Spooktacular Halloween Costumes for 2011

Happy Halloween everyone! The bad news is that Halloween is on a Monday. The good news is that Dallas just started celebrating last Thursday, so there have been 5 long days and 5 crazy nights of parties and events. Still wondering what to dress up as tomorrow for that one last Halloween event? Here are a few ideas from a some of Dallas' famous faces:

Style Network Star, Melissa Poe (far right) from Big Rich Texas joined Brownie Troop 69 for an evening of Halloween fun at the Aloft Hotel (seen here with Denise Walraed and Don Jarred) 

 Drew Ginsberg from Most Eligible Dallas took to the streets dressed as fellow reality Bravo reality star, Lisa Vanderpump from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, complete with her pet Pomeranian Jiggy, for the Cedar Springs Halloween Parade.

Courtney Kerr from Most Eligible Dallas was "bad with names" and her BFF, Tori Gonzales, looked amazing as Slash from Guns and Roses

 Blogger, Katie Anderson, was dead ringer for Most Eligible Dallas star, Courtney Kerr

Daylon Pereira from Most Eligible Dallas hit the town as fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld

Robin Valetutto wasn't afraid to get dirty with Most Eligible Dallas star Glenn Pakulak who dressed as a mechanic.

America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru, Steve Kemble, was looking to lasso up some man candy when he ran into Model/Actress LeeAnne Locken dressed as an Oriental Princess.

DJ Jennifer Miller and gal pal Bri Crum stepped out as DJ Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan.

 

Fox 4's Fiona Gorostiza got to spend an evening working at Cutting Edge Haunted House for a segment.  Can you figure out which one she is?! Check out here amazing makeup! 

(Spoiler: She's in the middle)

Happy Halloween everyone!!

Stephanie Anne Invites You to Fall Into Fashion

Let's shop for a cause! Join me for cocktails next week on

Wed. November 2  |  6-7:30 PM

as we 'ooh and 'aah over the new Fall Collection
of jewelry and apparel by designer

STEPHANIE ANNE

Enjoy Cocktails, Informal Modeling and tunes from DJ Andre

Personal Appearance by Stephanie Anne

Special Guest: Cynthia Smoot, fashion blogger of “Oh So Cynthia”

Special Trunk of Additional Inventory of Stephanie Anne Jewelry will be available November 2 and November 3.  20% Partners Card Discount honored on all purchases in Stephanie Anne Boutique with presentation of your Partners Card

Stephanie Anne Flagship Boutique, 2 Highland Park Village, Highland Park, TX 75205

Join me for Bottles, Bling and Blogs

Anybody who's a regular on the social scene has made an appearance or four at the Hilton Anatole. They host some of this town's biggest galas throughout the year. But you are about to discover that there is a lot more to this property than just the Nana Grill and the Chantilly Ballroom.

Join me on November 4, 2011 for 

“Bottles, Bling, and Blogs” 

at Gossip Bar inside the Hilton Anatole

from 8 PM to 10 PM

This exclusive event will be hosted by four VIP celebrity bloggers: Lisa Petty of DFW Style Daily, Raya Ramsey of D Magazine, Erica Nicole of YFS Magazine... and ME!  Cynthia Smoot of Oh So Cynthia!

Broadcasted live from five 60-inch flat screen TVs, Twitter and Facebook feeds will allow guests, VIP hosts, Red Bull and Deep Eddy Vodka to Tweet and gossip in real-time through  Social Media Delivered. Using the twitter hashtag #GossipBar, hundreds of Dallas socialites in attendance will be competing to drive social media trends from inside of this exclusive Gossip Bar event as they Tweet, mention and post photos about the “Bottles, Bling, and Blogs” event.

To keep the crowd bumping, a live DJ, percussionist, and saxophone player provided by Red Bull will provide beats on the ones and twos. Refreshing Red Bull and vodka cocktails, made with Deep Eddy’s premiere vodka, Savvy, will be served to VIP guests as they enjoy a round of delicious light appetizers, provided by the Hilton Anatole’s Media Grill + Bar. Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka will also be provided for complimentary tastings for other guests, as well as various Deep Eddy drink specials, during the event.

This exciting, interactive social media-driven event will be something Dallas socialites won’t want to miss! Equipped with live music from Red Bull, celebrity hosts, Deep Eddy vodka and Red Bull cocktails, designer jewelry pieces and live Twitter and Facebook feeds projected from 60-inch screens, the “Bottle, Bling, and Blogs” event will introduce the luxurious Hilton Anatole’s Gossip Bar as the newest, chicest bottle service bar in Dallas.

RSVPs are highly encouraged by visiting our Eventbrite page http://bottlesblingandblogs.eventbrite.com/.  Complimentary valet parking at the Tower Entrance.

About Gossip Bar
The chic new Gossip Bar at the Hilton Anatole is immersed in contemporary style and rich red hues. It serves as the perfect mix of color and commentary. Boasting five 60-inch flat screen TVs and signature martinis and premium cocktails, the Gossip Bar is the perfect place to “plug-in” to the electric energy of Dallas’ new hot spot.

About Hilton Anatole
Located within a 45-acre campus, the Hilton Anatole Hotel features two high-rise atriums; a 27-story tower; and 1,606 luxuriously appointed guestrooms with first-class in-room amenities and wired Internet access. Additionally, the hotel offers guests more than 600,000 sq. ft. of event space as well as a variety of recreational activities, including viewing the Art Collection, one of the largest and most intriguing private assemblies in the world; an 80,000 sq. ft. fitness center, tennis courts, one of the finest lap pools in the region, an indoor jogging track;  gift and sundry boutiques; V Spa, the hotel’s newest luxury spa oasis; and eight unique restaurants and bars for dining and entertainment, including the new high-tech Media Grill + Bar, award-winning five-star Nana and chic Gossip Bar.

Taco Ocho: Worthy of a Trek

Ever since I read Steven Doyle's review of Taco Ocho, I've been dying to visit. I loves me a good taco!! My car is reluctant to cross NW Hwy.  (I'm a Parkie, it's an unwritten rule of citizenship) so I still haven't made it to Richardson... but I did send my gal-about-town, Porsha Thomas to report back to me if the place lived up to the hype. Here's her report:

It's true. I trekked 21 miles from north Oak Cliff to Richardson on a mission to sample the deliciousness that is Taco Ocho.

Considering all of the buzz surrounding this fast causal taqueria, I had no qualms enlisting a girlfriend to partake in one of my favorite things to do – dine.  With a little pre trip online research, I discovered that Taco Ocho allowed us to "bring our own b", so a quick stop for Coronita's (an appropriate choice, we felt) was in order.

Once at Taco Ocho, we must've had the "overwhelmed by choices" look on our faces, because an super nice employee referred us to his favorite selections on the menu.  With the resto's signature Mexican and Latin American flavor and with everything sounding so good, it was a heavy feat, but we did it. We ended up sampling a selection of tortas, tacos and naturally, chips and salsa.

I was quite excited about my Cubana Torta, which featured a melange of pork, ham, chorizo, jalapeño, spicy mustard, and Oaxaca cheese. I decided to do it big with my meaty selection because, hey, when I do ever go to Richardson to eat? If you happen to be a Chorizo lover, this should definitely be your pick.

Mmm, and the Ancho Garlic Shrimp taco? Could eat one every day. My flour tortilla was brimming with grilled shrimp and topped with plantain pico de gallo and shredded spinach. The plantain pico lent a hand in the subtle sweetness I tasted in every bite. Truly delicious.

Lastly, the Latin Love. Shredded beef, refried black beans, fried plantains, aged cotija cheese, and salsa verde. My friend and I both tried this one and we kind of we both fell in love. Again, that whole sweetness thing mixed in with flavors from the beef, beans and cheese is amazing.

So the consensus: would I cross the river and 635 to go back to Taco Ocho? Yes! But it's going to be on a Saturday. Also, I have to thank them because I discovered something big, I really like plantains!

Until next time, y'all!

About the author: Porsha Thomas
Porsha Thomas is a freelance writer, social media maven, and girl about town. An advocate of living the vintage life, her favorite things consist of a classic pair of Ralph Lauren saddle oxfords, her 1940's bachelorette pad, sipping Cabernet Sauvignon from one of her gazillion vintage glasses, and coolin' with Hugo Boss, her pit bull pup.

