Rhonda Sargent Chambers is the new face of Watters

I received a press release today to preview the Fall 2012 Collection 20 by Dallas-based design company, Watters. What a surprise to see that their new "face" was none other than local beauty, style aficionado, special events and fashion show producer Rhonda Sargent Chambers!

image courtesy of Watters

Watters says of the partnership, "Rhonda Sargent Chambers is someone we admire tremendously. Because of her sense of style, exceptional career, dedication to the Dallas community and that she embodies the modern mother on the go, we chose Rhonda as our ambassador for C20. We're honored she accepted and excited to add her fresh point of view to this fall's collection."

Celebrating their 26th anniversary this year, Watters continues to be the sought after designer among brides, bridesmaids, mothers and flowergirls around the world.   Modern to timeless, Collection 20 by Watters, appeals to women with a clear sense of style. The fall line includes crisply tailored three-piece suits, effortless chiffon dresses, elegant A-lines, sleek straight skirts, and metallic fabrics that make every mother of the bride shine.

Learn more about Watters and their designs on the following social sites: 

Facebook   |  Pinterest   |  Twitter  |  Tumblr

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Two North Texas Ladies Make People Magazine's Most Beautiful Issue in 2012

One of People Magazine's biggest issues every year is their annual "Most Beautiful" issue.  I mean, let's face it, who doesn't like to look at beautiful people?

This year not one, but TWO, ladies from North Texas made the issue!  I'm sure you know by now that Beyonce was on the cover as the "Most Beautiful Woman in the World'.  Outside of the usual celebrity profiles, the magazine featured a spread called "Real Beauty at Every Age".

Over 15,000 women submitted their photos online and 10 women were selected to represent their decade.  Sasha Stubblefield from Rockwall was highlighted for the 30's decade and D'Andra Simmons from Dallas was chosen to represent in the 40's decade.

Let's take a closer look at our beauties:

D'Andra Simmons (age 43)

This Dallas socialite isn't content to just attend fashion shows and charity luncheons. Simmons is the CEO Hard Night Good Morning Skin Care, Vice President of Ultimate Living International and Co-host of "Ultimate Living with D'Andra and Dee." 

What does this accolade mean to Simmons? She told me, "Being recognized as a Real Beauty at 43 years of age, certainly has to be the result of a combination of good genes and good skin care. It proves to me that I am on the correct career path making natural anti-aging skin care products with Hard Night Good Morning.

My grandmother always said, 'Pretty is as pretty does.' I take this to mean that what is on the inside of your soul is just as important in the overall categorization of 'real beauty' as what we look like on the outside. You will hear this said in many different ways from many different people.

To me beauty is about finding a daily balance between nurturing one's exterior beauty while maximizing that which makes you radiate. Voila!! Now that's the ticket!"

Simmons is also currently a contestant for More Magazine's Beauty Contest 2012. You can show her some online love here:  http://www.more.com/events/contests/beauty-search-2012/dandra-simmons


Sasha Stubblefield (age 35)

Sasha is a freelance writer and creator of beauty blog Crows' Feet, Cupcakes, and Cellulite. CCC is a cheeky blog that offers proactive tips on head-to-toe beauty from the latest in skincare to the hottest makeup trends - all with a big dose of wit and moxie.

Stubblefield told me, "I've been following People Magazine's Most Beautiful issue for years! I love that they've now added a 'Real Beauty At Every Age' section -- so that everyday, non-celeb women (whom we can relate to) can be featured and celebrated for their inner and outer beauty.

As an "everyday" woman myself, it's completely thrilling (and humbling) to be considered "Real Beauty." I've been donning an ear-to-ear grin for days!"

For your daily dose of head-to-toe beauty you can follow Sasha on Twitter and Facebook.

People Magazine's Most Beautiful issue is currently on newstands until May 14, 2012.

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Win Tickets to Iron Fork 2012

The Dallas Observer will host their 2nd annual Iron Fork event on May 8 at f.i.g.  This event is a dream come true for foodies looking to sample cuisine from a wide variety of Dallas restaurants like Bread Winners, Cafe Brazil, Dallas Fish Market, Greenz, Landmark Restaurant, Lockhart Smokehouse, Primebar, Torchy's Tacos and a whole lot more!

The evening's entertainment will be a Chef's Challenge moderated by local culinary legend, Kent Rathbun. Last year's Iron Fork champion, Scott Romano, is returning to battle TJ Lengnick from Whiskey Cake.  Each chef will receive a basket of ingredients. The challenge is to go head-to-head in a creative cook-off using the provided items. Celebrity judges will select the winner!  Throughout the night, guests will not only enjoy the Chef's Challenge, but tastings from local restaurants, live music, a mixologist station, along with beer, wine and cocktail stations.

Click here to peruse photos from last year's event.

Tickets are $35 for general Admission and $70 for V.I.P. buuuuuuuuuut I used my charm and good looks to persuade my sweet friends at the Dallas Observer to give my readers a little somthin' somethin'.

Use the code: OHSOCYNTHIA and you will save $10 off either ticket, making your price $25/$60.  You must be 21 or older to attend and proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes.

I also have a pair of VIP tickets to giveaway!  To enter to win, just leave a comment below and say, "Oh So Cynthia is the best blog in Dallas because ..." and leave your reason.  I need your accolades and affirmation and I will bribe you to get them.  :)  I will pick a winner at random from all entries on Wednesday, May 2.  Good luck and make me feel good starting..... now!

photos courtesy of Crave DFW  

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Gallop on Over for Riders In The Sky on May 6

One of my favorite cowboy movies of all time is Toy Story. That unassuming hero, Woody the Cowboy, had my heart from the first time I heard him holler, "There's a snake in my boot!"  If you are a Mom, I guarantee you've seen this movie at least 35 times, so the soundtrack provided by Riders In The Sky will be very familiar to you!

If you've got 'lil cowboys and cowgirls in your stable at home, you HAVE to mosey on down to Saddle-Up Sunday on May 6 to experience Riders in the Sky! Buckaroos and Buckarettes will find a corral full of fun and games from the Wild West and enjoy a concert from Riders in the Sky – as seen in Woody’s Roundup from “Toy Story 2.  

AT&T Performing Arts Center Presents 

Riders In The Sky

Annette Strauss Square
May 6, 2012
Activities 10:00 AM-1:00PM

Show starts at 11:00AM

Activities will include:  Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Goat Milking, Face Painting, Arts and Crafts, Western Carnival Games and more fun surprises!  All Shows Rain or Shine.  Youth 8 and under are free with adult admission purchase!  Tickets start from $35 and can be purchased here.

Want to win FREE tickets for your family? 

I have not one - but two - Family Fun-Packs to give away! Each Family Fun-Pack has 4 tickets, so you can enjoy a day of rootin' tootin' good 'ole fashioned family fun! Yee haw!  To enter to win, simply leave a comment below with your favorite Toy Story moment.  I will pick two winners (each receiving 4 tickets) on Monday, April 30 at 5PM. Good luck!

About Riders In The Sky:
For thirty years Riders In The Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing the genre. And while remaining true to the integrity of Western music, they have themselves become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, and all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life "The Cowboy Way!" In addition to being inducted into the Grand Ol' Opry, Riders are in the Western Music Association's Hall of Fame, the Country Music Foundation's Walkway of Stars, and the Walk of Western Stars along with Gene, Roy, John Wayne and other cowboy legends.  

No less important than their two Grammy wins, Riders have been the Western Music Association's "Entertainers Of the Year" six times, and won "Traditional Group of the Year" and "Traditional Album of the Year" multiple times. The Academy of Western Artists has named them "Western Music Group of the Year" twice in 5 years, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has bestowed Riders with their Wrangler Award statuette three times. It comes as no surprise then that Billboard magazine's Jim Bessman counts them as one of "the most significant acts in the history of American music." 

This post was sponsored by AT&T Performing Arts Center. While I did receive compensation for authoring this post; product selections, descriptions, and opinions are 100% my own. Interested in a sponsored post or product review? Contact me for rates and details.

Y&I Clothing Boutique is Coming to West Village

Highly-anticipated California-based y&i clothing boutique will be opening its third location in West Village May 9, 2012. Located across from Malai Kitchen in the old J’Adore Paris space, y&i shoppers will enjoy a well-edited assortment of fashionable, well-made clothing at an affordable price.

y&i owners Robyn Sribhen White and Robin Boesch first met as high schoolers in Dallas and later were roommates at the University of Texas in Austin. Despite post college careers on separate coasts, the friendship endured until their shared love of affordable fashion brought them back together.

“We’d visit each other whenever we could, and spend hours shopping and obsessing over fashion magazines,” says White. “We were struck by how difficult it was to find a shop where you could get a great outfit for under $300, so we decided to create one.” By giving shoppers the opportunity to mix brands like Joe’s Jeans and Ella Moss with affordable pieces from Billabong and Steve Madden, the duo has turned their dream into reality.

After opening stores in San Francisco, CA and Austin, TX, Robyn and Robin are excited to bring their California-casual style to their hometown.  In addition to contemporary brands like Rachel Pally, Free People, Paige Premium Denim, and LA Made, y&i offers a savvy selection of jewelry, shoes and handbags. The store even has its own label of wallet-friendly clothing.

y&i clothing boutique, 3699 McKinney Ave #411, Dallas, TX 75204, (214) 522-0775

Mon - Fri 11am - 8pm; Sat 10am - 8pm; Sun 11am - 6pm

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Get Bling on a Budget with Jenna Logan

Southern women are taught from birth to never leave the house without looking their very best. Even if you are going to the market, you'd better throw on a dash of lipstick and a fabulous cardigan because you never know who you will see in the cereal aisle!  Your look needs to be completely put together from head to toe in a city like Dallas. It's not just clothes that are important. To me, the devil is in the details: shoes, perfume, handbag and jewelry.

There are many of you that proudly claim to be fashionistas. But there's another group of us - a secret club - who are also recessionistas. If you read this blog with any regularity, you know I am thrifty. Partially because I have to be. And partially becasue for me, half the fun of shopping is finding a great treasure at a fraction of it's valued price.  Even if I won the lottery, I don't know that I could bring myself to pay $800 for a pair of shoes.

There are many ways to be fashionable on a budget. Thrifting and consignment stores is one. Sites like Jenna Logan is another.  Jenna Logan allows you to rent today's trendiest looks and classic styles at affordable prices.  That's right - rent jewelry.  It's one of those idea that makes you do a Homer Simpson head slap and say "Doh!" for not thinking of it yourself.

So, how does it work?

1. Choose from hundreds of the latest fine and fashion jewelry styles.
2. Rent the item of your choice and keep it as long as you want
3. No due dates
4. No late fees
5. Free Shipping and Free Returns
6. No initiation fees
7. No cancellation fees ever!

It’s that simple! A $39.99 monthly membership provides you endless jewelry options.  This is just pure genius and I can't wait to burn up the internet placing my orders!!

Click here to join Jenna Logan today and start experiencing the ease and convenience of renting fine jewelry!

This post was sponsored by Jenna Logan. While I did receive compensation for authoring this post; product selections, descriptions, and opinions are 100% my own. Interested in a sponsored post or product review? Contact me for rates and details.

Accessible Luxury 2012

Park Place Motors provided the hottest destination stop last Saturday night, hosting the 3d annual Accessible Luxury event benefiting Scottish Rite Hospital.  DJ Lucy Wrubel provided the soundtrack for the evening while guests enjoyed everything from fashion to cuisine featuring food from Kent Rathbun, The Grape, La Duni, to jewels courtesy of Eiseman Jewels.  Courtney Kerr from Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas emceed a spectacular fashion show featuring designs from Oscar de la Renta.  There was even a "Man Cave" geared towards the men at the event offering cigars, the Green House food truck, guns and fashion from Beretta.

I sweet-talked Park Place CEO Ken Schnitzer into unlocking a $400,000 McClaren for me to sit in. There's just something about sitting in a car worth as much as a house that make you feel goooood!  I also spied Barney's fashion guru Jack Son, Robin McMonigle, Ashley Oliver, artist Seth Simmons and Texas Monthly's LeighAnne Bakunas mixing and mingling.

Last year's event raised over $50K for the cause. Event Co-chairs Heather and Robert Murphy did an outstanding job overseeing this year's swanky soiree giving me every reason to believe that this year's tally will be more. Fingers crossed!

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

(top left)  Hilary Walker and friend  (top right) Courtney Kerr
(bottom left)  Jack Son with Harriet Kelly  (bottom right)  LeeAnne Locken and Ken Schnitzer

Special thanks to piermarini boutique for styling me for this event.  D Magazine just named them one of "Dallas' top shops". Visit their Uptown boutique to see why! piermarini boutique is located at 2701 Hibernia Street  Dallas, TX 75204, (214) 303-1261. 

Brad Goreski Breezes Through Dallas to Promote "Born to be Brad"

Brad Goreski first hit the national scene as Rachel Zoe's madcap assistant in The Rachel Zoe Show. Flash forward a couple of years and he's spun off from Zoe, created his own styling company, landed his own show with Bravo called It's a Brad Brad World, launched a partnership with Kate Spade and published a book.  Brad's been busy.

photo courtesy of Thomas Garza Photography

He bounced through Dallas this week on a 7-city tour in partnership with Brooks Brothers to promote his new book called Born to be Brad, My Life and Style. So Far.  His new memoir (part self-help/part biography) recounts how a pudgy boy from a tiny Canadian town became a fashion guru working alongside stylist-to-the-stars Rachel Zoe. However, the road to fashion fame has had its ups and downs. Along the way, Goreski battled a drug addiction, interned at Vogue and found personal happiness with his partner of ten years, Gary Janetti.

Click to view a photo gallery from this event on Facebook

It's a Brad Brad World has not yet been renewed for a second season, but Brad didn't seem to concerned. "I hope it gets picked up again," he mused, "but if it doesn't, then we'll move to Plan B - which is Plan Brad."  Goreski said the show has been great for his personal life and that his partner Gary Janetti, loved the experience. "It really brought him - well, both of us - out of our privacy bubble and opened up a whole other world for him. It's been a great experience!"

Admittedly, Goreski is at the beginning phases of what will hopefully be a long career in fashion. I asked him why he chose to write a book at the beginning of his journey. What did he feel he had to say when he was so new to his path? "I feel like I've had so many people over the last few years ask me how I got started in fashion, what is was like to be a stylist, how I came out of the closet and about my sobriety. I just wanted to put it all onto the page and literally close that chapter of my life. I'm ready to move on and I think I've learned some valuable lessons along the way that I can share with people."

Brad told me this was his first trip to Dallas but he was instantly taken with our "big hair".  He said, "It seems like it's all about hair and make-up here. Flawless."  He attempted to have lunch at Neiman Marcus Downtown, but the restaurant was closed for a private event so he ended up at Dallas Chop House (he had chicken).

Fellow Bravo TV star, Courtney Kerr of Most Eligible Dallas had texted me earlier in the day to gloat that she was taking Brad out to Smoke for dinner. When I asked to join them she was all like, "Back off, bitch. He's my man!" And then I was like, "Oh, no you did'unt!" and we had a big cat fight via text. Just kidding. But she did tell me I couldn't come. She wanted him all to herself. Well, herself and two other gay men. (sigh) I understood.  She'll need a favor from me one day and then you just wait. I will say, "Remember when..." :)

Courtney Kerr and Brad Goreski at Smoke

You can follow Brad on Twitter and become a Fan on Facebook.
Born to be Brad, My Life and Style. So Far. is available on Amazon or wherever book are sold!

Dallas Dweller: Caitlin McConnell

If you are like me, every month you flip through the pages of PaperCity, F!D Luxe, Modern Luxury, D Magaizne and the like, scouring the social pages to see who was deemed worthy of photo recognition.  There are the faces that get published with frequent regularity.  But there are a LOT of people that you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces. This week, let me introduce you to a gal who's no dumb blonde. She's blinging the world one tee at a time:

Caitlin McConnell

Caitlin McConnell

I was familiar with Caitlin's work long before I met Caitlin.  As the creator of Bling Is The New Black, McConnell has created works of wearable art for companies like Paws In The City, Big Rich Texas and The Fashionistas. I was surprised when I met her that she was so... young.

It hasn't even been 5 years ago that she was studying fashion design and art history at the University of North Texas.  Her Mother was searching everywhere to find a company that could make her some bedazzled t-shirts for a conference. In desperation she said to Caitlin, "You're the fashion major! Why don't you figure out how to make these for me!?" So... she did. And she kept making custom tees for friends and family throughout college, calling her new business Bling Is The New Black.

Mad Hatter's Tea 2012

The 24th annual Mad Hatter's Tea benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s A Woman’s Garden is always one of the most fun charitable events of the year.  This year's event was held on Thursday, April 12, 2012. And just like last year, the day started off with gray skies and a smattering of raindrops. Fortunately the rain was short-lived and this year's Chairman, Carmaleta Whiteley and Barbara Daseke greeted guests as the sun broke through the clouds and ladies in their fabulous chapeaus waltzed into the Ginsburg Plaza.

Barbara Daseke (with a stuffed chipmunk on her shoulder!) and Carmaleta Whiteley
with their hat designer, Todd Fiscus

The divine Hunter Sullivan crooned Big Band tunes as ladies flitted about the outdoor Plaza ooh'ing and ahh'ing over the amazing array of millinery creations, sipped champagne and snapped photo after photo. This is one event where everyone has their cameras out!  I was on one side of the Plaza when I stopped dead in my tracks - across the way I spied a hat with a working fountain on it! I dashed over to see who had such a fantastic creation.  Of course... It was Mad Hatter's legend Jill Rowlett, there with her trusty sidekick and BFF, Yvonne Crum.

Jill Rowlett (with a working fountain on her head!) and Yvonne Crum

Not to be outdone, Jocelyn White had live butterflies on her hat. She explained that their wings had been misted so they couldn't fly away. As the day progressed and their wings dried out, they would flutter off into the skies of the Arboretum. She had a big bag of them and was handing them out to everyone. It was super cool. Look at the photo above and you'll spot a big yellow and black butterfly on Yvonne Crum's arm.

(top left)  Joclyn White with live butterflies   (top right)  Guest with D'Andra Simmons
(bottom left)  Shay Geyer is pretty in pink  (bottom right)  Doris Jacobs and Lee Bailey

We moved into Rosine Hall for a fashion show produced by the incomparable Jan Strimple, featuring designs by local retailers Betty Reiter, V.O.D., Forty Five Ten and Cicada.  Then it was time for the awards! Emcee Ron Corning, along with this year's judges, announced the winners and handed out prizes. And the winners were....




After the fashion show and awards presentation, everyone went back outside for a beautiful lunch under a tented pavilion. Since its inception in 1982, the Women’s Council has supported the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden overall and through the creation, development and on-going funding of the world renowned A Woman’s Garden and now, through funding the garden’s enhancements that will continue to draw visitors to our great city from all over the world.

Shane Walker and Cynthia

The main topic of conversation at the luncheon was everyone wondering when next year's theme would be announced. Let the planning begin!!  For more information, visit the website at www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org.

Click here to see a complete gallery of photos from this event

Special thanks to Shane Walker of Shane Walker Design for creating my over-the-top amazing hat and to Lela Rose in Highland Park Village for styling me in the perfect frock to accompany such a magnificent creation!

Sample Sale of the Century is Happening Monday!

Last month I told you about an amazing wholesale showroom I discovered in Carrollton called Shh! Don't Tell that specialized in European brands.

They are having a BLOWOUT sample sale this Monday, April 16 from 5-9PM and you do not want to miss this!




