Celebrity Fashion Experience Vol. 4

Last Thursday, I was at my son's lacrosse game. The 5/6 grade Highland Park Scots were in the playoffs for the season victory and I couldn't miss that! Across town, my good friend, Dawn Neufeld was all dolled up and emceeing the Celebrity Fashion Experience Vol. 4. I asked her to share her evening with us and here's her recap of this reality TV star-filled evening!

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The Dallas fashion scene was abuzz last Thursday night for Celebrity Fashion Experience Vol. 4.

Wearing a dress designed by designer Linda Rowe Thomas in a stunning royal blue in tribute to Autism Speaks, I hosted the event for the second time. St. Louis designer and Project Runway (Season 9) top-five finisher Laura Kathleen opened the show with gorgeously patterned dresses and jackets.  After presenting her line, Laura Kathleen joined her friend and Project Runway All Stars winner Mondo Guerra to watch the rest of the show.

Project Runway designers Laura Kathleen and Mondo Guerra

Dawn Neufeld with Linda Rowe Thomas

Heidi Dillon, president of TheFashionistas and cast member of Big Rich Texas, sat front row with cast mate Connie Dieb and Taylor Garrett from Logo TV's A List: Dallas, as six seasoned and upcoming designers featured their fall/winter 2012/2013 lines on the u-shaped runway at Lofty Spaces. This year’s event was special in that Front House Management teamed up with a charity for the first time.  Proceeds from the event benefited the Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of Autism Speaks.

Front House Management CEO Karen Michelle then debuted her inaugural Key Resort & Swimwear, followed by newcomers Angelica Sandoval of Geisha, Inc. and Nayra Guerrero. Chicago-designer Horatio Nieto then presented his women and men’s collections.  The men’s collection was inspired by coal miners and featured a rustic yet structured and sophisticated look.  The women’s collection was gasp-worthy!  Many of the designs were very wearable – very sleek and what I like to call “work chic.”  The collection was capped with a stunning gown that would turn heads at any of the Dallas high society black tie events.

Taylor Garrett, Connie Dieb, Brandy Voirin and Heidi Dillon

The show’s finale was presented by Celebrity Fashion Experience alum Linda Rowe Thomas.  Romás collection featured stunning Jackie Onassis-inspired classic pieces.  America’s Next Top Model alum Furonda Brasfield expertly navigated the runway in a stunning black evening gown to conclude the collection and show. The Celebrity Fashion Experience has quickly become one of the not-to-miss fashion events in Dallas!

About Dawn Neufeld:
Frisco resident Dawn Neufeld was a cast member on VH1's Football Wives.  Married to retired NFLer Ryan Neufeld and mother of two children, Will and Bryn, Dawn is an attorney and television personality.  Follow her on Twitter @DawnNeufeld and on her blog, The Gridiron Goddess.

Photos courtesy of Lujo Media. To see more photos from this event, click here.

Dallas Reality TV Score Card. How We Doin'?

It's no secret that Dallas is a hot-bed for reality TV.  In the last 2 years we've been subject to Most Eligible Dallas, The A-List: Dallas, Texas Multi Mamas, Big Rich Texas, and Texas Women.  So, let's take a look at the scorecard to see how Dallas has fared:

• Big Rich Texas just debuted its second season
• Texas Women is currently filming its second season. Look for it in the Fall
• Texas Multi Mama's had decent ratings but the cast has had no "official" word on a second season
• The A-List: Dallas and Most Eligible Dallas has lots of street buzz but are also up in the air for a second season

Who wouldn't pay to look at THIS!?

Texas Multi Mamas was not the PR machine that the other two shows were, so, to me the big question marks are The A-List: Dallas and Most Eligible Dallas.  Here's what I know for sure:

Bravo asked 3 members of the original cast from MED to attend an Upfront in Chicago recently. Two of those members were then asked to attend the same event to be held in Dallas in April.

What's an upfront you ask? It's an event or soiree the network holds to wine and dine and schmooze potential advertisers for the upcoming season. They trot out their stars to razzle dazzle them so while they are drooling over say, Matt Nordgren, the Bravo rep can be picking their pockets clean. Oldest trick in the book..

The other thing I know for sure, is that Pink Sneakers Productions has interviewed every "eligible" person under the age of 40 (and a few that are over) to try and recast the show and make it more, um, let's say - dynamic. They were in town last week to film test pilots to show Bravo some new faces.  Doesn't mean Bravo's green-lighted anything, but it looks promising.

It's not looking so good for The A-List Dallas. I say this based on one lone bit of info. which I gleaned yesterday. Logo issued a press release touting new format changes to the channel saying,

"Logo is evolving its programming focus with new series and development deals that reflect gays and lesbians' increasing integration into mainstream culture today and their desire for shows that appeal to their multiple interests."

Eden Wood & Ashley Kelly

You can read the full press release here, but it's basically stating that gays are into more than just shows about gays. So Logo is expanding its programming to air more lifestyle shows and widen its reach.  They went on to release the names of some new shows they would be debuting - and mentioned some old ones. The A-List: Dallas (and New York) were not mentioned. Hmmm. This doesn't mean it's not coming back, but it means they aren't ready to say.

In a "isn't is a small world" moment, I couldn't help but notice that in Logo's press release they seem very excited about their new show featuring Eden Wood from Toddlers and Tiaras fame.  A-List starlet Ashley Kelly recently photographed Eden for a shoe campaign and that "fabulous New York City publicist" they refer to? That would be Andrew Sullivan who also represents Matt Nordgren and Courtney Kerr from MED.

Yep, it's a small, small world and it just gets smaller by the minute.  Do you have some insider knowledge to add to this dialog? Leave a comment on this post or shoot me an email (if you want to stay "off the record"). I'll keep you posted as news (or rumors) happens.

Big Rich Texas: Season Two Premier Party

Hotel Zaza was the place to be Sunday night as over 300 style-setters, celebrity stalkers and A-list wannabes jammed into a soiree hosted by Heidi Dillon and Jarrod Fresquez benefiting The Fashionistas to kick off the latest season of Big Rich Texas.  Almost all of the cast was there, making it a head-turning event for fans who turned out to catch a glimpse of their favorite cast members.  So, who was missing? Let's see, because Pamela Martin was there, you can pretty much guess that Bonnie and Whitney and Leslie and Kalyn stayed far, far away. Which was very unfortunate because there was plenty of room in the space for the tigers to just circle the room and avoid each other.

(left) Melissa and Maddie Poe  (top) Grace and Connie Dieb
(bottom) Hannah Gelbart Martin and Pamela Martin Duarte

When I first walked into the VIP area ('cuz that's I roll, baby) there were two tubs with probably 8-10 bottles iced down in each one. Pamela Martin came over and was fiddling with them and I said, "Dang, Pam! You guys are totally planning a drunkfest for tonight!" (see photo above and you can see how I mistook them for vodka bottles) She was very excited to tell me that she and Hannah have been signed as the new spokesman for Seven Water (a high-end bottled water competing with Voss) and that's what she was serving.

Click here to see more photos on Facebook

Sipping champagne from my perch in VIP, I spied VH1 Football Wives star Dawn Neufeld, CW33 morning show host Danielle Vollmer, The A List: Dallas star Taylor Garrett (with his new cutie patootie boyfriend, Jeff), floral designer extraordinaire Shane Walker, Bling is the new Black T-shirt Queen Caitlin McConnell, Gina Ginsburg (who was launching The Hair Bar in Southlake the next day!), and good Lord, you couldn't miss Steve Kemble who came decked out in his BRT finery complete with a sequined vest embellished like the flag of Texas, a cowboy hat and the BIGGEST belt buckle known to man. Hilarious!

Cast Members of Big Rich Texas:  LeeAnne Locken, Heidi Dillon's assistant Linnea Thulin (aka "The Rakk"), Heidi Dillon, Pamela Martin Duarte, Hannah Gilbert, Maddie Poe, Connie Dieb, Grace Dieb, DeAynni Hatley, Shaye Hatley and Melissa Poe. Photo courtesy of Jarrod Fresquez.

They attempted to air the episode, but it was so loud in there, you couldn't hear a thing that was being said on the telly. Good thing I had the foresight to tape the show so I could watch it in gleeful detail when I got home later that night! So, did you watch?! Goodness gracious, they certainly kicked off the season with a BANG! Literally!  In the first 5 minutes, Pam and Bonnie were practically brawling over plastic-surgery accusations.  10 minutes later Bonnie is having to be pulled off Leslie. Note to self: do NOT get on Bonnie's bad side. She's small but is not afraid to kick your ass.  I don't recap episodes, but if you want a blow-by-blow, click over to read my friend Merritt Patterson's hilarious article.

