Author Archives: Alexis P.

Kristin Cavallari: Dillard’s Exclusive Interview

Seamlessly adding shoe designer to her credentials, TV personality Kristin Cavallari has recently offered the world some irresistible kicks. Her creations — from studded flats to slinky ankle-strap heels — infuse classic silhouettes with feminine attitude. Find out more about the Chinese Laundry by Kristin Cavallari line in our exclusive interview.

Kristin rocking the  Lotteria in melon. Love!

Kristin rocking the Lotteria in melon. Love!

Q: Who is the typical Kristin Cavallari customer?
A:
On-the-go women who want to look effortless and chic.

Q: Where do you draw most of your inspiration for your designs?
A:
Fashion magazines, books and the runway.

Q: Who are your major influences?
A:
Christian Louboutin, YSL and Kate Moss.

Q: What do you feel you bring to the industry?
A:
My line is all about simplicity. I want the shoe to complete the outfit, not outshine it.

Q: What’s the ultimate message you want to get across through your shoes?
A:
You can look and feel great without spending a fortune.

Q: Did you attend school for design or are you self-taught?
A:
Self taught. I’ve just been obsessed with shoes since I can remember! I’ve kept an inspiration book for over 8 years.

Q: What are some of your favorite shoes in the line?
A:
 The Lotteria is the perfect summer sandal, and it comes in 3 beautiful color combos.

Q: What are some key trends we will see from your line next season?
A:
Fall is all about boots and more booties. You can never have enough. The colors are richer, darker hues.

Q: Tell us about a shoe you will never forget
A:
 The Lotteria because it’s the shoe I absolutely had to have, and it’s been one of my most popular shoes.

Q: Which shoe should no woman be without?
A:
Every woman needs a great nude heel!

Shop all Chinese Laundry by Kristin Cavallari.

Which shoe is your favorite? Comment to let us know!

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Wedding Wardrobe FAQ

Congratulations, you’ve been invited to a wedding! Your next to-do? Picking what to wear. We’ve tackled frequently asked wedding wardrobe questions to get you there in style.

Q: The reception will be outdoors; any suggestions on shoes?
A: Skip the stilettos and go for wedges, chunky heels or flats. Wedges and chunky heels don’t sink into grass and provide more stability on uneven surfaces. Slip on flat, strappy sandals or peep-toe ballets with a touch of shimmer for a dressy look without the height.
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Shop our picks: Vince Camuto Zimily Bejeweled WedgesGianni Bini Michele Patent Pumps & Vince Camuto Analisa Toe-Ring Sandals

Q: The invitation requests cocktail attire; what does that mean?
A: This is your time to shine! Skip floor-sweeping gowns for shorter dresses in lustrous fabrics with metallic high-heel sandals and dramatic earrings. Make sure to grab your favorite clutch for all your beauty essentials.

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 Shop our Picks: Maggy London Bow-Detail Taffeta DressAntonio Melani Sierra PumpsAnna & Ava Merry Linear Drop Earrings & Kate Landry Social Slouch Metallic Flap Clutch

Q: I’m a bridesmaid and I’m worried about humidity and frizz. What products or tools are my best bet?
A: Try the T3 SinglePass 1” straightening iron. It’s your go-to tool for sleek, straight locks or lasting curls. Other frizz-fighting must-haves? For a summer wedding, try the Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Smooth Sailing Anti-Frizz Cream. Or try this 5-star favorite on Dillards.com, the Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream for softer, easier to manage hair. 

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Q: I’m going to a destination wedding. What are some great portable beauty products?
A: For a flawless look on-the-go, here are a few of our suitcase-ready favorites.

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Q: As mother of the bride, how can I make a good impression without upstaging the bride?
A: That’s easy! First, remember 2 quick don’ts:

  1. Don’t wear white.
  2. Don’t match or clash with the bridal party.

After that, the dos are fun!

  1. Do find a flattering fit (maybe something with pleats or a matching bolero for extra coverage).
  2. Do match the formality (or casual feel) of the event.

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Shop our Picks: Jessica Howard Rhinestone Belted Jacket DressTadashi Sleeveless Lace Blouson Dress & Jkara Floral-Beaded Chiffon Gown

Have other wedding wardrobe quandaries? Ask and we’ll answer!

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Graduation Looks 101

Don’t settle for a passing grade on your graduation look. Make top marks with our style guide  — we’ve made it as easy as ABC.

Accessorize

In a sea of caps and gowns, stand out with statement earrings and necklaces. A little shimmer goes a long way.
Shop statement necklaces & earrings.

 Belt It

Belted dresses accentuate your smallest point for a flattering fit.
Shop belted dresses.

