In the past few days I have been power re-reading the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic trying to give my own imagination a shot of out-doing Luhrmann’s. Which I know come this friday will possibly be an epic-fail on my part. The music however has already encapsulated me in world of Art Deco merely lacking the income of Mr. Gatsby. The overly indulgent and overwhelming visual delusions I have had right here in my local cafe have only grown now with my iPod perfectly synced.

For as young as I can remember, I have oddly been attached to films and their soundtracks no matter their genre. I remember being transported to middle of nowhere America with Oh Brother Where Art Thou, to the sands of the east coast with Beaches, and a digital frontier with TRON.

Some of the best moments in film came from their marriage with the soundtrack. Whitney Houston’s Body Guard, really, need I say more! So as these tracks yet again transport me into a make believe world, I tapped local Music blogger Nicole Crane, Flannel Friction, to join me in a musical tour of Gatsby.

In a part two Q&A with Nicole, I ask, was the hype all worth it? Is the marriage of music and movie a good one? Our CoversaSean lead to a great discussion on the new soundtrack, some of our past favorites, even motivating us to master mind our own track list creations.

Sean Charles: Well I had to have you for a part two chat considering the fun we had, and I think its perfect timing too, I’ve noticed a film soundtrack moment, Particularly with The Great Gatsby, happening right now. What do you think is sparking this infusion of music and film?

Nicole Crane: Soundtracks have long been an important aspect of film (and T.V. too!), but it feels like the last couple of decades have really seen the rise of the commercial appeal of soundtracks. A good soundtrack is like a mixtape from your favorite directors or characters. The perfect song can elevate a scene from good to life changing! Could you imagine The Graduate WITHOUT” Mrs. Robinson”? The Bodyguard without “I will always love you”?… The music of a film can almost act as another character in the story.

SC: I know we discussed your deep catalog of favorite music genres and artist but do you have a favorite soundtrack?

NC: This is nearly impossible to answer, but if I had to answer I might say the soundtrack to the movie Once. It’s so incredibly cohesive as an album on its own and as a soundtrack to a movie/musical it was perfection. The movie’s stars Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova have such a beautiful connection in their music and have gone on to create another album together under the name The Swell Season… it’s almost as if the soundtrack continued through them.

Notable Mentions: Harold and Maude, Scott Pilgrim vs. the world, Almost Famous, singing in the rain, Oh Brother Where Art Thou, Pretty in Pink, Rushmore (really, anything Wes Anderson does), and the Virgin Suicides.

SC: Oh Brother where art thou, this may shock you, is one of my faves. Beaches is another fave. You can’t get better than Bette Midler’s cover of Under the Boardwalk. The two-volume edition of Studio 54 soundtrack, as well, is my movie must play-list. However, the most notable soundtracks I have in my catalog is Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge both Baz Luhrmann creations. Which bring me today’s news. So much, I mean so much, buzz is surrounding The Great Gatsby soundtrack. Tell me: what do you think of all the hype?

NC: Baz Luhrmann has proven himself to be a visionary and his movies are always the complete package… they tell an incredible story and they do so BEAUTIFULLY through the lavish, imaginative visuals, through the first rate casting, and the soundtrack and score… This is a man who put a Nirvana song in the can can scene in Moulin Rouge, the man who got Radiohead to write Exit Music For a Film for the death scene in Romeo + Juliet (one of my favorite soundtrack songs ever!). I think when you have someone on this par of creativity there is bound to be hype… throw Jay Z into that mix and you’ve got a potential phenomenon!

SC: What do you think of the soundtrack?

NC: I think that Luhrmann and Jay Z cultivated a mostly great group of musicians for this album. With the exception of a couple of missteps (Will.I.Am, I’m looking at you) this album features innovative artists who are tastemakers in their respective genres. Florence + the Machine, Sia, the xx, and Lana Del Ray all add an etherial beauty rivaling Daisy Buchanan. As much as I can’t stand Fergie I think her song works as a modern jazzy version of a party jam and it works in context with the film’s aesthetic (although it’s not necessarily a song I want to listen to more than once). Emili Sande and the Brian Ferry Orchestra’s loose jazzy cover Crazy in Love (the original by Mrs Z herself) is imaginative but I think a jazzier vocal would have really made this track stand out. As a whole this album is surprising and totally listenable. It’s dramatic and anthemic, two things you want in a good soundtrack.

SC: One of your favorites is also present on the soundtrack, Jack White, what do you think of his number?

NC: Oh good ole Jack… I LOVE this song! Full disclosure, I bought the 45 of this song at his record shop last time I was in Nashville so I have been spinning this song for months now. The song, “Love is Blindness” is a cover of a U2 song. The original is dark and brooding but is almost a ballad with the gentle coo of bono’s voice. On the Great Gatsby soundtrack Jack White takes this song and tears it to bits with his raw voice and frantic energy… he’s a man on a ledge in this version. Wreckless and beautiful at the same time.

SC: And what are your thoughts On JayZ’s “huge” role in its creation?

NC: I think when I heard Jay Z was producing this album I expected a lot more hip hop and was surprised to find it limited to a few songs. You can’t argue that Jay Z is a talented producer. I think he adds just the right modern edge to this album.

SC: The Art Deco period is one that continues to enthrall me in fascination (borderline obsession). The jazz age defined that era and the soundtrack took on different direction. Do you feel it should have had some more jazzy numbers?

NC: I think the soundtrack does a decent job of referencing the jazz period without being bound by it. I think it pays homage to that age in an interesting and modern way.

SC: I ran across an interview with director Baz Luhrmann a while back. He spoke of how we are living in our own jazz age, and the Jazz of now is Hip/Hop, which explains the direction of the soundtrack. Do you agree?

NC: In some ways I do… I definitely see what he means by that statement. Jazz is full of spirit and soul and improvisation, and hip hop, (when done well) is very much the same. Let me tell you there is nothing like watching good jazz or hip hop live! Those musicians play off the energy of the other band members and of the audience and that is such an exciting thing to be a part of. It’s a collaboration of the best sorts. However jazz musicians for the most part tend to be overlooked and underpaid, it’s a pursuit in which the reward tends to be in the art you create. Hip Hop is an opposing genre in that way. On the whole it is a market flooded with artists hell bent on making money and not necessarily art. There are exceptions of course but I think that most people would agree with me… (cue the angry masses with pitchforks)

SC: Do you feel that if Jay Z or Baz would have kept a much more solid jazz angle on the soundtrack there would be this kind of hype?

NC: I would have loved to see them really push the hip hop/jazz angle on this album. They could have come up with a whole new genre! Who knows, it could have been awful but in the hands of Jay Z I think he could have done something really spectacular… maybe his next album will be a jazz/hip hop fusion album!

SC: Well, with all great things comes a few bad. Controversy surrounds Beyonce and Andre 3000′s cover of Amy Winehouse’s back to black. What do you think: To soon?

NC: I don’t really understand the controversy surrounding this track… It feels like each week someone is butchering an Amy Winehouse song on some reality singing competition, so to have two such talented and revered artists as Beyonce and Andre 3000 take this song in a new direction seems like a blessing. Beyonce is sexy as ever on this track and I think Andre 3000 adds an appropriate amount of his quirky style without overpowering the song. This song is very reminiscent of the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack even… I’d LOVE to see it mashed up with Radiohead’s Talk Show Host (those of you who know how to mash, please do).

SC: This really is very anticipated, some even say this soundtrack may out gross the film. Do you think it might?

NC: I think it has the potential to… but I feel like I’d have to see the movie before I could really make a statement like that.That being said, with the incredible line up on this album it definitely has the potential to break some records.

SC: Ok, so I have to ask (Drum roll) . If you could pick 10 tracks to be on the soundtrack of your life what would they be?

NC: THIS is the impossible question! So these are my answers today… that I could come up with in an hour or so… given more time or on a different day they may be completely different!

1) Ara Batur: Sigur Ros(this song is so victorious sounding… it would have to accompany some incredibly epic moment in my life)

2) First breath after a coma: Explosions in the sky (for a love at first site moment)

3) After Hours: We Are Scientists (the perfect song for one of those late night drives home after an incredible night… good for feeling infinite)

4) Plea from a cat named virtue: The Weakerthans (a surprisingly great song written from the point of view of the cat… fitting for a cat lady isn’t it?)

5) The House she lived in: The Veils (a song to be written by my lover upon the event of my death… doesn’t everyone want one of those?… plus it’s fun to sing a long to)

6) Wolf Like Me: Tv On the Radio (this song is incredible… to be set to a scene of me and my girl gang getting ready to go mess someone up… implying that in the movie of my life I’d have a girl gang, you know, the kind with lots of eyeliner and bouffants)

7) What Me Worry: St Vincent (ideally I’d be performing this in some smoky night club)

8) Nothing Can: Sam Cooke Change This Love” (for slow dancing)

9) Manchester: Kishi Bashi(because I hope that I could live a life ((movie or otherwise)) worthy of this beautiful song)

10) This is the day: The The (end credits… okay I may have stolen this from the movie Empire Records but who cares)

Now to go live a life worthy of these incredible songs

SC: Alright, well, since you shared, I think these our my fine tuned tracks worthy of a film about Sean, at least for part one.

1) Marry The Night: Lady Gaga ( This has to be the lead track, Lady Gaga wrote this song about the struggles of a young career, and I cant help but relate deeply to it)

2) Jagged Little Pill: Alanis Morissette, ( This song says it all really,You live you learn, first Alanis is a genius with lyrics, being a word person myself I can’t help but indulge, this whole album really can serve as a soundtrack for me)

3) Dreams: The Cranberries ( I find this song so hopeful, it’s also in the movie You’ve got Mail, it plays in the scene when Meg Ryan is walking in new york early in the morning with coffee in hand to her small book store, for some reason I just love that image!)

4) I’ll be there for you: The Rembrandt’s ( TV soundtrack, this songs says so much on being in your mid -20s, I’ve always loved it, and FRIENDS come on… best show ever!)

5) VOGUE: Madonna ( What would a soundtrack on Sean be without Madonna, VOGUE is the anthem to my fashion existence and harsh experiences, really, it has served as my AM power song!)

6) White Christmas: Lady Gaga ( Given my Birthday is in December, a Christmas song is in order, and Lady Gaga’s White Christmas is my absolute fav, she sang this on “A Very Gaga Holiday Special” she even added a verse, how fab!)

7) The Good Life: Tony Bennett & Billy Joel ( I love this duo, the song is really about what everyone wants, and how we really define our own “Good Life”, plus it sounds like they have had a drink or two in the recording!)

8) For What It’s Worth: Buffalo Springfield ( This song is short to the point and oh so deep, I think it every decade can relate to the song, I love the lyric “Young People Speaking their minds” for what its worth this song is about asking what’s going, and lord knows i ask a lot of things in life!)

9) After The Glitter Fades: Stevie Nicks ( I think this song is the story of my entire life really, thus far, no matter what, your legacy will live on after the glitter is gone. Deep, I know, however I just like comparing my life to glitter thats always fun.)

10) Bidi Bidi Bom Bom: Selena ( I’m from Corpus Christi Tx, Selena is an obligatory pick for list, and lord knows this song has accompanied many on the beach moments with friends!)

For more on Nicole Crane check out part 1 of our Q&A here “Nicole Crane: White Winged Dove“

Sean Charles: We actually graduated together from the Art Institute  of Dallas in 2009, hows life post grad? 

Cody Amos: Its good,  I didn’t know what to expect coming out of school, just so happens I got a call right out of grad from one of the employers at the portfolio show, They said I was the only person right for the job. Cause I had something going one which was Thumb Prints.

SC: You graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design, What made you get into that field? 

CA Its funny , you know, ever since I was young I had been drawing. In high school I was drawing a little more,  however I still didn’t know I wanted to do that as career. The turning point after I graduated [High school] I imimadianlly went to work at a plastic factory in Arlington that had nothing to do with my current industry.

SC: A Plastic factory?

CA: Yea [Laughs] they made bins and all kinds of  “plastic” things. I hated it, I had all kinds of jobs, but this one was my first real full-time job. I knew I didn’t want to stay there and at the time I was debating whether to go into the air force , or going to florida to a motorcycle school to learn how to build motorcycles, my other option was to attend art school, and I really didn’t know a whole lot about graphic design at that point. A cousin of mine was visiting and showed me his portfolio, he graduated from Texas Tech in graphic design. That was my first exposure to what graphic design was. I realized that’s what  I wanted to do. It put a name., a job, a career behind what I wanted to do as an artist that made sense.

SC: Do you think now you made the right decision? 

CA: Defiantly, and it happened so quickly, I really didn’t have enough time to look back really, I called AID after I saw my cousin’s portfolio, and that following week, I quit my job at the plastic factory [laughs] and moved to Dallas and really, well you know how fast  the school was

SC: OH YEA, Please don’t remind me [Laughs] eleven week quarters, those were tough!

CA: I never had time to second guess anything [laughs]!

SC: You have great experience in the industry, and you are taking on several approaches to graphic design, many people  think that art form is just logos or other corporate related projects but  you have actually got into  accessory deign. Tell me about that. 

CA: Yes, That caught me off guard,  one company that approached me was an accessories company here Dallas, and I was excited to work right out of college. So, I took it.  I realized  that  graphic design  just a small narrow industry. You could apply it to many areas, and accessories became this new hobby of mine. I started paying attention to them a lot more, specially belts, wallets, and leather goods. It was really an interesting turn of events, because at first I had no knowledge of accessories or fashion. All of a sudden im thrown in the middle of it.  You mentioned logos, and branding, and in school I did those and at that time I thought that’s really all I was going to be doing. But with my experience now in the field I’ve done everything from in-house magazine photography, to styling product,  to showroom design.  I would go to New York and map out the 48th floor of the Chrysler Building. and I would have to print graphics to cover the walls, so then it became like interior design. So it’s  interesting that graphic design took me to fashion design, to almost interior design its amazing!

SC: You travel a lot, Every time you travel to say, New York, you are so busy. Do you ever get to see New York? 

CA: I do, every time I go, usually I work long hours, there are times were I don’t even have a moment even for just myself. But several times I have got to walk around, I spent  my birthday in New York,  by myself, and  went to Brooklyn, found a bar and a great time. I love Brooklyn!

SC: Brooklyn has become so popular, I have to say, I hear great things, partially thanks to GIRLS [LAUGHS] You work primarily in menswear, I wanted to ask do you see a big graphic trend in Women’s wear as well? 

CA: Absolutely, I get to watch some  style sites and trend forecasting, and I watched fall/winter 2014, and I definitely saw a lot of graphic prints, and photo reels printed with polka-dot overlays, I think people are  looking for bold and busy printed statements.

SC: I would like to ask, even though I think its sort of cliché, but since you travel a lot to other cities like New York and San Francisco for work and  fun. What you do think of the scene here in DFW compared to other cities? 

CA: I think its cool, there  is a whole lot of stuff going on here, I’m connected to a lot of people here. A lot of my friends here in Dallas are in the music industry and  just through them I get to see a lot,  and see a lot of different people, creative people, come together. It’s a cool scene here in Dallas, seeing a mix of everyone in fashion, music and all coming together.  But of course you go to New York or  San Fransisco which is another place iI love to go to, and they all differ, every city has its great scene.

SC: Do you have any favorite fashion designers, or brand, who are working with graphics that stand out to you? 

CA: You know, I’m really visual  when I’m say shopping around. So I really don’t have specific names in mind. In fact a big website I love is JackThreads, it’s updated everyday and it gives me a great idea on what people are buying. I’m the same way with music I don’t have a clear set of a music catalog, it’s all what I like and what sounds interesting, that’s how I  shop really.

