One Arts Plaza's Fall Block Party Goes to the Dogs

One Arts Plaza hosted its third annual Fall Block Party on Sunday, October 14 from noon-4 pm as part of the Dallas Arts District’s Art in October Celebration. The Plaza was closed off for pedestrian-only traffic and guests enjoyed food demonstrations from foodie favorites Tei-An, Fedora and Jorge’s along with newcomers The Greek and Café Des Artistes.

Join Oh So Cynthia at One Arts Plaza's Fall Block Party this Sunday

 

 

Top Hats & Tails 2012

(top left)  Monica Greene and Cynthia Smoot  (top right)  Tara Harper and John Brodrick 
(bottom) Father and his kiddos enjoy the event

Host Preston Pearson and Master of Ceremonies Scott Murray were back again to help Paws In The City raise funds to rescue dogs and cats set to be euthanized at the city shelters in last Saturday's 5th annual Top Hat & Tails Gala.

The event featured a silent auction and seated dinner but the real entertainment was a dance competition that paired local celebrities with Arthur Murray dance instructors ala ABC’s Dancing With the Stars. Each couple performed one dance routine. Steve Kemble, Drew Pearson and Claudia Marshall from Arthur Murray Studios comprised a celebrity panel of judges awarded scores based on style and performance. Guests could also vote for their favorites.  The female contestants wore dazzling costumes actually worn on the ABC hit show.

Ron Corning, Melissa Newton, Monica Greene and Shelly Slater

(top left)  Linda Armstrong and partner  (top right)  Steve Noviello and partner  (bottom)  Rodney Anderson and partner

This year's celebrity dancers were:

1. Rodney Anderson, Executive Director of Supreme Lending
2. Ron Corning, host of WFAA's Daybreak
3. Lynae Fearing, co-owner of Shinsei restaurant
4. Monica Greene, owner of Monica's Nueva Cocina and Mi Lounge
5. Linda Armstrong, Mother of Lance Armstrong and motivational speaker
6. Melissa Newton, CBS 11 reporter
7. Steve Noviello, Fox 4 consumer reporter
8. Shelly Slater, WFAA anchor/reporter

Congrats to WFAA's SHELLY SLATER who took home the "Lucy Trophy" this year with fantastic performance!!

Click here to see a gallery of photos from this event on Facebook.

photos courtesy of Peter Wynne aka "Plano Pete"

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.

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.

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. 

Bottles, Bling and Blogs. I got the Gossip!

Cynthia, Lisa, Erica Nicole & Raya

The Hilton Anatole may be old school, but it sure doesn’t look or feel that way anymore!

Decked out in chic cocktail attire and Amanda Sterett jewels, Raya Ramsey of D Magazine, Lisa Petty of DFW Style Daily, Erica Nicole of YFS Magazine and ME - Cynthia Smoot of Oh So Cynthia sipped Savvy Vodka and Red Bull cocktails last Friday night, November 4^th at Bottles, Bling and Blogs hosted by the Hilton Anatole’s chic and newly relaunched Gossip Bar.

Over 400 of Dallas’ swankiest socialites flocked to the Gossip Bar for a soiree flourished with a dazzling array of handmade sushi, delectable appetizers by the hotel’s Media Grill + Bar and tasty Deep Eddy Sweet Tea-ni vodka cocktails.  Red Bull’s own Chocolate Groove provided beats to keep the party bumping, along with a live percussionist and saxophone performer.

(Did I get all the sponsor mentions in there... I think so.)

(left) Janet Fresquez and Pilar Sanders (top right) Ron Corning, tara Harper and Phillip Willis (Bottom left) Camille Umland, Dan Pritchett, Tyler Kerbyson and Juan Lerma

Notable guests engaging in gossip that evening included Pilar Sanders of Football Wives and Deion & Pilar: Prime Time Love, Phillip Willis of A List Dallas, Tara Harper of Most Eligible Dallas, Shirin Askari of Project Runway Season 6, Ron Corning from WFAA's Daybreak, Janet Fresquez, Camille Umland, Elise Daniel, Regina Bruce, David Lopez and Dan Pritchett (who arrived in a swanky full-length mink coat).

Those of us who were tech-savvy had a lot of fun with the live Twitter gossip that was broadcast for everyone to see on five 60-inch flat screen TVs located around the bar, as guests created a nationwide trend for the #GossipBar event by Tweeting and posting photos in real-time from the event.

So, what gossip did I get at the Gossip Bar?  Well, Phillip Willis told me that the cast of A List Dallas is going to be on the Wendy Williams Show on November 16, so set your DVR's!  And I got some scoop on Big Rich Texas, which just started filming Season 2 - look for a post later this week! 

Click here to see more photos from this event by Thomas Garza Photography

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! 
 

