In part two of my exclusive interview with CW33 News Entertainment Reporter, fashion maven and Founder of House of Haute Incorporated, Toni Duclottni dishes on her must have picks for fall and her opinion on why Dallas does not have a Fashion Week.  

image via houseofhauteblog.com

image via shop.nordstrom.com

What are your fall must haves and where can we get them in Dallas?

The must have pieces this fall without a doubt consist of one of Rachel Zoe’s chic capes from Nordstrom and an Alexander McQueen Peep Toe Sculpted Wedge Pump in rouge (my favorite purchase of the year… So far).

Because of the current economic situation, many are finding it hard to justify going out and buying new clothes, shoes and accessories.  Do you have any cost saving tips?

I just actually spoke of this in a recent House of Haute™ blog post. Shopping in high-end department stores or boutiques isn’t for everyone’s wallet. However, being the first to visit these places during the month of July can yield major rewards. This is when retailers make deep slashes on amazing pieces in order to make room for the fall season. Save your money for quality not quantity. Use the cheaper stores for trendy and short-lived fashionable pieces.

image via nhakhanh.com

Do you have any local designers you love?

I’m a very difficult critic when it comes to locally designed creations of fabric. I suppose I expect more from local designers only because I want them to prove the rest of the world wrong. Dallas CAN produce Haute ready to wear fashions. It pisses me off when I see junk on the runway. The anger is directed towards, not the designers, but the so-called friends and mentors around them. There are a few local designers that I adore, one being the Nha Khanh line and August Alexander.

Dallas is a major city in the state of Texas and a major city in the county, what is your opinion on why Dallas does not have a Fashion Week?  Will we ever get there?

There are many reasons for Dallas not having a successful fashion week. Although it was short-lived, Dallas has actually attempted fashion week. It takes an entire city to get behind a production of that magnitude. Dallas also lacks culture. Without culture, it’s slightly understandable how a city council doesn’t recognize fashion as art.

Toni does not hold back and I love that about her.  Her perspective about fashion and putting your own spin on trends (see part I of my interview) is spot on.  Her thoughts about Dallas not having a fashion week and the city lacking culture, should serve as a conversation starter of how to elevate Dallas’ view of fashion and style vs solely a point/counterpoint disagreement.

If you want to know more about Toni Duclottni and to keep up with her blog, be sure to check out House of Haute™, your go-to spot for fashion how-to advice, shopping tips and HAUTE style.