Galleria Dallas Hosts 2016 FGI Dallas Rising Stars Awards

Rising Stars! From left: Shane Monden, Jason Fitzgerald, LaToya Jones, James Turner, Alex Small (FGI board member, ;) only non-Rising Star on stage), Binzario Couture designers Luis Nazario and Andre Yabin, Allison Mitchell, and Jeremy Michael Calhoun

Fashion Group International (FGI) of Dallas recognized some of the brightest fashion industry stars in Dallas earlier this March.  FGI is a world-wide professional organization for those who work in the fashion industry, many of whom are entrepreneurs.  The 18 FGI Dallas Rising Stars nominees this year were chosen for both their fashion sense and business savvy.  As usual, the Galleria Dallas was a fabulous host and Jan Strimple wowed us again with her runway show featuring Galleria Dallas retailers and the Rising Stars fashion nominees.  

I'm so happy to know several of the 2016 Rising Stars nominees and admire their work.  I have to give a special shout out to my friend Taylor Miller, who has run a successful business Hazen Jewelry since she was nine.  She and I went to SMU together and bonded over our mutual love of fashion and business.  By far the youngest of the 18 nominees recognized this year and I know we're all looking forward to following the progression of her business.     

The Nominees (Winners in bold):

Fashion: Binzario Couture / Charles Smith II / Ese Azenabor
Accessories: Allison Mitchell / Jeremy Michael Calhoun / Taylor Miller

Art: JoJo Herdashey, LaToya Jones, Shawn Saumell
Interior Design: Andrew Gonzales, James Turner, Kara Legako
Make Up: Jarred Trehan / Joanna Hathcock / Shane Monden
Photography: Cameron Phan / Jason Fitzgerald / Kelly Williams

We're proud to say that FGI Dallas has some of the most involved members of the 6,000 people who are a part of FGI around the world.  The whole community came out on FGI Rising Stars night to show their love and support for the fashion industry and those who keep it alive.  These pictures show how fabulous Dallas fashion is, so enjoy these beautiful images by some of my favorite Dallas photographers - Thomas Garza, Danny Campbell, Quoc Cong, and Gregory Martin.

 Holly Quartaro, Lilit Matevosyan, Alex Small, Britt Harless, Elizabeth Anyaa

 Rosanne Hart, Andre Yabin, Alex Small, and Luis Nazario

 Venny Etienne, LeeAnne Locken, Korey Williams, Andre Yabin, and Tiffany Hendra

 A look by Ese Azenabor

 Taylor Miller, Hazen Jewelry designer and FGI Rising Stars nominee in accessories

 Selfie time! From left: ShantaQuilette DeVelle, Charmaine Marshall, Leah Frazier, Alex Small

 Winners!  Binzario Couture designers Luis Nazario and Andre Yabin

 A look by Charles Smith II

Khanh Nguyen and Charles Smith II

 Scott Kehn and Chuck Steelman

 LaToya Jones, Allison Mitchell, Steve Kemble, Alex Small, Yvonne Crum, and Chad Collom

 Jennifer Socarraz-Fleming gets caught by the Fashion Police 

 Binzario Couture's finale look

 Taylor Bacic with the Fashion Police!

 Steve Kemble, Ken Weber, LeeAnne Locken, Chuck Steelman, Tiffany Hendra, Chad Collom, and Brook Branagan

 David Marx, Gina Marx, Andre Yabin, Luis Nazario, Yvonne Crum, Alex Small, Kim Rozell, LaToya Jones, and Charmaine Marshall

 A look by Binzario Couture

 Britt Harless and Jan Strimple

Katy Messersmith, Yvonne Crum, and Marc Mattox

 Carinthia Kishaba, Allison Mitchell, and Courtney Kerr

 A look by Binzario Couture

Interested in applying for membership to FGI Dallas?  Check out the website for more information.

Fall 2014 Fashion Events in Dallas

Keep your closet full and your schedule open, because you're going to need both to attend all of the fall fashion events that are starting NOW in Dallas.  Here's a list of some of the biggest events of the season.  Please note that this post will be updated so keep checking back for more events coming up!

Sunday, August 31 - Get Tickets

Wednesday, September 3

Thursday, September 4

Friday, September 5

Saturday, September 6 

Tuesday, September 9

Wednesday, September 10

Friday, September 12

Sunday, September 28 - Get Tickets

Tuesday, October 9

Galleria Dallas Runway Revue 2014

Having worked at the Galleria Dallas for the past several years at Nordstrom, I always enjoyed the energy that tax-free weekend brought each August.  Galleria Dallas will host its annual Runway Revue on August 9 just in time for back-to-school shopping.  Galleria Dallas stylist Holly Quartaro will lead four fashion shows that will definitely inspire your fall wardrobe.  After the show, visit some of the over 200 stores at the Galleria. 

 Noon - Kid's Show

2:00 - Trend Show

4:00 - Tax-Free Show

6:00 - Toni & Guy Hair Show

Tax-free weekend is August 8-10.  This would have been my fifth summer working at Nordstrom if it hadn't been for my intermediate accounting classes.  Plus, I'll be out of town for this event.  Trust me, I wouldn't miss a Galleria Dallas event unless it was a good reason.   Have fun and happy tax-free shopping!

Grapevine Mills Makes Summer Sizzle Again in 2014

"Hot in Pink" at Last Call Grapevine Mills! Neiman Marcus dress found here and in store.

Grapevine Mills: long time, no see...seriously!  It had been nearly a year since attending a fashion event at Grapevine Mills.  But I couldn't stay away for that long - I did some spring shopping at Last Call at the beginning of the season.  The Last Call at Grapevine Mills is the best I've been to, by the way. 

The Cool Buddies: Dionne Dean, me, Leah Frazier, Briana Roker, and Emilie in the front!

The Mills crew was nice enough to let me bring Emilie to a "real fashion event" as she said in anticipation several times over the weeks before the event.  She was even more excited because the event happened to fall on her birthday (June 12) and was another celebration.  Grapevine Mills has a team of friendly and fabulous people who make sure every shopping experience at Mills is a special one.  At the summer event, Leah Frazier, Dionne Dean, and Briana Roker were also in attendance.  They became Emilie's new "cool buddies" quickly!  These fashionable, gorgeous girls were so sweet to her, and it makes me love them all even more than I did before.  

Black & White polka dots never go out of style... Neiman Marcus blouse (similar here and more in store!)

After mingling, we all headed over to Last Call for a mini summer runway presentation.  As soon as the last model finished her walk, the shoe-obsessed gals Leah, Dionne, and Briana sifted through designer kicks that were on major clearance at Last Call.  I returned that weekend and found at RED Valentino dress for $100 (normally about $600... find another cute one here). 

"Hot in Pink" Rebecca Minkoff Blazer (found at Last Call online and in store at Grapevine Mills)

Grapevine Mills is the home to tons of retailers, most of them name-brand stores with a discount.  It's only about 20-30 minutes from North Dallas and trust me... it'll be worth the trip! 

Leah scored this chic jacket for a steal at Last Call Grapevine Mills!

They're also going to be starting a renovation with new stores this fall.  Mills really does mean more... especially Grapevine Mills!

Project Emilie: Getting Famous at Fashion Stars 2014

Fashion Stars for a Cause 2014 was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Raising money for the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas and meeting 11 other Fashion Stars was overwhelmingly rewarding.  But the highlight of it all was the gala last March.  I felt blessed to have 10 supportive members of my family by my side on the big night.  Everyone looked like stars in gowns and tuxes.  But it goes without saying that everyone's favorite fashion model stole the show during the Tootsies runway presentation.  As we walked the runway, each Fashion Star was given a beautiful introduction by Terry Bentley Hill.  Once it was my turn to get up there and attempt not to become fashion roadkill, Terry mentioned Small 4 Style and Project Emilie.  Seconds later, Em stood up and did her princess wave to her adoring fans.  It was so cute!

Emilie is always eager to meet new people, and it was no different at Fashion Stars.  Her fearlessness and confidence to be herself is inspiring.        

Emilie's response to her fame?  She's gonna work that runway next time!

 Meeting a new fan and bestie, Val Valentine

 With fellow Fashion Star Regina Bruce

With her new pal, the fabulous Yvonne Crum