Frisco, TX September 2023

Home Is Where Style Shines

Tonya Dangerfield, MBA, REALTOR®, Life Insurance Agent

Nick Dangerfield, REALTOR®

Runway Style

What an honor it was to volunteer for the 3rd Annual Rockstar Runway local event in McKinney Square. As part of the nonprofit Beautiful Lives Project, this runway event gives people with disabilities from Frisco and surrounding communities the opportunity to participate in public activities perhaps not available to them previously, due to physical or facility limitations. To get to personally witness the behind-the-scenes support and camaraderie of so many local volunteers who were there to cheer on the models was way more than inspiring. It was heartening and exhilarating! It was an experience that will stay with me for a long while.

And may I say kudos to all who modeled such beaming smiles, confidence, clothing and accessories from local businesses. All in all, it is a wonderful event for our community each year. See our City Scene highlight to this gathering, page 8, for a glimpse at this runway-based, runaway success event.

Likewise, we're devoting our annual Style edition to several categories of the theme, representing real estate, art, gardening and photography.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, passions and desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Sharon Duffy Thomas | sharon.duffy@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

William Thomas | william.thomas@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amy Schmidt | amy.schmidt@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Laura Hamby | laura.hamby@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Lucy Thornton | lucytphotog@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Brown Patton, Alexis Jacobs, Amy Schmidt, Kelly Twedell, Angela Broockerd, Dawn Burns

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Suad Bejtovic Photography, Wil Murphy/Incredibrand Media, Kelly Williams, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

SHARON DUFFY THOMAS, PUBLISHER @FRISCOCITYLIFESTYLE

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: Behind-the-scenes for the 3rd Annual Rockstar Runway, an event as part of nonprofit Beautiful Lives Project, gives people with disabilities from Frisco, McKinney and Prosper the opportunity to participate in public activities perhaps not available to them previously, due to physical or facility limitations.

Photography by Kelly Williams

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @friscocitylifestyle

8: Out of 32 Rockstar Runway models, all were from the Frisco, McKinney and Prosper area. 9: Natural Life, with all-natural products and holistic wellness offerings, opened in Frisco, 715 Preston Road. 10: Cook Children's Pediatrics Frisco recently opened at 5757 Warren Parkway, Suite 310, Building 2.

How would you like to meet with our owner, Tim Michel, within 24 hours of when you reach out? We can even provide a quote immediately on -site at your home, and arrange for glass installation within 8 to 10 days.

YOUR

LOCAL EXPERT FOR

9 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/FRISCO SEPTEMBER 2023

YOUR SMILE

is our specialty

So you’ve been thinking about orthodontics as an adult. It can be scary to take the next step, but after hearing all the reasons to get adult ortho at Jensen Orthodontic Arts, you’re going to run (not walk) to your free consultation with Dr Jensen. Consider why orthodontics should be on your to-do list:

1. It’s Trending: Google “Ortho as an adult” and you’ll learn two things: It’s never too late to get your teeth straight AND, you aren’t alone if you want to get started as an adult.

2. It’s Affordable: You deserve the power of a beautiful smile and the fees shouldn’t hold you back. We provide excellent orthodontic treatment at reasonable prices.

3. It’s A Confidence Booster: The difference a straight grin can make in your personal and professional life is so impactful that you won’t want to push this item off your to-do list.

4. You Have Esthetic Treatment Options: Clear braces, Invisalign, Lingual (tongue-side) braces.

5. Your Teeth May Have Shifted After Braces: What else on our bodies doesn’t change with time?! Teeth wear, settle and shift over time if you don’t do something about it.

6. It’s Good For You: Enjoy better tooth health, avoid potential jaw pain, headaches, digestive issues, or even sleep apnea.

At Jensen Orthodontic Arts, we don’t let anything hold you back from getting the straight smile you deserve. Whether you’re seven or seventy-two, Dr Jensen and his team are here to give you the results that make you happy.

