your cowboy boots, the first thing to do is avoid pairing them with blue jeans. After all, blue jeans have a higher attendance at the rodeo than cowboy boots. Unfortunately, this also goes for blue jean jackets.

2. Chambray or suede. With chambray or suede pieces, you’re getting into the same territory as above. There’s nothing a legitimate cowgirl loves more than pairing together thick blue jeans, a chambray shirt with pearlescent snap buttons, and a nice suede topper. Resilient fabrics are a must for cowgirls – so your job is to avoid them at all costs when the cowboy boots are on.

3. Graphic tees. Do not wear a graphic tee with cowboy boots, I’m just telling you now, you will look like a country bumpkin (regardless of how cool that concert was you went to and bought a t-shirt at).

4. Mini skirt, jean shorts, or skater dress. Please don’t pair cowboy boots with a denim mini skirt, cut off jean shorts, or with a cutesy skater dress. So 2004. So embarrassing to be seen in.

5. Big belt buckle. Even if it isn’t a particularly western belt buckle, and doesn’t show a longhorn or any sign of bedazzlement, if you wear a thick belt with a noticeable belt buckle in an outfit with cowboy boots, people will assume you ride your horse to school.

Now that the ground rules have been explained, I’ll give some suggestions for how you should wear cowboy boots with items that are already in your closet. When you’re planning an outfit with cowboy boots, try to dress like a New Yorker or a Parisian – think neutral colors, streamlined shapes, and practical pieces. When your outfit is too overworked, too thought-out, it’s painfully obvious. Try to get dressed as you normally would when you wear calf or knee-high boots, but replace those tired Fry’s with some sharp cowboy boots.

BOTTOMS:

1. Jeans. I know I’ve nixed thick blue jeans, but at this day in age, there are a plethora of colors and textures to choose from. Instead of blue, go for black, gray, or even white jeans. Instead of thick, or loose jeans, go for jeans that are ultra-thin, maybe a little ripped at the knees, and formfitting. Tuck the jeans into your boots so they get as much attention as possible. As much as I adore my boyfriend jeans, pairing them with cowboy boots is not for the faint of heart. If you need a belt to hold up your jeans, make sure it is clean, discrete, and has a classic belt buckle. Also, if you’re pants-intolerant as I am, leggings are allowed. However not just any kind of leggings, they should be of the thicker variety, absolutely no neon colors, and not made of a material that is so obviously intended for working out.

2. Skirts + Dresses. If you fancy yourself a bohemian, try wearing a long skirt or dress with your cowboy boots. Nothing too cumbersome or thick, but think lots of thin transparent layers. This is obviously a little more difficult to do than sticking with jeans, but if you’re a Free People obsessive, you’ve probably got it under control.

TOPS:

3. Button-down shirt. The most professional, dressed up choice would be a crisp white, gray or black button-down – cotton, linen, doesn’t matter, but should have some structure to it. If you’re wearing leggings, this button-down can be a little larger so it covers your butt. With oversized button downs, leave an extra button undone at the top (with a tank underneath) and the cuffs rolled well (this is imperative, see tutorial). If your button-down is fitted, tuck in the tails, at least in the front.

4. Knit shirt. If you’re not a button-down enthusiast, this is your option. I personally like wearing my three-quarter length boatneck t-shirt, or thin, draped neck long sleeve tee. If your pants are tight, you can get away with a knit shirt that is a little looser, but if in doubt, go with something fitted. To keep the focus on the cowboy boots, make sure that your knit shirt is again, in one of the neutral colors (black, gray, white, oatmeal) and doesn’t have a lame graphic on it. Little embellishments, i.e. beads on the sleeve, are okay as long as they are relatively discrete, but a distracting print or huge graphic is going to take your outfit down a notch and make it look less expensive.

5. Jacket. Regardless of whether you’re wearing a button-down or a knit shirt, you’ll probably need a jacket to complete the look. Avoid any kind of jean or suede jacket, and instead opt for a luxe blazer or black leather jacket. A blazer in a novelty fabric such as satin or velvet would be particularly dashing. Coattails and awesome buttons are optional.

ACCESSORIES:

6. Jewelry. When you’re playing up your cowboy boots, it is important that you don’t wear glaring statement jewelry. When you wear too many showstoppers at once, you look out of control. Stick with your everyday jewelry, or if that isn’t solidified, simple, dainty gold jewelry will do – a thin gold necklace or two, your clunky watch, understated studs.

7. Other. Adding a scarf to the mix is always a good idea, whether it’s a chunky knit or a square silk one. My only advice is not to tie it like a bandana around your neck. Note bene: For the love of god, please avoid the monogramed accessories your sorority sister gave you, any and all headbands or hair bows (particularly those produced by Lilly Pulitzer), and nail art – you never needed chevron stripes on your nails.

8. Cowboy boots. The best cowboy boots are always the vintage ones – not only are they broken in, but they lend an air of authenticity. In Dallas, my favorite place to find vintage cowboy boots is Dolly Python. If you’re not in Dallas or visiting anytime soon, look online for a new pair. Keep in mind – Nordstrom etc. does NOT sell cowboy boots, they sell fashion cowboy boots and that is in no way the same thing. For authentic, stylish boots, check out Cavender’s, Old Gringo, Ariat, and Lucchese. My favorite cut is the snip toe, which has a sharp toe as opposed to a rounded or square one. Sure, some pairs are pretty pricey, but they will literally last a lifetime if you take good care of them.

Ride on!

The GEM Juice Bar

So you’ve made those New Year resolutions, but are you sticking to them? If you’ve vowed to do something along the lines of “get healthy,” or “lose weight,” this year, keep in mind that ingesting good food is part of that commitment. While many think that going to the gym a few days a week is enough to reach your health and fitness goals for the year, in most cases, that’s not going to make much of a difference if that’s all your doing. Instead of spinning your wheels at the gym and getting nowhere, look critically at what you are putting in your body – it is an easier (and faster) way feel better internally, and in turn, look better externally.

If the state of your health has you feeling overwhelmed, one of the best ways to get back on nutritional track is through drinking organic, cold-pressed juice. As it turns out, juice is the best way to get your recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. When ingesting fruits and veggies in the form of juice, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to break down the bulky material component. Thus, you can quickly absorb the juice’s natural vitamins, phytonutrients, and enzymes. As for other amazing benefits of drinking fresh-pressed juice regularly? Expect weight loss, reduced unhealthy food cravings, a clear complexion, and increased energy.

Intrigued? Head over to our juice bar of choice – The GEM – located in Preston Center at 6030 Luther Lane. Not only do we love their glam tagline, “diamonds on the inside,” but everything on their menu, from the juice to the salad, is downright delicious. The GEM was opened in (YEAR) by health-conscious Dallasites, and juice alchemists, Mary Kathryn Bass and Leslie Needleman. Bass and Needleman are committed to crafting recipes that are not only highly nutritional, but approachable and tasty, too. At The GEM, juicing is more than a passing trend, but the key to leading a healthy, happy life. Head over to The GEM today, open from 7:30 am to 2:30pm Monday through Saturday, for a fresh juice, a filling smoothie, or to sign up for a toxin-eradicating juice cleanse. We don’t know about you, but The GEM keeps us feeling bright and shiny even when it’s cold and dreary out.

From the Menu: DFW Beauty Guide’s Top 5 Picks

Green Glow Juice, kale, cucumber, lemon, apple ginger (6.5/8)

Golden Glow Juice, fresh tumeric, lemon, orange, agave, fresh ginger, cardamom, Himalayan sea salt, filtered water (5)

Peridot Lemonade, cucumber, lemon, agave, filtered water (5)

Tahitian Pearl Smoothie, banana, almond butter, cashew milk, coconut manna, dates, maca, bee pollen, cacao (8)

Sparkle Berry Smoothie, seasonal berries, banana, mango, pomegranate, hemp milk (7)

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

Interview with Danielle Marie, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

This Sunday, the Cowboys play the Packers in hopes of getting one step closer to Superbowl glory. However, even when the tension runs high at my house as the ‘boys fight it out, I can’t help but notice the expert hair flips happening on the sidelines. My friend Danielle Marie is a third year on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team, which is undoubtedly the cutest, most talented squad in the NFL. In our interview she shares a useful DIY beauty recipe, secrets for getting Texas-sized hair, and tips for getting fit in the New Year.

TS: On a daily basis, what is your beauty routine to keep your hair, skin, and nails in tip-top condition?

DM: My daily routine is pretty simple. If I don’t have to put on a full face of make up or put heat on my hair with curling irons and whatnot, I won’t. You need to let your skin breathe and give your hair a break sometimes. However to care for my dry, damaged ends that were caused by excessive heat, I use Kérastase Cristalliste Cristal Dual Sculpt serum. Just use 1 pump and apply it to the ends of your hair to add shine – it smells amazing, too!

TS: Do you do have any DIY beauty recipes you’d like to share?

DM: I love anything DIY! My favorite DIY beauty recipe of all time is my homemade makeup brush cleaner. This is so easy to make and so important to do in order to keep your brushes clean and your face fresh. The recipe uses distilled water, lemon witch hazel, grapefruit essential oil, and 1 tbs of your favorite hair conditioner. The witch hazel cleans and disinfects your brushes and your face, the conditioner softens the brushes, and the essential oil makes it smell awesome! I loved this brush cleaner so much, I made a bunch of it and put it in little spray bottles to give to some of my teammates to try.

TS: What is your number one beauty splurge?

DM: My number one beauty splurge is definitely getting as much sleep as I can. Between working a full-time job, maintaining a hectic schedule with DCC, and being a good mommy to my little French bulldog named Lulu, rest and relaxation is a MUST! During the work week if I have no rehearsal I will probably be in bed by 9pm.

TS: On game day what is your beauty routine? Do you do your own hair and makeup?

DM: On game days we all do our own hair and makeup. Everyone has their own routine when it comes to getting “game day ready.” We’ve all got our hot tools on, blowdryers blowing, hair spray flowing, and makeup everywhere. Since our game day is usually a 9-10 hour day, my beauty routine along with the rest of my teammates consists of A LOT of reapplying makeup and re-curling hair.

TS: What is the secret to getting that DCC-approved volume in your hair? Are there any beauty tips you picked up from DCC vets?

DM: I use rollers when trying to get big Texas-sized volume. I curl my hair normally and then quickly roll it up and pin it in my Velcro rollers while it’s hot. When I’m done, I’ll spray some hairspray and let it sit in the rollers for a while. Once I take the rollers out my hair is bouncy and voluminous. If you want to go for extra volume, tease your hair at the root when you take it out of the rollers. Va-voom!

TS: In season, do you do anything fitness-wise other than practicing the dance routines for the game? When the season ends, how do you stay in shape?

DM: Although free time is limited during the season, I try to make time to workout when I can. I am a runner and I enjoy running outside and getting some fresh air. I also LOVE boxing. I have been taking boxing classes for a few years now and it is such a great work out. I guess you can say I love cardio! On occasion I enjoy a hot bikram yoga class too. When offseason comes around, I have more time to switch my routine up and fit all of these activities into my schedule.

TS: Lastly, do you have any advice for people who are trying to get back into a healthy routine after becoming lazy during the holidays?

DM: We all splurge a little bit during the holidays, it’s understandable! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to get back in shape, but don’t let it get the best of you. What works for me is setting small goals for myself each week. One week, I will focus on my diet and eating as clean as I can. The next week, I will focus on exercise and make it a priority to work out a few times a week. Remember a little goes a long way – start with small, achievable goals and stay with it!

Photo courtesy DCC

Stay current with Danielle on Instagram!

Collection and Display: The Salon-Style Hang

If you have a Pinterest account, admire well-dressed interiors, or have been to a museum, odds are you’ve encountered salon-style art hanging at least once. The salon-style hang originated at Paris’ French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture exhibition in 1667. The floor to ceiling installation of paintings was originally a practical choice to insure that all the artworks of the academy students would fit on the walls of the gallery. Besides from encouraging innovation and discussion, the French Academy’s salon exhibition was a key development in bringing artistic works out of private collections and into the public sphere. Cue the birth of the museum.

In honor of art entering the public sphere (or just because it is aesthetically pleasing), salon-style hanging is one of the most popular modes of art installation today. Keep an eye out, and you’ll see salon-style hanging in museums and domestic spaces alike. Salon-style hanging not only transports the viewer to pre-modern times – when Marie Antoinette was still in possession of a cranium, and indoor plumbing was non-existent – but the closeness of the artworks helps the eye to immediately define the similarities and differences of each piece.

To do the salon-style hang at home, remember that you don’t need a stock of oil paintings to get the look. The first things you’ll need to do are collect a few things you want to put up and find a blank wall (regardless of size, can be big or small). In my opinion, salon-style hanging looks better when you have a variety of objects and textures. My salon wall at home includes an oil painting by Michael Eudy, a small mirror, some porcelain plates, a faux taxidermy head, and a few sub-$100 paintings found at flea markets. For an intriguing salon wall in a domestic space, it is key to display things that are meaningful to you. Below, Marty Walker, founder of the contemporary art gallery in Dallas, Marty Walker Gallery, explains how to expertly arrange and hang a salon-style wall. Marty says that she perfected her salon-style hanging chops while installing Wayne White exhibitions over the years.

Wayne White exhibition, photo credit Stephen Berkman

Twyla Shelmire: Once you decide what pieces you want to hang, how do you start arranging the pieces?

Marty Walker: Arranging is an intuitive process, there are no strict rules. At the gallery, we would normally lay everything out on moving blankets on the floor, arrange it, then take a picture to use as a guide while hanging. We usually leave 3-5 inches between objects depending on size. Larger objects, for instance, require more spacing. Another way of doing this is using existing images of objects and arranging them in Photoshop. However, this is much more time consuming.

TS: Is there a certain shape to aim for when arranging?

MW: Think amoeba-like shape, stay away from symmetry. Use a large piece near center to anchor, or a 2-3 larger pieces to move the eye around. You can also do this by using dark objects as anchor points for movement. It really just depends on size and contrast to move the eye.

TS: Once you have an arrangement you like, how do you hang the pieces so it looks professional?

MW: Tools you’ll need are a level and a tape measure. Eye level is 56-60 inches high depending on wall height and distance from viewing art and personal preference. If you’ve laid out your composition on the floor, take a measurement side to side, and another top to bottom. Then use those figures with your total wall measurements to determine center and also so the entire composition is centered on the wall, or whatever area you have given to the composition. To avoid artwork getting crooked over time, use a couple of hangers spaced apart to use with the wire, or use mirror hangers (d-rings) on the back of artwork (drill required). If you don’t take these precautions, you will be constantly straightening pictures. In general, avoid pencil marks on wall by using blue painter’s tape. If no painter’s tape is available, cheap vodka and a paper towel works well to remove scuffing and pencil marks from light, or white walls.

The salon-style hang is a sophisticated way to display all the things you collect and love, whether it’s an installation over your desk, or over your bathtub. Head over to Pinterest to see a few more DIY examples.

New in Dallas: Grange Hall Restaurant

In November, I saw that my favorite, inaccessibly expensive shopping locale in Dallas, Grange Hall, opened a restaurant attached to their store. Grange Hall is a final destination for all things glamorously melancholic. Think skulls, dried roses, colorful taxidermy, and diamonds. In the store, they offer a curated selection of brands in a expertly designed space. The unnamed restaurant addition is no different: the menu entries are few, and the display is beautiful.

Grange Hall suggests you make reservations by calling 214.443.5175. However, I went with a friend on a Friday afternoon within their first week of opening, and we were able to squeeze in at the bar without waiting. Expect: an immersive environment, excellent people watching, and a hefty bill.