(top) Heidi Dillon and Taylor Garrett, new BRT star DeAynni Hatley (in the middle) flanked by pals
(bottom) LeeAnne Locken and Steve Kemble, Dawn Neufeld and Hamilton Sneed

There are some changes to the show this year that should make this season fun, fun, fun!  I'm not going to give you any spoilers - although trust me, I have plenty of them!! First off, is the addition of a new Mother/Daughter trio: DeAynni, Amber and Shaye Hatley from Colleyville. I published a Q&A interview with DeAynni yesterday if you want to learn more about her.  In Episode 3, America will be introduced to two new fantastic "secondary cast members" Heidi Dillon and LeeAnne Locken. 

Let me clarify what I mean by "secondary" because I am so sick of everyone who has every walked onto this show calling themselves a "cast member" on their websites and in Bios for charity events and listing it in their Twitter bio. It's ridiculous. If this is the criteria, then I am a full-fledged cast member myself having appeared in multiple episodes last season and - oh yes, you will see me this season as well.  Here's MY criteria: if the Style Network does not have you listed on the Big Rich Texas website as a cast member. You are NOT a cast member. Making an appearance in a scene does not make you a cast member. Appearing in a scene and saying a couple of words, does NOT make you a cast member. This just means you have made "appearances". THAT'S IT.

LeeAnne and Heidi are "secondary characters" this season, meaning they are being introduced to the cast as "friend's of Pam's" this season. You will see them in many episodes. With lines and playing a part in the storyline.  (Oh and what a part they play!!!!  I so wish I could tell you more but I don't want to ruin it.)  If people react well to them, well then, we may see them upgraded next year. Time will tell.  So, hang on tight people. Last night's episode one was a little taste of the drama that is to come.

Tune in to Big Rich Texas on the Style Network every Sunday at 8PM/CST.

Mockingbird Station Answers The Question Of What To Wear

A stylish set gathered at Vapiano in Mockingbird Station Thursday Night for a What To Wear Fashion Show.  The evening was hosted by none other than moi, Cynthia Smoot.  I had hand-picked a super-stylish and socially savvy panel of trend-setters to help me talk about latest fashion trends. Joining me were Courtney Kerr from Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas, Fiona Gorostiza from Fox 4 News, Shannon Yoachum of LoLo Magazine and Sean Charles from Sean In The City.

Sean Charles; Fiona Gorostiza & Crew Wyard;
Cynthia Smoot & Courtney Kerr; Shannon Yoachum and Katie Anderson.
Photos courtesy of Mosey! Street Style.

Guests enjoyed champagne and bellinis, bites courtesy of Vapiano and Trailercakes, music by DJ Joe Vega, amazing swag bags, and more, while scoping out new winter/spring looks by Station retailers Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Movida, Ann Taylor LOFT, Francesca’s Collections, Relativity Outdoors and The Shoe Envy.  Attendees were offered the opportunity to enter a $10 raffle for a chance to win special prizes from The Pretty Kitty and PURE Dental. Proceeds from the raffle will go to benefit LOLO editor Lauren Scruggs’ Hope Fund.

Phillip Willis, Cynthia Smoot & Taylor Garrett; Candace Hickey & Melanie Davis
Levi Crocker, Pilar Sanders, Phillip Willis & Ashley Kelly
Photos courtesy of Thomas Garza.

While the fashions on the stage were dazzling, it was the star power in the room that had my head spinning. Pilar Sanders, Candace Hickey from We TV's Texas Multi Mamas, and Phillip Willis, Ashley Kelly, Taylor Garrett and Levi Crocker from The A List: Dallas had the crowd buzzing with excitement.  And of course, Courtney Kerr is from Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas!

Readers of this blog know that I am a huge reality TV fan and over the past year I have talked a LOT about all of the shows that are filming around town - introducing you to the casts and giving you all the offset gossip and news fit to print. It was very rewarding for me to have so many of these celebrities turn out last night to support me.  I was feelin' the love.

But, don't take my word for how fabulous the evening was! Check out what fashion bloggers Anna and Lauren from Mosey! Street Style had to say about the soiree.  My Mother always told me it was better to let others talk about you, than to talk about yourself.

To see more photos from this event, check out albums on Facebook from Mosey! Street Style or Thomas Garza,

Holiday Wrap Up: Ashley Kelly

The holidays have ended and New Year has arrived, so I asked some of Dallas' most famous faces to reflect back and tell me what they most enjoyed about this holiday season and if they have set a New Year's Resolution for themselves.

