Dog Days of Summer Was A Howling Success

LeeAnne Locken, Shelby DiLena, Jason Oleniczak with Samurai, Jane McGarry, Cynthia Smoot. Photo by Bob Manzano

The second annual Dog Days of Summer event happened Thursday, August 17th, at Stanley Korshak. Creators and hosts Bret McKinney, Alison Volk, and Squirrel turned Dallas’ specialty retail boutique department store into a magical playground for dogs, while their stylish parents strolled the store and shopped to support FIDO (Fashion Industry Dog Organization) and The Street Dog Project. Lining the store, sponsors of the event greeted guests and offered special discounts and information on their local businesses. Sponsors included CycleBar Uptown Dallas, Dear Clark, E&B Couture, Lucky Dog Barkery, Mutts, Paw Lofts, and RAW by Canines First. Throughout the evening, a raffle took place, which included prizes from each sponsor. All raffle donations and a percentage of the store’s sales went to support FIDO and The Street Dog Project. Mutts catered the event, treating guests to delicious food favorites like burgers, hot dogs, fries, and chocolate desserts. Guests included Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Cary Deuber, Shelby DiLena, Kathy Fielder, Lea Fisher, Keetha Hanlin, Janet LeBarba, Leti Lackey, LeeAnne Locken, Kimberly Malouf, Jane McGarry, Zsofia Mezey, Brittanie and Jason Oleniczak, Cynthia Smoot, Kate Wagner, Suzanne Warner, Gisela and Karl Ziebarth. Click here to peruse a gallery of photos from this event.

Stanley Korshak Celebrates The Dog Days of Summer

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


On Thursday, July 28th Stanley Korshak held the Dog Days of Summer benefit to aid the SPCA and Recycled Poms hosted by Alison Volk and her Pomeranian, Squirrel. Human and canine guests alike shopped from The Shak and the various pet vendors who participated in the event, including Hollywood Feed, E&B Couture, Lucky Dog Barkery, Raw By Canines First, and Dear Clark Hair Studio. The festivities also included delicious appetizers and treats from Mutts Canine Cantina and Steel City Pops. Guests enjoyed signature Spirit-Elite craft cocktails, including the refreshing Blue Healer and Rum Rescue. The doggie photo booth by Ochoa Photography was a huge hit amongst guests. Lucky Dog Barkery, Hollywood Feed, Dear Clark Hair Studio, and Odyssey Pets provided items and gift baskets for the raffle.

CFDA's {FASHION INCUBATOR} fosters fashion in Dallas

runway drama from Reece Hudson

The CFDA's {FASHION INCUBATOR} scooted into Dallas yesterday to introduce four of the program's designers to our market's VIP's in the fashion industry.  They visited upscale stores like Neiman Marcus, Stanley Korshak and Forty Five Ten, threw a private luncheon and a glam cocktail party at the W Hotel's Ghost Bar.

The see-and-be-seen of Dallas fashion set came out for the evening's cocktail soiree and as I wandered about I spotted Neiman Marcus' Chuck Steelman, John Piermarini, stylist Stephanie Quadri, Tracy Hayes, Joslyn Taylor, handbag designer Susie Straubmueller and blogger Krystal Schlegel all scoping out this hot new talent.

I didn't know much about the program so I hit the internet and discovered that CFDA's {FASHION INCUBATOR} was designed to support the next generation of fashion designers. They provide a creative professional environment to foster promising fashion talent, and help selected designers grow and sustain their business. By offering low-cost design studio space, business mentoring, educational seminars, and networking opportunities the program provides a way for participants to reach their full potential and become an integral part of the New York Fashion community.

Become a muse for Ashard Richley and view her Pre-Fall Collection 2012

I met designer Ashley Burghardt earlier this year at the Gossip Bar when I was attending an event for the Fresh Faces of Fashion. She was there with PR pro, Alison Volk and as we chatted over cocktails, I couldn't help but notice the cute clutches she and Ali were both carrying (their evil plan to get media attention totally worked). Ashley showed me how the clutch (called The Riley) had two separate pockets and was created to hold an iPad in one pocket and all your lady-stuff in the other. Being a girly-girl who hates big, bulky briefcase bags and a marketer who works in social media and needs to have online access at all times - I was SOLD! I now own The Riley in white and cobalt and get comments and compliments on them every time I carry the clutch.

When I found out that Burghardt had also recently appeared on the new Lifetime show, 24 Hour Catwalk (and won!) I knew she was someone I had to get to know better. I profiled her earlier this year in a Dallas Dweller feature and always enjoy running into her at events and parties.

Imagine my SHOCK when she told me that she had named a piece in her upcoming Ashard Richley Pre-Fall Collection after me. WOW! I don't think I've ever been more flattered. All pieces are for sale on her website and there are only 50 pieces per item available so ORDER NOW!!

The Cynthia:  The sophisticated neckline and neutral color give a classy appearance while maintaining visual interest with the subtle pop of color and exaggerated flow of the sleeves.  This product is made from the finest cotton lace and designed, cut and sewn in Dallas making this product 100% American made. Available in cream for $250.

