Bravo's Below Deck Mediterranean To Feature Dallasites

According to Bravo's website, if you thought the inaugural season of Below Deck Mediterranean was full of drama, just wait until Season 2 premieres on Tuesday, May 2 at 8:00 CST. There's something for everyone this season - from the stunning sights of Croatia and beautiful bods, to hook-ups and fights of the verbal and physical variety. You won't want to miss what's in store, primarily because this season the passengers hail from right here in Big D! Tuesday's premiere episode features Melissa Rountree, owner of Level 3 Active, and her "tribe" of gal pals which includes Marzia Prince, Sharon Demko, Summer Smith, Monika Anderson, and Fiona Kirby. Future episodes will feature The Hair Bar's Gina Ginsburg among others. Tune in for the drama, laughs and some stunning scenery of Croatia and the Mediterranean!

VIPreview of Decadence: Fashions from the 1920s Offers Eye Candy Galore

Photos c/o Thomas Garza, Bob Manzano and Danny Campbell


Decadence: Fashions from the 1920s, a fashion exhibit celebrating the beauty and elegance of the 1920s, kicked off with a VIPreview on Wednesday, January 20. Presented by Galleria Dallas, curated by Ken Weber of Vintage Martini and featuring pieces from the Susan Denn and Robert Schmidt Collection and The Texas Fashion Collection of UNT College of Visual Arts & Design, Decadence showcases the allure of the 1920s in fashion and accessories. The exhibit is timely given the resurgence of 1920s-inspired silhouettes on the runways of designers such as Gucci, Marchesa and Prada and the popularity of shows such as Downtown Abbey. Local style stars and fashionistas such as Jan Strimple, Heidi Dillon, Dawn Mellon, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, handbag designer Allison Mitchell, Chuck Steelman, Carmeleta Whitely, Yvonne Crum, Jack Son, Holly Quataro, and Gina Ginsburg turned out to view rare pieces from French, Spanish and Italian couturiers including Madeleine Vionnet, Mariano Fortuny, Maria Monaco Gallenga and Lucien Lelong. The exhibit is incredibly displayed and breathtaking to behold. I can't say enough great things about it - and it's FREE - so get over to the Galleria this month and take it all in! Decadence: Fashions from the 1920s is free to Galleria shoppers and can be visited at the Galleria Dallas/Level One near Banana Republic January 22 – February 28, 2016. Visit www.galleriadallas.com for exhibit hours.

Fashion Magic at The Pin Show 2014

Rochelle Rodriguez, c.h.r.o.m.a., Coco Franco  |  photos c/o QC Cong 

The Pin Show has become known for featuring the latest in locally produced, independent fashion on a runway. Originating as a liaison for independent designers to gain access to stylists, artists, retail buyers and the like, this unique Dallas fashion show has gained tremendous momentum and a devoted following and support by those in the Dallas fashion industry.

The Event Nerd provided pre-event fun.
Did they capture my spunky spirit?!

While most designers are Texas based, the most recent Pin Show featured designers from all over Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, and Louisiana. This year's show included 15 new designers and 8 veteran designers for a total of 24 lines hitting the runway.

Among the stylish scouting for new looks were Gina Ginsburg, Hamilton Sneed, Jackson, Bri Crum, DFW Style Daily's Lisa Petty and Leah Frazier, Steve Kemble, Charles Smith II, LeeAnne Locken and Aftershock London's Imran Sheikh.

Each designer showcased 6 looks on the runway, featuring menswear, women’s Ready-To-Wear, avante-garde, bridal, jewelry, handbags, intimates, full figure and resort wear. Designers for the 2014 show included: c.h.r.o.m.a, Thriii, Kae & Jae, Little Day Dresses, Becky Hollands, Coco franco, Charmaine Marshall, Cykochik, Marek + Richard, Hardly, Alice, megMORGAN, yomono, folksy menswear, Rochelle Rodriguez, Le'Venity, LHP, blokes n divas, Melancholic Design, Tracy Popken, Ann Hoang by Ann Hoang, Gia Rodriguez, This One Woman and Sandbarri.

The Fashionistas bring Fashion to Fridays

THE FASHIONISTAS is a non-profit organization that celebrates artists, entrepreneurs and visionaries that make-up the fashion industry. Led by its fearless fashion founder Heidi Dillon and current President Gina Ginsburg, this organization has just launched a new series called Fashion Fridays aimed at bringing a little glamour to your life once a month - over cocktails. THE FASHIONISTAS prides itself on showcasing young and emerging designers and have previously showcased: Project Runway’s Shirin Askari; Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh, Prashi Shah and Elizabeth Anyaa.

