Heidi's World
Most of you must think, I am sure, that a glamorous organization like The Fashionistas has equally glamorous offices and that we are always dressed to the nines, perfectly made up, coiffed and camera ready. The truth is that we can be found on any given day of the week unfashionably attired in our sweats, jeans, or pajamas (my personal favorite), eating a tuna fish sandwich in my kitchen, which we affectionately refer to as "Fashionistas World Headquarters". While our workday look is far from the elegant chic look we sport at our events, (I do manage to pull myself together for a lunch date or outside meeting), many people from around the globe are enthralled with us. We are, after all, a one-of-a-kind organization and word is spreading from designer's show rooms to corporate boardrooms.
A few weeks ago I received a call from General Motors inviting me to fly up to Detroit for two days to see their corporate headquarters, meet executives, be wined and dined, visit the top secret design center, and, best of all, to test drive their new vehicles on the GM proving grounds. I was told that they were very interested in my opinion about GM and their vehicles. Naturally, I was confused. Why did they want me? How did they even know who I was? I live for fashion and can't tell a Taurus from a Toyota. But, I'm game for anything, so off I went along with 19 other Dallasites (including my husband, Bill and new best friend, Cordy Lash) whom GM graciously referred to as "Influencers". The minute the plane landed, we were chauffeured in a hybrid SUV to GM Headquarters at Renaissance Tower and taken up to the top floor restaurant for refreshments and a meeting with Steve Harris, VP of Global Communications and his team. After a visit to the On Star control center, it was off to dinner at the Heritage center, their incredible auto museum. GM execs apparently are not accustom to dealing with divas like me because no time was allotted for freshening up and changing into dinner clothes. The next day started at the crack of dawn and, I will now confess, I usually have my hair and clip-on extensions professionally blown out before I attend a social gathering, but since there wasn't a stylist in site, Bill was pressed into service. Hair in place, I was ready to see the secret design center (where we were stripped of our cells phones and cameras) and meet Bryan Nesitt, VP of Global Design and Dave Rand, Global Advanced Vehicle Design Director, two very cool and talented guys. The last stop was the proving grounds where I got to put the pedal to metal on everything from a Chevy Silverado truck to a Corvette. Those GM boys really know what they are doing because by the time the 48 hours of GM immersion was over, I was convinced that a Pontiac G8 was every bit as chic as a Maserati.
I am off to Italy for a couple of weeks and then to Malibu for the rest of the summer, but I will be hard at work on the beach planning our fall events.
Stay Fabulous,
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Announcements
LimeLight Group
Coming this fall. Brought to you by The Fashionistas creative director, Dave Lopez, and cute new boys Bobby Schandra and Ronnie Zepeda. Dying to hear more? Want to get in on the action? If you love the fashionable scene, contact Dave at mdl001@aol.com, Bobby at bobbyschandra@mac.com or Ronnie at rzspike@hotmail.com
New Website!!
We have been working on our gorgeous new website for months and it's finally finished. Check it out at www.thefashionistas.org
New Fashionistas:
Please welcome our new Fashionistas:
Kristina Wrenn, Holly Smith, Catherine Tolerico, Sarah Moore, Kellie Conway, Rogers Healy, Tonitura Kelly, Brian Clark, Tim Estos, Hunter Garner, Kristie McBride, George Billingsley, Lisa Farrow-Gillespie, Mike Field, Alan Bush, J. Keet Lewis, Court Simas, Allison Lehman, Gavin Mc Clintock, Ryan Bricker, Travis Endsley, Ellen Borlenghi, Trey Bowles, Cannon Lewis, Taylor Wise, Alexander Pappas, Hailey Morgan, Hannah Newlin, Angela Mondragon, Myra Walker, Fiona Kirby, Ronnie Zepeda, Bobby Schandra.
The Fashionistas Two News:
Fearless F2 Leader Karen Garrett has served on The Fashionistas Board of the Directors for the past year and has graciously agreed to take over leadership of the F2s. Karen is an artist, fashion designer and instructor at the Art Institute Dallas and will bring all of her creativity and boundless energy to designing exciting programs just for you. Feel free to give her a shout at karen@karengarrettartist.com - she would love to hear from you!
Please welcome new F2s:
Amanda Gregg, Stephanie Womack, and Tracy Villcana.
Calendar of Events
Thursday, September 4: Kick-off Party for LIMELIGHT Group at LFT
Tuesday, November 11: Lecture by John Loring, Tiffany's Design Director, and cocktail party. Sponsored by Dallas Morning News
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Past Events

