Scene and Heard: Heidi Dillon Interview

Yesterday I got the chance to chat with the lovely Heidi Dillon.You may know Heidi Dillon  from the Style network reality show Big Rich Texas, or more notably as the founder of The Fashionistas. After our conversation it is obvious why she has found the success in her life. She is a strong woman who is very educated and knows what she wants.

I had to ask, where did her love of fashion begin? Heidi says "ever since I was conscious!" She also mentioned her grandmother could sew and would sew her designer apparel from Vogue patterns. Her earliest memories of fashion were just shopping and reading several fashion magazines. She always wanted to wear designer clothes, and that has never changed.

In starting The Fashionistas Heidi  stated "Flashes of inspiration led to the inception of "The Fashionistas.” She  chaired other events in the past and got sick of being around the homogenized group and wanted to do something else. She has faced adversity but explained that is expected when it comes to bringing a new idea to the table. “Getting something new off the ground is always a struggle.-Heidi Dillon”

I asked about how she dealt with the obstacles of trying to get this cause accepted by Dallas society and she replied, "As an artist, I have always dealt with rejection." She went on to explain that both of her degrees are fine arts based! Heidi Dillon knows her stuff when it comes to art, and it clicked at that moment how she has such a sophisticated eye!

Along the lines of education, The Fashionistas have also did work at UNT by supporting scholarships. Alumni such as Shirin (of Project Runway fame), and Nha Khanh have also received support from the charitable organization.

I personally like Ms.Dillon but of course, not everyone does. Some blogs see her as a bit of an Ice Queen but Heidi takes it all with stride, “Hard negative feedback is from ignorance and jealousy,” throughout the years she says she has learned the root of the negativity; and has developed a thick skin because of it. 

There is always a misconception when it comes to style and Texas. Heidi is not originally from Texas, but she knows that Dallas is not full of rodeo clowns! In speaking to people who are not from Texas they are shocked to know that it is not as "western" as it is usually perceived.

"I have no clue what a ten gallon hat looks like, everyone I know wears Louboutins." 

Maybe the South still believes in the Southern Belle. Heidi Dillon has noticed that "women here have a desire to look good when we leave the house." I agree!
Heidi is also no stranger to TV. She is a partner at Morning Dew Pictures and an executive producer. Being on Big Rich Texas was seen as a bit of a chance to showcase the real Dallas, and a platform for her organization. The evolution of Big Rich Texas from it's original Dallas Divas and Daughters format has definitely been a positive one. Don't expect Ms.Dillon to stay still for too long! It looks like we need to be the lookout for more shows with the "Dillon touch." She was very tight lipped about it, but just know that they are pushing at least one show for E! Don't expect her to have a spin-off show based on her own life any time soon though. Heidi swears her life at home is not interesting enough.

I had to ask her about the future of blogging and what she thinks of how it is evolving in the fashion picture. You can follow the Fashionista's Blog and even follow Heidi herself on Twitter. She understands the use of social media, and live tweeted during the episodes of Big Rich Texas. (And yes, she said it was weird watching herself on TV, and YES Pam and her are really good friends.)She is actually great friends with Miss Tina from BagSnob--Hello that is one of my favorite blogs! 
“Bloggers are here to stay the trick is taking it and making it a career.” 

Tina started "BagSnob" around the time that Heidi started The Fashionistas and the "snob" network is pretty huge. Tina has made blogging into a career for herself, and she does very well. Heidi even wrote a few articles on CoutureSnob, but her life is too busy to continue blogging regularly.
I always say winners hang with winners and it is obvious Heidi Dillon is in the winners circle. I look forward to seeing what is next for her! Follow her on twitter in the meantime to see what she is up to and at least live vicariously through her life.
Thanks again Heidi!

Summer Reading List.

For my graduation present one of my best friends bought me the best gift ever.

The Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs Coffee table book!!!
The book basically is a coffee table read with the foundation of the Vuitton House. It starts off with the innovations by Vuitton and ends with the role Marc Jacobs has played throughout his career. I love how the book has all the collections from the Jacobs era and even some vintage ads.

Trend Tuesday-Talons

I just ordered this talon ring and I can't wait to get it in! I don't know what it is about talons but I think it's cool. Its quirky to me, but can probably come across as borderline creepy. I think it would make an interesting addition to any arm party stack. At the least, it would be a grand conversation piece.

WOULD YOU WEAR THIS TREND?
FASHION IS ABOUT TAKING RISKS.

Houston Henri Bendel Opening!

If you follow me on twitter you see that I was all about the Henri Bendel store opening today! I've been counting down for a month, and seeing it in person was worth the wait. The signature brown stripes and boutique feel, plus warm and welcoming- not to mention stylish staff, made my first experience there really great! I had my eye on candles, which I did purchase. I wanted to add to my bracelet collection....I will. There were so many great bangles there. It was arm candy heaven! I have to go back.

Henri Bendel was founded in 1895 and is credited with great innovations in merchandising. Did you know they were the first retailer to hold a semi-annual sale, in store makeovers and have a fashion show in NY? They also are well known for discovering new talent through their unique open-see concept. They discovered Andy Warhol and brought him in as an in house illustrator.Today there are 13 Bendel stores, an online shop, and they are still great at discovering new talent! Tod Oldham and Anna Sui to name a couple.

