Dress for Success Lone Star Derby 2011

The day couldn't have been more perfect to launch the Dress for Success first annual Lone Star Derby Luncheon at Lone Star Park to honor two amazing women: Shon Gables from WFAA and Katy Messersmith, founder of Katydid Collections.  Both ladies exemplify strength of character, perseverance, tenacity and grace under pressure.  They've been up, they've been down, but they never gave up. And although their stories are different, they are really still very much the same and I think every person there could relate to where they've come from and celebrate where they are today.

See fabulous photos from today's event on my Facebook Fan Page

Linh Quach

Keynote speaker Nancy Lieberman gave an inspiring and hilarious address all about girl power and never giving up on your dreams.  Funny, engaging,  great insight... she's a force to be reckoned with.  If you ever need a motivational speaker, she's worth every penny she's charging.  

But honestly, I was more moved by Dress for Success Board President, Linh Quach who immigrated to America when she was young.  She spoke of her Mother's struggle to integrate into the American culture.  It was their local church who gave her Mother a new dress and that one small gesture transformed how her Mother felt about herself and gave her a whole new confidence to go out and seek work.

Small moments change the world...

Marc Mattox & Katy Messersmith

We've all heard the saying, "Clothes make the man."  Emcee Kellie Rasberry described it best when she said, "We've all heard actors interviewed who say "I had learned the lines and watched the tapes, but it wasn't until I put on the clothes and makeup that I really felt like I became the character'.

That's what Dress for Success does for the disadvantaged women they serve. These ladies can have all the skills in the world, but unless they feel like they look the part, they don't believe it".

Angela Lone, Shon Gales & Bridget Lewis

Dress for Success Dallas is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.   

Dress for Success Dallas provides each woman in their program with one suit when she has a job interview.  When she successfully lands a job, she returns to Dress for Success Dallas for a second suit and up to a week’s worth of business appropriate separates. She also receives an invitation to join the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), our employment retention service.

To learn more about this organization, or how to donate, visit their website.

I have sprit, yes I do! I have Royal wedding spirit, how about you?

Did you get up early to watch the wedding of Wills and Kate? I got up at 7 AM, turned on Fox 4 just in time to see them come out on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for their first kiss. Lovely!

I had to wear my Union Jack shirt today to celebrate!

Calypso Home opens in The Plaza at Preston Center

According to their website, Calypso Home " is inspired by 5 basic elements that come together to create an interesting interior: layer, shape, texture, color and pattern".  Stop by their newest location in The Plaza in Preston Center to welcome our new neighbors!

It's a Blow Out for the Vogel Alcove Auxiliary at Halcyon Days Salon and Spa

The Vogel Alcove Auxiliary recently held a private event at Halcyon Days Salon and Spa to celebrate the accomplishments and the membership of the Auxiliary.  The event allowed Vogel Alcove members and staff to come together to renew their passion for supporting such a wonderful cause and to invite friends and professional associates to participate in an opportunity to learn more about the organization.

Alan Gold/Vogel Alcove Board Member, Karen Hughes/Vogel Alcove President and CEO, Porschla Coleman and Jason Kidd/The Jason Kidd Foundation and Regina BruceVogel Alcove Board Member

Porschla Coleman, executive director for The Jason Kidd Foundation, was introduced as a honorary member.  Guests enjoyed complimentary services like manicures, blow outs, massages, skin consultations and more.  There were several door prizes - and I won a basketball, signed by Jason Kidd at the event! Suh-weet!  I wish I had won the beautiful dress donated by Abi Ferrin, who was also in attendance... but I'm not complaining.

What is Vogel Alcove?  

The mission of the Vogel Alcove* is to provide the youngest children of homeless families with the foundation for success. It is our vision that every child in our community has a home, a self-sufficient family, and a pathway to success in school.

Since 1987 the Vogel Alcove, a non-religious non-profit, has offered homeless parents a safe place to leave their children while they work to rebuild their lives. The Alcove remains the only early childhood program in Dallas whose primary focus is to serve very young homeless children residing with their families in local homeless and domestic violence shelters.

Their motto is, "We build hope in the hearts of homeless children!"

If you are interested in learning more about the Vogel Alcove Auxiliary and becoming a member, please contact Dawn Budner at 214-368-8686 or dawnbudner@aol.com. For volunteer opportunities with the Auxiliary, please contact Julie Vicic at 214-577-5588 or jvicic@pridestaff.com.

*Vogel Alcove is a client of my firm, Gangway Agency. I may be biased, but I think the work they do there is amazing and I am thrilled to support them.

Stephanie Anne debuts a new "Colorful World" jewelry line

Stylistas gathered to celebrate the national debut of Stephanie Anne's new jewelry line, "A Colorful World" at her Highland Park Village boutique today.

