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:

Oh So Tasty: Burgers and Burgundy 2012

Debra Nelson, Greg Haynes Johnson and Anne Stodghill

Celebrity chefs and philanthropic foodies joined Chef John Tesar at the estate of Anne and Steve Stodghill on Friday, October 19th for the fourth annual Burgers & Burgundy event benefiting The Dallas Chapter of DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS).

“I was very excited to bring my fellow chefs together for what has become an annual event for DIFFA/Dallas,” comments Chef Tesar. “I have had the honor to work with DIFFA for four years to put on this event. The best part, though, is that it’s for a great cause.”

Each chef was tasked with the challenge to serve up the best burger sliders and compliment them with the burgundy of their choice. I was a bit leery of attending this event, since I am not a fan of red wine (or I should say, it is not a fan of ME!) but thankfully, there were plenty of other libation selections from which to choose if burgundy wines weren't your thing.

Lisa Garza Offers Her World Famous Chicken To-Go

Fiddle dee dee, my prayers have been answered!! 

 

Starting Friday, June 22nd, Sissy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar patrons can order a bucket of Chef Lisa Garza’s house-spiced, buttermilk-soaked fried chicken to take home for dinner. Buckets include 10 pieces of dark, white or mixed chicken and a side of slaw or whipped potatoes for $24 (plus tax and gratuity). Orders can also be placed ahead of time by calling 214.827.9900.  I'm not kidding when I say this is the BEST fried chicken I have ever eaten. I dream about it. It's just that good!!!

 

Jen Miller and Drew Ginsburg noshing on Garza's Fried Chicken at her grand opening party

 

Also launching the 22nd, Lisa is launching new happy hour specials featuring select Southern cocktails. Each day between 5 and 7 p.m., $6 seasonal drink features will be listed on the specials board. Expect weekly rotating cocktails mixed with Patron, Belvedere, Maker’s Mark, Stillhouse Moonshine and Moet. 

 

Sissy's Southern Kitchen & Bar is located at 2929 Henderson Avenue, Dallas, TX 75206

It's Official! Most Eligible Dallas is returning for Season Two

I've been calling this one for months, and Bravo has finally proven me right.  On Friday, March 23rd, 2012 Bravo representatives came to the Zenith Media New York office to present the network’s 2012-2013 Upfront programming tagged “Powered by Bravo”.  Bravo presented new and returning shows in the Food, Fashion, Beauty, Design and Pop Culture genres.

In that presentation was this blurb:

POP CULTURE

• Returning series include: Most Eligible Dallas, The Real Housewives Franchise (New York City, Atlanta, Orange County, Miami, Beverly Hills and New Jersey), Watch What Happens Live, The Millionaire Matchmaker, Bethenny Ever After, Inside The Actors Studio, Shahs of Sunset, Don’t Be Tardy For The Wedding, The Kandi Factory and The Kathy Griffin Comedy specials

We now have official confirmation from Bravo that the show is returning... but the million dollar question now is, returning with who?  It's a sure fire bet that Matt and Courtney will be coming back. I would be SHOCKED if Glenn and Neill returned. And that leaves wildcard players Drew and Tara.

What I know for sure, is that we will see some new faces. I can't wait to find out who those new faces belong to!!! Who do you want to see return?

To read the entire press release from Bravo about new and returning shows, click here.

Fresh Faces of Fashion features Nha Khanh for 2012

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. The 12 lucky women selected to represent the program serve as stylish ambassadors to raise awareness and much needed funds to benefit the North Texas Suicide and Crisis Center.

These lovely lasses have appeared in the March issue of Modern Luxury and last Friday, they walked in a runway show at the 6th annual Fresh Faces of Fashion Gala held at Stanley Korshak featuring the Fall 2012 Collection from one of Dallas leading fashion designers, Nha Khanh.  Back for another year, co-chairs, Yvonne Crum and Jill Rowlett flitted amongst the crowd, welcoming guests and using their wiles to charm raffle tickets sales from the pocketbooks of all who entered!

