Dish-Houston

by DISH Contributor Jayme Lamm

#ROSCFashionShow #ROSCFashionShow #ROSCFashionShow

That’s all my twitter feed kept referencing, which was the hashtag (# in twitter speak) for the second annual River Oaks Shopping Center Fashion Show. At the last minute, my lovely friend Beth DeLozier-Hayes of Houston’s Weekly Chic invited me to attend the glamorous fashion show with her.

Truth be told, this was my first ever fashion show to attend in Houston and boy was I pumped! It’s no question that Houston is filled with some of the hottest models, fashion to die for and not to mention the ability to throw a non-profit twist into a swanky event – I knew I was in for a treat!

Lesha Elsenbrook (Co-Chair); Roz Pactor (Co-Chair); Jessica Willey (emcee); American Heart Association Ladies Guild members. Photo credit: Frida VillalobosThanks to all the event sponsors and underwriters, all ticket proceeds from the event went to the American Heart Association (AHA) whose goal was to raise $12,000. Heart disease is not only the number one killer for men and women it is also a preventable disease, which is why this night, and this cause, is so important.

Before the show got underway, they took a minute to share Adrian Longoria’s story. Longoria was a local 16-year-old boy who collapsed at school. A young man who wouldn’t be here today if others didn’t know how to properly administer CPR. The clip reminded us to take care of our own hearts, but as Adrian’s story goes, take care of other’s hearts by knowing CPR. To Find a CRP class near you.

The “Best of Spring 2011” show kicked off with Em & Lee Boutique with all the lengthy models donning red dresses – appropriately fitting for the AHA and heart month.

The show continued on with a very Houston’esque spring line from Gap, followed by La Mode Lingerie, La Mode Swim, Luke’s Locker (my personal favorite since I’m much more comfortable in athletic gear then cocktail dresses), LMD Boutique, Rebecca and Drew, Chico’s, 310 Rosemont, Twice New (which was appropriately themed thanks to the Houston Rodeo in town), Haut Chocolat (Beth’s absolute favorite of the night), Enticingly Chic, Jos. A. Bank and ended with bridal pieces from Mia Bridal Couture.

Remember, Live. Learn. And Love Red.

This event is dressed to the nines with well-known Houston style mavens and AHA Ladies Guild leaders Roz Pactor and Lesha Elsenbrook are serving as the event chairs. Lilly Andress is hosting as the Honorary Chair. ABC 13 news reporter, and Ladies Guild member, Jessica Willey emceeing the show.

A pre-show cocktail party in the lobby of River Oaks Theater will take place at 6:30 p.m. with bites from La Griglia and signature drinks from Makers Mark. Models from the Neal Hamil Agency will strut the runway at 7 p.m., wearing the latest trends from 310 Rosemont, Ann Taylor, Chicos, Em & Lee, Enticingly Chic, Gap, Haut Chocolat, Jos. A. Bank, La Mode Swim, La Mode Lingerie, LMD Boutique, Luke’s Locker, Mia Bridal Couture, Rebecca & Drew, Talbots and Twice New. AHA Ladies Guild members will close the show with a special Go Red Finale to celebrate American Heart Month.

After the show (8:00—10:00 p.m.), there will be six exclusive after-parties. At the post-show soirees, attendees will shop ‘til they drop, while sipping on cocktails, indulging in hors d’oeuvres from River Oaks’ best restaurants and consulting with local beauty and style experts.

The following boutiques will host the after-parties, each with the trademark flair and sophistication of the River Oaks Shopping Center:

o   310 Rosemont: featuring Asian bites by Café Ginger and cocktails by Maestro Dubel Tequila, along with special giveaways from V’s Barbershop;

o   Em & Lee: featuring Araya Artisan Chocolates and cocktails by Matsusalem Rum, with special guest and image consultant Sarah Shah. Shah will show guests how to dress for their body types at 8:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m);

o   Haut Chocolat: featuring the Latin cuisine of Américas and makeup artist Edward Sanchez of Urban Retreat Day Spa & Salon. Sanchez will teach ladies how to apply makeup and care for their skin. There will be a chance for ladies to win a makeup session with Sanchez.

o   Mia Bridal Couture: featuring appetizers and specialty cocktails from Marfreless and skin care products from International Derma Spa. Party-goers will have the opportunity to win a wine tasting for six at Marfreless and a copy of The Ridiculously Easy Guide to Entertaining;

o   Rebecca & Drew: featuring Tintos Spanish Restaurant and cocktails from Dripping Springs Vodka;

o   Twice New: featuring La Madeleine and Real Ale Brewery. Local author Linda Thompson will be on hand for a signing of her book, Hookers, Midgets, and Fire Trucks.

Tickets to the River Oaks Shopping Center Fashion Show are available at www.ahariveroaksfashionshow.org. Entrance to the cocktail party, fashion show and post-show bashes is $40 ($50 on the day-of) and include a shopping card (valid February 23 – March 3) with discounts to many of the center’s boutiques, entertainment hot spots and restaurants. Shopping cards may also be purchased separately for $40. All ticket sales will benefit AHA.

The 2011 River Oaks Shopping Center Fashion Show is underwritten by Weingarten and sponsored by Neil Hamil Agency, Chic Sheet by Roz Pactor Urban Retreat Day Spa & Salon and 20K Group, LLC.