Join me on September 12 for a healthy dose of fashionable ESTEEM

Courtney Kerr & Cynthia Smoot from ESTEEM 2013

YOU ARE INVITED to the 6th annual ESTEEM fashion show on Saturday, September 12 at Tootsies.

This event is a celebration of positive body image and self-esteem. local celebrities will join girls and women, of all ages and sizes, to embrace healthy, balanced lifestyles and self-acceptance. By helping to increase awareness about the importance of positive body image, ESTEEM encourages people to love themselves while striving to live a healthy life-style.

KISS FM Co-Host, Kellie Rasberry and her daughter Emma Kelly will serve as the ESTEEM’s 2015 Co-Chairs with Yvonne Crum serving as the ESTEEM’s 2015 Honorary Chairman. Former WFAA Newscaster, Gloria Campos will serve as this year’s emcee for the fashion show coordinated by Producer Rhonda Sargent Chambers.

LeeAnne Locken & Cynthia Smoot from ESTEEm 2013

This year’s fashion show will feature fall looks by TOOTSIES and modeled by local influencers and celebrities including Kim & Sawyer Bannister, Anne Besser, Yvonne & Samantha Crum, Holly & Landry Davis, Maya Delgado, Pam & Bridget Frank, Nancy Gopez, Tiffany Hendra, Jackson, Hilary Kennedy, Maisey Ann Martinez, Dawn Mellon, Scott Murray, Dawn & Bryn Neufeld, Jamie, Aubrey & Grace O’Banion, Jennifer, Morgan & Taylor Passanante, Lisa Petty, Holly, Sophia, Sara & Emily Quartaro, Whitney Roberts-Kutch, Sunie & Stylles Solomon, Blake & Cate Stephenson, Carolyn Tillery, Amy Vanderoef, Gary Walden, Jocelyn White and me!

Registration & Refreshments begin at 10:30a.m. with the fashion show presentation beginning at 10:45a.m. 10% of all shopping sales will benefit The Elisa Project. VIP Seating is $75 with Students and Standing Room Only tickets available for $20. Fashion Show tickets may be purchased at http://theelisaproject.causedrive.com/ or call 214.369.5222. Tootsies is located at 8300 Preston Road #200 Dallas, TX 75225.

Give a healthy dose of ESTEEM on September 21

Rudy Gatlin and OSC Editor, Cynthia Smoot
from ESTEEM 2012

The 4th annual ESTEEM fashion show benefitting The Elisa Project is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st at Tootsies in The Plaza at Preston Center.   Tickets start at $20 and go up to $75 for VIP.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

The ESTEEM event was created as an awareness event to bring light to the cause of disordered eating. Leading this year’s efforts are co-chairmen Pam Skaggs Frank and Bridget Frank. They will work closely with event production manager Rhonda Sargent Chambers with RSC Show Productions to pull off a great event while raising money for the non-profit agency.

Debbie Denmon will serve as celebrity hostess again this year. The show is formatted around celebrity and volunteer models who volunteer their time to help with this event. 

ESTEEM Preaches Self-Love Through Fashion

photos c/o Bob Manzano and Thomas Garza


Event co-chairs Melissa Rountree and her daughter Morgan, with honorary chair Lynn McBee, recently hosted more than 250 attendees for the 7th annual ESTEEM Fashion Show benefiting The Elisa Project (TEP) at Tootsies. The mission of ESTEEM is to help increase awareness about eating disorders and the importance of positive body image, ESTEEM encourages people to love themselves while striving to be healthy. With 10% of all purchases benefiting TEP, patrons shopped Tootsies’ fabulous fall fashions, as DJ Blake Ward provided the vibe. At the appointed time, patrons gathered upstairs as Co-chairs Melissa and Morgan took the stage and thanked everyone in attendance for their support of The Elisa Project and this year’s event. Dr. Stephanie Setliff, TEP’s board president, shared some details about the work The Elisa Project is doing in the community through advocacy, education and support, which touches the lives of more than 31,000 individuals suffering from eating disorders each year. Gloria Campos and Tootsies store director Nerissa von Helpenstill, then described the two upcoming fashion scenes, “Borrowed from the Boys” and “She’s a Lady,” which were modeled by an amazing group of TEP supporters chosen for their commitment to giving back to the community and to those with eating disorders. All children’s fashions were provided by KidBiz/The Biz. Co-founder and event producer Rhonda Sargent Chambers had the last word as she thanked the individuals who helped make the event possible, by presenting them with potted orchids. Proceeds support The Elisa Project (TEP) and the important programs dedicated to fighting eating disorder illnesses through awareness, education, support and advocacy.