Models glided through the middle of the boutique dripping with jewelry wearing designs from SA.  "The clothing is still in sketch form, so don't judge," beseeched SA.  Not to worry from the ooh's and aah's I heard from the crowd.  The trunk show offered food from Parigi and tunes from DJ Andre. 

Stephanie Anne's collection is handmade sterling and bronze pieces dipped four times in 24k gold and adorned with gorgeous semi-permanent stones. The collection is described as "Queen Elizabeth meets Coco Chanel." Prices range from $250 - $2,500.

Shay Geyer, Lynn McBee, Abi Ferrin and Frankie Durbin were among those see frantically filling out their order forms.  D Magazine lovelies Raya-Gabrielle Ramsey and Kristin Hull were also there fighting with me for floor space to get the best shots.

See my fantastic photos from this event on Facebook.

Sales from today and tomorrow will go to benefit your choice of 10 local charities: Genesis Women's Shelter, The Trinity Trust, Jewel Charity/Cook's Children's Hospital, Turtle Creek Manor, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Children's Advocacy, Curtain Call for Dallas Summer Musicals, Wish Auction for The Dallas Contemporary, Kids Come Frist Diamond Gala for Communities in School/Dallas Region, Dallas Fim Society and TACA.

Nancy Gopez for Turtle Creek Manor, Amy Turner for Diamond Gala for Communities in Schools Dallas Region, Ashley Tripplehorn for TACA, Elizabeth Tripplehorn for TACA, Capera Ryan for Wish Auction for the Dallas Contemporary, Olivia Kearney for Cook Children’s Jewel Charity, Stephanie Anne, Gina Betts for Wipe Out Kids Cancer, Tanya Foster for Dallas Film Society/DALLAS International Film Festival, Mary Gill for Curtain Call for Dallas Summer Musicals, Lynn McBee for The Trinity Trust and Julie Hawes for Dallas Museum of Art


If you missed out on today's event, have no fear! You still have several chances to let Stephanie Anne herself show you her baubles:

Thursday, April 28

11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Trunk Show/Designer Personal Appearance

Neiman Marcus – Willow Bend

Designer Jewelry Department

6121 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX

972.629.1700

Friday, April 29

11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Trunk Show/Designer Personal Appearance

STEPHANIE ANNE – Flagship Boutique

2 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX

214.368.3025

Friday, May 6 -  Saturday, May 7

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Trunk Show/Designer Personal Appearance

Neiman Marcus – Downtown Dallas Flagship Store

Designer Jewelry Department

1618 Main Street, Dallas, TX

214.741.6911

Mothers Day Do's and Don'ts

I was amused to get an email from Jerry Jones this week suggesting some great Mother's Day items to me.  Okay, maybe it wasn't from Jerry himself... but some yahoo in his office thought it was a great idea to suggest to my husband that he buy me Dallas Cowboys merchandise for Mothers Day.  WTF?  Somehow I don't think this is what Jerry will be presenting Gene with on May 8.

What I do like for Mother's Day are these awesome monogrammed sandals from Jack Rogers that PinkMemo suggested today.  I love anything personalized and these would look so fine at the UP Pool this summer...  (Hey, honey... Navy, Size 9 - hint, hint!)

Rain, rain, go away! I have 300 people coming out to play!

Taken at Dallas Arboretum & Botanical

It's official. "A-List" is coming to Dallas!

I don't know how much more space I have on my DVR, but I better make some room because there is yet another reality TV show about to begin filming in Dallas!

I've hung onto this post for a week because I have scoop about who's going to be in the cast, but everything I know I was told "off the record" and until I can get someone to bless it, I don't want to spill the beans. So..... this is what you get for now:

New York Cast of A-List

The official press release states, "Proving you don't have to reside in N.Y.C. to be fabulous, the cast of "The A-List: Dallas" is set to gallop onto the reality scene with a group of Dallas-based gay men and sassy straight women who lead racy and high-limits lives. 

Deep in the heart of Texas, this cast of socialite scene-making men and women are out to prove their New York counterparts have not cornered the market on having big dreams and bigger dramas.  Dallas has recently surged onto the pop culture radar as a focal point for food, fashion and fabulous, earning it a spot worthy of exploring with this top-tier cast of natives."

We're just now "worthy of exploration"? Really? Huh. I think Dallas has been pretty fabulous for a while now... But, that's just me. 

Mad Hatter's Tea Party 2011

The 23d annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party was held on April 21, 2011 at the Dallas Arboretum benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum. A drizzly day couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Southern Belles who turned out in full force wearing their finest chapeaus for a tumble down the rabbit hole.