Jewels in the Jungle by Kimberly Kroll
For many reasons, "Jewels in the Jungle" was a sparkling diamond in the rough. Chaired by three neophytes - myself (Kimberly Kroll), fellow Board member Liani Kotcher, and Trey Bowles from Trivate Entertainment - this first time event was ground zero for our brand new concept, THE FASHIONISTAS FOUNDATION, that brought the spirits of international fashion and charity together in a shiny new way. Over three hundred people gathered at One Arts Plaza on May 16th for a night that pulled out all the stops with African dancers, drums, jewelry, art, and (of course) a tuxedo clad monkey. Those of us lucky enough to attend the underwriter's party poolside on the 20th floor enjoyed a gorgeous view of downtown Dallas with cocktails by LeBlon and VIB and hors d'oeuvres from The Screen Door with an opportunity to chat with the evening's celebrity guest, model/actress lady-in-red Ali Landry, who couldn't have been more gracious and stunning talking about her hit indie film Bella and her days as everyone's favorite "Dorito's Girl." The night continued its surreal like success with the After-Party at ghostbar where Fashionistas clad in their new Caring Hands beads, made and designed by the women of the Ugandan NGO of the same name and local jewelry designer Cannon Lewis, danced the night away in our very own private VIP area. I - along with all my fabulous co-chairs, sponsors (Sewell Cadillac, PaperCity, VIB, Simply Personal, Renee Rouleau, On Earth, Cymbidium, The Urban Blossom, Cork, Jim Lee and Trivate Entertainment), and committee members - was so proud to have been part of this memorable event that reflected both the importance of bringing awareness to NGOs like Caring Hands who inspire hope in those parts of the world that need it most, and the beauty of people coming together for the love of fashion. The Caring Hands jewelry literally flew off the sales tables and onto the necks and wrists of Dallas' most fabulous Fashionistas, but if you happened to miss the event and would like to purchase the new IT item in summer jewelry then go to www.caringhandsuganda.org to choose your favorite color and style. Stay tuned for more fun and fabulous Foundation events to come!
Fabulous Fashionistas

Ronnie Zepeda
Ron Zepeda is a graduate of Cal State University and a current representative of pharmaceutical sales for Johnson and Johnson. He is the recipient of numerous professional awards, and is an Alzheimer’s Alliance member.
Ron is the past president of the Cal State Upward bound Alumni Association and has been committed to assisting financially challenged students gain access to college funds. An avid runner, mountain biker and tri-athlete,
Ron maintains the highest energy and keen focus.
His positive outlook brings out the best in others, and ensures his mission of making a difference in the world. Ron’s creative self-expression is a perfect fit for any organization intent on leaving its mark. “The Fashionistas provides me with access to a network of social engagement and mental stimulation, while working toward the worthwhile goal of building a fashion gallery in downtown Dallas.”

Bobby Schandra
Bobby Schandra graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Tech University's Honors College, during which time he was awarded European Honors Scholar for a 6-month duration in Italy. He was recognized as an accreted International Small Business Marketing Consultant for America's Mart, one of the largest trade organizations in the US.
He has represented pharmaceutical producer, Johnson and Johnson and has a small business consulting company. He is currently involved in the wholesale business of accessories and jewelry, with a showroom at the Dallas Market Center.
His Fashion Lines has appeared on many celebrities and is currently distributed in upscale boutiques throughout the United States including the Ritz Carlton.
He was recently named Creative Marketing Director for 7th floor promotions of the Dallas World Trade Center. His travel is extensive and he is interested in the performing arts. Bobby plays drums in a band that performs at Trece and other venues. "The Fashionistas is the ideal opportunity to network with like-minded fashion-forward professionals dedicated to making a difference in the community"
Fashionistas Picks

Medina Oven & Bar
Medina Oven & Bar, located in urban Victory Park, is an intimate, casual and stylish restaurant specializing in savory Moroccan-Mediterranean cuisine. Medina embraces a warm European culture of community and caters to guests who seek a lively, enriched dining experience.
The word Medina, by definition, refers to the "center of the city" in Morocco and Medina Oven & Bar is the center of Dallas' restaurant scene. Medina oven & bar was designed for positive men women who have passion for life. Medina brings to Dallas the hottest new food and beverage trends in the world, mixing both the traditional and innovative from Marrakech.
Experience Medina at 2304 Victory Park Lane, Dallas TX 75219, 214-979-0003.

BORBA Skin Balance Water
We all know that beauty comes from within, but now you can drink your way to beautiful skin. BORBA Skin Balance Water combines a unique blend of vitamins, minerals and botanicals designed to enrich your skin from within. Known as nutraceuticals, these amazing beverages combine the ingredients found in skin care products with the hydrating power of water to nurture and nourish your entire body. BORBA comes is four flavors and is sugar free - Pomegranate for clarifying, age defying acai berry, lychee for replenishing and guanabana for firming. BORBA is the brainchild of Scott-Vincent Borba, a leading innovator in the beauty industry. Scott-Vincent was inspired to combine the health benefits of drinking water with specially selected skin care supplements. You can purchase these amazing waters at www.drinkborba.com

MANIFESTO
To be an international champion of the fashion arts through exhibitions, educational and cultural festivals, positioning Dallas as a portal to the global fashion community.

3822 TURTLE CREEK DRIVE - DALLAS, TEXAS 75219 - 972.504.6354 - fashion@thefashionistas.org
Newsletter produced by PinkMemo.com
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