2012 Celebrity Waiter Luncheon Kick-Off Party Sets the Stage for a Raucous Good Time

The 2012 Celebrity Waiter Luncheon Kick-Off Party was held this past Wednesday night at Winston’s Supper Club in Uptown. Belvedere Vodka provided three signature cocktails while Winston's passed delicious flat breads and bites!

Kick-Off Party Co-Chairs Lindsay Jacaman and Jaime Singer (pictured left with this year's Luncheon Co-Chairs Maggie Kipp and Shay Geyer) did a fabulous job of launching this year's festivities in style! Celebrity Waiter Luncheon host Steve Kemble introduced all celebrity waiters while the crowd cheered on!

The 2012 Celebrity Waiter Luncheon benefiting Family Gateway will be held Friday, September 7, 2012 at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas and will kick off Family Gateway’s 25^th anniversary in style.

Celebrity Waiter Luncheon Group Shot - Celebrities, Chairs and Family Gateway Executives

At this entertaining and lively luncheon, local business, media, political, entertainment and sports personalities will volunteer as celebrity waiters and serve guests for a great cause!  Each table sponsor hosts a table of 10 generous guests who come prepared to tip their waiters with wild abandon and bid for the extraordinary and unique auction items dangled in front of them.

Waiters seek tips in eccentric ways - pocketing your silverware, withholding your meal, singing, performing and dancing; the antics are endless as waiters go to great lengths to raise the most money during 90 action-packed minutes.  An exciting silent and live auction will take place, and all proceeds will benefit Family Gateway.

(left)  Courtney Kerr, Matt Nordgren & Shona Gilbert  (top right) Leslie Boysen and LeeAnne Locken
(bottom left)  Dorris Jacobs and Carmaleta Whiteley

Last year's event had Steve Kemble and LeeAnne Locken leading the crowd in a rambunctious version of the Village People's YMCA,  Pamela Martin-Duarte from Big Rich Texas and Candace Crawford Romo sang "Deep In The Heart of Texas" and Lynae Fearing and Tracy Rathbun did the splits...  There is just no telling what will occur at this year's event.  One's thing for sure. This luncheon is worth the price of admission. It's the best show in town!

It's Official! Most Eligible Dallas is returning for Season Two

I've been calling this one for months, and Bravo has finally proven me right.  On Friday, March 23rd, 2012 Bravo representatives came to the Zenith Media New York office to present the network’s 2012-2013 Upfront programming tagged “Powered by Bravo”.  Bravo presented new and returning shows in the Food, Fashion, Beauty, Design and Pop Culture genres.

In that presentation was this blurb:

POP CULTURE

• Returning series include: Most Eligible Dallas, The Real Housewives Franchise (New York City, Atlanta, Orange County, Miami, Beverly Hills and New Jersey), Watch What Happens Live, The Millionaire Matchmaker, Bethenny Ever After, Inside The Actors Studio, Shahs of Sunset, Don’t Be Tardy For The Wedding, The Kandi Factory and The Kathy Griffin Comedy specials

We now have official confirmation from Bravo that the show is returning... but the million dollar question now is, returning with who?  It's a sure fire bet that Matt and Courtney will be coming back. I would be SHOCKED if Glenn and Neill returned. And that leaves wildcard players Drew and Tara.

What I know for sure, is that we will see some new faces. I can't wait to find out who those new faces belong to!!! Who do you want to see return?

To read the entire press release from Bravo about new and returning shows, click here.

She Reigns Makes April Showers More Fashionably Fun

Jenica and Cathy

Like most great American success stories, a stroke of genius was born out of basic necessity.  Cathy Williamson's son had a football game coming up and the weekend forecast called for rain.

She began thinking about what she was going to wear and realized it didn't matter how stylish and chic she was, because the weather would force her  to put a drab trench coat over her ensemble.  "Why was their not stylish rain gear for fashion-conscious women?" she wondered.

A little kernel of an idea was planted. And so it began. Cathy had a background in personal shopping and styling. Her daughter-in-law, Jenica, had a background in business and retail. They saw a niche in the market that wasn't being filled and decided to take the bull by the horns and create their own line.  The result is She Reigns.

(top) The Catherine and The Patricia (bottom) The Alex and The Jenica

Their debut collection includes four silhouettes named for fashionable jet-setters in their lives, the roomy Patricia cape (oh yes, I will be sporting this on the lacrosse fields!), the rocker-inspired Alex, named for Catherine's daughter who's an aspiring actress in L.A., the ladylike Jenica with a beautiful ruched waist and longer hem in back  and the Catherine, a form-fitted, above-the-knee trench with multiple quilted pockets. What takes the coats from good to great is the attention to details like horn toggle closures, tortoiseshell buttons, and bold-colored piping.  I'm hoping a future collection will have a Cynthia jacket in it. Stay tuned...

Available locally at Cabana, 4711 West Lovers Lane, Dallas (214-674-9928).

To shop online, visit http://shereigns.com/shop/
Connect with She Reigns on Facebook and Twitter

Three Ways to Get Your Client Written About

On average, I get about 50 emails a day from PR firms and individuals inviting me to events, pitching me their products and asking me to take a closer look at whatever it is they are doing for editorial consideration.  I can only imagine what editors for D Magazine or PaperCity must receive. Yowza.  So, how do you get a blogger or Editor to not only open your e-mail but act on the message?  Let me shortcut this for you and give you some pretty easy guidelines to follow that will help increase your chances for success.

Cynthia's Top Three Tips for an Effective Press Release:

1)  Have interesting and topic specific copy in the Subject line of your e-mail.  

I recently read where an editor received an email with a subject line that read, "I'm dying" and when she opened the message, it went on to say, "...dying to meet you that is!" Ba dum dum.  Okay, that's not funny. That's stupid and I've just placed you in the douchebag category.  Any future emails from you will probably go straight to my SPAM or TRASH folder.

If you are inviting me to an event, the message should say "Save the date for XXX" or "Invitation to Dress 4 Yellow Included". I know what this is before I ever open it and it will help me prioritize the urgency in which I need to respond.

2)  Send an image with your press release

Readers are visual. They want to see an image to help them get a feel for what your event will be about. So, whether it's an event logo or a photograph from last year's event - send something! If you are pitching me a product, don't you think it would be helpful for me to SEE the product you are trying to describe in your 4 paragraphs of copy?!

You should know from your own personal use of the web that in order to upload anything to a blog, Facebook, Pinterest or the like, that I will need a .jpg file. Don't send me a .pdf file! Now I'm irritated that I have to open it up and convert it.  Help me, help you. Send me what I need. Don't make me work for it.

3)  Have a targeted pitch

For example, my blog is about Dallas and why I think it's an amazing city. I profile the events, people, places and things that make it an incredible place to live and work.   Yet, I receive at least 5 pitches every day from PR firms wanting me to interview a designer in NYC or talk about a new clothing line out of LA. Clearly, they got my name from a list somewhere and are just blasting their request out around the online universe hoping if they throw enough spaghetti on the wall, something will stick.

You will have much greater success if you send me a direct email (not one where I'm blind copied so I know it went out to a billion other people) and tell me why you think your pitch would be of interest to my readers.

For instance, it could say, "Hey Cynthia! I know you love to talk about fashion and all things Dallas!  Did you know that Dallas designer, Cathy Williamson, just launched a new line of raincoats called She Reigns? With the rainy season approaching, I thought this would be a great story for your readers..."  Aim and fire. The target has been hit.

Follow these 3 rules, and I assure you, you will see an increase in the number of responses you get to your emails which will more than likely correlate to the number of actual posts and articles you end up receiving.  I look forward to your new and improved e-mails.

Love you!  Mean it!  ~ Cynthia

Fresh Faces of Fashion features Nha Khanh for 2012

This year's Fresh Faces of Fashion program all began several months ago when Modern Luxury magazine collected nominations for this year's roster. To be selected as a FFF, one has to be not only stylish on the outside, but be able to serve up a dossier of charitable works and contributions to the community at large. The 12 lucky women selected to represent the program serve as stylish ambassadors to raise awareness and much needed funds to benefit the North Texas Suicide and Crisis Center.

These lovely lasses have appeared in the March issue of Modern Luxury and last Friday, they walked in a runway show at the 6th annual Fresh Faces of Fashion Gala held at Stanley Korshak featuring the Fall 2012 Collection from one of Dallas leading fashion designers, Nha Khanh.  Back for another year, co-chairs, Yvonne Crum and Jill Rowlett flitted amongst the crowd, welcoming guests and using their wiles to charm raffle tickets sales from the pocketbooks of all who entered!

These ladies are goooood and party-goers didn't stand a chance.

Cynthia with Matt Nordgren, Lee Bailey and Carmaleta Whiteley
Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Kari Schlegel Kloewer and 2012 FFF, Krystal Schlegel

Among the stylish in attendance were Carmaleta Whiteley, Lee Bailey, Mina Chang, LeeAnne Locken and Renee Rouleau. I caught up with Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas stars Matt Nordgren and Drew Ginsburg over a cocktail and ran into the whole Schelgel clan there to cheer on one of this year's FFF, Krystal Schlegel.

Immediately following the fashion show, attendees were feted at a dinner at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel.  Roy Jackson gave a moving talk about the loss of his son. He had the room both laughing and crying, which is hard to do - especially when you are not a practiced public speaker! He spoke of love and loss, sadness and anger, hope and finding joy again. I salute his courage in telling his story only one day after the 5th anniversary of his son's tragic death.

Fashions from the Fall 2012 Nha Khanh Collection

Fresh Faces of Fashion 2012

• Katy Messersmith, Founder and CEO of Katydid Collections
• Samantha Davies, NBC 5 Meteorologist
• Caroline Cooper, Student at UT Austin and Shop Across Texas student blogger
• Carla Miller, Civic Volunteer
• Kaylyn Montgomery, Client Liaison for Coquerel Family Estate Wines
• Bailey Coon, Sales and Marketing Associate for North American Spine
• Amy Wells Havins, Owner of Dallas Wardrobe
• Grace Victoria Davis, Fashion Blogger and Executive Director for SMU Fashion Week
• Allison Wiley Lent, Owner of TheSocialButterfly.com
• Lauren Parsons, Consultant with Parsons Agency
• Lynsey Wiley Provost, Fine Art Consultant
• Krystal Schlegel, SMU student and Fashion Blogger

Oh, but wait... it's not over yet!

There is a fierce competition to see who can sell the most raffle tickets for a chance to win a new Mercedes from Park Place Motorcars! The winning ticket will be drawn at an event in May at Park Place Motorcars.  To date, the Fresh Faces of Fashion events have raised over a million dollars for the Suicide and Crisis Center in the past six years.  Pretty darn impressive!

Click here to see many more photos from this event on Facebook

Click here for more information on the Fresh Faces of Fashion, and to purchase raffle tickets via SCCenter.org.

Secret Sale Extravaganza with St. Maarten USA

This is what you are looking for...

If you are a style-loving, bargain-hunting Recessionista who loves finding amazing clothes at bargain prices - then have I got a deal for you!

St. Maarten U.S.A. is a wholesaler based in Carrollton who distributes established European designer, contemporary and young contemporary collections to American shops and catalog companies.

St. Maarten U.S.A. brings America the most coveted, globally marketed European contemporary collections from Spain, Italy, England, Belgium and Netherlands. Current collections of such caliber include Sao Paulo, Dolce Vita, Traffic People, Escorpion, Discovering, Colcci, Cimarron and Freddy.

They are having a 

BLOWOUT SAMPLE SALE 
Saturday, March 24th / Sunday, March 25th 
12pm to 6pm.

Cynthia with Joey Maalouf in a St. Marten find

They have created a Facebook Page and are posting photos as they pull samples for the sale. LIKE their Page so you can get a first-hand preview of all the great stuff to be had! They have multiple sizes in most designs they are offering. Sizes range from 2-14, so there is something for everyone!  I got a sneak peak last week and scooped up a few things for myself.  Here's just a little bit of what you can expect to find:

Colored denim, neon colors, Euro chic. You'll find all the latest trends represented!

Tell your friends, spread the word and head over this weekend to find your own goodies!  Most items are under $100 and all are under $200. Get ready to SHOP!

St. Maarten U.S.A., 2445 Midway Road, Suite 100-102, Carrollton, TX 75006

Save the Date: Fashion's Living Canvas

Fashion's Living Canvas will take place at the Hilton Anatole on April 10th from 7PM - 9PM. Hosted by LeeAnne Locken and Steve Kemble, this special runway event will enable patrons to experience models transformed into works of art in front of their eyes as Team Motives Agency and Blanc Salon perform radical makeup and hair transformations before the show.  I am completely terrified to report that I will be walking the runway in this amazing show - Lord help us all!

Six local Texas designers, accompanied by a special presentation from master painter Sharon Hodges, will showcase their collections at this special runway event as the models stride across an 180-foot runway. All proceeds will benefit the local Dallas non-profit, The Fashionistas.

Clothing and jewelry designs will include:

-IZAVEL by Isabel Varela

-Society Language by Prashi Shah

-Melancholic Design by Jesse Thaxton

-Danh Ta

-{Red-i} by Chelsea Bond

-Haute in Hong Kong by Becca Jett

Each designer featured in Fashion's Living Canvas has agreed to donate one garment from their collection to be auctioned off LIVE on the runway! Only problem is that all of the professional models will be in use, so look for these familiar faces walking across the 220 foot long runway:

-Cynthia Smoot (Oh So Cynthia)
-Dawn Belcher Neufeld (VH1’s Football Wives)
-Caitlin McConnell (Bling is the new Black)
-Linnea Thulin (supporting role in Big Rich Texas, appearing as Heidi Dillon's assistant)

Get your tickets by visiting http://fashionslivingcanvas.eventbrite.com/

Joey Maalouf Talks Hair and Beauty Trends for Spring 2012

Cynthia Smoot with Joey Maalouf (I die!)

Back for a fourth year, Beauty Live at Galleria Dallas unleashed a whirlwind of non-stop fun this past weekend: appearances, pro stylists, national makeup artists, product freebies, how-to's, makeovers, in-store events, product specials and more.

Whether you live in Park Cities, Preston Hollow, Lakewood, Plano, Oak Cliff or Uptown - this event pulled gal pals from all over Big D for a day of style, fun and FREE STUFF!

Headlining this year's event was Rachel Zoe's make-up /hair stylist and BFF, Joey Maalouf and Elgin Charles, 'Emperor of Hair' and star of VH1's “ Beverly Hills Fabulous”.

I got to meet up with Joey last Friday and have a little sit down. We talked hair, make-up, trends and... when I asked him if a spin-off might be in the works, he replied, "Uh... Dot. Dot. Dot." Whoop - there it is! 

 I took that to mean that he is talking to BRAVO about it, so keep your fingers crossed because Joey is just as ah-mazing in person as he is on Rachel's show and I'd love to see him have his own spotlight.

Joey on beauty and make-up trends for Spring:



Joey on hair trends and style for Spring:

Spotted Saturday morning at Beauty Live
(left)  Cynthia Smoot with Holly Quartaro  (top right)  Valerie Rowekamp (and baby) with Farah Fleurima
(bottom right) Steve Kemble with Yvonne Crum

America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru, Steve Kemble with Joey Maalouf

Real Housewives of Dallas: Dead or Alive? Who Knows!

Last Thursday night, news broke that the Real Housewives of Dallas was a reality we'd see on the air in 2013 and a cast list was leaked. I was doing a happy dance all around my house and couldn't wait to share the news with you!

Friday morning, BRAVO TV's Andy Cohen took to Twitter to deny this post saying a Dallas series was not happening. His exact word was "False".  Hours later I had PR peeps emailing me official statements from supposed cast members who denied involvement. It looked like this story was D.O.A.

But then... late last night I got a mysterious email from a reader who said her boyfriend was connected with Andy Cohen on Twitter and she sent me screen shots of several Direct Messages showing Andy saying that a Dallas show IS happening and.. well, you can read it for yourself below.

I have blurred out the name of the person Andy is tweeting with and his avatar to protect his identity. The person who sent me the screen shot had conveniently already blurred out the IP address on her computer. So, is this real or a hoax? I have no freakin' idea.

There are a couple of red flags to this: (a) I was blind copied on the email, which tells me she sent it to more than just me. What other media people did she send it to? I have no idea but no one appears to have published this info. yet. (b) I got a follow up email today and she has changed the name on her e-mail account.  Why the change?  Trying to cover her tracks?

So, this could be complete bullshit or it could be major scoop. This could be a Photoshopped document for all I know.  I have no way to verify if it's real.  I contacted Andy Cohen through his Facebook Fan Page but have not received a response. 

Time will tell, but as always, I am just keeping you in the loop!

RHoD Rumor is "False" says Andy Cohen

Dog gonnit. I had a suspicion this was too good to be true. This seemed like such an unlikely cast that my gut told me this was not right. Today, BRAVO exec and figurehead, Andy Cohen, took to Twitter to unequivocally deny the rumor saying a Real Housewives of Dallas was not happening and this rumor is "False."  Shucks.

