Get Out and About for the week of September 30, 2012

October 5-7, 2012 at the Meyerson Symphony Center, share a delightful evening with everyone's favorite "Wascally Wabbit" and the DSO! Bugs Bunny at the Symphony will spotlight Warner Bros.' animated characters and cartoons in a celebrated melding of classical music and classic animation. This concert is conducted and created by George Daugherty.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will also help celebrate the centennial of the birth of Chuck Jones, the master animation director of many classic Looney Tunes cartoons, including “The Rabbit of Seville,” “Long-Haired Hare,” and “What’s Opera, Doc?” A special exhibit of Jones’s original drawings, animation, production designs and memorabilia will be on display free of charge in the Meyerson’s lobby in conjunction with these concerts.

Cattle Baron's 2012: The Good, the Bad and the Muddy

Can you believe that until Saturday night, I had never been to Cattle Baron's Ball. Although this is a legendary event around these parts, I have just never had a burning desire to dress up in western wear and drive out to Parker, Texas for some boot scootin'.

This year, I felt like it was something I needed to man up and do, just to cross off the list - when I received an invite to sit at the table of Pucci Lisenbee (I swear to God, that's his real name) and be a guest of Burberry.  Coincidentally, I had just aquired a smokin' hot pair of Bonafide Boots. I took it as a sign that I was meant to go. This was the year.

As you all know, the flood gates opened up and it poured rain all day and into Saturday night. The best thing I can say about this year's Cattle Baron's Ball was that the poor event Chairs, Skye Brewer and Kristen Johnston, did the best they could under the circumstances.

Dallas Dweller: Tracy Martin Taylor

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 and this week, I want to introduce you to a former rock 'n roller turned design aficionado. She's turns chaos into calm and that's my kind of gal:

Tracy Martin Taylor

Tracy’s design mantra “If you love it, it will work” permeates her life—as a musician, marketer and design aficionado, she is dedicated to her many passions, including 5-year-old daughter, Cheza.

I have known Tracy since 1994. She was the Marketing Manager at Wherehouse Music (which later became a part of Blockbuster Entertainment) and I was an ad rep at the Dallas Observer. She was my biggest account and coolest client.

Her professional journey has taken her through many creative roles which have led her to her current venture as Owner and Lead Designer of interior design firm, Eleven 11 Design.

Eleven 11 Design delivers “Interiors. Exteriors. Happiness.” by approaching each project with the notion that good design is not just about a beautiful room, it’s creating a comfortable space that reflects the client’s unique personality. Taylor is currently holding a Facebook exclusive sweepstakes on her Fan Page for Eleven 11 Design and one lucky user is going to win a sofa, re-upholstered to fit their own space! Click here to enter!

CultureMap gets ready to take over Dallas

CultureMap does not simply report on the communities it covers, it fosters real-time conversation.  At least that's what their website claims...  So, imagine taking the best parts of the DMN, Observer, PaperCity and D Magazine. Now, mash them all up and put it online...and you have CultureMap Dallas!  They held a kick off party to celebrate their launch (slated for TODAY!) at Hotel ZaZa last week. I've never seen so many PR people at one event. Ever! This is a sure sign that the people who make things happen, think this site is going to happening!

Sign up today for dallas.culturemap.com/. It's gonna rock Dallas!!

(top) DJ Lucy Wrubel rocks the house!  (left) Amber LaFrance and Farah Fleurima
(middle) Cynthia Smoot & Hotel ZaZa President Benji Homsey (right) Dallas Galleria's Jim Anderson & Holly Quataro 

CultureMap CEO Alyce Alston, Publisher Phyllis Cole and Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Chininis

The Elisa Project gets a heaping dose of ESTEEM

Rudy Gatlin worked the crowd, while Miss Texas USA Ali Nugent was the epitome of style and grace
Photos courtesy of Joseph Brewster Photography and Design

The 3d annual ESTEEM Fashion Show held at at Saks Fifth Avenue this past Saturday was a celebration of positive body image and self-esteem. Local Dallas celebrities joined girls and women, boys and men, of all ages and sizes, to embrace healthy, balanced lifestyles and self-acceptance to raise funds for The Elisa Project. By helping to increase awareness about eating disorders and the importance of positive body image, ESTEEM encourages people to love themselves while striving to be healthy.

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!

The Fashionistas Fall Runway Series to feature Geoffrey Henning

THE FASHIONISTAS will host their Fall Runway Series featuring designer, Geoffrey Henning.  Presented by Boardwalk Auto Group and chaired by Don Gaiser, this event will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2012.

Geoffrey Henning is a designer that always keeps the woman in mind. His timeless lines ensure she remains seasonless, sensual, and sharp. Henning believes in understanding the uniqueness and shape of the female body and maintains the brand DNA that the woman always wears the dress and not the dress the woman.  His sense of understanding fabric and drape continues into his styling and proportion so that the woman evokes confidence and empowerment.

2012 Plano Balloon Festival

Today, I got to check something off my bucket list when I took a magnificent flight in a hot air balloon!! I had to get up at 4:30AM... but it was totally worth it.   Check out the video I filmed with the Plano Television Network below!!

This weekend marks the annual Plano Balloon Festival when over 50 magnificent, colorful, hot air balloons take to the sky! Fun for all ages, are the Special Shapes that attend the festival. The featured Special Shapes for this year include: Cosmos, Joelly the Little Bee (pictured above), Annie the Lady Bug, Spunky the Skunk, Betty & Jim, Little Pirate, and the always popular High Jack.

Season 10 of Top Chef to feature three Dallas chefs

John Tesar, Danyele McPherson and Joshua Valentine

The tenth season of everyone's favorite culinary drama - Top Chef - returns to the Bravo network on November 7.

This season's battle in Seattle will feature Dallas' own John Tesar, The Grape's sous chef Danyele McPherson and Oklahoma-to-Dallas transplant Joshua Valentine, who is the pastry chef at Matt McCallister's upcoming FT33.

The contestants will be vying against 19 other chefs from around the country for $125,000. Best of luck to our Dallas chefs!

TWO x TWO Online Auction is now OPEN!

Power on your computers, iPads, iPhones and head over to the newly designed TWO x TWO website to start bidding on the amazing art and luxury products offered at the 14th annual TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art benefitting the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR.  TWO x TWO’s annual benefit gala dinner and art auction has raised over $35 million in its 13 year history in support of amfAR’s AIDS research initiatives and the DMA’s contemporary art acquisition program.   Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, hosts of the annual event, have assembled a stellar collection for this year’s auction. The updated website, complete with a new look and feel, allows visitors to bid online or leave absentee bidding so as not miss out on the treasures.

Sissy's Southern Kitchen is now open for lunch

SO HAPPY!!!!!! Listen up ladies who lunch, you have a new see-and-be-seen spot and I will see you there. I'll be the one noshing on a bucket of fried chicken.

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

The Texas Daily brings back faces from Dallas news past

The Texas Daily will debut a new kind of news show on October 1 on KTXD featuring blast-from-the-past names like Tracy Rowlett, Troy Dungan and Midge Hill, formerly with WFAA; and Phyllis Watson, formerly with WFAA and KDFW. Jeff Brady, formerly of WFAA, will act as host.  The Texas Daily is aimed primarily at the Baby Boomer generation, an over 40-year-old audience - a fact that is clearly reflected in the cast. They are bringing back the names I grew up with - familiar faces to an over 40 audience that will give their audience an instant feeling on connection and comfort.  The show will air five days a week from 8-9 a.m. and cover local news and offer commentary on what contributors really think about what's happening in our region.

Tracy Rowlett, Jeff Brady and Troy Dungan

Katydid's Katy Messersmith marries Marc Mattox

The happy couple the night before their wedding (photo by Shana Anderson)

Katy Messersmith, owner or Dallas-based Katydid Collection, married Marc Mattox yesterday in a small private ceremony. She's made a mint selling blinged out tees and dresses,  but for her own special day the bride kept it classy with a classic strapless dress and just a touch of bling (see photo below).  They hosted family and friends at Royal Oaks Country Club for their rehearsal dinner and tied the knot at Marie Gabrielle Restaurant & Gardens.  The couple is by now enjoying their honeymoon destination of St. Martens.  I wish Katy & Marc all the best!

Katy Messersmith with friend Kati Shepard

Scenes from the DSO Gala 2012

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra held their annual Gala on Saturday, September 8 at the Morton Meyerson Center. Let me begin by saying that I think this is one of the best marketed events in town because there are a couple of different ways to buy into the event, making it affordable for a lot of people - thus exposing the DSO to a new audience, which is crucial for the arts.  People could buy tickets for the entire evening (gala/seated dinner, concert, After-Party) or just the concert and After-Party. 

Fiona Gorostiza, Cynthia Smoot, LeeAnne Locken and Natalie Solis

KVIL's Gene & Julie Gates to open Italian restaurant

Well, I have to hand it to my pal, Steven Doyle, over at CraveDFW. He totally scooped me on this bit of news.

Big Rich Texas star Whitney Whatley announces her engagment on Facebook

Congrats to Big Rich Texas star, Whitney Whatley, who announced her engagement to Brandon Overby today by changing Facebook status update to "Engaged".  Overby posted this photo today expressing his happiness and had Whatley show off her bling. Congrats you crazy kids!

Meet Bravo TV's Patti Stanger's at Whole Foods in Lakewood this Friday

Trey Garrison announces a 2-book deal with Harper Collins

Former D Magazine writer, Trey Garrison, announced a two-book deal today with Harper Collins. The first book will be published and available Dec. 18, 2012, through Harper Voyager, the sci-fi imprint for Harper Collins.

Garrison's debut novel, THE SPEAR OF DESTINY, is first in the alternate history steam-punk “Far Ranger” series, and is set in a very different 1920s where the North American continent is comprised of rival nations, and science and the supernatural co-exist.

Spotted! Heidi Dillon with Gallery Girls at OK Magazine Party

photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images North America

Spotted! Heidi Dillon of THE FASHIONISTAS is in NYC for Fashion Week and posed for this shot with Amy Poliakoff and Maggie Schaffer from Bravo TV's Gallery Girls at the OK Magazine party.

Celebrity Waiter Luncheon 2012: Seeing is Believing

2012 Celebrity Waiter Participants

Holly Davis and Renee Rouleau
photo: Renee Rouleau

This year's Celebrity Waiter Luncheon benefiting Family Gateway lived up to the hype.  Oh yes. It did.  Steve Kemble brought his high-energy to the stage as emcee for the day. His job was more like herding cats!  

Benny Black gave some society lady a lap dance, Hunter Sullivan made the gals swoon with his crooning, Teresa Frosini did a Shkira-inspired belly dance,  the ladies of Big Rich Texas danced on stage, Courtney Kerr was slapping stick-on mustache's on everyone for a donation and I could go an and on...

Highlights from Fashion's Night Out 2012

We came, we saw, we shopped! Last night was the 4th annual Fashion's Night Out event and shops all across the Dallas-area (and around the world) held runway shows, had designer and celebrity appearances, special gifts-with-purchase, parties and more to celebrate the Fall shopping season. I was partnered with NorthPark Center and they pulled out ALL the stops producing three amazing runway shows showcasing stunning fashions for Fall.

I caught up with Pat Smith at Gregory's, sipped champagne with Heidi Dillon in The Fashionista's lounge, ooh'd and ahh'd over outifts with CBS reporter Teresa Frosini, socialites Carmaleta Whiteley, Doris Jacobs and Barbara Daske and journalist Jane McGarry.  I wrapped up my night at Highland Park Village noshing on sushi with celebrity chef Tre Wilcox, Bravo TV's Courtney Kerr and HGTV's Hilari Younger and Mikal Welch.  FNO 2012 did not disappoint!

Click here to see MANY more photos from the evening. 

Runway at NorthPark Center

D Magazine's Raya Ramsey and Oh So Cynthia's Cynthia Smoot

Performer from Cirque Du Soliel's Kooza

Pat Smith and Cynthia Smoot at Gregory's

Photographer Bob Manzano

Teresa Frosini from CBS/Ch. 11 captures the fashion frenzy for the 10 o'clock news

Jewelry designer, Shona Gilbert, shaking her money maker for the ladies of Simply Summer Fashionably Fall.

Shona Gilbert, Bravo TV's Courtney Kerr, Scot & Kristi Redman and Bri Crum at Highland Park Village

HGTV's Hilari Younger and Mikal Welsh at Marque Grill

My dress and earrings:  Lela Rose, Highland Park Village
photos: Peter Wynne/Plano Pete

Designer Spotlight: Rochelle Rodriguez

When you are looking to get a writer's attention, presentation is everything. I can't tell you how many bland press releases I get that are sent with NO IMAGES. How am I supposed to write about something when I don't even know what it looks like!? So, designer Rochelle Rodriguez gets a gold star sending out a great press kit.  Not only did she send a very professionally produced look book to showcase her new Fall Collection - she included a mini-bottle of champagne! She's gooooooood.

And it worked, because I am writing about her. Yes, clearly my attention can be bought with champagne, so keep it coming. LOL!

Drawn to comfortable yet chic clothes for women, Rodriguez is determined to highlight natural curves in her designs. Rochelle Rodriguez Clothing launched in January 2007 and quickly became one of the most sought-after designer labels in Los Angeles. The line has been seen on the “Style Network”, “Bravo”, “Access Hollywood”, and was featured in the “Los Angeles Apparel News”. Her mission is simply to create clothing that inspires, compliments, and captures the beauty of being a woman.

This line is not currently not selling in stores. Rodriguez works directly with clients so they can customize her designs as needed. The statement dresses run $198-$325 and the gowns $600-$1100.  After gaining experience in Los Angeles, the designer has returned to her roots and is currently based out of Dallas.  For more info, visit http://www.rochellerodriguez.com/.

Welcome home, Rochelle!

This post was originally published at Bytes of Style.

Big Tex Choice Awards Bestowed for State Fair of Texas 2012

Winner of the "Most Creative": Bacon cinnamon roll by Butch Benavides (photos by Carol Shih)

Fried jambalaya by Abel Gonzales. (photos by Carol Shih)

While many of you were sleeping in or lounging at the pool for Labor Day, the media was hard at work covering the Eighth Annual Big Tex Choice Awards for this years State Fair of Texas. Abel Gonzales, creator of the deep fried jambalaya, took home the trophy for “Best Taste.” Butch Benavides won “Most Creative” for his sweet bacon cinnamon roll dipped in pancake batter and topped with fried bacon crumbles.

To see a complete list of the yummy new fried foods you will need to try at this year's Fair, jump over to SideDish.

Win the Ultimate Swag Bag on Fashion's Night Out at NorthPark Center

Join me at  

Fashion's Night Out 2012

Thursday, September 6, 2012  |  6 – 10pm 

NorthPark Center, 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas

 For one-night only, you can experience the hottest fall looks, live music and DJs, in-store special events and promotions, gifts with purchase, one-night-only discounts, dining specials, mini makeovers and more.

Runway Shows 

6PM: Nordstrom, bebe, Diesel, and H&M 

7PM: Neiman Marcus 

8PM: Ted Baker London, Macy’s, Pinto Ranch Fine Western Wear, Gap, and Dillard’s

Join me in THE FASHIONISTAS lounge (located by fresh) to view the shows.  Please RSVP to fashion@thefashionistas.org to reserve your spot in our exclusive lounge.  To see a complete listing of events, download NorthPark Center's FNO brochure here.  

One lucky shopper will walk away with this VIP Swag Bag on Fashion's Night Out 2012!

YOU COULD WIN THIS AMAZING 
SWAG BAG WORTH OVER $2500!

All you have to do is share your passion for fashion!  The night of September 6, post to Twitter or Facebook about what you are seeing at NorthPark Center on FNO.  What looks are you loving for Fall? What's your favorite trend? Let me see pics of you & your girls sipping champagne and shopping!

TWEETING?

Tag@NorthParkCenter and use the hash tag #NPCFNO in your post 

Posting to FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM? 

Tag @NorthPark Center so that your post shows up on their Wall 

You can use whatever app or social site you like, but we will be picking from qualified entries to Facebook and twitter.  Every single post is an entry, so the more events you visit and the more posts you do - the more chances you have to WIN this amazing prize!

Here is a list of what one social shopper will win:

Na Hoku Travel: jewelry case ($50) 

Kona Grill: gift card ($50) 

fresh : The Girlfriend Party Package (facials, fragrance consulation, an arm and hand massage, light makeup application and champagne and light bites for hostess and three friends ($500 value), a Seaberry Body Cream  ($28.50) and a Sugar Lip Treatment ($22.50)

MAKE UP FOR EVER: Train Case filled with fall make up essentials and a one hour make up lesson at the NorthPark boutique ($400) and a cosmetic bag with samples & sculpting brush ($20)

Ted Baker London: "Boxy Bow" clutch in mustard ($150) 

Helen Ficalora: sterling silver necklace and charm ($95) 

7 For All Mankind: gift card ($150) 

BCBG MAX AZRIA: bangle bracelet ($38) 

LUSH: Ray of Sunshine gift set ($29.95) 

Bread Winners Café: 2 Gift Certificates for Dinner for Two ($100) 

Pinto Ranch Fine Western Wear:  gift card ($100) 

drybar: 3 pack of blowouts ($105) 

NorthPark Center: NorthPark Gold ($200) 

Kiehl's: gift set ($134) 

AMC NorthPark 15: 4 movie passes ($44) 

Apple: iPod Shuffle ($49) 

Henri Bendel: Bendelrious Limited Edition eau de parfum ($25) 

Juicy Couture: reusable tote bag ($20) 

La Madeleine: gift card ($10) 

L'Occitane: travel set with shampoo, conditioner and hand cream ($26) 

Nordstrom: luggage tag ($20) and a Shu Uemura: eyelash curler ($20)

Dallas Museum of Art: 4 "member for a day" passes ($80) 

Nasher Scultpure Center: VIP passes ($40) 

Vogue Living: coffee table book ($75) 

Origins: gift card and cloth reusable bag ($50) 

Starbucks: gift card ($5) 

Ted Baker: 20% off coupon off full price purchase 

TOTAL VALUE $2,637

Talking FNO on DFW Close Up with Ashley Roberts

Fashion's Night Out is just days away and this morning I sat down with CW33's Ashley Roberts to talk about the hottest places to hit on this exciting evening. I hope to see everyone at NorthPark Center on Thursday, September 6.  I will be at The Fashionistas lounge to catch the runway shows at 6, 7 and 8PM. In between, I will be wandering from one end of NPC to the other checking out the happenings at Neiman Marcus, Pinto Ranch, Aveda, Gregory's and more!

To see a complete listing of events, download NorthPark Center's FNO brochure here. 

What the world needs now, is chocolate. Sweet choclate!

Get ready people, this year’s Chocolate Conference & Festival will take place on September 29 at the Addison Conference Centre. As in past years, the classes cover almost every aspect of chocolate -- from making it to baking with it. Classes include demonstrations, expert roundtables, plenty of opportunities for questions and, of course, unique chocolates samples.

The Chocolate Conference will kick-off at 10:00 AM.  Click here to see a complete list of classes and seminars.  While all classes are included with a ticket purchase, space is limited and is on a first come, first seated basis.

The Chocolate Festival, also included with a ticket purchase, takes place in an adjoining room of the Addison Conference Centre from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. The Festival is a room of wall-to-wall chocolate where attendees can choose to sample chocolates from over twenty participating chocolatiers and chocolate makers.

photo: Pegasus News

Admission is $18 in advance ($5 for kids) and $20 at the door ($6 for kids) including all sales taxes and ticket fees. Admission includes ten tickets (three for kids) redeemable for chocolate samples at the Festival and access to all classes at the Conference (space permitting). Entrance to the festival is divided into four equal and identical sessions. Tickets can be purchased for whichever session time is most convenient. Tickets can be purchased online at http://DallasChocolate.org or at http://dallaschocolate.eventbrite.com.

Habitat for Humanity Redesigns Lives in Dallas

This is just a random before and after shot and is not affiliated with this organization.

We all know a new outfit can lift your spirits and give you renewed confidence, but your home is where you go to relax and recharge. If your space isn't conducive to that, then your spirit isn't getting the pampering it needs. Here's your opportunity to give a friend or coworker who needs a helping hand a leg up on making their house a home they can be proud of.

Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity is giving away a free $3,000 makeover to two deserving Dallas homeowners. On Friday, August 31, Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity will kick off its second Design Duel contest, which pairs local interior designers with deserving homeowners for the makeover of a lifetime. This year’s design challengers are Breckinridge Taylor and Pulp Design Studios.  

·         From August 31 to September 14, Dallas Habitat is looking for two Dallas County homeowners to win the three-week design makeover.
·         Both homes will be redesigned using materials and furnishings for sale at Dallas Area Habitat’s home improvement stores (ReStores).
·         Residents can enter at designduel.org or in any Dallas Area ReStore (2800 North Hampton Road in Dallas,  3546 Forest Lane in Dallas, and 451 West Interstate 30 in Garland)

View a highlight reel of last year’s Design Duel here: http://youtu.be/dhlp4hUU96A.