Galleria is a Happening Place!

It was 1997 when we first realized how many celebs visited Galleria. True, we are not in LA, but on that summer day, I couldn't help but notice a familiar looking (and hot looking!) guy with shades in a wheelchair, rolling outside our store. I went out for a great visit with Tom Cruise, who confided that he was practicing wheelies for his then upcoming movie, Born on the Fourth of July.

Since then, we have had tons of famous sports personalities, moguls, ice skaters, models and Hollywood elite enjoy the great shopping at Galleria, including (naturally!) at our store. So today when I saw Galleria's elite security team, I knew we had another visitor...who turned out to be Cindy Crawford (who by the way, looks great at 41!)

Hey, drop in for a visit, and while you're at it, bring your camera...you might just spot a familiar face!

Town & Country: Cathy Waterman

Catherine Michiels Wrap Bracelets

What do you get when you mix a talented French designer, People magazine and Angelina? Why a stampede for the hip wrap bracelets (or necklaces if you please) from French designer Catherine Michiels. Ever since the feature broke on September 3, the bracelets have been flying. No worries, Catherine has cancelled all trips and has dedicated herself to making more for our store. Check it out at ylang23.com.

Dog Days in Dallas

Ok, so now you know I have a fascination with kids, brides and dogs. Here are two handsome Texas citizens, residents of Highland Park, and a new U.S. citizen I bumped into checking into the Westin at Galleria. He had just arrived from Brazil, and was met at the airport by his new family from Abilene (yes, Texas). Naturally, I just had to stop and ask what that big bear-looking ball of fur was. Why, a chow puppy, of course. And growing fast.

September 11: Jury Duty

The notice arrived, and while I normally dread the summons and think of reasons I can't serve, the particular date of September 11 left no doubt that I would show up in the spirit of American patriotism. I spent most of the day at the courthouse, but alas, at one point those of us remaining in the jury pool were dismissed, since we were told that they had enough jurors for the courts. My service to Country (and County) will have to wait for another day.

New (or Rather Old) Estate

Truth in Translation at SMU....

It was a jarring and mind-opening experience to go from Armani to the U.S. premiere of Truth in Translation: Forgiving the Past to Survive the Future. Brought to Dallas by friend Lauren Embrey (Embrey Foundation) to SMU's Meadows School of the Arts, in conjunction with SMU's Human Rights Education Program, it was a riveting play which focused on the interpreters at the Truth and Reconciliation Council on Aparteid. The performance was a tour de force and to quote Lauren: It is about much more than theater - it contains educational elements that deal with human rights, world history and reconciliation. If you have a chance to get to a performance in this limited U.S. run, please do.

Giorgio and Moi

For once, my camera is tucked discreetly behind my back, and my friend, photog extrordinaire Kristina Bowman caught the shot. A day to remember.

Giorgio Armani

It has been a dream to someday meet Giorgio Armani and this year's Crystal Charity luncheon at Neiman Marcus made it come true. Mr. Armani and an entourage of thousands including his statuesque niece who served as interpretor, descended on Dallas and made everyone's day. The Milan tented runway show was over the top, the Dallas fashionistas turned out by the hundreds, and Neiman Marcus, in honor of their 100th Birthday, hosted a luncheon, the likes of which Dallas has never seen. So there I was in the mobs of ladies having lunch with Giorgio and Lance (yes, another fan, Lance Armstrong). Mr. Armani radiates happiness and oozes talent. He is THE fashion king of the world, and we have been following his every stitch and move for decades. So, this was a very, very special day for this blogger. And it was great that it was all for charity, including our special favorite, North Texas Food Bank Food4Kids.

Crystal Charity Underwriting: Again

So here we were at the most divine new house in Dallas for the underwriting party for Crystal Charity and everyone was dressed in their best to meet Giorgio Armani, the guest designer. Well, Mr. Armani was so exhausted from signing books that day, and needed to go back to Neimans for the last model fittings for tomorrow's luncheon, that understandably, he did not attend (although there was a huge contingency of Italians from his entourage). Nonetheless, we had a fab time. Pictured are friends Karen, Lynne & Candace. Oh, and that skinny drop dead gorgeous top ten best dressed beauty? Why that's Charlotte Anderson, who confided that she was nervous about tomorrow's glass runway.

Alysa departs for France...

After farewells, including friend Philip who just transferred to Northwestern and stopped by, (ps. you need to check out his blog www.pkafka.com which has a fresh take on everything blogworthy), with the biggest farewell being from Chouchou who won't make the trip, there she was going through airport security on her study in Nantes, France. All smiles, no tears, and ready. But are we?

Memories of Paris...

It feels like only yesterday, when we took Alysa to visit her grandparents in France and talked about the years to come when she would study abroad.

Well, fast, fast forward...

Forget Sprinkles: Tart Bakery in Dallas is the One

Pastry chef Kristen Rahal, schooled at the French Culinary Institute in New York, means it when she says "Eat Dessert First", because you won't want anything else. In the rush to cram as much good Dallas stuff in before Alysa left, we visited Tart Bakery which is d.i.v.i.n.e sin. Period. Owned by Kristen and her talented graphics design sister Stephanie, we found their mom helping out. I didn't have much to photograph since those in the know were there earlier, but we got tons of treats for a staff and "Goodbye Alysa" dinner on Sunday. Please, you must check out the web site at www.tartbakerydallas.com. You may need to move to Dallas, where everything sweet is happening.