These ladies are goooood and party-goers didn't stand a chance.

Cynthia with Matt Nordgren, Lee Bailey and Carmaleta Whiteley
Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Kari Schlegel Kloewer and 2012 FFF, Krystal Schlegel

Among the stylish in attendance were Carmaleta Whiteley, Lee Bailey, Mina Chang, LeeAnne Locken and Renee Rouleau. I caught up with Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas stars Matt Nordgren and Drew Ginsburg over a cocktail and ran into the whole Schelgel clan there to cheer on one of this year's FFF, Krystal Schlegel.

Immediately following the fashion show, attendees were feted at a dinner at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel.  Roy Jackson gave a moving talk about the loss of his son. He had the room both laughing and crying, which is hard to do - especially when you are not a practiced public speaker! He spoke of love and loss, sadness and anger, hope and finding joy again. I salute his courage in telling his story only one day after the 5th anniversary of his son's tragic death.

Fashions from the Fall 2012 Nha Khanh Collection

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

Oh, but wait... it's not over yet!

There is a fierce competition to see who can sell the most raffle tickets for a chance to win a new Mercedes from Park Place Motorcars! The winning ticket will be drawn at an event in May at Park Place Motorcars.  To date, the Fresh Faces of Fashion events have raised over a million dollars for the Suicide and Crisis Center in the past six years.  Pretty darn impressive!

Click here to see many more photos from this event on Facebook

Click here for more information on the Fresh Faces of Fashion, and to purchase raffle tickets via SCCenter.org.

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.

Most Eligible Dallas? Oh, It's Coming Back for a Season Two...

A little birdie told me today that select cast members from Most Eligible Dallas have been asked to attend an "Upfront" for Bravo.

"What the heck does that mean?" you are asking. Yeah, I had to ask myself.  An Upfront is when a network pitches shows to potential advertisers. They bring in cast from the shows to razzle dazzle and schmooze the buyers and get them to loosen up their pocketbooks. 

So, one has to assume that while no formal announcements have been made, that a Season Two is practically in the bag or they wouldn't be pitching the show to advertisers as part of their Fall line-up. Just sayin'.

Now, exactly WHO is coming back and what NEW faces will be added? Well, that remains to be seen.

Holiday Wrap Up: Drew Ginsburg

The holidays have ended and a 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.

___________________________________

Drew Ginsburg

Star of Most Eligible Dallas

2011 has been crazy year for Drew. BRAVO TV's Most Eligible Dallas brought him to the country's attention as a chain-smoking, quick-witted gay looking for love in Big D.  But it was his public acknowledgement of his struggles with overcoming weight issues and alcohol addiction that made America fall in love with him. 

Drew takes in the Montreal sights and runs into Canada's most famous export!

This year Christmas had a special meaning for Drew, as he tweeted his fans:

Drew spent his holiday in Montreal, Canada "to experience winter weather" and says "My New Years resolution is to improve my health.   And to spend more time with my (two little) brothers."

We also hope 2012 bring Drew a hot new boyfriend and a new contract for another season of Most Eligible Dallas!

Become a Fan on Facebook and follow Drew on Twitter.

Will There be a Season Two for Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas?

Rumors have been swirling for weeks about Most Eligible Dallas. Is Bravo TV going to renew the show or aren't they? Will all of the original cast be coming back or will we see some new faces?

What I do know for sure, is that upon wrapping Dallas, the crew hit the road and is currently filming in New York City.  They are then scheduled to go to Chicago and are currently casting for West Palm's.  That leaves the question, IF they are coming back to Dallas, then WHEN? And if too much time passes, does MED Dallas lose whatever audience they had?  As Heidi Klum is fond of saying, "One day you are in... and the next day you are OUT."  If more than a year goes by in-between seasons, does the Dallas cast remain relevant to a national audience?