Matt Nordgren in talks with ABC's The Bachelor

Chris Harrison and his wife with Matt Nordgren and Michelle Marie/E news and Young Hollywood at an Emmy event in LA for Time Magazine and Entertainment Weekly.

If you believe what you read on the internet, then it looks like there is a pretty good chance that our own Matt Nordgren will appear in an upcoming season of The Bachelor.  Aw, Matty, don't you know that after 15 seasons of men looking for love on this lame show that they never find it?!  But they do get to make out with a lot of pretty girls in hot tubs, and we all know that's right up your alley.

My pals at Wetpaint hinted that this might be coming down the pike in late August, but it was pure speculation then.  Ben Flajnik, a 28 year old winemaker has already been named as the next Bachelor and will appear in the next season of The Bachelor airing in January 2012, which means that the earliest Nordgren could appear is January 2013.   A lot can happen between now and then. He could realize that Courtney is truly his soul mate, they could be married and preggers with baby Nordgren by then. Stranger things have happened.  I'm just sayin'.

I reached out to Matt for comment on this rumor and he responded with, "LOL. Speculation. There's nothing I can report right now, sweetie." RIGHT NOW being the operative words in this quote. So, he's not flat out denying it, which tells me there's something to the rumor. 

Here is how fans are reacting on Twitter:

 I will be following this closely...

Cocktail Bling from Essie attracts Dallas' Most Eligible

Courtney Kerr from BRAVO’s Most Eligible Dallas and beauty expert Holly Crawford hosted beauty and style mavens at one of Dallas' hottest salons, Salon Pompeo, to celebrate essie’s Cocktail Bling Winter 2011 Collection. Jennifer Buxton, Victoria Snee, Shelby Foster were among those who were treated to an afternoon of desserts and champagne while enjoying manicures with colors from the new collection.

Kerr’s "gay husband" and Most Eligible Dallas cast mate, Daylon Pereira, even stopped by to say hello!  Pereira is a realtor who has the Residences at the Palomar as an account. He just happened to be working at the condos while we were partying on-site at Salon Pompeo and came by to see what we were up to.

Essie’s Cocktail Bling Collection is all about glitz and glam, featuring six jewel-toned colors inspired by the stones and baubles women love to wear during the holidays. essie is available at salons and beauty retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.essie.com or www.facebook.com/essie.

(left) Courtney Kerr and Daylon Pereira  (top right) Michelle LaMont and Victoria Snee 

(bottom right) Jennifer Buxton and Cynthia Smoot

Demerara Debuts in West Village

Cassie and Andrea Ganesh

I stumbled across Demerara in West Village a few weeks ago. I had planned on keeping this find a tight-lipped secret, but I started to feel like a shaken-up soda can. I am so excited about this new boutique that I just couldn't hold it inside anymore.

I had to tell you about this fantastic new boutique, even at the risk of others getting fabulous frocks at amazing prices that should be mine! 


Cassie and Andrea Ganesh are sisters who hail from Westlake and have brought their sense of style to West Village to open a new clothing boutique called Demerara. They both hold MBA's with international business concentrations but their "love of things that sparkle" pulled them away from the corporate world and into fashion.

The first thing you see when you walk into the store from either entrance are breathtaking, cascading chandeliers made from crystal bulbs. And then there's the wall of sports memorabilia, including football helmets, that are completely covered in Swarovski crystals.  Oh yeah, you get the love of "sparkle" right away.  So, where did the name Demerara come from?  Demerara was a region in South America (which is where the girls parents are from) in what is now Guyana.  So, the name is a nod to their heritage.

The store carries women's and men's apparel and accessories with lines from young by yoyo young, Alexis, Althea Harper, Laundry, boyod, bogesse and I. AM. from WILL.I.AM. Don't recognize all of the names? That's the whole point!  The girls want "to offer Dallas, and it's emerging demographic of fashion-conscious individuals, amazing clothing that won't be seen on numerous people around Dallas. All of our lines are hand picked for their unique aesthetic and quality.  We don't want to sell what everyone is already wearing, but what everyone will be wearing."  Not only do they have beautiful cocktail options, but they also carry a wide array of hip, trendy everyday apparel at prices that won't make you cringe.

D Magazine says, "If you're looking to dress to impress in this town, add this to your list of stops." Oh, it is so on my list...

Demerara is hosting a soiree and I have your official invite to attend! Save the date for THIS FRIDAY to stop by, browse the store and enjoy cocktails, a DJ and get Masquerade Makeup done. You won't be sorry!!

Demerara, 3699 McKinney Ave., Ste. 405, Dallas, TX 75204 

This post is sponsored by Raw PR. While I received compensation for authoring this post; product selections, descriptions, and opinions are 100% my own. Interested in sponsoring a post? Contact me for rates and details.

An Evening of Chocolate Indulgence with 3 Musketeers®

The 3 Musketeers Bar was the third brand produced and manufactured by M&M/MARS, introduced in 1932.  Originally, it had three pieces in one package, flavored chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, hence the name. Rising costs and wartime restrictions on sugar saw the phasing out of the vanilla and strawberry pieces to leave only the more popular chocolate. Costing five cents when it was introduced, it was marketed as one of the largest chocolate bars available, one that could be shared by friends.  Flash forward 79 years later, and the 3 Musketeers Bar is still one of America's most popular candy bars.

Holly Homer, Mike Merrill, Laura Thornquist and Cynthia Smoot

Earlier this year, the iconic 3 Musketeers bar launched a reformulated version of its classic candy bar. This new bar now features MORE chocolate taste for a richer chocolate experience along with the light and fluffy texture we all know and love.

Keeping with the theme wanting MORE - because who doesn’t want more chocolate - they surveyed over 1,000 Americans to see what other types of things they would like MORE of. Along with things like vacation, TV channels and sleep, they also found that people would like more face-to-face real world interactions with their social media contacts.

So, they decided to host a party in Dallas and give the people what they wanted! And how lucky am I that I was asked to host this delicious soiree along with some other of my fab blogging friends: Mike Merrill, Laura Thornquist and Holly Homer.

David Lopez and Quynh Anh, Regina Bruce and Kim Fischer and LeeAnne Locken

Over 100 people gathered at the W Hotel for cocktails and lots and lots of chocolate. Each of the hosts got to give away a great door prize: a $250 American Airlines travel voucher, two $100 Spa Finder gift cards and a big basket of 3 Musketeers product and swag.   They even drug a big screen TV into the party so we could keep up with the Texas Rangers playoff series.

This event goes to show, that in this competitive world of choices, even a huge, iconic brand like 3 Musketeers needs to stay fresh and top of mind. Kudos to 3 Musketeers for recognizing the power of social media and harnessing the online power of conversation and viral buzz for their brand!

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is out for 2011

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book isn't just a catalog, it is like high-quality porn for every fashionista who fantasizes about living the ultimate life of luxury. It is a guide for how you should dress, accessorize, travel, cook and live for every member of your luxe family - down to Fido.

This year's 2011 Christmas Book has just been released. Here are a few of my favorite items:

Dream Folly Fantasy Gift  ($75,000)

Ever wish you could cross your arms, bat your eyes, and escape to a serene place all your own? Well, your wish is our command. Our "Dream Folly" is inspired by the classic 1960s TV show I Dream of Jeannie. Starting with a sturdy 18-foot-diameter yurt—a structure invented centuries ago by ancient Mongols—"Dream Folly" is the ideal simulation of a genie's posh bottle. 

Since we're in the business of granting wishes, you can choose a different color scheme and decor from the ones depicted here. But why bother? There's no improving upon perfection. Simply ask for this dream getaway, and we'll have it installed on your estate grounds in the blink of an eye. For every retreat sold, Neiman Marcus will donate $5,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The "Dream Folly" stands 12'5" tall with an 18' diameter.

Neiman Marcus-Edition Hacker-Craft Speedboat Fantasy Gift ($250,000) 

 

Chart a glamorous course in what is considered by boating enthusiasts worldwide to be the gold standard of pleasure boating. Entirely handbuilt in the USA, this 27-foot, solid mahogany wonder is the result of 1,400 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. 

