Clearly, the ladies who lunch got the memo — orange or some variation thereof is the de rigueur color for spring. That was the trend at the River Oaks Tennis Tournament luncheon where it seemed that every third woman dressed in some shade of coral or orange. Of course, there was beaucoup white in the fashion tide and the trending maxidress was in evidence.
If nothing else, this annual luncheon and Tootsies fashion show, held around the pool at River Oaks Country Club, is the ultimate see and be seen event of the season. For two days back-to-back, the fashion flock floats in on a wave of spring frocks, summer hats and capris. Always a sellout, the club packed in 570 women and a sprinkling of men at festively-decorated tables that flanked the pool and surrounding terrace.
For chairwoman Joella Mach, as a young veteran of the non-profit fundraising scene, this was one of the easiest events she's been involved in. The tables sell themselves as the ladies scramble to secure the coveted seating. So popular is this event that several years ago, the country club decided to repeat it on Thursday. Each year, the second day is fully booked as well.
Wednesday was a splendid day for an outdoor gathering and none were more striking than the ladies in broad-brimmed sun hats such as Anne Carl, Kimberly DeLape, Diane Lokey Farb, Cathy Cleary, Dancie Ware, Cynthia Allshouse, Sarah Simon, Susan Hansen and Brittany Cassin.
Eileen Hricik celebrated her birthday at a table hosted by Karen Johnson, who ordered Italian cream cake (Eileen's fave) for her table. Saluting the birthday girl were Sheridan Williams, Melinda Berkman, Betty Campbell, Lynda Transier, Christine Transier and Jane Brennan-Martin.
In between the socializing, Tootsies presented a stunning fashion show that included, as is tradition, a duo of hunky guys in tiny Speedos, covered this year in pareos. They appeared later on the runway in tuxes as a compliment to the female models in ball gowns.
Among the well-dressed gents in the crowd were tournament chairman David Modesett, Steve Mach supporting his bride who chaired, John Eads, Ron Simon, Mark Sullivan, Cerón and Van Berry.