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Ashley Kelly

Star of Logo's The A List: Dallas


"2011 held some very unexpected events for me. While I didn't audition for the show "The A-List: Dallas," it somehow found me and wouldn't take no for an answer. As a result, I was thrown into the limelight and given some of the most amazing opportunities, relationships, and invaluable experiences I've ever had. I got to travel all over the country, meet fans who claim my relationship with the Lord has inspired them, and build new and lasting business relationships.

Ashley and Justin Kelly

I think the sweetest thing about 2011 was watching my bunny grow and change with me. I am so thankful for my sweet Justin Kelly, who has been by my side every single step of the way! Even though I don't deserve ANY of these blessings, I am so thankful for the Lords grace and can't wait for 2012. I already have 12 weddings booked for HD photography and 9 weddings booked for HD videography! I also have another huge business endeavor which I can't really talk about yet, but I can give you a little hint: "The higher the heel, the closer to Heaven!"

"We live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7
XOXOXO Ashley Kelly

Become a Fan on Facebook and follow Ashley on Twitter

Holiday Wrap Up: Levi Crocker

The holidays have ended and New Year has arrived, so I asked some of Dallas' most famous faces to reflect back and tell me what they most enjoyed about this holiday season and if they have set a New Year's Resolution for themselves.

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Levi Crocker

Star of Logo's The A List: Dallas

"I had one of the most stressful, exciting, painful, adventurous and uncertain years of my entire life and grew so much as an individual. I wouldn't trade one single minute of it. Over the last 12 months I have made so many new friends but I unfortunately did loose a couple old ones. Very interesting how life moves us all forward... 

I'm looking  great things to happen over the next 12 months and I have some projects to work on. I don't know if there will be a Season 2 of The A-List Dallas as of right now but if there is I'll be wrapped up in that for several months. I'm planning a big campaign to shine some light on the very serious topic of Bullying/Hate, possibly in conjunction with another anti-hate/bullying organization or two, details coming soon. 

Throughout 2011 we have all made so many huge steps in the right towards equality, 2012 is another 12month opportunity to keep that ball rolling and I want to do everything I can to help. So, no resolutions to loose weight or stop swearing... I will be a part of my community and stay involved in the quest for equality. 

Mwah!! Happy 2012!"

Become a Fan on Facebook and follow Levi on Twitter. 

James Doyle goes Shopping

Did you watch the reunion show for Logo TV's A List Dallas hosted by Wendy Williams this past Monday? Whoo, girl! The finger-waving! The head bobbing!  The eye-rolling!  Those gays know how to turn on the drama!

So, what will become of our sweet James Doyle?  The show portrayed him as a hard-drinking party-boy, wandering aimlessly in life with no clear direction or purpose. With his trust fund dwindling, James was actually (gasp) looking for work!

Hey... wait... that sounds like most 20-something year-olds I know! 

The show ended with James packing up his car and heading off into the sunset for Los Angeles to pursue acting. Just the place for a hard-drinking party-boy, wandering aimlessly in life with no clear direction or purpose should be to find himself!

Well, have no fear, because James is still here in Dallas. He's just making trips out to LA for auditions and the like.  James told me, "I'm working on a few thing like a clothing line, a press tour coming up, and I have a (small-scale) movie in the works".

One fun project James recently completed is already racking up page views for a song called "Shopping".  Performer, Richard D. Curtin, taps into impulsive retail therapy with "Shopping".   This new single is modeled after the likes of "Material Girl" and "(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?" This electro cut bursts with a bouncy groove mixed by DJ Erik Thoresen.

Look for a cameo by "A-List: Dallas" cast member James Doyle as "Manny," the clerk who steers our money-hungry consumabot on a spending binge. And check out The ShopTarts, a squadron of go-go boys who aren't afraid of gold heels.

Fashionistas Holiday Soiree Sparkled with Stars

LeeAnne Locken, Danielle Vollmar & Pamela Martin

Cathy Vieth, Dr. Aneeta Goomar and Dr. Sandy Sule, Susie Straubmueller and Janet and Rick Fresquez hosted a holiday shopping event and Christmas party for the Fashionistas last Thursday at the showroom of local designer, Prashe.  

The party atmosphere was rockin' courtesy of DJ Gumbo and later in the evening, we got a special "surprise guest DJ" in Heidi Dillon!

