Springing into fashion fun

Warm weather is here, and those in the know are sporting the latest in fashion. Perhaps that s because they attended one of the style soirees for fun and fund-raising that added color to the dull days of winter and early spring.

SPIES were out and about when the Toledo Opera Guild presented 007 and the Bond Girls Fashion Review May 2 at Inverness Club, featuring fashions from Lily Whitestone and Ragazza. At the head of it all was top agent Jean Smith, who thought up the theme. Sandra Seiple, spylike in a trench coat and shades, took to the stage.

Classy, jazzy, and lots of pizazz: It was all there. Handbags, wedge shoes, and sunglasses added personal touches to the fashions. There were bold colors and neutrals, sexy halters, flirty skirts, sleek slacks, and more. The mission was accomplished as the models were kept under under surveillance by the 200 guests, which included Mary Ann Tigges, Lee Murray, June Edmunds, Terry Wolfe, Diane Disbrow, Faye Fenwick, Christine Gosline, Pat Hunter, Mary Madigan, Joyce Stenberg, and Mary Pat Anderson. The audience also loved classy canine models Niki and Mishka, Russian wolf hounds who seemed to be right out of the Bond flick From Russia with Love.

Norma Weiher, left, and awardee Marie Bollinger Vogt admire the dancers from the Toledo Ballet during the fourth annual Crosby award luncheon.

Diva Sandra Honemann, accompanied by Gladys Rudolph, sang between breaks and Mr. Entertainer spun just the right tunes for the undercover gals. Also exciting was the auction of an Adam Grant painting, a Stephen Cothern glass piece, and a cruise aboard a Hatteras yacht. Raffle items enticed many too. Those in the know got first dibs on the giant red geranium centerpieces. Cookie Westmeyer, clad in red from head to toe, had all sold before the show started.

The net was $5,500 for the children s Educational Outreach and the Opera Association. Agents aiding and abetting Mrs. Smith included Lucy Gorski, Lee Murray, Bonnie Milano, Peggy Crook, Sue Lovett, Barbara Baumgartner, Jan Comer, Pat Osborn, Joyce Racine, Karen DeNune, Yvonne Cothern, Sharon Lynch, and Patty Byrne.

TOLEDO Animal Shelter Auxiliary s Best in Show: A Blue Ribbon Event review May 31 at Inverness Club was once again under the direction of Mrs. Smith. The runway, anchored with roses, sprang to life as volunteer models paraded in fabulous fashions from Talbot s. Barb Koralewski said, Summer is here and now and wow! A skirt is one must-have, she said, and white is always right for summer, especially linens.

Hurricane lamps, surrounded by wreaths of silks flowers, by Kate Adams Namache centered the tables.

Best in Show was Emma, a bearded collie, who walked with Ann Criqui, niece of president Nancy Ligibel. Blue ribbons went to Bill Coine, association board member, who played piano, and Zach Lahey, whose fabulous voice swooned the ladies. Mr. Lahey, a co-owner of Manhattan s Restaurant, is the grandson of Jackie Rousseau Werner, auxiliary board member. Many recognized him from The Full Monty, which the Toledo Repertoire Theatre will present again in August.

About $1,000 was the net, even though the event was a friend-raiser ; no advertising, no sponsors, and no patrons. And a reunion of friends it was. The room was filled to its capacity of 100. Attending were Debbie Mertz, Peg Werner, Dortha Baum, Janet LeGolvin, Karen Merrels, Joni Fought, Edith Rathbun, Betty Lou Davis, Do McEwen, Diane Churdar, Carol Fox, and many others.

Thanking everyone, especially the auxiliary, was Jack Fynes, association board president. Mr. Fynes said nowadays people are bringing in their pets when they can no longer take care of them. So, if you can offer a good home to a pet, check out the shelter.

YOUNG ladies in full-skirted, white ball gowns were presented to society during the 43rd annual Cotillion, presented by the Toledo Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women s Club s Inc., May 26 at Stranahan Great Hall. The 40 young women waltzing with handsome escorts clad in white tails were a sight to see. This was the grand finale, capping two years of preparation, from etiquette and dance classes to career seminars. While all the debutantes are special, one is always selected as Debutante of the Year. This year it is Brittany Darrington, daughter of Michael Darrington and Tracey Darrington, who gets theDebutante title and receives a $3,000 scholarship. Miss Darrington, a Sylvania Southview graduate, is attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, this fall.

