Shelby's Social Diary

How suite it can be for the well connected at RodeoHouston

Photo by Shelby Hodge
Photo by Shelby Hodge
The Alan Jackson concert kicked-off the three-week ridin', ropin' and musicextravaganza that is RodeoHouston.
Photo by Shelby Hodge
Photo by Shelby Hodge
Photo by Shelby Hodge
Photo by Shelby Hodge

So we didn't arrive in one of the scores of stretch limos or stretch Hummers that RodeoHouston fat cats hired Monday night for transport to Reliant Stadium. We saw almost as many of those as we saw F150s and Silverados.

But we did watch the opening night calf scramble, bull riders and Alan Jackson from one of the swell suites where the high-falutin' party is invitation-only. Schmoozing with top rodeo officials in their cushy cocoons gives the rodeo experience the same elan that a Lear Jet gives air travel. There isn't anything better.

We were the guests of Paul Somerville, past Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo board chairman, a gracious man who belies the misguided stereotype of blustering rodeo regular. (And he would never go anywhere in a stretch Hummer.) Somerville invited a mix of guests that ranged from rancher and former Houston Oiler Ray Childress and wife Kara to Methodist Hospital gastroenterologist Dr. Gulchin Ergun.

Even Joanne King Herring, recently returned from attending Charlie Wilson's burial service at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, was there in her interpretation of Western chic. Requisite dress for women in the suites is some tony combo of suede, fringe, denim, embroidery and buckets of silver and turquoise. Herring dressed up her basic black with a leopard-spotted western-style hat and yards and yards of matching beads.

Grazing through the buffet offerings in the suites is a far more elegant culinary experience than chowing down on fried White Castle burgers in the midway or the chili dogs and nachos served at Reliant food stations. On this night, Barry Silverman was the first to go for the fried chicken legs and biscuits. Jana Arnoldy raved about the mac 'n cheese dish. Somerville's executive assistant Miriam Westmoreland had selected the menu that included savory barbecued sausage, ribs, brisket and pork.

For those risking the calories, brownies, lemon squares and ice cream sundaes beckoned. The sundaes are offered on a rolling cart that trolls the hallways of the suites tempting everyone with the array of toppings and ice cream flavors.

Socializing back and forth between the suites is part of the rodeo action which explains the constant flow of notables in and out of Suite 274. Former rodeo board chairman Don Jordan and wife Barbara passed through as did executive board member Ed McMahon and venerable rodeo honcho Louis Pierce Jr., the 93-year-old HLS&R board veteran. Somerville's guests included John Scott "Scotty" Arnoldy, Shara Fryer, Robin King and Marilyn Lummis.

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Haute Holiday

Macy’s and Saks bring holiday style to Houtson's Nutcracker Market

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Brianna Maggi and Heidi Turney.

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market isn’t just a festive shopper’s playpen — it’s a glittery treasure hunt where holiday cheer meets the perfect excuse to shop ’til you drop — and maybe snack on something indulgent along the way. For the well-heeled crowd whose steps gain a joyful skip whenever fashion enters the scene, you can thank two of Houston’s retailers for exercising everyone’s capitalistic tendencies and giving Amex cards a hefty workout.

Over two days, the Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue fashion shows and luncheons brought high fashion and holiday cheer to the heart of NRG Center. Philanthropy and glam went hand in hand, with proceeds benefiting the Houston Ballet’s Academy and scholarship programs.

Against a backdrop of bustling booths featuring 270-plus merchants, the Nutcracker Market’s marquee fashion events jingled like ornaments on a Christmas tree. From themed ready-to-wear ensembles to runway-worthy couture, the shows united Houston’s chicest A-listers for a common cause.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Luxe and Luminous

On November 14, the Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon turned the spotlight on high-end couture with Deborah Duncan of KHOU’s Great Day Houston as a spirited emcee. With chairs Ileana Treviño and Beth Zdeblick at the helm, this gathering raised more than $451,000. The crowd strutted in strong with 1,470 trendsetters turning the scene into a style parade.

Models took to the runway in Sachin and Babi designs, set against an ethereal palette of whites and creams. A live violinist elevated the atmosphere, blending modern hits like Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa’s “One Kiss” with classic Christmas tunes. The sophistication of the fashion was matched by the artistry of the music.

Honoree Sharon Erskine, a longtime Houston Ballet Trustee and former Nutcracker Market Chair, was lauded for her dedication. Guests were treated to surprises, including a luxury Marc Jacobs handbag giveaway, and soon after, they poured into the Nutcracker Market for a festive shopping spree.

Spotted were Tracey Williford, Megan Kessler, Heidi Turney, Kristy Bradshaw, Lindsey Brown, Julie Kent, Jean May, Beth Muecke, Patti Murphy, Martha Finger, Ann Graham, Jennifer Kushner, Susan Binney, Mignon Gill, Shawn Stephens, Blair Kessler, Jo Furr, C.C. Conner, Chita Kraft, Katrina Arnim, Tina Raham-Stewart, Sarah Davidson, Leigh Smith, and Ann Bean.

Macy’s Fashion Show: A Holiday Spectacle

Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon, chaired by Michelle Barrett, Sarah Davidson, and Michelle Jeffery also welcomed more than 1,400 spirited guests, raising $373,350 for the ballet.

With KPRC anchor Amy Davis as emcee, the runway came alive with delightful themes. Models glided to the sounds of “Snow,” showcasing dreamy cream and gold ensembles. The mood shifted to playful as the Disney collection hit the catwalk with a surprise appearance by Mickey Mouse himself, grooving to “Hey, Mickey.” A tribute to Wicked brought a touch of Broadway sass, featuring looks inspired by Glinda and Elphaba set to the inspirational anthem “Defying Gravity.”

The tables were adorned with pristine white roses courtesy of H-E-B. Special honoree Cheryl Zane received a heartfelt acknowledgment for her contributions. Post-show, attendees immersed themselves in the Nutcracker Market’s array of shops, fueled by the excitement from the runway.

Seen were Michelle Barrett, Michelle Jeffery, Cheryl Zane, Amy Davis, Gary Hudgins, Melissa Reihle, Renee Humphrey, Gaylon Gullquist, Cynthia Christ, and Michelle Maresh.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Brianna Maggi and Heidi Turney.

fundraisers nutcracker market nutcracker market fashion