The excitement is building in anticipation of Project Runway’s spinoff, Project Runway All Stars. Since the cast consists of 13 of our favorite Project Runway alums, we are already aware of their talent, accomplishments and style of design. We have watched how they interact with the other designers and handle themselves under high pressure. We’ve judged them and think we know them. But do we? Earlier this month I met two designers from the All Star cast, Austin Scarlett and Elisa Jimenez, at Neiman Marcus Paramus.
Women's
Jean Mahie: For the Love of Gold
“Gold is a fabulous metal. For me it is a faithful friend. I understand it, I love it, and it gives me back all the love I put into working with it,” says goldsmith and jewelry designer Jacline Mazard.
Mazard began creating one-of-a-kind, 22-carat gold jewelry in 1970 with her father-in-law, Jean Mahie, in France. That same year Louis Arpel saw the Jean Mahie collection and convinced them to sell their products to Van Cleef and Arpels. A Neiman Marcus buyer spotted the pieces in their windows at Place Vendome and rue de la Paix in Paris. A year later, they began selling exclusively at Neiman Marcus stores. Although her father-in-law passed away, Mazard continues to create stunning, original handmade jewelry.
Women's
Tory Burch Takes Houston
You know Tory Burch is in town when you walk around Neiman Marcus and see a crowd wearing every shade of Revas ever released. The comfortable yet fashionable flat does seem to fit every occasion. This was indeed the case when the beloved designer touched down in Houston to present her Resort 2012 collection with NM Fashion Director Ken Downing. The warm weather collection was packed with printed maxi dresses, colorful cropped pants and Tory’s year-round staple, the tunic. Post-show Tory took pictures with each and every “T” medallion fan and even signed her signature soles.
Lifestyle
Happy Hour: Hot Chocolate Grand Marnier
1.25 oz. Milk Chocolate discs, Albert Uster Couverture (amount equivalent to 1 butter ramekin)
.5 oz. Grand Marnier
Steamed whole milk
Build the drink into a latte mug, top with steamed whole milk and stir until fully incorporated. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Cheers!
Lifestyle
Art Basel Miami Beach: The Tenth Year

Photo Shoot at Art/Public, Collins Park
Art Basel Miami Beach celebrated its tenth anniversary amidst the swirl of art fairs, museum shows, private exhibitions, parties and all manner of flagrant consumption. The number of private jets arriving for the week were equal to those of the Super Bowl. Restaurants and hotels were booked solid. Increasingly, art world veterans decry the circus atmosphere and swear they will not return. (Yet they do.) Newbies are awed by the scene and can’t get enough. The matrix of activity and choice during the Fair week in Miami is a reflection of the global art world itself. Engagement occurs at many different levels of access, knowledge and complexity.
Men's // Women's
Gift Checklist by Karla’s Closet
We asked a few of our favorite style bloggers to reveal the gifts on their holiday checklists. Next up in the series is Karla Deras of Karla’s Closet!

In 2008 Karla Deras decided to open her closet doors for the world to see on her blog Karla’s Closet. Since then, fashion fans have stayed tuned to the California-based blogger’s daily outfit documentary starring her vintage finds, unique DIY creations, and of-the-moment designer pieces – some of her most recent posts feature NM’s must-have Gucci platform python pump. This month the ever-evolving tastemaker shares her holiday gift list with us.
Women's
Gift Checklist by The Glamourai
We asked a few of our favorite style bloggers to reveal the gifts on their holiday checklists. Next up in the series is Kelly Framel of The Glamourai!

Blogger Kelly Framel of The Glamourai
New York-based blogger Kelly Framel’s ultra-feminine eclectic glamour has charmed and captured the attention of fashion editors, designers and inspiration seekers alike. Kelly’s online style diary, The Glamourai (rhymes with samurai,) chronicles her outfit of the day, creative collaborations and sources of style stimulation. Read on to see what inevitably glamourous gifts Kelly has on her list this season.
Lifestyle
Holiday Crawl Tubes Return to Downtown Dallas
The kiddie crawl tubes, which debuted in the Neiman Marcus holiday windows last year, have returned to Downtown Dallas with a new theme. This year, traditional Christmas vignettes surround the tubes, taking the place of last year’s space monkeys. But it is the kids, popping in and out of view, who steal the scene.
Lifestyle // Men's
Chopard & Paul Miller Racing, Start Your Engines
Chopard and Neiman Marcus recently celebrated the launch of the limited-edition men’s watch, Chopard Paul Miller Racing Mille Miglia GT XL. Though most of us associate Chopard with gorgeous fine jewelry and watches, this is not the brand’s first encounter with racing. In 1988 Chopard became the official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia – an Italian rally of collector cars. With this partnership, a new line of watches, rightfully named the Mille Miglia, was developed. A new edition is developed each year to honor the partnership. Chopard’s interest in racing did not end there. In 2002 the brand became the official timekeeper of the prestigious Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and created a watch named after that race. In keeping with custom, the Chopard Paul Miller Mille Miglia GT XL was created in celebration of Chopard’s first foray into North American motorsports.
Lifestyle
Audrianna Cole: Making Spirits Bright
- Audrianna Cole
Last week the raspy, jazzy voice of up-and-coming singer/songwriter Audrianna Cole echoed through Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. Carols from her holiday album kept spirits bright as shoppers strolled through the Wilshire Boulevard landmark. The 18-year-old artist belted holiday classics along with edgy originals like her upbeat seasonal single “Wish You Were Here.”
Audrianna Cole will perform at the Dallas-NorthPark store on Saturday, December 17. Her debut Christmas album is available on iTunes.





