WINDFALLS

FOREIGN FASHION



Ah, for the good old days when American fashion magazines were grand-scale, glossy, and gorgeous. Their European counterparts carry on the tradition in lavish style, and several of the best of these publications can be found in Dallas. For these sumptuous imports, expect to pay an equally sumptuous price. French and Italian Vogue usually run about $14. (Prices vary with shipping costs.) At Century Bookstore, 3032 Mockingbird Ln. Open Mon-Fri 8:30 am-9:30 pm, Sat & Sun 9 am-9:30 pm. 691-8157; and Under Arrest, 3833 Cedar Springs. Open Mon-Sat 10-10, Sun noon-6 pm. 528-3380.



BIG BEANS

Ronald Reagan has made them popular, and Texas has made them big. These Texas-Sized Jelly Beans come packaged in a two-pound bag ($3.75) or in bulk ($1.75 per pound). Perfect garnishes for Easter baskets. Goodies from Goodman 12102 Inwood Rd. Open Mon-Sat 9-6. 387-4804; and Goodies from Goodman Fruit Stand, 8302 Preston Center Plaza East. Open Mon-Sat 9-6. 692-0773.

BUTTON IT UP



Button, button, who’s got the button? For 70 years in Dallas, the answer has been Benno’s. Originally situated downtown, the store in recent years has been located across Lovers Lane from Richard Brooks Fabrics. A felicitous pairing, since Benno’s is to but-tons what Richard Brooks is to fabric. The store’s honey-colored cabinets contain literally hundreds of different styles, from pearl to wooden to rhinestone. If Ben-no’s doesn’t have it, chances are it doesn’t exist. Owner Martha Alonso and her staff also purvey a wide selection of trim and grosgrain ribbon. They cover buttons and belts as well. Benno’s Button Co., 5611 W. Lovers Ln. Open Mon-Sat 9-5:30. 352-0534.

FEATHERY FIND



This elegant, long-armed version of the feather duster, supplied by farm-raised African ostriches, will not only tickle your fancy and turn your thoughts toward spring cleaning, but it will make the job easier as well. The duster comes with a telescopic handle that extends to 6’6″ and is ideal for fragile objects, high corners, and book -shelves. At Williams-Sonoma, 8405 Pickwick Ln. Open Mon-Sat 10-6. 696-0384.



HOME ON THE ROAD



Tired of being hunched up in a Honda? Cramped in a Corolla? Miserable in a Mazda? On your vacation to Nova Scotia this summer, consider renting a custom van from Custom Vans of Dallas. They’re equipped with sleeper, bar, ice box, stereo system, but more importantly, plenty of stretching room for the kids. $35 a day, plus 20￠ a mile. Reservations 30 days in advance are advised. Custom Vans of Dallas, 3916 W. Ledbetter. 330-7291.



DESIGNED FROM SCRATCH

“Home-Grown Fashion” is the title of an ongoing series of special events spotlighting Texas or Texas-connected designers who produce elegant women’s fashions by first creating the fabric and then making it into a garment. This month two designers will present trunk shows at Katy’s to introduce their spring and summer collections.

On April 17 and 18, Claudia Nelson Martin of Victoria will show her collection of hand-dyed and handrates, which range in price from $40 to $200. The spring/summer collec- tion features classic de-signs of cotton, linen, and silk in pastels and soft neutral tones. Sally Packard will present her painted silks on April 24 and 25. Formerly a Texas resident, Packard now lives in New York with her husband, who sings with the Metropolitan Opera. The dramatic styles of stage costumes have influenced Packard, but her trademark silhouette is a soft, unstructured look, which she achieves by actually draping her fabric on a form – something many designers no longer take the time to do. Packard’s silks, in colors best described as soft-brights, range from $50 to $300.



Both designers will even adapt their designs to fit particular preferences if, for instance, a buyer likes a Packard silk dress but would prefer a V-neck to a bateau neck. These are home-grown designs that look anything but homemade. At Katy’s, 2815 Greenville. Open Mon-Sat 10-6. 826-8740.