UPDATE (3/16 | 8:00AM)  
Lisa Troutt issued a statement yesterday through her PR firm stating, "“I have been apprised of a report including me in the cast of the ‘Real Housewives of Dallas.’ While I am familiar with the Bravo series, this information is completely erroneous. I am in no way associated with ‘Real Housewives of Dallas’ or Andy Cohen."

Alan Peppard reports in the DMN that Diane Gibby is also denying involvement.

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

BelAir Studio and Design Grand Opening

Svendsen, Gant & VanBeber

I am addicted to HGTV and love watching shows like "Design on a Dime" and "Flip This House". I can spend hours pouring through D Home and Elle Decor looking at beautiful rooms and getting inspired by the beautiful photo layouts. The only problem is, that I lack the confidence to execute any of it.

BelAir Studio and Design is the answer to all of your design dilemmas.  In this month's March issue, D Home reports, "The brainchild of three design-minded friends—Shannon VanBeber, Cindy Svendsen, and Susan Colvin Gant—the shop and full-service design studio (services range from space planning to complete home remodeling) is filled with handsome case goods, vintage finds, and reimagined treasures. Think steel-framed dining chairs relieved of their tired fabric in favor of hair-on cowhide.

But the real appeal of BelAir lies in the trio’s skillful melding of their distinct aesthetic sensibilities. It’s glam meets classic meets earthy—and the mix works. Mercury glass lamps, metallic-dusted cowhide rugs, and Lucite accessories lend elegance to a rough-hewn four-poster bed, woven baskets, and sturdy leather boxes and bins. Meanwhile, large-scale paintings and items sourced from local craftsmen (including bags, scarves, and table runners from textile designer Elizabeth Anyaa) add a soulful, personal layer to the vignettes.  The end result is a subtle, modern take on luxury, which, in our opinion, is the best possible kind."

(left) Elizabeth Anyaa with Dee Van Dame   (right) LeeAnne Locken with Danielle Vollmar
(bottom)  Joslyn Taylor, Kyle Knight and Abbe Fenimore

The retail shop, located directly across from Terilli's on Lower Greenville Ave., opened in December but recently threw a grand opening soiree to introduce itself to the media, bloggers and neighborhood VIPs.  Well, you know me, if there's a party, I can usually be found right in the middle of it. In fact, my party planning prowess must be becoming legendary, because they hired me to help them put this shin dig together!

Click here to see photos from the event on Facebook

D Home was our media partner at this event - and God bless D Magazine Marketing Director, Mary Poe who ended up leaving the event with a new credenza for her house! I also spied interior design and home decor bloggers Kyle Knight from Knight Moves, Joslyn Taylor from Simple Lovely, Hilary Walker from Hilary Inspired and Abbe Fenimore from Studio Ten 25 fingering baubles and checking out the options.

What I like about the store is that whether you are looking for one great new find, have a beloved piece you need salvaged or re-worked or need someone to come to your house and makeover an entire space - these gals have you covered. It's a one-stop-shop for all your home design and decor needs. And I am all about ease and convenience at affordable prices. Check them out!


BelAir Studio and Design, 2802 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206
Tues-Sat, 11AM-5PM

photos courtesy of Thomas Garza Photography

Oscar Fierro debuts on NBC's Fashion Star

If you aren't familiar with the name Oscar Fierro... you soon will be. The Lewisville resident is about to make his national TV debut in NBC's Fashion Star on Tuesday, March 13th at 8:30PM.

"Typically, I would not do a reality show or competition, but when I found out about the show, and who was going to be on it, I thought I had to do it," Fierro said. "This was a way to bypass cable and hit network television. I was lucky enough to be picked from thousands. It was hard to get on the show. The application process was grueling and psychologically hard. You had to have you're A game at all times, but I would do it again in heartbeat."

Growing up in his poverty-stricken hometown in El Salvador only further fed the ambitious Oscar Fierro's desire to become successful. Fierro began designing and making clothes when he was 11 years old.  "I spotted a beautiful girl and wanted to make dress for her for her to enter into a pageant, which she won," Fierro said. "Designing that was just one of those ah-ha moments. The first thing I thought when I saw her, was that we need to do something with that beauty."

Love him or hate him, he is a thriving businessman who owns four assisted-living facilities and has designed several clothing lines, including couture dresses and a "to go" line, which features women's wear for under $30. The 37-year old, fiery, 4'11" designer always speaks his mind and has established a reputation in the fashion industry as a true diva. Don't expect this self-proclaimed "master manipulator" to back down from anyone - he will do almost anything to win.

I look forward to following his adventure!!

Learn more about Oscar Fierro at http://www.oscarfierro.net/
Become a Fan on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

source

Dallas Dweller: Ashley Burghardt

If you are like me, every month you flip through the pages of PaperCity, Modern Luxury, F!D Luxe, GrandLuxe and the like, scouring the social pages to see who was deemed worthy of photo recognition.  There's a handful of regulars who seem to do no wrong when it comes to picking the right outfit or arm candy for editorial selection. And then there are those photos that you see and think, "Who IS that person?" Whether they strike your fancy for their fabulous frock or outrageous hair or interesting style.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to the fabulous faces you've always wondered about but haven't had the occasion to meet in person. This week, let me introduce you to a fellow red-head who's rocking the world of handbags:

Ashley Burghardt

I met Burghardt a few weeks ago at the Gossip Bar when I was attending an event for the Fresh Faces of Fashion (have you purchased a raffle ticket to win a Mercedes yet?!).  She was there with her PR pal, Alison Volk and as we chatted over cocktails, I couldn't help but notice the cute clutches she and Ali were both carrying (their evil plan to get media attention totally worked). Ashley showed me how the clutch had two separate pockets and was created to hold an iPad.  

As a girly-girl who hates big, bulky briefcase bags and a marketer who works in social media and needs to have online access at all times - I was SOLD!  When I found out that Burghardt had also recently appeared on the new Lifetime show, 24 Hour Catwalk (and won!) I knew she was someone I had to get to know better. 

Q:  Tell me about your company, ASHARD RICHLEY.

A:  Ashard Richley is two years old and we are growing every day. My designs are focused on three words, FASHION, FORM, & FUNCTION. I design fashion forward bags in unique forms that have amazingly functional details like built in wallets, iPad pockets, and key leashes. I recently competed on Lifetime's new series 24 Hour Catwalk and won the show.  I've been an MTV Made coach and was recently on Good Morning Texas.

A Night in the Emerald City with the Breast Bridge Network

On Saturday, February 18, 2012 the Breast Bridge Network held their annual fundraiser Fly Away With The Bridge in the new Million Air Dallas hangar and terminal.  Approximately 350 guests filled Million Air Dallas for an evening of cocktails, food creations from local celebrity chefs, silent & live auctions and dancing. This year’s Event Chairs, Janie Morris & Hamilton Sneed were excited to continue the tradition with the theme: “A Night In the Emerald City” in celebration of 20 years of service to the North Texas community.

Board Members, Ambassadors and supporters of The Breast Bridge Network

For every dollar donated, Bridge clients receive nearly 10 times that amount in medical care. Over 235 physicians in the Metroplex have graciously volunteered their professional services and 49 medical facilities have greatly reduced their fees to make such a large discount possible.  The Bridge serves uninsured and underinsured women in 16 counties in the DFW area.  In the past decade, The Bridge has served over 78,000 North Texas women and connected more than 10,000 with medical treatment.

I spied Ryan and Dawn Neufeld, CW33's Giselle Phelps and Toni Duclottni, Dan Pritchett and Mrs. Texas Kayla Wharton grazing the celebrity food stations. And who can blame them when we were being served by Tim Bevins from Craft Dallas, Tim Byres from Smoke, Tiffany Derry from Private | Social, Abraham Salum from Komali, Tre Wilcox from Marquee Grill and more!  TruBone was rocking the stage and I wasn't surprised to spot jewelry designer Shona Gilbert and the night's emcee LeeAnne Locken hitting the dance floor to burn off those calories.

Click here to see more photos from this event on Facebook.

some photos courtesy of Bob Manzano

Meet Bridal Empresaria, Mayela Putegnat

Entrepreneur Mayela Putegnat knew as a young girl that she would be in the wedding business—she just wasn’t sure what exactly that business would be.  That was until her mother happened to pick up a Rosa Clará catalog which later caught Mayela’s eye.  As she thumbed through the pages, she quickly fell in love with the exquisite dresses from the European designer.

After several phone calls and a little research, Mayela realized she had the opportunity to open the very firsts Rosa Clará boutique in the US.  So she put her business plan together and her posh Dallas bridal boutique opened in January 2011 in the trendy Knox-Henderson shopping district.

Kristin Hull, Mayela Putegnat, Cynthia Smoot, LeeAnne Locken, Victoria Snee and Amy Havins
photo courtesy of {Blake Ryan} Wedding Photography

Putegnat held a trunk show last Thursday to showcase the current collection of bridal gowns and show off her super-sleek salon. I spied D Weddings Kristin Hull, NorthPark's new Director of PR Victoria Snee, Big Rich Texas star LeeAnne Locken, stylist Amy Havins, and Blingazon blogger Metsy Corter fingering gorgeous gowns and sampling mini cupcakes and sushi bites.

Originally from Brownsville, TX, Mayela attended high school in Dallas where she graduated from The Hockaday School and later earned an interior design degree from The Dallas Art Institute.

She combines her creativity with a keen understanding of the Dallas market to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for Dallas area brides-to-be.

Like her clients, Mayela just experienced her own wonderful wedding in November 2011.  When she’s not working, Mayela spends her free time working out, spending time with her newlywed husband John, and her Shih Tzu Pepper.

Visit Rosa Clará at 3205 Knox Street, Dallas, TX. 75205

A Night with the Stars - Dallas Stars that is

I recently received an invite to attend an event for the Dallas Stars hockey team.  My social calendar was already booked, but this was too good an opportunity to pass up completely, so I sent my new assistant, Brittany Husted to scope out the scene.  My husband said in disbelief, "All you ever try and drag me to are fashion shows and her husband gets to go hang out with the Stars!?" Sorry, hon.  Here's Brittany's recap of her night with the boys on ice:

__________________________________

More than 800 invited guests attended “A Night with the Stars” presented by AT&T on Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Dallas Omni Hotel. The evening was staged with in a glamorous green haze inspired by the ice of the Dallas Stars and DJ Billy the Kid rocked the ballroom.  There was a pre-party area for guests to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (things like salmon bites topped with cheese and steak skewers) before entering the ballroom. It was a great opportunity to mingle and scan the scene for any fellow “star” gazers!

(left) Michael Ryder of the Dallas Stars with Rob Brinkley of F!D Luxe
(right) Mike Ribeiro with a model (bottom)  A gaggle of Dallas Stars wives and girlfriends

Once guests were ushered into the ballroom, everyone shuffled to secure a seat by the stage. I did a quick walk-around looking at all the goodies in the silent auction, grabbing a quick pic of the ice sculpture, checking out DJ Billy The Kid at 106.1, and then heading off to the buffet. There was just about anything you could want at the buffet including; a taco bar, brisket carving station, BBQ mac-n-cheese, martini glasses filled with wedge salad, and mouth watering biscuits. Once everyone had a chance to munch the real fun began!

Play-By-Play Announcer for the Dallas Stars, Ralph Strangis and Color Analyst, Daryl Reaugh emceed the event and did a great job getting the crowd hyped up! We got to hear a few words from the Stars General Manager Joe Nievwendyk, new Dallas Stars owner Tom Gagladdi, and Mayor Mike Rawlings. Then the moment everyone was waiting for...the introduction of the players!! I am sure I wasn't the only woman in the room were fanning themselves profusely trying not to faint! Bring on the man candy!  The players came down the runway with models in a fashion show wearing the designs of Ralph & Razor to much applause, hooting and hollering!

(right) Trevor Daley (middle) Patrick Husted with Ice Girls (right) Tomas Vincour
(bottom) Patrick Husted, Dallas Stars owner Tom Gagladdi and Brittany Husted

Once the runway show was over, everyone got a chance to mingle with coaches, players, and even the Ice girls! I was able to meet quite a few Stars including; Mike Ribeiro, Tomas Vincour, Mark Fistric, Trevor Daley, Ryan Garbutt, Adam Pardy, and Loui Eriksson. I also snagged a pic of Tom Gagladdi!

I asked Pardy what his favorite part of being a Dallas Star was, he said “Well, obviously the fans, and the fact that all the players are so close. We are one BIG happy family and have great chemistry on and off the ice.”

For tickets and game information, visit www.DallasStars.com

Brittany attended Texas State University where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. Brittany and her husband live in Dallas with their two beautiful children/dogs, Marley and Kona. She currently works at Gangway Advertising as an Account Executive and in her spare time she enjoys her family and friends, traveling, shopping, taking pictures, and trying new restaurants. You can follow her on Twitter @brittanyhusted.

