Shoe designer Donald J Pliner

Let’s just call shoe designer Donald J Pliner what he is — the king of comfort. He likes a stylish shoe just as much as the next person, but if it’s not comfortable, who’s going to wear it? Lucky for him — and the rest of us — he knows how to blend style with comfort.

And he’s coming to Oklahoma City. He will be at Dillard’s, Penn Square Mall, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. And here’s a little tidbit you may not know — the Dillard’s Penn Square store is the No. 1 Donald J Pliner shoe department in the entire chain. That’s how much we love Pliner shoes.

Along with meet-and-greet opportunities on Friday, gifts will be offered with purchases.  Also in the shoe department will be a Donald Pliner handbag trunk show. There also will be a selection of men’s shoes there, too.

For information, call 840-8495.

Read my story about Pliner and what makes his shoes so comfortable.

Here’s the important part:

Save $15 on a bag valued at $50 to $75

Save $25 on a bag valued at $75 to $125

Save $40 on a bag valued at $126 to $199

Save $50 on a bag valued at $200 or more

Used handbags will be donated to a local charity.

Makeup artist Michael Marcus

Michael Marcus Cosmetics is new at Dillard’s in Penn Square Mall. But Marcus isn’t new to makeup. He has been making up women for 20 years.

He thinks he has a good feel for what they like and want. Especially Southern women.

I wrote about Marcus and his visit to Oklahoma City in today’s you! section. Here’s more from our interview.

Marcus is based in Dallas. Women here and there both like color.  Sometimes they just need a reminder.

“For so long, it has been about neutral, neutral, neutral. Women have forgotten how to wear color,” he said.

He’s bringing a reminder to Oklahoma City women. He will be at Dillard’s, Penn Square Mall, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  He will give a five- to 10-minute personal consultation and recommend colors, products and skin-care regimens, then a makeup artist will offer application tips. A $50 reservation fee is redeemable in products. Call 840-8495 for an appointment.

What women find in his collection is a range of color for the eyes, lips, cheeks and eyes.  After talking with Marcus, even women who tend to wear neutrals are ready for something a bit more exciting.

The right lip color can brighten your eyes, he said. Neutrals blend in with the rest of your face.  What woman wants that?

Michael Marcus eye shadow in Dreamy

When you choose that right color in lipstick, whether you do a lot of  eyeshadows or softer tones, it positively makes your eyes stand out more, he said.

He suggests women try on several different shades. “You really need to try them on your face to see what they’re going to look like. Do not buy a lipstick without trying it on.”

He also recommends that women put their lipstick on first, before any other makeup. Don’t start with eyes. It goes back to the theory that the right lipstick can make your eyes stand out regardless of how much eye makeup you’re wearing.  Once you pick the right lipstick color you want to wear, the rest of your makeup will balance it out.

While Marcus encourages women to embrace color, it’s important to remember that if you go bold on the lipss, go softer on your cheeks. He always like a splash of color on the eyes, though. Maybe a colored eyeliner or a soft green shadow.

Michael Marcus lipstick in Dawn

Marcus introduced his cosmetics line in 1999. He’s the new kid on the block at Dillard’s stores.

“I am Southern born and raised. I think we have a completely different perspective on what women want, especially wome of the south.”

It’s OK to wear makeup. So many Southern women were made to feel guilty about wearing makeup, he said. Think of makeup as polishing off any outfit.

Marcus doesn’t follow many rules when it comes to makeup.

” … the only rule I have is you have to feel comforrable in what you’re wewaring. … what makes you feel good that should be the only rule you have in cosmetics.”

And if you’re wondering about Marcus’  best-selling product, it’s Prime, which creates a smooth base for foundation. It’s the perfect base for all those peachy cheeks.

Michael Marcus of Michael Marcus Cosmetics

If you’re looking for a new makeup look,  tips or new products, this is the weekend for it. Two makeup artists who both have their own signature lines will be in Oklahoma City.

First up is Michael Marcus of Michael Marcus Cosmetics.  His line is known for its generous color. He will be at Dillard’s, Penn Square Mall, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  He will give a five- to 10-minute personal consultation and recommend colors, products and skin-care regimens, then a makeup artist will offer application tips. A $50 reservation fee is redeemable in products. Call 840-8495 for an appointment.

Australian Napoleon Perdis, who moved his cosmetics company to Los Angeles a couple of years ago, will make a personal appearance from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 11 at Ulta, 2340 W Memorial Road. His team of artists will be treating guests to complimentary makeovers.  Call 302-4900 to book an appointment. To learn more about Perdis and his philosophy about makeup, read my story that ran in Sunday’s Life section.

Makeup artist Napeoleon Perdis

Dawn, a new fragrance by Sarah Jessica Parker.

The fragrance, described as a soft floral inspired by morning, sunrise and first sunrays, sells for $58  at Ulta, Penney’s, Sears,  Kohl’s and on HSN. A 1-ounce bottle is available for $38.  To be included in the drawing, e-mail your name and address to fashionmatters@opubco.com. Deadline is April 3

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 Unity marketing, a luxury consumer research firm based in Stevens, Pa., provided WWD with a look at the top, mid-tier and discount stores where high-end consumers were shopping. “The stigma attached with shopping down-market is gone,” said Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing.

Here’s the Top 18:

1. Target (46.2 percent)

2. Costco (39.5)

3. Macy’s (48.6)

4. Nordstrom (31.9)

5. Wal-Mart (25.9)

6. Kohl’s (20.6)

7. Bloomingdale’s (19.3)

8. T.J. Maxx (18.6)

9. Sam’s Club (18.2)

10. Neiman Marcus (16.4)

11. J.C. Penney (14.2)

12. Lord & Taylor (12.5)

13. Saks Fifth Avenue (12.3)

14. Dillard’s (11.5)

15. Sears (11.5)

16. Barney’s New York  (7.2)

17. Kmart (6.9)

18. Bergdorf Goodman (5.8)

Floral skirt and sweater by Liz Claiborne for spring 2009.

Have you seen the new Liz Claiborne collection for spring, the first one designed by Isaac Mizrahi? It’s at Dillard’s and Macy’s, and I think you’re going to be surprised.

After struggling for the last few years, the brand lured Mizrahi away from Target to infuse some energy and spirit into what was once one of American women’s favorite labels.

The new collection is colorful, snappy and modern, a welcome change from what Liz Claiborne had become. Sure, there are still pieces that will fit in a professional woman’s wardrobe, but most exciting are those pieces that are oh so Isaac, the ones that catch your eye and make you want to try them on. 

Check out Liz Claiborne next time you’re at Dillard’s or Macy’s. You can also go online to www.lizclaiborne.com to see the looks, Isaac’s picks and videos.

Sale, sale, sale. Sweet words … at least to the consumer.

Dillard’s ad in today’s paper says take 40 percent off entire stock of all permanently reduced merchandise. That includes ladies’ sportswear, ladies’ suits, dresses, juniors, children’s clothes, men’s clothes, accessories, handbags, shoes, intimate apparel, home and furniture.

If you do go to the mall, watch your step. Those parking lots are treacherous.