Aftershock London Brings British Style to Galleria Dallas

The Brits switched up its Aftershock London store location when the boutique was reintroduced at the Galleria Dallas earlier this year.  The British boutique has been successful in Dallas for almost two years, which is the only city in the United States to get the Aftershock London experience with a physical store location.  Imran Sheikh, managing partner for the US division, expressed his excitement for the new Aftershock London store at the Galleria.  Bringing the British-based retailer to a shopping center of 200 retailers and a lot of foot traffic is expected to increase its accessibility and visibility in Dallas.  Aftershock London was first introduced to Dallas when its grand opening in 2013 at the Plaza at Preston Center.

Stylist Dawn Mellon and The Fashionistas organization hosted the grand opening party with plenty of shopping and fun.  The display windows were occupied by live model-mannequins showing off some of Aftershock's most glam looks.  Partygoers enjoyed shopping, mingling and cocktails.  For unique eveningwear and accessible daytime glam, go to Aftershock London. 

PS - Dawn is one of the 12 women chosen to participate in Fashion Stars for a Cause this year.  She is raising money to benefit the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.  If you're interested in purchasing a ticket to the event on March 20 or raffle tickets to win a royal dinner and a Belk gift card, please contact her! 

LeeAnne Locken and Yvonne Crum

Prepster Paradise: Belk Galleria Dallas Opening Gala

Glitzy and Glam: Stephanie Koh, Holly Quartaro, Alex Small, Steve Kemble

Celebrating the grand opening of Belk with some of the most influential people in Dallas, and fashion friends, was an affair to remember.  The North Carolina-based company revealed its massive flagship store at the Galleria Dallas earlier this spring after much anticipation from the Dallas community.  Belk and Galleria Dallas pulled out all the stops to welcome guests with some Southern [and glamorous] hospitality at the Opening Gala on April 3.  Tickets were $50 and all proceeds went to Susan G. Komen, one of the charities that Belk supports.

 Belk was the place for star sightings that night.  Actress and Belk brand ambassador Hayden Panettiere opened the runway show with a Q&A.  In case you were wondering, she's even more petite in person than she is on TV.  I really need to start watching ABC's Nashville because I hear it's amazing.  Moreover, she seemed like a nice girl with a cool personality.

What I enjoy about Belk is that it's unlike any other department store in Dallas.  Although they showcase a deep offering of preppy merchandise, Belk still manages to offer a product breadth that appeals to pretty much everyone.  Plus, I appreciate their frequent sales and promotions so you can get the most bang for your buck.

Nelli Tokleh, thank you for inviting me to this phenomenal event.  I had such a fun time, and so did my friend Stephanie Koh.  She recently started a blog called Dollie Gal, so check out her post about the Belk extravaganza! 
Southern. Modern. Style.  Does it get more Dallas than that?

Sam Sichanh, Alex Small, Stephanie Koh.  Photo c/o Sam Sichanh

Reunited with fellow former Nordstrom intern Sam Sichanh.  Photo c/o Sam Sichanh

Welcome to Galleria Dallas, Belk!

You've probably noticed all of the people hard at work for the past several months to get the new Belk store ready for Galleria Dallas shoppers. The store is finally ready and is opening with a bang.  It's first event at the Dallas flagship sounds like it'll be one of the events of the season.  It's this Thursday, April 3 and will benefit Susan G. Komen (get a ticket by donating $50).  Here are a few celebs you may spot this Thursday:

• Hayden Panettiere of Nashville
• Pat and Emmitt Smith
• Jake Pavelka, former Bachelor 
• Lucy Dang, local fashion designer
• Kimberly Schlegel Whitman of Southern Living
• Lucy Wrubel, celebrity DJ
• Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
• The Belk brothers and executives

Wow.  That's a lot of star-sightings for one night!  The fashion show featuring Belk's brand offerings will be happening at 8:00.  100% of ticket sales will go to Susan G. Komen.  Plus, all guests will get a $25 Belk gift card, 5 lucky winners will receive a $1,000 Belk shopping spree, and one guest will take home a guitar autographed by Blake Shelton. 

The "official" grand opening (ribbon cutting) is on April 9, but the store did an early opening to the public last weekend.  Belk carries lots of brands I love, but I think I'm most excited about the mini Kate Spade store inside Belk.  Here are some pictures I snapped the day before the opening.

Leah Frazier