Cinderella Goes to the (Crystal Charity) Ball

Dallas is known for it's philanthropic spirit, it's can-do attitude and it's all out passion for a great party. There are many enthralling, engaging, electric events produced throughout the year but none is as anticipated, as talked about, and no ticket is as coveted as a seat to the annual Crystal Charity Ball.

This year I was granted a wish by a Fairy Godmother (my friend, Leah Pasant) who invited me to be a guest at her table and thus I was granted entry to a magical world of the who's who and the haves and have more's of Dallas.

Now, Crystal Charity Ball is not like most gala's in town. It's back tie. And I mean BLACK TIE. You wouldn't dare wear a cocktail dress to this affair. You need a floor-length gown. This is the one time a year where you absolutely cannot be too overdressed or overdone. Opera gloves? Bring it on. Furs? A given! Grandmother's jewelry... Oh yeah, crack open the vault!

I headed to the man I knew could help me - Ken Weber at Vintage Martini. After 6 years in Carrollton, Weber finally bit the bullet and moved his designer consignment/resale clothing treasure trove to Henderson Ave. this past June. "Vintage Martini is known as a destination for designer finds from decades past," says DFW Style Daily. "(Their) collection includes more of the likes of Chanel, YSL, Hermès, and Gucci than most of us will ever see in a lifetime." I hit gold with a Zac Posen forest green couture gown from Posen's 2012 Fall Collection. It fit me like a glove. Could I sit comfortably or go to the ballroom? Uh, no. But I didn't care. I looked ah-ma-zing! I paired my gown with chandelier earrings and a statement ring from local jeweler Laura Pierson. The pink and green Ocean Jasper was a perfect compliment to my gown. And I love the story behind this stone - it's mined from the oceans of Madagascar and is apparently very hard to come by because it can only be collected during low-tide for a couple of hours a day. Very exotic! I braved the crowds at NorthPark Center to hit up Drybar for Veronica Lake old-Hollywood tresses. Dressed and ready to impress, I hopped into my Uber and headed to the Hilton Anatole.

You can shop the Laura Pierson collection at goop in
Highland Park Village through December 14

This year's theme was Jewels of the Garden. Upon entry to the Hilton Anatole,  you walked through an elaborate tangle of greenery laden with jewel-toned lanterns and floral ornaments. In the foyer, outside the Chantilly ballroom the Dallas String Quartet entranced the crowd with Top 40 tunes played on electric string instruments. Models dressed like Aladdin and Princess Jasmine were perched on pedestals and looked like live statues adorned with dazzling jewels and elaborate costumes. A buffet was filled with shrimp as big as a Jimmy John's sandwich and champs was flowing.

At 9pm, the doors to the Chantilly Ballroom swung open and guests walked through a white-floral archway into a dazzling ballroom. CultureMap said of the reveal, "(tables) were festooned with fabulous floral — orchids, roses and hydrangeas — crystals and Tiffany boxes at every seat. The 50-member Gospel of Light Choir surprised everyone with a 30-minute set from an elaborate revolving stage at the center of the room. Then it was time to indulge on crab Louis, filet of beef with Madeira sauce and a chocolate bomb for dessert as the James Davis Orchestra serenaded them throughout the meal."

At 11 pm, Professor D took to the stage. Waitstaff walked into the dimly lit ballroom carrying trays of multi-colored flashing rings and Ray-Ban sunglasses which signaled the late-night dance party. And that's when it all got hazy and crazy! LOL. It was announced that $5.2 million was raised for this year's beneficiaries. Congrats to Crystal Charity Ball on an amazing event that I won't soon forget. The pièce de résistance came yesterday when CultureMap named ME as one of Crystal Charity Ball's Best Dressed. Say whaaaaaat?! Truly a Cinderella moment. Click through to their slideshow to see who else made the list and enjoy the style show.