Prepster Paradise: Belk Galleria Dallas Opening Gala

Glitzy and Glam: Stephanie Koh, Holly Quartaro, Alex Small, Steve Kemble

Celebrating the grand opening of Belk with some of the most influential people in Dallas, and fashion friends, was an affair to remember.  The North Carolina-based company revealed its massive flagship store at the Galleria Dallas earlier this spring after much anticipation from the Dallas community.  Belk and Galleria Dallas pulled out all the stops to welcome guests with some Southern [and glamorous] hospitality at the Opening Gala on April 3.  Tickets were $50 and all proceeds went to Susan G. Komen, one of the charities that Belk supports.

 Belk was the place for star sightings that night.  Actress and Belk brand ambassador Hayden Panettiere opened the runway show with a Q&A.  In case you were wondering, she's even more petite in person than she is on TV.  I really need to start watching ABC's Nashville because I hear it's amazing.  Moreover, she seemed like a nice girl with a cool personality.

What I enjoy about Belk is that it's unlike any other department store in Dallas.  Although they showcase a deep offering of preppy merchandise, Belk still manages to offer a product breadth that appeals to pretty much everyone.  Plus, I appreciate their frequent sales and promotions so you can get the most bang for your buck.

Nelli Tokleh, thank you for inviting me to this phenomenal event.  I had such a fun time, and so did my friend Stephanie Koh.  She recently started a blog called Dollie Gal, so check out her post about the Belk extravaganza! 
Southern. Modern. Style.  Does it get more Dallas than that?

Sam Sichanh, Alex Small, Stephanie Koh.  Photo c/o Sam Sichanh

Reunited with fellow former Nordstrom intern Sam Sichanh.  Photo c/o Sam Sichanh

Lights! Camera! DFW Style Daily's Best Dressed 2013 at Galleria Dallas

This is a very long-overdue post.  Last month, I got to attend one of the fashion events of the season. I have one word to describe DFW Style Daily's Best Dressed 2013 event: INCREDIBLE.  Not only was the event fashion-forward, I was especially impressed by the turnout.  Literally everyone involved in the Dallas style scene was there to support some great causes on the ice rink at Galleria Dallas for the big "Best Dressed" reveal.  For being a community of people with a lot of different jobs and interests within the fashion industry, Dallas stylistas always seem to love and support one another.  This was definitely apparent at Best Dressed 2013.  That's why it makes me proud and grateful to be part of Dallas' fashion community.  The money raised from the event was evenly split between the Suicide and Crisis Center and Dallas Can Academies.  From what I could see in the audience of over 700 people, it was a very successful fundraising night for these two awesome charities.

Yvonne Crum and Steve Kemble

This event's layout was unlike any other event I've been to before.  Instead of having just one fashion show, there were several fashion shows produced by Jan Strimple featuring clothing from Galleria Dallas retailers.  While watching the runway shows you could mingle with friends, sip cocktails (if you're at least 21), and sample some delicious bites of food from Galleria Dallas restaurants.  It was pretty cool!

There are too many people that I met and chatted with that I'm afraid I'll forget to mention someone.  So I'll give you a few highlights.  Of course, all of DFW Style Daily's fabulous team was there, including Lisa Petty (editor-in-chief extraordinaire).  Yvonne Crum always inspires the audience with her passionate dedication to the Suicide and Crisis Center.  I hung out with Yvonne's fabulous friend Regina Bruce for the whole night.  And of course, America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru, Steve Kemble, was the life of the party.  Famous blogger pal Cynthia Smoot dazzled in a green Lela Rose dress.  And this is just the beginning of the long list a stylistas in attendance! 

One of my BFFs, Yvonne Crum

Make sure to check out the Best Dressed honorees on DFW Style Daily.  See you at next year's DFW Style Daily's Best Dressed!  If it's half as fabulous as this year's, I guarantee it'll be a night to remember.

DFW Style Daily's Best Dressed 2013... I'm So There!

Philanthropist-extraordinaire Yvonne Crum.  DFW Style Daily's editor-in-chief Lisa Petty.  America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru  Steve Kemble.  The legendary runway show producer Jan Strimple.  Need I say more?  These are just a few of the fashionable folks you'll bump into at this Thursday's DFW Style Daily's Best Dress 2013 event.  The money raised from the event will benefit Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas as well as Dallas Can Academies.  Pop-up runway shows by Jan Strimple will keep you up to date on this season's trends.  The Best Dressed of 2013 will be revealed.  Tons of stylistas will be there to mingle with.  It's all happening on the ice rink at the Galleria Dallas.  

Clockwise from left: Yvonne Crum, Lisa Petty, Jan Strimple, Steve Kemble

It sounds like this is going to be the event of the season.  Get your tickets online and see you Thursday September 26, 6:00 at the Galleria Dallas!

PS: There's an exclusive pre-party at Brahmin Galleria Dallas at 5:00 Thursday night!

I Won The Great Big Texas Home Show's Ultimate Upcycle Challenge!

Steve Kemble, Me, and David Nelson

Thank you AIDS Services of Dallas and the Great Big Texas Home Show for awarding me the grand prize for the Ultimate Upcycle Challenge!  AIDS Services of Dallas is a community that helps people with HIV/AIDS  My versatile settee bench / table / shoe rack will be auctioned off at the No Tie Dinner benefiting the AIDS Services of Dallas.  My new BFF Steve Kemble was one of the judges, as well as David Nelson.  A special shoutout to my fellow finalists, Hilary Walker and Quia Querisma for their cool recycled home items.  I had such a good time at the Great Big Texas Home Show at Cowboys Stadium this afternoon.

Also, Steve Kemble is so much fun to be around.  My mom loves him.  And I love him too!

Galleria Dallas Beauty Live 2013: Dallas Celebrity Panel

The Beauty Live celebrity panel included (from Left to Right):
- Holly Quartaro, Galleria Dallas fashion stylist
- Pat Smith, philanthropist and Emmitt Smith's wife
- Raya Ramsey, D Magazine Beauty Editor
- Cynthia Smoot, Dallas blogger extraordinaire
- LeeAnne Locken, TV star
- Steve Kemble, America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru 
- Joanna Hathcock, makeup artist

The first beauty panel at Galleria Dallas' Beauty Live was the celebrity panel.  As much as I enjoyed all of the panels, I loved seeing my buddies Cynthia Smoot and Steve Kemble share their best beauty secrets.  Stay tuned for more Beauty Live 2013!

Galleria Dallas Beauty Live 2013: The Beauty Panels

Now let's get to the beauty panels at Beauty Live 2013 at the Galleria Dallas.  The fabulous Steve Kemble and Holly Quartaro did an awesome job hosting.  I got the inside scoop on beauty from Nordstrom, Toni & Guy, and Macy's.  I couldn't stay for the Sephora presentation, but they talked about the pantone color of the year, emerald.  I enjoyed all of the panels, plus the generous gift bags.  Nordstrom emphasized the importance of a Clarisonic system.  Toni & Guy stylists did cool hair styles on several models - my favorite was the chignon.  Macy's let the audience test eye cream from Estee Lauder.  I will definitely be attending Beauty Live next year at my beauty destination, the Galleria Dallas.  I really don't think that any other place could have done a better job hosting Beauty Live than Galleria Dallas.  The stage and the presentation was beautiful and the environment was friendly, as usual.

 Steve Kemble and Holly Quartaro

 The Nordstrom Presentation

Toni & Guy Presentation

 Macy's Presentation

Galleria Dallas Beauty Live 2013: Pink'd

I was so excited when Galleria Dallas invited me to attend this year's Beauty Live.  I had such a fun time seeing the beauty presentations, going to the NUDE skincare event at Sephora, and attending the Pink'd pre-party.  Pat Smith, Emmitt Smith's wife, hosted Pink'd.  The event benefited her organization, Treasure You, which helps women with their financial, emotional, and spiritual needs.  She seemed like a very sincere and lovely person.  

Of course, so many of Dallas' cool people were at Pink'd last weekend.  I met up with my friend Megan Carradine of FAME MC and ran into DFW Style Daily's Lisa Petty.  I chatted with Steve Kemble, my new friend, America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru.  He is so fabulous!  I also met her friend, the fabulous Shane Walker - hat master.  Blogger pal Cynthia Smoot was there as well, of course.  If there's a fashion event, she's there!  She was also in the celebrity panel on Saturday.  Stay tuned for more Beauty Live! 

 Pat Smith

 With Pat Smith

 We were so close to getting a picture with Emmitt Smith!

Megan with Pat Smith

 With Steve Kemble