I think 2014 is Going to be the Year of Project Emilie... What do you Think?

This morning I was just thinking about how blessed I am to have so many loving people around me.  I look at Emilie's sweet face and it makes me so happy.  Today, think about the people that mean the most to you and give them a big hug.  I want to go forward as a more mindful person by thinking about the good people in my life.  And if you get sad or discouraged, just think of Emilie.  Her pure, loving spirit always makes me feel better.  

PS - Attention Project Emilie Fans: You'll be happy to know that we've got lots of fun stuff planned for the year!  We'll start working on new photoshoots soon.  I'll give you one hint, there's going to be one involving a fan and flowing dresses.

Fashion Stars for a Cause 2014: Let's Raise $$$$ for the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas!

The new year allows us to start fresh and set meaningful goals to work toward.  This year, the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas (SCC) will be my charity of choice in support of the Fashion Stars for a Cause event.  I'm selling raffle tickets for $50 each or 3 for $100 to raise money for SCC.  The big prize is a getaway for 2 to Cabo San Lucas!  Sounds pretty fabulous to me!

The SCC helps people who are affected by suicide with programs like Survivors of Suicide and Teens Can Survive.  The Center also manages a 24-hour hotline.  I got the opportunity to visit the Suicide and Crisis Center with a few of the other Fashion Stars.  I learned so much about how important this cause is, and how many people are really affected by it.  Did you know that 14% of high school students consider suicide?  That means that almost 30 girls from my class at Ursuline thought about suicide.  But the SCC faces this issue head-on and literally saves lives. 

If you would like to help us in our fight against suicide, I urge you to buy raffle tickets.  100% of your contribution will go directly to the Center because they don't receive federal funding.  Raffle tickets are $50 each or 3 for $100.  Please send a check to:

Alex Small

P.O. Box 670603

Dallas, TX

75367

If you prefer purchasing raffle tickets online, follow this link.  Make sure to write "2014 FSFAC - Alex Small" in the description box before you enter your card information.

Back in December 2013, Beverly Drive Magazine hosted a really fun event to get everyone excited about supporting the SCC.  I'm always so impressed by all of the hard work Yvonne Crum puts into every one of her events because they're always amazing and lots of fun!  And her dedication to the Suicide and Crisis Center is so inspiring.

Here are the 12 Fashion Stars of 2014!  They're all exceptionally nice and fashionable, and I'm so looking forward to being part of the event with them!

Britt Harless - Designer of Bohem Unique Gems

Janee Harrell-Hill- Television Producer

Alex Small- SMU Student and Fashion Blogger

Hilary Kennedy - TV Host, Style Blogger, Volunteer

Toni Munoz-Hunt - Model/Writer

Ashley Burghardt - Owner of Ashard Richley

Robin Brock - SMU Student and Civic Volunteer

Cynthia Smoot- Advertising Executive/Publisher

Carla Miller -  Civic Volunteer, Stella & Dot Stylist

Rhonda Marcus - Entrepreneur, Producer

Antonia Hubert - NuPointe Partner/Philanthropist

Regina Bruce-CFM/CSNA at Merrill Lynch

By the way, we were all featured in Beverly Drive's December 2013 issue!  To see it online, go to their website. 

What a fabulous way to kick off 2014!

 Yvonne Crum... she has so much energy!

 My little brother/photographer, Grant, decided to get on the other side of the camera looking cute in his suit!    

 With the fabulous Regina Bruce

 Grant... enough said

Project Emilie: Happy 2014!

Nerd Alert! Visionworks' Back to School Night at Northpark

If eyes are the window to the soul, then the glasses must be really important, right?  Glasses make everyone look a little smarter, sophisticated, and more distinguished.  Whether you have to wear prescription glasses or not, students of every age should complete their back to school looks with glasses from Visionworks.  

Visionworks at Northpark invited a group of Dallas bloggers to learn more about eye care and what makes them stand out from the competitors.  Their "buy one get one free" promotion, their quick turnaround on glasses, and their fabulous selection of glasses makes Visionworks the place for glasses shopping. 

When I was younger, I used to get made fun of for wearing glasses but now, they are one of my go-to accessories.  Times have changed and glasses will never go out of style.  What I liked most about my visit to Visionworks was the emphasis on style and great prices so you don't have to choose one over the other.  So be the chic nerd at school this fall with Visionworks glasses.  Visionworks is located all around the USA to get your perfect glasses anywhere.

P.S. - Grant really liked Visionworks too!

Project Emilie: Congrats Grant!

Emilie and I want to congratulate my baby brother Grant on his graduation from 8th grade at Christ the King!

Grant's May Crowning Extravaganza

My little brother slash official blog photographer Grant is an 8th grader at Christ the King School.  He's graduating this week, and I'm so proud of him.  But before he can scoot out of middle school, he has to go through a ceremony called May Crowning.  It's a beautiful ceremony where all the 8th graders vote for the top 4 girls that are most like Mary.  Then they all walk down the aisle in their suits, ties, and dresses.  This year's May Queen was Lani DuFresne.  Following in my footsteps, the court included Kate Patrick, Paula Villegas, and Emilia Marroquin. 

Now, let's talk about the fashion.  This season it's all about long dresses in pastel colors, like the one Kay Douglas wore.  There were a few girls who wore bright colors, like Allison Piot and Julia Yaeger.  Beth McPherson and Tabitha Buckner opted for white dresses.  Special shout out to Grant's buds Michael Field and George Frymire for looking so handsome in their suits.   Stay tuned for coverage of their graduation!

 Allison

 Julia

 Kay

 Tabitha

 Beth

 Lani

 George

 Michael

Kate, Lani, Emilia, Paula

Fresh Faces of Fashion Reveal Party at Park Place Porsche

This year's Fresh Faces of Fashion extravaganza ended with a spectacular Reveal Party at Park Place Porsche.  Yvonne Crum revealed the winner of the big raffle.  The grand prize was a royal dinner prepared by Darren McGrady and a trip to London!  This year's Fresh Faces sold $70,000 worth of raffle tickets.  Wow!  The best part is that Yvonne Crum puts on the event to raise money for the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, which helps the friends and family members of those affected by suicide.  Check out their website for more information and to give a donation.

It's always great bumping into Lisa Petty and Heather Lettieri of DFW Style Daily!

From the raffle party to the main event, Fresh Faces of Fashion 2013 was a huge success.  I'm so lucky to have gotten to know Yvonne Crum at these events. 

Project Emilie: Happy Labor Day

Emilie wishes you a happy belated Labor Day!  Notice how we coordinated red Tommy Hilfiger dresses?  I have to say, we looked "patriotic chic."

Grant looked super-patriotic in his Lacoste American flag shirt.  Isn't it fabulous?

Brag About My Bro

I just need to brag about my official photographer / stylista / baby bro.  He was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society at Christ the King School (following in my footsteps). Didn't he look SO cute in his fancy outfit?  A genius, AND a stylista.  He was so excited to wear his tie and cufflinks (he's a fancy little guy).  You may not be able to steal his brains, but you can steal his style!  Love him!

Steal Grant's Style!  His Outfit: Blue and Orange Striped Tie; Ralph Lauren Pants; Suit Blazer

Grant reciting the pledge

With mom and dad

Me and Grant.  My Outfit: Monteau Peplum Blouse (Similar); Betsey Johnson Purse (Similar); Kenar Capri Pants (Similar); Sam Edelman Shoes (not pictured)

Gaga's Workshop at Barney's Northpark

Gaga's Workshop is on display at Barney's Northpark!  The merchandise is a little on the pricey side, 25% of proceeds go to the Born This Way Foundation.  I visited the Gaga wonderland with my brother Grant... We were going to bring along our cool cousin and Gaga-fanatic Brian, but he had to catch his flight to Austin.  Brian bought me the Gaga McQueen shoe earrings for Christmas!

One of my favorite items from Gaga's Workshop, a $65 magnetic dress-up doll

Grant didn't want me to put his picture on Small4Style...  Hehe

Little Monsters

Cool Barney's Decorations

Gaga Earrings that Brian got me!

Gaga's Workshop shopping bag!

 Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex