I was honored to be invited to a ladies luncheon celebrating the Texas Ballet Theatre hosted by Janet Rice and Capera Ryan. The Texas Ballet’s creative direction has been the source of a nightly inspiration for my wardrobe choices.
Held at Neiman Marcus I had the pleasure to get to know 10 wonderful Dallas women . we enjoyed a fantastic lunch provided by Neiman Marcus, followed by a gorgeous fashion show highlighting spring fashion. From Gucci to Ferragamo Oscar de la Renta and bottega venetta. Some great spring fashion was on display.
The Texas Ballet is one of the most frequently selected theatrical productions among my [friends and family]. The non-stop dancing and sophisticated stagecraft are exhilarating even for those accustomed to more sedate ballet experiences.
Like most fashionistas I considered what I would wear carefully. I ended up choosing this Carolina Herrera dress Which I had shortened to tea length for the occasion. A vintage Paloma Picasso purse And my fortunate find Veronica Beard shoes that were perfect for this look; not too dressy not too casual. A little bit of perfume by Fredric Malle and your set.
The Texas Ballet Theater Mission
The mission of Texas Ballet Theater is to create, present and tour world-class ballet, from classical to cutting–edge, and promote its appreciation, accessibility, and technical mastery among students, pre-professionals, and audiences of all ages. We are honored to be the only arts organization to serve as resident company for Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth and the Winspear Opera House on the AT&T Performing Arts Center Campus in Dallas. Our internationally recognized company is built on a rich history and boasts a repertoire that is creative, expressive and collaborative.
From programs for preschool and school children to summer classes for children and adults the Texas Ballet Theater School offers dance programs in Dallas and Fort Worth with classes that range from beginner ballet to elite professional training. Their curriculum is designed to nurture aspiring artists by strengthening their technical dancing skills, creating a life-long appreciation for ballet, and helping develop critical life skills like confidence, discipline and creativity, which enrich their lives long after classes have concluded. Read more about them here.
If you’ve ever attended a performance of The Texas Ballet, you know it’s a great way to spend an evening. But do not just take my word for it, go and see for yourself!
Details of Style
I also had the privilege of continuing my conversation with Dr. Max Cyader
Dr. Max Cynader is a renowned researcher at the University of British Columbia’s Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. He is a a Principal Investigator in Canada’s Network of Excellence in Stroke.
The founder of Synaptitude a proactive coaching system for life long cognitive wellness . There are so many issues that affect our cognitive function from sleep and stress. The Exercise and Nutrition his program will guide you in navigating your cognitive strength. My full interview with Dr. Max us up on my IGTV, where you can click here to watch.
My love affair with Anne Fontaine started decades ago. A gentleman that was courting me presented me with a beautiful white box. On the inside was a gorgeously detailed chic white blouse (VLADIMIR blouse) that worked for every occasion and fit me to a T. From jeans and sandals to a pencil skirt and heels, it was a compliment as to how he saw me.
Now many decades later I am still in love with that classic timeless style. You have heard me say many times before, it’s quality not quantity and that is even more relevant now. I believe in having a few high-quality pieces that fit me to perfection over trendy styles that come and go. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with fashion.
Enter the Anne Fontaine evolution beyond the beautiful white blouse to a collection of key wardrobe staples in ‘of the moment’ colors and styles with the beautiful fabrics and details she is known for.
This beautiful crisscross patterned blouse (Cressida blouse) combined with the matching skirt (Chama long skirt) or flowing Palazzo pants (Preston pant) make for a completely different day to evening look.
The skirt with her white bodysuit (Verene bodysuit) and a statement belt will take you from brunch to evening cocktails with ease. Add a Stetson hat and your outfit is complete.
I think this combination would be perfect for a summer trip to the mountains.
After all, I’m a carry on only kind of gal, ready for any adventure at any moment. Doing so with style and ease is part of the mystery. That’s what I call casual chic.
As you might know, I have been visiting the dermatologist to treat the dark spots and hyperpigmentation on my face and chest for a long time. So when the OPTE came on the market, I was curious to say the least. The OPTE Precision System was developed over 10 years and 500,000 hours to reveal the natural beauty of our skin, while being clean, cruelty free, and using the best quality ingredients.
How can an at-home system target and diminish dark spots? This state-of-the-art system scans your face for tonal differences in pigmentation and detects it using their patented Precision Skincare algorithm. Then OPTE applies an Optimizing Serum to instantly correct and, with continued use, fade and prevent dark spots.
