Clotheshorse Anonymous Blogger Happy Hour This Thursday!

Join me and some of the most stylish ladies of Dallas at Clotheshorse Anonymous this Thursday evening for a Blogger Happy Hour.  Local bloggers and City + Sky owners Allison and Courtney Edwards are hosting a trunk show and fashion trend presentation featuring some fabulous consignment pieces worn by local bloggers, like me!  Looking forward to seeing you at Clotheshorse!

 

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

Blushington Beauty + Veuve Clicquot Bubbly Girl's Night Out

To have the ultimate girl's night, you need good friends, fabulous beauty products and pink champagne.  Last week Blushington in Dallas had that and more with a party featuring Veuve Clicquot rose champagne and false lash applications.  Blushington's CEO Stephi Maron and CMO Nicki Maron even flew in from Los Angeles for the fun affair.  Every time I go to Blushington I have a great time.  The atmosphere is luxurious, yet comfortable and friendly.  It's a fun place to hang out with friends while getting ready for a special event.  Veuve Clicquot's pink rose champagne matched the Blushington vibe and decor perfectly! 

Lisa Petty, Leah Frazier, Alex Small

Photo Credit: Mary Fields

Photo credit: Mary Fields//From left to right: Sohana Kutub, Alex Small, Leah Frazier, Stephi Maron (Blushington CEO), Jenn Cruse, Lisa Petty

Beauty and bubbly at Blushington was a pretty fab way for me to celebrate my final week of school. 

Photo credit: Mary Fields

Check out this awesome deal to take advantage of next time you get your makeup done at Blushington!

Fall 2014 Beauty Trends at Nordstrom Galleria Dallas

Nordstrom Galleria Dallas recently hosted its semiannual Beauty Trend Show for Fall 2014.  An early Saturday morning (like 7am!) is always worthwhile when it's Trend Show time.  A little coffee, beauty products, and hundreds of beauty lovers will surely wake you up!

Nordstrom brings in beauty experts from around the country, and often from around the world, to discuss the top picks for the season.  Debra Redmond, the Nordstrom National Beauty and Fragrance Director, led us through a series of fall beauty trends.  The top 3 beauty trends to try this season are:

1. Velvet Berry Lips - Matte, wine-stained lips look velvety and go perfectly with the rich colors seen on the runways this season.  Pair this lip with a neutral eye.

2. Night Shades - A cool, metallic smoky eye is an essential accent to an edgy+feminine look this fall.  A simple lip and gunmetal nails complete this look.

3. Sparkling Accents - Opal, rose gold and silver shades on the eyes with shimmery cheeks and a glossy lip will make you sparkle this fall. 

When Nordstrom hosts an event, they go all out.  A runway show featuring new fall clothes was especially exceptional this time around.  I'm looking forward to trying knee socks this fall.

After the show, the audience crowded the escalators and the entire cosmetics department on the first floor.  During this event, many of the brands offer gifts with purchase and special discounts.  My beauty-obsessed Aunt Lou Lou took advantage of this opportunity after joining me for her first Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show.  She carefully took notes from each brand's mini presentation.  I think she had a good time! How could she not at Nordstrom Galleria Dallas?

Want to know more?  Visit a beauty stylist at Nordstrom Galleria Dallas!  Call 972-702-0055 to make an appointment. 

Amores Model Seach Today at Angelika Mockingbird Station

Amores Model Management is having its first model search event today at Mockingbird Station!  From 2-7pm, girls and guys ages 16-24 have the chance to be discovered.  Girls must be between 5 ft. 8 in. and 6 ft.  Guys must be between 5 ft. 11 in. and 6 ft. 3 in.  Come by the Angelika Pavilion to get discovered or to enjoy the party!  I got the chance to interview Luis Basteri, the Agency Director at Amores Model Management.  Find out what makes Amores different!

Small 4 Style: Tell me a little bit about why and how you started Amores Model Management.