There was lots of sipping and nibbling and milling about.  Natalie Solis from FOX News, Taylor Garrett from Logo's A List: Dallas, Danielle Vollmar from CW33 new national morning show, Eye Opener, Terri Provencal, Jorge's Tex-Mex owner Michelle Mireles, former Dallas Cowboy Ryan and his reality TV-star wife, Dawn Neufeld, were among the stars glittering in this high-voltage crowd.

Good thing I had visited Jared Reed at Salon Pompeo in Uptown to get my hair and makeup done because this was a star-studded event! It takes a village to keep up, people...

Heidi Dillon took control of the dance floor as the evening's guest DJ

The main reason I was there was to observe the filming that was taking place for Big Rich Texas.  Connie Dieb, Pamela Martin, Heidi Dillon and LeeAnne Locken were there filming a juicy scene about... oh, you know I'm not going to tell you what the story line was! That would ruin all the fun. You'll just have to wait and see.  And I may, or may not, make a background appearance. Depends on how they edit the scene.

Click here to see more photos on Facebook

(top) Cynthia Smoot with Connie Dieb, LeeAnne Locken with Natalie Solis

(bottom) Taylor Garrett, Pamela Martin, Heidi Dillon, Linnea Thulin, ??? and Hamilton Sneed

Ashley Kelly shoots Eden Wood for Cicciabella shoes

Reality TV worlds collided today when A-List Dallas star Ashley Kelly (who happens to be a professional photographer) shot retired pageant superstar Eden Wood in Belton, Texas today for Cicciabella, a chic children's boot line. 

Look at that smirk on Eden's face.  Whoo hoo! She has personality plus, let me tell ya.  I look at her and thank baby Jesus that I had a little boy. Not that she isn't adorable, but there's only room for one diva in my house... and that's me.  Eden is best known for her appearance on TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras. Watch the video below for a little glimpse into her greatness:

I bet Ashley is plumb worn out after a day with this little dynamo!  I can't wait to see the campaign. I'm sure Ashley did an amazing job!  Work it, girl!

Bottles, Bling and Blogs. I got the Gossip!

Cynthia, Lisa, Erica Nicole & Raya

The Hilton Anatole may be old school, but it sure doesn’t look or feel that way anymore!

Decked out in chic cocktail attire and Amanda Sterett jewels, Raya Ramsey of D Magazine, Lisa Petty of DFW Style Daily, Erica Nicole of YFS Magazine and ME - Cynthia Smoot of Oh So Cynthia sipped Savvy Vodka and Red Bull cocktails last Friday night, November 4^th at Bottles, Bling and Blogs hosted by the Hilton Anatole’s chic and newly relaunched Gossip Bar.

Over 400 of Dallas’ swankiest socialites flocked to the Gossip Bar for a soiree flourished with a dazzling array of handmade sushi, delectable appetizers by the hotel’s Media Grill + Bar and tasty Deep Eddy Sweet Tea-ni vodka cocktails.  Red Bull’s own Chocolate Groove provided beats to keep the party bumping, along with a live percussionist and saxophone performer.

(Did I get all the sponsor mentions in there... I think so.)

(left) Janet Fresquez and Pilar Sanders (top right) Ron Corning, tara Harper and Phillip Willis (Bottom left) Camille Umland, Dan Pritchett, Tyler Kerbyson and Juan Lerma

Notable guests engaging in gossip that evening included Pilar Sanders of Football Wives and Deion & Pilar: Prime Time Love, Phillip Willis of A List Dallas, Tara Harper of Most Eligible Dallas, Shirin Askari of Project Runway Season 6, Ron Corning from WFAA's Daybreak, Janet Fresquez, Camille Umland, Elise Daniel, Regina Bruce, David Lopez and Dan Pritchett (who arrived in a swanky full-length mink coat).

Those of us who were tech-savvy had a lot of fun with the live Twitter gossip that was broadcast for everyone to see on five 60-inch flat screen TVs located around the bar, as guests created a nationwide trend for the #GossipBar event by Tweeting and posting photos in real-time from the event.

So, what gossip did I get at the Gossip Bar?  Well, Phillip Willis told me that the cast of A List Dallas is going to be on the Wendy Williams Show on November 16, so set your DVR's!  And I got some scoop on Big Rich Texas, which just started filming Season 2 - look for a post later this week! 