I don’t mind telling you that when I first opened the OPTE machine, I was a little intimidated. But after two uses, I was lightly scanning the wand over my face like a pro. Now, every morning and evening, I scan my face with the wand to treat the dark spots and target my hyperpigmentation with the Optimizing Serum, powered by 5% niacinamide and advanced mineral pigments. These pigments are shade inclusive for 98% of all skin tones, and is beneficial in the morning since the wand delivers the serum and covers my dark spots just like a concealer. It is quick and easy to use, especially since I don’t take the time to put on makeup.
The Serum is formulated in Japan without sulfates, parabens, dyes, phthalates, or fragrance.
Above are professional photos from the Opte website showing The Wand on the left and the Serum on the right.
The pictures below show the instant results of one pass with the wand, which glides smoothly across your skin, targets hyperpigmentation, and delivers optimizing serum right on your dark spot. Gone are the days of trying to target and color match your skin with over-the-counter concealers.
Before
After
My journey with OPTE is one that I will be continuing. This system gives a great at-home precision skincare alternative to the more expensive laser treatments. The combination of treatment and an instant airbrushed look elevates OPTE in the future of skincare.
Summertime has already arrived and sometimes we just don’t want our clothes to touch. This beautiful white gauze dress (Gauze Maxi Dress) is just the ticket. Add some color with an elongated scarf (Ikat-Print Oblong Scarf). Don’t forget that turquoise jewelry I know you already have.
If you’re looking for something a little less casual, consider this dress with the ‘of the moment’ sleeve trend (Eyelet-Sleeve Dress).
This timeless summer look combination of black and white can easily be done with these Mia Becar sandals (Maggie Slide) and Rebecca Minkoff envelope. I’ve had this particular one for years but a great substitute would be this Rebecca Minkoff, Leo Clutch. If you ever see a quirky piece that you don’t know what you’re going to use for, as in the clutch above, just go for it. You won’t regret it.
Changing temperatures?
This lightweight sweater (Shine V-neck Sweater) is still in my rotation. Perfect for those cool mornings, air conditioned buildings, or long evenings. Throw it over your shoulders or in this lovely Chico’s tote (Geometric Tote). Still wearing my favorite pair of straight-leg jeans (Girlfriend Jeans), with just the right amount of stretch and a clean-cut fit. I own them in black and white and wear them all summer long. Don’t forget this SPF packable hat (Classic Fedora hat) by Eric Javits. For casual comfort on my feet, I love these leather sneakers by Pedro Garcia, a great find on The Real Real. Lightweight, chic, and easy to pack in a subtle, go with everything, color combo.
For a day to evening look that couldn’t be simpler, a change of shoes and handbag is still the best trick. Here in my staple no-iron linen shirt and these beautiful beaded jeans (Beaded-Hem Girlfriend Jeans), proof that it doesn’t take much for a complete change of vibe. Under the everyday look is a lace Wolford bodysuit and a Judith Leiber snake-skin belt, from The Real Real, that elevates the look.
My husband and I had the pleasure of joining Heidi Dillon and her fashionable crew at the Dallas contemporary museum for a private showing of Paolo Roversi: Birds. The Dallas contemporary museum was founded in 1978. Annual exhibits used to be hosted to showcase artwork created by its members. Today, Dallas Contemporary hosts exhibitions of both new and well-known local and international artists. The industrial building provides a unique context for each exhibition and follows the European model of an art hall which is the “welcoming exhibition site for the art of the moment.”
When you don’t know what to wear, do what I do. My Tux Couture custom-made tuxedos come in handy every time. With so many features for you to customize the look you want, Tux Couture is reimagining formal wear.
PAOLO ROVERSI: Birds
Paolo Roversi and the Fashion of Comme de Garçon
This beautiful exhibit showcases Paolo Roversi‘s talent of capturing the movement of Kawakubo models.
Time well spent with Heidi Dillon! Heidi is on the Board of Directors for Dallas Contemporary and a well-known fashionista.
Heidi is an ambassador for Natura Bisse. She was so gracious as to gift us with a bag of wonderful products and a facial I just can’t wait to try!
Fifteen of us continued our evening at Al Biernats. It is always such a delight to catch up with friends and Heidi @heididillon makes that happen with great success. To say the food and service were fantastic is an understatement! And kudos to the staff for keeping up with us all
I am a long-time fan of Pilates for staying fit and have found the Bodybar Pilates in my new hometown of Dallas. Pilates is a great way to stay toned and challenge all of your muscle groups. However, if you are on the road you can use one of the many apps available and change up your routine. The app that I love to use is Pilates Anytime. I use this app anytime I am on the road or my schedule doesn’t allow for me to make my regularly scheduled class.
Stopped by Vintage Martini to pick up some gorgeous pieces you wouldn’t normally find elsewhere.
With a room dedicated to vintage clothing it’s a great place to step back in time. Racks of beautiful designs all specified by each decade there is to try out and reminisce. The showcase of jewelry is my favorite with a great array of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
You can also shop present designer pieces consigned by the most fashionable women in Dallas and beyond.
As you might know, I started my social media journey at 65. Now almost 69 I am meeting more people and doing more things than ever before. The evolution for me has been very edifying and exhilarating. My effort has always been to help women keep their power, stay relevant, and follow their dreams. Tracy and I had a wonderful chat on The Tracy Gold Show with a lot of bonding a lot of laughing just like I like it. In the end, we are all more alike than we might think.
Thankfully this summer we won’t be under a lockdown, so consider Glacier National Park for your post-covid summer travel plans – it is just the ticket!
We are fortunate enough to live in Flathead County, Montana home of Glacier National Park. Or what we refer to as “the Crown of the Continent.” Sitting on top of “The Backbone of the World” the park encompasses 1million acres including two mountain ranges, over 130 lakes, and wildlife around every corner. Here you can see at least 25 glaciers and hike over 745 miles of trails.
July and August are the warmest and sunniest months in the park, perfect for summer travel plans! The weather is usually around 70 degrees but can drop to 40 at night.
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park – running ten miles long and almost 500 feet deep.
At Lake McDonald Lodge, you can curl up in front of their lifesize fireplace, sip on a hot chocolate and enjoy the view of majestic Lake McDonald.
The Lodge’s lighting is beautiful and I’m a sucker for unique lighting. Don’t forget to look up!
The Little Red Bus is Iconic in the park.
The fleet of 33 buses is widely considered to be the oldest touring fleet of vehicles anywhere in the world! The buses take you to all of the main attractions in the Park. Since the views in Glacier are vertically oriented (with its very high mountain peaks) the roll-back tops are perfect to get the full majestic views of the Big Sky.
Fishing is a fun activity in Glacier National Park
You’ll find many areas in Glacier National Park to fulfill all of your fishing needs! Many visitors come to the park just to fish since banks are not too crowded and there is plenty of native trout. You also don’t need a fishing license if you’re just fishing inside the park.
Tour the Park in a Boat!
The Glacier National Park is colossal so if you want to take a break from hiking, a number of boating activities are offered!
You can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and rafting in the Flathead River.
Spending the summer in Glacier National Park will be well worth your time!
When hiking in Glacier:
Don’t forget your bear spray and stay in your car if you see one on the road.
If you have the time, don’t miss Many Lakes. You leave the park on the east side and re-enter into Many Lakes. The road is a little rough but worth it. The Many Glacier Compound is surrounded by mountain attractions, hiking trails, and wildlife. I’ve had the most grizzly bear sightings at Many Lakes when I’ve visited.
With over 300 Grizzly Bears known to live in the park, this is about as close as you should get one!
Wonderful Wildlife
If you’d like to encounter wildlife in the park, you can research where most of the animals are usually lurking around. It’s common to see deer and moose in the Fishercap Lake, while bears can be found on the Highline and Hidden Lake Trail. Bears are very dangerous so only view them from a distance.
Hike to Grinnell Glacier – the trails radiate in all directions!
Swiftcurrent Lake and Grinnell Point have always been my view from the Many Glacier Hotel. Built in 1914 by The Great Northern Railway, this beautiful lodge was commissioned to open the park to visitors and establish the area as the “American Alps.”
Shopping is always fun in the area so don’t forget to check out the shops and galleries there! Go home with a Pendleton blanket or a lovely native Montana sapphire if it’s only a carry-on for you!😉
Do Something a little different – Create Your Very Own ‘Choccuterie’ Board
Indulge in Some Chocolate Pairing with the help of Fames Chocolates
As with everything in life – there’s an art to pairing chocolate.