The Elisa Project gets a heaping dose of ESTEEM

Rudy Gatlin worked the crowd, while Miss Texas USA Ali Nugent was the epitome of style and grace
Photos courtesy of Joseph Brewster Photography and Design

The 3d annual ESTEEM Fashion Show held at at Saks Fifth Avenue this past Saturday was a celebration of positive body image and self-esteem. Local Dallas celebrities joined girls and women, boys and men, of all ages and sizes, to embrace healthy, balanced lifestyles and self-acceptance to raise funds for The Elisa Project. By helping to increase awareness about eating disorders and the importance of positive body image, ESTEEM encourages people to love themselves while striving to be healthy.

The Best Events in Dallas for September 2014

The social scene typically follows a feast or famine scenario. When school let out in May, the invitations dried up as folks packed it up and headed out of town on vacation and kids went off to summer camps. A new school year just resumed and the social scene is back with a vengeance. I hope you are well-rested because I've got a full calendar of activities and happenings for you this month!

Thursday, September 4

On Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., wildlife conservationist and Emmy Award-winning TV host Jeff Corwin will host a special opening night, full-length, 40-minute screening of Galapagos 3D: Nature’s Wonderland as part of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science First Thursday Late Night programming when the Museum stays open until 9 p.m. Corwin, who narrated the film, also will participate in an audience Q&A and sign autographs immediately following the screening. The screening will take place in The Hoglund Foundation Theater, A National Geographic Experience. Tickets for the Sept. 4 screening/Q&A with Jeff Corwin are $8 for Museum members and $10 for non-members. The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit www.perotmuseum.org.

Merry Voss is a retail legend in this town for her bold sense of style and ability to turn a cabana (literally) into the hottest retail destination in Dallas. Last year, she opened Canary a few doors down from Cabana on West Lovers Lane and made headlines all over again. Stop by on September 4 between 9am-5pm to view a new jewelry boutique called CUCKOO inside Canary. Canary is located at 4609 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas, 75209

The Elisa Project Dished Out a Healthy Dose of ESTEEM

2013 Runway Participants for ESTEEM

For the second year in a row, I was fortunate enough to participate in ESTEEM.  This event was created as an awareness event to bring light to the cause of disordered eating. The show is formatted around celebrity and volunteer models who volunteer their time to help with the event. This year it was held at TOOTSIES and leading this year’s efforts were co-chairmen Pam Skaggs Frank and Bridget Frank. Dr. Stephanie Setliff gave an agency overview explaining that eating disorders is not selective in its victims. It is a disease that effects many and can strike at any time. Debbie Denmon served as celebrity hostess again this year and TOOTSIES store manager Nerissa von Helpenstill led the audience through the fall trends as the models showed off a variety of fashions. Among those stomping the runway for this year's event were Brian Cuban, Yvonne Crum, Holly Pellham Davis, Ayo Fashola, Pam & Bridget Frank, Nancy Gopez, Jackson, Courtney Kerr, LeeAnne Locken, Elise McVeigh, Scott Murray, Lisa Petty, Cynthia Smoot, Hamilton A. Sneed and Hilari Younger.  The event was produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers with RSC Show Productions.

For more information about the Elisa Project and their work to prevent treating disorders and promote a healthy body image, visit http://www.theelisaproject.org/ 

Here's a photo flashback of what you missed:

Oh So Charitable: SHONA Brings The Bling For Breasts

Tiffany Hendra and LeeAnne Locken ooh and ahh over pieces from the collection. 

Lovers of baubles and beads and shiny things gathered at the home of Dr. Mark and Cary Deuber to peruse and shop the Spring/Summer Collection of Shona Gilbert, creator of SHŌNA jewelry. A portion of the proceeds went to benefit The Doris Daniely Outreach for Breast Reconstruction. Among those in attendance battling it out for Shona's coveted designs were LeeAnne Locken, Tiffany Hendra, Stephanie Hollman, Brandi Redmond, Heidi Snadon, Marie Reyes, and fashion stylist Laurie Graham. On display was SHŌNA's new “Revolver” line. "This is go-to, everyday jewelry that when worn daily becomes your absolute 'I can’t leave home without it' favorites," said Gilbert. "This collection is titled 'Revolver' but it seems everyone has nicknamed it 'Go To Jewelry' and I love that!" The collection consists of needles with gemstones and diamonds, diamond double-ball earrings, and or gold diamond ear climber earrings and little baby colored diamond rings. Diamonds, silks and stones make up the whimsical feel of SS tassels. "I think I was a twenties flapper in a previous life," laughed Gilbert. "I just keep re-inventing the tassel necklace with every life challenging inspiration."

Dr. Mark Deuber, Carol Autry and Cary Deuber

The Doris Daniely Outreach for Breast Reconstruction generates financial and educational resources related to breast reconstruction following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Their purpose is to provide financial assistance to women in the North Texas area and to educate the community regarding breast reconstruction. Dr. Deuber is one of several plastic surgeons in the Dallas-area who provides reconstructive surgeries for their recipients to help them get back their sense of identity and self-esteem after battling breast cancer.

"Cary and I donate our time and services to help these post mastectomy patients reclaim their self esteem," said Dr. Mark Deuber, "The costs of reconstruction go far beyond the physicians fees to include medical devices and hospital fees, easily running into tens of thousands of dollars. We support Doris Daniely Outreach because this organization is the only option for some of our patients to cover these costs."  To learn more about this organization, visit http://www.dorisdanielyoutreach.com.

A Look Back and What's Next for Survivor's Missy Payne & Baylor Wilson

Survivor is a reality TV show that pits city dwellers against country farmers, old against young - and in the just completed 29th season - Mothers against daughters. Dallas' Missy Payne and her daughter, Baylor Wilson, were contestants on this season of "Survivor: San Juan del Sur - Blood vs. Water". Missy grew up in Highland Park and still resides in The Bubble. She has coached the Highland Park 8th grade and freshman cheerleading squads at HP Middle School, was the Cheerleading and Dance Team Coach/ Choreographer at ESD and is currently the owner of Express Cheer, a competitive cheerleading gym. Her daughter, Baylor, attended HPISD for a time but embraced "her artsy side" at Booker T. Washington. She is currently a student at Belmont University in Nashville where she hopes to be the next country/pop music sensation (Watch out Taylor Swift).

Baylor and Missy at the Survivor Finale on
Dec. 18. Photo credit: FayesVision / WENN

If you watched this season of Survivor, you know that one of the most dramatic moments of the show occurred when Missy incurred a Level III ankle sprain in a late-season Reward Challenge. She resisted Jeff Probst's insinuations that she might want to leave the game and plowed ahead despite considerable pain (and no drugs). Her perseverance paid off, getting her to the final three where she ended up coming in third place.

Baylor did almost as well, hanging on until the final five before getting voted out. I met up with the duo at DRIP on Lovers Lane the day after Christmas (just 8 days after the finale) to see how they were adjusting to their new "normal" life after 30+ days of living in the jungles of Nicaragua.

The motto of the game in Survivor is "Outwit. Outlast. Outplay." What Survivor reminds us of is that often, it’s doesn’t matter how great your strategy is or how physically strong you are, but how well you can get along with your tribe that keeps you in the game. Social skills are crucial to your success in life. Whether you are a student in a college fraternity or an employee in an office, how you can get along in a group will determine if you end up President or just a member of the team. Learning how to interact, engage and endear yourself to others can pay off big. Pair that skill with a solid education and the world’s your oyster.