SC: I have noticed that a lot of the trendy names out there don’t even classify themselves to be fashion designers, or even in the fashion industry. Such as Shepard Fairey of Obey, his work is everywhere now, his mural in oak cliff is stunning. And his clothing line is genius, bringing those murals to life in street wear. The late Keith Herring is also turning heads again with a resurgence of his work in apparel.  I love that we are seeing a big graphic moment. 

CA: I have a signed Shepard Fairey print, its such an awesome piece, it was gift I cherish!

SA: I’m such a big fan of his really! They have always said fashion is wearable art, but this is taking the literal form. What are your thoughts on this huge graphic art in fashion moment? 

CA: I think its very cool, look what it’s done for these artists. It goes along with graffiti artists, the exposure they have had, people are saying,wow that print would make a great shirt or dress. Such as my work I cant wait to start utilizing it in these areas. Some patterns I create would look great wrapped around something like fashion, so I yes I think its cool that graphic artists are getting respect in this way.

SC: It’s really is like a cult following, for instance I was introduced to Shepard Fairey not by his art but from is clothing line, I feel graphic artist are reaching out to people who wouldn’t normally come across their works in the normal arena. It’s genius, and now I’m obsessed [laughs].  With all that asked and said, you have a business idea to branch out in that creative way of things: Tell me about it. 

CA: Yes, well Thumb Prints is an idea I’ve  had for long time. It’s really the first one I have felt strongly about, so much so I was willing to fully invest in.  I  have been developing it for about three years now and basically it’s  a screen printing kit, and my kind of motto is from pack to print in seconds, its fast printing, and fast printing on several different things from flat patterns, or shower curtains, table-cloth, T-shirts, and really utilize it in some many different ways and personalize it. People will be able to customize items to their preference, any item.

SC: So in a way you are sparking  Peoples creative juice, people like me, lets say,  who want to explore screen printing. 

CA: Exactly,  the whole  reason why I had this screening printing idea, was that one of my first jobs, while still in  college, was at a screen printing shop. I had  actually taught myself screen printing from YouTube [Laughs] and got interested in it, and decided I wanted to work in shop. So I learned all the basics in screen printing and realized what kits were out there on the market and the struggles I had trying to just see what it was about. I  spent a lot of money just trying to get one successful print. I though to myself if there was way that people could get the joy out of screening printing without having to go through all the research, time and money, were a lot of people end of failing and discouraged after one failed print and gave it up, My product will give people a taste of screen printing and a taste of creativity and putting the paint brush in their hand and let them  explore and open up their mind. I have hopes as well  that learning the basics of screen printing will lead people to explore more in screen printing and inspire them to do more.

SC: With all of this, Do you ever miss the web side of graphic design?

CA: You know, I really don’t  [Laughs]  I have a hard enough time keeping my Facebook updated,  I like tangible  things, and I like doing something that also last a while, and everything is so fast paced online.

SC: Who are you some of your favorite artists?

CA: You know, There is  a whole side of me that is completely fascinated by mechanical kinetic art, moving kinetic sculptures, Such as Alexander Calder, he makes hanging mobiles, some are simple colors black, red, primary colors. but the physics behind it amazes me. There will be long  levers and counter weights all that stuff behind it, I love figuring out how that works. I in fact have made some of my own, one of which I was able to use as a show piece at the Empire State building for job. Also, Theo Jansen, he makes these amazing kinetic wind powered walking sculptures.

SC: Wow, I have to say, really in essence fashions is kinetic art.  Do you think that’s why you have found yourself among the fashion industry? 

CA: Absolutely, I think that’s why I  have found myself in designer roles with jobs I’ve had,  It’s funny you say that because once I realized that designing products were about making a blue print for factory to construct, it really sparked a new creative juice in me. It’s almost like an engineer, im not calling myself an engineer by no means [Laughs]

SC: Well a lot of artists don’t call themselves artists , Talking about engineering, innovation if you will, looking at artists such as Leonard Da Vinci who was  inventor, or even Steve Jobs who made technology aesthetically pleasing. Do you think innovation itself is an art form? 

CA: Oh yes of course, I think they are perfectly married together, engineering and art, developing something, I mean really you are sculpting something and bringing it to life in three dimensions, something that otherwise doesn’t exist. Whether it’s an invention or improvement on something, innovation in itself is creation.

SC: Are there any pieces looking back you proud of? 

CA: Well, I was proud of that kinetic sculpture, its was funny the hardest thing  I  had to do was making  a track for  this marble to roll around the sculpture as it moved, and then completely start over  in a complete loop. It was crazy because at the time that’s all I wanted to do I was so focused on it, and people doubted it would work or even look right, but once I got it and working properly it was great.

SC: Do you have a creative process you go thorough? 

CA: Its weird, part of being a graphic designer is creating art for someone who you, sometimes, don’t have any interest in the subject. So sometimes finding inspiration to design something can be difficult,  so I  look at everything in front me, of course I do research, but when it comes down to it, I look at what is in front and see what kind of options I have and dive into it, a lot of trial and error. I don’t have a process that works every time, because most of the time something I am doing is a new project and there is not  going to be a method every single time that’s going to apply to every single thing.

SC: Do you have a dream project, or, a dream employer? 

CA: A huge  passion of mine is the outdoors, I love camping and backpacking, so one of my biggest goals, is being in product development for a big outdoor company such as NorthFace or Colombia, design products I would love to use myself. I would love to have access to a the outdoors in a design job.

SC: Do you have any favorite products that our out right now?

CA: Yes, Eagles Nest Outfitters hammock, its amazing, and I think its starting to become much more popular, not just for outdoors, I see people now taking them to picnics. it’s a parachute martial hammock, these things are so great, when I go backpacking it serves as my bed for six to seven days, it provides a lot of ways to go camping without having to take tents. Your able to see more of the trails.

SC: I love that your are so connected to the outdoors, yet having such a mechanical and artful background, like innovation and art, it’s an unlikely marriage. Maybe Sean In The Wilderness could be a great follow-up Q&A in the summer.

 CA: [Laughs] I  Think that’s a great idea!

I chatted with Lisa Petty, Editor-in-Chief of DFW Style Daily, who is no stranger to Sean In The City. This, in fact, marks her third appearance. As a contributor, I owe my first media/reporting job to Lisa. Words really can’t explain the many mentored lessons I have experienced under her leadership. From tweaking my journalistic instinct to mastering interviews and on-site reporting, my job has reached a max feeling of fulfillment.

My obsession of discovery was also a fine tuned tool learned on the job, a tool that last week I applied to “The Boss.” Truth be told, I have at times wondered what drives her, what sparks her interest, and what led her to create a publication with a new media edge. Last week, our team reached a milestone: publishing one thousand pieces of original content. This milestone, I felt, was perfect grounds to break out my tool of discovery, and find out the back-story of a person that has become among one of my dearest mentors.

So, I present my sit-down with Lisa Petty. Read on as she talks all about what taught her courage, what inspires her, and what DFW Style Daily has in store post the milestone moment. Lisa also hints on a big project in the works set for, the now On-Hiatus, Fashion’s Night Out.

SEAN CHARLES: This has been your third appearance on SITC, I have to ask what do you think of the New format of SITC?

LISA PETTY: I like it a lot, I like what you have done to focus more on words and people, it’s very exciting, being a word person myself I really like it.

SC: I wanted to focus a little bit more on you because you have had such a diverse career in journalism. Tell me a little about what initially sparked your interest in the field.

LP: First, I have always been a writer my whole life, it’s always been what I like to do and how I like to express myself, Really when I got my Smith Corona typewriter, that was gift I’ll never forget, I remember sitting there at my littler girl desk typing away on that typewriter all the great stories when your thirteen and fourteen right [Laughs], I always thought I would be a story writer, a novelist [fiction] I have written a novella, I worked a long time on it. But about ten years ago, I had a friend who was the dining editor at the San Antonio Current, which is the equivalent of the Dallas Observer, and she was up here for a wedding and we ended up corresponding. She eventually asked me to do an article about wine, And I thought that was interesting and thought why don’t I give it a try, and I fell in love with it, the whole process, writing about a real person. I drove out to a winery in west Texas. It captivated me, and from then on out I thought this is what I want to do and pursue it to the fullest.

SC: How did you find yourself in the wine and dine section?

LP: It’s an incredibly popular area in the new media sector, food reporting in general when you’re talking about something that draws eyes. In the newspaper or in magazines, if you go to the newsstand its prime real estate on the rack, you always notice that kitchen “porn” is ginormous, it’s the same thing when you’re talking about new media your always going to have a bigger draw in the food or sports area.

SC: You initially studied something completing different in college. Tell a little about your pre-journalist days?

LP: I have training in Chemical Dependency Counseling, my earliest real job experience in the “grown up” job market was in the non-profit sector was what lead me to study in chemical dependency counseling, I worked as a house-parent at a group foster program in east-Dallas in the mid-90s. I was a house-parent, first starting out on the overnight shift because I was the new girl on the block, it was me overnight in a big house with twelve foster children next door to a crack-house. Pretty much people who work the overnight shift were too afraid to go to sleep , I was terrified! I was scared out of my wits. That taught me courage obviously, to keep doing my job and to keep taking care of the kids even when I was to terrified to open the front door. I spent two years there and learned the in-and-out’s of caring for children and learning the CPS system, which taught me enough to know I didn’t want to keep working in it [LAUGHS].

SC: How was your transition to journalism, was it hard?

LP: Its hard, because I have always been a freelancer which means I worked for multiple publications at a time. I had regular contributions for instance when I was with the NBC local affiliate, but I was a freelancer, I had a regular gig which I owed three short items everyday, I was a freelancer for the Observer as well, but I owed them one piece of content each day. When I joined a staff is when I joined NBC, officially, as a fashion and shopping Editor so that amounts to six to seven years of straight-up freelancing which means networking my ass off every single day. Also I maintained a totally separate career that didn’t have a whole lot to do with writing at that time in order to generate income as well as to stay among the world of people, Because ultimately being a writer, whether a nonfiction writer, fiction writer, a journalist, or writing blurbs in the Cold Water Creek catalog you got to know people and you must have experiences to inform your craft.

SC: In your career you’ve reported on a wide variety of subjects, and now with DFW Style Daily you solely focus on fashion. Tell me, when did you decide you wanted to switch your focus to fashion?

LP: I don’t think I have yet [Laughs] I mean really, I was a dinning reporter for a long time, but ultimately the passion wasn’t there. I mean, I like to eat like I like to breathe in and out all day long, you know it something you have to do, I’m just not as passionate about food and wine as I am about fashion [yes] but style in general, how people express themselves through what they wear. and how they live there lives, the expressing of self through personal style.

SC: I have had the great privilege of working for DFW Style Daily for a little over a year now as social media director, as well as reporter, but my post on social media lead me to open a dialogue with your readers…

LP: It’s very important what you do in fact its crucial!

SC: Well, Thank You! In that dialogue via social media, I have noticed you take interest in young up-and-comers, you have also discovered young design talent in DFW. Is this among your passions, discovering talent in the industry?

LP: You know it’s so strange and so insightful that you ask that, because we did just cover my time working for disadvantage youth, the kids I worked with were from birth-twelve years, they were allot younger than the age groups I come into contact now, but it made a big impact on me, between working with those kids who had been discharged by their parents and then couple that with my experience of a young journalist, sending out hundreds of ticklers to editors across the board, when I wrote my book about wine I sent upwards of one hundred writers queries to book agents across the country before I found an agent, so just knowing the efforts to which young people go to be noticed, to have people take notice of the important things they are doing, I think the older I get the more I think I want to write young adult fiction.

SC: Young adult fiction? that sounds cool!

LP: Well, when you think about the books that were the biggest impact on you, at least from my perspective, were when I was ten to twelve years old, I want to have contributed to that dialogue, especially with young woman of that age, it’s such an important time.

SC: When you launched DFWSD in 2011, what made you so certain that our fashion scene was large enough to produce daily content?

LP: I had been reporting daily on the local fashion scene with NBC’s The Feast, so I knew the content was there, unfortunately I did not believe they curated that content in a way that could best apply to the people who love fashion in Dallas. I was working with my base team, at 30 Rock, and they were like, where are the cowboy boots? Where are the debutantes? Where are the hats? Why don’t you go interview a local hat maker? We want local flavor they would say. That’s really what they thought that the Dallas fashion was. That was two and half years ago, so I feel like through the efforts of the our wonderful fashion scene we are already pushing the envelope, we are changing people’s perception of Dallas fashion, and that’s the nature of being in an emerging scene, everyday we are going to show people something different.

SC: Clearly  you were on to something. In fact, you reached a milestone: DFW Style Daily reached it’s 1,000th feature. How do you feel that 1,000 features have come to pass?

LP: I don’t know, its kind of weird [laughs]. My eyes have seen, whether it’s been an article , a video, a gallery, or an interview with Jonathan Adler, or whatever it was, my eyes have gone over a thousand articles in this thing that I made. It blows my mind! There is eleven of us now, and each of us have dozens of contributions to that number, I mean it really blows my mind! Every morning when I curate the content and load it into the system, I then file everyone’s work in their own folder, so whether its Sean Charles, or Rhonda, or Abby, everyone has their own folder, so I see that accrue, like when I go and dump a new article in I can see, WOW, Rhonda has one hundred, or two hundred, articles in there at this point. It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around right now!

SC: It’s a physical number now- it’s a big deal.  Every article I share, some I’ve authored, it’s a big WOW and big deal for the team.

LP: I actually would have wanted to reach that milestone sooner, I’m always pushing for more content, at this point we do ten to fifteen features a week, I would love for it to be more but we are human. The take away from that is there are still people in other states in this country that would say that Dallas produces a thousand features of real edgy local, fabulous, designer fashion with a tie in to right here in Dallas, or Forth Worth, even Frisco, I think that is something I feel really proud about.

SC: Since the launch of DFWSD, and that milestone has been reached, do you feel pressure now moving forward?  Do you find that it is easier or harder to follow-up on?

LP: First of all, it’s always what am I going to cover, not what is there to cover, I’m always disappointed that there was somewhere we had to be at, I mean we have every big name designer come here on a regular basis, on any given month, whether it be at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Tootsies, or Stanley Korshak, the biggest designers in the world pass through Dallas, and so it irks me when two are here at the same time. For instance, we did an interview with Charlotte Dellal, who is the Designer for Charlotte Olympia, and you know I wouldn’t know what to do if she was here in town on the same day as say Manolo Blahnik, it would be like choosing between my two children (My two terriers) [Laughs.]

SC: I’m curious, after writing for many publications covering different news beats, what did people think of you going indie (so to speak) ?

LP: Well, there were a number of people who advised me to hold on to my NBC affiliation at all costs, cling to it by my finger nails, even if I wasn’t happy, even if the money was a few dollars a day, because that’s what made me important. And, you know that’s one way to look at it, but another way to look at it, I do feel I am an artist after fashion and in order to express myself fully I guess and help others do the same. I feel like it was worth it to try my very hardest to build a new platform.

SC: I love that!  I agree with that on so many levels especially with my platform.  It was worth trying it, I have to say! Any exciting DFW Style Daily news to look forward to? What is in store?

LP: We do have some very big projects in the works, Umm…Well let’s just say anyone disappointed in the hiatus of Fashion’s Night Out this year, if you live here in Dallas, we have something that will make you very happy!

SC: Lastly, as a journalist myself you know I have to ask, as cliché as it is, Who would be your dream interview?

