Sending Off Angela in Style: Her Secret to Looking and Feeling Fabulous

(Angela gets ready for her last newscast at KTAB)

As the Big Country says goodbye to Angela Taylor, the girls in the KTAB newsroom are saying goodbye to our big sister. I think I speak for all the girls in the newsroom when I say we all look at Angela in admiration and awe. With all four of us being either the only child or oldest child in our families, when we joined the KTAB family, we got the older sister we never had (and trust me... she's been there to witness all of our growing pains!).

(Neither of us can live without our lip gloss!)

Moving from home, and making that transition from college to career isn't always easy, but Angela (and Bob!) has always been there to give us guidance and support. There's plenty of things we'll miss about her... but let's take a trip down memory lane, and a quick look at her style file:

STYLE SECRETS: Angela in her own words!

• WHERE SHE GETS HER FABULOUS "NEWS-DO" DONE: Courtney Fortune, The Oak Creek Salon on S. 27th and Barrow.
• FAVORITE HAIR PRODUCTS: Tresemme! Ooh-la-la! My hair is so curly I have to manage the frizz!
• FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP: Express and Target! But I've found some great deals on jackets at Goodwill, but I'd really like to raid Priscilla's closet! How many shoes do you have?! (Answer: Hehe, enough to have a shoe problem!)
• PREFERRED PLACE TO GET THE ESSENTIAL MANICURE/PEDICURE: City Nails! Cute lady who loves her KTAB News.
• THE ITEMS IN ANGELA'S MAKE-UP BAG CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Lip gloss and powder, that's all I need!
• SHE NEVER LEAVES THE HOUSE WITHOUT: Cell phone, wallet, and Turner, let's shop!
• BEST FASHION ADVICE: Fit your body! I'm short with soccer legs! Skinny jeans are a no-no, but I love sundresses!
• BIGGEST FASHION "FAUX PAS": No comment! Haha, I don't want to offend anyone ;).
• ON DRESSING UP TURNER: Dresses and BIG Texas Bows! I love how babies look cute in everything!
• ON BALANCING MOTHERHOOD AND A CAREER: Luckily, Turner has always been a huge part of KTAB. She came in all the time, so I never feel like I am missing out on her.
• ON LOOKING AND FEELING FABULOUS: I am almost thirty, and have never felt better! Being a mom changes not just your life, but how you feel.
• BEST THING ABOUT ABILENE: The people. Everybody is so friendly! Plus great BBQ and Mexican food! And of course, KTAB News :).

When I began working at KTAB in October 2008 there's no question that the first thing I noticed about Angela was her talent and ability to lead a newsroom... but I'll tell you the next thing I noticed about Angela... her hair! I wanted to know where she got it done! She'd always walk into the newsroom with perfect news hair each day. To say the least, many of us girls at KTAB and KRBC followed her lead to the Oak Creek Salon, but be prepared to wait for a good thing, because it's not easy booking an appointment with her stylist!

(Angela's signature 'do! With Bob at the 2010 Ben Richey Boys' Ranch Telethon... I swear the side sweep is always perfect!)

Another thing I loved about Angela is how she sticks to her guns, as a journalist, as a person, and of course... a fashionista. She goes with what works for her. There's a long standing joke with many girls in news, we've all chopped our locks for the job, myself included... but Angela found a happy medium, and still kept some of the length. It always looks fabulous.

Aside from her fab 'do, another thing you'll notice about Angela over time is how she always has an awesome pedicure. Every time I've seen her in sandals, she's got a perfect "10." I guess you can say she's polished from head-to-toe!

But it's not just Angela anymore... when I came to Abilene in Fall 2008, Angela also announced she was expecting her first child!

(Remember this? Yes, she was pregnant! AND field anchoring)

I think I can speak for the 300,000+ people in our viewing area when I say, my jaw dropped when I saw Angela doing live shots in the freezing rain when she was pregnant with Turner. You won't believe the number of phone calls we got in the newsroom that day! She's a trooper, and to say the least, she did it in style in her red wool coat.

(Turner Renee with Mommy and Daddy! And of course, her trademark "Texas Bow")

Once all the ice melted, and the flowers started to bloom, her beautiful girl, Turner Renee was born. We knew long before "Baby-T" was born that she would be a pretty girl and a sharp dresser just like Mom, but I think most of us girls really fell in love with Angela's baby when we saw all of her bows! Turner Renee is without a doubt, one of the best dressed babies I've ever seen. And in case you're wondering where all the cute outfits are from, here's a little secret: when Angela heard there might be a Children's Place coming to Abilene last year... I made some calls to the corporate office, and we verified it :).

