Fire and Ice Tres Makes a Fashionable Statement Against Domestic Violence

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Jennifer Hobson went from victim to survivor and is helping other women do the same.

The 3rd Annual Fire & Ice Tres: Fashion Show, Concert and Symposium was held on October 9-11, 2014. Over three days, there was a speakers’ symposium, three fashion shows where featured designers showed their 2015 spring/summer collections and three concerts. This show was the epitome of couture presentations and an annual event of marrying beautiful high fashion runway designs and music concerts, produced by the very best professionals in fashion and music. Event organizer Jennifer Hobson, CEO of Jennifer Hobson Productions says, “The concept of this show was to fuse fashion with music, dance, and visual arts. My goal was to create a show, with excellence in execution, for fashionistas to enjoy a top-of-the-line runway show and have the opportunity to place orders, and interact with the designers.” Fire &Ice Tres culminated with a grand couture finale featuring Texas premier swimwear and cover-up line, PoeM by Melissa Poe, sophisticated business attire from Ann Bridgette Boutique, accessories by premier statement jewelry designer Sarah Bemrich and ending with a show-stopping presentation from premier evening and wedding gown designer, Binzario Couture. The show also gave three women who have survived domestic abuse a chance to walk the runway. A musical performance was provided by national R&B sensation Shavonna of Memphis, Tennessee. See photos below:

Save the Date: Fire and Ice Fashion Show & Concert, October 9-11, 2014

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The 3rd Annual Fire & Ice Tres: Fashion Show, Concert and Symposium will return to Dallas on October 9-11, 2014. Over three days, there will be a speakers’ symposium, three fashion shows where featured designers will launch and release their 2015 spring/summer collections and three concerts. This show is the epitome of couture presentations and an annual event of marrying beautiful high fashion runway designs and music concerts, produced by the very best professionals in fashion and music. Event organizer Jennifer Hobson, CEO of Jennifer Hobson Productions says, “The concept of this show was to fuse fashion with music, dance, and visual arts. My goal was to create a show, with excellence in execution, for fashionistas to enjoy a top-of-the-line runway show and have the opportunity to place orders, and interact with the designers.” To kick off the entire weekend of events, a survivor speakers’ symposium and dinner will be held on Thursday, October 9th. The purpose of the symposium is to sponsor women in, of, or exposed to domestic abuse, but is also open to loved ones, family members, and friends of those in abusive relationships. Please see below for specific details.

Big D Spooktacular: Halloween 2013

You know what they say. "Everything's bigger in Texas!" From our big hair to our big cars to our big personalities, Dallasites love to go all out when it comes to living life. Halloween is no exception, which is why it's my favorite holiday of the year! (Plus it's a free ride to eat boatloads of candy). Here are some of my favorite looks from this year's Halloween festivities:

J-Si Chavez, Jenna Owensand Kellie Rasberry act out The Shining

photo: @KellieRasberry on Twitter

Big Rich Texas star Melissa Poe Ties the Knot

photo: Thomas Garza Photography

Congrats to Melissa Poe of Big Rich Texas and Doug Carson who tied the know Friday night in an intimate ceremony. The reception was held poolside at SISU in Uptown and apparently someone didn't think to tent the place, so guests got rained on. But as you can see from the video below, the rain didn't dampen Melissa's excitement. Plus, it's good luck for it to rain on your wedding!  In attendance were BRT cast mates Bon Blossman, Connie Dieb, Cindy Davis, DeAynni Hatley and new cast member (you'll meet her in season 4 - if it ever airs) Donna Parker Smith. 

Melissa looked amazing in a grecian gown by Dallas-based bridal company Watters. The Leonor gown featured an ivory alencon lace scoop neckline and bodice with Blush silk satin organza a-line skirt. The couple departed the next day for a honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas.  We here at OSC wish the happy couple all the best for a wonderful future together! 

