Thursday, October 26, 2017

Lifestyle Event Recap: Mogul Collaborates for Photographer Dixie Dixon's Book Launch



I was so excited to attend the Fort Worth Camera hosted event that featured brilliant photographer Dixie Dixon's new book "Fashion & Lifestyle", with famed business mogul Kathy Ireland attending and providing the forward to the book for the photographer that has photographed her for years.

One of the Photographs for Auction
It was a unique lifestyle event in that I don't know if I've ever attended an event whereas a famed photographer collaborated with a modeling icon turned business mogul for a book launch and auction of limited edition prints.


The crowd included luminaries from the worlds of business, style, philanthropy, and more!  There were also many photography enthusiasts in the crowd who jumped at the chance to be the first in line to purchase a signed copy of Dixon's "Fashion & Lifestyle" book and bid on one of the limited edition prints.

The diverse mixture of the crowd lead to an absolute fun evening celebrating two brilliant women who came together to toast a powerful night of inspiration to reach for your dreams!

Fashionable Crowd: Theresa York & Friend


Fort Worth Native Kathy Page


Diverse Crowd from Multiple Disciplines


Me with Local News Icon


"Don't put off your passion, now is the time if you're going to go for it. What is there to lose?" --Dixie Dixon Book Quote


Brilliant!


I had the pleasure of briefly interviewing Kathy Ireland and it was five minutes of brilliant inspiration as only a woman grounded in who she is could be able to describe what it's like going from a modeling icon to a business mogul.  Statistics say that we will all have at least three evolutions in our lifetime and so I wanted to hear directly from Ireland on how she did it!

Me: How were you able to take the leap of faith and transition from being known as a model to now being known as a business mogul who appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine?

Ireland: I would say to really focus on your dreams and your passions. 

Don't let fear get in the way. Don't let someone else's opinion of you or your circumstances define you or destroy you. Don't let someone put you in a box. Don't put yourself in a box (and limit what you think you can achieve).

Figure out your values, your priorities and put boundaries in place to protect them because they are definitely going to be challenged.

For me it's my faith, family and then being in service to The Word.  If I don't do that in that order, I'm a disaster.

Me at Meet & Greet with Ireland and Dixie Dixon
Me: With all that's going on in our world, how do you believe your faith fits into your success personally?

Ireland: I don't define success in terms of dollars. 

To me it's common sense: how we treat one another. 

And for me, it's my faith in Jesus Christ.  I have my struggles daily but I try to live a life that is a reflection of Him.

Me: What has been a particular highlight of your long, illustrious career?

Ireland: I love the people I get to meet.

Even right here tonight, talking with you.  I love your joy.  It shines right through you.  I love that.

And, being here with Dixie Dixon, an amazing person. That's encouraging.

And in maturing, I'm recognizing is the blessing in being exposed to needs so much bigger than me. And to opportunities that are so much bigger than me.

And to really be open to that.

To really focus on these things and really be a great steward of the different ways in which I can be a vessel or part of these needs and opportunities. 

Me: What transferrable skills would you say you use now in your life as a business mogul that you learned from modeling that's been particularly helpful to you?

Ireland: Dealing with rejection.

There is so much rejection in the modeling world and I didn't realize what a gift that was. 

When I started in business people laughed in my face and told me my ideas were stupid (and worse).

It didn't destroy me. Instead I thought, "Now we're talking! I'll come back tomorrow! Maybe your circumstances would have changed or maybe you'll be in a better mood."

And I encourage people, when you get rejected, don't give up.

Learn from it.  Maybe there could be something better in your approach.

Maybe don't go back the next day...(laughter from the both of us when Kathy admitted she was stalk-y in the beginning in chasing her dreams)

Mark it in your calendar and go back in six months. In that time, learn all you can about the person, the company or event so that when you go back, you can use all that knowledge to approach them again.




Me at Meet & Greet with Ireland and Dixie Dixon

By the time I left the event I felt an empowerment like I haven't felt in a long time!  

Kathy Ireland is the real deal when it comes to authenticity and living life in her own lane.

Dixie Dixon is beyond talented and I am so glad I was there to support her launch in sharing her gift with the world.

Authenticity. Living in your own lane. Finding your unique talent. And sharing it with the world.

Yes, I'm empowered!

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Lifestyle Event Recap: A Magical Night of Dining, Dancing & Tabletops


What a magical night for the 2017 Dallas Diner en Blanc!

Like all cities hosting this fantasy filled evening of white style, Dallas' secret location only heightened the sense of anticipation!

And screams were inherent once it was revealed that the gorgeous, award winning location that is the Dallas Arboretum would serve as Host for 2017!



And the most perfect timing of the location is that it sits on a hill overlooking White Rock Lake. So as the tables were setup and the dinner feast began, the sunset was a picturesque backdrop that was something out of a painting.

