Dish-Houston

December 2-3:  Naeem Khan Trunk Show
December 2-3:  Fantasia By De Serio Jewelry Trunk Show
December 4-5:  Julie Vos Jewelry Personal Appearance & Trunk Show
December 4-5:  J Brand Trunk Show with personal appearance by fit specialist Oscar Adames
December 5-6:  Michael Kors Trunk Show
December 6-7:  Claudia Lobao Jewelry Trunk Show & Personal Appearance
December 6-7:  Essera 88 Trunk Show & Personal Appearance by designer Suzanne Saperstein 
December 11:  Alexis Bittar Jewelry Trunk Show
December 12-13:  Jill Reno Jewelry Trunk Show  

Well, it is owned by the same company that owns 99 Cents Only Stores. A Los Angeles private equity firm and Canada’s largest public pension fund announced this week that they are buying Dallas-based Neiman Marcus Group for $6 billion.

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Ares Management LLC now have both extremes of household incomes covered: In 2011, they paid $1.55 billion to buy 99 Cents Only Stores.

The two entities will hold an equal interest in the retailer, and Neiman Marcus management, led by CEO Karen Katz, will retain a minority stake. The sale is expected to go through in the fourth quarter.

Neiman Marcus hasn’t been owned by the founding family since the late 1980s.

Founded in Dallas in 1907, the company operates 41 Neiman Marcus stores, two Bergdorf Goodman locations, 36 Last Call stores and six Cusp stores. Its upscale online retailing division operates under the Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call and Horchow brands.

Except for the novelty of knowing that about 18 million retirees north of the border own a piece of the venerable luxury chain, customers shouldn’t see any changes, the company said.

“If there had not been press coverage of this, the customer would never know anything had changed,” Neiman Marcus vice president Ginger Reeder said.

Fort Worth-based TPG and New York-based Warburg Pincus have owned Neiman Marcus since 2005 as part of a $5.1 billion leveraged buyout. They were entertaining private buyers while the company was proceeding with plans for an initial public offering of stock.

Bloomberg News estimates that the two buyout firms have reaped a 150 percent profit on their combined $1.2 billion initial investment in Neiman Marcus. The firms are expected to receive about $2.75 billion in the sale on top of $400 million they got last year in the form of a one-time dividend.

Part of the purchase price will be used at closing to repay about $2.7 billion in debt. But that doesn’t mean the company will be debt-free.

Between now and closing, a new capital structure with new debt will be ironed out, Neiman Marcus chief operating officer Jim Skinner said. “There’s still a lot of work to do.”

Even if the company had issued stock to the public, those funds would have gone to TPG and Warburg Pincus, and the retail company would have still had $2.7 billion in debt.

There are no plans yet to open a Canadian Neiman Marcus store. Canadians have been able to shop at Neiman Marcus online for several years.

BY DISH CONTRIBUTOR CARRIE SANDERS:

Spring is here and that means floral prints, pastel/bold colors, and dresses! No matter what age you are or what your budget is you can look stylish with the right tools.

One of the hottest colors right now is orange. It may seem a little scary to those more conservative but adding a pop of color can be low key or as crazy as you can dream! If you’re in a work setting try an orange blazer or a blouse for just a little pop of color. Just because you’re in an office doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your wardrobe! Plus it will get you noticed by the opposite sex and even the boss who as well all know is the one who gives out promotions!

For everyday you can wear colors in so many ways such as a bright dress, a pair of wedges, jacket, or a handbag. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and prints. Be bold; try a yellow dress with pink shoes and a purple clutch. One of our favorite things to wear when wanting to be comfortable but still be stylish is a pair of denim shorts, white t-shirt, snazzy sandals, and a bright colored bag. Wherever you are going you can always add a little extra pop to your outfit.

Floral is always a great addition to your wardrobe. It makes you automatically feel pretty. If you want to be kind to your wallet, Mink Pink is so adorable and so affordable. They have dresses and skirts with floral prints under $100!!  Another idea is to get a sassy pair of floral print platforms. Wearing a printed shoe is a great way to add that extra something to your outfit but can also take a look that is low key to top notch! Kate Spade, Vince Camuto, and Tory Burch have the cutest wedges right now with bright colors, prints, and neutrals that will surly have you bringing out your credit card.

For those gals who aren't that into dresses, jeans and a cute top is a great way of “dressing” up or going out attire with a hot colored top and the aforementioned wedges. However, in the past few years dresses have exploded and any body type can pull one off! Why? Because they are easy, comfortable, and you can make it look casual or fancy by simply changing your shoes. Maxis are a great look for running around or having lunch with a friend. It’s an effortless look that makes it appear like you tried and it was the easiest decision you made all day! All you need are a few key accessories like a great bag, jewelry that stands out, and/or a pair of sunglasses. Not into long dresses? No worries. Try a flirty short dress with wedges for the day or even sandals then when it comes to meet your girlfriends for happy hour slip on a pair of bright colored pumps. Brands to look for unique dresses are Yoana Baraschi and Alice and Tricia, you can’t go wrong! For a fabulous maxi hands down Gypsy 05!