LP: Oh wow, well, I had the privilege of talking with Diane Von Furstenberg once, but there wasn’t enough time, but I think there wouldn’t be enough time in the world to ask all I would want to ask [laughs] She is a personal role model of mine both as a woman and as a business owner, so I would love to speak with her again, and to also let her know I tried her chicken recipe in the CFDA Cook Book [Laughs] It was fabulous!

photo credit: Sylvia Elzafon

Today,  Straight off the SXSW “band wagon” Nicole brings a bit of groove to the blog with her all access pass insight worthy of a Steve Nicks fan base. A music enthusiast doesn’t begin to tell about Nicole’s presence in the Dallas scene. With her Blog, Flannel Friction, she declares to the world her music filled life.  Plus, her studious background  in voice and musical performance labels Nicole as a music pro far from just groupie-dom. Her knowledge of the industry leads her to explore multiple genres dissecting every sound and every lyric. To add, being part of the Dallas Observer’s street team  gets her into some of Dallas’ can’t-miss shows, perhaps Perks worthy of a Wallflower (A must-pun moment). My ConversaSEAN  with this musical maven  made me listen a little more carefully and of course Jam a little harder. Perhaps even awakening my inner white-winged dove.

Sean Charles: Tell me a little bit about your background in music? 

Nicole Crane: Well, music has been a major constant in my life. In fact, some of my earliest memories revolve around music.  Also I studied voice and music performance in college.

SC: What initially sparked this interest in music?

NC: Music speaks to you in a way that other forms of art and expression can’t.  Music has the ability to frame your life and enhance it in such a beautiful way.  From a young age I was drawn to music, always asking the meaning behind songs, dancing around the living room to it, singing along to it.

SC:What do you think about the music industry right now across all genres?

NC: You know, strangely enough I have a lot of hope for the music industry right now.  I think there has definitely been a big shift from the over produced vapid pop acts of yesteryear to singers and bands that are authentic musicians, who write their own songs, and who love what they do.  There is a lot of talent and art in the market right now, from the small indie band to the broadest pop act. With the exception of dubstep (blech) I think it is an exciting time for music!

SC: There has been a resurgence in folk music like the Lumineers and Mumford & Sons, what do you think about the return of this genre? 

NC: As a folk fan myself I am a little torn.  Part of me loves the fact that something I love is finally getting the recognition and love it deserves, but part of me hates how mainstream it has become.  I love that folk music has an artistry, a heart, and a rich history to it. So if people are getting into music with a soul behind it than I’m all for it!  I think my only gripe is that the bigger a band gets, the harder it is to get into their shows! [laughs]

SC: There some great names out there, who are among your faves? 

NC: Well a few of my favorites have recently released new albums, Jim James, Local Natives, Telekinesis, Leagues,  and Villagers, to name a few.  Alt J is an amazing band from good ole England and they are doing something new and exciting.  I am a huge lady singer fan and I have been listening to a lot of Sharon Van Etten, First Aid Kit, and the Alabama Shakes lately. And of course good ole Jack “freakin” White! [Laughs]

SC: What about the classics, who have you always been a fan of? 

NC: I grew up on oldies so this is my favorite question!  I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I was hugely influenced by the big guys, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash (swoon).  But in recent years I have had a growing love for old soul and doowop groups!  Sam Cooke’s velvety voice, Otis Redding’s fire and passion! The fabulous harmonies of the Temptations, the Chiffons, and the Drifters.  There is just something so wonderful about a simple love song sung with such passion and earnestness.

SC: Great names, who doesn’t love good ole’ Bob,  I myself just recently rediscovered Stevie Nicks, so im having a major Bella Donna moment right now! You work for the Dallas Observer Street Team which gets you in with some cool perks in the music scene, any fave moments?

NC: So many!  I love this job for so many reasons, but I have enjoyed immensely getting to meet music fans out and about in the city!  Everyone wants to tell you their story and how much they love the paper and the music!  Some real high points in my time there have been getting to see KISS, emceeing at the Dallas Observer Music Awards, also getting in to some incredible sold out shows like the Punch Brothers and the XX!

SC: I usually talk about the Dallas fashion scene a lot but have loved the music scene, what are your thoughts on Dallas’? 

NC: Dallas really does have a very rich scene.  You could name almost any genre of music and Dallas will have a local band just for you! As far as fashion goes, Dallas has some incredibly fashion forward bands and singers, for example the Blackstone Rangers’ Ruth Smith, Zhora’s Taylor Rea, or Dallas Music’s first lady Sarah Jaffe.

SC: Got any local faves?

NC: The Will Callers, Goodnight Ned, Blackstone Rangers, Oil Boom, the Venetian Sailors, the O’s, Air Review, and band on the verge, Seryn!

SC: You have spent some time in Nashville also being part of the scene there, how is it? 

NC: Nashville is a city with such a legendary musical background that it permeates the scene.  You can’t turn a corner without running into a theater or club that has hosted some of the most incredible performers in history.  It is a city filled with such talented musicians and there always seems to be music pouring out of every doorway.  I would love to spend some more time there soaking it up and seeing what all it has to offer.

SC: You attended this year’s SXSW in Austin any notable fun moments? 

NC: Well, I had the privilege of seeing Dave Grohl and the Sound City players perform at Stubbs.  Such an amazing line up, from Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, to John Fogerty (Creednce Cleerwater Revival), to the surviving members of Nirvana, to Stevie Nicks!  I will admit to getting teary eyed as Stevie sang “Landslide.”  These are musicians and songs that have lived with me for sooo many years and getting to see them perform live (with Dave and the rest of the foo fighters) was  a dream come true!

SC: Oh, I think my Stevie moment just got bigger! I’m tearing up just hearing this answer, ‘After the Glitter Fades’ is an anthem of mine! Who was on your Must-see list at SXSW? 

NC: DAWES!! I have seen these guys play at least 7 times but I do NOT miss a chance to catch them.  They have a new album coming out next week and from what I’ve heard so far it’s on a path to becoming my favorite album of the year.  I happened to catch the bands Leagues and Ivan and Alyosha as well and they both put on such a high energy live show that had the whole audience dancing and clapping along.  They are definitely worth looking up!

SC: Would you like to see a music festival as large SXSW come to Dallas? 

NC: You know, while it would be great to not have to deal with the Austin traffic I really think that Dallas has some incredible festivals of its own!  A few of my favorites being the Homegrown Fest (featuring a line up of ALL Texas-based bands!).  Homegrown has an incredible line up this year, including the Divine Fits and the Polyphonic Spree.  Local radio station KXT has outdone itself with its 2nd annual Summercut Happy Funtime Festival with performances from the Avett Brothers, Dawes, Matt and Kim, and a slew of others.  And we can’t forget about the Fort Worth Music Festival.  I can’t wait to see the Walkmen and Delta Spirit at this 2 day festival in May!

SC: You also Maintain a blog, Flannel Friction, tell me about it? 

NC: Flannel Friction is basically my love letter to music.  I started it as a way of hedging the question “what are you listening to now, Nicole?” It’s my way of geeking out over the music that fills my life.  I hope to inject a bit of my personality and enthusiasm into each post.  I’m not a critic, I’m a lover, and that’s what you’ll find, essays and conversations about what I’m into and what you should be checking out. I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus but hope to be back to a regular schedule starting this month!

SC: You know I’ll be tuned in (so to speak) with Flannel Friction. What are some of your ambitions, do you see your self behind the mic? 

NC: Oh singing is such a passion of mine and I received a banjo for Christmas so I hope to put those two to great use!  That being said, I don’t necessarily think that performing is my endgame, but I wouldn’t count it out!  I would love to continue writing, seeing great shows, being inspired by music and see where that takes me.

SC: Finally, I know this is a bit of a rough question, but do you have a favorite song? 

NC: Strangely, this is the easiest question.  My favorite song is “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles.  It is a simple song, (and short at that, clocking in at just over 3 minutes) but I feel that it is perfect in its simplicity.  Such a hopeful little piece of sunshine by my favorite Beatle (George Harrison).

“Little darling

It’s been a long, cold lonely winter

Little darling

It feels like years since it’s been here

SC: I think that’s a perfect way to end! 

A recent graduate from the Art Institute of Dallas, Arami is already on a non-stop  schedule. With a strong Passion for film, Arami’s early career is already leading her to work with some of DFW’s leading names in the industry.  Today, she dishes on life post-college, her current projects, and her unique namesake that always has everyone wondering about her free-spirited attitude. I must say, my sit down with Arami  opened my eyes to a wider view and appreciation on fashion in film, and it thrills me to feature a ConversaSEAN  today with such a dear friend and a rising Silver Screen Star. 

Sean Charles: First I must ask, (I’m sure you have been asked this many times)  How did you end up with such a unique and beautiful name like Arami?

Arami Carrales: Yes, all the time [laughs] every time I meet someone new and my name is in a three-minute conversation, but I don’t mind explaining. Aramí is Argentinian it means a pale blue sky. It is very interesting seeing people’s face expression when I introduce myself. I also have to spell it out because people think it is spelled Adtame or Autumn it’s funny so to me.

SC: Fresh out of design school what are some of your ambitions?

AC: I knew I wanted to be happy and love what I do. I had a strong desire to work in the film industry doing costume design. I was very pleased after I graduated to have  the privilege of working with Stephen Chudej an award-winning costume designer on a short film in San Antonio Texas called Devil Deal Blues about Robert Johnson. I was so honored to work with on this feature.

SC: You have worked on a number of movie sets in the wardrobe department and currently are gearing up for a couple of other films, Tell me about your experiences on set?

AC: First one I worked on was a short film, which was DEVIL DEAL BLUES, set in the 1930s, we filmed in the hotel where he first recorded, it was a lot of fun, I didn’t know anybody at the time.  I went into it with an open mind, after a week it felt like a family. I’m starting on a film titled Hovey next week. This will be my first full length feature film, I’m schedule for a month of production so that’s exciting!

SC: How did you get your foot in the door with the film industry? 

AC: While I was in school, I was close with the director of the Fashion Design department, she knew I was into costume design, She pushed me to experience that side of the industry, through her I met many people in Film.

SC: who have been among your favorite Costume Designers? 

AC: Adrian Greenberg has been among them, He of course was who designed Dorothy’s ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz.

SC: What would be your dream decade in film to work on?

AC: I loved, the silent film era, So much attention to detail in that genre had to be paid to costumes and style. One of my favorite films would be 1927′s Metropolis, that decade for sure would be the one.

SC: I have to ask, who was your favorite screen starlet? 

AC: Elizabeth Taylor, hands down, She started so young, every costume was so specialized for you. When she did Cleopatra she made that film all about her, Every costume was legendary, is was about Cleopatra but seeing her in costume all you could think was Elizabeth Taylor.

SC: What do you think about the Dallas film scene?

AC: Its great, I’m very excited about the Dallas International Film Festival  which starts this week,  the film scene like the fashion scene is growing faster each day here in DFW.

SC: Costume wise, what is your favorite film?

AC: Anything Tim Burton, I have always loved the dark looks and themes present in his films, right now  I’m currently looking forward to The Great Gatsby, I know those looks are going to be good!

SC: Given your thriving connections to film, do you perhaps see yourself winning an Oscar one day?

AC:  why not [Laughs] That thought tends to pop-up from time to time.

SC:  What initially sparked your interest in Fashion Design?

AC: I have always since I was a little girl felt creative when dressing myself whether it matched or not. As I grew older I knew I wanted to be in the industry. I just love what clothes do and how they make you feel. There was always something there that always intrigued me.

SC: Who would you say are some of your designer inspirations?

AC: Coco Chanel has been a big influence, and the decade which Chanel was at her peak is also a favorite of mine. Today, Miuccia Prada is also a big influence.

SC: I know your grandmother played a big role in your road to fashion design, How did she inspire you?

AC: My Grandmother, she actually lived out  in a ranch and was a seamstress, I grew up watching her make dresses in her sewing room, as I got older I kept watching her, When I was about seven, the first thing I sewed was a pillow [Laughs]!

SC: Given You just graduated from the art institute, how does it feel to be out there now in the industry?

AC: Feels great, however I still have to be open to whatever comes my way, luckily I am working with a great costume designer who is showing me the ropes. I love that even post college, I’m still learning each day.

SC: What do you think of the thriving Dallas fashion scene?

AC: Dallas seems to move faster and faster everyday, everything seems so fresh here. The creativity here is very unique.

SC: Can we expect a Collection from you anytime soon?

AC: I have been so inspired  with 70s right now, maybe it might happen, my attention is currently with Film, but I won’t say NO [Laughs]!

With a Makeup career that spans far and wide and a thriving political powerhouse, James Waylon Tate is among DFW’s most fascinating residents. James is known to have  a non-stop travel schedule only worthy of a national campaign route.  His done-up faces have graced some of DFW’s most notable figures. In addition to a client list that reads like a society page’s who’s-who, James also serves as a valued member of Dallas District Attorney Craig Watkins’ team. His efforts to help cultivate our metro’s judicial voice to advocate social awareness also spans multiple causes.  His Voice on Domestic policy has gone far from unsung even taking him directly to The White House last year. Working with local LGBT organizations have also propelled Dallas to having a leader in the strive for equality.

Today,  I’m thrilled to have one of DFW’s strongest figures, and most talented , featured in my inaugural interview. My conversation with James, goes with out saying,  gave way to some fascinating insight on beauty and bureaucracy. Also, James weighs in on todays historic  Supreme Court hearings regarding Marriage Equality.

Sean Charles: Between being DFW’s premiere go-to makeup artist and having such an important role working along side DA Watkins, How do you ever manage the time to juggle careers?

James Waylon Tate: It is certainly a matter of time management and prioritizing, and if possible I find some time to sleep. I am deeply attached to both my makeup artistry and the consulting that I do for the DA’s office, so I always strive to achieve a balance of both.

SC: What originally sparked your interest in Makeup?

JWT: My freshman year in college, I took a part-time job at a makeup counter.  As my studies advanced, my love for makeup did as well. I became more interested in the effect of makeup on women and their self confidence, rather than just painting a pretty face.

SC: How on earth did a successful career in beauty give way to an equally successful role with the Dallas DA?

JWT: I returned to Texas after living in Los Angeles to continue my education in public policy. For the past decade, makeup had been a way for me to express myself artistically, and also my means of livelihood.  It seemed natural for me to continue working in makeup throughout my Masters studies.  I was accepted into the Bill Archer Fellowship through the University of Texas, and was able to spend a semester studying and working in Washington, DC.  This served as a launching pad to my work in public policy and ignited my passion for public service.

SC: What drives your passion with your work in the DA’s Office?

JWT: I have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Dallas County.  I’ve been told for years that I have a gift for communication.  I have used that to my benefit in the makeup world, and it serves me well with consulting for the DA’s office.  There are numerous opportunities to make great changes in Dallas County and I take great privilege to doing my part to serve.

SC: Tell me about the Citizen Prosecutor’s Academy, which you founded and worked with  DA Watkins to make it such a success, how did it come to be?

JWT: I had signed up for a similar program in a neighboring county, but was unable to attend due to a conflict in my class schedule. I thought it would be of great value to offer a program in Dallas County that would reach in and invite citizens to more fully understand the operations of the DA’s office, and the process of criminal justice.  Honestly, I made a cold call to the DA’s office and after several meetings the idea of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Citizen Prosecutor Academy became a reality.

SC: What new projects can we expect this year in your role with the DA?

JWT: We are working on a variety of new initiatives for this year that will benefit Dallas County residents.  DA Watkins recently formed two new divisions in the office to address more closely particular concerns.  The Animal Cruelty Unit was created to give more protection to animals throughout Dallas County, and provide justice in cases of animal abuse and neglect.  The Community Prosecution Unit was created to offer a presence of the DA’s office in each of the four regions of Dallas County.  Among a variety of other things, specially assigned prosecutors create programs for students in schools and attend Crime Stoppers meetings in their regions.