For the record, I didn't even bother to reach out to Bravo or Pink Sneakers Productions about the possibility of a second season, because they wouldn't tell me anyway. 

One of the rumors I am hearing (from multiple sources) is that they are only bringing back THREE of the original cast and that in a Season Two we will see some new faces. IF this turns out to be true, my best guess is that they will keep Matt and Courtney ("Le duh!" as Court would say) and Glenn and Neill will be out.

That leaves Drew and Tara, which presents quite the conundrum, because they are so different and each has their own audience. Drew is the token gay on the show (bringing in much needed diversity to this cast) but Tara is a hot blonde who saves cute puppies. Hmmm. This is a total toss up and could go either way.

Dallas Cast with Bravo TV's Andy Cohen

A source tells me that Pink Sneakers has been reaching out to new "Eligibles" about possibly joining an upcoming season.  Although one of the "Eligibles" I spoke to said, "I have been contacted by the production company, but they haven't confirmed that it's MED they are looking to cast. They are being vague about what show they are casting for, saying it could be MED or it could be a new show."

MED star, Matt Nordgren, tells me, "Honestly, we have heard nothing. They are going through a testing phase and will know more mid-Jan. Until then everything you hear is rumors and nothing more. The follow up with new people is part of the wrap up from a 1st season show. It doesn't have anything to do with season 2 just yet."  

Okay, that makes no sense to me. What do "new people" have to do with a "wrap up" from Season One?

More steamy hot tub action, please!

Courtney Kerr scoffed, "You're asking me about a rumor?! C'mon?!?! You know this city is full of those!  Obviously, this cast is very dear to me, and because we all went through season one together, if and when there is a season 2, I would like to share this experience with those close friends again. But if there are any casting changes, I am unaware of it. This gossip is D.O.A. to me until we sign a contract for another season."   

Right... you and Neill are such "dear" friends. I'm sure Court will be all broken up if Neill doesn't return.

Drew Ginsburg

I spoke to Drew Ginsburg by telephone and he is towing the party line with Matt and Courtney, saying he has not been engaged in any serious conversations about a Season Two but is hopeful that it happens.

I, for one, am keeping my fingers crossed for another season. Aren't you dying to know what happened with Matt & Courtney after that steamy hot tub make-out session! And did Tara find true love after dumping her two-timing boyfriend? And what about all of those cute puppies?!  And what happened with Drew and Cody!? Is Drew's heart broken for good?!

Even though I already know... America needs to know!!

I'll keep you posted on any new developments as they roll in... If you have scoop, leave a comment below or email me if you'd prefer to remain anonymous. 

Khloe Kardashian Gets Warm Reception at First Mavs Game

You know that stuff about how "family is the most important thing" and "blood's thicker than water" and "family comes first".  That was put to the test this weekend when US Weekly contacted me and asked if I would like to attend the first Dallas Mavericks game as a local correspondent for them and cover the game (which really means talk about Khloe Kardashian and what she was wearing and if she ate nachos).

I had to turn them down to attend a holiday dinner at my sister's house with the maternal side of my family (sigh). And then when I told them about my stupendous sacrifice, all anyone could say was, "Why didn't you go!?".  Yeah...  Another local blogger, Farah Fleurima stepped in to represent for the Dallas blogger community and apparently had a great time, even getting to go into the Mavs locker room to meet Odom and Mav's owner, Mark Cuban.  Stupid family.

But, enough about me... let's get to the good stuff: Khloe Kardashian.

