Tory's Holiday Tunic

My hubby gave me a Tory Burch tunic in October for my birthday, that I love. The last two months have been SO crazy busy, that I did not have the chance to wear it until a recent holiday event. 

Usually, I wear her brighter tunics around the holidays, because they are quite festive. 

But I like the elegance of this black one, which can be worn so many different ways.

Matching shoes and handbag help to polish off the look. 

Cabela's Kid

Cameron Alexander had to do two ads in one week. One was an industrial video for the American Heart Association and the other was for Cabela's Outfitters. The Cabela's shoot was especially fun because it was shot at the Dallas Arboretum, which is a gorgeous backdrop for any type of photo shoot.  Here is the little model pre-shoot, waiting for directions and the rest of his wardrobe, which were a mini pair of Merrells with bright orange laces. 

                                            

The crew set Cameron up on a short flight of steps on the far side of the Arboretum. It was serene and near a fountain. He listened very well to directions, which was quite impressive for someone who turned two-years-old two months ago. 

Some moms feel they need to be very hands-on during their kid's photo shoots. I prefer to stay nearby, but with very little input. I think it is important in modeling that parents not interfere in photo shoots. I was appreciative that I was able to take shots of my own without getting in the way. 

His shots will be used for Spring wear on their website and within all of their stores. I was shown, but will not post the final pics they will be using. You will have to wait until Cabela's rolls out their spring campaign for those. 

That's a wrap.

Praying for Newtown

Happy Hanukkah!

Here is to lots of latkes this holiday!

HΦΜE for the Holidays with ΦΜ

As an alum in a sorority, I obviously don't get to see other Phi Mus as often as undergrads do on campus. That's why it is nice when our Dallas Area ΦΜ chapter gets together for various meetings and functions-especially during the holidays. 

Last week, we gathered at our chapter president's home for brunch and a wine & chocolate exchange. 

I decided to do a pink & white theme for my Phi Mu cupcakes. I really do like that our Fraternity colors  are preppy. I wore SO much pink when I was new to the sorority that it was a natural fit. 

We did a LOT of catching up, given that it has been months since I last saw everyone.  







 








                                                   



 

Happy Holidays from  ΦΜ !

Dallas Area Phi Mu Alumnae

My heart of gold monogram

I have always said how much I love my monogram. It is well balanced with both R's flanking a giant "M" in the middle. It is no wonder that I immediately started monogramming everything in sight (including my car) the minute I got married! 
This necklace is my latest and so far, favorite monogram-

Rikki Ragland the preppy debutante

Neiman Marcus & Target COUNTDOWN!

THE TIME HAS COME!

After midnight, you can shop the partnership between

Neiman Marcus & Target.

With the finishing touches in place within the stores and online, it will feel like New Year's Eve, as thousands count down the seconds.

READY, SET, SHOP!

www.neimanmarcus.com

www.target.com

Rikki Ragland the preppy debutante

Brooks Brothers holiday "candy"

I love Brooks Brothers! I wore their executive line a lot more when I was still working in the corporate world, obviously. Their clothing is classic and conservative and looks great on just about anyone and of course, make great gifts.  I recently saw a shirt that I am putting on my wish list. Ironically, I have noticed that most of my BB pieces are navy blue, and this one is too. One would think that I would go far outside the blue box with brighter colors, but their navy blue is addictive. 

The shirt is very simple and can be worn with slacks as it is on the model, or would look really great paired with some riding pants and boots. The versatility makes it a nice staple item in a wardrobe.

Then I saw this sweater on Pinterest. It is a man's sweater, but everything about it is just perfect in my eyes. It is a nice pop of color and toggles and elbow patches make it go from a "want" to a "need."

This is one of my favorite watches, and one I tend to wear much more than my other ones. The ribbon band is interchangeable, so you can pair it up to your outfits regardless of color. Brooks Brothers' Madison scent is a great one and also comes with a travel spray for your handbag. Although, I alternate my perfumes, I use this one the most. 