Click the "Read More" link below to see photos and video from the wedding:

Big Rich Texas stars gather to celebrate the engagement of Melissa Poe

Friday evening, friends and cast members of Melissa Poe gathered at Dee Lincoln's Bubble Bar to celebrate her engagement to Doug Carson.  The couple glowed when talking about their upcoming September 20 nuptials. The wedding will be an intimate affair with a honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas.  Big Rich Texas cast members Connie Dieb, Wendy Walker, Bon Blossman and DeAynni Hatley attended the cocktail soiree. Missing from the party was BRT star Cindy Davis, who was involved in some real life drama last week (not the scripted kind we see on BRT) when her boyfriend was shot right in front of her during a dispute.  NBC5 has the story here.  Thankfully, he is going to make a full recovery but Cindy was unable to make the party.

To see photos from the evening, click HERE.

Big Rich Texas Star Melissa Poe is Engaged!

Melissa and Doug the night of the proposal

Big Rich Texas star Melissa Poe and beau Doug Carson, are engaged!  During a romantic getaway to Charleston, South Carolina last week, Doug popped the question to a stunned Melissa on the rooftop of the beautiful Market Pavilion Hotel.

Melissa told me exclusively that they are wasting no time getting to the altar and will tie the knot in September.  The exact date will depend on the availability of venues. "I really want Doug and Maddie (her daughter) to have time to bond before she goes off to college next summer."

The pair plan to honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas. September will mark the one year anniversary of their meeting. Seems like a perfect way to spend your one year anniversary - by getting married!

Let's get to the good part, because I know you all want to know about the ring. Doug was a smart man and worked with jeweler Maggie Jalufka Sova of Bova Diamonds. The main stone is a 2.5 carat round cut brilliant cut with .5 carats of diamonds circling the white gold band. Not too shabby...

Reality TV stars take big screen leap with "Faith"

Cast photo from Facebook

Several local reality stars have been cast in an upcoming film set for a February 2013 release. Faith is a short film that follows the lives of six young adults whose paths cross through a central character - causing their outlook to be determined by their reaction to circumstances, thus demonstrating that sometimes, you just need to have a little faith.

The cast includes some names you might recognize, including:
Jennifer Besser, actress (Founder and CEO at Athena Pictures)
Melissa Poe, executive producer (Big Rich Texas star)
Maddie Poe, actress (Big Rich Texas star)
Donny Boaz, actor (Larry Birkhead in Lifetime's The Anna Nicole Smith Story)
Neill Skylar, actress (Bravo’s Most Eligible Dallas)
Kendall Morris, (Miss Texas 2011)
Wendy Walker, executive producer (actor on Big Rich Texas )

Melissa Poe says of the experience, "I started out thinking it would be “fun” to help make a film, which it was, but ultimately it turned out to be an experience of a lifetime. I found that I actually liked being behind the camera a little more than being in front of it. It’s so rewarding to see a story on paper come to life through the actors and knowing that you helped them shape and see their role/character as you see them. I hope that people come away from watching this short film with the message that Faith is simply believing in something great than you, even if you have no tangible evidence to support it and that everything that happens in our life is for a reason….it’s up to us to have Faith that HE’s working everything out for our purpose."

Halloween 2012 - Big D Style

Halloween isn't just for little kids. This past weekend, Big D held some spooktacular parties to treat us big kids. Here's a look at how some of Dallas' most colorful characters and notable names celebrated Halloween 2012:

Big Rich Texas vixens Connie Dieb, Melissa Poe and DeAynni Hatley at Sambuca
photo Plano Pete/Pete Wynne Photography

The ladies of Big Rich Texas head to Los Angeles to tape a reunion show for Season 3

Cindy Davis, Connie Dieb, DeAynni Hatley, Shay Hatley, Melissa Poe, Maddie Poe and Alex Davis
at LAX Airport (photo: Melissa Poe/DeAynni Hatley via Facebook)

The gals of BRT (minus Wendy Walker) flew to La-La land this weekend to film the reunion show and talk about the drama that was Season 3 of Big Rich Texas and I can't wait to see what comes out since they are NEVER all in one room together. We are only 2 episodes into the season and already the blogs and social channels are buzzing over the "slap heard 'round the world" from last week, courtesy of DeAynni Hatley. (Personally, I think Style loved the attention the slap got last season and "encouraged" DeAynni to keep the drama going... but I could be wrong. Just a guess)

Big Rich Texas: Episode One

BRT stars Melissa Poe, Bonnie Blossman and Connie Dieb at Prime Bar

Last night was the premiere of Season 3 of Big Rich Texas. The cast (sans Leslie and Kalyn) held a private party at Prime Bar in Dallas to celebrate with family and friends.  Personally, I do not recap episodes on this blog like other sites do. If you are interested in the show, I'm guessing you've already watched the episode? I do, however, love to take to Facebook and Twitter to see how fans and the stars are reacting as the show airs. Here are some of the highlights from the social networks about last night's debut episode:

Get social with the cast of Big Rich Texas, Season 3

Set your DVR's!!  The third season of Big Rich Texas will air this Sunday, October 7 on the Style Network. Here's how you can Tweet, Follow, Fan, Like, interact or just follow along to learn more about the "stars" of this soft-scripted Dallas-based docu-drama:

Big Rich Texas

Website

Official Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

KVIL Hosts Aurora Fundraiser and Dallas Delivers

(left) Ryan and Dawn Neufeld  (right) Jane McGarry and Steve Kemble
Holly Forsythe, LeeAnne Locken, Bill Griffin, Parris Rigby and Gina Noble

I got a call from Gene Gates last Tuesday. He is one half of the adorable The Gene & Julie Show on KVIL 103.7 Lite FM every weekday morning.  Gene & Julie had connected with Megan Saunders, one of the survivors from the Aurora movie massacre.  Megan shared her story on Gene & Julie's radio show via telephone from Colorado.  They were so moved by her struggle and her need to help her community that Gene's call to me went a little something like, "We want to do a fundraiser for those affected by the shootings in Aurora last week. Are you in?" And so began a three day whirlwind off phone calls, emails and postings on social media channels to pull together a benefit.

(left) Gene gates, Matt Nordgren and Julie Gates  (right) Melissa Poe

The first thought was to host a buffet style dinner and charge $50 a ticket. I wasn't so keen on that idea. It was fellow hostesses LeeAnne Locken and Parris Rigby who called Holly Forsythe, owner of Sambuca. Forsythe not only donated her venue in Uptown but offered up hors' de ouvres for guests at no charge.  This is really when things started picking up speed.  David Kiger of Worldwide Express and Bill Griffin of Bill Griffin Real Estate wrote checks to underwrite funds so that all of the proceeds could go to benefit the victims and survivors.  Carter Malouf donated a beautiful pearl necklace for us to raffle off. The whole project just came together seamlessly, with so many offering their resources to help.

Last Thursday, local media like Jane McGarry, Giselle Phelps from CW33, Teresa Frosini from CBS 11 and Danielle Vollmer from CW33's EyeOpener joined us at Sambuca to support and even broadcasted live on site. Bravo TV's Most Eligible stud Matt Nordgren was such a good sport and allowed us to auction off a date with him (raising $500!). And other Dallas starts like former NFL player Ryan Neufeld and his VH1 Football Wives spouse Dawn Neufeld, Steve Kemble and Melissa Poe from Big Rich Texas all showed up to support this cause and helped us promote the event through their social media channels.

Aurora, CO survivor Megan Saunders shows that Dallas helped raise over $12,000

Gene & Julie's goal was to raise $10,000. In the end, we raised over $12,000 that will go to aid the victims and survivors of this terrible tragedy. They say everything is bigger and better in Texas - clearly, that includes our hearts and our willingness to help our fellow man.

photos: Bob Manzano

Join Me for the Annual Guns and Hoses Event on March 29

No, this is not a bad 80s hair metal band. Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas is a nonprofit 501(c)3 foundation primarily committed to providing support and financial assistance to families of fallen fire and police officers, who have lost their lives performing their duty.  They also raises funds to benefit at-risk youth programs within our communities.

Join me for this year's annual throw down to raise much needed funds for a great cause. This year's theme is "Rock and Roll" so you could come as a bad 80s hair metal band... or Madonna. Whatever Rock and Roll is to you!  The party will go down at Sambuca in Uptown, on March 29 with doors opening at 8PM.

Rockers will enjoy:

• Live Music from "Downtown Fever" which is an Emerald City Production
• DJ "Jen Miller" will be spinning tunes on the Patio
• Photographers (Bob Manzano & James Edwards) to capture the FUN
• Green Screen Photography
• Appetizers Provided By Sambuca Restaurants
• Silent Auction Items
• Table Service Purchases (See Below For Details)
• And Tons of Fun!!!!

$20.00 in advance...$25.00 at the Door
VIP tables and private areas are available, visit the website for more details on your options. 

For more info visit Facebook or http://www.thetoprung.org/

Hostesses Include: LeeAnne Locken; Parris Rigby; Holly Forsythe, Gina Noble; Cynthia Smoot; Walt McElroy; Don Jarrod; Rich Emberlin; Jody Dean; Fiona Gorostiza; Steve Kemble; David Kiger; Denise M. Walraed; Steve Guttman; Lesley Wolff; Gary Rugoff; Melissa Poe; Tim Vasquez; Chrissy Tebbe; Dan Prichett; Lia Pennington; David Fine; Natasha Mosier; Dallas Monroe; Lance Jer White; Gretchen Stofer Darby; Richard Morris; Kathryn Lebras; Michael Vernon; Jacqueline McAllister; Danielle Vollmar; Maura Young; James Ellis; Mauricio Gomez; Tiffany Bryan; Jarrod Fresquez; Bill Griffin; Bill Elling; Chris Jones; Robert Burnley; Josh Salganic; Melissa Martin; Melissa Vullo; Stefanie Olson

Big Rich Texas: Season Two Premier Party

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

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

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

Click here to see more photos on Facebook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Rich Texas Sneak Peek: Season 2

Get ready, because Big Rich Texas is coming back for another season of cat fighting, name calling, back stabbing, lies and innuendo! Mark your calendars for February 19, 2012 for the premiere of Big Rich Texas on the Style Network.  Here's a little sneak peek at what we have to look forward to:

Holiday Wrap Up: Melissa Poe

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

___________________________________

Melissa Poe

Star of Big Rich Texas

"My favorite thing about this holiday season, even though I've been sick the entire time, is that I didn't wear a lick of makeup for 6 days straight, nor did I shave my legs.  Ha ha! Such freedom!  I'm bringing the 70's natural look back!  LOL!

And now to a deeper level, I finally got to experience some personal healing of the heart with my momma.  I didn't have the best childhood growing up and she was never willing to address it, but this Chrsitmas my mom came to me with tears in her eyes and a shaky voice and apologized for not being the best mom to us and that she did the best she could even though she fell short.

In response I said, "I know momma.  I forgave you a long time ago....I know you did your best.' We hugged for a while....it was a beautiful moment that I needed even though I forgave a long time ago.  :)

And now onto a material level, I finally got that special iconic blue box that every girl dreams of opening a finding that special Tiffany ring!  Albeit, it came in the form of a friendship ring from a wonderful friend, but I'm beautifully happy with that.  :)

My New Year's Resolution is to have a P90X body in 90 days!  Started program Jan 1.  :)  Gonna be hard though cause I do love my champagne. I am looking forward to continuing the Big Rich Texas ride and explore other opportunities that have started opening up.

Love and joy to each of you in the coming new year!"

You can catch Melissa in the new season of Big Rich Texas starting February 19 on the Style Network.  Become a Fan on Facebook and follow Melissa on Twitter. 

Big Rich Texas Gears Up for Season 2

Heidi, Connie, DiAynni, ??? and Melissa

Will Pam finally find out if Leslie has the millions she claims to have?  Will Kayln finally win a crown...and Leslie's love?  Are Connie's ex-husband and Leslie going to hook up?  Can Melissa become a success in the modeling world again? Will Pam and Bonnie ever kiss and make up or are they destined to be mortal enemies?

All of these cliff-hanging mysteries will be solved (or at least addressed) because the ladies of Big Rich Texas are coming back for another season!!!  Filming started several weeks ago on Season 2 of this "docu-drama" and the new episodes will air beginning mid-to-late February 2012 on the Style Network.

Word has it that a new cast member and her two daughters will be joining Pam, Connie, Bonnie, Leslie and Melissa.  Sure, throw a couple more cats in the fight!  I don't have all the details on the new additions to the cast, but here's what I do know:

• The new Mother/Daughter trio is from Grapevine
• Her name is DeAynni Hatley
• One of the daughters is in college at TCU. Which means we probably won't see much of her.
• They have "the most amazing home of anyone on the show" and producers are hoping to film there

The photos used in this post were taken at the recent FGI "Night of Stars" Gala. I was there, but didn't have an opportunity to go over and meet DeAnni.  She kind of looks like a grown up Snookie.  Don't you think? I mean look at that attitude?! Yeah!

Do you know more about our new cast member?! Leave a comment and fill me in! Or email me if you want to remain anonymous!

One thing is for certain. They are still filming at the Country Club as seen in this tweet from Kayln:

And in case you thought this season was going to be boring... it looks like day one of filming started out with a BANG! I would link this post, but Bonnie's already removed it (probably because the producers had a freak out). Thanks goodness for screen shots!  I wonder what Bonnie did to piss off Ignacio?  I can't wait to find out!

UPDATE (Dec. 8, 2 PM) Bonnie left a comment to say that she never removed the post and she provided me with a direct link. Click the image if you care to see the original post and subsequent comments.

I love these ladies... It's like a train wreck and you just can't look away!

Pam, LeeAnne and Heidi

I am super excited to announce that we have at least two "secondary" cast members joining the show this season. What does that mean, exactly? That they will make several appearances, but won't be listed as main cast members. I am guessing that if they add to the storyline and readers respond to them there's always the possibility that their roles could grow in Season 3... but let's not get ahead of ourselves. 

Making their introductions as Pam's new best friends, will be model/actress (and occasional Guest Contributor to this blog) LeeAnne Locken and Fashionistas founder and stylista extraordinaire, Heidi Dillon.

Both ladies are forces of nature with massive followings, so this is an incredibly smart move on the part of Pam and the show's Producers to bring these two ladies on board.  Bonnie better watch her p's and q's because Pam is not messing around. She's got some serious back up this season with these two by her side. Of course, Bon does have Whitney. And I'd put Whitney up against anyone in a girl fight.

I cannot wait to see what Season 2 has in store for us.  The countdown is on...



photos courtesy of QC Cong of XO Photography

A Night of Stars and Fashion with FGI

Cynthia Smoot & LeeAnne Locken

Terri Provencal of Provencal Consulting and Maxine Trowbridge of PinkMemo, co-chaired the annual ‘Night of Stars’ award gala, presented by Fashion Group International of Dallas on Friday, November 18th at the Dallas Market Center, The Grand Pavilion at the Trade Mart.

The 2011 A Night of Stars paid special tribute in honor of Shelly Musselman the Founder of Forty Five Ten.  The runway show was produced by Jan Strimple and featured an opening selection from the Shirin Askari Fall 2011 Collection, with a grand finale carefully curated by co-founder of Forty Five Ten, Brian Bolke, presenting rare museum-worthy pieces from Ms. Musselman’s closet.

Tony & Tamara Casillas with Janet & Rick Fresquez

Dancing to the tunes from D.J. Lucy Wrubel—this year’s philanthropic Fashion Police, include eight individuals who strutted their stuff on the runway, in recognition of their individual contributions to the FGI Dallas scholarship fund.

Johnny & Carley Seale      James Valenti & Mina Chang      Chris Baldwin & Shirin Askari

Judy & Jane Aldridge

My dates for the evening were LeeAnne Locken and Steve Kemble - two of the most fun and outrageous people I know! My stomach hurt at the end of the night from laughing so much!  I was lucky enough to sit at the table of my friends, Rick and Janet Fresquez, to cheer on their son Jarrod as he grooved down the runway as one of this year's Fashion Police.

Click to view more photos from this event on Facebook

As we were walking into the gala, we encountered a camera crew there to film an episode of Big Rich Texas. They were about to shoot cast members, Connie Dieb and Melissa Poe, walking into the event. They asked me, Steve Kemble and Janet Fresquez if we would trail behind them as they entered. Of course, we happily complied.  We will see if that actually makes it into the episode!

