Dallas Dweller: Lisa Petty

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces.
There is a faction of "real" journalists who aren't overly fond of bloggers.  Usually it's because they see bloggers as annoying thorns in their sides contributing to the downfall of journalism in America.  Who knows, they could be right. But you can't stop change and it's always refreshing when you encounter a kindred soul who embraces these new voices to the conversation. Lisa Petty is just such a gal. Not only does she embrace the change, she's joined it - leaving her "real" journalism post at NBC DFW a couple of years ago to launch an online fashion magazine called DFW Style Daily.

Lisa Petty

Lisa Petty
photo Sylvia Elzafon

Petty started her journalism career writing about food for such outlets as the Dallas Observer, but it was fashion that captured her heart.  "In my years of feature and lifestyle reporting in the Metroplex, I became captivated by its emerging fashion culture. From both established and up-and-coming designers based in Dallas, to a shopping scene envied throughout the country, I recognized the need for a daily news source devoted exclusively to local style," says Petty.
"Through a group of expert contributors, DFW Style Daily connects multiple demographics in a single conversation about fashion via original videos, interviews, pictorials, and more. Further, we engage with our audience on a personal level through event hosting and an active social media presence."
"I'm a smart girl, but confidence has often eluded me," muses Petty. "From childhood, though, I recognized my own ability to bloom where I was planted. My large, blended family represents many religions, cultures, and political viewpoints. I've also lived here in Dallas since I was a toddler, growing up as my city also grew at a rapid and fascinating pace. As such, I'll take adaptability over chutzpah any day."
Rapid Fire Q&A with Lisa Petty
Q:  When you need some "me" time, where do you go or what do you do to relax and recharge?
A:  I enjoy cooking, though I tend to set things on fire. Summer cooking suits me well, though, since making salads rarely involves a live flame.
Q:  What are your favorite restaurants?
A:  My husband and I love the original location of Bob's Steak & Chop House (4300 Lemmon Avenue). We had dinner there the night we were married. There is also a Korean restaurant near my childhood home called Woo Mee Oak (10560 W. Walnut Street) that's totally off the beaten path. For business lunches and dinners, as well as special treats, you can't beat La Duni (multiple locations). I interviewed the owner Dunia Borga when I was a dining reporter, and I remain a great admirer of her both personally and professionally.

Jeremy and Lisa Petty with their "children" photo: Tye Shirley from Facebook

Q:  What are your favorite places to shop?
A:  Here in Dallas, our boutique scene is booming. Wherever the day takes you, there's a neighborhood favorite or local exclusive offering something you just can't find anywhere else. When I'm in Lakewood, I always stop into Ditto (6465 E. Mockingbird Lane), for irresistible vintage and designer resale finds. For decor and gifts, Home On Bishop (502 N. Bishop Avenue) is a new gem in Oak Cliff's Bishop Arts District. Owners Ken Valencia and Cody Ellison source their posh selection from local artisans in small quantities. And on a hot day, I enjoy the city-in-a-city aspect of Galleria Dallas. It's the only place to find Zara, Ylang 23, Carlo Pazolini, TOUS, and Uno de 50 here in the Metroplex - just to name a few!
Q:  What's your favorite Dallas festival?
A:  The Dallas Flea just keeps getting better and better. Founder Brittany Edwards Cobb is a genius and I never miss the Flea!
Q:  What do you think makes Dallas such a great place to live, work and raise a family?
A:  It seems that I am always learning a new advantage to owning a business based in Dallas from the entrepreneurs in my network. They highlight our central location, affordable resources and cost of living, and motivated consumers, among other strategic advantages. Personally, I enjoy the sense of community I feel here. No matter how much I travel, from New York City to Japan to Hawaii, I always look forward to coming back home.

Girl talk at the Gossip Bar photo: Thomas Garza

Q:  Tell me something about you that most people don't know.
A:  I'm a total sci-fi nerd. I'm obsessed with Star Trek: The Next Generation, and I'm currently working my way through the great sci-fi novel classics. I loved Dune, and a re-read of A Wrinkle In Time is the best way to spend a lazy Saturday. Right now, I'm about halfway through Stranger In A.
Save the date for Thursday, September 26th, when Galleria Dallas will present DFW Style Daily's Best Dressed 2013 at a fabulous evening on the Galleria ice rink. "Choosing these stylish Dallasites is a collaborative effort between all the members of the DFW Style Daily team, and this year's list is amazing!" claims Petty.
"I'm honored to be working on this project with Galleria Dallas and our co-chairs Yvonne Crum and Benny Black. Best of all, 100% of ticket sales will go to the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas and Dallas Can! Academies."
You can get your daily dose of style by visiting DFWStyleDaily.com.