Meet Victoria Snee, director of marketing and public relations for NorthPark Center in Dallas. Snee is also the shopping center's fashion and beauty spokesperson and often gives advice on various television and radio outlets, as well as in print. Before stepping into her current executive role, Snee worked in Dallas media for nearly 10 years in both radio and television. She was the morning co-host on 102.9 NOW for five years and covered entertainment and lifestyle news as a reporter with Tribune-owned KDAF-TV. Snee covered major red carpet movie premieres, fashion events and awards shows around the world. She interviewed actors, musicians and various celebrities.
In 2009, D Magazine named Snee one of 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas. Snee shares her beauty and fashion advice in a book titled "The Beauty Buzz." We wanted to talk with Snee about the upcoming holiday shopping season and the hottest trends for buying on a budget, no matter who is on your list. She was kind enough to answer a few questions:
Dawn Tongish: As director of media relations at NorthPark Center, what kind of holiday shopping season are you anticipating?
Victoria Snee: I think this holiday shopping season will be amazing! There are so many fantastic items already in stores. I think many people learned the hard way last year with packages not making it in time for Christmas because of weather delays, that online shopping isn’t always the best way to go. I can’t tell you how many people we saw at NorthPark Center on Christmas Eve scrambling to buy gifts because their online shipping orders hadn’t arrived. No one wants an empty tree on Christmas morning!
DT: Can you describe what shoppers can expect in terms of new experiences/stores this season at NorthPark Center?
VS: We are so excited this year about our new art installation “Scattered Light” outside in CenterPark before Thanksgiving. It is a spectacular installation by renowned artist Jim Campbell. It’s a three-dimensional work which was recently on display in Hong Kong that features 1,800 dangling bulbs flickering into shadowy figures. It is truly remarkable and unlike anything North Texas has seen before! We also have had several new stores opening their doors at NorthPark this year including Mulberry, Microsoft, Arhaus, Agent Provocateur, Pirch, Robert Graham, Tesla, Tory Burch, Spanx and Lorna Jane.
DT: What is the best way for a bargain hunter to prepare for Black Friday shopping?
VS: My best advice is to make a plan. Know who you need to buy for and what you are looking to purchase for them. I would scope out things early. Stop by stores before Black Friday and get a “lay of the land.” Talk to the store associates and managers about what special sales they will be offering on Black Friday. If there is a particular item you are looking for, ask them about it. Chances are they will give you the scoop if it is going to be marked down! I always say, make friends with the people who work at your favorites stores. It’s the best way to get insider information.
DT: You are just the person to ask about style. What are the fashion trends this holiday buying season?
VS: It’s all about a cape this season. I think they are so chic and flattering and look great on everyone. You should definitely try staying warm with a gorgeous cape this season. Other great fashion trends for holiday are faux fur and vegan leather accents on skirts, jackets, shirts and pants. Over the knee boots continue to be a great look for fall/winter. And, of course, embellishments on tops and dresses always seem festive and right for the season.
DT: What do you think will be the go-to gifts in terms of kids? Gifts for women? Gifts for guys?
VS: For the kids, you can’t go wrong with anything “Frozen” for little girls and Legos for the boys. A beauty or fragrance gift set for women is an easy go-to gift. Handbags and wallets are another perfect choice. And for the guys, a black leather jacket is a must for any man. They will also get great use out of a nice piece of luggage or a work bag.
DT: You are the author of the book "The Beauty Buzz." What beauty products will be hot this year for stocking stuffers?
VS: BareMinerals has a really cute 6-pack lip gloss set ($26) called “Kissing Booth” that is a perfect stocking stuffer. L’Occitane’s Hand Indulgences set ($28) is also great for the cold, winter weather. They are shea butter hand creams that come in a collection of three wonderful scents. I also adore anything from fresh. I especially love Fresh’s sugar legends lip conditioners ($55) and Skincare Idols set ($58) that comes with a cleanser, face oil, lip balm and face mask.
DT: Do you have a favorite holiday memory?
VS: My favorite holiday memory is always Christmas morning with my older sister when we were young. My mother would dress us in matching pajamas and as soon as we woke up, we would run as fast as we could from our bedrooms to the living room where our Christmas stockings hung. I always loved opening gifts from my stocking first because it was like finding small little treasures.
If you'd like to nominate a local resident for a BubbleLife community profile, contact Dawn Tongish at dtongish@yahoo.com or find her on Twitter at @DawnTongish.