The FGI Night of Stars Gala is always one of my favorite events. Anytime you are attending a fashion industry event, the ladies are guaranteed to turn it out! This year's party was no exception.  Special thanks to Watters for putting me in such a gorgeous gown, to Uptown Consignment for letting me wear a vintage mink stole and to SWAG for loaning me amazing jewelry from Virgins, Saints & Angels. I felt like a Grecian goddess!

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT

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Lifetime Achievement in Fashion: Shelly Musselman - Founder, Forty Five Ten
Lifestyle Achievement Award: Alberto Lombardi - Founder of Lombardi Family Concepts
Career Achievement Award in Photography: Tim Boole - Fashion Photographer.

RISING STARS

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Fashion Design: Shirin Askari – Designer of Shirin Askari.
Jewelry Design: Elizabeth Showers – Founder of Elizabeth Showers Jewelry.
Beauty: D’Andra Simmons – Founder Hard Night Good Morning Skin Care.
Fashion Communication: Jane Aldridge – Founder of SeaofShoes.com Blog.
Retail: Carley Seale – Founder of The Gypsy Wagon.

FASHION POLICE:

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Cathy Williamson, Jarrod Fresquez, Mina Chang, Pamela Martin Duarte, Sarah Blacketer, Scott Kehn, Suraj Jagannathan, Susan Posnick.


About FGI
The Fashion Group International is a global, non-profit, professional organization with 5000 members in the fashion industry including apparel, accessories, beauty and home. The FGI mission is to be the pre-eminent authority on the business of fashion and design and to help its members become more effective in their careers. To do this, FGI provides insights on major trends in person, online and in print; access to business professionals and a gateway to the influence fashion plays in the marketplace.

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!!

Big Rich Texas Season One Finale

Season One of Big Rich Texas is officially over.  Like any good "reality" show, there has been laughter and tears, cat fights and bear hugs, friendships formed and relationships torn apart. The girls gave us a lot to talk about over the last 8 episodes and it all culminated in a finale watching party hosted by Bonnie and Whitney on Sunday, October 2 at the Drama Room. 

A gay bar was an interesting place to hold a party for a show called Big Rich Texas, a show that revolved around life at a Country Club. But, that's Bon and Whitney for you. They sneer at protocol and thumb their nose at social expectations. It's part of their charm, so I can't say I was surprised.

This choice of venue prompted Dena Miller (who was originally cast on the show but bailed prior to filming) to post on Facebook, "I would love to plan your events in the future. I imagine red carpet class events for a show called Big Rich Texas with a cast of elite country clubbing socialites with much media in attendance. It was a fun party, but not what is to be expected. Would help if Style would actually host the events for you all like Bravo does Tara's show (Most Eligible Dallas). Something to be negotiated, perhaps?" Meow.

In attendance were fellow Mother/Daughter cast duos: Melissa and Maddie Poe and Connie and Grace Dieb.  When I asked Melissa if Pamela Martin-Duarte was coming, she said, "Ummm, no. In fact, Bonnie has told the club that she is NOT to be allowed in. She is banned from this event."  Really?!  There has been a lot of drama and accusation between Pam and Bonnie on the show. Honestly, I though they were playing it up for drama and ratings.  Apparently not.

During the commercial breaks, there was entertainment from drag queen, Dallas Sheraton.  Bon started the party by sashaying up to the dance floor with a handful of dollar bills for Dallas.  Not to be outdone, Grace and Whitney took their turns in a dance-off style performance as Dallas lip synced to Lady Gaga's "Born This Way".  Gotta love a good Drag Queen...

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While all of the ladies have given Style their verbal wishes to return for Season Two, no one has actually signed a contract. Like I reported recently, they were definitely not compensated well for their time this season and now that they have proven themselves in the ratings, the ladies will be looking for some love... Pony up, Style Network! Let's keep our fingers crossed that it all works out.

The network has already cast one new Mother/Daughter duo to keep it fresh for next season  My sources tell me that they are from Grapevine, but I do not know exactly WHO it is.  As soon as I can figure it out... you will be the next to know!

Filming for Season Two begins in just a few weeks, so stay tuned!!