Tagged: DFW Bites of Style
3 Easy DIY Braid Trends
With the temperatures still heating up, why not try a few new hairstyles that will keep you feeling and looking cool all season long! Braids have become all the rage, but steer clear of being too traditional or going the pigtail route, a la Pippy Longstocking. I love braids and sported carefree waves & trendy braids most the summer. Braids are not just for summer anymore, and here are a few styles I plan to take into fall.
Kelsy Osterman, a stylist from Cutler Salon gave me some great examples on how to recreate these trendy, easy to whip up styles.
Half crown: This style is super simple to do and very versatile. You can dress it down for a day time event such as a BBQ, or for a hot date at night. Create one classic three strand braid on both sides of your head starting on the sides of the nape of your neck. Tie with an elastic that is close in shade to your hair color. Bring both braids up over your ears and around the front of your head. Attach and secure with bobby pins tucking the ends of the braids (the non-braided part) under to conceal it.
Braided bun: This is a great way to create a beautiful and simple updo that is different from the traditional bun. Simply put your hair in a ponytail where you would like the shape to be. Make sure to use hair spray to slick down any fly-aways. Create 2 or 3 classic or fishtail braids and secure them with an elastic. Pull them apart to create more width and texture, and for more of a messy feel. The final step is to create your shape out the braids and pin. You can get really creative with this! If you have fine hair, purchase extensions that match your hair and simply braid and pin to your ponytail base and wrap around like you would with your real hair.
My favorite is Nicole’s below. I have tried something similar to this with my short hair, but can’t find any photos(sad face). Tell me which braid style you like the best?
This Weekend Food Bites for the DFW
If you’re looking for a culinary adventure this weekend, than look no further than my carefully crafted kaleidoscope of food options below.
Best Bet: KRLD Restaurant Week Preview Weekend-This weekend 59 of your favorites restaurants are joining in on the fun with a preview of next weeks Restaurant Week menus.
Recommendations
Runner Up: Central 214 Brunch: This delicious brunch menu will impress any in or out-of-town guests. Their’s a ” Make Your Own Bloody Mary” for $3. You can also enjoy a nice variety of dishes from the breakfast and lunch menus, plus special brunch selections like the Pork Jowl and Farm Egg with Homestead Grit Cake
Central 214, adjacent to Hotel Palomar Dallas
5680 North Central Expwy. at Mockingbird Ln
Ph: 214-443-9339
Weekend Brunch
Sat. & Sun. 7:30am – 2:30pm
2nd Runner Up: Hatch Chile Fest at Central Market
We visited the Central Market in Dallas and the variety of hatch chile products was astonishing. This weekend the store is offering a variety of demos and live cooking events throughout the store. We spotted: Hatch Chile chips, salsa, burgers, cheese and the list goes on.
We also found the most delicious Olympic cookies at the bakery counter along with gorgeous painted flower cookies. These are perfect to keep the little ones in your life busy or for watching the closing ceremonies this weekend.
Central Market Hatch Chile Festival
10720 Preston Road, Dallas, TX
Now until August 21st
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to learn about cool food events in the DFW area
Great Sale Ends Today
Hello guys, Ann Taylor is having a great sale. According to the staff they haven’t done an additional percentage off since May. I spotted belts for $14.99, capri’s in yellow, lime, and pink for ONLY $19.99 and shoes as low as $29.99. Everything in the store is an additional 30 % off until Sunday.. So I would hurry if I were you.
Eye Candy Jewels
KatyDidCollection Made In America Maxi Dress Winner
Hello ladies and gents. What a fashionable weeks it’s been already.. Look at this cool photo below from a FNO press conference in Vancouver. I love that I have fans all over the world… It’s so inspiring.. Wish we could have been there, but maybe next year.
The winner of our contest is Tarryn please email us for instructions at contact@dfwbitesofstyle.com
We would like to encourage everyone to purchase a fabulous dress from Katydidcollection. We received the dress for a review, but bought more in many colors. We are also very honest and would totally tell you if we hated a product. These views are the opinions o DFW Bites of Style Founder Brandy Voirin and Staff Only. And if anyone is in the DFW area, don’t forget to come to FNO in Southlake Texas- this is where we will be and Brandy will be co hosting some of the festivities along with blogging of the event. More FNO inspirations and party ideas coming soon…Prize must be claimed with in 2 weeks
Question: Are you excited about FNO in your city?
Designer Swag Facebook Contest
Hopefully you are all following DFW Bites of Style on Facebook. Today we offered a swag giveaway to our Facebook Followers. It is already over. I kept wondering why we didn’t have 100 likes, so I figured a little swag might entice you guys.

Founder DFW Bites of Style holding Carmen Marc Valvo Spring/Summer Resort Collection Photo Credit Thomas Garza
A few weeks ago I spoke about my NYC delivery and here’s one of the prizes… First I Love this designer so much. My heart melts when I think of him. He makes the most amazing dresses, swimwear, and eyewear in the world.. The package he sent came at the perfect time.. I was having a really rough day like we all have sometimes.. Although some of you ” liked” our page just for the swag I would hope you will continue to follow this page.. Along with great giveaways it is my hope to bring you great fashion , food, and beauty tips along with behind-the-scenes knowledge from my life in fashion… I love discovering fashion and food in the DFW and beyond. I hope you will continue to enjoying this journey through my eyes.
Designer Carmen Marc Valvo understands many, many, things. Mr. Valvo understands fabrics, and the way they flow over the female figure. He understands that a young heart might reside in a mature body.I found myself enrolled in the school of the master with him explaining to me secrets about craftsmanship and fabrications. He is also very handsome too. My time with Carmen was cut too short.
I could have spoken to him all day. We laughed, spoke of Italian food and of great American designers. He understands what women want. I bought my first Carmen Marc Valvo creation this summer ,and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life in his dresses. I feel like a modern-day queen in his clothing.. Along with being a kind and generous men he also enjoys the simple things in life. He recently told me his happiest moments are spent gardening, and spending time in NYC with his life partner. Here’s to the man who continues to make me melt Mr. Carmen Marc Valvo and his signature creations.
Mr. Valvo’s team generously sent me a few selections of sunglasses for a giveaway. The other pair will be given away next month. The winner may pick either pair and they are both very hot. Winner will be announced Friday and sorry the contest is closed. Product will be delivered in 2 to 5 weeks

- Carmen Marc Valvo Summer Collection Sunglasses
Question: Not necessary for the giveaway, but please tell me a few things you are thankful for today?
For me it’s the relationship I have with my son Sebastian. Everyday when he tells me he loves me and looks at me with his brown eyes I just continue to melt.. There are too many people to mention, but he is at the top of my list. I truly believe we should cherish the ones we love and not material things.. I am thankful for my relationships, job, and family.. I am so blessed and pray I never take this life for granted.
XoXo Brandy Vorin DFW Bites of Style Founder
Three Fabulous Made in America Products and One Hot Giveaway
Today I wanted to share a few companies that carry some great Made in America products. These companies headquarters are all in Dallas, and they are making a BIG impact in many communities.
Farm House Fresh, Frisco Texas Favorite: Fluffy Bunny Shea butter Cream $18 Buy: The ZaSpa at Hotel ZaZa & Farm House Fresh WebsiteThe Farm House Fresh product line has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and countless magazines including Redbook, Elle, and InStyle. One whiff of their vanilla scented products, and you’ll want to dig in with a spoon. This companies line of products claim to have the freshest ingredients on the farm and I am a believer. I was worried the Honey Hazel Glaze would be sticky and messy, instead it reminded me of the honey without all the mess. My favorite product is the Fluffy Bunny Cream which is Paraben & Sulfate free. Most of their products also get the Vegan seal of approval and make great gifts for love ones. I found this amazing product line at the ZaSpa at Hotel ZaZa in Dallas, but you can purchase this line straight from their website. If you happen to live in Dallas or Houston just ask the spa receptionist for a few samples of the Farm House Fresh line.
KatyDiDCollection Dallas, Texas Favorite Item: Bright Zig Zag Stripe Halter Maxi Dress $38.99 Size XS-XL Where to Buy: KatyDidCollection Website & 10,000 stores nationwide
Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban and founder of the KatyDidCollection at an event in Dallas Photo Credit Katydidcollection Facebook Page
Katy Messersmith first arrived on the fashion scene in 2002 quite by accident. While volunteering at a women’s prenatal clinic in Africa, her life took a dramatic turn.

Blogger Cynthia Smoot Wearing Katydidcollection Maxi Dress with Ashley Burghardt’s Photo credit Shana Anderson
Her luggage was lost and she was soon collaborating with local seamstresses. She launched an apparel business in one room of her house nine years ago. Soon, it took over the entire house and the garage, so she rented an apartment and moved out. Her designs are youthful, and edgy with vibrant colors. My favorite dress from the summer collection is the Zig Zag Halter Maxi dress.
The light weight dresses are made from the highest quality of fabrics, and flatter every figure. The dresses are perfect for traveling, shopping, or even a night on the town. The lifestyle brand includes children’s apparel, women’s and men’s clothing, and small accessories. The label is sold in more than 10,000 boutiques across the nation and at a price that fits into every fashionistas budget. Katy Messersmith also gives back in big ways through organizations like Dress for Success Dallas, and designing Power Pink tee shirts for breast cancer
Abi Ferrin, Dallas Texas Favorite Item: Nicki 5 -Ways Dress $258 Where to Buy: Nordstrom, The Ritz Carlton Spa Dallas, Stanley Korshak, Malouf’s in Southlake, and online at Abi FerrinMy stylist at Stanley Korshak introduced me to designer Abi Ferrin two years ago, and her easy breezy style of dressing. She’s a role model; who won a fashion contest, and turned her dreams into reality. It sounds like a fairy tale, but I am sure it involved lot’s of hard work. I now proudly own three of her dresses, and couldn’t imagine my life without them. I could post pictures of myself photographed in her lovely dress many times, but I want bore you with any of those
. I will just say every time I wear her dresses people often think I am wearing a brand new dress. Her collection is more expensive than the brands above, but totally worth the investment.
The collection features form flattering dresses, tops, skirts, and pants, all made using the finest fabrications. They are lightweight and never seem to wrinkle. Her motto, Fashion with Freedom and Purpose, is the driving force behind her brand. Abi Ferrin started the Freedom Project which empowers and employs women rescued from the sex trade in Nepal by incorporating their hand-made buttons into her designs. We salute you Abi Ferrin for changing the world one outfit at a time.
KATYDIDCOLLECTION GIVEAWAY
One lucky winner will receive a KatyDidCollection Maxi Dress. Click HERE to see your options. I live in her zig zag halter maxi dress and get tons of compliments all the time. Most dresses come in size small to extra-large and below are three of my favorites. These are three of the five dresses available for the giveaway. The coupon is not valid.
- Here’s how you win:
1. Comment on this post and let us know which Made in America product is your favorite? - 2. Tell us where you will be wearing your hot new maxi dress from KatyDidCollection
- For additional entries (one vote for each one that you do):
“Like” DFW Bites of Style Facebook Page“
Like” DFW Bites of Style on Twitter“
Like” DFW Bites of Style Founder (Brandy Voirin) Facebook Page
- Like KatyDidCollection Facebook Page
- One winner will be chosen at random. The Giveaway ends Saturday July 28th at 10 p.m. central time
- Shipping of this giveaway item is for the U.S. ONLY
Fashion’s Night Out New Logo, Famous Sponsor, and the Southlake Connection
Look out Southlake a little piece of New York is invading the suburbs. Fashion’s Night Out started in 2009, and has grown to include cities across the country and around the world. Southlake has participated in this kick-off of the fall fashion season for the last three years, and this year’s event will blow you away. Fashion Group International Dallas, North Texas’ chapter of the legendary global non-profit professional organization, has just been announced as the Presenting Sponsor of Dallas’ celebration of Fashion’s Night Out in 2012. Fashion Group International of Dallas hosts great events throughout the year which provides scholarship funds to area college and university fashion students.”
Along with this new presenting sponsorship, FNO Dallas also has a new official spokeswoman. RSC Show Productions founder, Kim Dawson model, and contributor to several online publications, Rhonda Sargent Chambers as the ambassador to the media on behalf of “Dallas Celebrates FNO Presented by FGI Dallas.” Rhonda, owner of RSC Show Productions produces some of the most talked about events in Dallas. The RSC Show team has been chosen to produce Fashion’s Night Out in Southlake, Texas. “I am so honored that my team has been chosen to aid in creating such a beautiful event for the city of Southlake, “says Chambers. Unfortunately we can’t keep Mrs. Chambers all to ourselves as she will be producing multiple venues on fashion’s biggest night. Chambers and her team are in HIGH demand. I thought I worked a lot, but this lady has me beat.
- Rhonda Sargent Chambers
Last year’s FNO in Southlake was a great success, but this year’s event will be taken to a whole new level of fabulosity. Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening- Coco Chanel- There will be live entertainment, huge giveaways, store parties, VIP shopping experiences, styling events, kick-off party, after party, and much more. Some of the restaurants are even getting involved with fashion inspired cocktails and succulent dishes.