(Mother and daughter, looking sharp in all kinds of weather!)

Needless to say, Angela is a woman who wears motherhood well. Balancing a career and family isn't easy for any woman, but she's got it down! That... and there's a good reason why she's on the board for the Sports and Fitness Expo... I've never seen a mother bounce back so quickly after having a baby! She trained like a champion, and got back to her old self quickly. Watching her encouraged many of us girls to hit the gym ourselves!

For the past month, Angela has done a series on people who've inspired her through her time here in the Big Country, but I think she's inspired quite a few herself, as a journalist, mother, sister, teacher, mentor, friend, and member of the Abilene community. Good luck in Fayetteville, Angela, and thank you for inspiring me.

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Priscilla Luong thinks Abilene's loss is certainly Fayetteville's gain... but more importantly she thinks Angela's beautiful little girl needs an agent, "Baby-T" has some serious star quality. If you'd like to second that motion, e-mail Priscilla at pluong@ktab.tv.

Vintage Priscilla: Mommy and Me

(Me, Circa 1985: This was my life before hairspray, but if you've ever seen me when I wake up in the morning... some things never change!)

News hair is no easy feat... but she who can help me conquer **THIS** bad hair day, can conquer the world!

Mom is many things to many people, but she will always be queen of my heart :). She's my best friend, and if you notice our dynamic, at times, my mother is also the big sister I never had. I would need all the fingers and toes in the newsroom, plus the sales department... and then some, to count all the fashion disasters Mom has rescued me from!

My mother lives in Asia right now, so she might be 8,000+ miles away, but I'll admit... I still call her... ALL the time, for everything... which goes to show, you're never too old to need your mother, and loving her... never goes go out of style.

Happy Mother's Day, to all the Moms out there!

(April 2010: On the red carpet at the "De Mai Tinh/A Fool For Love" movie premiere in Saigon, Vietnam in cocktail dresses from our favorite Vietnamese designer Nguyen Cong Tri (KIN Boutique: 194 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3, HCMC)... I'd be in serious "girl code" violation if I told you how old she is... but I hope I can age as gracefully! 25-years later, she's still everything I want to be...)

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Priscilla Luong has fond memories of being a little girl who'd sit inside Mom's monstrous closet thinking "someday I want to be as pretty and glamorous as Mommy, and wear all her beautiful clothes!" And... she grew up to be, about the same dress size, let's not talk about our jeans... it makes Priscilla feel like the ugly stepsister! Send her your adorable (and embarrassing!) baby pictures at pluong@ktab.tv.

Oscars 2010: Putting the Glamour Back in Hollywood

Metallic gowns put the sparkle back in Tinseltown for the 2010 Academy Awards. Needless to say, Oscar gold isn’t just about trophies, this year… it’s a fashion statement. After a sea of disappointing black dresses at last year’s show, it’s great to see stars bring their “A-game” back to the red carpet. The fashion world took a plunge through the recession, and went for “smart” over “style,” but it looks like happy days are here again in Hollywood.

So who stood out in the sea of fabulous gowns? It’s hard to shine against all that silver and gold, but I think it’s no question that Sandra Bullock stood out as belle of the ball, and tops off my top five:

Priscilla’s Picks #1: Sandra Bullock

“Miss Congeniality” was one in a million as she glided down the red carpet in a beaded silver Marchesa gown. I’ve always loved gowns with the illusion bodice, and I’m also a firm believer that red carpet gowns should always come with trains, all that plus BLING… so to me this dress takes the cake. Eyes are always glued to the “Best Actress” winner at the Academy Awards, and in this case… Sandra Bullock gives us a great reason to keep looking.

Priscilla’s Pick #2: Cameron Diaz

I am not a fan of mixing metallics, but Cameron Diaz looked breathtaking in her silver and gold Oscar de la Renta gown. The beading is gorgeous, and the hint of gold complements her golden blonde hair. The pageboy waves and red lips along with the sparkle added some Old Hollywood glamour to the Oscars. Bravo.

Priscilla’s Pick #3: Anna Kendrick

I am a HUGE fan of Elie Saab, who designed Anna Kendrick’s gown for the Oscars. The Lebanese designer, who’s also designed for glamazon Halle Berry, is often known for his exceptional work in beading, but Saab is also a mastermind when it comes to working with silk chiffon. The ruching on Kendrick’s European pink gown would be an example. I love the way the skirt flows and how he brought a little texture in the slit with the lace. Pair it with a diamond bracelet, and rhinestone Judith Leiber clutch, and she’s a starlet.

