Pop-up Shop Thrift Studio Provides Dignity through Design

Director of Development Rachel Buxkamper, Associate Executive Director Lisa Nelson, Vice President
and Director Kim Turner, Founder and President Lisa Robison

It was an Oprah quote about your passion providing happiness that got Lisa Robison thinking. She knew she was passionate about design and passionate about giving back to the community, and thus Dwell with Dignity was born. Believing that the people who can least afford good design actually benefit from it the most, Lisa along with El Centro classmate, friend, and fellow designer Kim Turner, created the non-profit organization to design, provide, and install home interiors for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. With a birthday gift nest egg and the enthusiasm of the North Texas design community all asking what they could do to help, the ladies partnered with agencies like the Interfaith Housing Coalition that provide transitional housing and counseling for the individuals and families in need. Dwell with Dignity provides the furniture, artwork, linens, kitchen supplies, and even fills the pantry and cooks the family their first meal in their new home.

To raise funds for this remarkable endeavor, the bi-annual pop-up Thrift Studio was created. Selling a combination of overstock high-end designer finds and repurposed gently used furniture, housewares, and accessories, the shop is also a showroom of unique vignettes installed by some the top interior designers in the city where everything is for sale. It’s an opportunity to find unique and affordable furnishings where all proceeds benefit the non-profits efforts to help families escape homelessness and poverty.

Best of Big D? It could be me!

Dear Steven Doyle, Courtney Kerr, Jane Aldridge, Candy Evans, Daniel Vaughn and the rest,

Hi, fellow bloggers! What a surprise to find out that my little 'ole blog has been nominated by D Magazine as one of Dallas' best blogs along with your site! That's a pretty sweet way to start the week, huh.

Let's just remember - when you are playing the game - it's not personal, it's business. So forgive me over these next two weeks as I set out to completely and utterly annihilate your chances of winning this thing.  Let the games begin!  Smooches! ~Cyn

Click here to vote (#23) once a day, every day, until May 12.

Scenes from Accessible Luxury 2013

Park Place Motors was the destination last Saturday night, hosting the 4th annual Accessible Luxury event benefiting Scottish Rite Hospital. DJ's Jennifer Miller and Paul Parades provided the soundtrack for the evening while guests enjoyed food and libations from vendors including Truluck's, Four Corners Brewing, Buffalo Trace, The Grape and Lombardi's concepts and more. Courtney Kerr from KTXD's D: The Broadcast and Lauren Scruggs emceed a spectacular fashion show featuring designs from Oscar de la Renta, produced by the beautiful Harriet Gibbe. There was even a "Man Cave" geared towards the men at the event offering cigars and guns and fashion from Beretta. Honorary Event Chairs Abby and Todd Williams and Event Chairs Lisa and Dan Sucato mixed and mingled with Fluent's Jackson, Stuart Boslow, fashion designer Paulette Martsolf and Sabra Girard. To learn more about this event, visit http://www.tsrhc.org/AccessibleLuxury/default.asp

Harriet Gibbe photographed by Brian Tobin

Seeing Is Believing: My Quest for New Eyewear

I received a letter from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles a few weeks ago, informing me that my driver’s license would be expiring on my birthday (May 5th in case you are interested). The good news, is that I have to go in and have a new photo taken - which is awesome because no one ever likes the photo on their license. I swear they train their people to take bad images. “Wait until they blink or open their mouth to ask a question…” I can hear it now. The bad news is that I also have to complete an eye exam to renew my license. I have been wearing "readers" for a couple of years and totally need them to read small print. Reading the 4 point font on my iPhone was a nightmare until I discovered you could enlarge it. Now my setting is extra large or as my son calls it “old people font”.

I knew there was no way I would pass an eye test, so I made an appointment to get my eyes examined and sure enough I heard the words that no woman ever wants to hear, “You need bifocals.” (insert mental image of my Grandmother and a silent scream here) So, how does one stay fashionably cool and still wear glasses? I dropped into Occhiali Modern Optics at Plaza at Preston Center to browse around and see if I could live with this verdict. I was pleasantly surprised to see that frames have gotten a lot hipper since I last wore them 20 years ago. Materials range from the traditional plastic and wire to unique pieces made from wood and bamboo. Right away the sales person said words that are music to my ears, “We carry lines that you won’t find all over town and even brands that other stores carry – we carry exclusive frames within the collection.” Always a plus, because who wants to look like everyone else? Not me.

Learn how to create a miniature garden with Amy Kate Gardens

If you love the beautiful, pristine, look of a manicured garden setting, but hate to pull weeds in the hot sun or only have a balcony for your outdoor space, you’ll love the miniature gardens trend. Miniature gardens, started in New York City, are becoming increasingly popular in Dallas as more baby boomers and young people move to condos and townhomes downtown. The tiny gardens are also popular with those who have small back yards, and no time or talent for keeping a large garden in good shape.

Amy Kate Gardens, started by Southlake resident Amy Kate, makes it easy to create a miniature garden through home- based parties that allow guests to choose from hundreds of options. They decorate their tabletop garden with miniature gazebos, wheelbarrows, arbors, tiny tables and chairs and birdhouses, filling in with rock paths, mosses and plants, to fit their ideal image of a table- top retreat. “We also have Fairy Gardens, with whimsical touches, and fairy figures, which have been a hit at little girls’ birthday parties,” says Amy Kate. “Adults who live in townhomes or condos like the terrariums, and enjoy creating a garden they remember from their childhood. “ She admits that adults enjoy the fairy gardens, too, and many of her clients like creating miniature worlds that can easily be changed with the seasons, with the addition of tiny pumpkins, Spring accessories, Fourth of July banners, or holiday decorations.

Meet couture jewelry designer Shona Gilbert of SHONA

From the Pebbles Collection

Dallas-based couture jewelry designer, Shona C. Gilbert will be making appearances across the country in the next few months to preview her Spring/Summer 2013 Collection.  Among SHŌNA's Dallas devotees are Maggie Kipp, Rhonda Sargent Chambers,  LeeAnne Locken, Jayne Chobot Herring, Jackie Nugent, Dana Vidal, Cathy Vieth and Dawn Mellon.  Fashionable folks will have the opportunity to meet this petite powerhouse at several appearances in the Dallas-area in the next few weeks.  Forty (40) new pieces have been added to the SHŌNA lines: EDHA, Ayanna, Pebbles, and St. Germain. Fans of SHŌNA‘s statement pieces and bold designs will be clamoring over the additions of gemstones and Keshi Pearl earrings to her new designs. SHŌNA features handcrafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry using a combination of precious and semiprecious stones, mixed metals and rare vintage materials.

You can meet Shona and shop her collection at the following events:

• April 21 – Trunk Show in partnership with Commonwealth Couture, 6927 Hillcrest (Snider Plaza), Dallas, TX 75205. Noon to 3:00 PM 
• May 10 – Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus, 1618 Main Street (Downtown) Dallas, TX 75201. 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

For more information, visit www.byShona.com or Facebook.

Disclaimer: SHONA is a client of my firm, Gangway. It's so cool that I represent such awesome brands.

Women in High Places Wear High Heels at High Tea to Benefit Girls, Inc.

So many parties, galas, events, shows... It's impossible to attend every fabulous thing I receive an invitation to! So, from time to time, I call in the troops to help me cover the scene. Today, OSC Contributor Dawn Mellon recaps  “High Tea with High Heels,” benefitting Girls, Inc.  Here's her recap of this inaugural event:

Pat Smith, founder and CEO of Treasure You as well as president of Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, along with Calvert Collins of FOX 4 News, served as Mistresses of Ceremonies at Dallas’ inaugural “High Tea with High Heels,” benefitting Girls, Inc. The event, sponsored by the Dallas Convention Center and Visitors Bureau (Dallas CVB), and held last week at the Ritz-Carlton, celebrated the success of an “…elite group of women executives (who) stand out above their peers by championing achievements in their respective fields,” explained Phillip J. Jones, president and CEO of the Dallas CVB.

