My Forward Life: Style of Life Event

So what do you get when you combine style, beauty, fashion, food, signature cocktails and 100 of the most gorgeous, intelligent, and ambitious women in Dallas under the roof of one fantastic venue? Well for one you get one very happy male blogger who was lucky enough to take in the scenery in all it's splendor. But you also get a convergence of the many different elements that make up the topic of style and how it relates to women in their everyday living. Well known experts from the fields of beauty, fashion, food and home were invited for an interactive and innovative discussion and experience with the women in attendance. And that's what the My Forward Life: The Style of Life was all about.

 It was an evening where guest were able to network and share experiences and ideas with each other while empowering one another in their own individual endeavors. Led by My Forward Life's founder Jasmin Brand who is the walking embodiment of "girl power" and women who just kick ass in general. The event's timing could not have come more perfectly as they were also celebrating the launch of their new online magazine. Sponsors included Windsor Communities who provided goodie bags for the guests and there to promote their charity date and silent auction for breast cancer awareness, Love Cures All.  With bites from Urban Taco and a delicious signature cocktail that included vanilla ice cream and marshmallow vodka, it was an occasion enjoyed by all, even myself.

 As one of the handful of gentlemen who were lucky enough to attend, obviously being in a room full of beautiful women has it's advantages but more than that I got the opportunity to be a fly on the wall and really watch how they relate to one another. It was a breath of fresh air to see women empowering one another instead of tearing each other down as it can be portrayed in the media and reality shows. They were open minded, supportive and encouraging of each other. And while discussing how style fits into their everyday lives might have been what brought them there I think that the relationships and bonds formed might be the biggest accomplishment of the night. Did I mention that there were lots of pretty girls there?

BLOG ABOUT TOWN: "What To Wear Fashion Show: Style Lab"

So while Fashion Week was in full swing in New York City last week, Dallas had it's own version happening in the metroplex in various locations. Right on the Mezzanine of Mockingbird Station just outside the Angelika Theater the "What To Wear Fashion Show: Style Lab" took place showcasing the latest and greatest in today's fashion. It was just as much an education as it was an experience with a panel of individuals with an extraordinary eye for fashion sharing their fashion expertise with the audience as the models walked up and down the runway. With Casa Noble providing libations for the evening, an A+ roster of gorgeous models, and first class music by DJ Blake Ward it was definitely the place to be. Check out the photos below.

DESTINATIONS:" ** POP ** Art Show Opening Weekend"

Converge Artist Workplace is presenting a exhibit of local, regional and emerging artists at our next art show, POP, opening September 14, 2013, from 7p to 11p and Super Sunday September 15 from 12p to 6p. POP features the talents of Graeme Rushing, Mathew Barnes, Larry Maupin, Kat Gardner-Tucker, Tom Carlton, Gary Perrone, Reagan Sides, Matt Kaplinsky, Caitlyn Nygaard, Leighton Autrey, Mary Womack, Jody Pham, Francois Shogreen, William Ross, Brian Crawford, Brad Albright, Jeff Lawrence, Keith Farnum, and Issac Tucker. Converge Artist Workplace is also pleased to announce the assistance of Honey Hula-La and Pollie Nigma of the lovely ladies of the Lollie Bombs. This show is free and open to the public. Converge Artist Workplace is located near Children's Hospital and the Dallas Design District. Converge is dedicated to reaching out to artists and crafts people in need of studio space, instructors and teachers presenting workshops and classes, and local performers and presenters wanting to rent for private events and viewings.

A BLOG ABOUT TOWN: "The Balvenie Rare Craft Collection"

We're always game for a good scotch-tasting, so when Balvenie brought their Rare Craft Collection to Dallas we didn't hesitate to sign up.  The Balvenie Rare Craft Collection is a first-of-its-kind exhibition featuring original works from some of America’s finest craftspeople. Curated by award-winning designer Todd Snyder, every piece in the exhibition stands as a passionate expression of craftsmanship in all its forms.

From bowler hats and bicycles to electric guitars and Ping-Pong tables, this groundbreaking collection represents rare crafts from every corner of America.  The event was as smooth as the whiskey itself.  Attendees were educated and got a chance to sample 10, 12, 17, and 21 year old scotch.  Needless to say a good time was had by all.  Check out the pics and raise a glass!  Sláinte!

Who's In Transit: Lenworth McIntosh aka "Joonbug"

It's not hard to tell that when you first meet Lenworth McIntosh aka "Joonbug" that he is not your typical Dallasite. Just in his tone and conversation you can tell that you're speaking to someone seeking to push the limits of style and creativity. His style and aesthetic is his own and he's quietly comfortable and confident in it. Not to mention he's one of the nicest guys you've ever met just because of his laid back sensibility.
We actually were introduced to Joonbug through his work before we ever met him in person. It was his genius art work for the "Detroit's In The House (J Dilla Tribute)" show at Strangeways earlier this year that made us instant fans. Soon after we connected on various social media forums and see each other at different events around the city and you're inevitably drawn (pun intended) into a world of a guy who sees it through his own eyes. And that world is made of lines. Lines that he uses to express himself through his illustrations. Which really leaves you something to think about. With something as simple as lines and on that one page the world is his. "The line-work is what I love the most about drawing," says Joonbug. "Lines can create this feeling that you get from the weight in the different lines that you use."
We meet on Lower Greenville at Mudsmith to talk. In true Joonbug fashion he's there with his sketch book that he doodles in meticulously and an already finished cup of coffee. We talked about the fact that he was born in Jamaica and moved around Texas quite a bit before his freelance/graphic design work led him to settle in Dallas two years ago. This and obviously our love for his illustrations. "My style is witty," he says. "I had a friend suggest to me once that there is a piece of my personality within all of my characters and that's probably true."


While the graphic design work keeps the lights on, his passion and focus lie in his clothing brand called Fresh Kaufee. The idea came to him while he was working at a McDonalds in Abeline. "Every morning everybody wanted fresh coffee. No matter if I had just made a pot two minutes earlier and offered it to them they wanted me to make a fresh pot that they could see was freshly made. It was just this perception of having a freshly brewed cup of coffee and then how that impacted them," says Joonbug. "They come in all groggy but once they have that first cup they get that kick, they're chipper and ready for the day. It hit me that that's how I wanted my designs to make people feel. I wanted to wake people up and inspire them to pursue their dreams and passions."

photo | source

He even took it a step further with his brand by impacting his customers on as many sensory levels as he could with his product. "Yeah, the shirts smell like coffee," he laughs. They even come in a coffee ground bag with their own packet of cream and sugar. Genius! He plans to not just limit his clothing line to t-shirts but to expand it to even incorporating a premium brand down the line. He tells us that he is currently at work on some new hoodies and a staple collection of favorites while pursuing his Master's Degree in Fashion Merchandise at The Academy of Arts in San Francisco. Our conversation switches to our fare city. "There was a time when I felt like I didn't fit in here. I was thinking of moving to Austin where I might find more like minded individuals but then I began to venture out a little more," he says. "I would go out in to Oak Cliff and Uptown and Bishop Arts and various different events and in my two years of being here I have seen a steady progression. Dallas is definitely In Transit."

It's good to know the he stayed and that we have Joonbug right here in Dallas to serve us Fresh Kaufee when we need it.

photo | source

Joonbug from Fresh Kaufee on Vimeo.
video | source