Dallas Dweller: Caroline Kraddick

Although I've known of Caroline Kraddick for 20+ years, I didn't actually meet her until this past Spring when I was seated at her table at DIFFA. (BTW it's Caro-line, not Cara-lyn) I was instantly smitten with her - she has an infectious laugh, a beautiful smile and is one of those people that you are just drawn to because of her warmth and charm. Radio DJ Kidd Kraddick ruled Dallas airwaves for over 25 years until his death in 2013. Growing up, most people knew Caroline as "Kidd Kraddick’s daughter." Listeners got to know his only child from a radio bit called "Bath Time with Caroline" that Kidd started when she was around three or four-years-old, where he would interview her while she was taking a bath. She would tell stories and sing songs and was just generally adorable, as most 3-4 year olds are. Caroline attended Oklahoma City University and got a degree in musical theatre. "I’d always wanted to be on Broadway but my self-esteem had taken a serious blow after not being cast in any of my college shows. Like … ever. But, I’m funny. And acting comes easily to me," says Caroline. "So my new plan was to work for a while, save some money and then move to Chicago to pursue improv. My dream was to be on Second City and SNL. I was sure I’d spend my life performing on a stage, but sometimes God has other plans!"

José Eber Brings His Brand of Beverly Hills Beauty To New West Plano Village Signature Salon

Naomi Pessy, Loane Pessy, José Eber, Alban Pessy (photo: William Bichera Photography)

Hailed as one of the most recognized hairstylists in the world, Beverly Hills-based stylist José Eber has been setting styling trends for decades by providing cuts and colors that few can duplicate. The styling legend recently made a personal appearance in celebration of his latest José Eber Salon in West Plano Village. Hosted by WFAA Good Morning Texas co-host, Jane McGarry, the party showcased the 2,300 square-foot retail location that houses 10 stylist stations, 6 color stations, 5 shampoo stations and a retail wall. Among those who turned out to meet Eber were Steve Kemble, Real Housewives of Dallas’ LeeAnne Locken, Deve Sanford, Susan Posnick, Elaine Raffel, Nick Rajsakha and Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Jaylon Smith. Eber’s trademark beauty philosophy has led to thousands of extraordinary transformations for men and women all over the globe and created some of history’s most famous hairstyles. José Eber’s unwavering vision and longstanding commitment to “making every client feel beautiful and comfortable within” is just one of the qualities that has led to his long term success and led him to partner with Attitudes & Attire as the beneficiary of this event.

Dallas Dweller: LeeAnne Locken

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces. LeeAnne Locken is a controversial figure who's beloved by many for her charitable works and engaging personality and snubbed by many who feel she's a little too "real" for their taste. I love the fact that, love her or hate her, she's real. Bravo, LeeAnne!

Dallas Dweller: LeeAnne Locken

by Cynthia Smoot

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil? LeeAnne Locken tries. She really tries. |  photo Thomas Garza

In a 2014 interview D Magazine said, "If you know LeeAnne Locken, you know a short title doesn’t cover her accurately. If you don’t, let’s go with her Twitter summary: TV personality, actress, emcee, inspirational speaker, reality star, author. It’s all true... You can’t miss her at an event: she’s either emceeing the thing or competing for an unofficial most glitz and glam award with Steve Kemble. She’s also an inspiration guru who has released a book based on her uplifting Facebook posts. Plus, she’s gorgeous with an infectious laugh." LA (as she will be referred to from here on out) is one of my dearest friends and I am almost embarrassed that it's taken me thing long to do a proper article spotlighting her fabulousness.

From "She's Got The Look"
photo TV Land (2009)

In 2009, LA competed in Season 2 of a reality show called She's Got The Look. Her appearance on this show took place long before I knew her and until recently, I had never seen the program. In preparation for this article, I went to her Vimeo page and watched her entire season. I was struck by what Sean Patterson, President of Wilhelmina Modeling, said about LA's audition in the premiere episode, "That big personality may work for you in your life, but as a model, if you've got a personality that's too big - you're gonna annoy the hell out of people." LA retorts, "It's my defense... I've had to be that tough person for a really long time." And as she walks out of the room, Patterson mutters under his breath, "Well... that's Dallas." "Boy," I thought, "This guy is GOOD.  He nailed her in less than a hot minute."

