White Out: Binzario Couture Visions of White S/S 2016

with Alison Volk, Luis Nazario and Andre Yabin

Dallas-based Binzario Couture hosted a fabulous party to unveil its outstanding Visions of White S/S 2016 collection.  Binzario designers Andre Yabin and Luis Nazario revealed their all-white couture collection of 13 dresses and 4 gowns before it walks the runway at New York Fashion Week today!  Not only were the gowns absolutely stunning, the all-white guest dress code made the event even more chic.

Andre Yabin and Luis Nazario started their dreamy bridal brand in 2007.  The design duo has 25 years of combined experience in bridal couture and formal wear.  Their extensive experiences in fashion and both designers' passion to make women feel uniquely beautiful make them the perfect couture partners.  On top of their talent, both guys are extremely nice.

Andre Yabin and Luis Nazario (Photo Credit: John Strange)

Binzario Couture also partnered with Roundup for Autism for this event and raised $3,300 for Autism Treatment Centers of Texas.  All of these white dresses are part of a collection but Andre and Luis do custom dresses, especially for soon-to-be brides.  Each dress is available in black and white, and custom colors are available upon request.  These pictures don't do the dresses justice.  They're even more beautiful in person.  For more information about Binzario Couture and how to set up a consultation with Andre and Luis, visit their website.

Photo Credit: Adam Bryantt

Photo Credit: Adam Bryantt

Jessi Moreau and I both wore pink shoes and white dresses

Photo Credit: Adam Bryantt

Modern Southern Belk Gives Back in Style

Since April 2014, Belk at the Galleria Dallas has been such an awesome addition to our city for so many reasons. But, Modern Southern Style isn't all they're about.  Belk donates $21 million to charity each year.  I had the chance to chat with Belk's Jessica Graham, VP of corporate communication and community relations, to find out more.

The company is particularly dedicated to raising funds and awareness for education, breast cancer and community strength.  Though Belk mainly focuses on these areas, they also allow community members to get involved in raising money for the causes that are most important to them.  This past weekend, Belk held its semiannual Charity Day Sale where local Belk shoppers could sell $5 coupons and volunteer in the store to raise money for their favorite charities.  I think this is one of the coolest ideas for a fundraiser, and all of the money goes directly to the charities.  Belk is simply the facilitator and doesn't profit from this event.  More than 8,000 charities participate each year and the promotion yields about $10 million for worthy causes.

This year, Ralph Lauren designed a pink tennis shoe (also comes in black or white) that is exclusive to Belk and a portion of the sales will support breast cancer awareness and mammograms.  As the only department store that offers mobile mammograms, Belk has become known for its Mobile Mammography Center that visits Belk stores to offer checkups.  Notice the cute RL shoe that's wrapped on the bus!  There are currently 300 Belk stores in 16 states and the mammography bus will visit Dallas next year.

After hearing about all of the extraordinary things Belk does for the community, Jessica went on to tell me about their program with Discovery Education that teaches middle school students about the importance of giving back.  Participants design a project to help solve an issue in their communities for a chance to win scholarships.

In Dallas specifically, Belk also partners with the United Way, Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities, and Junior League.  To learn more about Belk's charity efforts, check out their website.

CH Carolina Herrera Northpark Helps Nexus this Wednesday

If you have time to go to Northpark this evening, it sounds like you'll have a good time and get the opportunity to support a great cause.  CH Carolina Herrera at Northpark is hosting the 2014 Nexus Annual Appeal Kick Off Soiree on tonight from 6:30-8:30pm.  Enter to win a gorgeous CH Carolina Herrera tote while you shop.  Plus, 15% of purchases made at the event and through November 9 will benefit Nexus, a female recovery treatment organization in Dallas.

Team #ProjectEmilie: Fundraiser for Best Buddies Champion of the Year

I'm with my buddies!  Aaron, Jeremy, and Tyler

Best Buddies has a new fundraising campaign called Champion of the Year and I'm so lucky to be involved.  Best Buddies is an international organization that promotes friendship development and job opportunities for people with special needs.  Both I and my aunt, Emilie, have been involved with Best Buddies over the years and I can't tell you how much it's impacted our lives in completely different ways.  Though I've always known the love and value special people add to our lives, I'm so happy that this organization promotes this message. 

This year, Best Buddies Texas is working on starting new chapters in the Dallas area.  There are 99,000 students in special education programs in the DFW metroplex.  Of the 236 high schools in the area, only 12 have Best Buddies chapters.  I'm hoping to change that!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO BEST BUDDIES IN SUPPORT OF TEAM PROJECT EMILIE.

A fun and inspiring event was held at Alton Lane where Best Buddies supporters raised a glass to kick off of the campaign.  Various Best Buddies representatives said a few words about what the cause means to them.  Jeremy made a lovely speech about how Best Buddies has helped him develop friendships and live an independent life.  Another one of my favorite buddies, Tyler, rocked an Alton Lane suit for the occasion.  SMU grad and magician Trigg Watson Burrage cleverly wove the Best Buddies message into his act.  It was pretty amazing!  Shortly after the event, SMU student Meredith Carey wrote a fantastic article about the campaign in The Daily Campus!

with Jeremy

Tyler in Alton Lane

Those of you who have met Emilie or have become fans of Project Emilie on my blog know how important this cause is to me.  I would appreciate your support for Best Buddies.  Follow this link to fill out a donation form to build more friendships.  Thank you for supporting Best Buddies!  

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!

Best Buddies Fundraiser Tonight @ Vino 100 Featuring Chloe and Isabel Jewelry

Hi stylistas!  As you know, causes that support people with intellectual disabilities are very close to my heart.  I was recently chosen to raise money for Best Buddies through a campaign called Champion of the Year.  Tonight is my first fundraising event for the cause and I would love to see you all there.  Your favorite fashion model Emilie will also be in attendance!

Shay Lary of Chloe and Isabel is selling gorgeous jewelry tonight and proceeds will go to Best Buddies.  If you can't attend tonight, you can always shop online and 10% will go to Best Buddies Texas!  I love it!

The party starts at 7:00 at Vino 100 - 2090 McKinney Ave. in Dallas.  Join us for fun and fashion tonight!

Katydid Collection: Dallas Fashion Line Offers Perfect Prints

From edgy to chic, Dallas-based Katydid Collection offers eye-catching fashions and accessories that are oh so appealing.  I was recently introduced to Katydid by lifestyle blogger Cynthia Smoot, and I'm so glad to have discovered this fashion sensation.  The line's designer and true Texan, Katy Messersmith, turned her creativity and entrepreneurial spark into a multi-million dollar business.  Katydid Collection also supports charities including Dress for Success, Susan G. Komen, and Kidd's Kids.  So the clothes aren't all that makes Katydid inspiring. 

My favorite part about Katydid is COLOR!  Katydid is a breath of fresh air in a sea of so many designers that choose a more neutral palette.  A mix of colors, prints, and cultural influences, Katydid's cute and effortless pieces can be worn in lots of different ways.  Each piece is carefully designed in Dallas and made in the USA.  I tested out three of Katydid's most popular summer styles and am thrilled to show you how I rock Katydid.  

Moroccan Shorts: These shorts are definitely a must-have.  With a range of colors imbedded in the versatile print, it isn't hard to find a top to match the shorts.  I found that they are really flattering and they have pockets!  They were a little short for me, but this shouldn't be a concern for most.  The print will always be in style, so when you buy a pair now, you can wear it for the rest of this summer and next summer too.  Click here to purchase the Moroccan Shorts!

Aztec Texas Tank: This is an easy-breezy top that every Texas girl should own.  The oversized Texas patch on the tank has an edgy print and crystals to add some dimension.  I like the black one because it goes with everything, but it also comes in other colors.  Click here to purchase the Aztec Texas Tank!

Printed Tank:  The vibrant color combination makes this blouse really appealing.  Normally a mainly pink girl, I was a little hesitant about trying out turquoise.  Just like the shorts, the print includes lots of colors, including pink.  So it looks awesome paired with pink!  I recommend buying a size down on this one because it's really flowy and runs a little big.  Click here to purchase the Printed Tank!

Purchase Katydid Collection online or in a boutique near you.  Over 10,000 stores around the country sell Katydid.  

Sponsored post

Blownaway: Beauty and Philanthropy Are a Tap Away

Innovative new company Blownaway recently launched in Dallas to bring beauty to your door.  Now you can get a blowout in the comfort of your own home and help four charities.  When you buy a blowout through this Sunday, 20% will go directly to the charity of your choice.

The campaign goes through this Sunday so please buy a blowout and support some great causes!  Click on the image below to purchase a $65 gift card, good for a blowout.  You can use the gift card up to 60 days after you purchase.  Here are the charities you can support:

• Nexus Recovery Center - substance abuse recovery services for low-income women
• Dress for Success - promotes financial independence and career tools through providing professional attire to women
• New Friends, New Life - helps teen girls and women who are victims of trafficking and sexual abuse
• Children's Cancer Fund - benefits pediatric cancer treatments and research in North Texas

Special thanks to Lisa Petty, editor of DFW Style Daily, for giving me this information.

Trade In, Trade Up Your Denim at Belk 8/1-8/3!

Belk is giving us the opportunity to give back in style this weekend.  Starting today 8/1 through Sunday 8/3, donate one or more pairs of gently used jeans and get a $5 coupon toward a new pair of junior's jeans.  Sounds like a sweet deal to me.  The donated jeans will go to United Way and distributed to local students in need.  The new Belk flagship at the Galleria Dallas is a favorite among Dallasites.  Let's trade in and trade up our denim!  Don't live in Dallas?  No problem because all Belk stores nationwide are participating.

Contest Alert - Concert Style Sweeps!  In honor of back to school, Belk is also giving shoppers a chance to win a trip for 4 to a Live Nation concert, cash, and a big Belk gift card!  Enter for your chance before the sweepstakes ends on September 15!

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

Beverly Drive Polo Cup and Concorso: Saturday May 24th

Put on your best derby hat or fascinator, because Fashion Stars for a Cause 2014 is coming to a grand close this Saturday, May 24th at the Beverly Drive Polo and Concorso.  If you purchased raffle tickets benefiting Suicide and Crisis Center for the Cabo trip, this is where the winner will be revealed.  And it's not too late to buy raffle tickets!  Polo matches, a car show, and an airshow will surely make for an afternoon of fun.  I'm most excited about spending the day with fabulous family and friends... and the hat fashion!

For information about tickets, contact rsvp@beverlydrivemagazine.com

May is Melanoma Month: Gotta Hat It Fundraiser

This Saturday, May 3, walk with AIM at Melanoma to raise money and awareness for skin cancer.  May is melanoma month to promote the most common form of cancer in the United States, and the importance of early detection.  From now through the end of May, DermOne and Dallas celebrities are joining forces to fight skin cancer.  You have a chance to bid on a one-of-a-kind hat designed by a well-known local personality.  The Gotta Hat It online auction will benefit AIM at Melanoma, which is an internationally-known healthy skin initiative.  This is the first Gotta Hat It auction, and it will be introduced at the 10th Annual AIM for the CURE Walk this Saturday.

PS - Get a free skin check at DermOne in Grand Prairie on Saturday, May 17 from 8am to 2pm.  Call (817)466-8651 for more information.  Don't forget to mention "Melanoma Month!"

The hats in the Gotta Hat It auction were designed by:
Julie Fisk - KVIL 103.7 host
Leslie Ezelle - HGTV Design Star All Star winner
Charles Smith II - fashion designer
Prashi Shah - fashion and event decor designer
Rachael Lynee Burns - Miss Texas International 2014 
Lucy Dang - fashion designer
Anthony Muelle - fashion designer
Cigi Ingram - artist, actor, model
John - KVIL morning personality
Linde Dellinger - AIM at Melanoma