Smiles and

Photo by Dr. Jensen

Dr. Doug Jensen, DDS, MS Board-Certified Orthodontist, Prosthodontist Husband

Father Of One Girl Lover Of Cars And Airplanes Singer In A Choir Tap Dancer Living In Prosper, TX

We value the specific needs of each individual client. Our commitment to provide a superior level of service and attention to detail will be evident as we partner with you through every step of the process.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Pash Design Studio Is All About Details

Sarah Johnson, founder of local interior design company The Pash Design Studio, is a great match for clients who seek style, utility and functionality in design projects. Her integrated business covers home design, home staging, executive style and fine jewelry. Sarah works with bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, entryways, home offices, kitchens, kids' rooms, nurseries, living rooms and playrooms. She handles commercial spaces as well. Her philosophy is steeped in the joy of personal expression: ThePashDesignStudio.com

Daystar Landscapes Team Has Assisted Clients For Nearly 40 Years

Prosper-based Daystar Landscapes' staffers have put their signature on North Texas landscapes since 1984, cultivating the installation of newbuild design elements, using healthy trees, robust plants and vibrant flowers. The roots of their business, however, have always been about people, with their teams built on a foundation of respect, trust and honesty. Services cover hardscapes, sod, tree care, shrub, mulch and stoneware installation. Check  DaystarLandscapes.com for their photo gallery of examples.

Future Playground, Looping Trail Planned For Frisco's Next Park

Frisco city councilmembers approved a $322,500 contract with Studio TLA, an Ontario, Canada-based firm, to design a state-of-the-art Buffalo Ridge Park located at the southeast corner of Independence Parkway and Main Street, near Frisco ISD’s Liberty High School. Park features are expected to include a looping trail, playground areas for children ages 2-12 years old, landscaping and potential public art spaces. Park construction is expected to finish in early summer 2024.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Frisco

Photography by Wil Murphy/ Incredibrand Media

Lamar National Bank Recognizing Frisco Community Volunteers

Volunteers are the heart of Frisco and neighboring areas. In support of this generous community, we’re spotlighting some of Frisco’s finest volunteers on a monthly basis. These are volunteers who exhibit passion, reliability, integrity, teamwork, positivity and energy. We salute their contributions of time, effort and talent to Frisco’s needs, causes or missions without personal financial gain.

SUPPORT FRISCO THREADS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS’ CLOTHING NEEDS

Through a charitable ‘student clothes closet,’ volunteers and community donors provide clothing to Frisco ISD students in need, to impart comfort, instill confidence and ensure they’re dressed for success. Supporters can donate clothing (size Youth 3T to Adult XXL), new shoes, new socks, money or their time to assist with shopping spaces. Conducting neighborhood clothing drives for gently used items helps tremendously, too. Gift cards from Target, Walmart, Academy and Marshalls are much appreciated. Associated Wish Lists can be accessed on Amazon’s and Walmart’s websites.

Donate clothing, resuming Aug. 28 from the summer break, on Mondays only from 9 a.m. to noon at the Frisco Threads facility within Acker Special Programs Center, 7159 Hickory St.

To take action, email:

• General Information/Partnerships > friscothreads@friscopta.org

• Donations > friscothreads_donate@friscopta.org

• Shopping Days > friscothreads_shop@friscopta.org

• Volunteering > friscothreads_volunteer@friscopta.org

6801 Gaylord Pkwy, Ste 101 Frisco, TX 75034

STYLE: KEEPING IT REAL [ESTATE]

The Tonya Dangerfield Home Team Seeks Out-Of-Box Solutions For Clients

To boldly go where real estate deals succeed. These are the voyages of The Tonya Dangerfield Home Team.

“We’re bold both in personal style choices and the real estate transactions that we take on. We believe that homeownership is The American Dream, and we believe everyone should have the opportunity to own a home. We’re not afraid to take on challenges, and we look for outside-ofthe-box style choices and solutions,” says Realtor Tonya Babers Dangerfield.

Along with her husband and fellow Realtor, Nick Dangerfield, they work with many firsttime homebuyers, as well as buyers who’ve owned multiple homes.