- Rhonda Sargent Chambers Dallas Opera Party Production
“Everyone should plan to be in Southlake on September 6th for an event like no other, ” says Karla Chase of Southlake Town Square. People believe me when I say this event is the hottest fashion ticket of the season. Save the date now or you will be sorry… Stay tuned for videos and sneak peeks at the planning of Dallas’ most talked about FNO events. I have a very special role in the FNO festivities and I can’t wait to share the details.. More to come
Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for all the exciting updates for FNO events.
All official FNO events throughout the DFW area are free and open to the public
Sizzling Summer Fashion Show and Prestige Model Management Owner Micah Blehm
The Sizzling Summer Fashion Show Benefiting the Red Party happening July 20th, is the talk of Dallas. It’s the fashion event to be seen at this summer. The giveaways are luxurious from everything from Michael Kors, Carmen Marc Valvo, Neiman Marcus, and packages worth over $3,000. Along with a great show is also the story of the flamboyant owner of Prestige Model Management, as the show’s presenting sponsor. According to Micah Blehm, he’s one of the most controversial model management owners in Dallas’ fashion history, and he’s not going away. Did you guys see his pictures from San Francisco a few weeks ago? Look to the right to see what I mean. He literally stopped traffic.

Prestige Model Management Owner Micah Blehm Stopping Traffic in San Fransisco this Summer Photo Credit PMM
The list of things he’s done wrong is long. He dropped out of a fashion show, had the wrong people around him, didn’t get certain contracts signed, and the list goes on and on. ” I was way too accessible to some people, and people took advantage of me. I would often get calls at 3 a.m. asking me the craziest things, said Micah.” Along with the many mistakes in his business dealings, he’s also doing a ton of things right. He has a successful model management company,with models in for the hottest shows in Texas and New York, and rumors spiral that he might be working on a cable reality show.
Micah’s story is living, breathing story of a champion. He is determined to make a name for himself, and I admire his dedication. Anyone in the fashion industry struggling to get on the right footing would understand what he’s been through. Micah, through adversity has managed to do what some are calling the impossible. There are a lot con-artists in this industry ; some might think he’s one of them, but I choose to think that he is brilliant.
How did you get started in the fashion industry?
A: I started in event planning and was very successful, and then I worked for a model management company. I learned the ropes from my boss and then realized I could do it better. My boss was nice, but after being there awhile I realized I needed to leave. You have to grow and I wasn’t growing. My boss did help me a lot when I went into business for myself.
Did you read fashion magazines growing up?
A: “Oh no.. I come from a very conservative background. I am an adopted Asian who was raised in Kansas, lived in Oklahoma and came from a very conservative family. My father was a preacher, my mother is white, my brother is black, and I didn’t exactly fit the mold.”
Are you bitter about your birth mother giving you up for adoption?
A:” I bless my mother because she didn’t abort me, but giving birth does not make you a mother. I had a hard childhood, but I am a survivor. People who have things handed to them, often don’t hand them to you. (But if you they did then) you don’t appreciate them.”
I always thought you had a “sugar daddy”
A: It’s funny you should say that because it’s really the other way around. People think I am a spoiled rich kid, or have a sugar daddy and both are the furthest from the truth. I came from a very strong acceptable (traditional background when), I came to Dallas. (At first), I didn’t have a job money or a pot to piss in. I was a stripper for a while to make ends meet. I had to hide out in a hotel, sleeping on the floor there because I had no place to go. I am not some rich kid doing this for fun. Everything I have, I’ve had work to keep it. This is my dream. People think they know you, but they really have no clue.
What made you decide to produce a fashion show this summer?
“Actually I was just hired to provide the models in the beginning, and then I was asked to help with the entire show. I was honored as this is what I love to do.
What seemed to start out as a small event is actually turning into the talk of the summer. I have rearranged my plans 3 times just to be here for your fashion show. Why do you think that this show is picking up buzz?
” Yes, you have become a busy little bee these days and I appreciate you changing your schedule. The Red Party, which is a this great organization formed in 2009 has become a staple in the gay and lesbian community. They have counseling and legal programs (as well as support initiatives for the community). I also think because of some of the controversy surrounding the event could be why it’s picking up buzz. It’s also going to be a fabulous party. We have the most amazing giveaways and designers showcasing their fashions on four runways. I am so excited.”
Why is there so much controversy with your company?
A: “The Dallas fashion industry is controversial (by nature), and I am sorry people but I am here to shake it up. I am driven and plan to continue to make it in this industry, so people should really get used to me.”
Do you think that the controversy falls around your competitors or disgruntled models?
“A little of both. There’s some stuff online I can’t get into, but things like this happen when you are doing well. If people aren’t talking about you, then you’re not relevant in this industry. In regards to some of my competitors -My image is controversial plain and simple. I am an Asian American (that is) young and gay; who is in the industry, and wants a piece of the pie. There is enough business going around for all of us, but people are resistant to change. I also wear fabulous Louboutin heels and take pictures in the middle of the street.”
Yes, those heels have always been a topic of discussion in Dallas. Why do you wear those heels?
“I have good calves, duh. I was an all American track star and sprinted all through high school. Ladies wear short skirts because they like their legs, and I like mine too.
” Do you feel you have been ostracized by your peers?“Don’t get me wrong — I am so grateful for the pioneers; Gretchen Kelly, Jan Stimple, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, they have paved the way, and will always have a place in this industry. I am just trying to do something different, and most people are not receptive to change. These ladies (listed above) have always been kind above, whether they share my philosophy or not.”
Where does the controversy come in with your company?
“Like I said , I am different and that scares some people. You don’t have to agree with my philosophy or style, but don’t cut me down before I even get started. You don’t know me, and what I have gone through to get where I am today. I am trying to take Dallas to the next level of cutting edge fashion and my look, age, and style scares a lot of people. It’s about putting in hard work and dedication and that my friend comes in
all shapes, sizes and colors.”
I agree, it should be about what you produce and not how you look. Would the “haters” be considered people who are better than you?
“The people who are better than me are not my haters. I am twenty-three years old, and of course there are people better than me. I am just trying to build a business as well, and would like an opportunity to show what I can do. I want to take Dallas fashion to the next level. ”
I enjoy the Dallas Fashion shows, but it’s nothing like New York or Paris.. Why do you think it’s taking Dallas so long to catch up to these fashion powerhouse areas?
“Everyone in the Dallas fashion industry wants to be like New York, but no one has the balls to get it done. If I die in front of my desk booking a model or a fashion show then I have lived my life. It takes hard work and perseverance and anything short of that is a waste of time.”
What do you think of the critics who say your models are too short and you accept anyone into your agency?
“If a model can walk and is 5’5 , but with the right heel can be 6’5 then that is all that matters. My models have been in some of the hottest fashion events in Dallas and I will have ten models in New York Fashion Week. We just did a ten page spread in Dallas Hotel Magazine. It’s about seeing someone’s potential and turning them into something great. I will be a million dollar mogul by the time I am thirty, , so they can say whatever they want to say.”
Anything you want to say or clear up in closing? “Yes I just want to let people know I am grateful for this opportunity. A lot of people have been so helpful and encouraging to me. Gretchen Kelly,(tears flowing ) is like a mother to me ,and I don’t know what I would have done without her. To all the wonderful sponsors and designers, Scott Barretto who have helped make this event such a success. And to you my dear friend, who called to gripe at me and instead listened and decided to write this story. Lastly to the people who are not supportive of my ideas, and are still behind in the times; their opinions don’t really matter in my book. As I said before I am trying to do something different in Dallas, and I am not going to stop until I have accomplished what I came her to do.”
Tickets are almost completely sold out, but there are a few still left. Hopefully by now you understand why you must attend this fashion/charity event tonight in Dallas. I love the Dallas fashion industry because it is filled with some many types of people. We should all be who we are ,and be proud of the fact that we are all individuals.
Tell me what you think of the young entrepreneur Micah Blehm?
Sizzling Summer Fashion Show 4123 Cedars Springs Pre Cocktails Start at 8 p.m. Article written by Brandy Voirin Article edited by Teia Collier
The Weekender At The W Hotel In Dallas
The best things in life do come in three’s…Need a break from your relatives or just everyday life? Well check into the W Hotel in Dallas this weekend for three days of luxury. The Weekender and the W Hotel offer 3 days of the good life… featuring top fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands. Each guest will be given THE VIP treatment.
Premium pass holders will receive an exquisite signature travel bag filled with gifts and products, nightly room drops and access to exclusive events! You can stay overnight or drop-in for a day of shopping! There’s a red carpet event on Friday with wine, guest appearances by local radio personalities, and a couture fashion designer. It’s the perfect fashionistas getaway.. Day Passes are also available Friday-Sunday. Don’t miss out on this VIP luxury event.
Friday July 27th- Sunday July 29th
W Hotel Dallas Victory Park
2440 Victory Park Lane, Dallas Tx 75219
Ph: 214 -397-4100


