 

Rich details are exclusive to the NM edition, like the name you bestow it in gleaming 23-karat gold leafing, embroidered button-down shirts for you and your crew and the sterling silver plaque that graces the cockpit, notifying passengers that they are aboard the Neiman Marcus-Edition Hacker-Craft.  Edition of 10. 

I wonder if George Clooney comes with this. Like for a time share deal on Lake Como for the Summer.  That would totally be worth $250K.  Just sayin'. 

 

I am so starting my letter to Santa...

Virgins, Saints, & Angels in Dallas

Lisa Petty with Cynthia Smoot

Virgins, Saints & Angels.

Not generally the thing that comes to mind when thinking about Dallas.   I kid!  I'm sure there are some out there. A few anyway.

When Cheryl "Finn" Finnegan left her job in Marketing & Sales at a major clothing manufacturer in the U.S., she moved to Mexico to enjoy a more relaxed post-divorce lifestyle. She never expected that the inspiration provided by her new neighbors and surroundings would help her launch a popular jewelry line.

As Finn settled in to the little town of San Miguel de Allende, she began to appreciate the spirituality her neighbors celebrated in their everyday lives. She became enthralled with their devotion to the virgin of Guadalupe and, incorporating her own inspiration from the strength of women and goddesses, she began to design key chains decorated with iconic imagery.

View more photos from this event on Facebook

After marketing her designs to her neighbors, her creations began to gain recognition and grew into the (VSA) Virgins Saints and Angels line of jewelry and accessories that now adorns the bodies and homes of celebrities around the world.

VSA's designs have captured the attention of superstars from fashion designer John Galliano to vocalists Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Martina McBride, and Tim McGraw, as well as athletes David Beckham and LeBron James. Lourdes Leon, teen daughter of Madonna, was spotted wearing VSA when she appeared with her mom in New York.

Guitarist Dave Navarro rocks VSA, as do actors Mickey Rourke and Lauren Conrad. The fabulous Kardashian sisters, Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney, recently collaborated with Finn to design their magnificent Armenian-inspired line of VSA jewelry.

SWAG is a fabulous new jewelry store in NorthPark Center who hosted Finn last week for a meet and greet so she could show off her designs to some of Big D's trendiest fashionistas. After all, we Dallas gals do love our bling!   

Lisa Petty of DFW Style Daily hosted this affair and was resplendent in a black cocktail dress with a big bow at her waist, which she said took her an hour to tie it perfectly. SWAG is owned by Lisa Alfieri and is quickly becoming the Dallas destination for edgy designer jewelry such as Thomas Sabo, Pandora Jewelry , Virgins Saints and Angels, King Baby Studio, Alwand Vahan, Dian Malouf and, of course, VSA.

SWAG, 8687 North Central Expressway, NorthPark Center #510, Dallas, TX 75225  (located next to Anthropologie, down by Neiman Marcus) 

source

Susan McWilliams debuts Dreamscapes in Dallas

Due to the increasing number of invites and amazing social opportunities that are coming my way, I have decided to enlist the help of my new assistant to help me cover more of what Dallas has to offer. Today's post is brought to you by Porsha Thomas:

____________________________________________________

Oh, how I love the Fashion Industry Gallery, with it's "Floralia" chandeliers, sassy sleek decor, and polished concrete flooring. Planning an event you'd like me to attend? Mix in a little art, have it at FIG, and your invite will automatically be accepted.  My plus one and I sauntered into a world of glamor and artistic whimsy last Thursday night. On a mission to view the latest works by the lovely, Susan McWilliams, we made our way down ever-under-construction Ross Ave and to the Gallery.

McWilliams, a home-town girl and financial planner turned abstract artist, shows regularly in Houston and decided it was time to bring her creative gems to art-loving Dallasites. Dreamscapes Collection features a collection of large-scale abstract paintings that bring dreams to life with vibrant color.

“I want to give interior decorators, architects, home owners, purveyors of art and those just beginning to develop an appreciation for abstract art a chance to gather and celebrate the life it can introduce into our environments,” said Susan McWilliams. By donating ten percent of the evening's proceeds to Family Gateway, this evening also assisted in the development of creative skills among children who don’t typically have access to the materials or expertise to fulfill their creative dreams.

The shimmering beauty (literally, her gold dress was amazing, she is pictured in the group photo above in the middle) chatted with friendly folk accepting congrats, and apologized repeatedly to me for being pulled away from our convo. Awesome. Genuinely nice and popular! That gets an “A” in my book.

We viewed the pieces in the Dreamscapes Collection amongst well-dressed socials who mingled with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in hand.   Mixed in with the chatter about which of Susan's works was "the fave" were business people getting their network on - a must (as you know) on the Dallas social scene. I definitely found one that would look fab in the bacherlorette pad.

The night was spent lightly groovin' to pop tunes chopped up with electronic beats and spun by local DJ Brandon Olds and naturally, hobnobbing with the beautifuls. Sigh! My kind of evening!

About the author: Porsha Thomas
 Porsha Thomas is a freelance writer, social media maven, and girl about town. An advocate of living the vintage life, her favorite things consist of a classic pair of Ralph Lauren saddle oxfords, her 1940's bachelorette pad, sipping Cabernet Sauvignon from one of her gazillion vintage glasses, and coolin' with Hugo Boss, her pit bull pup.

Matt Nordgren and Taylor Armstrong: Just Friends? or Friends With Benefits?

Last night I about peed in my pants when I found out Matt Nordgren and Taylor Armstrong were at Cattle Barron's Ball together (and by "together" I mean at the same event). I immediately logged onto Twitter, because that's where all the good news happens first, to verify this story and reported what I knew at the time about this sighting.

It wasn't 20 minutes after I hit "Publish" that Matt Nordgren called me to explain their "date" and give me his side of the story.  I woke up feeling a little bad about stirring the pot of reality TV gossip. And then... I saw this:

Now, Ron Corning is a TV host for WFAA's local morning show, Daybreak. A show that I just happen to appear on frequently. So, I texted Ron just now for more scoop and clarification on this statement. I am awaiting his response. Sort of negates everything Matt told me last night.  We shall see who is the liar, liar, pants on fire...

UPDATE (10/16 at 10:25 AM) Ron replied back that he didn't personally see fluids being exchanged but he heard about it from "reliable sources". So, that's kind of a wash. Could go either way on the truth.

Here's another little tidbit courtesy of Facebook:

 

Hmmm.  Ever hear the saying, "Don't believe anything you read and only half of what you see".  It seems to apply here.  I guess we'll have to "watch what happens" to see how this one plays out.

UPDATE (10/16 at 1:00 PM) 

Matt's Publicist just called to clarify some inaccuracies in my earlier post.  He wanted to make sure I understood the following:

• Matt did not escort Taylor to Cattle Baron's. They arrived and left separately
• Taylor was asked by Cattle Baron's "months ago" to attend the Gala.  WHY they would have asked her to participate months ago, I have no idea. Seems very random and totally odd.  I will be checking that claim out with the Host Committee
• Matt did not cut his trip to LA short. Cattle Barron's is an event that Matt has attended for the past several years and he had planned on attending long before he knew Taylor was going
• Matt denies any kissing occurred

Um, I think that covers the conversation.

Again, "Don't believe anything you read and only half of what you see" might pertain to this situation. I am just telling you what I see on the public worldwide web.  Don't kill the messenger.

UPDATE (10/18 at 2:45 PM) A credible source inside Cattle Baron's has informed me that "Taylor Armstrong was NOT invited to present an auction item or attend for free. Unless you want to call getting an underwriting contract an invitation to participate as a celebrity?"   That's what I thought.  

Matt Nordgren and Taylor Armstrong Attend Cattle Barron's Ball

A few weeks ago, I broke the news that Matt Nordgren spent a very busy weekend escorting Taylor Armstrong from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills all around Big D.   Tonight... she's baaaaaaaaaaaack!  Seems Matt cut a trip to Los Angeles short to fly back and escort Taylor to tonight's Cattle Barron's Ball.  Dang the luck that I had decided not to go to this event. The ONE time I skipped out on an event (because my in-laws were in town) and all the good stuff happens.

Taylor Armstrong and Matt Nordgren at the recent MTV ReDefine Gala. Photo: Mei-Chun Jau/Special Contributor for DMN

Earlier tonight Matt tweeted:

Was he talking about his evening with Taylor???  While I haven't seen Monday night's Most Eligible Dallas finale, I am told that Matt and Courtney's weekend getaway gets verrrrrrry steamy (literally. They end up in a hot tub).  I won't totally spoil it for you, but I will tell you that Bravo is going to leave you hanging.  Hopefully because they intend to bring this show back for a Season Two and want to give audiences a reason to keep tuning in.

So, what does BFF Courtney Kerr think about this Matt+Taylor pairing? She sarcastically tweeted back to Matt:

How do I know it was sarcastic? Trust me. I know.  You can tune into watch Matt and Courtney squirm chat with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live Monday night, immediately after the finale.  It will be interesting to see how Matt reacts to questioning about Courtney and their relationship. Especially in light of this new Taylor development. 

We'll just have to "watch what happens"!

UPDATE (11:33 PM) 
Here are tweets from eye witnesses:

Taylor Armstrong with Brittney Aleman at Cattle Baron's Ball 2011

UPDATE (11:40 PM) 
Well, Matt Nordgren just called me to say, "Hey Cynthia. I am just calling to tell you that I am driving home from Cattle Barron's. Alone!".  Matt insists that he and Taylor are just friends and he is helping her through a rough time. Apparently, she "needs to talk about her problems and (Matt's) a good listener". I actually do believe him, because it makes no logical sense that Taylor (age 40) would be interested in Matt (age 29). What she needs right now is an older Sugar Daddy to rescue her from her problems. While Matt might be all Sugar, but he's not ready to be anyone's Daddy.

The Rug Company Opens Its Doors in Dallas

Cynthia Smoot with Christopher Sharp

London-based The Rug Company opened its new Dallas showroom doors recently in the Dallas Design District. Founded in 1997 by Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, their unbelievably creative rugs are handmade in Nepal, using natural yarns (no synthetics!).

View more photos from this event on Facebook 

Home decor enthusiasts Daniel Winson Lewis, Gregg Asher, David Martin and Michelle Nussbaumer wandered the expansive 5,000 sq. ft. of interior space ooh'ing and ah'ing over the fantastic array of flooring options. The showroom possesses a light and airy aesthetic that effortlessly blends traditional warmth with modern flair.

David Martin and Gregg Asher

The Rug Company has made a name for itself by teaming up with top designers such as William Yeoward, Kelly Wearstler, Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, and Diane Von Furstenberg. These are all fashion-forward creatives who really know how to make a statement with graphic designs and unexpected motifs.

Christopher Sharp (who possess a knee-buckling British accent that makes him twice as handsome as I would normally find him) says of his company, "Each rug is entirely handmade, using the finest natural yarns, by craftsmen whose skills have been passed down for generations.

To this meticulous craftsmanship we add that extra ingredient, the talent of the world’s most distinguished and experienced designers. They know how to combine modern design flair with traditional techniques. They reinvigorate this age-old craft and make us look at the rug with a fresh eye."

What? I'm sorry, all I heard was something that sounded like James Bond asking how I wanted my Martini... Man, I am a sucker for a British accent.  

The Rug Store is located in the Design District at 1626 Hi Line Drive, Suite B, Dallas, Texas 75207

T. Hee Greetings and Gifts: A Shoppers Paradise

There are only 73 days left until Christmas. There. I said it.

Oh, it may still be 90 degrees outside, but trust me, your kids already have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.  Walk into any department store or  a Target and they are already playing a Muzak-version of "White Christmas".

To help get shoppers into holiday shopping mode, my marketing firm worked with T. Hee Greetings and Gifts to host a blogger party on October 2 to help kick off the holiday season and create some buzz for this brand.  Because who knows better how to create a blogger event... than a blogger?! 