The honorees included:
Anne Motesenbocker, president of Dallas region of Chase
Ann Williams, founder and artistic director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Charlotte Jones Anderson, chief brand officer and president of Charities and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders of Dallas Cowboys Football Club
Clarice Tinsley, FOX 4 News anchor/reporter
Dr. Beverly Mitchell-Brooks, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas Dr. Elba Garcia, Dallas County Commissioner, District 4
Gloria Campos, WFAA-TV anchor/reporter
Jan Miller, founder and CEO of Dupree/Miller & Associates, Inc.
Nina Vaca, founder, chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc.

Of course, no charitable event in Dallas would be complete without a fashion show and High Tea with High Heels was no exception, as models cascaded down the runway sporting this spring’s hottest trends by Macy’s. Among those spotted enjoying the afternoon’s festivities were Gene Jones, Sue Gragg, and Suzie Humphreys. For more information, visit GirlsIncDallas.org.

L to R: Anne Motsenbocker (president of Dallas region of Chase), Charlotte Jones Anderson (chief brand officer and president of Charities and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders of Dallas Cowboys Football Club), Ann Williams (founder and artistic director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre), Clarice Tinsley (FOX 4 News anchor/reporter), Cheryl Richards (senior vice president and chief diversity officer of Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau), Dr. Elba Garcia (Dallas County Commissioner, District 4), Nina Vaca, (founder, chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc.) and Jan Miller (founder and CEO of Dupree/Miller & Associates, Inc.) Not pictured: Gloria Campos, WFAA-TV anchor/reporter, Dr. Beverly Mitchell-Brooks, president/CEO of the Urban League of Greater Dallas and North Central Texas.    Photo credit: courtesy of Mallouf Photography

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

Meet members of Duck Dynasty cast in Dallas on May 5

Readers of this site might remember my family road trip through West Monroe, LA. last month to visit the Duck Commander compound en route to New Orleans.  Well, I just found out that I am going to have a “happy, happy, happy” birthday because three members of the Robertson family from the A&E hit reality show Duck Dynasty will take to the stage on May 5 for the annual Prestonwood Pregnancy Center fundraising dinner.

“Dinner with the Dynasty,” will feature Kay, matriarch of the family, and Willie, the CEO of Duck Commander, and his wife and business partner, Korie. This is an incredible opportunity to hear personal tales from the Robertsons, support a great organization, and enjoy a delicious meal. (No, duck is not on the menu.)  The event will be at the Hotel InterContinental in Addison. Table sponsorships are available and individual seats went on sale Monday, April 15, at a cost of $150 each.

Prestonwood Pregnancy Center, a ministry of Prestonwood Baptist Church, celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year. In the past two decades, the center has helped more than 52,000 clients by providing guidance for unplanned pregnancies, pregnancy tests, sonograms, educational classes and post-abortion support groups. Services are provided free of charge. Prestonwood Pregnancy Center is located at 15757 Coit Road #308, in Dallas, but it also serves clients through a Community Mobile Sonogram, which travels to various locations in Dallas County on weekdays. Another Community Mobile Sonogram will begin serving clients in Collin County in the coming weeks.

Dinner with the Dynasty will take place on Sunday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hotel InterContenental. For reservations or more information, contact hhuber@prestonwood.org or 972-386-4015.

Bush women rally to support New Friends New Life at the annual WINGS luncheon

Barbara Pierce Bush looked smokin' hot with a
new darker hairdo and bangs. Photo: Nancy Gopez

The annual WINGS luncheon was held last week at the Hyatt Regency benefitting New Friends New Life.  Former First Lady Barbara Bush taped a message for the luncheon to welcome everyone and lend support for her grand-daughter, Barbara Pierce Bush, who was the events featured speaker.