 Consider your gown

Red shoes may seem like a great idea, but maybe not if your gown is a clashing burgundy. Go neutral on shoes for a sleek look before and after the ceremony.
Shop neutral pumps, sandals and wedges.

Extra Credit:

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Little white dresses are a warm-weather staple. Whether you go dramatic with sequins or sweet with lace, you’ll find an A+ silhouette.

 Shop our picks: Emerald Sundae Ruffle-Front Dress, B. Darlin Lace Halter Dress, Honey and Rosie Belted Embroidered Dress & GB Strapless Sequin Dress

Shop all little white dresses.

What are you wearing for graduation?

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Spring Beauty Forecast: Pretty Pinks

Our beauty experts are twitterpated by pinks for Spring. From rosy hues to barely there pastels, the entire spectrum is perfectly suited for warming weather. Ready to blush? Read on for our picks!

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Pair the ever-versatile Clinique Pink and Plenty chubby stick with luminous shadows for a pretty daytime look. Amp up the effect with Estee Lauder steel shadow paint to take the trend to evening.

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Find the pink(s) for you in this peppy selection. Whether you’re hunting for a hint of color with a Dior glossy pink or all-out drama with a knockout Estee Lauder fuchsia lipcolor, you’ll find your match.

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Try Dior Rosy Glow for a universally flattering finish. And on those makeup-in-the-car mornings, reach for the fantastically portable Clinique Quick Blush.

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Pink nails pair with anything from a tailored navy suit to a breezy neon dress. Find the perfect shade for your skin tone and make it your warm-weather staple.

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Complement your fresh, feminine face with an equally cheerful scent. Florals add a rich bouquet of fun to your day.

Shop pink for Spring.  Craving color? Meet the latest, greatest palettes for spring!

What’s your pink? Tell us your favorite shade in the comments!

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World of MICHAEL Michael Kors: Selma Satchel

From iconic watches and chic apparel to sporty sneaker wedges, the world of MICHAEL Michael Kors revolves around accessible glamour. The Selma satchel epitomizes the brand’s unmistakable attitude with it’s fresh shape and easy, catchall functionality.

Selma Satchel

Shop the Selma.

Ready to explore MICHAEL Michael Kors? Shop all here.

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Shoe Spring Forecast: Natural Beauty

The natural choice for a relaxed, beachy look? Cork and raffia shoes. From ballet flats to sky-high pumps, designers are sprinkling these textural touches on your favorite styles.

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With neon trim, crisp cutouts and woven detail, the Genesis sandal from Gianni Bini showcases spring’s hottest trends with each step.

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Chevron print adds of-the-moment interest to the bejeweled Vince Camuto  Torta wedge.

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Not just relegated to the midsole and heel, woven leather straps mimic the look of natural fibers in irresistible shades of blue on the Adrien from Vince Camuto.

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The Makayla cork wedge from Alex Marie pairs perfectly with neons, pastels or white, proving this neutral texture plays well with your entire closet.

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A cork platform and floral print give this Jessica Simpson favorite — the Waleo — a spring makeover.

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For a lustrous take on the trend, reach for the metallic cork and patent Harty pump from Vince Camuto.

How will you update your shoe collection this spring?

Shop espadrilles. Shop cork.

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Nautical Know-How: Spring 2013 Trends

Adrift after a drab winter? Warm up with our favorite nautical looks. Don’t reserve seafaring style for the beach (although, it’s perfect for resort) — maritime pieces work as a crisp pick-me-up any day of the week.

White and navy are nautical stalwarts — pop the pairing with red, orange or yellow. You can also expand the palette with other ocean-inspired hues like seafoam green and cobalt.

Shop the Looks: Calvin Klein Crewneck Tie-Waist Dress & Swarovski “Holly” Starfish-Pendant Double-Chain Necklace, Antonio Melani Tiago Belted Peplum Dress, Lauren Ralph Lauren Textured Leather Belt & MICHAEL Michael Kors Ionna Patent Pumps, Lauren Ralph Lauren Cotton-Blend Button JacketMICHAEL Michael Kors Dolman-Sleeve Stripe Top

Nautical stripes are bold and classic. We love clean navy/white pieces, but unexpected bursts of neon or sparkle set a fresh course. Another subtle update: trade navy bands for black.

Shop the Looks: Cremieux Lina Stripe Knit Dress, IQ Paris Striped Hi-Low DressMICHAEL Michael Kors Button-Front Blazer

Decked out with buckle accents and chain prints,  the MICHAEL Michael Kors resort line takes a refined approach to nautical. Whether you are packing for a getaway or headed to the office, you’ll find a striking piece to sail your wardrobe into the next season.