 (left) Jill Rowlett with Honorary Chair, Yvonne Crum a.k.a. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum sporting McKenzie Childs teapots that they had converted to purses for the occasion  (top right) Wonderland Decor  (bottom right) Judges Lisa Garza, David Nelson Wren and LeeAnne Lockon

Marilyn Hailey's vintage hat collection and sketches were on display in the courtyard during the champagne reception, collected over the years with original hats and designs from Frank Olive, who designed hats for Neiman Marcus when she modeled for them.  Wandering the crowd were celebrity judges Valerie Elizabeth, Lisa Garza, Daniel Winson Lewis, LeeAnne Locken and David Nelson Wren looking to dole out fabulous prizes to the best hats.  Let me tell you, the competition was fierce!

Click here to visit my photo gallery and see all the festive finery!

Steve Kemble gave a nod to the future Princess Kate Middleton

After much oooh'ing and aah'ing over the wild array of millinery creations, guests enjoyed a fashion show produced by the imitable Jan Strimple featuring luscious fashions from Tory Burch, Karen Millen, Tootsie's, Betty Reiter and Anne Fontaine. 

At the end of the show, awards were given out for:

Most True to Theme: A Timeless Tory;

Most Botannical: Fontaine’s Floral Finery;

Most Whimsical: Tickle My Tootsies;

Most Elegant: Magnificent Millen-ary;

Best of Show: Dee-Lightful;

Most Outlandish: Reiter or Wrong

(Note the nod to sponsors.  Clever...) 

Click here to see video snippets of all the winners! 

After the fashion show, we ladies tottered out to a beautiful tented pavilion where we enjoyed a seated luncheon.  This was one of the most enjoyable events I have ever attended. It was whimsical and fun, everyone was into the theme and the spirit of the event and the Arboretum did an amazing job providing a stunning backdrop for the fundraiser.

I'm already pondering my attire for next year's event...

DIFFA Did Dallas Delightfully

Say that 5 times fast...

This past Saturday evening Dallas' most stylish (and outlandish) gathered at the Hilton Anatole in support of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA).  The organizers of this year's event decided that it was time to shake things up, so the theme for this year's soiree was "Dramatically Different".

To see photos of all the fabulous outfits and great people-watching that took place, 

visit my Facebook Fan Page.

Why change a format that's worked for 20 years? Well, for one thing, the "I" in DIFFA represents a plural word: Industries. It’s not just about clothes. In years past, the event primarily revolved around a fashion show of denim jackets elaborately redesigned by local and national designers.  This year, guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner with live auction. Instead of ending there, the party transitioned into an over the top event with VIP Designer Salons, dessert stations, dancing, fashion presentation, stage productions and constant discoveries expressing and celebrating design.

(left) Shirin Askari, DIFFA Style Council Member Bri Crum, Alison Volk and DIFFA Style Council Member Leigh Bailey
(top right) Tara Harper and Courtney Kerr  (bottom right) Cheryl Wyly and Monica Greene

Another big change was the show's Creative Director who orchestrates the vision of the entire night. From 2001 to 2009, Rhonda Sargent Chambers executed this massive undertaking, along with Brian Brothers of Planet Productions.  Brothers was still on the scene, but this year's new Co-Creative Director, Jan Strimple,  took over and said of her plan for this year's event,  "I have a lot of fun with what I call a 'take no prisoners attitude' towards designing the fashion components:  kill them with glamour, seduce them with beauty, rock it out with the unexpected and leave 'em begging for more!"

(top left) Steve Kemble and Yvonne Crum  (top right)  (top left) Khanh Nguyen, DIFFA Style Council Member Lexi Hammonds, Ana Pettus and Nini Nguyen  (bottom left) Scot and Gina Ginsburg  (bottom right) Glenn Pakulak and Matt Nordgren

Here are a few video highlights of the after-party extravaganza:

Daylon Pereira from the upcoming Bravo TV show "Most Eligible: Dallas" strutted the runway and was cheered on by his cast who were there to support him and fellow cast mate, Drew Ginsburg, who was named to the 2011 DIFFA Style Council.

One of the many entertainment segments featured a Michael Jackson look-a-like dancer who's torso was body-painted in elaborate style.

DIFFA's mission is to raise money and grant those funds to organizations which fight HIV/AIDS by providing preventative education programs targeted to populations at risk of infection, treatment and direct care services for people living with/impacted by HIV/AIDS and that support public policy initiatives which add resources to private sector funds.

Earth Day Festivites 2011

Earth Day is coming up on April 22. 
Many venues are celebrating all week!
Here are a few fun ways to celebrate our beautiful planet!

Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Dallas and Central 214 restaurant are joining other Kimpton hotels and restaurants nationwide in bringing Earth Day to new heights with the launch of Kimpton EarthCare Week, from April 15 – 22.