Ashley Duke is first runner-up and Chayla Overton is second. Victoria Phifer won first in talent. Miss Congeniality is Anna-Stacia Allen. Allan Boyd is Mr. Escort of the year. In addition, the University of Toledo presented 10 scholarships.

PEEKING out from under hats were many of the 200 ladies who paid $250 smackers to attend the fourth annual Crosby Award Luncheon, presented by Fox/Fox/Thistlewaite Group of Citigroup SmithBarney May 23, in Toledo Botanical Garden.

Ladies chatted over wines from Manhattan s Restaurant. Wine stewards were several community leaders of the male persuasion, who wore crisp white shirts, black pants, a hat of their choice, and a smile.

Ballerinas scattered rose petals to a tented Diva lunch, where Paula Fall, TBG trustee, welcomed everyone. Mimi Creutz, board president, presented the awards. Margy Trumbull, art advocate and chairman of the board of the Toledo Arts Commission, and Marie Bollinger Vogt, Toledo Ballet founder, were this year s honorees. Mrs. Vogt made a quick and humble thank-you. Mrs. Trumbull said, I have to say no to some things; I just don t have time. But I ve had a great career because I ve said yes to so many other things.

A signature silk scarf was unveiled and can be purchased at Vintage Gardens Gallery at TBG or downtown at Sophia Lustig Shop.

Seen were Joanne McElheney, Becky Furhman, Julie Morissette, Dana White, Jan Merrels, Karen Lucas, Yolanda Szuch, Susan Reams, Mary Krueger, Cathy Carroll, and Sally Giauque.

The net of about $40,000 benefits the new Children s Garden, which is slated to break ground in 2008, said Janet Schroeder, executive director.

FASHION the second time around is still fashion. Every third week of the month, ladies at Clara J s tea room see what s in for jewelry, purses, and more. One Friday, Change of Seasons Consignment Shop showed that second-hand garments can be top class. Designers included Chanel, Victoria s Secret, and Ann Taylor.

Another group to show that second-hand items still are glamorous was the Kappa Delta gals. Their spring Glamathon featured gently used gowns that found happy homes.

MODELS were all cancer survivors at the American Cancer Society s Colors for the Cures dinner, style show, and auction in April at Gladieux Meadows. Candy Sturtz of Lady C narrated the show of fashions from her shop and Elegance with Style, which specializes in designer plus sizes. Emcee Laura Emerson of WUPW-TV, Channel 36, played auctioneer, and a silent auction was a shopper s delight. So too was the raffle for a white gold and diamond necklace donated by Licata Jewelers.

Decorative Sound and the Toledo School for the Arts string quartet and jazz ensemble played background tunes throughout. Nearly $30,000 was netted to aid in the fight against cancer, said chairmen Nancy Kahler and Anne O Leary.

BIG Brothers Big Sisters Bigs and Littles Tea and Fashion show was in April at the Park Inn. A parade of adults and teens in their favorite, warm-weather casual capped the lovely afternoon. Performing was Amiee Moser, Miss Teen Ohio International 2006 and a Big Sister.

THE Preacher s Wife hosted a special hat show in March with Lawrence H. Levens of New York. He s slated to return to Toledo this fall.

GARDEN Club Forum presented the Flower Power: Scintilla 2007 lunch and fashion review in March at Stranahan Great Hall, with threads by Lady C, Elegance with Style, and Sophia Lustig. Ladies perused raffle items before sitting for a tasty lunch at tables centered with pastel gift bags filled with multicolored Gerbera daisies by Helen Haas of All Thumbs Garden Club. They matched the giant daisies on the backdrop.

Peppy tunes played as models of all sizes, shapes, and ages, strolled the runway in flirty skirts of all lengths, cropped and long pants, colorful suits and raincoats, and wedge heels. A variety of polka dots, eyelet, wide belts, and other accessories made fashion statements.

Mrs. Fall of Sophia Lustig Shop noted that the little black dress is back and black and white is a strong classic.

Marcia Hudson of Elegance with Style said it s all about one s attitude. Whatever skin you re in, it s how you carry yourelf! Ms. Sturtz of Lady C noted classics are always good. The event netted $5,100 to benefit the Toledo Botanical Garden intern program, student scholarships, and civic beautification. Event chairman was Mona Macksey of the Anthony Wayne Garden Club. Fashion coordinator was Darlene Carpenter of Maumee Garden Club. The Garden Club Forum, run by Rosalie Overton, president, includes more than a dozen area garden clubs.