Click here to see more photos from this event by Thomas Garza Photography

Texas Women Feud is in Full Tilt

Country Music Television (CMT) and Kirby Schlegel threw a bash last night to celebrate the success of CMT's newest show, "Texas Women".  In addition to the cast of Texas Women, a bevvy of cheerleading beauties from "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team" and host Evan Farmer from CMT's "Top 20 Countdown" were also in attendance.

The party was held at Kirby's penthouse pad at the W Hotel, which boasts some spectacular views of Downtown Dallas. I found the pairing of CMT and the Schlegel's very odd. When I think of country music, boot scootin' and rodeos - the wealthy, sophisticated, conservative Schlegel family does NOT come to mind.

Apparently, they share the same PR firm, and as one CMT Producer said to me, "Look at this penthouse! There's no way we were gonna turn down a chance to party here!" I had to agree. It was pretty awesome.

I had initially declined the invite because I was already committed to attend another event. But when news of a major scandal and subsequent feud between the girls of Texas Women broke Monday... I reconsidered.  Once I had confirmed that all four gals were scheduled to attend, I decided that this could be a verrrrrrrrrrrry interesting evening.  So, off I went.

I had already met and interviewed Jason and Booke Jeter and Ali Dee a couple of weeks ago, when they were interviewed on WFAA's Daybreak. If you watch the show you know that Brooke's horse, Whiskey, had some injuries and has been out of commission for a few months. Brooke was so excited to tell me that Whiskey is doing great and after a week of aqua-training at the horsey spa (which is like water aerobics for horses) he will be ready to come home. 

When Hannah Helvey and a hobbled Anna Hunt walked in, Brooke and Jason beelined it for the other end of the penthouse. And that's how they stayed for the whole time I was there - all of the girls were like caged cats, circling the room trying to stay as far apart as possible and not make eye contact.  Personally, I was hoping for a smackdown, but alas, twas not to be. 

Click here to see more photos from this event on Facebook

Kirby Schlegel and Levi Crocker

I was actually excited to meet Anna because I really like her on the show.  She's every bit as personable and spunky in person.The first thing I had to ask her was what happened to her foot. It was all wrapped up and she came in on crutches. She sheepishly said that she had been at Hannah's the night before to have a glass of wine, tripped and fell and broke a bone in her foot. I told her that was the most uninteresting story I had ever heard and she needed to make up a better one.

I suggested she say that her bull, Jackson, had bucked her off during a training exercise or something. "Maybe I should say I broke it kicking Brooke's ass," Anna quipped. We giggled for the next 5 minutes, coming up with story ideas. And that, was about as close to we got to talking about the feud. I was too ladylike to ask, plus I knew I would just get a politically correct, CMT-approved spin answer - so what was the point.

I was kind of surprised when Levi Crocker, from the upcoming Logo show A-List: Dallas walked in, until I was reminded that CMT and Logo are a part of the same network family.  Their show debuts October 3 and promises to live up the A-List reputation of lots of Queeny drama. Should be good!!

An hour into the party, I had to make hasty retreat and rush across town to make the VitaminWater Fashion Show. More on that to come. If there was a catfight, I hope it didn't break out after I left. That would be a real bummer...

The A-List Dallas Trailer is Out!

Logo TV's "The A-List: Dallas" will debut October 3.  Here's the official trailer:

When Levi says, "Don't believe anything you read and only half of what you see," he ain't lying. 

This show won't have the broad appeal that Big Rich Texas or Most Eligible Dallas does. But, for it's target audience, I'm sure it will be well received. Will you be watching?

Dear Reality TV Star, Let's Talk.

It has recently come to my attention that certain people are, shall we say, nervous about what my intentions are with regards to my coverage of the upcoming onslaught of Dallas-based reality TV shows on this blog.  So, I thought I would write an open letter explaining my position:

Dear reality-TV-star-to-be,

There is no need to fret! I am on your side!

First and foremost, this blog is a love letter to Dallas. I love living here and want to share my passion for this city with others. My main mission is to showcase Dallas' hottest events and coolest people.  Be excited that you are blog worthy!  Isn't that why you agreed to do a show in the first place? To get attention either for yourself, your business or your charitable cause?

I piece together clues.

My biggest guilty pleasure is watching reality TV shows: Survivor, Biggest Loser, Real Housewives, Flipping Out, Amazing Race - I love them all! And the fact that new reality shows are being filmed in my city with people I know is so freakin' fantastic I could die. Bananas!

I understand that you are getting nervous.  You are about to go from being a relatively unknown person to a reality TV star!  My little blog might be the first place you have seen gossip or stories about your show because the national press hasn't picked anything up yet. They are waiting for your show to air. And to see if you are worth wasting ink on.

What you need to understand, is that I am not a journalist. I am a blogger. BIG DIFFERENCE. The words I write are my thoughts and opinions. They are not bound by any industry code of ethics or fact-checked by an intern.  After 15+ years of working on newspapers and magazines, here's something I know for sure: All press is good press.  If no one is talking about you, your show is dead in the water.  So change your attitude, I am helping create excitement for your show!!

Looking for scoop!

And here's something else you need to know, most of the stuff I'm writing about you is coming from people on the set or people who are involved with your show.  I always say that in any situation there are at least two sides to every story and the truth is usually somewhere in the middle.  So, if you ever see anything you feel is incorrect about you, feel free to email or call and give me your side of the story.  I can't help you if you aren't talking to me.  I will happily correct something or print your version of a circumstance.  I don't have to quote you. I can get my point across without using your name - as you have seen. 

I am coming into your season with giddy anticipation and wide-eyed exuberance. I am looking for the good and hoping for the best. If you do something awesome, I will be the first one to sing your praises. And if you act like a total douchebag, I will be calling you out.  You know Perez Hilton and Kathy Griffin? Those are the people you need to be worried about. Not me.  I promise to be fair and I challenge you to find anything I've written and honestly call it "mean".  It's just not my style.

So, I hope we're cool. Because if I didn't like you, I wouldn't be talking about you.

Love you! Mean it!
Cynthia

Trouble for Logo's "The A-List: Dallas"

The GLBT community is all stirred up over the filming of Logo's "The A-List Dallas".   I introduced you to the new cast last month.  So what's the drama?  Weenies and Martinis was hosted at Jack’s Backyard on June 11 and was produced by Dallas Voice to benefit Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS. The Dallas Voice accepted an offer by the producers of LOGO’s A-List Dallas to participate and film the event.

This week, Dallas Voice received the following letter from Donnie Pangburn that makes it clear, "no matter how far we’ve come in the battle against HIV/AIDS, we still have a very long way to go, even when it comes to educating our own community".
 

Phillip gets a talking to from Donnie

Donnie writes, "I went to Jack’s Backyard to a going-away party for a friend on Saturday, June 11, and soon realized there was a fundraiser raffle going on to support HIV/AIDS services through the Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS.... I am HIV-positive myself and therefore know first hand the daily struggles that anyone with HIV faces.

One of the A-Listers, Phillip Willis, approached me and my friends and asked us to donate $20 for some raffle tickets. I instantly reached into my pocket and gave him $20. I asked Phillip what they were raffling off, and he stated, “It doesn’t matter; it’s for a good cause. It’s for all those poor, sad, old people.”

I asked whom he was referring to, and he just winked and said, “You know — them.” I replied, “No, I don’t. Who are you referring to?” He said, “You know, those ones who have AIDS.” My response to him was, “I am HIV-positive, and I’m not poor or sad.”...

(to read the rest of Donnie's letter and get commentary from the Dallas Voice click here) 

Hell hath no furry like a gay man scorned... and the fact that an idiot like Phillip Willis is about to be a national face for the Dallas gay community has them shuddering.  The GLBT community has rallied around Donnie and are urging our community to boycott the show.  A Facebook Page has been started called Boycott LOGO's A-List Dallas and they are encouraging their Fans to write the Mayor's office, Perez Hilton and anyone who will listen to get this show shut down.

Many of the comments left on the Fan Page echo the same sentiment left by Ronnie Reynolds, "The 5 people they chose, in no way represent Dallas. My partner and I belong to many gay groups in Dallas, frequent the nightlife every weekend, belong on committees, and participate in many GLBT functions. We have never even seen any of these 5 people before. They just want to be on TV. They are NOT active in the community at all."

Word on the street is that most of the gay club owners are getting behind this movement and are banning future filming at their establishments.  Good for them.  It's gonna be really hard to film an interesting show about gay guys, if you can't get into any of the clubs... I'm just sayin'. Think Jersey Shore if they couldn't drink. 'Nuf said.

James Mitchell posted, "I know one of the cast members and he has graciously bowed out of the show. He, like all of us, realize this show depicts the very lowest from of our gay "LIFE". I feel we are doing a great disjustice to ourselves"  Um, sorry James, maybe that's what your friend is telling you. But I hear he got the boot weeks before this incident.. This is a convenient PR move for him to save face and I say good for him for turning lemons into lemonade.  He's probably thanking his lucky stars he's out of this mess...

