Advice For The Real Housewives Of Dallas From Fellow Dallas Celebrities

Dallas is a virtual HOTBED for TV casting. Any major reality or competition show worth its salt makes a stop in Big D when looking to cast interesting or talented characters with big personalities. We've seen our citizens dominate and humiliate in shows like The Bachelor, Dancing With The Stars, Top Chef, Biggest Loser, The Voice, American Idol, Fast & Loud, Texas Women, Big Rich Texas, Most Eligible: Dallas and many more. Last fall Bravo announced that the Real Housewives of Dallas would be the latest addition to their juggernaut franchise and ever since then Dallas has been buzzing with guesses about who would be in the cast. Even I have been fingered as a possibility, which is oh so flattering! While the cast remains in debate, what I know for sure, is that these ladies have NO IDEA what's about to hit them smack upside the head. I've been covering reality TV and celebrity news in this town for a looooooong time and have become friends with many of the stars that make these shows fun to watch. So, I reached out to a few of them to ask, "What do you wish someone had told you before you started your reality/competition TV journey?" Here's some sage advice for the new cast of #RHOD from those who have been there before:

Dallas Celebrities Share Their Favorite Back-To-School Memories (Part 2)

Yesterday, I shared some fun back-to-school memories from some of Dallas most notable faces. Fox 4's Lauren Przybyl, Top Chef's Tiffany Derry, lifestyle guru and Southern Living Contributor Kimberly Whitman, Texas Monthly's Daniel Vaughan, WFAA's Alexa Conomos, real estate blogger Candy Evans, KTXD's Dawn Neufeld and TV personality and sports blogger Gina Miller all shared some fun flashbacks into their past. Today's posts offers up more fun memories of those school day fashions and must-have accessories. Enjoy!

XO, Cynthia

Lisa Petty circa 7th grade

"Looking back, I lived through some pretty cringe-worthy fashion times in my '80s and '90s school days. For example, one outfit I recall involved a sweatshirt printed with dozens of neon high top sneakers, over a pair of grey parachute pants with pink zippers. And don't even get me started on my Punky Brewster phase!

That said, however, my all-time favorite school outfit was a form-fitting red tee and a pair of dark denim jeans that (I imagined) looked just like Brooke Shields' Calvin Kleins. I would top this ensemble with a silver Jordache puffer jacket. Add a pair of studded booties, and I think the outfit might be on point for Fall 2014!"

Lisa Petty
Editor, DFW Style Daily 

"I look back on my freshman year as one of my fondest memories. I was the only freshman at Lincoln High School on the varsity basketball team, which was a big deal because we were the number one basketball team in the nation and also go to travel around the united states for basketball tournaments and also played on ESPN. So for me that was my best moment in high school." Charles advice for students? "Never fall into the pressures of trends that other kids set. Simply dress the way that best suits your mood and personality - if you don’t attend a school that has dress code that is."

Charles Smith
Designer, SMITH II 

Scenes from Stiletto Strut 2013

Star Children’s Charity partnered with Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities to host the 5th annual Stiletto Strut at Neiman Marcus Willow Bend on May 10, 2013. Stylish strutters such as Norma Johnson, Crystal Herrera, Daniel Lewis, Maggie Kipp, Shay Geyer, Angie Strange, Dawn Mellon, Jennifer Cloutier and Cindy Davis from Big Rich Texas kicked off the morning by joining hostess Pat Smith in Neiman's Shoe Department for a champagne reception & Shoe Auction. We then "strutted" up the escalator to the second floor for a private brunch & fashion show.  Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County, who provides more than 4,800 area children and teenagers a safe place to learn and grow during the vulnerable hours between school and home.  To learn more about Star Children's Charity, visit http://www.starchildrens.com.

Pat Smith and Cynthia Smoot (dress: Lela Rose)

5 ways to look thinner without sweating or starving

Lemme guess.

Your New Years Resolution is either to work out more (to lose weight) or eat better (to lose weight). Yeah, mine too. Except at 40+ years old, I am realistic enough to know that I will do neither of those things (to lose weight). I love food and hate to sweat. Plus, I'll admit it... I'm lazy.

That doesn't keep me from hoping that I will magically drop 10 pounds. And with everyone posting their Resolutions on Facebook and Twitter, it got me thinking... how can I look thinner without working out and giving up the foods I love?  After much thought, here are a few solutions I've come up with:

Modern Luxury celebrate is 8th Anniversary

Alberto Lombardi and Blake Stephenson
photo: Danny Campbell Photography

Modern Luxury magazine celebrated its eight anniversary on October 16 with a stylish soiree at the new Cafe des Artistes in One Arts Plaza. There were savory bites, smooth cocktails crafted by Maestro Dobel and a sensory lounge featuring scents by Givenchy and Acqua di Parma. Among the notables in attendance were Modern Luxury Publisher Blake Stephenson and her husband, Tom, Neiman Marcus' Check Steelman, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Green Peridot salon owner Daniel Lewis, Northpark Center marketing mavens Angie Milton and Kristen Gibbins and Christopher and Rachel Trowbridge. Here are some scenes from the night:

Sissy's Southern Kitchen & Bar: Come Sit a Spell

Lisa Garza with Cynthia Smoot

Well, fiddle dee dee! I do declare that I have found a new place to sit a spell and sip a mint julep.

Lisa Garza, a former contestant on The Next Food Network Star and owner of Lisa Garza Taste Studio, opened the doors of Sissy's Southern Kitchen & Bar to the public on Monday, February 27th.

I got a sneak peek/taste last Thursday at this exciting new dining experience that features authentic Southern cuisine, cocktails and décor at a media luncheon hosted by Garza.

“The concept is inspired by my Southern roots. I was born in Memphis and raised by an old-school Southern daddy,” Garza says. “I have worked in and around the fine dining scene for almost 20 years—Sissy’s will be a slight departure. I want to build a fun place that feels like home in the South with great food, awesome drinks and friendly service.”

(left) Chef Jeffery Hobbs  (right) Grandma's Layered Salad, Fried Okra and Shrimp & Grits

Garza hand-selected Chef Jeffery Hobbs, her dear friend and partner at Suze for seven years, to execute her culinary vision. If you only order one thing - you MUST get Sissy’s fried chicken: a choice of white or dark meat prepared in a house-blended brine and soaked in buttermilk. It is so damn good that we were literally fighting for pieces at our media luncheon.  And at the grand opening event, Drew Ginsburg ate at least 5 pieces right in front of me and then lamented about how he was going to have to call his trainer first thing the next morning. But, it was so worth it, wasn't it Drew...

Click here to see LOTS more photos on Facebook

At the grand opening on Friday, February 24 I spied Amy Vanderoef and LeeAnne Locken who had skedaddled over from A Night at the Karaoke Lounge benefit for Turtle Creek Recovery Center. DJ Jen Miller and Bri Crum were caught noshing on squash puppies and deviled eggs and Barney's Jackson was cruisin' the crowd working the room is his usual debonair style.  If you wanted to find Lisa Garza... you only had to go as far as the makeshift dance floor where she spent most of the night dancing to the sounds of 70s disco and 80s rock.

(left)  Jen Miller & Drew Ginsburg  (top right)  Rhonda Sargent Chambers & Daniel Winson Lewis
(bottom right) LeeAnne Locken & Rich Emberlin

Expect other Southern staples like corn fritters with whipped honey butter, whole fried okra, chili fried oysters and rémoulade, shrimp and white cheddar-green onion grits, Low Country gumbo, chicken and waffles topped with black strap molasses, and slow-cooked beef short ribs. The desserts were my least favorite part of the menu.  Nothing blew my skirt up.  Keep to the apps and entrees and you will not be disappointed.  The bar program features old-school Southern cocktails and a vodka “tea bar” that consists of crystal urns filled with signature tea-infused punches.

Sissy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar is located at 2929 North Henderson Avenue and will be open for dinner Monday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.  Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling 214.827.9900. For more information, please visit www.sissyssouthernkitchen.com.

Celebrity Waiter Luncheon Counts Down to September 23

Family Gateway's "Celebrity Waiter Luncheon" Chairman Shay Geyer and Maggie Kipp hosted a countdown party at TOOTSIES for this year's annual luncheon, which will be held on September 23. Guests enjoyed nibbles, cocktails and informal modeling by this year's Celebrity Waiters featuring designs from BCBG and emceed by Rhonda Sargent Chambers of RSC Productions. 15% of the evenings sales went to benefit Family Gateway.

(top) Shear Genius star/hair stylist Daniel Winson Lewis and "Oh So Cynthia" Smoot, Allison Edwards and Courtney Edwards from Where Wear In The City with fashion designer, Sarah Jones of Status  (bottom) Maggie Kipp, BCBG representative, Victoria Snee, Lisa Garza, LeeAnne Locken, Shay Geyer, Alison Volk of Tootsies and Rhonda Sargent Chambers

Family Gateway's "Celebrity Waiter Luncheon" event is an entertaining and lively luncheon with silent and live auctions featuring celebrities from local business, media, politics, sports and entertainment industries as waiters. 