Mark Cuban chats up Khloe  |  Khloe with Ali Dee

The E! reality star and her Tweety Bird yellow Hermes Birkin bag sat in a primo seat alongside her makeup artist, Rob Scheppy, as Lamar piled up fourteen points and seven rebounds during a 106-92 losing effort.  She was very accommodating to fans asking to get a photo with her and even ran into local reality TV stars, Drew Ginsburg from Bravo's Most Eligible Dallas and Ali Dee from CMT's Texas Women (who also happens to be the "First Lady of the  Dallas Mavericks)

Bubbling with excitement over catching her man in action with Dallas, Khloe sent out a pre-game tweet reading, "Yay!!! On my way to the first pre-season game with @robscheppy to see my Lam play for the @dallasmavs. Woooohoooo"

She was apparently bowled over by our Southern charm and Texas twangs because she ended the night by tweeting, "Wow Dallas you guys are so freaking nice to me! Thank me!!! What a warm welcome! :) thank you @dallasmavs and everyone I have met :)"

photos courtesy of Celebrity-Gossip.net and Ali Dee

Spooktacular Halloween Costumes for 2011

Happy Halloween everyone! The bad news is that Halloween is on a Monday. The good news is that Dallas just started celebrating last Thursday, so there have been 5 long days and 5 crazy nights of parties and events. Still wondering what to dress up as tomorrow for that one last Halloween event? Here are a few ideas from a some of Dallas' famous faces:

Style Network Star, Melissa Poe (far right) from Big Rich Texas joined Brownie Troop 69 for an evening of Halloween fun at the Aloft Hotel (seen here with Denise Walraed and Don Jarred) 

 Drew Ginsberg from Most Eligible Dallas took to the streets dressed as fellow reality Bravo reality star, Lisa Vanderpump from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, complete with her pet Pomeranian Jiggy, for the Cedar Springs Halloween Parade.

Courtney Kerr from Most Eligible Dallas was "bad with names" and her BFF, Tori Gonzales, looked amazing as Slash from Guns and Roses

 Blogger, Katie Anderson, was dead ringer for Most Eligible Dallas star, Courtney Kerr

Daylon Pereira from Most Eligible Dallas hit the town as fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld

Robin Valetutto wasn't afraid to get dirty with Most Eligible Dallas star Glenn Pakulak who dressed as a mechanic.

America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru, Steve Kemble, was looking to lasso up some man candy when he ran into Model/Actress LeeAnne Locken dressed as an Oriental Princess.

DJ Jennifer Miller and gal pal Bri Crum stepped out as DJ Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan.

 

Fox 4's Fiona Gorostiza got to spend an evening working at Cutting Edge Haunted House for a segment.  Can you figure out which one she is?! Check out here amazing makeup! 

(Spoiler: She's in the middle)

Happy Halloween everyone!!

Fashion's Night Out 2011: The Recap

Tori Gonzales, Courtney Kerr & Anna-Sophia Van Zweden

Fashion's Night Out was created in 2009 by Vogue's Anna Wintour as way to gin up excitement about the upcoming shopping season. Times had been desperate for retailers and designers; and this was a way to lure penny-pinching consumers into stores when the merchandise was at full price.

FNO was not about celebrating the runways, high-end designers and rarified goods; instead, it was a wholly commercial endeavor, one that sought the participation of every brand from Giorgio Armani to Zara.

Since 2009, FNO has evolved into a one-day gorge-fest of special guest appearances in boutiques large and small, hipster DJs, indie bands, a mass runway shows, a televised documentary on CBS and enough cocktail parties to pickle every liver from New York to Dallas to Los Angeles to London and Milan.

While the purpose of this event might be to drum up store sales... my interest in this event was (for the most part) purely superficial. I headed out last night to see what everyone was wearing!  From new Fall designs to stiletto shoes to fabulous accessories, Dallas's fashionistas pulled out all the stops last night.  It was fantastic to see so much hustle and bustle everywhere I went.

Click here to see lots more photos on Facebook

I started off the night at NorthPark Center, making Intermix my first stop. Most Eligible Dallas star, Courtney Kerr, was hosting their kickoff party and - no surprise - she looked amazing in gold lame shorts. Ah, to be young again... I also ran into global socialite Anna-Sophia Van Zweden, who will host next weekend's Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala. This event is sure to be one of THE hottest tickets in town and I will be there to witness it all!

Next stop was Cole Haan, where I registered to win a free pair of shoes every month for a year. (fingers crossed) Then I scooted over to Neiman Marcus to catch up with fellow fashion bloggers (see pic below) Amber Venz of VENZedits.com, Krystal Schlegel of KrystalSchlegel.com, Bradley Agather and Alison Gross of LuellaJune.com who hosted a runway show with their picks for the best in Fall trends.

LeeAnne Locken

Next up was a private party at Gregory's. Grammy-winning artist Erykah Badu was spinning under her pseudonym DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown and the event was hosted by Farnzworth Bentley.  

LeeAnne Locken and I got a big kick out of the boots seen pictured here ----> Not sure who would actually wear boots giving you the bird, but they made for great conversation.  D Magazine's Most Beautiful nominee Pat Smith, Hamilton Sneed and former Dallas Cowboy Roy Williams were also on hand to hear Ms. Badu do her thang.

I then zoomed over to TOOTSIES for a quick stop to air-kiss reality TV stars, Most Eligible Dallas' Tara Harper and Drew Ginsburg. I have to admit, that I thought TOOTSIES wouldn't be that well attended, just because I figured most people would want to hit the major malls where you could hit up a lot of places. 

Boy, was I wrong. Alison Volk and her team get my award for the BEST event of the night. The second floor of the store had been transformed into a disco lounge and it was rockin'.  It was wall-to-wall people who were there to shop and party! 

Check it out, guys. Here's what you missed if you weren't at TOOTSIES last night!

I wish I could have stayed longer, but I was rushing to get to Highland Park Village and make the 9 PM fashion show produced by Jan Strimple.  So, after a big bear hug from Drew Ginsburg, a quick glass of bubbly with Big Rich Texas stars Melissa and Maddie Poe I was back on the road.

I call myself a "lucky parker" because I always find a front row parking spot. Even at the Galleria on Christmas Eve. It's a talent. I have it.  At Highland Park Village, I whipped right in a great spot and was able to dash into SCOOP to see Lisa Petty and stylist Stephanie Hernandez Quadri before catching the outdoor runway show - which was phenomenal!  Sadly, all of the stores started to close and I didn't get to enjoy much else happening there.


My poor feet were aching, so I raced home to change into a different outfit so I could change shoes, and headed across town to end the night at GiltCity's soiree with host Abi Ferrin at the Foundation Room at House of Blues.  And here's how the night ended up... with much dancing from music spun by DJ Jennifer Miller and Paul Paredes and lots of grey Goose cocktails. I can't wait for FNO 2012!!

(left) Jarrod Fresquez gets his groove on (right) Abi Ferrin with GiltCity's Melanie Schanz

My Most Eligible Dallas Appearance

This week marked episode 4 for Most Eligible Dallas on Bravo. I knew if I was going to appear in any episode, this would be the one. And, hot damn, there I was - albeit for a brief moment of glory.  The episode primarily centered around Drew Ginsburg and his involvement with the Style Council, which gets recognized at one of Dallas' largest annual galas, Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS  - otherwise known as DIFFA.

Yep, there's me in the blue dress filming the runway show!

Although I had already been talking and texting with Drew for a while prior this event, he was gun shy about acknowledging me out in public, so we didn't interact at the event - except to text each other from across the ballroom.  There hadn't been much press about the show at that point because they were so early into the filming.  Maybe he was just nervous that night because he had his new boyfriend there.  I have to thank him though, because he did send Tara and Courtney over to meet me that night saying, "Go talk to her and make nice.  She's a blogger."  It was the start of a beautiful friendship with the whole cast...well, everyone except for Neill. And I owe all these many posts to my sweet Drewcifer.