This new Fashion Friday series kicked off last month fettering the designs of Nine Muses. For those of you who missed it, fear not. November's event is just around the corner and features one of my favorite new designers, Lucy Dang along with Danh Ta.  If the name Lucy Dang sounds familiar, it's probably because the town was all abuzz a few months ago when it was announced that Dang was named as one of 8 designers in Belk's Southern Designer Showcase 2013. Along with that honor come the fact that her designs will be in 40 of Belk's flagship stores starting Spring 2014.  So, meet her now before she gets all famous-like!

WHEN?     Friday, November 8, 2013, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
WHERE?  Fedora Dallas, One Arts Plaza, 1722, Routh St. Dallas, TX 75201
COST?      Free Admission/Cash Bar
RSVP requested:  REPLY@THEFASHIONISTAS.ORG

Dallas Dweller: Gina Ginsburg

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces.  I got to know Gina through The Fashionistas and quickly realized this blond bombshell is more than just a pretty face. Here's her story:

Gina Ginsburg

Local Philanthropist and Founder/Owner of The Hair Bar, Gina Ginsburg describes herself as a modern day “Bond Girl turned mom". After graduating Magna cum Laude from Southern Methodist University, she started a new enterprise, and at the age of 24 she sold her first business, Diamond Affairs, a luxury invitation/stationary boutique.

Gina currently serves and has served on numerous boards in Dallas including: the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Zoo, the Frontiers of Flight Museum, New Friends, New Life, the AT&T Center for Performing Arts, the Brinker International Forum, the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee and SLANT 45. She is a founding board member of Heroes for Children, The Fashionistas and the Salvation Army's newest branch Y.E.T.

Gina loves spending time with her two sons, ages 6 and 5, and playing a round of golf with the family, or staying surf side with her husband Scott (more on him here) . Gina currently is Mrs. Dallas competing in the Mrs. Texas America Pageant. The committed volunteer and mother was chosen to compete for the title of Mrs. Texas America from a field of applicants received throughout the area. Gina’s commitment to raising her children with a strong sense of giving back to one’s community through philanthropy and fundraising activities throughout the city were significant in her being chosen for the title of Mrs. Dallas Co.

 “I feel it is my duty to use my talent to raise money for the programs and organizations that I am passionate about,” says Ginsburg. “I teach and instill the desire to give back into our boys, so that they too will follow in my husband and my philanthropic footsteps.” Gina will compete in three categories for the Mrs. Texas title: Personal Interview, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown. Ginsburg will represent Dallas County in competing for the title of Mrs. Texas America on April 2014 at the Corsicana Palace Theater in Corsicana, Texas.

Get a FREE Blowout from Hair Bar

Congrats to my friends Gina Ginsburg and Shelley O'Neal on the opening of their second Hair Bar location.  Hair Bar offers blowouts, makeup applications and hair extensions for individuals or groups.  To celebrate the new store, you can book your complimentary blow out or makeup application online from December 17th to 21st at the new Preston Royal location! Go to www.dropinblowout.com to schedule your appointment!

Hair Bar is located at 6025 Royal Lane at Preston, Dallas, TX 75230.

Take a magic carpet ride with the Prashe 2013 Collection

This gorgeous model floated in an Indian-inspired canoe in the pool the whole night 

Award-winning couture designer, Prashi Shah debuted her 2013 Prashe Collection Runway Show at Sisu Uptown Resort last Friday night. Shah, the leading couturier for Indian American women, showcased both traditional Eastern designs as well as the custom Western styles of the Society Language collection. Sisu owner, Wade Hampton, took to the DJ booth to get the party started and as guests enjoyed drinks made with new Skimpy Mixers flavors.  I particularly enjoyed a concoction made from champagne and pineapple mixer. Fashionista founder, Heidi Dillon, kicked off the show making introductions and jokingly telling LeeAnne Locken to "shut up" with her cat calls from the crowd.

FGI Night of Stars Shone Brightly in 2012

Cynthia Smoot and DFW Style Daily's Lisa Petty

I recently attended the FGI Dallas’ Fashion and Lifestyle Awards, “Night of Stars” gala.  The event is FGI Dallas’ largest fundraiser of the year and directly supports more than $40,000 in multiple scholarships to local fashion students.

This is always one of my favorite events of the year. When the fashion community gets together, you can be rest assured that good people-watching will ensue. These fashion divas go all out to showcase their personal style and show off the latest trends.

I was thrilled to represent Dallas design at this gala by working with Abi Ferrin who styled me in this fabulous teal gown and with the fabulous Stephanie Anne who lavished me in beautiful jewelry (see photo). My gorgeous pal Lisa Petty, had the same idea, wearing Paulette Martsolf of Allie-Coosh.

Neiman Marcus' Chuck Steelman and Pink Memo's Maxine Trowbridge were back again as this year's event chairs. “Night of Stars is currently the only Fashion & Lifestyle Award gala that recognizes both local businesses and supports education and talent in Dallas,” said Trowbridge. “FGI Dallas prides itself on supporting the next generation of fashion, design and lifestyle brilliance that will keep North Texas at the forefront of the fashion and design industries.”

Victoria Snee with NorthPark Center served as the evening's emcee and kicked off the night by giving ME a shout out from the podium!  "Has everyone checked in tonight?" Victoria began. "Where's Cynthia Smoot... have you tagged everyone on Facebook? Are you Instagramming this," she exclaimed. I raised the thumbs-up sign from my seat at Shay Geyer's table to signify that all was well in the world of social media activity.

Dallas Zoo To Do 2012 was a roaring good time

Pete and Tanya Foster

The Dallas Zoological Society hosted the 21st Annual Zoo To Do gala, themed Go Big or Go Home, on November 3, 2012 at the Dallas Zoo.

The event was held in in Giants of the Savanna and the Wilds of Africa Plaza sections of the Zoo and featured exquisite food tastings prepared by Honorary Chefs Jim “Sevy” Severson and Dan Landsberg and their team of 26 of Dallas’ top chefs.

The evening began with a VIP cocktail hour hosted by Neiman Marcus and throughout the evening, guests were kept entertained by exciting live and silent auctions, live music and dancing, and casino games.

Spotted! Big D represents at the 2012 Emmys

    

Gina and Scott Ginsburg  |  Barry Schochet and Shelley O'Neal

Boardwalk Auto Group owner Scott Ginsburg and his stunning wife, Gina, took to the Emmys red carpet Sunday night to watch TV's biggest stars duke it out for this year's television production honors.  Gina is the co-owner of Hair Bar in Southlake and the current President of The Fashionistas, so she's no slouch when it comes to putting together an outfit.  So, what does a Dallas socialite wear to one of Hollywood's biggest events?  She chose a stunning Herve Leger dress and carried a silver Murrow python clutch. Two thumbs up!

Dallas named sixth Worst Dressed City by Travel & Leisure Magazine

A recent survey by Travel + Leisure found that Dallas is the sixth worst-dressed city in America.  Twenty cities, including two different Portlands, made the reader-nominated list. Anchorage, Alaska is the worst-dressed city, according to the survey.

 

Ann Richards

 

T&L reports, "#6 DALLAS: Bigger seems to always be better in the Dallas/Fort Worth area; just take one look at the infamously over-the-top JumboTron at the Cowboys Stadium. And when it comes to getting dressed, big hair, conspicuous designer labels, and slick snakeskin boots are the norm. “Less is more” is not a phrase heard round these parts."

Damn skippy!

 

We may not be the most fashion-forward city in America, but we are a far cry from all being extras in a 1980s country music video.  The editors of the magazine are based in New York, so it’s easy to understand why they may not appreciate our wardrobes. Temperatures here reach almost 120 degrees in the summer; and for most of the winter, it’s still hot enough to bake cookies on the sidewalk.

 

They can put us wherever they want to on the list, but until there is a mass outbreak of pairing socks with flip-flops in downtown Dallas, we have nothing to worry about.

 

Gina Ginsburg

PS: I think it's hilarious that when I went to Google for an image for this post and typed in"Texas big hair cowboy" a photo of my friend, Gina Ginsburg popped up on the first page.  Gina is one of the most stylish women I know and I'll put her up as my Texas representative for fashion any day! 

 

You go, girl!

NOT surprisingly, a couple of photos for Big Rich Texas were also on the first page.

 

source: NBC DFW

Real Housewives of Dallas. Is it a reality?

Phyllis Comu & Cathy Vieth

Could it be? Have my prayers been answered by the Reality TV God above!

Although Bravo has not confirmed Dallas to its "Real Housewives" lineup, this photo album was posted on Facebook today by photographer QC Cong showcasing a intimate cocktail party hosted at the home of my favorite Fashionista, Heidi Dillon.

Heidi's own Fashionista Facebook Fan Page linked the album with a post* claiming, "Photos of The Real Housewives of Dallas - producer and cast party at Heidi's home. Enjoy, fashionistas!"

I don't run in these circles, so I don't immediately recognize a lot of these ladies. I can say I have never seen so much big, bleached out hair in one room.

If this indeed a cast party for a new Bravo Dallas cast of RHoD, all I have to say is did they have to go with the Texas sterotype of everything is bigger and "blonder"? Ugh. I guess they did.

My darling friend and favorite designer, Shirin Askari, was on hand for the big reveal and hors d'ouvres were provided by Dallas' most dazzling chef, Lisa Garza.

If you have scoop, leave a comment here.  I am on a mission to find out more...

Scott & Gina Ginsburg. No surprise here.

Anybody got a clue who these 3 lovlies are?

Gina Ginsburg, Heidi Dillon, Nhã Khanh, Nini Nguyen

*UPDATE 1/22: The post on the Fashionistas Facebook Fan Page has been removed. Hmmm. Wonder why?! Darn it that I didn't think to take a screen shot. You'll just have to trust me. It said, what it said.