I'm almost positive the photoflip book I made is the cherry on top of a really cool store opening. I'm obsessed with it. ALSO, I chatted a bit with the president of Henri Bendel, Chris Fiore. I'll update with more photos of the event including one with him! He has a really great eye for style and my opinion is not swayed by the fact he complemented my necklace and said that they need to make a version for the store....
Dear Mr. Fiore,
DO IT. BUT NAME IT THE "MARA"...
Just think of me as a muse or spirit animal.
-Mara

But seriously I feel like I could be a Bendel girl, everything was on trend but still true to the Henri Bendel athestic. The similarities in my style were all coincidental, so I must have a good eye too ;) (And a fashion merchandising degree if anyone needs an assistant! )Thankfully we have a Henri Bendel here in Houston now!
PS... I know what everyone is getting for Christmas.

LOOK FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT IN MY WEEKEND WRAP-UP POST, COMING SOON!

Midsummer Dream

My office at work has no windows so I never know if it's sunny, raining, dark, light, whatever. Its lame. It's been really hot outside BUT apparently is it today that marks the official start of summer.

 It is the beginning of the summer solstice. It basically has to deal with the tilt in the Earth's axis, it causes the sun to be in the highest position (in the Northern Hemisphere anyway). No one cares about that stuff, they have festivals symbolizing its sign of "fertility."

People also wear flower bouquets in their hair too. That's totes amaze.

What's in my Box...Stila Box That Rocks!

I was browsing through the Apothica.com website and I saw this box that not only holds makeup, but hooks up to your ipod and play's music! It's called the "Stila Box that rocks." It looked adorable and I had to buy it! For $50, you get the box, 3 lip glosses, an eyeshadow compact, and eyeliner. The price of Stila products alone basically made the box free, and I really needed some sort of loud speakers for my Ipod when I'm getting ready for work or whatever!

 It was bigger than I thought it would be, and I don't really have a big make-up collection yet, so it hold everything very well.I only put items I use every day in the box, everything else is in my other makeup drawers. I love it!

Friday Inspiration

I STILL Love Neon. It adds the best punch to any look. Not a pop, an actual PUNCH.

Orange Crush.

Keep Calm, Enjoy Summer.

I love the mix of nudes and tangerine this season. This Pantone color of the year is going so strong this season I love it. I also just put in an order for these baroque sunglasses in black! Can't wait to show them off in an outfit post.Shorts and skirts are a must here in Texas, this heat is no joke. This would be cute out on a ... pier? 

Summer Crush by malibumarablog featuring a pleated skirt

 TRUST YOUR STRUGGLE.

H&M meets Margiela

I honestly meant to blog this yesterday, but today H&M made it officially official today. The next designer collab to hit the famous retailer will be Maison Margiela. It drops November 15 in SELECT stores. All I know is, the Baybrook location down the street better be one of them!

Elle Cover: Selena Gomez is So Fab

I haven't really posted any photos from shoots or magazines in a LONG time but Selena looks super amazing in these, so I couldn't resist.She's now 19, taking on more movie roles and hopefully here to stay in the Hollywood spotlight. Like I have mentioned before, she's a pretty good role model. Pick up this issue to see her interview, she talks about everything from her new film Spring Breakers to the Beibs. My favorite excerpt:

On seeing Jennifer Lopez in Selena at age five:
"I made a bustier out of a bathing suit that I dyed black. I put glue and glitter all over it and I wouldn't take it off.
Sounds like a fashionista in the making.

elle.com

Click "read more" to watch a bit of her interview with Elle:

Summer Playlist//MALIBUMARA: Summer of Sounds Mixtape Pt.1

Hey, so I released a list of cool songs during spring break a few months back, and it's been one of the most popular posts I've ever done. Music Mondays have been going well too. I was going to do another "Summer List" based post, but since I myself am on an infinite summer... I decided to drop it in mixtape form for everyone to download. So jam it, discover new music on your way to work, working out, chillin out, maxing, relaxin all cool... You get it. It's a mix of chill wave, hiphop, and contemporary. ENJOI.

Tracklist: Made In Heights:Exhale (Efreet)//Cocaine 80's: Queen to be// 
Ellie Goulding: High for this (cover)// Jeni: Justin Beiber Boyfriend (Cover)//
Two Door Cinema Club: What you know (Matlock remix)

Congrats Mary-Kate and Ashley, CFDA womenswear designers of the year!

I should have mentioned this earlier! I love me some Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and apparently, SO DOES CFDA! They awarded The Row highest honors last night, "Womenswear designer of the year." They are the youngest female designers in history to ever win. Congrats girls!
BONUS: Everyone was there dressed from chic-to-chic, I love every moment of it.

Holi Cool

I'm not Hindu or anything, but I think the idea of Holi celebrations in the spring are really awesome. Yes I know it is summer, but I came across a picture of a Holi Party and I immediately added attending one to my my list of things to do. This is basically a "Festival of colors" where people shake off the dull and drab of winter. It is primarily celebrated in countries with large populations of Hindus. On the most important day, Holi, they throw colored powder and colored water on each other. You can read more about it HERE. I think it is really interesting and would be a cool experience one day.

Hello June.

I know it's June third. I've been pretty busy; more interviews, etc. I kind of want to disappear for a while. There's a lot going on right now, but I'll be ok. I just hope June is good to me. I'm not giving up yet.