Everything $99 or less wholesale will be $20
Everything $100-$200 wholesale will be $30
Everything $200-$250 wholesale will be $40
Everything $300 and Up wholesale will be $50
NOTHING will be over $50

To show you some of the types of things you can expect to find, here are a few of the fantastic clothing items I got last month:

Blue Shirt Dress

Multi-Print Top (me on the far right)

LeeAnne (on the left) got her DIFFA dress here

RSVP for this event on Facebook and receive one item (excluding leather) for only $10!
 St. Maarten U.S.A., 2445 Midway Road, Suite 200, Carrollton, TX 75006

Meet Edgar Gomez: Big D's Newest Fashion Design Sensation

Edgar Gomez

Edgar Gomez is an emerging young Dallas designer looking to make his mark on the local fashion scene.  Five years ago he moved with his family from Venezuela to America, began attending El Centro College and enrolled in their fashion design program. It is here where Gomez realized that fashion design is his true calling.

Gomez considers himself a dreamer and is always trying to fantasy into reality. His passion for fashion design allows him to showcase his creativity through his bold designs.  The Fashionistas have already recognized Gomez by including him in their Young Designer Showcase 2011.   

Botticelli's Primavera painting is the inspiration for his latest collection and you can view his exciting new designs and met Gomez on April 27 at the Cohn Drennan Gallery. 

I hope to see you there!

source

Savor Dallas 2012

The 8th annual Savor Dallas, a North Texas food and wine festival, was held on March 30-31, 2012.  This year it expanded its scope to the Las Colinas Convention Center for its grand tasting with 65 chefs and more than 400 wines. My whole social life revolves around food. When I make plans with people, I never ask, "What are we going to do?" I ask, "Where are we going to eat?".  So, Savor Dallas is always one event I look forward to.  Unfortunately for me, DIFFA was also on March 31 and since I couldn't be in two places at once I sent my awesome assistant, Brittany to graze her way through this festival.  Here's a recap of her adventure:

_________________________________

Savor Dallas is a weekend long event that celebrates wine, food, spirits, and the arts. It began back in 2005 and attracted nearly 4,000 attendees from all over who were eager to enjoy some of the best food and drink around! Since then, Savor Dallas has landed a special place in the city and continues to draw thousands of wine and food connoisseurs from all over.

 I had the pleasure of attending two events this past weekend for Savor Dallas and both were AMAZING!! I started off on Friday at the Arts DistrictStroll, which included tastings at the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Meyerson Symphony Center, and Winspear Opera House.  I was initially struck with amazement at the number of people standing in line waiting for their samples but quickly snapped out of it, grabbed a wine glass, and joined the pandemonium! I made a devout effort to try as many wines and culinary masterpieces as possible. Some of my favorite wines included: Iconoclast Cabernet from Becker Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc from Apothic, and Chardonnay from Edna Valley. Delicious pork tacos from Jorge’s Tex-Mex also landed a spot on my favorites list.

After the festivities on Friday evening I felt as though I had thoroughly prepped myself for the International Grand Tasting at Las Colinas Convention Center. There were several different sections setup including the Lower Café Terrace, Covered Outdoor Terrace and of course, The Grand Ballroom. As I stepped into the ballroom I was in awe of how many people were there to wine and dine. There were over a hundred wine vendors there; each with multiples wines to taste…you can do the math on that one! Along with wine, spirits and beer, there were also over 60 culinary chefs who each brought their own unique style to the table.

Who made my favorite food list? Meddlesome Moth for their Shrimp and Grits, Whisky Cake for none other than their Whiskey Cake, and Culpepper Steakhouse for their magnificent Quail and Risotto! Of course the wine was amazing as well like the Sauvignon Blanc from Black Oak, Cabernet Sauvignon from Kendall-Jackson, and the Merlot from Darcie Kent. Finally, after a twelve-course meal (it seemed that way with all the sampling I took part in) and enough wine to last me all month, I was finished. I could not put one more morsel of food in my mouth or one more glass of wine. It was an unforgettable experience and I am thankful I was able to wine and dine with the best! I am already looking forward to what next year’s Savor Dallas will bring to the table!

For more information about this event, visit http://www.savordallas.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.

Casting Call: It's My Party

It's a Brad, Brad World and I Just Want to Live In It

Rachel Zoe has been influencing my world in many ways lately.  Last June, she partnered with Dallas-based Neiman Marcus to launch her collection with the brand. In March, I had the pleasure of meeting (and interviewing) her BFF, make-up and hair stylist Joey Maalouf. And now this... her ex-protegee Brad Goreski has just published a new tome called "Born to be Brad" and will be making a stop in Dallas on his 7-city promotional tour. I die.