Oh my.  Stay tuned for more A-List drama...

Meet the Cast of The A-List: Dallas

The Logo Network announced the cast of The A-List: Dallas today.  Let me just start by saying that I have not seen the original series The A-List: New York that this is spinning off from. But the casting is sending up huge flares of what we can expect. The show will follow 5 gay men and one token girl (why, I have no clue) around town and exploit give you an inside peak at life in the fast lane on Cedar Springs and beyond as they look for love in the city of Big D.

Meet the cast of The A-List: Dallas

 Beau Bumpas (Age 31) 

Occupation - Photographer

  He's the kind of gay every straight girl wishes she had in her life and I am so lucky to call him a personal friend of mine.  The self-proclaimed ‘king of social networking’ knows everyone (and everyone’s business) in town and has made himself a key figure in Dallas nightlife.  He photographs every see-and-be-seen event in town and his work is magnificent.

Chase Hutchinson (Age 27) 

  Occupation: Real Estate/Equity Investments

A "snobby pompous asshole" blogger.  (His words about himself - not mine.)  He describes himself as a gay ex-Christian Fundamentalist financial broker living in Dallas.  The Logo Network says of him, "Chase has it all: A great career in finance, an amazing home, good friends and he’s left a string of broken hearts behind him. Chase is highly motivated (he’s renovating his home himself), is a serial dater looking for Mr. Right, and is at the top of his game in the career department."

 James Doyle Age 22 

Occupation: Trust Fund Baby

His Facebook profile says he's employed by the U.S. Air Force. He says one of his favorite quotes is, "According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with 4 arms, 4 legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves. Where's mine?"  Aw, he's a little lost puppy dog, looking for love.  A friend says of him, "He is SO hot and never one to hold back. VERY cool." So, there you go, he's just been dubbed the show's bad boy.

Levi Crocker (Age 26)

Occupation: Former Rodeo Star/Fashion Designer

 Aw, jeez. Just because it's Texas, they just had to cast a gay Cowboy. A Google search of his name will also tell you that he was recently been arrested and issued a DUI.  Levi made a name for himself as a rodeo star until he was sidelined by an injury. Now this Stetson-wearing stud helps run his family’s ranch and has teamed up with friends to launch a line of sexy, swimwear targeted at gay men.

 What a hunk of burnin' love this one is...  

 Phillip (Age 23) 

Occupation: Entrepreneur/Socialite

 
“Phillip is a Dallas native who knows the city (and everyone’s business) like the back of his hand. It’s a good idea to be on Phillip’s good side; if you’ve got skeletons in his closet–he knows about them. Phillip may be the life of the party, but in his personal life he’s a sensitive, caring guy who wants nothing more than to fall in love.”

And finally, we have our token "fag hag" Ashley Kelly (Age: 25) 

Occupation: Photographer/Model/Cheerleading Coach

 
Hometown: Belton, TX – Like birds of a feather that flock together, the gays of Dallas flock to Ashley Kelly. This Dallas beauty has a big smile and miles of attitude. Ashley is caught between two vastly different worlds: The strict conservative world of her family and her other family – the A-List gays of Dallas.  Like, oh my God, she will be so... cliche.

The A-List: Dallas will film over the next 3-4 months and air this Fall on the Logo Network.

It's official. "A-List" is coming to Dallas!

I don't know how much more space I have on my DVR, but I better make some room because there is yet another reality TV show about to begin filming in Dallas!

I've hung onto this post for a week because I have scoop about who's going to be in the cast, but everything I know I was told "off the record" and until I can get someone to bless it, I don't want to spill the beans. So..... this is what you get for now:

New York Cast of A-List

The official press release states, "Proving you don't have to reside in N.Y.C. to be fabulous, the cast of "The A-List: Dallas" is set to gallop onto the reality scene with a group of Dallas-based gay men and sassy straight women who lead racy and high-limits lives. 

Deep in the heart of Texas, this cast of socialite scene-making men and women are out to prove their New York counterparts have not cornered the market on having big dreams and bigger dramas.  Dallas has recently surged onto the pop culture radar as a focal point for food, fashion and fabulous, earning it a spot worthy of exploring with this top-tier cast of natives."

We're just now "worthy of exploration"? Really? Huh. I think Dallas has been pretty fabulous for a while now... But, that's just me.