When I asked why she named this particular piece of the Collection after me Burghardt said, "You scream class with flair to me. That's why I named the super chic cotton lace poncho dress after you. The dress has a classic feel with the lace and fit yet it's bold and beautiful…Just like you !"

The Amy:  Named for vivacious morning talk-show host, Amy Vanderoef, this high-low dress creates a trendy, chic look without loosing the undeniable comfort of a jersey cotton ensemble. Ideal for a variety of occasions. This product is cotton jersey and comes in cream or plum for $185.

Burghardt says of this design, "Amy Vanderoef  is always wearing fun dresses on Good Morning Texas and has such a playful personality. That's why I named the Amy dress after her. It's fun and flirty and can be worn for so many things."

The Lisa: Named for my good friend Lisa Petty, editor of DFW Style Daily, this trouser features a classic 50's high-waisted cut with a 70's style wide leg- fashion for the bold. The combination of vibrant color and sleek silhouette will leave you anything but unnoticed. This product is 100% silk and comes in celedon or cobalt for $280. If you'd prefer, take one home in a cream lace for $250.

"Lisa Petty is tall, slender, and such a chic dresser. I love a wide leg on a tall woman, so the Lisa pant in the vintage cotton lace and silk was a no-brainer," claims Berghadrt.

The Priya:  Cut outs are all the rage and this blouse is inspired by the adorable and always chic, Priya Rathod, Contributor for DFW Style Daily. The high-low Priya top takes this trend to a new level of sophistication. This product is 100% silk with 100% cotton lace.  Available in a floral print, coral or cream for $140.

 "Priya Rathod has a vibrant personality and always wears great color," says Burghardt, "When she was interviewing me, we kept talking about how much we love flowy high/low tops. That's when I knew I had to name the Priya top after her. It's colorful and flowy!"

There are several new handbags in the new line that are sure to be seen about town this Fall. Who doesn't love a great clutch and these are affordable, trendy and come in a variety of color combinations:

Busta ($200)

Futo ($175)

I know. You're thinking, "How completely awesome would it be to have a designer name a piece after ME!?" Well, get ready kid. Dreams can come true.  Ashard Richley is holding a "Leave Your Stitch" contest and the winner will tour of the Ashard Richley studio, get a VIP night on the town with the designer herself and name a piece in an upcoming collection after you.  Good luck!

Fresh Faces of Fashion Wrap Up 2012 in Style

This year's Fresh Faces of Fashion program all began several months ago when Modern Luxury magazine collected nominations for this year's roster. To be selected as a FFF, one has to be not only stylish on the outside, but be able to serve up a dossier of charitable works and contributions to the community at large. Every year, 12 lucky women are selected to represent the program and serve as stylish ambassadors to raise awareness and much needed funds to benefit the North Texas Suicide and Crisis Center.

(left) Fresh Face Ambassador, Amy Havins (top right) Mother/Daughter beauties
(bottom right) Tracie McElhaney, Cristi Wilcox and Jamie O'Boyle

There is always a fierce competition to see which Fresh Face Ambassador can sell the most raffle tickets for a chance to win a new Mercedes-Benz from Park Place Motorcars! The winning ticket was drawn at an event on May 23, 2012 at Park Place Motorcars. Over 700 guests came out to see if theirs was the lucky raffle ticket.  Congrats to Katy Messersmith who sold the most raffle tickets - 205 to be exact, raising $20, 500 for the charity.  Bailey Coon came in second with 147 tickets sold raising $14,700. Way to go ladies!!

The winner of a beautiful brand new Mercedes-Benz C250 sedan was... wait for it....  Vy Tran who bought her ticket online and wasn't even at the event! Wa wa wa. It was kind of a bummer for everyone else who was there and holding their breath to see if there's was the winning ticket, but... that's just how it goes sometimes.

(top left) Tiffany Divis and Jill Rowlett   (top right)  Yvonne Crum and Jenyce Gush
(bottom) Caroline Terry, Cynthia Smoot, designer Ashley Burghardt and Alison Volk all sporting Ashard Richley handbags

To wrap up their tenure for FFF, the ladies did one last stomp down a runway modeling clothing from Stanley Korshak featuring designer Joy Cioci.  Guests enjoyed bites from Wendy Crispin, a beauty lounge where Mickey Williams read lip prints, and pics from Foto Favor. Once again, co-chairs Jill Rowlett and Yvonne Crum produced a spectacular event raising a ton of money for a very worthy cause.

 Fresh Faces of Fashion 2012

• Katy Messersmith, Founder and CEO of Katydid Collections
• Samantha Davies, NBC 5 Meteorologist
• Caroline Cooper, Student at UT Austin and Shop Across Texas student blogger
• Carla Miller, Civic Volunteer
• Kaylyn Montgomery, Client Liaison for Coquerel Family Estate Wines
• Bailey Coon, Sales and Marketing Associate for North American Spine
• Amy Wells Havins, Owner of Dallas Wardrobe
• Grace Victoria Davis, Fashion Blogger and Executive Director for SMU Fashion Week
• Allison Wiley Lent, Owner of TheSocialButterfly.com
• Lauren Parsons, Consultant with Parsons Agency
• Lynsey Wiley Provost, Fine Art Consultant
• Krystal Schlegel, SMU student and Fashion Blogger

photos courtesy of Peter Wynne a.k.a. Plano Pete

GCB Author Kim Gatlin Gets Bitchy

Kim Gatlin, author of Good Christian Bitches, held a swanky soiree at Winston's Supperclub last night where she signed copies of her book and posed for photos with rapt fans.  In case you've been living under a rock, let me remind you that Darren Star of Sex In The City fame optioned the book in 2010 and turned it into a show for ABC called GCB which aired earlier this year.

All fans could chatter about last night was the recent demise of the ABC show and lament its passing after only one season. Did you know that there is an online petition to save the show and it currently has over 60,000 virtual signatures!? So who knows... maybe ABC will change its mind! Fingers crossed.  Word has it that another network is so impressed with these numbers that they are currently casting for a reality-based rip-off of the show.  What network, you might be wondering??  One that a lot of Housewives watch... Uh huh.

Bri Crum, Kim Gatlin and Alison Volk

Gatlin told me her next book is called Good Christian Bastards, and will be a male version of her first book.  No word as to when we can expect to read it because she's currently shopping around for a publisher. She's already at work on her third tome called Little Bitches which will be a prequel to GCB and take us back to the beginning, when the ladies were in high school. Ironically, GCB star, Kristen Chenoweth was performing at the Winspear Opera House last night, so Kim hightailed it out of Winston's to catch her performance and posted on Facebook today, "If you have to walk 1,000 miles to see her show, it will be worth it. She is an ENTERTAINER in every sense of the word and was amazing!! She has a hilarious bit about how disappointed she is with ABC's decision to cancel GCB!!! She's such an amazing talent and an amazing person! Go see her if she's anywhere close to you!!! You'll be glad you did!!"

Alexandra and Cathy Williamson, Kim Gatlin and Cynthia Smoot

A little bit about Kim: Kim was born and raised in the Park Cities area of Dallas, Texas where she still lives with her two children Austin (21) and Lauren (15). After her divorce from country music legend Rudy Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers in 2006, Kim’s divorce counselor advised her to write “Good Christian Bitches” as an outlet for the traumatized divorcee. The journals were used as the basis for the story in which was eventually turned into a book in October of 2008. As her greatest heartbreaks were caused by a very few women in the neighborhood who were always championing themselves as “good Christian women,” Kim jokingly referred to them one day as "Good Christian Bitches" and a new label was born in addition to a book title.

Photos courtesy of Shana Anderson.  Thanks to Katydid Collections for providing me with this fabulous maxi dress! I will be wearing it all Summer!

Dress for Success: Light the Runway 2012

Dress for Success launched Light the Runway, their first annual Father/Daughter runway show at Tootsies last Thursday.  Good Morning Texas host Amy Vanderoef introduced the show along with Dress for Success' local celebrity Ambassador, Courtney Kerr of Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas.

The celebrities that lent their talents on the runway included Gary Jackson & Alexia Figgous, Ricardo & Alissa Ortiz, Mike Degani & Sharon Blumberg, Leonard & Alsion Volk, Benny & Brianna Black, Rick & Rachel Fresquez, Vaughn, Gigi & Jade Miller, Brian & Bryn Neufeld, Freddy, Sofia & McKenzie Vaca, Daniel, Candice, Caydence & Caylee Hernandez, Mike Leatherwood & Jamie Lain Siegel, John Conte & Brianna Beasley, Stephen & Kelly Giles, James, Katy & Sara Ryan, Joe, Sara & Katherine Ho, Dean & Kennedy Ann Niewouny, Elgrie & Klarc, Joy Vida Hurd, Mitch Carr & Rose, Willow Skidmore, and Gene & Abi Ferrin.

Katy Messersmith, Kristen Fagelman and Courtney Kerr

Rick Fresquez, Rich Emberlin, guest, Amy Vanderoef and Alison Volk

Samantha Crum givers her Mama, Bri, some love

My favorite runway participants were the Daddy's with their little girls. 
Pictured here are Daniel Hernandez, FC Dallas Soccer Captain, with his two girls and former Dallas Cowboy, Ryan Neufeld with his daughter, Bryn.

Kristen Fagelman models a maxi dress from Katydid Collection | Rich Emberlin and LeeAnne Locken

Dress for Success beneficiaries, staff and supporters!

Dress for Success Dallas is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Dallas provides each woman in their program with one suit when she has a job interview.  When she successfully lands a job, she returns to Dress for Success Dallas for a second suit and up to a week’s worth of business appropriate separates. She also receives an invitation to join the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), our employment retention service. To learn more about this organization, or how to donate, visit their website.

Photos courtesy of Shana Anderson. Click here to see a gallery of photographs from this event.