“Purchasing a property is most likely the biggest financial decision someone will ever make. And I agree those decisions must be made carefully,” asserts Tonya, who formerly served as a federal government auditor for 10 years.

During 2022, Tonya and Nick formed The Tonya Dangerfield Home Team, along with Tonya’s mother, Norma King, serving as an unlicensed assistant. Nick was in manufacturing operations for 25 years, most recently as a Raytheon frontline leader for the past 15 years.

Collaborating with buyers and sellers to identify dream-fulfilling properties is the

stated steadfast mission of this real estate team. Tonya and Nick also work through the Ebby Halliday Realtors McKinney office.

Tonya shares that her passion is helping and educating her clients to creatively build, and maintain wealth, using real estate and other financial products. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Texas Woman’s University.

“I enjoy assisting residential clients to find exceptional living opportunities with safe neighborhoods, educational options, recreational amenities, dining, inspiring community events, entertainment and access to jobs,” she says.

“Homeowners do consider overall community spirit and comforting lifestyle attributes, and in our immediate area, the strong ties to admirable roots and history,” she adds.

For sellers, she says she markets homes robustly on current real estate and social media platforms, as well as directly to her network of other real estate agents.

“I provide recommendations on getting homes ready to sell for the maximum sales price. I’m here to make my clients’ home buying or selling experiences smooth and stress-free,” Tonya assures.

Tonya concentrates on properties in Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Celina and Dallas.

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY THORNTON

Nick and Tonya Dangerfield

Realtor Tonya Dangerfield consistently earns the Diamond, Platinum and Star Vanguard real estate awards via the Ebby Halliday brokerage. She also enjoys world traveling with her husband, Nick, and their three children, or relaxing at the family farm, especially while cuddling with their American Pit Bull/Bully puppy, Primus The Great.

Navigating positive terms and beneficial results on behalf of real estate clients is second nature to Tonya, whose personal skills were strengthened by her graduate certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation and Negotiation from Southern Methodist University. She says she’s well-trained in representing clients in complex transactions. Regarding trends, when interest rates were at an all-time low during 2021 and 2022 and homebuilders couldn’t get supplies to construct new homes, sellers controlled the real estate market, and buyers had few options.

“Homes were going under contract in Collin County, sight unseen, within hours of being listed, which made for a very frustrating buyer experience,” says Tonya. “This year has brought many new opportunities for buyers, because homebuilders are no longer dealing with material shortages. There are more homes on the market and less competition for them, because interest rates are a little higher than the previous two years.”

Sellers in Collin County are still well positioned, she states, because local neighborhoods are among top US destinations so associated houses still tend to sell relatively quickly.

“Our strategy for buyers is to negotiate great prices on homes now, and plan to refinance the interest rates once they come down in the next year or two. They’ll get the tremendous amount of equity appreciation that Collin County homes tend to earn, and they’ll have the option to lower their interest rate,” she says.

She adds, “My sellers are still expecting, and getting, top dollar for their properties. Unlike other parts of the country, the DFW market is not experiencing drastic price slashes in home prices, which is good for sellers, but also good for buyers. It assures them that they’re buying an asset that will grow in value, not lose value.”

With four months of inventory available, Nick says it’s still a sellers’ market.

When pandemic-era pricing made it hard for buyers to compete, Tonya says she found there was significant interest from residents in the DFW Metroplex to purchase land in Oklahoma. So, she became licensed to sell real estate in Oklahoma. “With Texoma being just an hour away from McKinney, and land and homes on the Oklahoma side of the border being much more inexpensive, this is one of my added tools that help area families with options to purchase a home,” she says.

When Tonya isn’t working on behalf of real estate clients, she stays busy operating her mobile notary business, Dangerfield Notary Service. She travels to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, schools and corporations to notarize advance care directives, wills, travel paperwork and custody/child support or welfare documents.

Additionally, Tonya is a licensed life insurance agent, offering flexible life insurance plans with living benefits, mortgage protection, annuities, burial plans and Index Universal Life plans. “I’m passionate about helping families establish plans like this, since these are great tools to pay for college, start businesses, or invest in real estate, without the need to take on high interest loans from outside sources.”