Each table sponsor hosts a table of 10 generous guests who come prepared to tip their waiters with wild abandon and to bid for the extraordinary and unique auction items.

Waiters seek tips in eccentric ways - pocketing your silverware, withholding your meal, singing, performing and dancing; the antics are endless as waiters will go to great lengths to raise the most money during 90 action-packed minutes. This lively competition between waiters results in important funds being raised for Family Gateway.

Click here to see photo's from this event on Facebook

About Family Gateway: 
Family Gateway breaks the generational cycle of homelessness by providing individualized care to homeless families with children; restoring the dignity, stability and self-sufficiency of the family unit.

Mad Hatter's Tea Party 2011

The 23d annual Mad Hatter's Tea Party was held on April 21, 2011 at the Dallas Arboretum benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum. A drizzly day couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Southern Belles who turned out in full force wearing their finest chapeaus for a tumble down the rabbit hole.

 (left) Jill Rowlett with Honorary Chair, Yvonne Crum a.k.a. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum sporting McKenzie Childs teapots that they had converted to purses for the occasion  (top right) Wonderland Decor  (bottom right) Judges Lisa Garza, David Nelson Wren and LeeAnne Lockon

Marilyn Hailey's vintage hat collection and sketches were on display in the courtyard during the champagne reception, collected over the years with original hats and designs from Frank Olive, who designed hats for Neiman Marcus when she modeled for them.  Wandering the crowd were celebrity judges Valerie Elizabeth, Lisa Garza, Daniel Winson Lewis, LeeAnne Locken and David Nelson Wren looking to dole out fabulous prizes to the best hats.  Let me tell you, the competition was fierce!

Click here to visit my photo gallery and see all the festive finery!

Steve Kemble gave a nod to the future Princess Kate Middleton

After much oooh'ing and aah'ing over the wild array of millinery creations, guests enjoyed a fashion show produced by the imitable Jan Strimple featuring luscious fashions from Tory Burch, Karen Millen, Tootsie's, Betty Reiter and Anne Fontaine. 

At the end of the show, awards were given out for:

Most True to Theme: A Timeless Tory;

Most Botannical: Fontaine’s Floral Finery;

Most Whimsical: Tickle My Tootsies;

Most Elegant: Magnificent Millen-ary;

Best of Show: Dee-Lightful;

Most Outlandish: Reiter or Wrong

(Note the nod to sponsors.  Clever...) 

Click here to see video snippets of all the winners! 

After the fashion show, we ladies tottered out to a beautiful tented pavilion where we enjoyed a seated luncheon.  This was one of the most enjoyable events I have ever attended. It was whimsical and fun, everyone was into the theme and the spirit of the event and the Arboretum did an amazing job providing a stunning backdrop for the fundraiser.

I'm already pondering my attire for next year's event...

2011 Beyond the Rainbow: Children's Cancer Fund

Roger Staubach, Kaitlyn Wade & Daryl Johnston

The Children's Cancer Fund held its 23d Annual Beyond the Rainbow luncheon and fashion show last Friday inside the Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole.  The theme of this year's extravaganza was "Kings and Queens Full of Hopes and Dreams".

Honorary Co-Chairs Roger Staubach and Daryl Johnston joined Luncheon Co-Chairs Amy Maurer and Summer Olmstead, along with an impressive lineup of celebrities and local media, presented young cancer patients and numerous pediatric cancer survivors in a special runway show.

Medieval Times had a slew of characters in attendance to serve as court to the Kings and Queens of the day's event: the children who are cancer survivors. They were treated like royalty, getting their hair done, playing games and meeting local celebrities.

“As a parent, it is so hard to accept what these children have to endure on a day-to-day basis in their fight against pediatric cancer,” said Luncheon Co-Chair Summer Olmstead.  “Children’s Cancer Fund is dedicated to providing the critical funding for research and treatment programs that will not only save lives, but lead to a cure. ”

Daniel Winson Lewis, cancer survivor Shae Henderson
and Blythe Beck

A host of local celebrities, dignitaries, and media personalities attend the luncheon and served as runway escorts for the Children’s Medical Center patients modeling in this year’s fashion show, including former Dallas Cowboy Drew Pearson, Miss Texas Ashley Melnick, former Dallas Cowboy Tony Dorsett, Celebrity chef Blythe Beck, Project Runway finalist Shirin Askari, Celebrity chef and The Next Food Network Star finalist Lisa Garza, former Texas Ranger Jeff Russell, Shear Genius stylist Daniel Winson Lewis and more.