The Key to Chocolate Pairing:
Chocolate & Cheese – since pungent cheeses overwhelm the flavor of chocolate, pair them with soft and creamy cheeses like Brie or Gouda.
Chocolate & Nuts – hazelnuts are the most common type of nut used to enhance the flavor of chocolate but there are some other ones out there that are just as good! Macadamia nuts paired with chocolate are quite a delicacy while pistachios are very compatible with any kind of chocolate.
Chocolate & Fruits – pairing dark chocolate with very sweet fruits like banana, mangoes and figs balances the flavor and the paring compliments each other. Milk chocolate works with a variety of fruits, whether the fruit is sweet or tart.
Inspiration for Chocolate Pairing
You can pair chocolates with other food items such as coffee, wine, and cheese to enhance or compliment that chocolate’s flavor. Chocolate pairs really well with fruits and cheeses.
Try pairing your favorite dark chocolate with some soft goat cheese and some raspberries. You can also pair chocolate with figs and walnuts – go crazy!
Do you feel inspired to create a ‘Choccuterie’ board? Enjoy!
Give chocolate-eating a new twist with a chocolate charcuterie board or as I like to call it – ‘Choccuterie’ board!
Chocolate tastes amazing with anything! Don’t forget a salty twist!
A guide to what’s inside that “Box of Chocolates”
So you can’t get enough of chocolates, but want to avoid the cough-syrup tasting ones? Try looking at the delicate details on your piece of candy. Chocolate stringing is a technique used by chocolatiers to make little designs on a piece of chocolate indicating what’s inside. The strings are drawn by hand or by running chocolates through an enrober. Though this practice started for decoration, it has become convenient for those who’d like to know what flavor they’ll be tasting when picking up a piece of chocolate.
Now let’s get to decoding!
Square Candy – usually contains coconut, fudge, marshmallow, peanut butter, or nougat The peanut butter one may have a P stringed on to it and a nougat one has an N.
Lemon will have an L on it, R is for raspberry.
Cream chocolates will also have a letter from the alphabet decorated on them: V is for vanilla cream, M for maple cream, and B for buttercream.
Who knew a box of chocolates isn’t actually full of surprises?! The little pieces of candy simply have to be decoded.
Not every box of chocolate will be easy to decode since various companies use different methods. Some may print the flavors on the box while others may use letter-molds instead of stringing by hand but there’s always a way to know what flavor you’ll be indulging in.
Chocolates by Fames incorporate some of the best techniques from the cultures of Germany, the Mediterranean, and Brooklyn into each scrumptious chocolate morsel.
These gourmet chocolates are created with elite ingredients and meticulously made in small batches. They will be a perfect choice for any occasion.
Are you losing hair, muscle mass and skin elasticity?? If so, collagen loading could help you!
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that is a main building block of your skin, hair, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments. I have been mixing it into my coffee for years. Just one scoop and you get frothy coffee with extra benefits.
As we age, we naturally start losing skin elasticity, bone density, muscle mass and of course, hair loss becomes a problem. Collagen, being a naturally-produced nutrient in our body starts to decline after the age of 25. As collagen production declines, fine lines become apparent, our hair starts to fall, and our bones weaken.
To look and feel more youthful we can take collagen supplements and practice what’s called ‘collagen loading.’
What is Collagen Loading?
Collagen loading is when you increase your collagen levels over a short period of time. All you need to do is multiply your daily collagen intake through supplements. So, the goal is getting 2-3 times the serving of collagen supplements into your daily routine for 2 – 3 weeks.
You can go the natural route and include more collagen-boosting foods into your diet such as chicken, fish, bone broth, citrus fruits, and leafy greens. However, you won’t be able to get the amount your body needs through food alone.
You can find all sorts of collagen supplements in your health food store but as with everything else, quality is key. When I first started putting a scoop in my coffee, I used Dr. Axe. It was one of the first reels I posted on my Instagram account. Now, Dr. Axe has a line called Ancient Nutrition so for three weeks of collagen loading I am using his supplements.
How can I get more Collagen into my Diet?
For joint support, gut support and beauty support, Ancient Nutrition offers a variety of high quality collagen supplements. You can pour 2-3 scoops of it in tea or coffee and even a sparkling drink. You can even make a superfood smoothie with the Multi Collagen Protein Ancient Nutrition offers.
An easy way to practice collagen loading to retain muscle mass, grow healthy hair, and reduce wrinkles is by adding it to the drinks you consume throughout the day.
When you feel good everything else falls into balance. Try collagen loading out. It might be just what you need.
Yes, Chico’s is having a sale and here are some of Chico’s latest spring looks!
A Versatile Denim Piece – for Spring or Summer!
Wear this chic denim dress as a topper – it’s great for an all white look: a pair of white pants, a cami, a long necklace over it or this beautiful scarf. It truly elongates a petite frame! As a stand alone piece It can be worn loose or belted or as a swimsuit cover up like I did here. If you travel with this one item it will take you a long way. This will be a great addition to your wardrobe for spring and summer!
One Jean two ways!
This is the easiest way to go from a shopping trip to lunch or dinner. Dress up these trendy girlfriend jeans with a pair of heels and a jacket. Or pair the jeans with a comfy tie dyed tunic and sandals for a day of play!
Navy and white – A classic combo!
If you want to feel unfettered this look is for you. Easy pull on floral pants, a cami and an oversized shirt are my go to’s. Don’t forget the jewelry, it’s such an easy way to elevate a look.
Color color!
These floral slim cropped slacks are wonderful for a day of shopping or brunch. The shawl I bought from Chico’s last year, so find a coordinating one in your closet. Grab a pair of cute flats and a straw bag and you are good to go! Don’t forget a tassel necklace for fun – Chico’s has the best accessories. Chico’s sale is here for only a limited amount of time so check out Chico’s for the latest spring looks!
Don’t be afraid to add some color to your wardrobe, mix and match, and just have fun with it!!
As we all know, the fast fashion movement has had devastating effects on our environment. But what are high fashion creatives and brands doing to combat that issue? Alber Elbaz’s groundbreaking contribution to sustainable fashion combines the technology and fashion world together to create a truly innovative piece of fabric called ‘AnatoKnit’.
Alber Elbaz – A Fashion Innovator
Alber Elbaz knew he wanted to break into fashion since he was a little boy living in Israel. When he was only 24 years old, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion. Now, Albert Elbaz is a very well-known fashion creative/designer. He has worked with Geoffrey Benne, Guy Laroche, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin and many more notable brands.
In 2021, blurring the lines of the tech and fashion world, Alber Elbaz launched his own label, AZ Factory. In collaboration with Richemont, the AZ Factory caters to a whole new generation that cares about the environment and demands sustainable fashion.
Who are these Consumers of Sustainable Fashion?
While the baby boomers and Gen X used to focus more on the function, material and craftsmanship of products, the younger generation is all about ethical consumption. They only want to consume products that do not harm the environment and the people involved in creating the garments.
The development of sustainable fashion involves manufacturing made-to-last products while limiting the amount of wasted material. Sustainable fashion’s goal is to limit harm to the environment by making key changes in our process of consumption.
These young consumers of sustainable fashion aim to place environmental, social and ethical improvements on the fashion industry’s agenda. Alber Elbaz’s AZ Factory caters to these consumers by producing clothing that has limited effects on the environment and showcases it on different types of bodies.
How Alber Elbaz Blurred the Lines between Fashion and Technology
To launch his AZ Factory label, Alber Elbaz released a 25-minute video featuring the technology that went into creating a groundbreaking piece of fabric called “AnatoKnit.”
Taking women’s concerns of weight gain into account and not being able to fit into their favorite dresses, Elbaz fashioned a fabric that hugs and shapes each curve. The all-inclusive products’ sizes span from XXS to 4XL. The “AnatoKnit” fabric is an ultra-soft and flexible fabric that is developed to sculpt and support the body while allowing comfortable movement.
To make each dress fit like a glove and feel custom-made, Elbaz asked his design team to work like engineers. They delivered by using different quantities of lycra and various tension-techniques to make the dress snug, flattering, and easy to move around in.
Alber Elbaz’s collection also features ‘smart-fabrics’ created in collaboration with Nyalstar – a European yarn lab. This Nylon that can be produced with very little environmental impact and is used by the AZ Factory to create wonderful leisurewear pieces that can be dressed up to go from the gym to a Zoom meeting.
Alber Elbaz has beautifully married technology and fashion to create a truly groundbreaking product that is not only sustainable but also inclusive. I can see this latest trend being followed by many other high fashion brands to cater to the new generation. This ‘super tech to super chic’ brand is the next big thing on the market!
When hiking in Glacier:
The Key to Chocolate Pairing:
