Diane von Furstenberg in Dallas! Neiman Marcus Northpark

Most people dream of owning a designer dress.  But very few people have the chance to get style and fit advice from the designer herself.  Neiman Marcus at Northpark made the shopping experience extra special for clients when Diane von Furstenberg was standing outside the fittings room, ready to tie the wrap dresses of hundreds of Dallas women.

Ken Downing, Diane von Furstenberg and Karen Katz

Diane von Furstenberg, DVF for short, is known for inventing the revolutionary jersey wrap dress that's celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.  With a new Wrap 40 collection, a book called The Woman I Wanted to Be, and the House of DVF show on E!, 2014 really is the year of DVF.  Neiman Marcus is on a roll this fall with tons of designer personal appearances.  Chuck Steelman the Corporate Manager of Special Events at Neiman Marcus was there to make sure every guest got a selfie with Diane.  Other Neiman's execs like fashion director Ken Downing and CEO Karen Katz accompanied the designer to introduce the designer at the beginning of the event.  It was a night of important people and another unforgettable experience at Neiman Marcus Northpark!    

XOX Dallas! Betsey Johnson

This is a way long overdue post about Betsey Johnson's personal appearance at Dillard's Northpark.  Since Betsey is doing such a fabulous job on Dancing with the Stars season 19, it's the perfect time to talk about how wonderful she is on screen and in person.  Betsey Johnson is known for her flamboyant designs and girly accessories.  I don't know any girl who hasn't owned a piece of Betsey Johnson.  She's a fashion legend and I was so thrilled to meet her.

Betsey Johnson arrived followed by pink rose petals along with her host and companion du jour, entertainment personality Micah Jesse.  Even after so many years in the fashion industry, Betsy didn't seem tired of meeting her devotees in Dallas.  Trust me, there was plenty of squealing and glee when Betsey appeared.

The excited line of fans was out the door, but Betsey still spent the time to chat with each fan and pose for pictures.  The wait was definitely worth it.  She's just as quirky and fun as she seems on TV, but she's even sweeter when you meet her. 

with Micah Jesse

On Dancing with the Stars, Betsey's killing the competition with her splits and spontaneity.  Everyone's talking about her being in her 70s, but honestly her energy is impressive for any age.  XOX Betsey, I'll always vote for you!

Dancing with the Stars pictures are from Facebook.

Shirin Askari - Project Runway to This Chic is Bananas!

"Chic" Tee

I've been a dedicated Project Runway fan since the age of 11.  After seeing every episode for the past 10 years, I've developed a few favorite designers that have really blown me away with their talent.  Luckily one of my favorite Project Runway designers is based right here in Dallas.  Shirin Askari began designing several years before her Project Runway season 6 debut in 2009.  After sharing her designs on national TV, Shirin moved to New York to design and sell her line of contemporary clothing, evening dresses, and custom bridal.  Her gorgeous new RTW line ASKARI launched in January, and it really is to die for!  I couldn't believe when I saw the price tags - couture quality for a moderate price.

Photo Credit: Steven Walton

Shirin isn't just remembered from Project Runway because of her talent.  Although I've never met her in person (I hope to meet her one day!), I got the opportunity to ask her some questions over email.  Her likable personality and love of fashion were evident through her responses.  Her energy almost radiated through the computer!  She describes her style as "feminine and edgy."  As a lover of Dallas style, Shirin likes that it's a city where women "go out of their way to dress up," no matter the occasion!  Her classic style icons are both Hepburns: Katharine and Audrey.  Victoria Beckham, Blake Lively, and Miranda Kerr are some of the current day stylish women that inspire her.  But she doesn't like to stick to just one fashion icon, which is just like me! 

"Persistence and hard work is key.  Also - never stop learning and improving your skills."

- Shirin's advice to those aspiring to work in fashion

"Parker" top

"Brooke" dress

My friend and PR expert Bri Crum let me borrow some of the cutest pieces from the ASKARI spring 2014 collection.  My favorite is the "Brooke" dress, which my friend Elizabeth West models above.  Each outfit that Shirin designs is unique and interesting.  An ASKARI dress or top doesn't look the same from every angle.  She always adds some interest to her clothes.  Last summer, Shirin styled a collection of outfits for me from Front Door Fashion.  She put things together that I would have never thought of, and that was cool to see.  The same goes for her own designs.  To see more, check out Shirin Askari's website to view the spring 2014 collection as well as the brand-new fall/winter 2014 collection.  Let me tell you, this chic really is bananas!

Blouse by ASKARI; Necklace and bracelet by Harper Hallam

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

Dora Yim: Inside a Fashion Designer's World

Dora Yim is an up-and-coming fashion designer in Dallas and beyond.  What I find most interesting about Dora is that she's not only talented; she's smart, hard-working, and passionate.  While sipping coffee at Pearl Cup, she revealed so many defining moments for her as a designer that really gave me insight into who she is. 

Let's talk about her collection, d.p.c. by Dora Yim (check out her website).  Her clothes and accessories are accessible, reasonably priced, and transition well from day to evening.  While her target age is 27, her collection is for women of all ages.  It's simplistic, elegant, and timeless.

 

Dora's background is in accounting, which gives her an edge on the competition.  With her business sense, she's achieved so much in the fashion industry.  She's got some great words of wisdom for those who want to follow in her footsteps.  Observation of mentors and superiors in your field is the key to learning about the reality of the industry, according to Ms. Yim.  Her signature is "timeless style" just like her fashion icon, Mademoiselle Chanel. 

This year has been an exciting one for Dora's career.  This past February, I was introduced to Dora's collection of jewelry and clothing at the Pin Show in Dallas.  She also displayed her collection at the WWD Magic conference in Las Vegas.  In Vegas, Hal Rubenstein, the fashion director of InStyle magazine, featured her dress on stage as a must-have for fall in front of a team of buyers.  Later this year, a senior designer for JCP was in awe of her sewing skills at an Etsy vendor event in Dallas.  This October, she's showing her latest collection at Phoenix Fashion Week.  

I visited Dora's studio where she's working on her Spring 2014 collection that will be unveiled at Phoenix Fashion Week.  Pattern-making and sketching are a few essential skills for fashion design, and Dora taught herself how to do it all.  When she's not designing or being recruited by someone big in the industry, she loves finding inspiration.  Shopping, trying new things, and playing tennis are some of her favorite things to do.  On a nice weekend, you might find her enjoying the outdoors on the Katy Trail or at White Rock Lake.

Check out Dora's website and buy her designs because this star is rising fast!