Spring 2015 Trend Report at Belk Galleria Dallas

Models posing with Arlene Goldstein (VP of trend merchandising and fashion direction), Salem Boohaker (store manager), Charmaine Marshall (Belk stylist)

Spring has almost sprung and Belk Galleria Dallas started the new year with a showcase some of the best looks of the season.  After almost a year since the grand opening in 2014, Belk has continued to be a go-to Dallas destination for modern southern style.  Arlene Goldstein, VP of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction at Belk, highlights a selection of style statements each season, and her predictions always seem to be on-point.  I'm always lucky enough to be one of the bloggers invited to see her special preview each season.  From seeing outfits styled by Charmaine Marshall, Belk stylist, and the style statements by Arlene, I think it's going to be a fun fashion season with lots of opportunities to experiment with color, print and silhouette.  Spring is all about the following four trends, and I hope you are as inspired as I am!   

Garden Party: Floral motifs, traditional and digitized, will continue to be a leader this spring.  Arlene loves this look paired with statement accessories featuring colored stones or pearls.  Longer pleated skirts and classic lace are essential Garden Party elements.  Complete the look with a ladylike handbag and single-soled shoes (aka: non-platform).   

Sport Chic: The sporty motif has taken a turn toward chic with pieces like stylish sneakers and backpack totes.  Athletic-inspired hoodies and jog pants dressed up with polished items are a must.  And buying a "dressy" sweatshirt wouldn't hurt either.  This statement is the perfect way to update your usual casual yoga pant outfit, even though Arlene still thinks yoga pants are on-trend.  You'll be seeing a lot of textiles borrowed from the gym including mesh, pleather, nylon and neoprene accented with contrast zippers and color-blocking.

Spare Me: Bold architectural prints in black and white with pops of color makes a super-modern statement.  A-line, columns and trumpet skirts are key silhouettes to complement the grids and graphic prints of this statement.  Arlene incorporates white shoes and accessories with several of her outfits for the coming season.  According to Arlene, wearing white all year-round is no longer a crime, so breaking the "Labor Day" tradition is the new bold fashion-forward rule.  Speaking of being bold, cuffs, chokers and exaggerated bags (over-sized and mini) go perfectly with this trend.  Gold is also an important classic that you can bring out to pair with your geometric prints.

Islander: A mix of exotic prints and classic stripes will give your look a chic vacation vibe.  Arlene emphasized "matched sets" for spring which, are combinations of pieces of the same or similar prints.  An easy way to bring the islander trend into your wardrobe is to start with "color commonality," said Arlene.  She's also into the continuation of the fringe and tribal trends.  This look is fresh and exciting.

Belk's best stylist, Charmaine Marshall, did a fabulous job with the styling of these four outfits.  My favorite look was the "Islander" because the prints and textiles seemed like they would contradict each other, but her brilliant styling made the outfit come together beautifully.  Belk Galleria Dallas store manager Salem Boohaker is always a great host and the spring event was lovely.  Hearing Arlene explain her spring picks made me even more excited for the coming season.  She comes up with clever snippets about each trend that are always crowd pleasers.  I've noticed that Arlene thinks outside of the box with her style statements.  Each trend can be interpreted differently and easily incorporated into every woman's wardrobe, no matter your style or taste for risk when it comes to clothing.

Fashion friends: Leslie Chatman, Leah Frazier, Amber LaFrance, Charmaine Marshall

with Galleria Dallas stylist Holly Quartaro

The first fashion event of the year couldn't have been more fun.  Be ready for spring with Arlene Goldstein's Top 10 Most Wanted items for women and men this season.

