Shopping

After a shaky start, the chic—but often empty—Shops at Willow Bend (972-202-4900) is generating some excitement. D&G (469-366-0880), hip designer to stars like Madonna and Angelina Jolie, opened its first Dallas store in the Plano mall earlier this fall. The addition of the Italian luxury-clothing retailer bodes well for the future of the mall—1.5 million square feet is a lot of space to fill. D&G joins other top shops such as Neiman Marcus (972-629-1700), Escada (469-366-0746), Burberry (972-202-5500), St. John’s (972-202-8383), Armani Collezioni (972-202-8813), Hugo Boss (469-366-9910), Bruno Magli (469-366-0650), Stuart Weitzman (972-202-5600), and Nicole Miller (469-366-0050). (Saks Fifth Avenue will open in September 2004.) Look for accessories at Coach (972-202-5511), Agatha Paris (469-366-0120), Wolford  (972-202-5564), Jacqueline Jarrot (469-366-0055), and Kabana (972-202-8365). For funky art pieces, Speranza Design Gallery (469-366-0101) just joined the ranks. Trendy shops such as Arden B. (469-366-0198), Bebe (469-366-4468), Express (469-366-1035), Diesel (469-366-1055), Hollister Co. (no phone number at press time), and Wet Seal (469-366-0190) attract a cool, young crowd, while the 3-feet-and-shorter set goes for frocks at Janie & Jack (469-366-0707), Gymboree (972-202-5660), Jacadi Paris (469-366-0011), and Zutopia (469-366-0194). And the always hopping Pepsi Kids Zone is a parent’s best friend. —Stephanie Quadri

Style File

Makeup Marvel
Armani has jumped into the makeup fray with Giorgio Armani Cosmetics. Pick up a jewel-toned palette, which packs four chic shadows and two smooth lip colors in one. Another must-have is the lip shimmer. From beige to burgundy, eight striking glosses enhance the look of your natural lip without a sticky mess. Available at Neiman Marcus/NorthPark Center. 214-363-8311.

Stocking Stuff
We found a great stocking-stuffer alternative to CDs and lottery tickets: gift cards at Tom Thumb. The cards, from such retailers as Borders, Starbucks, or Nordstrom, come in varied values ($10-$100), and cashiers activate them when you hand over the cash. Available at Tom Thumb Food & Pharmacy, 7700 W. Northwest Hwy., 214-346-1020. Multiple locations.

Mad for Mod
Eiseman Jewels recently introduced the Puzzle Collection by Italian artist Mattioli. The Double Puzzle can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, or belt. Tame that mod mini with the Hiroko necklace. The 18-karat gold links with a chalcedony drop and diamond-encrusted bail are interchangeable. Available at Richard D. Eiseman Jewels/NorthPark Center. 214-369-6100.