The store appeals to college gals and young professionals, but a $59 white blazer looks good at every age.

Owned by a couple of Dallas-raised besties, y&i is perfect for upcoming graduation gifts. Most of the goods are priced under $200 (with the exception of a few special pieces). Owners Robin and Robyn (now do you get the y & i?) graduated high school and college together in Texas before heading their separate ways, one to Goldman Sachs and another to an extensive retail career. After a few years and the desire for more flexible lifestyles, the girls combined their finance and clothing backgrounds, and boom, opened up shop in San Fran. Their next stop was Austin (don’t pout about it), followed by the weeks-old West Village location. In it you’ll find pieces edited for young shoppers, like trendy blouses, silk dresses, and flowing maxi dresses that are perfect from office to happy hour, and colorful shorts, sunnies, and bikinis for summer weekends. A selection of lightly padded neon and neutral bandeaus (perfect for wearing under just about anything) ring up at $5 a piece, and the inexpensive jewelry, handbags, and Voluspa candles make wonderful gifts.

Gifty goodies include Love + Toast lotions and potions, beautiful, trendy jewels at even more beautiful prices (like geode earrings for $24), Kris Nations Zodiac sign necklaces, and simple clutches.

y&i's ready for summer with a handful of Bikini Joy swimsuits for $40 and sunglasses all over the store.

Poolside style at Ku De Ta over the weekend. (photography by William Neal)

I usually go to the pool looking like a bag lady with the flu (but not this bag lady): pale, oily-haired, and with duffel bags packed with enough activities to keep me busy for days.  Dallas girls go to the pool with hair coiffed and curled, spritzed into place with mega-hold hairspray, topped with designer sunglasses, and complimented with sparkly chandelier earrings. (Like this.) This year I’m going to take my poolside look back up a notch (or two). So, now, I’d like to now, what are your favorite poolside must-haves? Be it a product, garment, accessory, or floating device. Leave ‘em in the comments section.

Brown satin and ostrich feather evening bag by Anthony Luciano

Erin Ahlfinger, D Magazine intern and fearless reporter, tackled the Heroes and Handbags event Friday, May 4. Her review below:

The seventh annual Heroes and Handbags Luncheon was the place to be Friday morning to shop for a fantastic bag for a great cause. Five hundred of the most fashionable women in Dallas gathered at the Hilton Anatole for a silent auction and luncheon benefiting Heroes for Children, a local non-profit dedicated to providing assistance to families of children fighting cancer.

Retailers and private donors contributed hundreds of vintage and designer handbags in styles ranging from elegant evening bags to funky floral totes. Highlights included the custom “Bella” clutch designed by Elaine Turner exclusively for Heroes for Children, but it was a brown satin and ostrich feather Anthony Luciano evening bag that stole my heart, but in auctions, as in life, there’s always the one who got away.

Heroes for Children co-founders Larissa Linton (left) and Jenny Scott (right) with Executive Director Kristy Hensel

Designer Susie Straubmueller was on hand to chat with attendees about her ostrich handbag valued at $4,500. Thanks to aesthetician Renee Rouleau, not a single bag left empty. The skin care goddess was kind enough to attend and provide everyone with a jar of her signature Glow Enhancing Cream.

Modern technology took all the fuss out of the event by allowing attendees to place and update their bids in real-time via text message. This transformation of smartphones into auctioneers made for less time spent bidding, and more time spent mingling and sipping mimosas.

As the auction came to a close and lunch was served, Heroes for Children beneficiary Hagan Hoppess spoke genuinely about how her battle with a rare bone cancer and the impact Heroes for Children had on her family, evoking a standing ovation and bringing many to tears.

Since its inception in 2004, Heroes for Children has provided over $3.5 million in aid to families struggling with the everyday challenges of caring for a child with cancer. Founders Larisa Linton and Jenny Scott hoped to raise $300 thousand dollars from this year’s Heroes and Handbags auction. That goal was exceeded with the total ringing up at $323,000 and 275 bags sold. –Erin Ahlfinger

Kimberly McDonald Trunk Show/Appearance: Stop by Forty Five Ten today and tomorrow from 11 am to 4 pm, you can check out the latest pieces from Kimberly McDonald’s gorgeous collection of agate and geode jewels. Even better? You can meet the designer.