This conversation is a reoccurring theme in LA's life. There are many in the ladies-who-lunch crowd tend to say she's too pretty, too loud, has too much personality. She's just.. too much. This bigness makes her an easy target for jealousy and ridicule from some, and on the flip side, makes her adored by many. And what I love most about LA is that she wouldn't have it any other way. "My grandmother used to tell me that most people live quiet lives of desperation and the reason they watch TV or go to the movies is to escape the boredom and monotony of their lives. To that I say, get up off the couch and create some magic! The world's full of excitement and opportunity... if you want it."

Attitudes & Attire 15th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon

Attitudes & Attire held their 15th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show on March 2, 2012 at the Dallas Trade Mart. Founder and executive director Lyn Berman presented the Kim Dawson Attitude Award to Sarah Losinger. The award honors a woman whose personality and accomplishments exemplify the full potential of all women.  Christi Clinger of 7-Eleven was event chair and my friend, Janet Fresquez was honorary chair. (Thanks for inviting me to sit at your table, Janet!)

LeeAnne Locken, Alison Volk, Amy Vanderoef and Dawn Mellon

Dedicated to promoting confidence, and personal growth for women, several A&A former clients modeled and stomped the runway with confidence in beautiful designs supplied by Park Cities boutique, Elements. Amy Vanderoef from Good Morning Texas, CW33's Danielle Vollmar and Toni Duclottni, actress LeeAnne Locken, Dawn Neufeld, Alison Volk and many more philanthropic women were also spotted on the catwalk.

(top left) Lyn Berman (top right) Connie Sigal, Janet Fresquez and Heidi Dillon
(bottom left) Julia Stafford and Dee Simmons  (bottom right) Nicole Hodges and Jarrod Fresquez

Attitudes & Attire™ is a nonprofit agency dedicated to promoting personal growth for women seeking self-sufficiency. Their program provides the tools that raise self-esteem, promote ethics, and build the confidence necessary to succeed in the workplace.  Attitudes & Attire offers interpersonal skills training for women who are building better lives for themselves and their families.

The workshops help women learn how to recognize their self-worth, create a positive image, overcome barriers, and improve job search skills. The agency also provides a work-appropriate outfit of the woman’s choice from its boutique, which is stocked with donations from local retailers, manufacturers, individuals, and corporate clothing drives.

Click here to see many more photos on Facebook

photos courtesy of Thomas Garza Photography

Attitudes & Attire continues to inspire at 2013 event

So many parties, galas, events, shows... It's impossible to attend every fabulous thing I receive an invitation to! So, from time to time, I call in the troops to help me cover the scene. Today, OSC Contributor Dawn Mellon recaps the Attitudes and Attire annual luncheon and fashion show and tells you more about this wonderful organization and what they are doing to better our community. Here's her recap:

________________________________________

Allison Cohen-Farquhar with Lyn Berman

Michael Faircloth is the only man I know who could hold his own in a room full of more than 600 women with “attitudes”. Perhaps, that’s why Lyn Berman, head of Attitudes & Attire chose the couture designer to be the Honorary Chairperson for the non-profit agency’s 16th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show, held last Friday at the Dallas Trade Mart. 

After 30 years of dressing women, Faircloth knows how to make women look and feel their best as demonstrated by his most famous client, First Lady Laura Bush for whom he designed her Inaugural wardrobe. During his address, Faircloth noted the similarity between his work and that of Attitudes & Attire, including building women’s self esteem and confidence.

The difference between the two, however, lies in the fact that the 16,000 clients Attitudes & Attire has served since its inception consist primarily of women referred by domestic violence shelters, substance abuse treatment centers and other social service agencies. The women may come from dire situations, but after completing the program’s workshops aimed at equipping them with personal, social and career skills, as well as receiving free dental care and a wardrobe suitable for the workplace, they are ready to face the world with an entirely new perspective.

Dawn Neufeld, Karen Lukin, LeeAnne Locken, Danielle Vollmar, Cheryl Rios and Allyson Aynesworth

It's always a treat to see our beloved Ebby Halliday (who just turned 102!) out and about

Two clients who have ‘graduated’ from the program and are now gainfully employed, spoke of the many hardships each of them endured and how Attitudes & Attire has truly transformed their lives. (Note: That’s the reason why there’s a package of tissues at each place setting…their stories are so moving, you’d be hard pressed to find a dry eye in the crowd.)  Before they spoke, these clients strutted their new-found confidence on the runway show along with other clients, volunteers and women from the area wearing pieces from Eileen Fisher, a strong partner of the agency, and, for the first time ever, fashions directly from the Attitudes & Attire Boutique.

Finally, each year, Attitudes & Attire honors one woman whose personality and accomplishments exemplify the full potential of all women with the Kim Dawson “You Can Rise Above It’ Award. This year’s recipient, Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, founder and chief director of the Center for Brain Health at The University of Texas at Dallas, Dee Wyly Distinguished University Chair, and author of Make Your Brain Smarter, was chosen says Berman because “she is someone who understands what it’s like to be a single mother and to have the strength to move forward in her life. We both want to empower women to change their lives.” The funds raised during this year’s show will go directly to support the agency’s many programs. “Attitudes and Attire may be small, but it is a might agency that provides life-changing services for so many women in our community," concluded Berman.

To learn more about Attitudes and Attire, visit http://www.attitudesandattire.org/

photos: Thomas Garza Phoography

Referred to as the Savvy Stylist, Dawn Mellon is based in Dallas and is best known for her work with high-profile business men and women as well as national and local celebrities. A recent cancer survivor herself, Dawn’s passion lies in supporting philanthropy through fashion.

Attitudes and Attire Kickoff Party

Janet Fresquez and Lyn Berman

The annual Attitudes & Attire Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held on March 2, 2012 in the Grand Pavilion of the Dallas Trade Mart. 

Last week, the charity held a kickoff party at Elements hosted by elements owner, Connie Siegel, and presided over by honorary event chair, Janet Fresquez and Attitudes and Attire Executive Director, Lyn Berman.

The event featured a trunk show by designer Elizabeth Rosbottom and a raffle for a $250 Elements gift card with proceeds going  to the charity.

Click here to view photos from this event on Facebook

What's your favorite attitude on a woman? That's the question that LeeAnne Locken was asking as she wandered the venue, microphone in hand and camera man in tow.  Everyone's answers will be made into a series of videos used to promote the March luncheon in the upcoming months. So, what was my answer? You'll have to wait and see!

(top left) Allison Volk and David Call  (top right)  Connie Segal and Elizabeth Rosbottom  (bottom) Janet Fresquez, LeeAnne Locken, Jocelyn White and Dee Simmons

 Attitudes & Attire™ is a nonprofit agency dedicated to promoting personal growth for women seeking self-sufficiency. Their program provides the tools that raise self-esteem, promote ethics, and build the confidence necessary to succeed in the workplace.  Attitudes & Attire offers interpersonal skills training for women who are building better lives for themselves and their families.

The workshops help women learn how to recognize their self-worth, create a positive image, overcome barriers, and improve job search skills. The agency also provides a work-appropriate outfit of the woman’s choice from its boutique, which is stocked with donations from local retailers, manufacturers, individuals, and corporate clothing drives.

photos courtesy of James Edward Photography

Sisterbration SWEET Success kicks off at TOOTSIES on March 7

Oh So Cynthia is happy to support this event as their official Digital Media Partner

TOOTSIES will host Sisterbration’s Sweet Success PREVIEW Party on Thursday, March 7th from 6pm-8pm. Enjoy Elizabeth & James Stock Show, cocktails, light bites inspired by Celebrity Chef & Honorary Sweet Success Chairwoman, Tiffany Derry, raffle and Spring Shopping! Benefiting SISTERBRATION and its programs to prevent childhood obesity among girls raised in the South. SAVE THE DATE for Sweet Success 2013 on Friday, November 1, 2013 at The Adolphus Hotel.

Sisterbration promotes healthy lifestyles by educating women and girls about preventable diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Their approach to women’s health is to raise women’s awareness and help them reduce their risks. With girls, however, they focus their intervention strategies on childhood obesity by inspiring girls to develop positive self-esteem, make healthy food choices and engage in regular physical activity. They believe that every woman – and girl too – deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her full potential and celebrate a life defined by wholeness, wellness, and service. They believe that every woman deserves to celebrate in the face of negativity. Thus, this community of women called Sisterbration is leaving its “heart print” on the lives of women and girls around the globe with programs that span the United States and Africa. Their mission is to educate, empower and enlighten women and girls to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

TOOTSIES is located at 8300 Preston Road #200 Dallas, TX 75225.  RSVP to courtney@franciscoandco.com. Complimentary Valet on Preston Rd. Self-Parking UP Library Parking Garage.

Star-Studded Crowd Helps Raise $1.1 Million Raised at This Year's Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational

Pat and Emmitt Smith with Robin Roberts and partner, Amber Laign, at the 2019
Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational Gala - Photo Marcy Meeks 

On Friday, May 3, Good Morning America's Robin Roberts hosted the 10th Annual Emmitt Smith Celebrity Invitational presented by title sponsor Healthcare Highways in celebration of ten years of service, philanthropy and positive community impact for Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities in North Texas. Guests began the evening, sponsored by Dee Lincoln Prime, at the Omni Frisco Hotel with a red-carpet arrival and cocktail hour sponsored by Brown-Foreman Herradura, followed by dinner sponsored by E Smith Advisors, and a live auction sponsored by Waste Management. Legendary Dallas Cowboys quarterback and real estate icon Roger Staubach and his wife, Marianne, served as Honorary Chairs with Mahisha and John Dellinger serving as the 2019 Event Chairs. Each year, the highlight of the evening’s program is the designation of awards bestowed upon community leaders who are leveraging their platforms to support others.

Let the bidding begin! Art From the Heart kicks off with a Preview Party

Last Thursday,  Jones Walker Home provided Dallas Challenge the opportunity to preview art that will be up for bid at the 5th Annual ART FROM THE HEART Celebrity Art Auction & Benefit, a fundraising event featuring the artwork of celebrities and professional artists. This chic affair will be held at Seven for Parties in the Dallas Design District on Friday, April 25, 2014 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Attendees to the Preview Party were able to not only be the first to view select pieces, but kick off the bidding and set the tone for this year’s auction frenzy! Co-chairs LeeAnne Locken and Lindsay Lee McCain played host to a crowd that included fashion designer Elizabeth Anyaa, Britt Harless of Bohem Unique Gems, Janet Fresquez, Shane Walker, Hamilton Sneed, fashion designer Charles Smith II, and blogger Tiffany Hendra.

Attitudes & Attire Launches "Boots to Heels" To Aid Female Veterans

photos c/o Marcus Lopez Photography


Attitudes & Attire® Celebrates 20 Years With Luncheon and Fashion Show
by Dawn Mellon


Sometimes, I think the reference to our city as "Big D" is code for Big Drama. Other days, I think it stands for Big Dreams. Case in point: Attitudes & Attire, a local non-profit agency that's has been turning women's dreams into reality for 20 years. In celebration of its Platinum anniversary, the annual Attitudes & Attire Luncheon and Fashion Show held last week at the Dallas Market Center focused on Boots to Heels, a program aimed at helping female veterans in their journey toward self-sufficiency and stability in civilian life. In fact, the fashion show models included former clients of Boots To Heels who represented three branches of the U.S. Military - Army, Navy and Air Force - and who proudly waved an American flag as they commanded the runway sporting looks from Eileen Fischer and the Attitudes & Attire Boutique. The 20th Anniversary Luncheon and Fashion Show featured fashions from the Attitudes & Attire® boutique and designer Eileen Fisher. An outfit, donated by acclaimed business woman, the late Ebby Halliday, was modeled in this year’s fashion show. She had worn the signature suit at many Attitudes & Attire® events to bring the agency good luck.