Dawn Neufeld to join the cast of The Broadcast

Courtney Kerr, Amy Kushnir, Dawn Neufeld, Suzie Humphreys and Lisa Pineiro

NorthPark Center uploaded a photo to Instagram from the set of a new photo shoot for KTXD's The Broadcast today saying, "On set with the gorgeous ladies of @thebroadcasttv today!".  Only problem is... The Broadcast wasn't quite ready to announce their newest member to the world yet. OOPS! This is why I love social media. I get all my best scoop from Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and the like. People are just so anxious to share!  Word has it that Dawn will be joining the show as a roving reporter through the end of the year. Starting in January she will take on a more regular role on alternate weeks, giving current co-host Suzie Humphries more time to travel for her motivational speaking.

So, now that the cat is out of the bag, let's all welcome my pal Dawn Neufeld to the the show!

DFW Style Daily Crowns Best Dressed for 2013

DFW Style Daily's Heather Lettieri
and Cynthia Smoot

Last Thursday, former Best Dressed honorees Yvonne Crum and Benny Black co-chaired the second annual DFW Style Daily Best Dressed 2013 Awards.  The Galleria Dallas pulled out all the stops for this fancy-pants evening by hosting this event inside the ice rink.  How would I manage to slide around in 5" stilettos, I wondered? Not to worry, they covered the rink with carpet. Whew!

This year’s trendsetters showcased fall looks using their own personal flair and fashion diva Jan Strimple dazzled guests with pop-up runway shows highlighted styles from some of the Galleria's vendors like BCBCG MaxAzria, Ann Taylor, Thomas Pink and Falconable.

This year's Best Dressed honorees were:

• Barbara Daseke, Interior Designer 
• Ariel Saldivar, Director of Development, Goss-Michael Foundation, Founder and Designer, Olivia K Jewelry 
• Jaffrene Islam, Student, University of Texas at Dallas 
• Khanh Nguyen, Founder and Designer, Nha Khanh 
• Amanda Reed, Store Manager, TenOverSix Dallas 
• Dawn Mellon, Wardrobe Stylist and Fashion Columnist
• George John, Professional Soccer Player, FC Dallas 
• Charlie Price, Owner and Stylist, Hair by Charlie 
• Niven Morgan, Founder and Fragrance Designer, Niven Morgan 
• Elliot Munoz, Photographer 
• David & Lavarro Jackson-Hurley, Songwriter & Makeup Artist (David) and CEO, Imagine Thee Bespoke Events (Lavarro) 
• Taylor J. Booth, Actor/Model - Booth was scouted on location at Galleria Dallas during their special "Street Style Scouting Mission"

30 Years of Fashion Kicks-off in Style to Help Find a Cure

Jeff Rich and Jan Miller with Janet and Crawford Brock

(Press Release)  The home of Jeff Rich and Jan Miller was the place to be seen on the evening of Thursday, September 5, 2013 at the kickoff for the Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Carmaleta Whiteley, the 2014 Chair of this 30th anniversary year introduced the evening’s gracious hosts as the Honorary Chairs for this year’s event to be held on February 12, 2014 again at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Crawford Brock of Stanley Korshak, longtime sponsor of the Fashion Show, who was recently honored with the Achievement Award from MR magazine, was in attendance that again is setting the state full of fashion for this notable year.

Downtown Parade Launches 2013 State Fair of Texas

The Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) invited me to tag along on a weekend of activities surrounding the State Fair of Texas. The festivities started off on opening day with the annual parade through Downtown Dallas. We chose to view the parade from Main Street Gardens. There was a band playing and several food vendors set up, including Fletcher's Corny Dogs.  I knocked out this State Fair fried food favorite early so I would have plenty of time at the Fair that afternoon to sample new offerings.  One of the reporters in our group is from New York City and was amazed by the pageantry of the beauty queens and the sheer numbers represented by participating high school bands and cheerleaders.  "We don't even have cheerleaders in NYC!", she gawked.  "Honey, welcome to Texas. We love our football, pom poms and sequins." I said in my best Texas twang. There is something very nostalgic about a parade that takes me back to my small town youth.  It's just a happy, feel-good event that's always fun for kids of all ages.

To live vicariously through my photos, click here to see what you missed.

PS: Thanks to the Joule Hotel bar manager who kindly let me plug in my iPhone and charge it up during the parade, so I could post lots of pics from the Fair all afternoon!

