Shelby's Social Diary

No one knows how to Dress for Success like the Women of Wardrobe

News_WOW_Michelle Kobelan_Deanna Payne_Katie Payne

Photo by Gary Fountain

What better way to beat the August heat than by taking a cool spin around the chic fashion aisles of Tootsies?

Just ask the 100 or so gals and sprinkling of guys who stepped out Wednesday night for the Women of Wardrobe's seventh annual Sizzling Summer Soirée in that Highland Village emporium.

Rounding up the youthful fashionistas for the evening that benefits Dress for Success were chairs Sharron Melton of KTRK Channel 13, Rachel McNeill of KPRC Channel 2 and Melinda Spaulding Chevalier of Fox 26. Also in on the organizational fun were WOW president Allison Bagley and Dress for Success founder Nancy Levicki.

Several among the fashion flock modeled the sleek and sassy styles of designer Jay Godfrey, who was in house to meet and greet his potential customers. He was joined by jewelry designer Claudia Lobao who brought along oodles of her bold and beautiful baubles.

The fashion throng feasted on appetizers from Capital Grille and Sprinkles cupcakes. In addition to other libations, there was plenty of Austin's Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka for slaking a summer night's thirst.

News_WOW_Sharron Melton_Melinda Spaulding_Rachel McNeill

Photo by Gary Fountain

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Save the date

Houston’s premier bridal showcase returns with latest tips and trends

Photo by Anthony Rathbun

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Brides- and grooms-to-be should make their own save-the-dates for January 11 and 12, 2025. That’s when the 41st Bridal Extravaganza Show returns to the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. The largest bridal planning showcase in the U.S., the event helps attendees plan the perfect big day.

More than 225 vendors will be on hand, ready to talk about the latest tips and trends in everything from cakes to flowers to dresses and beyond. Expect cake samples, décor and flower ideas, multiple fashion shows, Instagram walls for selfies, prizes, presentations on the latest bridal fashion and trends, and entertainment from Houston’s top wedding professionals.

New for 2025 is an added focus on destination weddings. more than 10 vendors specializing in both destination weddings and honeymoon arrangements will be in attendance.

Bridal Party Gifts premieres its new, two-sided, suede “Bride to Be” glitter sash, and LWx Custom Hats showcases a traveling hat bar, where the hatter will be on hand for demonstrations and guests can create custom hats for all their wedding events.

Among the many other new vendors are The Painted Bridal Bouquet, with an artist on hand to demonstrate how they turn a bride’s bouquet into a custom artwork, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake, and Unlikely Designs, helmed by Houston-based bridal gown designer Watina Lee, who is launching the "The Affirmation Collection" at the show.

A full listing of vendors and planned events is available on the show’s website.

Attendees will leave the event with a digital list of all of their favorite vendors with the BrideScan app, allowing engaged couples to connect with wedding professionals via a QR code.

The first 100 VIP Brides also receive signature swag bags with complimentary gifts from sponsors and vendors. VIP tickets offer attendees early entry, special prizes, a $200 gift credit to SymbolizeIt photo website, the latest issue of Texas Weddings Magazine, and many additional secret surprises.

Tickets are available online. General admission tickets are $15 online and $25 at the door for adults, and children aged 5-12 are $5. VIP single admission is $35, or a VIP package for one Bride or Groom plus three guests is $99. Show hours are 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday, January 11 and 12-5 pm on Sunday, January 12.

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