At the beginning of September, Tonya says she’ll be sitting for the Texas Real Estate Broker’s exam. “Becoming a broker allows me to hire other agents who share my vision and passion to empower families through wealth creation.”

TonyaDangerfield@ebby.com

BabersDangerfieldRealty@gmail.com

214.775.2502

TonyaDangerfield.com

The Dangerfield Family

Tonya Babers Dangerfield

ARTICLE BY KELLY TWEDELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUAD BEJTOVIC

Exhibiting Style Via Art

Visual Arts Guild Of Frisco Elevates Local, Regional Arts Community

Local visual artists have the fortune to promote their work and cultivate public appreciation through Visual Arts Guild of Frisco, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2009.

Art-related momentum occurred in 2017 when the Frisco Square developers hosted ‘Arts in the Square,’ says Suad Bejtovic, VAGF board president. Annual grants distributed by the Frisco Arts Foundation use funds directed from the city’s hotel occupancy tax. VAGF is again one of the many arts and cultural-related grant recipients this year.

Keeping a nonprofit afloat during COVID19 was quite a task, but Suad and Jennifer Luney, board finance director, say they fastidiously worked to build local partnerships and increase its membership base. Their hard work paid off, tripling membership over two years, with more than 300 members presently.

CONTINUED >

Sweetwaters Coffee Shop is among the first of three VAGF partnerships with local Frisco businesses, where selected art is displayed along their 80-foot white wall in a gallery system display. “It was the perfect marriage of opportunity and mission,” says Jennifer.

Frisco Dental Studio, the group's second partner, beautifully displays art throughout the practice of Mahfuzur Rahman, D.D.S. The third partnership, Frisco Square's Texas Title Company, joined forces after investing in the gallery display system to showcase local art on its glass walls that had been bare for three years.

The three transitioning-themed gallery shows occur every five to seven weeks when art changes at each location. Upcoming themes are "Western," "Weather," and "Animals and Wildlife."

Growth is the success metric for VGAF with its three juried shows at the Frisco Discovery Center. VGAF rents the space for the art exhibitions for four weeks each. This year, 38 pieces are on display, including some sculptures. The final show, in November, Crème de la Crème, is expected to be a larger show

with more space. At last year’s event, VGAF gave away $2,000plus in cash prizes to winning artists.

“My goal is to gain enough sponsors and donors to make the first show of the year a higher purse than it is now,” Jennifer adds. “I’d like the first-place prize to be $1,000 for the best in show.”

The application process was codified over time and allows members to submit their digital images. “It grew organically,” Suad says. “We had to scale down to two pieces per artist; around 70 submissions are judged for each show.”

“We are proud of our diversity in membership,” he says. “Our organization reflects the Frisco community from all backgrounds, ages and skill levels; art is a universal language, and anybody can speak it.”

VGAF membership, at $45 per year and a $25 student rate, includes benefits, such as discounted submission fees, presentations, networking and exposure. VGAF monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. at The Gallery, 8680 Main St.

VAGF.org

THE CHOICE

as a valued part of their team. Our name may be changing, but our experience, dedication, and loyalty within the community remain strong. We look forward to a continued partnership with all of our patients and referring physicians in order to help keep Frisco active and healthy.

AT

FRISCO, our number one priority is the patient. We strive to provide individualized treatment with hands-on, compassionate care. We do not rush our patients or our clinicians. Rather, we perform comprehensive evaluations and encourage patient input for treatment planning and goal setting.

Photographer Lucy Thornton

Meet Photographer Lucy Thornton

Capturing Life's Precious Moments Through The Lens

With a career spanning three decades, Lucy Thornton’s journey as a photographer has been shaped by her love for her three daughters and her unwavering dedication to her craft. As the new photographer for McKinney & Prosper Lifestyle, plus Frisco City Lifestyle magazines, Lucy brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to the table.

“My love of photography began during my junior year in high school, where I served as the photographer for the yearbook staff,” she says.