Not surprising, but my favorite part of the Grange Hall restaurant experience was the table setting. The mixture of modern graphics, neutral colors, and snippets of 18th-century paintings is spot-on in my book. (NOTE: The sections of paintings shown on the menu and on the bill folder are both of Madame de Pompadour. Pompadour was known as the Queen of the Rococo, and was King Louis XV’s mistress and cultural advisor. I’m reaching out to Grange Hall to ask why they chose her image twice.)

For lunch I ordered the “Snob Sandwich” ($26) – which was filling and rich. In surveying the dishes coming out of the kitchen, it was apparent that the Grange Hall restaurant is all about food presentation … and caviar.

After lunch, my friend and I split the madeleine cookies, which came out fresh baked, powdered in sugar, and served with honey. We also ordered a pot of Mariage Frères jasmine tea ($15). Had the “Book of Teas” not seduced me, I don’t think I would have gone through with such a steeply-priced pot of tea. Grange Hall sells this premier brand of French tea in their adjoining store as well, should you become smitten with a certain flavor in the restaurant.

While the experience was certainly one to remember, the price alone will unfortunately make the Grange Hall restaurant impossible to visit on a regular basis. Ideally, the restaurant would eventually offer $15 sandwiches to those of us who don’t drive Bentleys. So for now, save Grange Hall for (very) special occasions. Dude, no way is right.

To round out your Grange Hall experience, be sure to check out their collection of shop-able oddities, jewelry, and apothecary offerings while waiting for a table or after lunch. Some of my favorite things from the Grange Hall store last week included taxidermy bird vignettes and sampling the incredible perfume line, Les Parfums Historique.

Dallas Beauty: Piermarini Launches Liquid Lipstick

I can’t think of anything more daunting then heading to Northpark Mall during the holiday rush to pick up a few makeup products. While Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and MAC alone have all of the shades and miracle-working products we could ever imagine, no one wants to risk crowd-induced anxiety just to visit the makeup counter. But alas, Piermarini Boutique, located in Snider Plaza, has answered our prayers.

Piermarini, a men’s and women’s clothing boutique, was opened in 2010. Just this last summer, the store launched its very own beauty line with over 30 cosmetic and skincare products. As a whole, Piermarini Beauty items are simple, classic, and sophisticated – just like the clothing. The products are made in the USA, never tested on animals, and are brimming with vitamins, minerals, and SPF. Piermarini Beauty does not aim to cover up its wearers with heavy, transformative pigments, but enhances natural beauty with sheer textures, and soft tones. Key natural ingredients in the line include water lily extract, avocado oil, aloe, jojoba, vitamin c, and vitamin k. All products – makeup included – are designed with hydration in mind to keep skin looking youthful and moisturized.

Don’t know which products to try first? Top sellers include the Vitamin C Serum, Liquid Eye Shadow, and Lip Liner. The Vitamin C Serum can be used morning and night, and helps to wake up the natural collagen in your skin. The result is overall brightness, wrinkle reduction, and evened-out skin tone. Piermarini’s Liquid Eye Shadow provides sheer, lightweight, natural-looking color and comes in several shades. Unlike powdered eye shadow, this shadow will not cake or crease and keeps eyelids hydrated. The Lip Liner comes in thee shades and is a makeup bag essential. The texture is gel like, which makes it go on and stay on. Keep your lips hydrated by using the liner alone, or layering it with lip balm or lipstick.

As for a holiday 2014 must-have, try out Piermarini’s Liquid Lipstick. This product just hit the shelves last week, and comes in 5 different shades ranging from bright coral to dark red. My favorite color at the moment is “Be Right There,” (second from the right) which is a perfect pink. If you haven’t tried a liquid lipstick, expect the glossy, flexible texture of a lip gloss, and the vibrant pigment of a lipstick. This Liquid Lipstick has serious staying power, and the color is brighter than it looks in the tube once applied. Apply a little for a subtle, lip staining effect, or brush on a full layer or two for a high-shine lipstick effect.

All Piermarini Beauty products can be purchased in the store at 6827 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205, or online (except the Liquid Lipstick) at www.piermariniboutique.com.