Women’s Most Wanted Spring 2015

1.       Kimono

2.       Soft Pants 

3.       Easy Fit Top

4.       Matched Set

5.       Longer Skirt 

6.       Jumpsuit 

7.       Floral Dress

8.       Statement Earrings

9.       Glitzy Sandals

10.     Look at Me Lips 

Men’s Most Wanted Spring 2015

1.       Updated Polo

2.       Shorter Short

3.       Bold Prints 

4.       Jog Shorts

5.       Athletic-Inspired Knit 

6.       Plaid Sportcoat  

7.       White Pants

8.       Spring Suit 

9.       Fashion Add-Ons 

10.     Sneaker-Style Slip Ons

  

Attention designers!  Belk is also looking for the next big fashion designer.  The Belk Southern Designer Showcase is back and entries for 2015 are due by February 2, 2015.  Dallas-based Lucy Dang won in 2013 and her collection landed in Belk Galleria Dallas.  We're rooting for another Texan to win!  Complete this form and may the best designer win.

All photos in this post were taken by the amazing Shana Anderson and her son, Trevor.

with Yvonne Crum

Lucy Dang Trunk Show and Dawn Mellon's Fall Trends @ Belk

"Feminine and southern."  That's how Dallas-based fashion designer Lucy Dang describes her style.  The ever-so-stylish women in Dallas love Lucy Dang, and so does the rest of the south.  In 2013, she submitted her designs for the Belk Southern Designer Showcase just two days before the deadline and won.  Her modern yet sophisticated evening wear collection has landed at Belk.  Lucy also won the 2013 Texas Next Top Designer competition.  With two big wins, 2013 was an awesome year for Lucy, and I think 2015 will be even better.  Last month, Belk shoppers at the Galleria Dallas were the first ones to pre-order dresses the new spring 2015 line, and meet the designer too.

Yvonne Crum, Charmaine Marshall, Lucy Dang, Alex Small, Lisa Petty.  Photo by Scot Redman

Dallas is the perfect place for Lucy to showcase her designs.  She described Dallas as "charming, warm and sophisticated," which is exactly what's seen in Lucy's clothes.  After designing an elegant, dark collection for fall, Lucy decided to use shades on the other end of the spectrum for her spring collection.  Lucy focused on keeping the new collection bright, airy and exotic and was influenced by Peru. 

Lucy Dang was born to be a designer.  Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind sparked her interest in fashion at a young age.  According to Lucy, success in the fashion industry depends on perseverance and passion for fashion.  Lucy spent 10 years building fashion industry experience before becoming a fashion designer.  Some of the companies she's worked for are Dillard's, Nicole Miller and Rebecca Taylor.

My favorite dress from Lucy's collection!

Lucy Dang and Lisa Petty

Lucy Dang and Dawn Mellon.  Photo by Scot Redman

Lucy wasn't the only star at Belk that day.  Dawn Mellon, everyone's favorite Savvy Stylist, also shared her secrets to making the most of your fall wardrobe.  The same dress can look completely different with a few tweaks and a little creativity.  I was very impressed with Dawn's picks, as usual!  Belk put on another fabulous event, and stay tuned for more fall and winter events coming soon!  

Jeanette Korab Supports Suicide and Crisis Center at Cork

Local jewelry designer and artist Jeanette Korab set up a pop-up shop at Cork Premier Wine Bar to support the Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas (SCC).  Guests got the chance to purchase Korab's stunning jewelry and original artwork and a portion of the sales benefited the cause.

Yvonne Crum, Margie Wright, Lisa Petty, Jeanette Korab.  Picture c/o DFW Style Daily

The event was hosted by two of the most dedicated and stylish women in Dallas: Lisa Petty and Yvonne Crum.  Lisa is the editor of DFW Style Daily and Yvonne is a long-time supporter of the SCC.  Their tireless support for philanthropy efforts in Dallas is inspirational.

“Now more than ever, the mission of the Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas is front of mind for us all,” said Petty.

Yvonne Crum and Lisa Petty

Recent statistics provided by the SCC reveal the serious problem of suicide, particularly for young people.  In the United States, there are approximately 12 youth suicides each day.  Specifically in Texas, suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens ages 15 to 19.  The center works with schools in the Dallas metroplex to provide mental health screenings that identify those suffering in silence. 

Lisa and Yvonne believe that fashion is a helpful avenue to promote suicide prevention.  Both agree that this message is particularly necessary to facilitate important conversations and remove the stigma associated with suicide.  Fashion events in Dallas draw large crowds, especially when a charity is involved.  Crum said, “It’s an unbeatable force with the spotlight on awareness, which I believe is the key to saving lives.”

Guests admired Korab’s jewelry, which was displayed according to color, in the bar’s intimate party area.  Korab, explained that each piece of jewelry is made of natural gemstones, pearls and gold.  Guest Rosanne Hart, publicist and owner of The Hart Agency (and my fashion PR professor), fell in love with a black crystal and red jade ring.  She ended up purchasing it because it's a perfect complement to her signature style.  Rosanne said, “I was thrilled to see how successful she has become.  Her jewelry and art are exquisite!”  

Fellow designer and business owner Chelsea Britt Stumo of clothing line RubyBritt assisted Korab in creating displays and answering guests’ questions during the event.  Stumo said she was honored to be a part of the event for such an important cause alongside Petty, Crum and Korab.

Yvonne Crum and Margie Wright trying on Jeanette Korab's gorgeous necklaces!

The Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas helps those impacted by suicide through support groups.  The center also organizes youth groups to raise awareness for the issue.  In conjunction with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the SCC answers calls in the Dallas metroplex with a 24/7 crisis line run by trained counselors and volunteers.
Both Korab and Cork Premier Wine Bar owner Stephanie Rennells contributed a portion of the evening's sales to the cause.  

To learn more about Jeanette Korab, check out Lisa Petty's DFW Style Daily feature!

Polo Chic Style: Fashion Stars for a Cause Finale 2014

Rhonda Marcus, Alex Small, Britt Harless, Regina Bruce, Toni Munoz-Hunt.  Photo Credit: Danny Campbell

Prestonwood Polo Club and Beverly Drive Magazine hosted a polo cup in celebration of the Fashion Stars for a Cause event benefiting Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.  Five of the 12 Fashion Stars were in attendance for the afternoon affair: Regina Bruce, Britt Harless, Rhonda Marcus, Toni Munoz-Hunt, and myself. 

Yvonne Crum, congratulations on a successful first year of Fashion Stars for a Cause!  That's a wrap!

Group photo by Danny Campbell

I was more than excited (and shocked) to see myself on the cover of Beverly Drive Magazine!  Danny Campbell took beautiful pictures at the event.  View the June 2014 issue below to look at more photos by Danny from the polo match.

Beverly Drive Issue 614

Publish at Calameo or read more publications.

Hover over the picture below and click the icons to steal my polo-chic style from the event!

PS - Make sure to order your official Fashion Stars for a Cause tee from Bling is the New Black!  50% is going to benefit Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.

Support SCC with Fashion Stars T-shirts

Look fab and support a worthy cause.  Now everyone can be a Fashion Star with the latest collection of FSFAC tees.  Bling is the New Black and Yvonne Crum have created a cute and classy design that is sure to stun.  They have lots of different styles to choose from like the classic crew that Emilie and I are wearing, long-sleeve shirts, and tanks.  Best of all, 50% of the proceeds will go to Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.  Order yours online... Emilie wants to be "fashion twins" with you!

Readers & Dreamers Wants Your Books!

Photo c/o Amber Valentine

Over the past few months, I've been blessed to get to know Amber Valentine, or Val as she's known by her friends.  A student, an entrepreneur, and an advocate, Val has achieved a lot at her young age.  One of her many current projects is running a nonprofit organization called Readers & Dreamers.  Their mission is to make books available for people in need, especially the sick and disabled.  

Please help Val and the Readers & Dreamers team enrich our community by donating your books.  We all have books that we're through with or not using - so donate your gently-used books to Readers & Dreamers.  The organization is looking primarily for children's books, but all age groups are accepted.  Val told me they'll even take magazines, which I have a lot of!  Monetary donations are also appreciated.  If you're interested, please email me at alex@small4style.com.  To stay updated with Readers & Dreamers, LIKE them on Facebook.  You can also learn more about Val on the Readers & Dreamers website. 

With Val at Fashion Stars for a Cause.  Photo Credit: Danny Campbell

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