Dallas Dweller: Shane Walker

If you are like me, every month you flip through the pages of PaperCity, Modern Luxury, F!D Luxe, GrandLuxe and the like, scouring the social pages to see who was deemed worthy of photo recognition.  There's a handful of regulars who seem to do no wrong when it comes to picking the right outfit or arm candy for editorial selection. And then there are those photos that you see and think, "Who IS that person?" Whether they strike your fancy for their fabulous frock or outrageous hair or interesting style.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to the fabulous faces you've always wondered about but haven't had the occasion to meet in person. This week, let me introduce you to the "Mad Hatter" of Dallas:

Shane Walker

I first encountered Shane at last year's Mad Hatter's Tea Party at the Dallas Arboretum.  Walker owns Shane Walker Design, a floral design and event planning empire and has been involved with Mad Hatter's for years.  "Accolades, such as 'awesome' and 'dramatic', describe Shane Walker's big and bold arrangements. He has become a hit among those who entertain with panache, says Entertaining in Dallas.

Walker's passion is "creating art with flowers.  My look is very dramatic, unique and over the top.  I have a passion for hat designing as well, which I call "wearable art".  I've been designing floral art for nearly twenty years.  My artwork seems to get better with time, due to the fact that I always want to out-do myself." If you want to win one of the coveted titles at the Arboretum's Mad Hatter's Tea... you'd better call Walker, because you can't win without him!

Pat Smith Treasures You

You probably know Pat Smith as the wife of former Dallas Cowboy and NFL Hall of Famer, Emmitt Smith.  Maybe you saw her in D Magazine when she was bestowed the title of one of Dallas' 10 Most Beautiful Women of 2011.  If you're like me, you've looked at her in the pages of a magazine and thought, "Now, there's a woman who has it all." And she does. Now. But she didn't used to have anything. And it's that story that makes Pat Smith one of the most beloved figures on the Dallas (heck, the national) scene today.

Smith was the first African American woman to win the title of Miss Virginia in 1993 and was named first runner-up in the 1994 Miss USA Pageant. She then began her acting career with roles in The Wayans Brothers Show, Beverly Hills 90210 and Sunset Beach. She met and married comedian and actor Martin Lawrence and as she says, "...was living the dream: a mansion in Beverly Hills, driving a cute Jaguar, I had a closet full of designer shoes and outfits." And she was scared and miserable.  One night she got up her courage, packed one suitcase, grabbed her daughter and fled for her life. She had no money, no credit of her own, no where to go and felt humiliated to ask for help. After all, she had "the perfect life".

Cynthia Smoot, Pat Smith and Amy Vanderoef

Miss Patricia Southall Smith comes from a long line of Southern women. You can bend a Belle, but we do not break easily. After finding her way, getting back on her feet and eventually meeting and marrying Emmitt. ("Can I get a hallalujah!" she exclaims when talking about Emmitt)  Pat is taking the life lessons she learned about seizing control of your destiny, your money and your happiness and has dedicated herself to a "new ministry" she's created called Treasure You: a women’s support group that hosts conferences and luncheons devoted to encouraging women to find their passion in life.

Smith told Dallas Child recently, “My ultimate goal is to help women tap into their purpose, passion and power in life so that they can start feeling fulfilled and happy — this feeling of contentment has made me a better woman, wife and mom.”  Yesterday, Smith hosted an intimate gathering at Neiman Marcus in Willowbend to share and empower women to start thinking about their financial independence and power.  Annette Watkins of Ameriprise gave us some startling statistics:

• Did you know that 75% of all marriages today end in divorce? (holy cow!)
• Did you know that women are widowed at an average age of 56, and 1 in 4 of these women are broke within two months of being widowed? 
• Did you know that 87% of poverty stricken elderly Americans are women

Girls, you need to get a hold of your finances and get your head out 'da sand! Or get a good financial planner and do what they say. But do something, was the general message of the day.  Chuck Steelman and Pat ended the day with a fun informal runway show showing us Neiman's 10 trends for Spring. An ironic twist after talking about saving money, that Chuck then urged us to all go downstairs and spend it!

Janet Jackson sang, "I'm in control, never gonna stop. Control, to get what I want.  Control, I got to have a lot.  Control, 'cuz now I'm all grown up." Smith wants us to grow up. And I like being in control...

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