“Comfortable, casual and affordable” were the catch words repeated at Our Lady of the Valley Auxiliary of Immaculate Conception Parish luncheon and fashion show Saturday, March 5.
The second annual event raised money for the parish and a charity yet to be selected by the auxiliary, according to spokeswoman Betty Brown.
The event raised more than $1,500 in 2010 and looked to increase that total this year, Brown said.
The show featured a bevy of beautiful models, all of a certain age, who paraded the runway at Immaculate Conception Parish Hall, formerly the parish’s house of worship.
“We’re an offshoot of the Knights of Columbus,” Brown said of Our Lady of the Valley Auxiliary. “Last year, a portion of the money we raised went to Haiti.”
A catwalk and master of ceremonies where the altar once stood saw a half dozen models in vibrant yellow sweaters and soft pink frocks consistent with the season. Flower patterns dominated the shirts and blouses.
“I liked the orchids. Flowers seem to be one of the trends this year,” Pat Sherman, a parish member, said.
Far less haughty than the crowd in Milan, Italy, the ladies of the auxiliary and more than 100 of their guests came ready to show off their own finery. Some, like Denise Dyer, came wearing gold, her earrings and bracelets the perfect accessories for a striking patterned top of teal, black and white.
Others more interested in conversation and companionship nevertheless enjoyed the event catered by Rich Crowell, head chef at Verde Valley Medical Center, who prepared a delicious light lunch. Clothes were modeled by auxiliary members and door prizes were given out.
Isabel Walker, delighted to receive the first gift bag, said, “That’s just what I need — beauty.”
Pushing aside the tissue paper, Walker discovered a selection of beauty products designed to improve skin tone and soften the lines the years can draw.
“I usually use just soap and water,” she said.
A country girl, Walker said she prefers to wear jeans and a T-shirt, but saw a few items she might buy.
“There was a green thing I liked,” she said.
Dyer said she liked a blue sweater with fitted sleeves and admired many of the jackets and scarves on display.
As one model sashayed her way around the stage, host Ruthanne Plas asked her to turn and show the back pockets on a pair of straight-legged jeans being modeled.
“We’re just showing off our rear ends today,” Plas said. “It’s a good thing we’re all cute.”