These are just a few ideas for the holidays if you are still searching for a classic gift for the preppy in your life (or for your preppy self). You certainly cannot go wrong with anything from BB.

Rikki Ragland the preppy debutante

Seeing Red

I am usually a pink kind of gal, but lately, I am addicted to red.  I usually take my own polish to the salon because I like to create my own color combinations. Although I had one in my handbag, I decided to take a look at the salon's choices this time and I fell in love with this-

It is the truest red I have found, and appropriately named, "True Red." If you can imagine this color on a car, then you will know what I drove for years! Over the years, I have driven a Honda, BMW, Jeep and a Mercedes in this exact shade. I know, I know...a policeman's target!! Those were the good ol' days before I toned down the color two years ago. 

I have a holiday party to attend this week and now I need to create an outfit around the color. It seems that my traditional pink will have to take a back seat for a while. 

Rikki Ragland the preppy debutante

Dallas loses J.R. Ewing

When I first moved to Dallas in January, 2000, I joined my sister, whose family had moved here about 11 months prior. Of course, one of the first things we did was to run out to South Fork Ranch to check out where our favorite show, Dallas,was filmed. 

On November 23rd, Dallas the TV show and our city of Dallas lost one of our most beloved icons, Larry Hagman, who played the evil J.R. Ewing. He passed away from complications of cancer at a nearby Dallas hospital. He was 81-years-old. 


Rikki Raglandthe preppy debutante

Little "belk days" model

Several months ago, Cameron Alexander was booked for a modeling gig with belk Department store. They were kind enough to mail us several copies of the ad (some for the grandparents), which arrived in our mailbox today!
I am especially proud of this ad because it was the first one where I was no where to be found. During his first belk ad, I was on hand, albeit, hidden behind a partition. They kept me in the room in case I needed to keep our little model pepped up. 
This go round,  I remained in the green room. It was a little weird at first. He walked out of the room and down the hall, looking back only once to give me a wave goodbye. He returned after the shoot a happy little camper, as did the crew, who said he did a great job sans Mommy. 

Apparently, all of the kids that afternoon had a wonderful time without their parents in the room. While some crews welcome mom or dad, others feel that kids would do better solo. I thought it was great to stay away on this one, especially since I had a ton of email to catch up on that morning!

C. Alexander has come a long way since his first belk ad a year ago.

Rikki Ragland the preppy debutante

Steve Starr Chicago Celebrity Photog and Friend Dies Suddenly

On November 12, Chicago's social circuit lost a good friend, Steve Starr. Steve photographed everyone who's anyone and was certainly the life of every party and fundraiser he attended.                                                   With a packed social calendar in Chi-town, my sister, LeAnita & I were often in front of Steve's lens and LeAnita was currently working with him on his next project, "The Face of News" which was to be held on 12-12-12. They were very good friends and sadly, she and Steve spoke about the project just a day before he suffered a heart attack outside the Drake Hotel on Michigan Avenue, moments after dining with friends.

Last November, LeAnita arranged for Steve to do a private photo session with us, our mother and little C. Alexander at The Drake (a place one would find us often). I was incredibly sleep-deprived for the shoot, but he still managed to make me look great (thanks, Steve!) Here are a few of Steve's photos from that shoot: 

This is from a different shoot, but certainly a favorite of mine by Steve of my sister:

Steve's family will hold a private service for him. 

Rikki Ragland the preppy debutante

Autumn Arm candy

Like many people, my sailor's bracelets and other summer jewelry were shed by Labor Day weekend. That meant it was time to don darker jewelry for the Fall. I really love the color brown and mix & match my brown pieces. 
This year, I have added my Survivor Joe to the mix. It is made from Army green parachute cord, secured with a button and symbolizes deployment. It can also be used as a survival tool. As an Army brat (father is a retired Colonel), I have several in different styles to show my support of our military. 

When I want to add a splash of color, preferably in a preppy, "pick me up pink," I will put on a new bangle from Lilly  in their Phi Mu print.  Rikki Ragland  the preppy debutante