Our town's numero uno hair stylist Cerón has been eager to get his combs and brushes into my hair for years. Hasn't happened. I'm just not a salon kind of girl. But I did jet to Dallas on Wednesday to join the Lone Star king of coiffure in celebrating the official opening of his salon in Neiman Marcus' flagship downtown store.

Close to two dozen Houstonians joined the Cerón posse with devotees Diane Lokey Farb, Kelli Blanton, Mary Beth Aspromonte and Karen Mayell leading the pack. The Houston contingent rode in with their best party frocks in tow, planning on dressing to kill for the "Shampoo and Shampagne" reception. The popular hair stylist had all but willed his "Houston ladies" to bring their Louboutin pumps, Alexandra Knight croc bags and designer labels. He truly adores his fashionistas and wanted them to shine in the company of the more understated Dallas contingent.

Let's just say they did. Who, after all, could compete with the buzz created when international social force Becca Cason Thrash arrived in emerald green Gucci, matching chinchilla jacket by J Mendel and dreamy diamond and emerald earrings? Or with the exotic beauty of Irena Hixson? And, finally, when the glamazon identical twins Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust arrived, it was hands-down a high-style victory for Houston.

Don't get me wrong, the Dallas socials (as they are referred to here up north) didn't even know there was a competition and they were plenty attractive with their long blonde tresses, black tights and boots worn with shortie dresses and skirts.

NM fashion director and senior veep Ken Downing took the party-planning into his own creative hands, playing off the Warren Beatty film Shampoo. Lanky models in '70s style costumes strolled through the sixth floor party space that spilled over into the salon. As many as 200 partygoers, including NM president and CEO Karen Katz, managed to pass through the packed corridor just outside of the venerable Zodiak eatery.

Salon Cerón partner and investor Gina Betts of Dallas held court along with Cerón, showing off the swank new space where our boy will be manning the styling station a few days each week. Houston clients fear not. Salon Cerón in Uptown Park continues in full swing and the appointment books are open.

Sampling the "Shampoo and Shampagne" retro bites such as pigs-in-a-blanket, deviled eggs and cheese puffs were Houstonians including Mary Jo Antone, John Pecore, Tiffany Masterson, Lizzie Sullivan, Andrew Cordes, Holly Moore, Renea Abbott and Greg Manteris, Mark Sullivan, Jeremy Little and more. One name familiar to Houstonians was Joey Vallone of the Tony Vallone restaurant family.

Most of the Houston group adjourned to the Joule Hotel where Betts hosted a late-night supper feast while others headed off to Fearing's at the Ritz-Carlton for a multi-course dinner hosted by Mark Sullivan chum Dean Fearing.

Tony visitors

Hostesses with the mostess Susan Krohn and Joanne King Herring pulled out the red carpet at Krohn's River Oaks home recently for the Lord Mayor of London Nick Anstee. It was round-robin dining for the men who changed tables with various courses giving each guest the opportunity for multiple dinner partners. British Consul General Paul Lynch and wife Yoko Lynch led the introductions of the mayor and his wife, Claire Anstee. Of course, Houston Mayor Annise Parker was on hand, with partner Kathy Hubbard.

Among those mixing it up with one another in vibrant table conversation were Michelle and Frank Hevrdejs, Lynda and David Underwood, Michael Huffington, and the Duke and Duchess de Gramont.

Political forces

Civil district court judge candidate Olan Boudreaux relished the heavy-hitter group that turned out for his fundraiser at Hotel Icon's Voice Restaurant Tuesday night when former Gov. Mark White, former ambassador Arthur Schechter, Neal Manne, Roland Garcia, Benjamin Hall and Grant Cook rounded up supporters. If those big guns weren't enough, count among the participants Wayne Fisher, B.J. Johnson, Michael Hays, John Odom, Caroline and Jared LeBlanc, Kate and Will Stukenberg and Collin Cox.

Not chasing shadows

While the gents in Punxsutawney, Penn., were horsing around with Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day, the Weather Research Center celebrated in more civilized fashion with a fundraising dinner at the Crystal Ballroom of the Rice. The event raised $70,000 for the WRC's John C. Freeman Weather Museum, located in the museum district.

Headliners included honorary chairs Harriet and Truett Latimer, chair Carol Barndollar, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and wife Gwen, WRC board chairman, Bob Orkin, Melissa and Bill King and a number TV meteorologists.