Everything But Water Mother’s Day Event: Saturday from 1 to 5 pm, make a trip to Preston Center to check out the new in-store accessories cabana and get some pieces to rock on the beach. Bring mom, too, because there will be cocktails, snacks, tarot card readings, and trunk shows from jewelers Leighelena and Hila.

Missoni Trunk Show: Nest is the place to find bright summer decor for your house. Today and tomorrow you can check out the latest from Missoni’s home line in their signature colors and patterns.

Lisa Nik Trunk Show Appearance: Bachendorf’s is giving us something to smile about with this trunk show and appearance. Lisa Nik, known for using colorful gems, is bringing her latest collection for us to enjoy. She will be at the Bachendorf’s on Preston Road all day today and the location in Plano tomorrow.

Cathy Waterman Trunk Show: Find the perfect piece for mom at this trunk show today, tomorrow, and Sunday. Drop by Ylang23 for some Mother’s Day bling.

For more must-shop Mother’s Day stops, check out our Where to Shop For Mother’s Day Guide.

St. John pre-fall 2012 lace-sleeve shimmer Milano knit dress

This stunner is part of the pre-fall collection, which will be on display at the St. John boutique’s open house and grand re-opening in Highland Park Village on May 19 from 1 pm to 5 pm. Champagne and light bites are being served all day.

BCBG Max Azria “Nasha” color-blocked dress
This off-the-runway piece makes my heart pitter-patter. That sexy neckline, pops of neon, shoulder cutouts, flowing skirt…sigh. So cool.
BCBG NorthPark, $598

7 For All Mankind cut-off shorts in Pink Whiskered
7′s summer collection is a throwback assortment with patchwork denim, metallic skinnies, and variety of printed jeans, like ikat, floral, and tribal. I’m in the market for the perfect cutoff shorts, though, and this pair is it.
7 For All Mankind NorthPark, $178

Christian Louboutin Lady Max spiked sandals
I’ve always loved spikes, chains, and anything else that says, “I’m a badass.” And then spikes saturated the trend market, and girl next door started wearing them, and it took the fun out of it. But these sandals could renew my love for the look. Subtle but wicked.
Barneys New York, $1,495

Lizzie Fortunado “Midnight Cruiser” tribal print iPad clutch
I love all the Lizzie Fortunado statement necklaces, but the leather collection of cross-bodies, satchels, and oversized clutches with the tribal print motif are equally wonderful.  I’d pair this with solid black attire (as per usual) and let the bag shine on its own.
V.O.D., $450

Amore & Sorvete Black Bouquet print and mesh cutout bustier one-piece swimsuit
I’m into the on-trend athletic, scuba-inspired swimwear this season, but I like this version, which veers to the sexy side (with a pinch of girly) with the sheer side panels and neon floral print.
asos.com, $259.19

Lanvin eagle belt
I love this belt paired with a feminine dress for the edgy-meets-ladylike look, but I’d throw it over just about anything for a bit of rock-and-roll flare.
lanvin.com, $2,150

Kendi Skeen from kendieveryday.com in Brahmin's summer 2012 catalogue (photography courtesy, er, stolen, from Brahmin's summer 2012 catalogue)

Our very own (well, McKinney’s very own) cute-as-a-button Kendi Skeen from kendieveryday.com and owner of one of our fav shops, Bloom, stars in Brahmin’s summer 2012 catalogue with only two other young ladies. You. Go. Girl. And I think you deserve a round two with those Christian Louboutins. Check out the catalogue and shop the looks at our Galleria Dallas store.

Chandra North, Dallas model and event co-chair, wears the Cover Clothing American Cancer Society tee.

Here are two super fun, incredibly chic events to add to your calendar. First, on Tuesday, May 15, Five and Ten is place to be to celebrate Dallas-based Cover Clothing’s partnership with The American Cancer Society. Each purchase of the long-sleeve white tee, right, sends $10 to the cancer awareness group. Check out all of the “sun conscious” clothing and grab hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in Highland Park Village from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Then, the same week, on Thursday, May 15, at 5 pm, you can treat yourself to a glam night at Sol Ben Hair Studio. Talk to the pros about how to look your best from head to toe and check out Kendra Scott bling paired with neighboring Flirt Boutique fashions during a runway show. Plus, if you are one of the first 50 guest to the party at 2404 McKinney Ave., you will take home a swag bag. You can RSVP by calling 214-871-7700 or emailing solbenhairstudio@gmail.com.