So do some spring cleaning in your closet today! Out with the old and in with the new. Happy Shopping. 

Fashion's Night Out was a HUGE deal this year in Houston and it continues to grow every year.

This year's Simon Fashion NOW Fall show was off the charts! Here is the video round up thanks to fashionista rock star Erica Renee Garza! E Motion Medias produced the brilliant Simon Fashion Now montage video. The music is local too!! Paul Couture producinged the track especially for this project, LOVE it!!  Check him out along with the rest of Houston's who's who!

Atrium Ready to Wear, a couture Houston boutique offering cocktail and evening gowns from adored designers and is offering a 30 percent off sale throughout the month of June. Sale items include elite labels Yigal Azrouel, Prabal Gurung, Christian Cota, Trias and Bibhu Mohapatra. 

Look fabulous this summer with these exquisite finds. Whether you’re preparing to attend a sunset wedding, a black tie event, or just need an outfit for vacation, Atrium has the perfect look for any occasion.

3331 D’Amico  Houston, TX 77019   713.520.0206

Located adjacent to Casa de Novia Bridal, Atrium Ready to Wear boasts 500 square-feet of unmistakably French décor with a modern slant in hues of white featuring shiny chandeliers above. With the feel of a Parisian boutique, shoppers get an intimate experience with only two dressing rooms and an individual stylist to assure a truly couture experience. 

Created by Casa de Novia Owner Luvi Wheelock, at Atrium, each gown is as close to couture as possible from a ready-to-wear collection. Atrium Ready to Wear is located at 3331 D’Amico between Waugh and Shepherd. Store hours are 11a.m. – 6p.m. Private consultations can be scheduled by calling 713.520.0206.

Before heading out for margaritas on Cinco de Mayo, grab your closest amigas and head to Muse, Houston’s hotspot for unique clothing finds. For five days, May 1-6, Muse is hosting a shopping fiesta offering 15% off your entire purchase. From caliente accessories to bonita frocks, Muse has the perfect outfit for fashionable senoritas.

Look at some of the delish deals you can get.... Designers such as Calypso, Roberta Freymann, Nanette Lepore, Red Engine, Hila Doucette Duvall, Splendid, Alexis, Tucker, Georgie, Linea Pelle, Goddis, Pete, Christopher Fischer, Spanx, Hanky Panky, Sanctuary, Fifteen Twenty, Georgie, Autumn Cashmere, Eberjey, Pete, Cambio, Moyna, Chan Luu, Lia Kes, Butter by Nadia, Susana Monaco, Beirn, Skin, Tribute, 12^th Street by Cynthia Vincent, Eva Franco, Vitamina, White & Warren, Yummie Tummie, Raven Tailored, Lilla P, Jouer Cosmetics, Eye, Rab Labs and Roost can be found in this charming fashion boutique.  For store information, visit www.musehouston.com or call 713-520-MUSE.  

Don't you LOVE Spring!?!?!?!

It's Spring time and Chloe has done a little spring cleaning in her design closet.  After 11 years of

designing, our studio is getting crowded and we need to make room for new things.   What does this mean to you??  Well, these one of a kind samples, inspiration pieces, and vintage Chloe Dao designs will be on sale ranging from $10 - $400.  We will also have shoes from our runway on sale for only $10.

This is a great opportunity to get a one of a kind prom dress for under $500 with shoes to match!!! 

The sale begins Friday, April 1st at LOT 8 boutique.  Don't miss it.  The sale will only last as long as the merchandise!!

New Spring arrivals in-store & online!! We're loving our new 2010 styles Summer, Hayden, Trish, Jonie and Leighton! What better way to accessorize for Easter,Tennis and Polo season!??

CLICK HERE to see everything!

It's all about the DISH-Counts baby!!

Top Drawer Lingerie at Uptown Park is having one of their famous blowouts! 50% off all sleepwear and certain undergarmets!

M2M Style Lounge and Detour as having a Buy One Get One FREE SALE!!! BUY ONE ITEM REGULAR PRICE GET 2ND ITEM FREE! 2ND ITEM MUST BE EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE *NOT VALID ON PREVIOUS PURCHASES OR WITH OTHER OFFERS *ALL SALES ARE FINAL M2M | 3407 MONTROSE BLVD | 713-521-0804 DETOUR | 2511 UNIVERSITY BLVD | 713-526-5355

MUSE on W. Alabama...Now through the end of December the boutique is having a super Christmas sale! Thirty percent off the entire store (excluding Muse kimonos and jewelry) and fall racks are 50 percent off!

NOW get out there and get local!! =)