Babs Jr. laughed that she hadn't been aware of the taped message but was so grateful because "you don't how how many times I've gotten up to speak at an event and looked out onto a crowd of shocked faces who were clearly expecting the older Barbara Bush".

Barbara Pierce Bush is CEO and co-founder of Global Health Corps, an organization that mobilizes a global community of emerging leaders to build the movement for health equity. Since 2009, Global Health Corps has placed 216 fellows from twelve countries to work with non-profit and government health organizations like Partners In Health and the Clinton Health Access Initiative in Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia and the United States.

Rebecca Minkoff visits Neiman Marcus Willow Bend on her Road Trip Tour

Rebecca Minkoff and Cynthia Smoot

Designer Rebecca Minkoff made an appearance last week at Neiman Marcus Willow Bend on Thursday, April 11 to mix and mingle with the style-makers of Dallas and chat about one of my favorite topics - HANDBAGS!

Minkoff greeted admirers and signed handbags purchased that evening.  Making it even more special was the fact that local artist Logan Real joined the party, painting monograms onto bags. This was wildly popular and there was a huge line waiting for him.

Minkoff held an "I like your style" contest and selected three lucky fans to win prizes for having great personal style. Angie Strange shows off her prize below with a necklace from Minkoff's Collection.  Guests also enjoyed a nail bar, eyelash bar, cocktails and nibbles.

Minkoff's Spring/Summer 2013 handbag collection offers classic satchels, duffle bags, shoulder bags and box clutches. Her timeless handbag styles are offered in neutral colors as well as cobalt blue and a blue-toned emerald green.

The envelope clutch has been a huge handbag trend over the past year and while Minkoff shows her own version of the envelope silhouette for Spring 2013; it is not in a clutch.

No Tie Dinner and Dessert Party 2013 was Shag-Tastic

The Frontiers of Flight Museum was a flashback to the 1960’s last Saturday night for the Eighth Annual No Tie Dinner and Dessert Party. The event was themed “Desserts a Go-Go”  and guests donned their 1960’s best - representing an era when bouffant hairdos, afros, mini-skirts and go-go boots were required to shake your groove thing on the dance floor.

This is a two-tiered event, with the dessert soiree following a series of private dinners held at hosts homes.  I started my evening at the home of D'Andra Simmons, one of the evenings Development Ambassadors, and enjoyed a lavish buffet with BLKLN designer Jim Duran, Christopher Wright, Kimber Covington, Melissa Samei and LeeAnne Locken. 

With an estimated 2,000 patrons and a high-profile cast leading the event, Co-Chairs Dennis Kershner and David Nelson, made sure that No Tie is no square event. It was a shag-tastic evening with DJ Mark Ridlen managing the groove on the dance floor, live and silent auction, Whiskey a Go-Go cocktails, and guilty-pleasure desserts galore from some of Dallas’ finest restaurants and caterers including Hattie’s, Frosted Art Bakery, Tart Bakery, Komali Restaurant, Two Sisters Catering and many, many more.

Neiman Marcus hosts handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez

Neiman Marcus hosted a private party for handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez at the new Museum Tower high-rise of PR guru Barbara Buzzell.  Gonzalez breezed into town with the cooler temps but brought with her the sunny hues of her Spring/Summer Collection with her.

Gonzalez who is eponymous with vibrant color and luxurious textures has become one of the most celebrated handbag designers in the world. Known for her innovative use of precious skins and distinct color palette, her handbags have become instant classics.

Gonzalez designs are always modern, yet they are inspired by classical elements. “Nature is my best accomplice and my source of inspiration is life,” she says. “I always try to push the limits of what can be done with precious skins.  I incorporate elements into each piece that make us smile; a color, a texture, a detail, a surprise.”

You can shop Nancy Gonzalez' complete collection online or in Neiman Marcus stores nationwide.

photos:  Steve Foxall


This post was brought to you by:

Chef Blythe Beck Cooks for a Cause on April 25

See how I did that... I get to hang out with celebrity Chef Blythe Beck on April 25 and schmooze, sip and graze with the cool kids - all while raising money for a great cause. I love it when that happens. Seats are limited so please grab your ticket TODAY!!

Confessing My Monogram Obsession On D: The Broadcast

Click here to watch this video on YouTube

I am obsessed with monograms - from jewelry to home decor items to footwear. Take something as plain as a white bath towel and put a monogram on it - and it elevates the level of style and creativity about 1000%.  I will slap my initials on anything that can be painted or stitched.  Today, I visited the set of KTXD's D: The Broadcast and chatted with Kimberly Whitman and Courtney Kerr about our mutual obsession over monograms.

To get more information about the companies featured in this segment, visit:
www.MoonAndLola.com
www.facebook.com/JewelryNutAuctions
www.MeAndReDesign.com
www.BarbieCobb.com

Become part of something BIG happening in Dallas

Photo: Allison Collister

The Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau recently launched a month-long digital contest to kick off the city's new brand campaign recognizing locals as the catalyst behind making "BIG Things Happen in Dallas."  The purpose of this contest is to inspire you to explore Dallas by capturing photos at prominent locations throughout the DFW Metroplex and then to share them over your social media channels for opportunities to win one-of-a-kind experiences for family and friends.

More than two dozen oversized displays at select venues throughout Dallas will feature the letters "B" and "G".  Simply snap a photo of yourself in between the display as the "I" in BIG and then share photos via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other social media channels you have using the hashtag #DallasBIG. You can submit one photo per location for the weekly contest for multiple chances to win exciting Dallas experiences and the BIG grand prize.

Second Annual Big Texas Beer Fest (burp) was a Frothy Success

You know how they say opposites attract? Yeah, well my husband and I are perfect example of that. We've been together 17 years and I couldn't love him more, but we are completely different people. I love fashion and he thinks wearing underwear with holes in it is acceptable. I love MGM musicals where the main characters tap dance off into the sunset and he likes gritty dramas.  I love reality TV and he likes ESPN. You get the picture.

Needless to say, he is happy to stay behind while I flit all over the city attending all of the various events, galas, luncheons, festivals and exhibits you read about here. When a press release for the Big Texas Beer Festival came across my in-box, I thought to myself, "A-HA! Now HERE'S an event my man will like."  On Saturday, we headed over to Fair Park to attend the 2nd annual Big Texas Beer Fest. And he didn't like it... he LOVED it.  And surprisingly, so did I!

Chad and Nellie Montgomery are the sole driving force behind planning the Big Texas Beer Fest. The pair visited Denver, CO. in September 2010 to attend the Great American Beer Festival and came back inspired to re-create this event in Dallas.  Their website quotes the pair as saying, "We’re not entrepreneurs by design... We’re just two people who love great beer, small businesses, supporting local charities, and festivals."  Kudos to these two beer lovers who, in their second year, produced a sell-out festival with over 100 craft breweries who served up over 400 beers, ciders and ales. I also love that they have social conscience and donated a portion of proceeds to the North Texas Food Bank.

Dress 4 Yellow brightens up the topic of cancer

Dhani Jones, Lee Nagel, Bret McKinney

The Dress 4 Yellow Fashion Show & Luncheon was held on March 28 at the beautiful Adolphus Hotel. Chaired by Lee Nagel and Jennifer Applebaum, this unique fashion show included original and archived designs inspired by the charity's mission to eradicate cancer and a “Yellow Brick Road” auction that included yellow accessories donated by celebrities.

We love oursleves a theme in Dallas — and socialites who turned up the volume in yellow included Doris Jacobs, Teffy Jacobs, Steve Kemble, Lynae Fearing, Dee and D'Andra Simmons, Lisa Pineiro, Courtney Kerr and Amy Vanderoef. After hitting the step-and-repeat, guests moved to the foyer to bid on silent auction items such as vintage jewelry from SHONA, Mizzen+Main dress shirts and Roma boots.