Cat in the Hat launches the 30th Anniversary of the Dallas Children's Theater

Cat in the Hat 
Dr. Suess launches the 30th Anniversary of the Dallas Children's Theater
by Jayne Chobot Herring

The Dallas Children's Theater is celebrating its 30th season this year, opening this past weekend with the North Texas professional premier of Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat at the Rosewood Center for Family Arts on Skillman.

A few lifetimes ago I used to love performing theater for children. Because they just buy right into it. They haven't been hardened yet; the skeptical adult mind hasn't formed. If the set in front of them looks like the world of Dr. Seuss that they've come to know from bedtime stories, and a man looking like a mischievous cat in a red and white striped hat jumps onto the stage, then that IS The Cat in the Hat.

Sitting next to a child as they excitedly point to the stage and exclaim "I KNOW HIM! THAT'S THE CAT FROM MY BOOK!" fills even the most cynical adult heart with joy. I attended on Saturday with my 5-year old "Inara from New York" (as she's been introducing herself lately) and it was a positively delightful afternoon. The DCT always does a fantastic job of entertaining both the little kids and the big ones (like me). The set was impressive, the performances energetic and fun, and it's always exactly the right length.

CultureMap Plans First Birthday Bash for October 10

CutltureMap is turning ONE and to celebrate they are throwing a HUGE shindig on October 10 at The Crow Collection of Asian Art!  You will not want to miss this event... My pal Jessica Baldwin is planning this soiree and she tells me they have some surprise party tricks up their sleeves - so DON"T MISS OUT! 

Buy your tickets now: http://cmap.it/19PrtrT  or you can WIN a pair. 

Scroll down to the bottom of this post for contest details... 

Jarrod Fresquez takes on the Hornitos Tequila challenge to 'Never Sleep in Dallas'

Jarrod Fresquez and Playmate of the Year Raquel Pomplun

Never Sleep in Dallas
Why Hornitos is not just any tequila, at not just any party.
by Jarrod Fresquez

I got a request from Oh So last week. An email had hit her in-box that said, "Join us at an unforgettable private event, curated for local Dallas bartenders and local media.  It will be hosted by 2013 Playboy Playmate of the Year, Raquel Pomplun, and feature a tasting of the Hornitos Tequila portfolio. Guests will also have an exclusive first look at Hornitos® Black Barrel®, a yet-to-be released premium tequila (coming March 2014)."   Is it a compliment that after reading the event description,  Cynthia IMMEDIATELY thought of me to go in her stead? I took it as such and was more than happy to represent OSC at this soiree!

Hey, never let it be said I don't spread the love to my friends - interjects OSC Editor, Cynthia Smoot

On Monday night I took Uber over to 129 Leslie Street, a Wendy Krispin event space on the border of the Design District. Pulling up into the valet area, the front of the building was washed in green lights with velvet ropes directing the patrons to the front door to get their names checked off the list for admittance into this rather exclusive event.

A giant 10 foot tall Playboy logo with a Hornitos caption was splashed on the wall next to the front door, and that’s the image imprinted in my mind’s eye before walking into a wall of dance music and flashing lights. Before my eyes and ears could adjust, two beautiful women approached me in leather little black dresses and handed me a tiny tumbler of the Hornitos Lime Shot. I took a sip and a refreshing mixture of tequila, lime and a dash of salt all hit my taste buds at the same time. The night was off to a perfect start!

OSC Arts Spotlight: Raisin in the Sun presented by Dallas Theater Center

Liz Mikel, Bowman Wright |  photo: Karen Almond

Raisin in the Sun
How this 54-year old play is just as relevant today as it was in 1959
by Jayne Chobot Herring


In 1959, “A Raisin in the Sun,” a play by a 29-year old black woman named Lorraine Hansbury, “changed American theater forever," as per The New York Times. That original Broadway production, considered very risky because of the all-but-one-character cast of African American characters, was later named the best play of the year, and ran successfully with a cast that included Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, and Louis Gossett, Jr. In 2004, Tony Award-winning Kenny Leon directed Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad and Audra McDonald in the Broadway revival, and is bringing it back again this spring with Denzel Washington. These stars eagerly sign on because of the importance of this play, and in the Dallas Theater Center production that I enjoyed on Friday night at the Wyly Theatre in the Dallas Arts District, director Tre Garrett’s cast brings the full weight of this extraordinary piece of history to life here in Dallas.

At first glance the story is about a black family living in Chicago in the 1950’s, finally getting their chance to move out of poverty and realize their dreams. But it dives deep into elements of cultural identity, family dynamics, moral responsibility, gender roles, even real estate and the economy. And that’s the funny thing about a classic play like “A Raisin in the Sun”: not one part of it is outdated. And that’s a shame; that 50 years after MLK’s march on Washington, we still need to have these conversations, evidenced by the popularity of Lee Daniel’s The Butler, the debate surrounding Trayvon Martin, the hatred and ignorance spewed about the color of our president or the new Miss America, and the ever-constant debates still surrounding desegregation, gentrification, and basic human rights. The central theme and the title of the play are based on the Langston Hughes jazz poem “A Dream Deferred.”

Big Rich Texas star Melissa Poe Ties the Knot

photo: Thomas Garza Photography

Congrats to Melissa Poe of Big Rich Texas and Doug Carson who tied the know Friday night in an intimate ceremony. The reception was held poolside at SISU in Uptown and apparently someone didn't think to tent the place, so guests got rained on. But as you can see from the video below, the rain didn't dampen Melissa's excitement. Plus, it's good luck for it to rain on your wedding!  In attendance were BRT cast mates Bon Blossman, Connie Dieb, Cindy Davis, DeAynni Hatley and new cast member (you'll meet her in season 4 - if it ever airs) Donna Parker Smith. 

Melissa looked amazing in a grecian gown by Dallas-based bridal company Watters. The Leonor gown featured an ivory alencon lace scoop neckline and bodice with Blush silk satin organza a-line skirt. The couple departed the next day for a honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas.  We here at OSC wish the happy couple all the best for a wonderful future together! 

Click the "Read More" link below to see photos and video from the wedding:

The Elisa Project Dished Out a Healthy Dose of ESTEEM

2013 Runway Participants for ESTEEM

For the second year in a row, I was fortunate enough to participate in ESTEEM.  This event was created as an awareness event to bring light to the cause of disordered eating. The show is formatted around celebrity and volunteer models who volunteer their time to help with the event. This year it was held at TOOTSIES and leading this year’s efforts were co-chairmen Pam Skaggs Frank and Bridget Frank. Dr. Stephanie Setliff gave an agency overview explaining that eating disorders is not selective in its victims. It is a disease that effects many and can strike at any time. Debbie Denmon served as celebrity hostess again this year and TOOTSIES store manager Nerissa von Helpenstill led the audience through the fall trends as the models showed off a variety of fashions. Among those stomping the runway for this year's event were Brian Cuban, Yvonne Crum, Holly Pellham Davis, Ayo Fashola, Pam & Bridget Frank, Nancy Gopez, Jackson, Courtney Kerr, LeeAnne Locken, Elise McVeigh, Scott Murray, Lisa Petty, Cynthia Smoot, Hamilton A. Sneed and Hilari Younger.  The event was produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers with RSC Show Productions.

For more information about the Elisa Project and their work to prevent treating disorders and promote a healthy body image, visit http://www.theelisaproject.org/ 

Here's a photo flashback of what you missed:

Amy Kushnir to replace Pat Smith on The Broadcast

Amy Kushnir

A source tells me that Pat Smith will announce this morning on KTXD's The Broadcast that she is leaving the show as of today.  Pat is the wife of NFL Hall of Fame member Emmitt Smith and the founder and CEO of Treasure You. My guess is that Pat will still make guest appearances from time to time, but that she is choosing to spend more time with her charity. Treasure You is dedicated to supporting women in financial, emotional or spiritual needs.

Amy Kushnir will be taking her spot on the couch starting Monday, September 23rd. Kushnir’s no stranger to people in this market – she’s been doing segments over at Channel 8 for years. Gary Cogill will also be playing a role in the new show from time to time (as his schedule allows).

Kushnir comes on at a great time because the show is launching into statewide syndication staring October 7th in markets like Tyler, Waco, Abilene, San Angelo, Corpus Christi, Beaumont/Port Arthur, and the DFW area with more Texas-based markets to soon follow.

Amy Kushnir will have to try and get her two cents in with
Lisa Pineiro, Suzie Humphreys and Courtney Kerr

Tune in to watch the big announcement this morning around 9:10am! The Broadcast can be seen on AT&T 47 | DirecTV 47 | Dish 47 | Charter 22/746 (HD) | TWC 24/429 (HD) | Verizon 18/518 (HD)

FGI to honor Billy Reid and Kay Unger at November Gala

Fashion Group International Dallas (FGI Dallas) has selected top American clothing designers Billy Reid and Kay Unger as honorees for the FGI Dallas’ 2013 Fashion and Lifestyle Awards “Night of Stars” gala. Reid will be honored with Career Achievement in Fashion Award and Unger will be given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Both awards will be presented at the “Night of Stars” gala. “Billy Reid and Kay Unger are well-respected and inspiring designers in the fashion industry,” said Chuck Steelman, the FGI Dallas regional director elect. “Their tireless work and contributions to the fashion industry make them the ideal recipients for this year’s awards.”

Oh So Tasty: Gas Monkey Bar & Grill

Richard Rawlings in my kind of manly man. The kind of bad boy who looks like he could fix anything that was broken with a wrench, a roll of duct tape and a smile.

Meow.

You probably know of him from his hit show on Discovery called Fast 'n Loud.  The show revolves around the Gas Monkey Garage, where Rawlings and his partner, Aaron Kaufman, are always on the hunt for an old car they can remodel to hot-rod perfection.

I was invited to a media lunch at Rawlings newest venture Gas Monkey Bar & Grill - a 10,000 sq. foot behemoth of a place located off of I-35 and NW Hwy.  Why a restaurant? Rawlings told me, "What does a guy who likes to work on cars like to do when he's off duty? Watch sports on TV, drink beer and chase girls. What better place to do that than in your own restaurant!"

Flywheel spins into Plano

Sponsored:

Flywheel is a high-energy indoor cycling sensation that started in New York and has taken Dallas by storm with locations in Highland Park and Plano.  (Psst... I’ve heard Troy Aikman is a regular at the HP location!)  Plano will be the first facility in Texas to implement FlyBarre, a total body sculpting class that blends the best of light weight training, dance, and core strengthening exercises. Unlike typical barre classes, FlyBarre incorporates more cardio with pulsating movements for a better and more effective workout. To celebrate the arrival of FlyBarre in Texas, the Plano location will host a week-long open house with free Flywheel and FlyBarre classes throughout September 23 – 29.

Visit their Facebook Page and you can enter 

to Fly FREE for a year!

Flywheel is located in Highland Park at 4252 Oak Lawn Avenue and in Plano at 5964 W. Parker Rd., Ste. 100.  You can reserve your spots in Flywheel and FlyBarre classes by emailing plano@flywheelsports.com!

Oh So Tasty: Taverna Rossa

Hold on to your hats people!  Pigs have flown and hell has frozen over.  Last night I crossed 635 and ventured into Plano to check out Taverna Rossa.

The verdict? It is well worth the drive.

Preston Lancaster is the man behind this little gem of a place serving "craft pizza and beer". Lancaster grew up in the restaurant industry and despite his Mother's pleas, he followed his grandparents and parents into the biz and currently owns McKinney's Cadillac Pizza Pub and multiple locations of Palio Pizza Cafe.  (He's also quite the charmer and cute as a button.)

Chef Brian Luscher helped to design the menu for Taverna Rossa, which they describe as "a rustic modern tavern infused with a contemporary vibe." Preston met Luscher a few years back and was so taken with him that he became an investor in Luscher's restaurant, The Grape. The two clearly have a mutual respect and an easy chemistry with each other .

Meet Buddy Valastro from Cake Boss at the State Fair of Texas

Buddy Valastro, star of TLC's hit series, Cake Boss brings his passion for cake to this year's Texas State Fair to celebrate the 40th birthday of Michaels. Celebrity baker Buddy Valastro will give away 250 copies of his book, Baking with the Cake Boss on Michaels' mobile truck. Buddy will be available to meet with fans and sign copies of his cookbooks. Fans will also have a chance to spin the Cake Boss "Cake Roulette" wheel at the Michaels mobile truck to discover their passion for baking and learn how easy it is to bake like "the Boss" with new Cake Boss baking and cake decorating tools. Coupons towards purchasing Cake Boss products at Michaels U.S. stores at special savings will be distributed during Buddy's appearance.

WHEN: Saturday, September 28, 2013, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Texas State Fair (West side of Coliseum Market Place), Fair Park in Dallas

Get a sneak peek at the new Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden

Planting the Seed of Science: The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden
by Jayne Chobot Herring

Kids are amazing. Their natural curiosity about the world around them can be so contagious. But sometimes it can be exhausting as you try to find more ways to entertain them and, as I like to tell my 5-year old daughter Inara, fill their little brains.

Especially when you live in an urban area. As a Dallas mother, I’m thrilled about some of the offerings that our community has, and I jumped at the opportunity to check out the latest with my little munchkin in tow.

American children are testing lowest in Earth sciences (sadly), and the goal of the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is to educate preschoolers through pre-teens in a fun and interactive outdoor laboratory setting. It was named for Rory Meyers, an active member of our community and the Arboretum for over a decade who provided (along with her husband and grown sons) the lead gift to build the 8-acre, 150 interactive exhibit outdoor science museum at the Dallas Arboretum.

My little sneak peak involved following Inara around as she instinctively turned into a scientist, running from exhibit to exhibit, asking questions and listening as the employees and volunteers shared their passions with her. It was wonderful and I beamed with pride.

Is Matt Nordgren dating Lindsay Lohan?

photo: People Magazine

According to Fox Sports, Lindsay Lohan and Matt Nordgren were seen together in New York this past week. The nature of the encounter varies, depending on what you read. Nordgren told Page Six of the New York Post, “We’ve hung out. But I have been a friend trying to support her for many years now," while adding that the two have been friends for seven years. But the same story quoted a source as saying that Nordgren is telling people the two are dating. 

Of Lohan, he told the Post: “She’s completely sober for months now. She’s in a great place, she’s thinking clear and working hard and meeting with all the right people.” But E! Online quoted a source as saying: "They have a history of hooking up."  Another source tells E!, however, they are just friends and are not dating. Although the source wouldn't be surprised if something more started up down the road.

Nordgren is apparently no stranger to celeb hook-ups, the former star of the reality show "Most Eligible Dallas" being previously linked to Vienna Girardi ("The Bachelorette") and Audrina Patridge ("The Hills"). Nordgren played one season for the Philadelphia Eagles after being a backup quarterback for the University of Texas and appeared on Bravo's Most Eligible Dallas.

Nordsay has a nice to ring to it, no?! Or maybe Nordlo?

Dallas stylists to star in Million Dollar Shoppers on Lifetime

Sandvick and Asher at the opening of LUBLU
photo: Jason Acton, August 2013

Project Runway producer The Weinstein Co. has teamed with Lifetime for another fashion-themed reality series. Lifetime has greenlighted Million Dollar Shoppers, a six-episode hourlong series set in the exclusive world of personal shopping.

Natch, Dallas plays a part with our own Gregg Asher & Tayler Carson Sandvick! According to the press release, the pair met at the Christian Dior grand opening party and instantly clicked. Together, they use their fierce fashion sense and outgoing personalities to take the fashion scene by storm for clients who live in New York, Los Angeles and Dallas. People often think they are siblings because they fight like brother and sister, but with Sandvick’s couture background and Asher’s crazy eccentric style, the two complement each other perfectly.

Each episode of Million Dollar Shoppers will feature three personal shoppers as they try to meet the fashion needs of their rich, famous, powerful and often high-maintenance clients. With their pride, reputation and, ultimately, final commission on the line, the shoppers take close inventory of their clients’ closets and homes before consulting with them about the task, ranging from finding an outfit for a specific event, packing for an upcoming vacation or an entire wardrobe makeover.

With the customers’ credit cards in hand, the shoppers use their retail sense and fashion connections to purchase what they believe fulfills their clients’ vision until the clients meticulously review all purchases before approving each and every expense. Each week, viewers will follow the driven shoppers to see who rakes in the most commission and the ultimate bragging rights.

Million Dollar Shoppers will premiere on October 10, at 10:30 PM, immediately following Project Runway, before moving to its regular time slot at 10 PM on October 24.

Doorstep Delivery from Front Door Fashion

The press release I received claimed that "Front Door Fashion is an innovative approach to fashion in Dallas. Start by creating an in-depth style profile (sizes, body type, favorite features and colors, etc.) on FDF's website. In about two weeks, you'll receive your FDF delivery with four to six professionally styled looks complete with accessories and options for dressing looks up or down. Clients can try on each ensemble in the comfort and privacy of their homes.  Keep the pieces you want, use the free shipping to return the pieces you don’t, and FDF charges you accordingly. FDF also tracks purchases to ensure that each future delivery is more in line with each client’s personal taste and budget. 

Let’s just address any skepticism right now: There are no minimum order requirements. No membership fees. Shipping is always free. Order boxes at your own pace or set up quarterly or monthly deliveries, but there’s no requirement for that either (and FDF always sends a friendly confirmation email before shipping anything). And just like Dallas’ top boutiques, FDF offers fashion-forward, hard-to-find pieces at a very competitive price point. It’s perfect."

Perfect, eh? I decided to try the service and see if perfection could indeed, be obtained. 

Live Love Laugh Today debuts September 15

McAuley and Cooper

Cooper with Cynthia Smoot at the
launch party on Sept. 12

Live Love Laugh Today is a new lifestyle show debuting Sunday, September 15 at 11:00 am on WFAA/Channel 8. According to the press release, co-hosts Linda Cooper & Susie McAuley will seek to bring us quality programming that informs and entertains in a fun, 'between us girlfriends' delivery.

Segment topics will include "Modern Living by Cantoni", "Ticket to Hollywood with Movie Tavern", "The Grilling Guys", "Build it with Bruce", "NuSkin Beauty", "The Gaylord Buzz", travel, health and cooking features as well as the Co-Host's brands "Shopping Is My Cardio" and "Susie Homemaker".

I stopped by the launch party for the show last night and got to visit with Cooper and McAuley. The two compare themselves to Lucy and Ethel and seem to have a great chemistry. I look forward to seeing what they have to share.

For more information, please visit www.livelovelaughtodaytv.com



Special thanks tofor styling me for this event. Check out their amazing fall collection at NorthPark Center or the Galleria.

Disney and American Idol launch the Rory Myers Children's Adventure Garden

Sponsored Post:

On September 21st, the Dallas Arboretum will dedicate and open the much anticipated Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden, a sprawling 8-acre interactive garden designed specifically to address state and national science standards in life, earth and environmental sciences. To celebrate, the Dallas Arboretum has launched an initiative, "The Year of the Children's Garden," that will herald its opening with celebrations the week before and beyond its much anticipated launch.

Tuesday, September 17, 7-9:30pm

The festivities begin with Big Talent from Big D. This benefit concert features four finalists and top contestants from The Voice and American Idol who claim the greater Dallas area as home. The triumphant singers include Amber Carrington, Jason Castro, Stephanie Crews and Taylor Beckham, together exclusively for this benefit concert. Actor and guitarist, Sterling Knight, of Disney fame will be a special guest.

Kaki Hopkins, chair of The Year of the Children's Garden says, "Prepare for an electrifying evening with these knock-out young talents and the Arboretum's most popular band, Emerald City, who will perform with them." Three food trucks including The Butcher's Son, Gandolfo's and What's Da Scoop?, will provide delicious food for purchase or people can bring their own picnic.

Concert to be held on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn
Members: $18 | Non-members: $30 Teen Zone*: $40 Table Sponsors**: $500 (tables seat eight)
Please call Customer Service at 214.515.6615 to reserve your table!

Dallas Dweller: Natara Williams

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think 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.

Meet Natara Williams

Williams in Paris, France earlier this year

Natara works as a corporate lawyer but has always been inspired by fashion, jewelry and art. In 2010, she decided to take her passion for jewelry to another level and founded Purple Aura Jewels with partner Cynthia Whiting. The name of the company comes from the fact that the color purple signifies royalty, and confident, chic women have an intangible quality that distinguishes them from everyone else.

Cynthia and Natara design and create jewelry that captures the various facets of every woman’s personality: sophisticated and elegant, yet edgy and bold. Purple Aura Jewels’ unique jewelry exudes an authentic, one-of-a-kind beauty that is for women who are innovative and appreciate jewelry as a form of art.

Each piece of jewelry is handmade in the United States, and every necklace and bracelet includes the company’s signature purple gemstone. Cynthia and Natara donate 10% of the company’s net profits to local and international charities as they desire to make a positive impact on the worldwide community.

"We just released our new Stellar collection and are already working on our next collection. We’ll be incorporating some new techniques in the next collection as our designs evolve," says Williams. "However, our aesthetic will remain the same since some of the best feedback we’ve received and love to hear is that you know a Purple Aura Jewels piece when you see it so we will retain our uniqueness. Our jewelry is wearable art and we like to inspire women who wear our jewelry to challenge fashion notions and be individualistic."

Is Big Rich Texas dead?

Neiman Marcus was not the only billion dollar biz to create buzz today. According to The Hollywood Reporter, NBC Universal announced today that starting September 23, it will replace the Style network with a new cable network aimed at men called Esquire. NBC Universal Cable Entertainment Group chairman Bonnie Hammer attributed the decision to brand overlap between the Style network and similarly female-skewed cable channels also owned by NBC Universal, including Bravo, E! and Oxygen. As part of the rebrand, some of Style's current series will continue on the Esquire schedule, while others will either end their run or move to one of the other logical women's nets.

So, what does this mean for our Style network show Big Rich Texas? And what's to become of the planned BRT spinoff Whitney's Having a Baby?  Will they be a causality of the transition or will another network pick them up?  BRT star Bon Blossman texted me today to say, "We are anxiously awaiting to see what network we will be moved to!"  I will keep you posted as news breaks.

Community Beer Co. now available in bottles

Kevin Carr addresses the crowd at Del Frisco's Grill

Tonight, local brewery Community Beer Company hosted a celebration at Del Frisco’s Grill in Uptown to celebrate the release of two of its beers in 750ml bottles: Inspiration Ale and Trinity Tripel - both award-winning Belgian-style brews.  “It has been an exciting 8 months of keg-only offerings since our opening in January 2013,” said Kevin Carr, founder of Community Beer Company. “And in that time, we’ve released a total of 9 beers, won 6 awards, and had a lot of fun being a part of the craft beer movement in North Texas. We are excited to release two of our Belgian-style beers for the first time in bottle format. By bottle-conditioning Inspiration and Trinity Tripel, we are able to bring out the complexities of these incredible beers otherwise not possible in keg format.”

What You Missed: Twerking, the Limbo and Crooning at the 2013 Celebrity Waiter Luncheon

LeeAnne Locken and Candy Evans give Ron Corning a twerking for charity
photo Allyson Aynesworth

Celebrity Waiter Luncheon 2013
as recalled by Candace Evans of Candy's Dirt

Jamie Singer & Lindsay Jacaman
photo Shana Anderson

It’s Monday, and I am still trying to recuperate from this year’s Celebrity Waiter Luncheon benefiting, as it always does, Family Gateway. Family Gateway is a wonderful local charity that breaks the generational cycle of homelessness by providing individualized care to homeless families with children, then restoring the dignity, stability and self-sufficiency of the family unit.

Did you know that families with children are the fastest-growing homeless group in our city? Celebrity Waiter is one of many events throughout the year that raises money for Family Gateway, now in its 27th year. At the kick-off party last spring, held in the penthouse of Museum Tower, Jill Herz, board chair of Family Gateway, talked about the agency’s dream of ending child homelessness in Dallas by 2017. After Friday’s event, I’d say they are well on their way!

This year’s luncheon took place on September 6, at the newly decked out Joule Hotel in the heart of downtown Dallas. The organization was beautiful, as guests were greeted as soon as they emerged from the endearing valets – mine told me, unsolicited, how nice I looked! (He got a HUGE tip!) Garry Potts directed and produced a super video and PSA spot for Gateway as a donation in kind, and talented Shane Walker, who is opening a fab new store down in Trinity Groves, created all of the centerpieces that were available for purchase.

Shop at home. Because you're "Worth" it.

One of the things I love about Dallas is our vast array of shopping options. From independent boutiques to large chain stores, there is no shortage of stores and boutiques to fit your style and budget.

An often-overlooked opportunity is in-home shopping. Our Mothers attended home parties for lines like Tupperware and Avon, but today's consumers can get luxury apparel from shopping in-home trunk shows. One of my favorite "hidden" gems in this arena is W by Worth. 

Founded in 1991, Worth is a New York based fashion company built on one simple idea: providing intrinsic value through their luxury clothing brands. W by WORTH is their on trend, contemporary, moderately priced line, providing women with spirited, sexy and smart designs inspired by the inimitable sophistication and energy of New York City.

They are known for their sophisticated clothing made with the utmost attention to fabrication and detailing. W by WORTH is uniquely sold in the homes of a national network of professional Sales Associates. Through exclusive one-on-one appointments, W by WORTH sales associates offer effortless and personalized luxury experiences that enhance their clients’ lifestyles. Additionally, W by Worth offers online shopping with the same caliber of service that clients have come to expect at home.

Neiman Marcus Last Call is Practically Giving Fashion Away

Sponsored Post:

Neiman Marcus Last Call at Grapevine Mills has just received new arrivals direct from Neiman Marcus marked up to 65% off original retail, PLUS an extra 30% off!  In exchange for helping to promote their sale, Last Call provided me with a gift card to shop at their event, so I will see you here!  Neiman Marcus Last Call is located at 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy., Grapevine, TX 76051.  For directions and store hours, visit http://www.lastcall.com/stores/store.jsp?storeId=51

2013 Mission Olé Shone. Even in the Dark.

(top) Renee and Florian Rouleau, Steve Kemble and LeeAnne Locken, Steve and Anne Stodghill
(bottom) poolside crowd shot

Friday night, I took a little trip to Santa Fe, and it only took me 20 minutes to get there. I drove over to the Preston Hollow estate of Anne and Steve Stodghill to attend Mission Olé benefitting the Trinity River Mission.  Trinity River Mission is a volunteer-based community learning center that promotes literacy, encourages academic success and develops effective life skills among disadvantaged youth in West Dallas, in the belief that education connects us to life’s possibilities. The party was themed the “Mountains of Santa Fe” and I walked into a sea of turquoise and silver jewelry, boots, leather and suede.  Co-chairs Angela Choquette, Cary Deuber and Maggie Kipp were working the room(s) making sure everyone was having a good time and bidding on silent auction items.  Unfortunately honorary Chair Chad Hennings was under the weather and couldn't make the event but, never fear, the festivities prevailed without him.

Click here to see more photos from this event.

Floral Design Challenge Benefits Dallas Charities

(Press Release)  For the third year, Petals & Stems Florist in North Dallas has brought together six local business executives from different spheres of influence in the Metroplex to create amateur floral arrangements for charity.  The guest designers gathered August 21st to assemble their creations with little coaching from the professional designers standing by. During the taping, contestants had the opportunity to explain what type of design they were making and for what charity they are working. Contestants had 100 varieties of flowers to work with. Their efforts were timed and videoed and now YOU can vote for your favorite!

Win a meet-n-greet with Fredrik Eklund from Million Dollar Listing New York

He’s got style, personality out the wazoo, and he can sell a multi-million dollar apartment in the world’s most competitive real-estate market like nobody’s business. But Bravo TV's Fredrik Eklund may be most beloved for his celebratory high-kick...

Get ready Dallas, because this Swedish wunderkind is coming to town! 

On September 12, Brian McCauley is hosting an invitation-only event for Dallas real estate VIP's at Fedora featuring celebrity guest Fredrik Eklund from Bravo’s popular series Million Dollar Listing New York.

If you're not on the list, you can't get in...
But I have a pair of tickets to give away!!

There are multiple ways to enter. Check out your options below.  This contest will end at midnight on September 9, 2013.

Best Fried Foods at the State Fair of Texas for 2013

Dear State Fair of Texas,

Thank you for inviting me to join you this morning to taste all of the finalists in this year's Big Tex Choice Awards. As you probably know, I am a huge fried food fan. My idea of a gourmet meal is to take anything... deep-fy it, wrap it in bacon, slather it with cheese and dip it in Ranch. Heaven on a plate! So I always look forward to the State Fair of Texas, which is known as the "The Fried Food Capital of Texas"!

I was thrilled when my personal favorite in the savory division was awarded the Big Tex Choice Award for "Most Creative". I thought that out of all of the entries, the Fried Thanksgiving Dinner was the most true to its title. It really did taste like Thanksgiving dinner! Justin and Rudy Martinez really hit a home run with this one, taking Mama's homemade stuffing and diced turkey, rolling it in a ball, dipping it in Southern cream corn, then rolling that in corn meal and deep frying it to perfection. I loved that it came with an old-fashioned giblet brown gravy and a zesty orange cranberry sauce to dip it in. I did both! Frankly, while it is creative, I thought it should have won the award for Best Taste. But a win, is a win and I understand that this little bobble head trophy can mean up to $250,000 in sales over the course of the Fair. So good for them!

Raise a Stein! The 26th Annual Addison Oktoberfest is coming up September 19-22

photo: Crave DFW

For over 25 years, the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich has been held in Addison, Texas. This year, over 70,000 fans will come together September 19-22, 2013 to share a love of polka, German food and, of course, the same Paulaner Bier that will be served at Bavaria’s favorite festival. This year, the Munich Evergreens travel from Germany to headline the entertainment line line-up, along with Grammy-award winning polka legends Brave Combo and dozens of authentic German entertainers. Oktoberfest guests, who visit Addison from all over the Southwest and beyond, will enjoy fun contests such as dachshund races, bier barrel bowling, a German Idol yodeling contest, a German spelling bee and more!  Crave DFW lists some of the highlights here.