Top (left to right) Becky Branch with Kindra Meyers , Ron Corning with Anthony Wilkinson

Bottom (left to right) David Farris with Holly Homer, Laura Flores with Regina Bruce

We invited Mommy blogger extraordinaire Holly Homer from She Is Dallas to be our hostess-with-the-mostess. Holly did an amazing job, greeting everyone with a glass of wine and a Vanna-like wave as guests entered a vast wonderland of gifts.  Guests like Ron Corning from WFAA's Daybreak, Jamie Roubinek, Becky Branch, Shannon Byrann and Kindra Meyers had a great time munching and sipping vino as they wandered the store getting great ideas for their holiday shopping. Invited bloggers were encouraged to find their 5 favorite things to incorporate into a blog post for a chance to win some fabulous prizes.  The best part of the night was that every guest left with a sweet swag bag full of goodies.  Here are a few things my friends might see in their stockings this year:

Top: Insulated personalized coffee mugs ($19.95), Cookie or Candy Tins with Personalized Labels ($3 to $36 depending on size and qty.) Bottom: College Christmas Tree Ornaments ($14.99) Insulated plastic Wine Glass or what I call a Sippy Cup for Mommy Juice ($14.95)

About T. Hee Greetings and Gifts:
T. Hee Greetings & Gifts is a locally owned, Dallas, Texas based small business owned by Tony Doles and David Farris.  T. Hee operates a retail storefront in the Lake Highlands neighborhood and a second store front in the Lakewood neighborhood. Additionally, the company operates an e-commerce site online operating under the brand partychickandpaper.com. Entering its fourth year in business, T. Hee offers unique and fun gifts, stationery, printed invitations and fun party supplies for all of life’s most fabulous moments.

In Lakewood at 6465 E Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75214 (972) 996-2606
In Lake Highlands at 9661 Audelia Road #110, Dallas, TX 75238 (214) 747-5800

Is your business in need of some buzz?  Want to have traditional press and bloggers tweeting, posting and writing about your services and products?  Let Gangway create and execute an event for your business!  Contact me to chat.

Big Rich Texas Season One Finale

Season One of Big Rich Texas is officially over.  Like any good "reality" show, there has been laughter and tears, cat fights and bear hugs, friendships formed and relationships torn apart. The girls gave us a lot to talk about over the last 8 episodes and it all culminated in a finale watching party hosted by Bonnie and Whitney on Sunday, October 2 at the Drama Room. 

A gay bar was an interesting place to hold a party for a show called Big Rich Texas, a show that revolved around life at a Country Club. But, that's Bon and Whitney for you. They sneer at protocol and thumb their nose at social expectations. It's part of their charm, so I can't say I was surprised.

This choice of venue prompted Dena Miller (who was originally cast on the show but bailed prior to filming) to post on Facebook, "I would love to plan your events in the future. I imagine red carpet class events for a show called Big Rich Texas with a cast of elite country clubbing socialites with much media in attendance. It was a fun party, but not what is to be expected. Would help if Style would actually host the events for you all like Bravo does Tara's show (Most Eligible Dallas). Something to be negotiated, perhaps?" Meow.

In attendance were fellow Mother/Daughter cast duos: Melissa and Maddie Poe and Connie and Grace Dieb.  When I asked Melissa if Pamela Martin-Duarte was coming, she said, "Ummm, no. In fact, Bonnie has told the club that she is NOT to be allowed in. She is banned from this event."  Really?!  There has been a lot of drama and accusation between Pam and Bonnie on the show. Honestly, I though they were playing it up for drama and ratings.  Apparently not.

During the commercial breaks, there was entertainment from drag queen, Dallas Sheraton.  Bon started the party by sashaying up to the dance floor with a handful of dollar bills for Dallas.  Not to be outdone, Grace and Whitney took their turns in a dance-off style performance as Dallas lip synced to Lady Gaga's "Born This Way".  Gotta love a good Drag Queen...

Click here to see lots more photos on Facebook

While all of the ladies have given Style their verbal wishes to return for Season Two, no one has actually signed a contract. Like I reported recently, they were definitely not compensated well for their time this season and now that they have proven themselves in the ratings, the ladies will be looking for some love... Pony up, Style Network! Let's keep our fingers crossed that it all works out.

The network has already cast one new Mother/Daughter duo to keep it fresh for next season  My sources tell me that they are from Grapevine, but I do not know exactly WHO it is.  As soon as I can figure it out... you will be the next to know!

Filming for Season Two begins in just a few weeks, so stay tuned!!