Central 214 Patio

Chef Blythe Beck’s Organic Dinner Feature 

Available for Kimpton EarthCare Week, April 15-22

 

Diners at Central 214 will enjoy Chef Blythe Beck’s Organic Beef Meatloaf served with all natural bacon, honey and carrot mash, creamed dandelion greens, and a shiitake mushroom gravy. The dish features organic, hormone free, and locally grown products.

Our favorite Naughty Chef says, “We’re dedicated to EarthCare every day - from our wine selections and fresh, local ingredients to eco-friendly standards for seafood - so our activities and menu leading up to Earth Day celebrate our long-term commitment to supporting our environment."

EarthCare Patio Party

Wednesday, April 20, from 5:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. 

Central 214 at Hotel Palomar Dallas

Locals are invited to take part in this fun “green” event benefiting Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy.  For a suggested $20 donation, enjoy sustainable wines and Central 214 bites; a Recycled Art Exhibition by local artists such as Southern Methodist University Meadows’ artist Alisha Driggers (also to be displayed during Kimpton EarthCare Week at hotel Lumen); featured eco-friendly products from Rosemeade Market & Greenhouse, Kiehl’s, Mighty Leaf Tea, and Natura Water; and interaction with green-minded community partners including the Promise of Peace Garden, Cintas, and EcoLab. The event is hosted by Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Dallas, hotel Lumen, Central 214 and Social.

RSVP to: allison.gray@hotelpalomar.com

Recycle Round-Up

Locals are encouraged to drop-off used computers, cell phones and other electronics for proper recycling, from April 18 – 20, between 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Dallas and Central 214 Restaurant | 5680 North Central Expwy. at Mockingbird Lane | Dallas, TX 75206 |  214-443-9339

The Green Fling

Wednesday, April 20 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Crow Collection of Asian Art

Join Friends of The Park for The Green Fling, the kick-off event to Dallas Earth Day Festival, celebrating all things green! Enjoy eco-friendly cocktails and bits, spring fashion and more!

Tickets: 

Friends of The Park Member – FREE

Non-member - $25, Early Registration $20

Not a member? Become one today and attend for free! 

Crow Collection of Asian Art, 2010 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201

Earth Day Dinner Menu featuring Paul Dolan Wines

Friday, April 22

Rosewood Crescent Hotel

      
Starters
Crispy Sweet Breads, Lemon Zabaglione, Roasted Apples and Arugula
Parducci Chardonnay

Texas Organic Mushrooms, home-made Fromage Blanc, Fried Green Tomato, Shallot Vinaigrette    
Parducci Chardonnay

Roasted Eggplant Potage, Egg Parmigiana, Heirloom Tomato Confit
Parducci Pinot Noir

Free Range Quail Galantine, Kumquat Preserve, Petite Salad
Parducci Pinot Noir

Entrée
Hill Coutry Smoked Wild Boar, Ajillo Sauce, Feijoada, Crispy Finger Banana
Paul Dolan Cabernet Sauvignon

Grilled Sugarcane Cured Wild Salmon, Shishito Escabèche, Gailan Tempura
Paul Dolan Chardonnay

Roasted Boniato Gnocchi With Organic Local Vegetables, Brown Butter And Hazelnut Dust
Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc 

Potato Wrapped Striped Bass With Pancetta And Orzo 'Risotto', Fried Artichokes And Lemon Soda
Paul Dolan Chardonnay 

Braised Short Rib With Corn And Apricot Custard, Spring Leek And Spinach Ragout, And Roasted Shallot Jam
True Grit Petite Sirah

 Dessert
All desserts are accompanied with a glass of  Paul Dolan Brut

Pain Perdue with local Honey, Apricots and Champagne Sorbet
Ginger Beer Float & Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Texas Peach Blueberry Cobbler with Sweet Mascarpone

Rosewood Crescent Hotel, 400 Crescent Court, Dallas, TX 75201

For reservations, call 214-871-3200

Earth Day Dining Event

Friday, April 22

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

The Mansion Restaurant will feature a five-course Earth Day Tasting Menu created by Executive Chef Bruno Davaillon and served by candlelight on the restaurant terrace. The tasting menu is $75 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Additionally, an organic wine list will complement the special menu. Rosewood's Earth Day Dining Event will allow guests and neighbors to experience the fresh taste and health benefits associated with sustainable cuisine, without sacrificing luxury.

Earth Day Tasting Menu:

Smoked Sturgeon, Local Beet, Horseradish, Salmon Roe and Texas Grapefruit

Chicken Liver Flan, Creamy Morels, Ramps, Green Pea and Quail Egg

Lobster, Caramelized Turnips, Radish, Cilantro and Sweet-and-Sour Jus

Grass-Fed Rib-Eye, Sage Gnocchi, Texas Kale and Bordelaise Sauce

Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding, Passion Fruit and Caramel Foam

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, 2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75219

Reservations can be made by calling 214.443.4747. Prices do not include tax or gratuity.

2011 Ford Expedition King Ranch: The Review

The fine folks at Ford Motor Company asked me to drive the 2011 Ford Expedition King Ranch edition and let you know what I thought about it. So for the last week I have been "toodling", as my husband calls it, around town in it.  If you want a real car review, go read Car & Driver or some automotive magazine. I'm giving you a woman's point of view - which is all about the accessories!  Here are a couple of my favorite features:

The first thing my son noticed when I picked him up from school the first day in this car was the DVD players found on the back's of both the driver and front passenger seat.  

Reverse Sensing System: The available Reverse Sensing System uses innovative ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper to audibly alert you to certain objects behind the vehicle when you’re backing up at slow speeds. The closer you get, the quicker it beeps.

PowerCode™ Remote Start System allows you to start the car from up to 1000 feet away and leave it running for 10-15 minutes. A handy feature in the winter when you want to warm up your car before you get ready to leave the house!

Third-row PowerFold™ fold flat-to-the-floor seat (see video above):
Simply push a button and the available PowerFold® third-row seat folds flat for additional cargo room. When in the upright position, the PowerFold® third-row seat comfortably seats three passengers. It's optional in Expedition XLT and standard in Limited and King Ranch® models.

In my Toyota Sienna, I have to manually fold down the seats using both hands.  In this car, I press a button and wa-la! They fold down automatically. Genius!

Overall, this car drives like a dream. I am going to be so sad to have to give it back... I give this vehicle 5 Stars.  Love, love, love!

Flavor of the Week: Glenn Pakulak

I swear I do not stalk the cast of Bravo TV's upcoming reality docu-drama, "Most Eligible: Dallas". I just seem to run into them.  They are everywhere!

Last night at DIFFA I was standing by the stage, filming bits from the fashion show. I got bumped from behind, so I turned around to see who almost knocked me over and it was one of the camera guys filming the whole Most Eligible crew.  They were there to support cast mate Drew Ginsberg who was being honored as a DIFFA Style Council Member for 2011.

Glenn Pakulak with cast mate, Matt Nordgren at DIFFA 2011

Since the whole cast was right there, I stuck up conversations with several cast mates and finally made my way around to Glenn.  Ladies, let me just tell you... I don't know how Glenn is still single because he is H-O-T.  Granted, he's a NFL Player, so he's totally buff, but he is also super handsome and charming. This picture doesn't even do him justice.  And from what I hear, he is also a real sweetheart.

And I'm not just saying this because Glenn asked me on more than one occasion to "be nice to them on my blog".

I have one word for Glenn and it is "Meeeeeeeeeeow."

2011 Beyond the Rainbow: Children's Cancer Fund

Roger Staubach, Kaitlyn Wade & Daryl Johnston

The Children's Cancer Fund held its 23d Annual Beyond the Rainbow luncheon and fashion show last Friday inside the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole.  The theme of this year's extravaganza was "Kings and Queens Full of Hopes and Dreams".

Honorary Co-Chairs Roger Staubach and Daryl Johnston joined Luncheon Co-Chairs Amy Maurer and Summer Olmstead, along with an impressive lineup of celebrities and local media, presented young cancer patients and numerous pediatric cancer survivors in a special runway show.

Medieval Times had a slew of characters in attendance to serve as court to the Kings and Queens of the day's event: the children who are cancer survivors. They were treated like royalty, getting their hair done, playing games and meeting local celebrities.

“As a parent, it is so hard to accept what these children have to endure on a day-to-day basis in their fight against pediatric cancer,” said Luncheon Co-Chair Summer Olmstead.  “Children’s Cancer Fund is dedicated to providing the critical funding for research and treatment programs that will not only save lives, but lead to a cure. ”

Daniel Winson Lewis, cancer survivor Shae Henderson
and Blythe Beck

A host of local celebrities, dignitaries, and media personalities attend the luncheon and served as runway escorts for the Children’s Medical Center patients modeling in this year’s fashion show, including former Dallas Cowboy Drew Pearson, Miss Texas Ashley Melnick, former Dallas Cowboy Tony Dorsett, Celebrity chef Blythe Beck, Project Runway finalist Shirin Askari, Celebrity chef and The Next Food Network Star finalist Lisa Garza, former Texas Ranger Jeff Russell, Shear Genius stylist Daniel Winson Lewis and more.

“Cancer remains the number one disease killer of children, and there is still work to be done to close the gap on this disease,” said Luncheon Co-Chair Amy Maurer.  "Our hope for these kids, and for future generations, is a childhood free of cancer, and your commitment (by attending this event) to advanced research is paramount in making that dream a reality.”

Amanda Sterett and Marisa Huckin

KDFW FOX 4 News Anchors Steve Eagar and Clarice Tinsley served as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies at the event. As each child walked the runway paired with their partner, Eagar read a Bio on each of the survivors. When asked "what they would do if they could have one wish for a day", it's not surprising that most of their responses had something to do with finding a cure for cancer or making everyone in the world feel better. Seeing these beautiful children, so full of hope and courage, made me so very thankful for my own healthy child.

J-Si, a Children's cancer survivor, Kellie Rasberry and Big Al Mack from KHKS/106.1 Radio

To see many more photos from this fantastic event, visit my Facebook Fan Page.

Grab your hats, ladies. It's Derby time!

Tootsies was the place to be last Tuesday evening as hosts Kristen Fagelman, Jennifer LeLash and Mahra Railet joined with Dallas’ fashion trendsetters, Dress for Success members and patrons to kick off the Dress for Success 1st annual Lone Star Derby Luncheon.

Katy Messersmith, Leesa Smith & Jennifer LeLash

Jewelry designers Ashley LaRocca of Roc Candy Jewelry and Claudia Labao were on hand to showcase their latest collection of bling for the kick-off party.  Lisa Petty (seen below) showed up already in the Derby spirit wearing a festive chapeau made by local milliner, Ginger Strand.  Guests enjoyed an evening of wine and hors d’oeuvres, shopping and mingling.  Tootsies generously donated 15% of the evening’s sales to Dress for Success Dallas.

Cynthia Smoot & Lisa Petty model Roc Candy necklaces

Shirin Askari, Bri Crum and Jackie Placido

Joey Daniel, Dana Rose and Kristen Fagelman

 1^st annual Lone Star Derby Luncheon will be held on April 30 at Lone Star Park

About Dress for Success:
Dress for Success Dallas is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.  Dress for Success Dallas responds to the needs of our community by providing programs that help economically disadvantaged women acquire jobs, retain their positions and succeed in the mainstream workplace.

Thank you to Danny Campbell for use of his photographs.

Stepping Out for KidneyTexas

Piper Young, Yvonne Crum and Jill Rowlett

KidneyTexas will hold their annual fundraiser, Stepping Out in Style, a fashion show and luncheon on September 15 at Brook Hollow Country Club.

Event Co-Chairs, Pat McDonough and Marianne Wilshusen along with KidneyTexas President Megan Meyercord hosted a Kick Off Party last night at Tootsies where 15% of the evening's sales went to benefit this great charity.

KidneyTexas Board members modeled Spring fashions from Tootsies in a "style talk" led by Tootsies lead-stylista Alison Volk.  What's hot for Spring/Summer? According to Volk it's anything white - then pair it with a POP of color, neon colors, pairing opposite colors on the color wheel - blue with orange or pink with green and retro animal prints.

Jewelry designer Ashley LaRocca from Roc Candy Jewelry was also on the scene and there was a lot of ooooh-ing and aaaaah-ing going on over at the jewelry counter. Fabulous stuff. You can check out their designs here (and then go buy it at Tootsies)!

To see more fabulous photos from this event, visit my Facebook Fan Page! And feel free to tag yourself in if you made the album!!

The ladies of Kidney Texas strut their stuff

About KidneyTexas: The purpose of KidneyTexas, Inc. is to provide funding to improve the methods of treatment, the search for a cure and prevention of kidney disease and other kindred or contributory diseases; and to develop more adequate provision for the care of persons suffering from such diseases.

Lisa Garza debuts Couture Caviar

Celebrity chef, Lisa Garza, hosted an exclusive soiree tonight to debut her vintage inspired apron collection, Couture Caviar, at Neiman Marcus Northpark.

The apron collection will be on display for sale in Gift Galleries, Level Three for the next 2 weeks.  Well what's left of it anyway, because those aprons were flying off the rack like shoes at a going-out-of-business sale!

“Couture Caviar is inspired by my vintage collection dating back to the 1800’s.” says Garza. “My first apron was made for me by my Dutch great-grandmother, embellished with her own handmade lace. Cotton is for cooking, cocktail aprons are for hosting in style.”

Always the consummate hostess, Lisa spent as much time planning what we would eat as what we would see when we got there.  She's my kind of gal...  Guests noshed on smoked salmon profiteroles, curry deviled eggs with Tobiko caviar, mushroom duxelles, truffle tarts, and French macaroons. A custom libation of green tea tipsy Arnold Palmers were also on hand.

 Jarrod Fresquez, LeeAnne Lockon and Hamilton Sneed model Caviar Couture Aprons.

