While few residents of River Oaks, Tanglewood and Memorial would ever be caught shopping in a resale boutique, they swarmed with enthusiasm through the racks at the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary's 10th annual "Reflections on Style" luncheon. In fact, the bargain retail therapy ran at such a fever pitch at River Oaks Country Club that by the end of the fundraiser, a record $600,000 had gone into Salvation Army coffers.
After all, who could pass up the bargains on divine items such as a brand new Chanel handbag, a sable-lined raincoat, full-length mink coat and fashions by Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Escada and more. Each year, auxiliary members cull through the poshest of closets assembling clothing for the grandest resale opportunity of the year, dubbed the "Chic Boutique." Applause, applause to Chic Boutique chairs Debbie Rogers and Jeanne Ruberti and couture chairs Rose Cullen, Linda McReynolds and Phoebe Tudor.
Over the moon with the luncheon's success were chairwoman Brenda DeVore, auxiliary president Dorothy Nicholson and founding president Lilly Andress. Contributing to the generous cash flow of the day was luncheon honoree Janice McNair, recognized for her long-time support of the Salvation Army and the popular luncheon.
Tamara Bonar and Lenny Matuszewski, who each year produce the fashion show which accompanies the sale, received special recognition for their creative talents at turning second-hand clothing into divine runway inspirations.
The shopping continues through Saturday at the Chic Boutique After Sale, chaired by Deborah Dunkum, at 6010-C Washington Avenue.
Among the ladies either donating clothes or shopping the racks were Elise Joseph, Lynn Wyatt, Rose Cullen, Mary Lynn Marks, Nancy Morrison, Judy McGee, Betty Hrncir and Hannah McNair with hubbyCal McNair, son of the honoree.
Hannah McNair, from left, honoree Janice McNair and Holly A.N. Smith.