Since then, Lucy honed her skills and developed a keen eye for capturing life’s most precious moments. From the delicate beauty of hummingbirds to the dynamic energy of family/pet portraits, Lucy’s passion for photography shines.

“Photography is not just about capturing an image; it’s about creating art,” Lucy summarizes.

While anyone can take a picture with a phone or a basic camera, Lucy’s expertise lies in her ability to use a manual camera and manipulate settings to achieve stunning results. Years of

training and experience have allowed her to master the art of using depth of field to create dreamy backgrounds that enhance the overall composition.

Lucy’s versatility as a photographer is evident in her diverse portfolio, from real estate and family portraits to events and landscapes. “My ultimate dream gig lies in being a family vacation photographer, where I can accompany families on their journeys and document their entire vacation.”

Beyond her technical skills, Lucy’s success can be attributed to her ability to build genuine connections with her clients. Over the years, she’s cultivated a loyal clientele, many of whom have become friends.

With her unique perspective, technical expertise, and ability to forge meaningful connections, Lucy continues to capture life’s most beautiful moments through her lens. “I hope to help enrich the Lifestyle publications and inspire readers to appreciate the artistry and emotion behind every photograph,” she assures.

LucyThornton.SmugMug.com

ARTICLE BY ALEXIS JACOBS |

SHOW STYLE THROUGH GARDENING

and functionality. Lighting, stone and steel seating with hardscaping and bubbling water features create clutter-free, serene retreats.

Cottage-style and prairie-style homes are timeless, family-friendly designs that evoke comfort and nostalgia. These homes match well with the more informal cottage-style gardens. Mounds of color and blooms from plants such as lavender, daisies and verbena contrast with varying heights and textures of greenery from climbing vines and ornamental trees. Stone or brick pathways lead to pockets of comfort and visual interest, such as wooden benches, warm lighting and birdbaths.

TEXAS-TERRIFIC TIPS ABOUT EXTENDING PERSONAL STYLE OUTDOORS

ARTICLE BY AMY SCHMIDT

In North Texas, outdoor living spaces are just as much a part of a home as the kitchen or family room, especially during autumn. Patios and decks, fire pits, lush grasses and shade trees extend the home’s square footage, creating backyard retreats and outdoor escapes for entertainment and relaxation.

Like personal style inside the home, attention to a home’s architecture and personality are important when designing these spaces. Frisco Garden Club representatives suggest a well-matched landscape complements the house, enhancing overall appeal and showcasing creativity and style.

Modern, contemporary homes, characterized by sleek lines and open spaces, often incorporate natural elements, such as wood and stone, and wide, open windows and doors, integrating indoors and outdoors seamlessly. Kathy Stone, membership chairman of Frisco Garden Club, says these homes pair well with minimalist landscaping and xeriscaping, featuring clean lines, native plants and architectural elements that mimic the home's emphasis on simplicity

Traditional homes, such as Victorian, Tudor and even Mediterranean style homes, feature balanced symmetry, ornate and detailed facades and classic, timeless elements that draw from historical inspiration. A local example of a traditional home is the Crozier-Sickles House, a two-story Victorian that showcases decorative millwork, a pitched gabled roof and fish-scale shingling at 6337 Page St.

Like the Crozier-Sickles House, gardens for traditional homes embrace symmetry, orderly flowerbeds and trimmed shrubbery and hedges.

Even tight spaces, such as patios and balconies of apartments and condos, can create comfy, cozy outdoor havens and highlight personality and style. Frisco Garden Club ambassador, Donna Schmittler, says "the thriller, filler and spiller" technique creates visual interest with height, mass and draping drama, making the most use of a single container.

Popular plants for container gardens include succulents, herbs such as basil and thyme, dwarf fruit trees and vegetables. Creative consideration of sun exposure, access to water and water drainage, and seasonal color can maximize small spaces for comfortable outdoor retreats.

But gardening and landscaping in North Texas’s tough climate, with extreme heat and sun and local watering concerns, can be daunting. "There's sun, and there's Texas sun," says Faye Lipham, Frisco’s Garden Club president. Texas gardeners blend traditional techniques and

Xeriscaping blends drought-tolerant plants with efficient irrigation and a nod to native flora.

innovative and conservation-minded adaptations to cultivate gardens for a variety of gardening styles that match individual creativity and home personalities.

Faye says the club has resources to assist gardeners “Plant SMART:" Save Water; More Color; Attract Wildlife; Reduce Maintenance; Texas Tough.

Minimalist and xeriscaping styles already incorporate efficient irrigation and native plants, such as yucca, evergreen “Silverado” sage, native perennial calylophus, and dwarf yaupons, and other heat-tolerant “Texas Tough” specimens, as well as drought-tolerant ground cover like frog fruit that fits perfectly between pavers and pathways. Crushed stone, pebbles and pavers can replace water-hogging grass.

Cottage and traditional gardens also can benefit from SMART planting practices. Native and well-adapted flowering plants, such as Black-eyed Susans, flame acanthus, lantana, blue verbena and autumn sage do well in Texas’s intense summers with ease, their mixture of colors, heights and textures creating that cottage-style whimsy. Many of these plants attract butterflies and honey bees and contribute to the local ecosystem. Liriope grass makes for lush, evergreen borders, bright nandinas that often change color from season to season offer a more traditional shrubbery without much work, and Japanese pittosporum are low-maintenance, evergreen shrubs great for manicured hedges. FriscoGardenClub.org FriscoGardenClub.org/Membership PlantSMARTFrisco.org

Tight spaces like patios and balconies can also provide outdoor havens.

There is a variety of gardening options to meet just about any unique style.

Backyards and gardens extend living space and family style.

THE little BLACK DRESS

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI

Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?

Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straightlined silhouettes. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.

THE POPULARITY OF THE BLACK DRESS SKYROCKETED and IT BECAME ONE

OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.

COCO CHANNEL MADE THE BOLD MOVE TO PRINT A SHORT, BLACK DRESS ON THE COVER OF VOGUE IN 1926

“We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”

Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.

“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.

If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”

Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:

HOURGLASS FIGURE:

• V-necklines

• Cinched-in waistlines

• Tailored/fitted dresses

PEAR OR TRIANGLE

FIGURE:

• Tailored dresses

• Off the shoulder

ATHLETIC FIGURE:

• Embellished

• Ruffles

• Empire waist

• Volume is your friend

APPLE FIGURE:

• Drop waist

• A-line

The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.

ARTICLE BY DAWN BURNS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

CREATING YOUR PERSONAL STYLE

Blair Moore has loved all things fashion from a young age. The Nashville native studied Fashion Merchandising and Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in the fashion capital of the world, New York City. It was inevitable the mother of three would find herself in a career where she would help other women find their confidence through their wardrobe. Blair says, “I love helping women find their true personal style and get them organized in their closet so they feel truly empowered to get dressed each day with ease and confidence!” Blair shares four trends for spring and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.

BRIGHT AND BOLD COLORS

This season, bright colors such as hot pink and kelly green are trending. I know this can be difficult for my neutral-loving ladies, so I always recommend starting small. Choose a fun, colorful earring or add a bold clutch to brighten up your look. You can also have fun with your shoes by adding a colorful heel or sandal to a dress or denim outfit.

FLORALS

From floral midi dresses to feminine floral blouses, this season is all about flower power. Choose a flowy floral skirt and pair it with your favorite knotted tee and sandals for an effortless look. Tip: If wearing a dress with a large floral print, try adding a denim jacket, light cardigan or woven belt to add texture and break up the print.

TWO-PIECE SETS

From casual jogger sets to feminine tiered skirts and puff-sleeved tops, two-piece sets are everywhere! What I adore about twopiece sets is that you can wear them in multiple ways. Wear it as a set or take the top and pair it with denim, or take the skirt and pair it with a tee and light jacket or blazer. Two pieces, but multiple ways to wear them!