I took this video of "friend of cast" member, Daylon Pereira, walking in the runway show. And THIS moment is where my 3 seconds of Bravo TV fame comes into play. I love this video because you can hear Courtney in the background saying, "I love my gay husband!"

Every girl, needs a gay. Just sayin'.  And every blogger needs TV time. Score!

Cynthia's Can't Miss Events for Fashion's Night Out

There are about a bajillion parties, shows and events happening on September 8 for Fashion's Night Out. I have had so many readers ask me what I will be doing, that I am letting you in on my "can't miss" plans for the night.  Realistically, I can't make it everywhere, so I have decided bounce between Highland Park Village, Tootsies and NorthPark Center.  If you want to catch up with me, here is my road map for the evening in order of appearance:

Fashion's Night Out

Thursday, September 8th, 6-10pm

 NORTHPARK CENTER:

  

Courtney Kerr

Intermix

Is kicking off the evening with a Happy Hour from 5-7 PM.  Most Eligible Dallas star Courtney Kerr will be their hostess with the mostess serving up fashion tips, champagne and appetizers courtesy of Cibus.

Neiman Marcus 
Level One
Enjoy complimentary mini facials & hand-massages from Jack Black, Premium Scotch tasting & hand-rolled cigars by City Cigars, while enjoying tunes by Petty Theft, 7:30 - 9:30.  

Level Two 
Hip beats by DJ Jennifer Miller and Paul Paredes.  With a Hanky Panky purchase of $50, custom embellish your very own wardrobe of Hanky Panky thongs!  After designing your custom set of undies, learn the secret to eliminating cellulite! Join the founders of the Honey Belle Body Buffer and see the magic for yourself.  “Strike a pose” at The Photo Booth 

Level Three 
Runway Presentation (7 PM) Join a few of Dallas’ most fashionable bloggers as they style the runway: Amber Venz of VENZedits.com, Krystal Schlegel of KrystalSchlegel.com, Bradley Agather and Alison Gross of LuellaJune.com.  NARS presents the Fall Face. See it live during the Runway Presentation, and experience the color for yourself, including two NM NorthPark exclusives items – nail lacquer and eye liner- yours for purchase that night only. Red wine tastings by Chateau Bonnet.

Gregory's
Yes, there will be cocktails... but the big draw here is that the divine Ms. Erykah Badu will be spinning under her pseudonym DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown.  

Bvlgari

Guests will have the opportunity to shop the latest collections and enter for a chance to win one of Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti bags, which is being touted by editors everywhere as the ‘it’ accessory for Fall.

Elie Tahari 

Will be hosting a nationwide Fashion’s Night Out event called “a social affair” which will be celebrating fashion’s night out as well as the new Elie Tahari website and online magazine ETC.  Customers can come in for a drink, a bite and a special gift (no purchase required).

H&M

Visit H&M and enter to win a gift card valued at $200! Entries from participating locations will be entered to win the Grand Prize of an all-expense paid trip to NYC to attend an exclusive pre-launch shopping event celebrating Versace for H&M.”  Shop our amazing Fall collection while a DJ spins the hottest tunes!

TOOTSIES:

When asked what their plans were for the night, Tootsie's Alison Volk said, "Think live models in revolving fabulous frocks. .... guest designers David Peck and Jill Reno .... dance floor... disco ball. .... DJ .... vodka cocktails .... whisky cocktails ..... yummy tables of food and... WAIT FOR IT............ we have Tara Harper and Drew Ginsberg hosting!  BAM!

HIGHLAND PARK VILLAGE:

Lisa Petty

SCOOP
Join hostesses Lisa Petty and Abby Gregory from DFWStyleDaily.com, stylist Stephanie Quadri, and NBC DFW's Annie Potasznik to celebrate Fashion's Night Out with Scoop and Birchbox.

There will be Prosecco, mini cupcakes, music, and of course great fashion!  Any purchases of $150 or more will get you get a free gift from Birchbox with amazing makeup samples, and a $25 Scoop gift card.