Luis Basteri: I have a background in television production that transitioned into talent management, based upon the connections I made on that side of the business. I reached a point where I knew I loved representing and managing models/talent but I wanted to do more. Working in a market that is very set in their ways with a more traditional approach can be a little difficult, so I explored other opportunities in model management in other markets. I felt like I needed to bring something new back to Dallas! Dallas is the perfect city to start a new modeling agency in; it's a growing market and I have a strong client base here. Most importantly, we have a team who is actively looking for new opportunities. We’re young and bring fresh perspectives to the market place!

S4S: What makes Amores different from other modeling agencies?

LB: We are the only agency in this market that operates under the most advanced talent booking and management systems available in this industry. We have strong relationships with partnering agencies and clients around the world. Some partners include, and are a part of this year’s Amores Model Search event, are Wilhelmina Los Angeles, Major Models NY and Australia's number one agency Chadwick Models. We have individualized plans for each of our models dependent on their goals and develop a presence for each in the marketplace. I feel that we almost act as a PR agency for these models; we connect them to clients, while still being cautious with their personal brand image so they can be as successful as they can be in a high fashion market. We only represent high fashion models; other agencies in town are more commercially focused.

Our staff at Amores strives to be innovative and makes a huge effort to keep up with the world of fashion and stay in-the-know. After noticing a need for a different type of models while working with our clients, we decided to extend our representation and management for the new Special Bookings division. We connect our elite group of influencers and digital lifestyle personalities to local and global brands while managing their appearances, bookings and advertising.  We are the only agency in the Southwest that extends this service!

S4S: Could you explain the Special Bookings division?

LB: We noticed a need in the marketplace for representation centered on digital influencers and now manage a hand-picked group of fashion, beauty and luxury lifestyle personalities. By connecting these individuals to clients we work with already, and exposing them to new brand partners, we’re able to strengthen their brand image. We can oversee each of these personalities’ professional growth, management, marketing and branding, while exposing them to opportunities that may be similar (and very different at times) from that of our model roster. I started to notice that clients were seeking out models that had a strong social media base, which would often result in higher booking prices and negotiations for social media posts representing the client’s brand. That’s how our Special Bookings department came to be.

S4S: How did you meet Lisa Petty and Cynthia Smoot to get them involved?

LB: Lisa and Cynthia are Dallas’ top digital lifestyle influencers. You can't represent the top elite group of influencers if you don't have the very best!

S4S: Describe the ideal Amores model in a few sentences.

LB: High fashion models must fit into sample sizes. For women, they at least need to be 5’9” and men at least 6’. We aren’t looking for your traditional model; we look for someone with a little edge. Personality is a big plus!

For our Special Bookings division, we select talent based on web aesthetic, content appeal, reach and fan base. 

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

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!

Belk Galleria Dallas Fall 2014 Preview

Ellen Flowers, Heather Anderson, Cynthia Smoot, Lisa Petty, Dawn Mellon, Alex Small, and Chelsea Hameister

This month, Dallas bloggers got a fall fashion preview at Belk Galleria Dallas.  It's hard to believe that Belk, which opened earlier this spring at the Galleria, is already preparing for the biggest season in fashion: fall!  Belk's Arlene Goldstein, VP of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction, gave us a sneak peek into the top fall trends.  Belk is going to have some pretty fierce stuff this fall.  See for yourself when you get the fall catalog in the mail!  Or better yet, visit the Galleria to get the Belk experience in person.  Use this handy list of Top 10 Fall Picks as a guide for your fall shopping.

Women’s Most Wanted

1. Soft Pant

2. Longer Skirt

3. Creative Cardigan

4. Novelty Vest

5. Fashion Sweatshirt

6. Tunic Top

7. Midi Length Sheath

8. Statement Neck

9. Over the Knee Boots

10. Satchel

Jump-start fall shopping right now at Belk Galleria Dallas.  You'll fall in love with their latest fall picks... and sale items.  There's almost always a coupon or an additional percent off.  You've gotta love Belk!

Summary of Style Statements:

Complex Simplicity: ultra-modern message, pattens go graphic, and bold contrasts

His is Hers: quirky coolness with a feminine twist, exotic red color palette exotic

Rebel Rebel: unexpected pairings, passion for plaids, statement necks and cuffs, booties and over-the-knee boots

with Yvonne Crum and Linda Cooper

 All of these beautiful photos were taken by Shana Anderson!

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!