90S-INSPIRED DENIM

Let me be clear — I LOVE a skinny jean and always will! But the 90s denim trend is having a moment and if you want to embrace it, here are a couple of tips: Choose a fit that is high-rise with a more relaxed fit through the leg. You want the jean to fall right above the ankle bone. This is slimming and flattering to the eye. Pair with a strappy heel, sneaker or slide.

StyledByBlair.com

Instagram: @bestyledco_

Declutter Your Closet

edit

Edit down your closet. Ask yourself these three things: Do you still like it? Does it fit within reason? Is it still in good condition? If the answer is no, it’s time to donate or sell that item. Keep a donation basket in your closet to help you stay on track.

new and old

Buy something new, get rid of something old. Each time you buy a new item, get rid of an item in your closet. This manages the chaos of having too many options in your closet. We only wear about 20% of the items in our closet, so make a list before shopping and shop with intention.

organize

When it comes to organization, having a system in place is key. Utilize the entire space for your items. For example, buy closed bins for out of season or travel items and place them on the top shelf. Utilize the back of the door or any blank walls with hooks for hats or a jewelry organizer. Get rid of items that are taking up space in your closet like shoe boxes, sentimental items, and bulky items like luggage. Store them elsewhere if you can. The two best things you can do to save on space and have an organized closet is to invest in all matching slim velvet hangers. This frees up more space in your closet and looks great, too. And finally, add matching labeled baskets for folded items to keep everything nicely organized and in specific categories.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SEPTEMBER 9TH

Paws In The Pool

FRISCO WATER PARK | 8:30 AM

Once the Frisco Water Park closes to humans for the summer, dog friends are invited to come play. Advance, online ticket purchase required at FriscoTexas.gov ; one ticket per each human and dog. Time slots are 8:3010 a.m.: Small and Medium Dogs (less than 45 pounds); 10:30 a.m. to noon and again from 12:30-2 p.m.: Large Dogs (35-plus pounds).

SEPTEMBER 9TH

Roll With The Council

DOWNTOWN FRISCO | 10:00 AM

Take a bicycle ride with Frisco elected officials at a conversational pace. Routes are a combination of on-street and city hike and bike trails with distances ranging from 5 to10 miles. Pedal the city and learn about Frisco while riding through city parks, discovering Frisco Public Art with participating city council members. Visit FriscoTexas.gov or call 972.292.5000.

SEPTEMBER 23RD

The Grackles Bluegrass Band Performance

FRISCO ROTARY FARMERS

MARKET | 9:00 AM

In the beginning, “The Grackles” was a performance name worn by Matthew Lyons and Evan Hall during their 6th Street busking days while attending The University of Texas at Austin. Since launching the band, they’ve played at venues throughout Texas. Their performance is filled with bluegrass classics, high energy and witty stage banter.

SEPTEMBER 24TH

Happily Ever Crafty Markets' Frisco Vendor Market

FRISCO RAIL YARD | 1:00 PM

Come meet, sip and shop with artisan crafters until 5 p.m. Check out a wide variety of unique products from different shops while enjoying drinks. The market is family-friendly and free to attend. Call Taylor Pendelton Art at 469.422.3885 or visit HappilyEverCrafty.com for more details and for vendor applications.

SEPTEMBER 24TH

Frisco Listening Room

FRISCO DISCOVERY CENTER |

6:30 PM

The group's first open-mic night will be hosted by the Play Frisco Cultural Affairs Division. This is an opportunity for all ages, instrumentation and genres to perform live. Musicians can sign up for a free 5-minute slot. Listeners support local artists. Free entry but it's limited to the first 100 guests; no registration required. Refreshments served after the show.

SEPTEMBER 30TH

Shawnee

Trail Cowboy Day

FRISO HERITAGE MUSEUM |

11:00 AM

The 14th annual Shawnee Trail Cowboy Day celebration gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like along the Shawnee Trail in the days before modern conveniences. This year's in-person event features perennial favorites and new activities for the entire family from stagecoach rides to armadillo races. Entry is $5 per person or $15 per family at FriscoHeritage.org