Priscilla’s Pick #4: Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker brought a different type of Hollywood glamour to the red carpet in her classic, 1950’s inspired Chanel Haute Couture gown. I love the detail work and the clean silhouette of the dress. It’s easy to make this look seem “stiff,” but the jewelry offsets the hard edge of the beading on the dress. Carrie Bradshaw and her girls would be proud!

Priscilla’s Pick #5: Amanda Seyfried

When I saw Amanda Seyfried walk the red carpet in her mint green, Swarovski crystal encrusted Armani Prive ball gown, I thought of Grace Kelly. This look is beautiful and timeless. I loved how the crystal detailing has some softness to it, and also loved the texture and pleating on the skirt. Jewelry… I would have gone with a different bracelet, instead of the cuff, but either way she looks gorgeous.

There’s dozens of other celebrities who dazzled the red carpet, but I think these five were my favorites. Other gowns I loved include Penelope Cruz’s red taffeta Donna Karan gown, Demi Moore’s blush silk chiffon Versace, and Rachel McAdam’s strapless watercolor Elie Saab, but I think these five are the ones all have unique and timeless qualities that make them stand-out above the rest.

I think the true test of style is one that stands the test of time. If you can look back ten years from now and still say “wow, that’s beautiful,” then I’d say… you must have been doing something right!

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Priscilla Luong wants Sandra Bullock’s gown… but much like any mortal soul, she doesn’t have enough change to spare on Marchesa couture. BUT… she knows where Vanna White and “The Price is Right” girls got their dresses… and where you can find the showroom in Los Angeles (confession: she used to shop there). If you want in on the secret… e-mail her at pluong@ktab.tv

Team USA: Dressed Like Champions

(Team USA sports Ralph Lauren at Opening Ceremonies for 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver)

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicked off Thursday night in New York City, but as American designers showcase their latest collections and sip champagne at posh “post-fashion show” shindigs, our neighbors up north host an even bigger party: The 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

As models walk the catwalk, athletes who trained their whole lives enter the stadium during the opening ceremonies representing their country as one of the best in the world. For many athletes, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. Unless the athlete is a top contender for a gold medal… that pan shot in the “parade of nations” may be the only moment they get on television. There’s no question that during that brief shining moment… they’ll want to look their best.

(Team USA takes their walk at 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing)

In years past… it’s been a hit and miss for Team USA, but ever since the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing… the athletes look pretty sharp, and with good reason. After receiving mixed reviews entering the world stage, the US Olympic Committee enlisted the help of American fashion legend, Ralph Lauren.

There are plenty of great designers with outstanding collections featured at Fashion Week, Vera Wang's breathtaking designs not only graced the catwalk and red carpet, but the ice skating rink. In fact, her designs earned her a spot in the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

(Olympic Silver-Medalist Nancy Kerrigan in Vera Wang figure skating dress encrusted in Swarovski crystals)

As much as I love Vera Wang’s costumes for US Figure Skaters like Nancy Kerrigan and Michelle Kwan, I don’t think anything says “All-American” more than the Polo Ralph Lauren label. The style, cut, and construction of his garments are perfect for athletes.

(Team USA Closing Ceremonies Ensemble by Ralph Lauren)

Many people would assume dressing athletes is easy. They’re toned, fit, clean-cut, and for the most part… good-looking, but designing an outfit that’s flattering to hundreds of people who range from petite to hefty is no easy feat. And I’m sure many fashion-enthusiasts will agree, if you’re looking for someone who makes red, white, and blue look good… Ralph Lauren is your “go-to” guy.

The opening and closing ceremony outfits are available for purchase on the Ralph Lauren website, but be advised: dressing like a champion comes at a pretty penny. Although Polo keeps a tight lip on the deal, the Wall Street Journal says the US Olympic Committee has negotiated a deal with Ralph Lauren to dress Team USA for the 2012 Summer Games in London. So as athletes strut through the fashion-forward city… land of Burberry, Stella McCartney, and Dior’s John Galliano… they can keep doing the catwalk.

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Priscilla Luong once had Olympic dreams and visions of donning a Vera Wang figure skating costume of her own. Like many Asian-American girls, she idolized Kristi Yamaguchi and Michelle Kwan. In fact… Priscilla was so inspired, she took figure skating lessons, and soon found out, that she was the sorriest sight you’d ever see on ice skates. If you’d like to give her ice skating lessons or share her love for Team USA ice dancing pair, Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto, e-mail her at pluong@ktab.tv.