So, put on your best color-blocked outfit and come out to meet Brad next week. It will ah-mazing.

What's in a Name? Apparently A Lot's at Steak.

We Texans love a good steak. In fact, I bet if someone conducted a poll, at least 60% of Texans would list a good steak dinner with all the fixin's as their preferred last meal.  Dallas is fortunate to have many superior steak restaurants: Al Biernat's, III Forks, Bailey's Prime Plus and Bob's Steak and Chop House to name just a few. In fact, D Magazine's directory lists 63 steakhouses.

And it looks like we are getting one more. The Hilton Anatole just announced the creation of its new, contemporary steakhouse, Sēr (pronounced “sear”). 

Scheduled to open on October 1, 2012, Sēr will replace the iconic Nana as the premier dining destination in the landmark convention hotel. Boasting some of the most incredible views of the picturesque Dallas skyline, Sēr will offer prime cuts of the finest beef, the freshest of seafood, and unique appetizers and side dishes that will clearly differentiate it as a new style of Dallas steakhouse.  At least that's what the press release claims...

The press release is still warm from coming over the wire, and already they are already taking flak for the name.  D Magazine's Nancy Nichols says, "Names should be easy to read and say. A customer should be able to glance at the name, style of font, and get an idea of what they are to expect."  Teresa Gubbins from Pegasus News puts it plainly: "Seems like they could've just called it 'Sear'?" Eater Dallas states, "We can't wait to see what Anthony Bombaci does next, because it surely can't be anything related to Sēring a stäk."

What do you think of the name Sēr? Clever? Or too confusing and gimmicky?

Fashionable Feet

Last night, I got to pretend to be a fashion model when I stomped the catwalk for Fashion's Living Canvas benefiting The Fashionistas.  The best part of the night, was kicking off my 6" stilettos after the show. Ow. My feet!

I spied this "Barefoot Jewelry" by local designer, Chelsea Bond of Red-I by Chelsea backstage and promptly sweet-talked it right off of the model and onto my feet.  They were the hit of the after-party and I was the envy of every woman there still wearing their 6" stilettos!

photo of my feet courtesy of Chelsea Bond

Chelsea says, "Barefoot jewelry {or barefoot sandals} are the fashionable, adjustable and unique. Adorn your bare feet in customizable handcrafted barefoot jewelry for your destination wedding, present them as a gift to your bridesmaids for your beach wedding, and take them on your honeymoon. Beach trips, pool parties, bridal destination wedding jewelry, with sandals and without sandals…every occasion is one for beautiful handcrafted barefoot jewelry."

Styles start at $50. Visit the site to peruse your options.

Dress 4 Yellow 2012

Cynthia with Lance Armstrong

I followed a yellow brick road carpet into the beautiful historic Adolphus Hotel on Thursday, April 5, 2012 for the highly anticipated Dress 4 Yellow event held to raise funds for LIVESTRONG and Cook Children’s Cancer Center through a high-profile fashion show, luncheon and silent auction.

"Dress 4 Yellow is designed to inspire and empower those affected by cancer,” Lance Armstrong said. “Through dollars raised, we will increase awareness, provide critical navigation services, fund research and survivorship programs and work to end the stigma of cancer around the globe.”

The Adolphus Hotel provided a baroque and luxurious environment for this lavish event. Gene Jones, Tre Wilcox, Tiffany Derry, New York Times best-selling author Sandra Brown, Amy Vanderoef and her Congressman-hopeful hubby Grant Stinchfield, Pat Smith, Courtney Kerr, Matt Nordgren and Heidi Dillon started the day with a champagne reception in the historic French Room (my favorite spot ever and the best place in Dallas to go for a romantic evening)

(top left) Pat Smith and Tre Wilcox  (top right) Shelley O'Neal, Heidi Dillon and Gina Ginsburg 
(bottom) Judge Diane Haddock, Bobbie Marshall, Nancy Brown and Sandra Brown

We moved down to the Century Room where LIVESTRONG founder and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, along with Co-Chairs Jennifer Applbaum and Lee Nagel,  kicked off the runway show featuring designs by more than 20 of the world’s top designers. Each designer produced a custom-made yellow piece or select a yellow design from archived collections.