Shop the Looks: MICHAEL Michael Kors Belted Chain-Print ShirtdressMICHAEL Michael Kors Scarf Maxi DressMICHAEL Michael Kors Skinny Pants

Shop more nautical.

Want to dive in, or just ready for a dip? Let us know in the comments!

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Vote Now: Choose Our Fall 2013 Home Collections

It’s a new year, and we are getting ready for some fantastic new things!

We value your opinion on our products — so much so, we want you to vote and choose your favorites for 2 of our Fall 2013 home collections.

Cast a Warm Glow: Fall Entertaining

The first project — Cast a Warm Glow: Fall Entertaining — includes everything you need to set the scene and the table. From ceramic mugs to cast iron candles sticks, vote on pieces you can use to shift your home from summer to autumn. Vote now to tell us which ones you want to see in stores for Fall 2013!

Homegating: Game Day Entertaining

All hail football season! The second project centers on Homegating: Game Day Entertaining.  In some jersey-wearing, face-painting circles, tailgating has become a sport in its own right. But just because half of the schedule is played on the road doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines.

That’s right, Homegating is on the rise! Vote now to tell us which Homegating accessories you want to see in stores during Fall 2013!

Voting ends January 7, 2013, so don’t miss your chance to choose your favorites! Check out all submissions here.

Shop all dining & entertaining.

Have you voted yet? Let us know which pieces you love!

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Frye Boots: Iconic Style, Uncompromising Quality

It takes nearly 200 steps to make a pair of Frye boots, but only 1 to know you’ve made a fashionable investment. Maybe you don’t know the company’s illustrious 149-year history (they outfitted Civil War soldiers, cowboys and pioneers), and maybe you haven’t scoured the internet for street-style shots of A-Listers sporting their favorite styles (they’re out there).

After that first step, whether you know the company’s background or not,  you’re left with something important: the perfect boot that you’ll wear this season and many to come. Here are 3 of our favorite silhouettes and the details that make them stand out from the crowd.

Shop the Looks: Frye Jenna Disc Short Booties, Frye Melissa Button Boots, Frye Billy Hammered Stud Boots

Shop all Frye boots.

Are Frye boots on your wish list this year? Tell us which style you want!

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Dillard’s Exclusive Interview with DMSX Designer Neal Salisbury

Q: Who is the typical DMSX woman?
A: She has a rocker-chic attitude, yet is uncontrived.

Q: Where do you draw most of your inspiration for your designs?
A: Art is a huge influence on my life. I consider myself an artist not a designer. Music is also a huge influence on my life as well.

Q: Who are your major influences?
A: My mother and my girlfriend and two English Springer Spaniels, Posh and Beckham give me great inspirations. I am a huge Prince fan and the influence of him and his music have been a huge inspiration behind DMSX — the purple as a visual ID.

Q: What do you feel you bring to the industry?
A: The collection is aimed at a younger audience, who naturally has a smaller budget but also understands quality. This customer is not really getting what they want in the market right now. She’s looking for a product that has a little more status but doesn’t want to spend $500 or $600 on a pair of boots. The contemporary market is underserved, lacking distinct and fashion-forward styles for the customer who aspires for luxe, so this was our answer.

Q: What’s the ultimate message you want to get across through your shoes?
A: DMSX is sexy without trying too hard.  It’s bold but pulled back at the same time.

Q: Did you attend school for design or are you self-taught?
A: My mother enrolled me in an oil painting class at the age of 7, so art had been around me all my life. However, I actually went to Fairfield University for biology in an attempt to be a veterinarian. After getting my master’s in animal science at URI, I found that I enjoyed reading Vogue more than science journals. I made the switch to become a shoe designer taking classes at RISD then finally getting a degree in accessories from FIT.

Q: What are some of your favorite shoes in the line?
A: The Tammy and the Tneal and the Siena are everything that represents DMSX in one boot, one pump and one flat.  The bold zipper is my autograph.

Q: What are some key trends we will see from your line next season?
A: For the DMSX Spring 2012 collection , sobriety is the key word, with discrete design details. There will be uppers with new woven and laser-cut leather details, as well as liquid metals. The use of black and specchio, as well as the contrast of black and white with accents of grey, ice, plume, violet and forest. The details that are used maintain my design philosophy of simple, minimal and sexy without trying too hard.

Q: Tell us about a shoe you will never forget.
A: It actually was a shoe that never made the DMSX line but is my favorite piece I have designed to date — it was a triple platform over-the-knee boot.

Q: Which shoe should no woman be without?
A: She needs them all!

Shop our picks: DMSX TNeal Pointed-Toe PumpsDMSX Siena Metallic Flats & DMSX Tammy Platform Boots

Shop all DMSX.

Do you have a favorite DMSX style? Share in the comments!

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