Rock N Runway Celebrates 25 Years for Stanley Korshak

Cynthia Smoot, Matt Nordgren & Courtney Kerr

As part of their 25th Anniversary celebration, Stanley Korshak hosted "Rock N Runway" last night  benefiting the PARK. Dallas' fashionistas enjoyed 3 mini-fashion shows held on a colossal curved runway in the courtyard.  

DJ Lucy Wrubel and BMP Trio got the crowd jumpin', there were bites by Lombardi’s Catering, sips by Stolichnaya and wheels by Aston Martin Dallas.

"America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru" Steve Kemble, actress LeeAnne Locken, designer Abi Ferrin, Most Eligible Dallas stars Matt Nordgren, Tara Harper and Courtney Kerr and Big Rich Texas stars Melissa and Maddie Poe were among those in attendance.  Also making a rare late night appearance was WFAA Daybreak morning show anchor, Ron Corning.

Click here to see more photos on Facebook

LeeAnne Locken

The soiree was held inside Korshak on the first floor and also utilized the courtyard of the Crescent. Bless their hearts, they tried to cool it off with massive outdoor fans, but it was so HOT that 20 minutes into the event, I went to a girl at the make-up counter and begged her to fin me a rubber band so I could put my hair up in a ponytail.  So much for glamor!

LeeAnne Locken made the most of the outdoor fans and worked her super model skills while keeping cool.  The heat didn't seem to bother party goers who ooh'd and aaah'd over luxe Fall fashions and bopped around to Lucy's techo tunes.

Tara Harper, Abi Ferrin, Laura Flores and Regina Bruce

Congrats to Crawford Brock and Stanley Korshak for an amazing 25 year run. We look forward to seeing what the next 25 years has in store for you!!

Thanks to Uptown Consignment for helping me find an amazing dress by Karen Millen to wear and to Jeremiah Garcia at Salon Pompeo in Uptown for doing my make-up. They made me Rock Star-ready to Rock the Runway!  It takes a village, people...

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)

New Evidence That Courtney Kerr & Matt Nordgren Are More Than Friends

Dallas is all a-buzz with the premiere of Bravo TV's latest franchise, Most Eligible Dallas. The show, filmed over the last 6 months in and around Dallas, will debut tonight on Bravo at 9 PM.

A few days ago, I brought it to your attention that two of the shows stars might be more than just good friends. Adding more fuel to the fire was an interview today on Good Morning Texas with the cast (minus the delectable Glenn Pakulak who is in Napa for the Oakland Raiders training camp).

Host Amy Vanderoef asked the cast, "There are so many dating shows on the air right now. What makes this show a little bit more special than what we are used to seeing when it comes to reality television?"

Matt Nordgren took that one and replied, "What's different in this dating show is that some of the endings will be different than what most people see in these other dating shows."  Now, it's not his answer that was so intriguing... it was the smirk on Courtney Kerr's face and the fact that Tara Harper looked specifically at her when Matt said this.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present exhibit A:

Amy then asks Courtney, "Do you have any boyfriend-relations with any of the boys on the show?" Courtney quips back, "No boyfriends. No boyfriends... lately." and then cracks, "You know I can't tell you!  My hair is so big, because it's full of secrets."

So, was she implying that they did date but now they aren't dating? Or that he's not her "boyfriend", but now her "fiance"?  Hmmm.  The mystery continues... I can't wait to see how this story ends!

Most Eligible Dallas debuts tonight and will air Mondays on Bravo at 9 PM

How to Follow the Cast of Most Eligible Dallas

Set your DVR's!! Bravo's new show Most Eligible Dallas will air Monday, August 15. Here's how you can Tweet, Follow, Fan, Like, interact or just follow along to learn more about the new "stars" of this new docu-drama:

Most Eligible Dallas

Website

Facebook Fan Page

Drew Ginsburg
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter

Courtney Kerr

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter
Website

Glenn Pakulak

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Tara Harper

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter
Website

Matt Nordgren

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

Website

Neill Skylar

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter

YouTube

Website

Want to go behind-the-scenes and learn more about this cast of characters? Click here to read previous posts from the last 6 months, to see how I got up close and personal with this cast of lovelies and what I learned. 

Photos by: Robert Ascroft/Bravo

Most Eligible Dallas: Sneak Peek

The count down is on for the launch of Bravo TV's newest franchise docu-drama, Most Eligible Dallas.

My DVR is set to "Record Series" and I have my all access VIP pass to the premiere Cast Party where I will be getting up close and personal with Tara Harper, Courtney Kerr, Drew Ginsburg, Glenn Pakulak, Matt Nordgren and maybe even the elusive Neill Skylar.

Can't wait till August 15th?!  Me neither! So, here's a little sneak peek of what you can expect to see this season: