It's a delicate dance of words "gently-used," "couture cast-offs" or "lightly-worn." But the truth is that the bundle of designer threads that flew out of the doors of River Oaks Country Club on Tuesday were quite simply second hand. A fact that not one single woman in the sellout crowd at the Salvation Army Auxiliary's "Reflections on Style" luncheon seemed to mind.

And that's the beauty of this annual fundraiser that in its seventh year sold $90,000 in clothing that came from some of the toniest closets in the city. Not all of those pieces were previously worn. Many still had the tags on. By day's end the event had raised $507,000 including table sales.

Phoebe Tudor found the perfect vintage gown for the upcoming Society for the Performing Arts "Mad Men" gala, a gold number with a little jacket trimmed in fur. Ginger Blanton, a "Reflections on Style" regular, had a sack full of big-label finds for her daughters. Nancy Gordon had her eye on a fur jacket that would be perfect for UT football games.

Did we mention the incredible bargains? Consummate shopper Becca Cason Thrash went home with an armload of designer fashions. "I got a Givenchy suit for $185. I'm beyond over the moon," she cheered.

Most importantly

As the ladies departed with big smiles and even bigger shopping bags, none could have been more pleased than "Reflections on Style" luncheon chair Linda McReynolds. The day set records with $355,000 in table sales. And the honoree, Barbara Bush, added depth and fun to the luncheon.

"George and I love the Salvation Army," she said. "They are always there when help is needed. It's truly an honor to be here."

Her brief remarks covered literacy, education and a mini-accounting of her life and then the trademark Barbara Bush humor. "I was asked also to speak on my reflections on style," she said, then paused. The audience cracked up. "That is so rude," she deadpanned.

Keys to success

As is tradition, the luncheon included a runway show of the best of the best fashions donated by Houston's leading ladies. Fashion event producer Lenny Matuszewski and fashion stylist Tamara Klosz Bonar worked their magic with a staggering collection of Oscar de la Renta, Armani, Chanel, Prada and Escada. Those designs, managed by couture chairs Lilly Andress and Carol Sharp, would join the collection already on the racks in the massive operation overseen by Chic Boutique chairs Suzie Conway and Debbie Rogers.

Among the eager shoppers were Kellie Cutsinger (this her fifth year attending), Lisa Wong, Donna Bayless, Susan Hansen, Vicki West, Laura Wheeless, Laura Codman, Tena Faust, Diane Gendel, Diane Riley and Alice Mosing.

Salvation Army Auxiliary president Brenda DeVore welcomed the sellout crowd that included a heavy turnout of old guard including Susan Baker, Margaret Love, Ann Duncan, Claire Glassell, Elise Joseph, Jeanie Kilroy, Leslie Sasser, Pat Breen, Lynn Wyatt and Judy Tate.

More shopping opps

Linda McReynolds advised the gathering that so many wonderful pieces had been donated for the sale that not everything would fit in the country club ballroom, so the shopping continues Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Those items not sold on Tuesday and the loads more that simply wouldn't fit will be offered at reduced prices at 1992 West Gray in the River Oaks Shopping Center.

The bounty includes jewelry, handbags and closets full of fancy frocks, pantsuits and gowns. Doors open at 10 a.m. on Thursday.