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 Dallas fashion designers Shirin Askari, Nha Khanh, Lela Rose, Abi Ferrin and handbag designer Laura Ginsburg were represented. Other designers included Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catherine Malandrino, Thakoon, Christian Siriano, Zang Toi, Cole Haan, Nike, Oakley, Ruffian, Sachin + Babi, Elie Tahari, David Meister, Rachel Roy, Chadwick Bell and more. Runway designs were beautifully styled with Kendra Scott Jewelry.

Dress 4 Yellow designs by Lela Rose, Nha Khanh, Abi Ferrin and Shirin Askari

The show was masterfully produced by Bret McKinney, who has been part of the Stanley Korshak team since 2000, and has been the driving force behind the store’s fantastic visual displays, as well as the producer of Texas Ballet Theater, DIFFA/Dallas and Fresh Faces of Fashion. 

Immediately following the runway spectacular, was a seated luncheon in the Grand Ballroom where four of the runway looks were feted in a live auction, including a pair of Justin Boots embossed with the yellow rose of Texas, and yellow dresses by Carmen Marc Valvo, Abi Ferrin and Tibi.  Cole Hahn provided fabulous wristlet clutches in a rainbow of colors for each guest.

The yellow theme left everyone feeling sunny and optimistic about the fight against cancer. The war might not be over, but this event was a battle won and that's something to celebrate! 

bodybar packs a wallop

bodybar™ is bringing the latest in fitness to Dallas with a boutique fitness studio that isn’t based on fads – but, rather an overall experience that helps Dallasites make fitness a way of life. bodybar is dedicated to total body transformation through Pilates, strength training and overall wellness. With a combination of top-of-the-line machinery, one-of-a-kind workouts, signature aromatherapy candles and apparel products – all in beautiful, modern studios – bodybar is dedicated to keeping the community excited and challenged – physically and mentally.

They invited me to attend their grand opening event and try out some classes. As sweet as that offer was, I find it highly unladylike to sweat, so I declined their offer and instead sent my trusty assistant, Brittany over to scope out  the scene. Here's her report:

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Gatlin and Moses

Energy levels were high as people gathered for the grand opening of bodybar, Dallas’ newest boutique fitness studio!

Once I walked in, I was greeted by the smell of freshly painted walls and the sound of the DJ getting guests pumped up. I rounded the corner and spotted the raw foods and an organic juice bar. I was a little frightened when I heard “raw” but decided to branch out and give it a whirl!

I tried the Texas Chili Lime energy nut mix, and was really impressed with the flavors. If eating healthy tastes this good then I’m totally in!  As I continued through I stopped to check out the fabulous section of workout apparel before making my way into the studio where the top-of-the-line machines were setup-which by the way, all looked very futuristic!

I got a chance to chitchat with Kristen Moses and Laurie Gatlin, the inspirations behind bodybar, about what they were most excited about. Laurie stated “the fact that we finally get to see all our hard work pay off makes the 2 years worth of preparation and planning worth it!”  

Dena Magazzine, one of the Star Athlete instructors, gave me a little more insight on what I can expect from a workout. 50 minute, high intensity classes that incorporate Pilates methods and strength training into routines that are not currently practiced anywhere in Dallas! Dena says “the music keeps it exciting and makes the class feel less like a workout and more like fun” Now that’s something I can handle!

What a great experience it was getting to mingle with such highly trained and motivated individuals! I am looking forward, like many others, to getting my bikini body ready for summer and will be taking advantage of the free classes to jump-start my fitness regimen. Hope to see you there!!  

bodybar™ is located at 4514 Travis St., Suite 125, Dallas, TX 75205

 bodybar™ recently signed a lease on their second location in Plano at Park and Preston and look to open their second studio within the third quarter. For more information, visit their website at www.bodybarstudios.com and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

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.