TV Trends: MTV's "Jersey Shore" Starts Them Young?!

People say kids are growing up faster nowadays... and in this case? Boys are speaking the "Bro Code" before they're old enough to write a whole paragraph. One of the latest leaks on "Babelgum.com" spoofs MTV's hit show, "Jersey Shore," and if you haven't seen it... the show is "Real World" meets Spring Break on none other than the Tri-State area's favorite playground (hence, the show's namesake).

Kids say the darndest things don't they? I can't say I'm a fan of the show... "Jersey Shore," puts viewers in an awkward situation, where it's like a train wreck... a total disaster. As you watch "Jersey Shore," you think to yourself "oh my goodness, this is so horrible," but for some reason you can't stop watching.

The first time I watched "Jersey Shore," was at the gym while I was on the cardio machines, I scanned through the usual news stations, and then I saw J-Wow make a scene at a nightclub... and I thought to myself: "for shame, Priscilla, for shame... MTV is on your college Murtaugh List... go back to watching Anderson Cooper, news is the real reality, STOP WATCHING J-WOW!" Personally, I'd love to see network executives bring the music back to MTV, but the folks behind programming sure know how to keep viewers tuned-in.

Needless to say, it's the latest reality show that's got people talking... but for me... I think "Jersey Shore" is too much. The shock value hooks you in just like some of the other shows on the network, but with all the drama... do you think the show is here to stay? Or is it a trend that's going to die out from MTV along with the music?

There's a saying in show business, if you're being 'spoofed,' you know you've made it... I don't think “Jersey Shore” has the success potential of "Real World," which has been running for 23-seasons and counting, but like the crazy characters that drive viewers to watch... you never know what's going to happen on the "Jersey Shore."

And it looks like… they’re already grooming the next cast…

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Priscilla Luong thinks with Valentine's Day coming up, along with the music... MTV should bring back "Singled Out," another hit show that died out in the late 1990's. Hey, it's vintage, and it's much cooler than the "Love Connection!" Drop her a line or let her know what's spinning on your iPod at pluong@ktab.tv. She needs new cardio music to distract her from J-Wow and Snooki...

Tech Trend 2010: iPad or iFad?

True confessions of an ex-Silicon Valley brat: I am a sucker for “tech toys.” When Apple came out with its iPhone 3G in 2008… I was one of the poor, unfortunate souls who stood in line for 7-hours to get a new phone. Yes, I know, it’s crazy, but being a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, where I come from… technology is king. Most of the men in my family are engineers, including my dad, who passed on his love for technology to me. And standing in line for the latest and greatest in cool tech gadgets? Relatively speaking, it’s normal back in NorCal.

(Dad, if you’re reading this, I love you, but you created quite the monster, that said… thanks! :))

Fast forward to January 27, 2010… nearly a decade since Apple launched the iPod, Steve Jobs introduces the world to the iPad, a state of the art tablet computer that many technology experts say will blow the competition out of the water.

An overstatement? In my opinion, yes, I think it could be, although the iPad does have some practical utility for students.

As the education reporter at KTAB, one issue I follow closely is technology integration in Texas classrooms. Over the past year, several districts across the Big Country, like Coleman and Brownwood ISD, have been getting grants to supply each of their high school students and staff with laptops. On February 2, Jim Ned CISD will issue each high school student with their own iPod Touch, but they’re not the only ones with iTouch technology in their classroom.

Earlier this week I went to Albany ISD to speak with teachers about how they integrated iTouches into their classrooms. Teachers have had their iTouches for about a semester, but we still haven’t seen any issued to the students, so I had to ask district officials if the students would be getting their iTouches any time soon… and they told me they wanted to wait and see what Apple would dream up next. Low and behold, two days later, the iPad makes its debut!

When I took a look at the iPad’s features, I’m not going lie, I immediately felt a little iPhone envy… because the tablet is iPod Touch meets laptop meets Amazon Kindle. When we’re talking classrooms, I’d say this combination is pretty close to the trifecta. Here’s why:

• iPod Touch: want a free full text version of the US Constitution and summary of Roe v. Wade for your history class? There’s an app for that… same goes for stocks in economics, translators for your foreign language class, and formulas for your math and science classes.
• Laptop: towards the tail end of my undergrad years, I’d take all my notes on my laptop because I got sick of re-typing my study guides! And occasionally… when the laptop ran out of batteries… I take notes on my iPhone… sure it worked, but I hated squinting at the 3-inch screen. The 10-inch screen tablet and larger keyboard is much more student friendly.
• Amazon Kindle: okay, when I saw the iBook feature on the iPad this was when I really turned green… because for Christmas, I got the Amazon Kindle, and LOVED it. If Apple can accommodate required reading in English classes and sell textbooks to college students via iBook… then this product is killer.

Now, after I explained how this tablet computer could just be the Holy Grail of all computer tablets, let’s take a look at what’s missing, and what I don’t like about the latest Mac-to-Attack the markets:

• No Multitasking: This is probably going to be the part that annoys many people… you can’t open all those different windows like you do on your laptop… it’s still like your iPhone or iPod touch… no, sorry, you can’t have Facebook and PacMan Lite open at once. Just one!
• No USB Connection: How am I supposed to print my notes? *Grumbles*
• No Camera: Say goodbye to webcam conversations via iChat, AIM, and Skype, you’ll still need your laptops for that… although… this is good news for teachers!
• 4:3 not 16:9: You can watch your movies… but you’re still going to get those two black bars if you’re going HD… Still getting the “old school” computer monitor resolution!
• No Flash: Sure, Steve Jobs says the iPad is a great way to browse the web, but… you’re still not getting the full web experience…

Pros and Cons aside, am I going to stand in line for 7-hours to get the iPad when it comes out this spring? No, I think I’ll wait for the next iPhone… but I’ll say this much… I still remember what it’s like to be the student who shelled out at least $200 on textbooks each semester in college, and got scoliosis from carrying too many heavy books in my bag as a middle/high school student. If teachers and district officials are trying to find a more cost-efficient way to bring the technology element into their classrooms… this computer… minus the more distracting features of laptops, like cameras and chat programs, may be the way to go.

As for the “recreational users?” that’s up to you, for now… I’ll say it’s an item that certainly fits the Style File, but in this case… I’ll pass. How about you? Or should I say... how you like them Apples?

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Priscilla Luong developed much Texas pride over the past year and a half, but she still has her California love. She believes Silicon Valley brat rule number one is never buy any first generation tech gadget… engineers won’t have the kinks out until the 2nd or 3rd generation model. Drop her a line at pluong@ktab.tv, e-mail isn’t old school… yet.

My Passion for Fashion: Fighting the Daily Feat of Getting Dressed

(Photo: Sophia Ritz, Shanghai, PRC)

I think it comes with no question that getting dressed each day can be a major feat for just about anyone, male or female, especially in image conscious industries such as television news. Each morning when I wake up, aside from thinking of what stories I’m going to do, I’m just like any other twenty-something year old gal…

“OMIGOSHHHHH!!!! WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?!”

After all… there’s that age-old rule many of our moms and girl friends preach: a woman can’t wear the same outfit within a two-week rotation, and who wants to break the female-code on television? I know I don’t! That said… neither does my mother ;). Many people I know say, “It feels like my mom is always watching me.” I’ll tell you this much… mine does! I love her to death; she’s my best friend and watches our weekend newscasts religiously on Big Country Homepage from my family’s home in Saigon, Vietnam. Trust me… if I look bad or repeat an outfit before its time, I’ll get a LONG lecture!

(And… a big phone bill to boot, those long distance minutes are killer…)

Through tough times, I know for many women in the working world, it’s not always easy to “get creative” with the basic staples like a black suit. There are PLENTY of days where I clutch on to my “safety outfits” tighter than an infant clutches their security blanket, but on the better days… my passion for fashion kicks in, and I actually have a lot of fun getting dressed-up, not just for work… but for the folks who watch us on KTAB at home!

Fashion is something I’ve loved my whole life. Like many little girls I meet through the education stories I do on KTAB, my favorite childhood pastime was playing dress up. Since my mom and grandma did a lot of sewing when I was a little girl, I learned about textiles and took sewing classes at a young age. There was a point in my life when I wanted to become a fashion designer, but I never had the patience to create any of the beautiful dresses and traditional Vietnamese dresses (known as ao dai) Mom and Grandma made.

However, the lessons they taught me never went to waste, it taught me what to look for when investing in a good garment, and gave me a better perspective of the consumer aspect in fashion. As for the fun aspect? I think fashion and style speaks beyond clothes, and that’s what I hope to bring to you here on the “Style File.”

We’ll talk “shop talk” of course, but like I said in my “Recessionistas” piece earlier in October… every girl (and the guys that love them) has the right to remain fabulous. She has the right to live in style, regardless of her budget.

Keep rocking those kicks and stilettos! Hope to see y’all soon.

- PL