It was the beginning of a magical night that only kept getting better.

For my recap, I wanted to highlight my personal obsession: tabletop.

There were literally hundreds of tabletops carefully and beautifully created by the 2500+ revelers in attendance!

Below are some of the ones I want to highlight to give other Diner en Blanc party goers in other cities (especially first timers) ideas for creating their own tabletops for their magical night:

Picture Credit @ashleigh2006 (Instagram)

I loved this tabletop because the emphasis was on the flowers and simple food. This tabletop also has various textures and heights that makes it appealing without being complicated.

Recreate: think of how you can add texture and dimension by focusing on flowers and then adding shiny objects, textured crystal, and different objects of various heights.


This tabletop not only was clearly the "Belle of the Ball" but also, it swiveled on an electronic motor! It was quite spectacular. I wanted to also highlight it because the Pegasus horse is a mascot of Dallas... brilliant!

Recreate: when you're thinking of recreating a tabletop like this, choose something that is particularly connected to your host city, such as city mascots, famous landmarks, buzz worthy locations, etc. Make elements of your great city the inspiration for your tabletop decor.

Picture Credit @channelgirl5 (Instagram)


Picture Credit @channelgirl5 (Instagram)

There were several sponsor tabled areas but my favorite was this one by the folks of the Lincoln Motor Company. It was the image of classic style complete with elegant glassware and fine China with silver accents. It was gorgeous!

Recreate: you don't have to have a sponsor budget to recreate this timelessly elegant look! Take all your best hosting dinnerware out of the cabinet, add your favorite metallic accent in the utensils and focus on adding greenery.

Picture Credit @nonchalantgirl (Instagram)
The one thing I loved the most about this gorgeous tabletop is it's unique usage of the macaroon dessert bowl as part of the tabletop decor!

Recreate: choose a simple, colorful, edible dessert and create a unique way of showcasing it that adds to your tabletop decor! The more colorful the dessert, the more it gives visual inspiration.


Depending on when your city's Diner en Blanc is scheduled, I wanted to feature this tabletop for it's usage of something white in perfect harmony with the season...in this case, Fall. White pumpkins are SO on trend and I loved seeing it on this tabletop.

Recreate: no matter when your Diner en Blanc is scheduled, think of how you can incorporate elements of the season and still stick with the white theme.

Picture Credit @shedrinksaround (Instagram)

Just in case you didn't know, color is allowed for tabletops at Dinner en Blanc! Use your imagination in how you add color!

Recreate: adding color to your tabletop can be as simple!email as playing with different flower colors and textures. I also saw many variations of colorful food that added to the tantalizing environment.

Picture Credit @shedrinksaround (Instagram)

Candles were used on about 70% of the tabletops. The impact of the soft glow wasn't apparent until the sun had set and the night of dancing ensued. Due to the location being dark in different spots of the property, I'd say candles (or some type of soft lighting feature) are a must for any Diner en Blanc tabletop!

Recreate: make your candle selections apart of your tabletop decor. Tea lights, small candles, tall candles...choose candles that will add to your overall tabletop look! And key suggestion: depending on the restrictions of your host locations, it's better (and safer) to use battery operated candles versus candles you have to light up.

Picture Credit @cece_1love (Instagram)

Diner en Blanc first began in the City of Lights: Paris, France. I loved this tabletop homage to Paris with a brilliant light version of the infamous Eiffel Tower.

I hope these tabletops inspire you as much as they inspired me! 

Have fun at your Diner en Blanc, the party of the year for those cities lucky enough to host!

My Diner en Blanc Selfie in Media Lounge

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Lifestyle Event Recap: Miles Redd Does Dallas!


Chic Entrance to Schumacher

Tonight I attended a fantastic event hosted by 100 year old design institution Schumacher (Dallas Design District location) and Dallas' PaperCity.

Selfie with PaperCity Editor in Chief Holly Moore

The event's main focus was to fete designer Miles Redd and his fabulous book "The Big Book of Chic"!





The crowd gathered mixed the creative and design worlds of fashion, real estate, interior design and business.

It was a sensational lifestyle event with Schumacher's design floor, swatches and design vignettes as eye candy in the background.

And the man of the hour, Miles Redd was gracious and accommodating to the illustrious crowd, even with him being a self admitted introvert.

Laughs with Miles Redd

And I would say the event was a success! Schumacher was a great host with an inspiring Dallas Design studio space but also, "The Big Book of Chic" was sold out and back orders had to be placed!

Yes, Miles Redd ruled Dallas tonight!

Elle of Elle Cole Interiors


Designer Shay of IBB Design

Handsome Gents


Attendees Peeking at Last Copy of "The Big Book of Chic"

Shelly of Shelly Lloyd Design


Joyce of Joyce Fox Interiors LLC