“Cancer remains the number one disease killer of children, and there is still work to be done to close the gap on this disease,” said Luncheon Co-Chair Amy Maurer.  "Our hope for these kids, and for future generations, is a childhood free of cancer, and your commitment (by attending this event) to advanced research is paramount in making that dream a reality.”

Amanda Sterett and Marisa Huckin

KDFW FOX 4 News Anchors Steve Eagar and Clarice Tinsley served as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies at the event. As each child walked the runway paired with their partner, Eagar read a Bio on each of the survivors. When asked "what they would do if they could have one wish for a day", it's not surprising that most of their responses had something to do with finding a cure for cancer or making everyone in the world feel better. Seeing these beautiful children, so full of hope and courage, made me so very thankful for my own healthy child.

J-Si, a Children's cancer survivor, Kellie Rasberry and Big Al Mack from KHKS/106.1 Radio

To see many more photos from this fantastic event, visit my Facebook Fan Page.

The return of the updo

I've noticed a hair trend amongst stylistas of late:  

the updo.

  

Maleiah Rogers at the 2011 Fresh Faces of Fashion event

Technically, an updo is a hair style that involves arranging the hair instead of allowing it to fall freely. It can be as simple as a ponytail, but is more commonly associated with more elaborate styles intended for special occasions such as a prom or wedding.  The updo had its heydey in the 1950-60s. The beehive was, and still is, the most popular updo because it's the easiest to acheive.

Thanks to stars like Jennifer Aniston, the relaxed, loose-curl, beach look has been the style of choice for what seems like the past decade. As we all know what goes around, comes around and it looks like a little hair glamor is back in style. I, for one, say "Hallelujah!"

Daniel Winson Lewis, owner of Green Peridot Salon and BRAVO TV Shear Genius star had this to say, "I am getting more interest from client's in creating updos for special occasions! The the key is to keep it simple, even if you want a dramatic look.  From a simple hair-wrapped base ponytail to a low bun (an updo) gives the hair a different feel for the lady who is always out an about but doesn't always want to look the same.

If you think it's too harsh to pull your hair completely off your face, shift a bun or pony to the side and it will change your entire profile. Always remember the old adage "K.I.S.S." ( keep it simple stupid) and you can't go wrong!" 

Fresh Faces of Fashion 2011

Style mavens and fashion aficionados turned out in droves Saturday evening to celebrate the 2011 Fresh Faces of Fashion. This years honorees stomped the runway in a chic fashion show featuring Stanley Korshak’s hottest spring confections.  The presentation also included a special segment from Brunello Cucinelli's Fall 2011 Collection.

(Left) Fresh Face of Fashion honoree, Lisa Petty (Top Right) Daniel Winson Lewis with Michael Soheil 

(Bottom Right) Fresh Face of Fashion honorees, Shirin Askari and Amanda Sterett

After the eye candy feast, guests meandered across the courtyard for a seated dinner at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel. Of course, the real reason we were all there was to raise funds and awareness for the evening's beneficiary, the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.  Patricia Massey Sivori spoke passionately about her experience with the disease of depression and the devastating impact suicide can have on those left behind. 

The season's hottest frocks as shown at Stanley Korshak

This was the 5th year that readers of Modern Luxury magazine selected 12 lovely ladies to represent as our city's most fashionable.  Congratulation's to this year's honorees: Amanda Sisk, Amanda Sterett, Casey Robinson, Catherine Sowell, Charlotte Reynolds, Claire Pruitt, Ellie Lemak, Lainie Kritser, Lisa Petty, Piper Young, Shirin Askari and Teffy Jacobs.

(Top Left) Leigh Bailey and Karen Liu Pang 

(Top Right) Event Co-Chairs, Jill Rowlett and Yvonne Crum with Fresh Face honorees, Claire Pruitt and Amanda Sterett 

(Bottom) Fresh Face honoree, Claire Pruitt, with Meredith Grabham, Lindy Berkley, Marissa Huckin and Devon Meyers

Buying Local Isn't Just About Food

The sustainable movement has been underfoot for some time now.  There's a growing movement encouraging us to buy locally to not only support local farmers and small businesses but it perpetuates the thought that you can get fruits and vegetables that have been grown with less hormones and pesticides. People, this may come as a shock, but apples and lettuce are not meant to have a 6-week shelf life.

This theory applies to other industries as well - like fashion and jewelry. Dallas has some amazing creative talents and events like this one are designed to put a spotlight on the fact that not all great design comes from New York and Los Angeles.  And that if you "make it" you don't have to leave Dallas either!

The Fashion Group International of Dallas hosted their annual Gala called a "Night of Stars" at the Dallas Trade Pavilion last Friday. Amy Vanderoef of WFAA presented several Career Achievement Awards to local talents: Kent Rathbun, Richard Krall Photography and Charles and Joanne Teichman from Ylang23. Rising Star Awards were also given out to up-and-comers in the fashion industry.

A runway show produced by the fabulous Jan Strimple ended the night with a display of stunning fashions from six Dallas-based designers:

Elli Grace  |  Shirin Askari   |  Abi Ferrin  

Nha Khanh  |   PrashE  |  Nest

My date, Daniel Lewis of Green Peridot Salon.  He was on Paper City's Fashion Police team this year and got to walk in the show.  He stomped down that runway like a Calvin Klein model!

I wasn't a bit surprised to run into the lovely ladies of You+Media, Elisabeth Jordan and Hilary Kennedy.  Also pictured is my friend, Bri Crum of Plan B PR.

Me with local designer (and Project Runway star) Shirin Askari and Bri Crum.

I'm not saying to never shop at The Gap or Target again. But, you can support your local economy and look fabulous in designs you won't see on 200 other people by taking a closer look at the talent pool we have right in our own back yard.

I'm just sayin'.

Brazilian Blowout Bliss

Remember the big hair craze that was all the rage a couple of years ago?  It was a hair straightening process invented in Japan, that swept America and made countless women forever grateful to it's hair-transforming powers.

It goes by several different names - Japanese Straightening, Thermal Reconditioning, Straight Perm, and Japanese Straight Perm. Jennifer Aniston was a fan and it was talked about in every celebrity and beauty magazine.

The problem with Japanese Straightening is that it's a chemical process and, if not done correctly, can burn or do real damage to your hair.  I have seen first-hand how this treatment, gone wrong, can be a real disaster. One of my friends had half her bangs singed off and had to deal with growing her hair back. Took months. Lots of headbands. Not pretty.

I ran into Bravo TV star and local hair stylebrity, Daniel Lewis, at (of all places) the grocery store a couple of weeks ago and he was raving about a new straightening process sweeping salons around the country called the Brazilian Blowout.

Now, I have hair that isn't straight and it's not curly... if washed and left to air dry, it can look like I stuck my finger in a socket.  Frizzola.

My typical hair routine is to spend up to 30 minutes sectioning and blow-drying my hair with a round brush, then flat ironing it to smooth it out even more. This can lead to heat damage and split ends.

So, when Daniel invited me to visit him at his salon for a complimentary visit - I was not about to turn his generous invitation down!

Here's how it's done:



In the photo above, you can see me after my Brazilian Blowout, with Daniel. My hair is soft, sleek and sexy. Yeah, baby!  A huge benefit to this process is, not only does it eliminate the frizz from your hair, but it drastically cuts down on drying time.  The first time I washed my hair after this process, I wanted to put it to the test, so I blew my hair dry using only my fingers to comb through it - no round brush at all.  It took 5 minutes before my hair was totally dry and it was totally straight with no frizzing. AMAZING.  Now, I did have to grab the brush when I was done to style it a bit around my face... but overall, I was totally impressed with the results.

The Brazilian Blowout lasts 4-6 months and is worth every bit of the $250-$300 price tag that Green Peridot charges (the same service is allegedly $700 at Frederic Fekkai).

"Remember... Hair (pregnant pause) is important." ~ Camila Alves, hostess of Shear Genius

PS: I received the Brazilian Blowout service necessary to facilitate my candid review at no charge. In addition, I received Aveda product to thank me for taking the time to participate.

It's Shear Genius!

So, as you all know, I am a reality TV junkie. And one of my favorite shows is Shear Genius on Bravo. This season featured two players from Dallas: Matthew Tully and Daniel Lewis.

Well, neither one of our boys won this season's competition. But Lewis was voted "Fan Favorite" and walked away with $10,000!

So, when I decided to chop my hair off I thought I'd pay Daniel a visit at his Frisco Salon, the Green Peridot. He was every bit as fabulous in person and we had a great time dishing about the show. He and Charlie are still buddies (in fact Charlie introduced Daniel to his current partner!). He is working on his own product line and Bravo execs are in talks to develop a show, just for him!

This photo doesn't even do my new look justice. It's super cute and I love it! My son, however, did a double-take when I walked into the house and yelled, "It's horrible!"

Men... In two days he won't even remember what it looked like before.