During the reception, guests could fill out cards honoring loved ones who have suffered from cancer.  Those cards were later displayed in the luncheon ballroom. After the champagne reception, everyone sauntered into the ballroom for the vintage-inspired fashion show. Minutes before the show was about to begin, LeeAnne Locken (who swears it was Cary Deuber) knocked over a mimosa onto the runway stage and I had to go sprinting out into the lobby in search of napkins. The last thing we needed was for a model to get a compound fracture! With that crisis averted, the magic began.

Spring-a-Ding-Ding, Vegas Style

Cynthia Smoot, Sean Charles, Lisa Petty, Ugo Ihemelu and Priya Bhola Rathold

Last Thursday, the young and fashionable headed to the Mezzanine outside of the Angelika Theater at Mockingbird Station for a What to Wear Spring-a-Ding-Ding Fashion Show hosted by DFW Style Daily. My dear friend and editor, Lisa Petty, was brave enough to let me join her fashion panel along with Priya Bhola Rathod and Sean Charles of DFW Style Daily, and Ugo Ihemelu of FC Dallas. Vegas-inspired fashions had been curated by Petty and came from Mockingbord Station retailers including Movida Boutique, LOFT, Urban Outfitters, Relativity Outdoors, Gap, Francesca’s Collections, and Victoria’s Secret.  The evening capped off with a concert from crooner Ricki Derek.  To see more photos from this event, visit DFW Style Daily on Facebook.

Oh So Tasty: OCH8 Revamps

Partners Brian Black and Ben Crosland joined forces to open Och8 Kitchen + Cocktails in the fall of 2012. It's pronounced Oh-cho, like the Spanish number eight. Get it?!

The menu was originally Santa Fe/Tex-Mex inspired and was met with a resounding wah, wah, wah from diners.  In an attempt to avoid disaster, they have hired  award-winning Chef Joel Harloff as executive chef, and overhaul the menu downstairs.

OUT is Sante Fe and IN is a contemporary Latin menu which focuses on healthful fare including fresh seafood, wild game and southwestern flavors like Ahi Tuna “Chimichurri” Ceviche, Smoked Vital Farms Chicken Sope and Wild Boar Spare Ribs.  While I wasn't blown away by the menu, it is a definite improvement over the original direction.

The bright shining moment for me was the Tres Leche Cake - a vanilla cake with lemon, cajeta and adorned with seasonal fruit. It was not at all like a traditional tres leches cake but was oh so delicious and I highly recommend you order it!

Dior Opens in Highland Park Village

Jennifer Karrol & Catherine Rose
photo: Bruno

Christian Dior opened the doors to its first retail boutique in Dallas at the Highland Park Village last week. The opening night honored the DMA Art Ball 2013 Committee and was hosted by Co-Chairs Jennifer Karol and Catherine Rose.

In celebration of the occasion, Dior has partnered with French fashion photographer, Patrick Demarchelier, to create an exhibition titled: Dior Couture Patrick Demarchelier. The photographs in the exhibition were taken over a two-year period and pay tribute to the collections of the House of Dior from 1947 to present day. “A fashion photographer’s job is to create dreams, but Dior Haute Couture is already a dream,” said photographer Patrick Demarchelier.

Not surprisingly, Lisa Petty and I were the first ones in the door. Also meandering in (more fashionably late) were Kersten Rettig, Bag Snob's Tina Craig, handbag designer Susie Straubmueller and Erin Matthews.

The world of Dior Haute Couture is highlighted by six emblematic themes: the Dior Line, the Dior Garden, the Dior Ateliers, the 18th Century, From Pink to Red, and the Dior Ball. Dior Couture Patrick Demarchelier focuses on these themes of the house and highlights a dress within each.

To learn more about Dior Couture Patrick Demarchelier, you can visit the exhibition at the temporary art gallery in the Highland Park Village from March 22nd-April 19th.