Since Lisa’s stint on “The Next Food Network Star” in 2008 she has created a brand of her own, Lisa Garza Taste Studio, at South Side on Lamar where she entertains, hosts parties, holds meetings and runs her business. She is the preferred chef for clients such as Carolina Herrera, Oscar De La Renta, Escada, Nordstrom, Puma and Northpark. Now she can add designer to the her ever-growing list of accomplishments.

So, what's next for this sassy powerhouse?  Word has it Lisa is thiiiiiiiiiiiis close to signing a lease for a new restaurant.  More to come on that in a future post...

To see more fabulous photos from this event, visit my Facebook Fan Page.

Art with a Heart: the 2011 Dallas Art Fair Gala

Celebrating modern and contemporary art, the third annual 2011 Dallas Art Fair presented by Ruinart, was held at f.i.g this past April 8 through April 10, and showcased paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and photographs by modern and contemporary artists represented from more than 70 prominent national and international art dealers - including 17 galleries from Texas alone!

Mayor Tom Leppert, fashion designer and Project Runway star Shirin Askari, former First Lady Laura Bush (who was followed all night by a videographer), Steve and Lauren Christensen, and PaperCity power duo Jim Kastleman and Holly Moore were among the lucky guests who got to attend the Preview Gala hosted by Wells Fargo Advisors on April 7, which gave art patrons the opportunity to peruse the magnificent festival of artistic eye candy prior to the public opening of the fair.    

The Dallas Art Fair had chosen the renowned Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and the Dallas Contemporary as the beneficiaries of the Preview Gala.

All of the art shown was available for sale.  Too bad I left my checkbook at home that night.... uh, yeah.  While 99.9% of the offerings were a little out of my price range, the funds raised from the gala event will allow the Advisory Board of Booker T. Washington High School the ability to grant advancement opportunities for students at this top-rated arts magnet school through a variety of initiatives including the disbursement of annual scholarships.  So, like any good event, the booze was flowing to get the pocketbooks to open up! Hurrah for Ruinart!

(Top) Kathy Droemer, Shannon Durst and Lauren Christensen

(Bottom Left) Cynthia Smoot & Shirin Askari

(Bottom Right) Camerman with Laura Bush

Art is so subjective that it's hard to say what's "good" and "bad". I tend to like art with a sense of humor. Here were a few pieces that stuck out as objects I'd love to have hanging in my house:

I hope you made it out to this fantastic event.  If not, mark your calendar now for 2012! But wear comfortable shoes! After wandering those concrete floors in f.i.g. for 3 hours, my feet were killing me!

Zen Baking Company is Zen-fully Delicious

Chonnie & Czarina

Thousands of people filled the streets of Deep Ellum last Saturday night.  While most of the crowd was there to enjoy the Deep Ellum Art Festival, a handful of us were there for the opening of Zen Baking Company.

Whoever decided it was a good idea to hold a grand opening the same night as this festival should be drawn and quartered.  Main Street was blocked off, leaving guests to circle Deep Ellum aimlessly looking for parking. Once found, I had to totter for blocks in my stilettos through the throngs of people in tank tops and flip flops.

It was only the lure of cocktails and cake balls that kept me going until at last I made it inside. I am happy to say, it was worth the trouble.

Zen Baking Co. is located at 2805 Main Street in what used to be Blind Lemon, part of the Club Clearview complex.  Ah, the memories...  If those walls could talk.

The Zen mistresses behind this ambitious project are sisters Chonnie Richey and Czarina Hounsel.   This dynamic duo started baking cake balls in 2010 and has mainly been wholesaling to Central Market and selling off of their website.

Current flavors include Rockin' Red Velvet, Cookie Dough Whoa!, Happy Birthday Cake, Berry Yummy, Sunshine Lemon, Ode to Nola, Nice Day for a White Wedding, Choco-choco-choco-late and Not So Plain Vanilla.

Interior designer, Brittany Wertz, under the guidance of Heather Asbury of Asbury Interiors, kept a lot of the original Blind Lemon features, refurbishing whatever they could.

It is very impressive that they had three weeks from the time they signed the lease until the grand opening party. Very impressive when you take in the red leather banquette that envelops one whole wall, the long L-shaped bar where customers can enjoy cake and a cocktail, the DJ booth and dance floor (great space for private parties!) and lounge area.

Tracy, Lynae and Otto

The sisters wanted to show their support for other aspiring young female chefs, so a contest was held and four culinary students from the Art Institute were invited to present an hors d' oeuvre for judging.

Special guests Tracy Rathbun and Lynae Fearing of Shinsei and Otto Borsich from Central Market in Southlake provided their expertise as judges.  The winning chef will have their dish on the menu at the Central Market Southlake store. Quite a prize for a young chef!

The girls were recently featured on the Cooking Channel’s FoodCrafters  program.  See them in action in this video:

Cast changes rumored for Most Eligible Dallas

Drama alert!  It was just days ago that Bravo announced a new "jaw-dropping" reality docu-series called "Most Eligible: Dallas" to their new Fall line-up and already I hear there is already a major cast change underway.

Usually, you would jump to conclusions that the drama must be among the women... but, oh no! It's the men on this show that are stirring the pot.  Rumor has it that one male cast member is being demoted from primary cast member to secondary status, meaning he will make appearances as a "friend of the cast" but will not be credited as a cast member.

"Most Eligible: Dallas" male cast members:

(Top) Landon Ledford and Glenn Pakulak

(Bottom) Matt Nordgren, Drew Ginsburg and Daylon Periera

Was it bad behavior that got our boy demoted or did Bravo realize one of their picks just wasn't that interesting once they started filming?  Surely it wasn't bad behavior, that that usually gets you more camera time!  My source was hesitant to say, so I guess we will have to figure it out for ourselves once the episodes hit the air.  Or until I get a few more cocktails in him/her for more details.

Stay tuned and watch what happens.

Going cruisin' in my new Ford Titanium Flex

Gone are the days of focus groups... today's savvy corporations look to bloggers to try out their wares and give them feedback on their items and services. The upside for them, is that in the process, I will share my thoughts with a few thousand (or tens or even hundreds of thousands, depending on the blogger) of my Fans and Followers.

This week's guinea pig???  The new 2011 Ford Titanium Flex.

My task is simple. Drive the car for a week and tell you what I think.  I'm a girl with a lot of opinions. This assignment should be a piece of cake...

Spring Fever sets in at Hotel Zaza

April showers bring May flowers... and a whole lot of poolside revelry to the Hotel Zaza!

Last Thursday, Zaza kicked off the season with their annual Spring Fete.  As guests arrived they were greeted by Dragonfly's new Executive Chef, Dan Landsberg, cooking gourmet sliders in the Hotel's entry drive.  As you meandered through the lobby you could choose to hang at Dragonfly's bar or head outdoors to get your groove on poolside with Dallas' chicest DJ, Lucy Wrubel.

Lisa Ming, Fiona Gorostiza and Natalie Solis from Fox 4, and Demany Daniel joined ZaZa's owner Charlie Givens for a bash like only ZaZa can throw, complete with giant sparklers, dance tunes and beach balls. After the recent renovation of Dragonfly, Zaza is making it clear that they are still the hottest place in town to see and be seen. They'll get no argument from me!

Bring on the sparklers!

Nha Khanh roars back to the 20s for their Fall 2011 Collection

The inspiration for the Fall 2011 Collection from Nha Khanh was the style of  legendary vaudeville performer Josephine Baker. In her heydey during the 1920s and 30s, Baker was known for her bold and exotic stage costumes.  She favored feathers and shocked the world when she once appeared in a "skirt" made of 16 bananas.  The Hall of State provided a jaw-dropping Art Deco background to this amazing presentation.

 Matthew Gilley and Alison Volk of Tootsie's with Cynthia Smoot. 

I have dubbed them Dallas' version of Rachel Zoe and Brad Goreski.

Elaine Agather, Ana Pettus, Toni Duclottni and Cathy Vieth were among the fashionistas all dressed to impress last Thursday for the presentation of the Fall 2011 Collection from Nha Khanh.  But it wasn't just the ladies that turned it out! Jim Duran rocked it wearing a gold lame jacket, Dan Pritchett looked dapper in a bespoke suite with a bright purple tie but, of course, no one could out-shine Gregg Asher who took the best of both of these looks and killed it in purple satin harem pants with a gold jacket. You go, Gregg!

Left: Gregg Asher and David Martin

Top Right: Holly Pellham Davis and Jamie O'Banion

Bottom Right: Abby Gregory and Kevin Fougerousse

Cindy Rachofsky (honorary chair along with her husband, Howard), introduced the show and encouraged everyone to purchase, as proceeds from the evening benefitted Two x Two for AIDS and Art. Co-chairs Sue Gragg and Brian Bolke were also on hand to watch the Jan Strimple-helmed runway show.

I'll leave the technical reviews to others who are more qualified to speak on the fashions.  But as a lover of fashion and beauty, I give this collection high marks for being elegant but edgy.  The peek-a-boo lace and low-cut backs leave you covered but are still incredibly sexy.  Nha Khahn did an amazing job of taking the romance of the 1920's and bringing it into 2011 for today's woman.

 Nini Nguyen + Khanh Nguyen = Nha Khanh

You can meet the dynamic duo behind Nha Khanh (pictured above) and see these marvelous designs up-close on April 7-8 at a Trunk Show held at Forty Five Ten.