SC: You have also been known to be a strong voice in the LGBT community, tell me about your experiences and causes that are most dear to you.

JWT: During my fellowship in Washington, D.C., I had an internship with an organization that worked to eradicate bullying and harassment in schools.  I became very closely involved in the anti-bullying movement and continue to support those causes.  As a gay man, I find it rewarding to give back to my community in whatever way that I can.

SC: last year, your role in a local LGBT organization even lead you to the White House, how did it feel to be in the same room as President Obama?

JWT: There really aren’t words to express what that moment was like for me.  When I received the invitation from the White House, I was frozen for a few moments at my mailbox.  I thought to myself, “either this is a dream, or I have really accomplished something.”  I was so honored to have presence with the president, and to be surrounded by LGBT power players.

SC: President Obama shocked the news wire earlier this year for coming out (so to speak) in support of marriage equality, what are your thoughts on that historic announcement ?

JWT: The plight of the LGBT community is the same as those that have always fought for equal rights in this country. We stand on the shoulders of many in our march for equal rights, and President Obama certainly has a friend in me.

SC: Today is an equally Historic day for the LGBT Community as the Supreme Court will debate marriage equality, What do you think the outcome of todays Hearings will be? To add, How does it make you feel that our community will finally see this long overdue shift in marriage equality?

JWT: I am confident that the SCOTUS will come down on our side, however not to the degree to which we would hope. Fingers crossed…

SC: With your work with the DA as well as the LGBT Community, do you ever come across cases or stories that at times are difficult to process mentally?

JWT: Not really.  I have much confidence in the prosecutors and investigators in the office, and I trust in their expertise.  As long as there is a society, there will be the need to protect and preserve justice, and that is what the DA’s office does every day.  Some 100,000 cases are processed every year in the DA’s office, and I am proud to work around servants that strive to ensure those freedoms and safety for Dallas County with every case that they receive.

SC: How do you get through some of those tough days?

JWT: My days are long and stressful, no doubt.  However, I always try to remind myself that each day, I am given the opportunity to be of service and offer my gifts in some way.  I maintain a gratitude journal and find blessings even in the worst of days.

SC: As to your role in the style community, (dare I ask) do you think you would ever leave the beauty industry, considering your role now with DA?

JWT: I have always tried to live my life with no expectations.  I aspire to do great things, whatever they may be.  If I allow myself to be too calculated in making my decisions, then I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the work that I am currently doing.  Regardless the work that I do now with the DA’s office, or other projects that I may work on in the future, makeup will always be a part of my life.

SC: I have a feeling that more extraordinary things are under way for you, Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

JWT: I try not to think too much about what they future holds.  I hope that I may be able to continue working to serve the public and offer my skills to help others.

SC: As to your roles, you often find yourself in heated political discussions, which I have  personally witnessed, Do you ever see yourself in a political office?

JWT: I am asked this question often.  I have not given much thought to running for public office myself – not to say that I wouldn’t – but I guess we will have to stay tuned.

SC: I know I would certainly be a strong supporter of any role you would consider!

JWT: Well thank you, Sean. I really appreciate that.  I pride myself in the ability to build strong relationships, and organizing initiatives.

SC: You have been such a strong supporter of all young people striving to make a difference in both their communities and careers, to the ones reading now, what is your best advice on how to stay focused and determined?

JWT: Look inward.  Everything that you want to do in this life is already inside of you.  It is not a matter of education, or privilege.  You need not be certain social circles or professional affiliations to make change.  Some of the most remarkable young people I have met, have no connections to power.  They find their authentic power that abides within us all.  Trust your instincts and steer clear of negativity.  Perhaps most importantly, never forget your roots and where you come from.

SC: Finally, (you know I have to ask) any need-to-know makeup tips?

JWT: Less is more.

photo credit: Sergio Garcia

After a long-winded hiatus, months of prep, and some soul-searching, I am very thrilled to introduce the new Sean In The City DFW blog. It has been a while in the making but nothing thrills me most to announce a change to my beloved site, and the observations that lead me to refocus and repurpose.

I launched my Style blog in the spring of 2011 and all of you, my equally beloved followers, have noticed an absence in my newsy daily postings. I in return noticed the outpour of questions from all of you regarding my return. Well I’m back, and it goes without saying the humbled nature that I feel with this reintroduction. For your outreach proves that this site no longer just serves me in the manner in which I thought, for it serves all of you who eagerly want to discover who-is-who and what-is-what along with me right here in DFW. That is the driving force behind today’s announcement.

During my hiatus I pondered about what really compelled me to venture out each day and power through our city in curious chaos. I also pondered, what exactly does this city really want to know? Was it all things fashion? Was it all things entrainment? Was it political or spiritual? Randomized thoughts filled my head with how to put together a platform where all of these subjects could mesh  and all of you could source your own discovery.  I struggled with what really tied all these issues and subjects together. And why did I feel so compelled to talk about them? I found that my city ventures became mini-chats with anyone who would spare an ear. Not a day went by without a discussion with friends, give or take a stranger or two, about who and what folks  were talking about, and how I could use my blog to serve it.

Then it dawned on me. The most fascinating thing that revolved around all these subjects were the people I took upon myself to ask.  I found myself  not dwelling on the subjects at hand, but who was talking about it and more importantly why these people were so fascinated by the given subject. I realized if only these discussions could have taken place right here on this very blog how great it would be to share it with all of you. After all I was sharing thoughts and asking things that, blog or  no blog, I believe we all ask daily. Discovery is a destination we all try to get to, and a perfect destination for a blogger to propel on a his platform.

So it seemed looking back, That was the thread running through each news beat I followed, every tweet I tracked, and every post I shared. Plus,  My work as social media director of DFW Style Daily as well lead me to the front line of discussion. Watching and tracking how the people of DFW took to the news of all things style was oddly thrilling for me. In fact reaching out daily via social media was perhaps more thrilling than the actual shared headline. I would ask myself every morning, Whoa, what are people going to say about this?

None the less,  It was all of you who seek the information and who make the city itself fascinating. From fashion designers, artists, entertainers, philosophical homeless men, and stay-at-home moms that truly make our city a gem and the whole point of why I had dedicated a blog to DFW from the beginning. The Everyday people, as Oprah would say, was my “Aha” moment of how to make Sean In The City DFW a home of discovery, and how to do that was clear, by talking to all of you.

So, How did a style blogger come to this refocused idea? Well its simple, style for me  was always a conveyed thought. A meticulously crafted way to communicate. A public statement rendered in fabric, if you will.  That in fact, was what drove my education in fashion and now my work in media, What was style trying to say about who we are?  That question on style was the original blue print for this blog. My past reporting as well opened the door to the people who helped articulate that question.  It was that door that awakened my curiosity on what these people had to say. The statements and ideas given,  I realized, were what made up our city’s DNA. Leaving this newsboy overtly craving to hear more, and speak to anyone and everyone who had something say about anything.

It thrills me, oh how it thrills me,  that today I announce that Sean In The City DFW is a new home not just for me but for all of you to discover along with me who exactly make up our city.  Who are the movers and shakers of  our metro, how our they contributing to our unique urban dynamic, and what do they have to say about all things  in the city. With this renewed outlook and reintroduced blog I invite all of you to join me every Tuesday, as I venture into our city to interview the everyday people of our metro. Read along as I ask who they are, what they do, and more importantly what they have to say about Life, Style, and Entrainment. Click around, share about, and “Let’s have a CoversaSEAN”.

Starting tomorrow, I will introduce everyone to one of the people who lead me to this repurposed blog forum, a person whom I owe much of my free thinking and free-spirited curiosity to. Perhaps even, dare I say, someone who has defiantly encouraged every wild thought and every question I have. A person who contributes to our city in more ways than one. Stay tuned  for a can’t miss conversation coming tomorrow.