CHANEL

Be the first to get your hands on the newest CHANEL Nail Colour Collection created exclusively for Fashion's Night Out by Peter Philips, Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup. Stop by for a complimentary mini-manicure featuring these exclusive hues.

Cole Haan 

Enter to win a new pair of Cole Haan shoes every month for an entire year!

Daffodile Brodee

Christian Louboutin 

Two limited edition FNO styles will make their debut - The whimsical and artfully embellished Daffodile Brodee platform pump, and her sophisticated sister, the Sweety Charity Brodee cross body bag, are exclusive only to Christian Louboutin boutiques.

The Louboutin boutique will be transformed into a charming, vintage hair parlor. Over-the-top, fantastical wig creations will grace the store windows with a nod and a wink towards the artful glamour of decades past. Inside,  guests are invited to add a very special touch of Louboutin chic to their evening coiffures, with the help of the talented stylists from Frederic Fekkai.

Also on hand for those in search of an extra dash of glamour, Louboutin's Fabulous Pieces will host an eyelash bar stocked with our very own custom Christian Louboutin lash creations from the incredible MAKE UP FOR EVER. Delicious cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE ® VODKA, great music, and delectable sweet and savory treats will keep the party going into the night. 

DVF
invites you to “Experience the 5 Senses at DVF!”  They will offer food, music, a special teaser for DVF fragrance; DVF Home, and a custom photo booth/flipbook takeaway.

Jan Strimple

Jan Strimple will be producing two runway shows at HPV.  Both shows will take place at the Douglas/Mockingbird entrance near Marquee Grill & Bar. 

7 PM show will feature Fall fashions from:

Escada • Stella McCartney • Jimmy Choo • Beretta Gallery • Hadleigh's Bespoke • Pockets Menswear • Leggiadro • Carolina Herrera 

9 PM show will feature Fall fashions from:

Diane Von Furstenberg • Vince • Billy Reid • Anne Fontaine • Trina Turk • Tory Burch

To see a complete list of events and special offerings happening at HPV, click here.

AFTER-PARTY!

After traipsing about town in pursuit of all things FNO, Gilt City members are invited to the Foundation Room at the House of Blues to celebrate their new fall wardrobe additions with an exclusive Gilt City Fashion’s Night Out After-Party, co-hosted by local designer Abi Ferrin and FD Luxe magazine. 

What’s on the run-of-show for this can’t-miss fête? A fashion presentation, with DJs Jennifer Miller and Paul Parades providing the hippest soundtrack; late-night snacks (this party rocks on ’til midnight), plus a well-stocked swag bag curated by Gilt City, Ferrin and FD. 

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here.

PS: Have you voted for me today as Dallas' Most Influential Lifestyle Blogger? I hope you will!!  You can vote once a day, every day, until September 9. I would so much appreciate your support! 
 

Bravo TV dubs "Oh So Cynthia" Smoot "Paparazzi"

Photos from the red carpet premiere party for Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas party just landed on their website. And look who made an appearance - ME!  I often joke that for all of the many events I go to, I somehow never land in the "party pic" pages of the local press.  This is the biggest "Where's Waldo" moment yet!  Take that Modern Luxury and Paper City. Ha!

Click the photo to go to Bravo's website and view more pics from this event. Mine is #6.

The most hilarious part, is that even though Bravo was provided my name from the local PR company that took these photos, they chose to dub me as "paparazzi".  But, I'm not complaining.  I was actually acting as a correspondent for WFAA's Daybreak, interviewing the cast on the red carpet. My segment will air Friday, August 19 around 6:20 AM.

If you thought my head was big before... there's no living with me now! Ha!

PS: Have you voted for me today as Dallas' Most Influential Lifestyle Blogger? I hope you will!!  You can vote once a day, every day, until September 9. I would so much appreciate your support! 

Most Eligible Dallas: Red Carpet Premiere

Gilt City Dallas and Bravo offered fans inside access to the "Most Eligible: Dallas" premiere with a debut screening at the Highland Park Village theater.  For $30, Gilt City Dallas members got the chance to rub shoulders and watch the premiere episode of the show with the cast and afterwards mix and mingle at an after party at the Marquee Lounge.

 

Drew Ginsburg, Tara Harper, Courtney Kerr, Matt Nordgren and Neill Skylar

This evening was the culmination of the last 6 months of blogging for me. In the first episode, there's a clip where Courtney Kerr says, "I'm a slave to fashion" and it shows them at a fashion show.  That was the August Alexander Spring 2011 fashion show and that was the first night I first stumbled onto this crazy cast of characters.  It's been a wild ride ever since.

Courtney sent me a text on Monday morning, "I feel like it's my wedding day!" I understood how she felt... I kind of felt like a bridesmaid!

WFAA's Daybreak had asked me to cover this event for them, so not only did I get to attend the party, but this was my first time to actually be the reporter and interview people on camera. No pressure or anything!  I will be on Daybreak this Friday to talk about this event and the show with Ron Corning, in case you are up and 6:30 or want to set your DVR!

  Cynthia interviewing Courtney Kerr and Matt Nordgren for WFAA's Daybreak

Other Dallas stylistas who turned out for this par-tay were Cathy Vieth, Gregg Asher (he's the one who helped Tara feed Shaniqua off the Wedgewood china), Lisa Petty, Maxine Trowbridge from PinkMemo and an unexpected appearance from Pamela Martin Duarte of Big Rich Texas!

Click here to see exclusive party pics on Facebook

After a brief red carpet walk and a quick glass of champagne, everyone was gathered in the theater where episode one was shown live. There was lots of hooting and hollering when locals like Pamela Chao, Tori Gonzales and Gregg Asher came on-screen.  It's always fun to play "I Spy" and see who you can spot in the background. That's why it's so fun to have these shows filmed here!

Here's what Drew Ginsburg thinks about my blogging about him.  Just kidding! He loves me.

So, what you saw in episode one was a basic introduction to the cast and a hint of what you will see this season:

• Glenn will be shirtless a lot
• Lots of sexual tension between Matt and Courtney - will they or won't they hook up? We'll have to "watch what happens"
• Tara will save lots of cute dogs
• Drew will be battling Courtney for the funniest one-liners
• Neill will be trying to find a balance between being a 23 year-old single Mom and a rock star wannabe

After the show, guests gathered next door at Tre Wilcox's (another Bravo star) Marquee Grill for cocktails and conversation.  Courtney and I had a great time scrolling through the Tweets that were pouring in. One hater said, "I just joined Twitter so I could say that @TheCourtneyKerr is a bitch!". Courtney tweeted back, "Awesome! Welcome to Twitter!"  By the end of the night, her twitter followers had more than doubled. Obviously, not everyone's a hater!

I finally got to meet the elusive Neill Skylar! If you want to see Neill perform with her band, Kitty LaLa, they will be at Boiler Room on August 26 and again on September 16. Check them out.  Matt and I had a great heart-to-heart about girls you date vs. girls you marry. I can see why the ladies love Matt.. he's a charmer! And I got to meet the woman (Kat Reilly) who knows all of Drew Ginsburg's secrets.  Kat was thiiiiiiiiiis close to joining the cast but decided against it, leaving the door open for Neill.  Sadly, the ripped Glenn Pakulak was in Napa attending training camp for the Oakland Raiders, for whom he is a punter. The ladies were mightily disappointed...

It was an amazing night! So amazing, that it took me all day yesterday to recover. Hence the delay in publishing this post. Yeah.  Tune in every Monday for Most Eligible Dallas on Bravo. It's gonna be a fun adventure!!


photo credit: Bruno (except for the 2 shots of Drew and I with my watermark on them)