Five & Ten (photography by Micah Nunley)

So, you haven’t picked up a Mother’s Day gift yet? Shame on you. (Kidding, we haven’t either.) Head to our Mother’s Day brunch guide for reservations and then use this personality guide to find the perfect place to shop for the lovely lady who wiped your hiney, your tears, and her bank account for you.

For the Chic Mom
Where: Five & Ten
What You’ll Find: Elegant, fashion design coffee table books, Dempsey & Carroll stationery, Diptyque candles, smart doggie gear from Mungo & Maud, home decor pieces, like throw pillows, picture frames, and decorative plates, and a collection of super stylish heels and handbags.

For the Nesting Mom
Where: Patina Green Home and Market
What You’ll Find: Handmade rugs, vintage furniture and home accessories, artisan cheeses, organic produce, canning jars, gorgeous glass dessert plates, vintage-looking napkin rings, shabby chic serving bowls, French soaps, handcrafted jewelry, and uber cool engraved spoon garden markers.

The Gypsy Wagon (photography by Sergio Garza)

For the Southern Mama
Where: The Gypsy Wagon
What You’ll Find: Locally made, Texas-inspired jewelry (like handcrafted turquoise and silver cuffs and necklaces by Richard Schmidt), gorgeous cowgirl boots, floral-clad pitchers, funky embroidered pillows, colorful vases, and vintage-inspired dish towels and aprons.

For the En Vogue Mom
Where: Nest
What You’ll Find: Industrial chic home furnishings, like Kartell lucite “ghost chairs,” cheeky Jonathan Adler sculptures, servings bowls and trays in shocking colors, Missoni rugs and towels, spiked Native Edge candles, an exclusive skincare line by Elemental Herbology, and an edited selection of jewelry.

Patina Green Home and Market (photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

For the Edgy Mom
Where: Grange Hall
What You’ll Find: Extraordinary arrangements in the Urban Flower section and offbeat-but-stunning accessories like bug-adorned jewelry, skull-emblazoned stationery, and wonderfully weird tableware, plus, things we love like exotic teas, Cire Trudon candles, and Santa Maria Novella incense.

Grange Hall (photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

For the Knitting Mom
Where: Shabby Sheep
What You’ll Find: Yarn. Lots and lots of yard and accompanying accessories. Housed in a cozy cottage, the selection includes nearly 50 brands in every color, texture, and fiber imaginable.

For the Hostess-with-the-Mostest Mom
Where: Madison
What You’ll Find: Registry-worthy gifts like colorful Varga crystal barware and stemware,  rattan wrapped baking dishes, exotic print outdoor dishes, amethyst, citrine, and quartz votive holders, Nest candles, alligator notepads, luggage tags, and serving trays, and home-inspired coffee table books.

Long pewter spearhead necklace with leather, now $63, down from $106

To make room for new stuff (so exciting!), local hardware designer f. is for frank is creating space by selling older wares at 40 percent off. Goods include hammered pewter and gold alligator-print statement rings, pewter, rose gold, and gold “peacock” bangles, and triple metal pendant necklaces. In summary, some great stuff. Shop it here.

My visual interpretation of the Jasmine Garden

A series of four cocktails will be available for taste-testing and voting at Dish next Wednesday, May 16. I will be one of four hosts, each of us “guest bartending,” representing one of the cocktails off the new drink menu. I’ll be showcasing the delightful Jasmin Garden with cucumber, rosemary, berry jam, fresh lemon, St. George Terroir gin, Fruitlab organic jasmine liqueur, and a spritz of Pernod Absinthe served on the rocks with a jasmine flower and lemon wedge. Like a sophisticated garden party in a glass.

Here’s what you need to put on your calendar:
1. Go to DISH next Wednesday, May 16, from 6 pm to 8 pm.
2. Get a token at the door, try the Jasmine Garden, drop your token off at the ShopTalk station to vote for it as your favorite.
3. Enjoy light bites by Chef Garreth Dickey and live music.