Director Lisa Immordino Vreeland

Last Tuesday, was the first of two screenings of Diana Vreeland The Eye Has To Travel, which naturally was my center piece screening, if you will, at the 2012 DIFF. Clearly I wasnt the only one who was expressing a certain kind of groupie-ism, as word spread of the film so did the news that first time director, Lisa Immordino Vreeland, was due right here in the city.

Our city indeed moved quickly, centering events around this particular film, professors professed  all info to  fashion students, and just like that, Diana Vreeland The Eye Has To Travel became among the most anticipated films at the  DIFF. I  was sure to snag tickets to the first screening, which was the ideal  intimate setting with fashion enthusiast of old and young and Lisa Immordino Vreeland  watching along with us.

The Film, which was paired with the book published in october, sharing the same name, also  published by Lisa Immordino Vreeland , who to add is the granddaughter-in-law of the Diana Vreeland herself, Talk about fashion history indeed!   The film  brings the pages of the book right to life, in fact i’m speaking literally, First scenes of the film  show  each page of the book , and snap shots of Vreeland’s apartment, which is almost just as famous, being modeled after a garden in hell.

it’s no question who Diana Vreeland was, and perhaps still is to many. I could go on and on about her  legacy, her career, and her fabulous friends but I find watching the film is a lot more pleasurable. The one thing I absolutely loved of the film, is the extraordinary amount of information that at sometimes was  dwarfed by Vreeland’s over the top personality. Clips of interviews with Vreeland were cut, snipped, and pasted back to an almost seamless conversation with Vreeland. I was already in a fashion groupie mind-set, but as soon as I saw Diane Sawyer circa 1970-something, the closeted  journalist I fancy myself to be ,was in a jaw dropped pose, then hearing Vreeland in the film describe herself as a reported who always has to be ahead of the news, brought me to a complete euphoric state!

I have to say, about the most amazing thing  about Diana Vreeland was the “First of’s”…such as, technically speaking, she was the first editor of a magazine curating and complying stories, transporting readers of Bazaar and then Vogue, to worlds other than the  one they were in. Publishers stated in the film how Vreeland was so criticized for never holding staff meetings,  she would send out memo like telegrams of sorts to every staff member providing a plan of action, sound familiar? Clearly Vreeland was the first to use an email approach to business. Diane Von Furstenberg described how these memos  were in great but brief detail, letting her staff members in on what she was foreseeing as trend, in all respect Von Furstenberg continues , this could have been perhaps the first fashion blog, amazing!  Vreeland also was the first to say, in essence , Character was your greatest accessory. Celebrate the  imperfections of oneself, which is the only true thing that sets you apart from everything and everybody else. This was true of Anjelica Huston’s stature, Cher’s gypsy persona, and Barbra Streisand’s nose. All so “superb” according to Vreeland, who put them all in Bazaar.

After the film, I felt so taken  by everything, I do mean everything, Lisa Immordino Vreeland  went on describing the process of the film, the amazing connection she felt  during the film. Lisa Immordino Vreeland,  started out in  the fashion industry with a very successful career as a designer, She felt compelled to  publish a book  to let the a new generation of fashion elite in on the amazing one of a kind woman Diana was. She soon found out, that the book had to be brought to the big screen.

Diana Vreeland’s “Get The Life You Want” attitude towards  her own life, is a transcending message,  not just for those in fashion, but anyone who ever craved something greater in their own life. An amazing legacy,  and message for anyone who dared to have an insecurity.

Perhaps the greatest piece of information Lisa Immordino Vreeland  gave is that Diana Vreeland The Eye Has To Travel is slated for a national theatrical release come September. So it looks like we are all going to head back to theaters for an encore, Lisa Immordino Vreeland also tipped us on perhaps some new additions in the film may surface.

An amazing film, I cant say it enough!

H&M

A mere three days left  untill we see yet another high-profile H&M Collebration hit our metro, and “Yet another” Italian fashion house. Marni for H&M launchs March 8th at NorthPark Center, and I’m sure will be causing much havoc come shopping day.

The collection is to span, Women’s and Men’s lines, which will no doubt bring out Dallas’  most stylish peeps to form another mile long line.

Speaking of Doubt, there is some doubting   how  chaotic this time around will be. Lets not forget this is Dallas’ second  time at H&M maddness. The Versace for H&M  launch date caused a consumer craze. However Marni ,a lesser known fashion house “speaking in MASS MEDIA TERMS”, is leaving many style-istas underestimating the amount of people who will attend come shopping day.

However, I beg to differ. Dallas’ seems to not get as much style credit as it’s due. We learned this during the Missoni for Target fiasco. Many bloggers and writers around town expected an underwhelming turnout, which clearly turned out to be  the complete opposite. This can only mean that Dallas knows their fashion. So, I expect an equally large turnout for Marni for H&M, the fan base H&M seems to have is almost biblical to say the  least, people are “AWARE” trust me!

reflecting back on Versace for H&M, the shopping day came with a protocol. A complete systematic, neatly organized, set of  rules and regulations,that would in hopes make everyone satisfied in shopping. The system involving colored bracelets,a time limit, and of course a Max/Min amount of what you can and can’t buy, are all back!

Marni for H&M will continue in the protocol,  and again these rules and regulations will only apply to the women’s collection. Which is bad news for me, given I plan to snag up a few items, but boys will boys I guess, we are left to fight for our fashion.

Marni for H&M is  much-anticipated, and im sure that the line at NorthPark Center will be at Max capacity. Perhaps this  time i’ll score one of those coveted “first in line spots”, 5AM anyone?, I tease, ill be there 4am!

for more on The Rules and Regulations visit H&M’s HOW TO SHOP

ABC GCB

it’s finally here, the show that has caused so much buzz is finally out there in the world. GCB or (Good Christian Bitches) debuted its pilot last night on ABC. I’m sure everyone across America already knew about it, given its name sake. The title for the show had people more than talking, in fact protesting. ABC even changed it to Good Christian Belles, before finally censoring the title to three bold letters. interesting fact, this show aired in multiple countries around the world, and oddly enough it’s country of origin is the only country to censor the title. Like they say, no such thing as bad press, clearly GCB got all kinds of it.

Like it or not, we in DFW, were buzzing as well. If you havent yet seen that Fab billboard on N75 featuring Carlene Cockburn (Kristin Chenoweth) your missing a true “Blessen”! And yes I know, we Dallasoians have seen our fair share of stereotypes being thrown at us from every angle. However when the makers of Sex and the City and Steel Magnolias, broke news that their next project was based in our beloved metro, I couldn’t help but get a tad excited. Who better to produce quotes that are drenched in southern comfort.

The show Based on the book by Kim Gatlin, titled as it’s real holy glory name, follows the return of Amanda Vaughn back to Dallas after the death of her embezzling husband who left her broke. however it seems karma aswell is following the show’s starlet, as she reunites with her neighboring mean girls out for revenge. “Doesn’t it just reek of Southern hospitality!”

As America feasts their eyes on the show, we Dallas folk are loving the attention to detail the show is researched, The JOHN 3:16 Bently was the shows first unforgettable moment, and long behold, stuck right in the middle of that windshield was the blessed Dallas TOLL TAG, priceless! I live for those kind of moments, not to mention the other little hidden details, such as their “HILLSIDE PARK” community, which is a nod to our real righteous community “Highland Park”, and the star detail of last night’s pilot, had to be the Butterfly Neiman Marcus card, come on that’s brilliant! Speaking of style, the wardrobe was eye candy to say the very least, kudos to the shows costume designer Ellen Mirojnick.

Well, im hoping GCB lasts a good while on TV, given its “OK” start with 7.6 million viewers according to Entertainment Weekly. I will say, after the pilot I found myself hooked, I am equally hooked to GIGI played by Annie Potts, It might just be DFW’s newest guilty pleasure. Even though every five minutes a stereotype falls out of someones fab mouth.

Our town is buzzing, GCB clearly is a show that you either love it, or hate it, so im dying to know which is it? I know they have my endorsement.

as for now, im off to buy the book, which should keep me grounded till next sunday show.