#ParkLaneFashion: Local Shopping Center Hosts Progressive Fashion Blogger Day

When I first saw the Shops at Park Lane, it looked like a giant parking garage across from Northpark Mark, Dallas' luxury shopping center. I've passed it various times and I could tell it was a new shopping center that housed a Whole Foods and Nordstrom Rack. Its giant cement face that overlooks the highway, however, never really drew me in.


So I thank Nichole Luna, the Shops Community Manager for inviting a handful of Dallas bloggers to come explore the new addition Dallas' upscale concrete jungle.

We started off at the largest Whole Foods in North Texas, which aims to be more of a lifestyle center than a supermarket. You don't just go grocery shopping, you can have lunch, enjoy their wine and cheese bar, surf the internet, host a small meet-up, and leave your kids to be entertained by a giant touch screen.


The Art-O-Mat, however, caught everyone's attention. It's a refurbished cigarette machine that dispenses local art (like earrings) for $5. I support putting more of these around Dallas in support of local artisans.


Our blogger goodie bags were designed by Sheryl Crow and contained yummy organic dark chocolate with almonds. Did I mention I could live off chocolate and almonds? The first bite is bitter but the more you eat, the more it grows on you. Also, beet chips are not as bad as they sound.

Our next stop was Ulta, who gave us a tour of their beauty and brow bar and gifted us some awesome samples. I'm really enjoying the Coach Poppy and Lola by Marc Jacobs perfumes.


Nordstrom Rack, however, knew how to get us pumped with a Marc Jacobs watch raffle. Juanette of Fashion Nette-Work was the lucky winner. I was happy to learn that they carried plus-sizes 14-18 that many high-end retailers don't. This seemed to be the most distracting store for the group as we lost bloggers to jewelry and shoe racks. I heard "Dresses 40% Off" and made a little detour.


Lunch was provided by Gordon Biersch and dessert by Freshberry Yogurt. It was warm and sunny so Gordon Biersch's patio was an excellent place to enjoy a Marzen beer (yes, I highly recommend this beer). And fro-yo has been growing trend in Dallas for the past two years so I'm not surprised that they opened up a shop here. If you ever stop by, get the peach.

If I ever have my dream house (or loft), there will be rooms that look like Bailey's Bar and Lounge. The decor screams neo-luxury and modern Goth.

The word chic doesn't even begin to describe the ambiance. And FYI, if you're a local reader, their rooms are available for small parties.


Our last stop on tour was the Aveda Institute. I had heard about it through a designer who uses them regularly for runway hair and make-up but I didn't know much else. It turns out that their not only a school for future stylists but a salon and spa that welcomes walk-in clients. From the massages to the plant and flower based hair color, Aveda centers around a very holistic, sustainable view of style and relaxation.

Just because they're students, doesn't mean that you're getting low quality work. The hair students alone go beyond the Texas required school hours before they're allowed to work on cutting floor. If you're thinking about going, check out the price list that Chris at My Fashion Juice scanned in.



And the blogger pic of the day, complete with roll call:

Juanette from Fashion nette-work
Hayley from Hey, It’s Hayley
Chris from Fashion Juice
Stephanie from Beauty and Gardens
Julie from Rosie + Tart
Elissa from Dress with Courage
Ivonne from Ivonne Stacy Style
Tina from T Minus, T Plus
Katie from Fashion Dinosaur