In Fall Social Season’s First Fete, Fashionistas Gather at Tootsies to Help Women in Need

Daniel Ortiz
In Fall Social Season’s First Fete, Fashionistas Gather at Tootsies to Help Women in Need

Liz McDonald, Emily Robinson, Karishma Asrani, Dipali Ely

ITS ORGANIZERS CALL it the unofficial kickoff of the fall social season, and, despite Delta concerns, Dress for Success Houston's annual Women of Wardrobe to-do came off without a hitch last week.


In its 18th year, the fashionista event, dubbed the "Summer Soiree," raised more than $13,000, and featured fall collections from designers Tanya Taylor and Mignonne Gavigan. "We find it incredible how [DFSH gives] women the tools to really feel empowered and strong at moments of their lives when they need it," said Taylor.

DJ Joe Ross provided the soundtrack for the sipping, socializing and shopping. Sparkling rosé and prosciutto bruschetta were among the menu highlights.

Those spotted in the crowd included event chair Sarika Patel, Dress for Success Houston President Lauren Levicki Courville, Tootsies President Norman Lewis with wife Donna and daughter Allison Cattan and daughter-in-law Emily Lewis, TV reporter Miya Shay, Katherine Ross, Daisy Mendoza, Paulina Padilla, Bethany Buchanan, Katy Ellis, Lauren Abel, Hannah Swiggard, Vidhya Rama, Claire Hodges, Karina Barbieri and Dress For Success Advisory Council Members Paige Branam and Crystal Wright.

"The mission of Dress for Success Houstonis to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and life," the organization says.

Allison Cattan, Norman Lewis, Donna Lewis, Emily Lewis

Blanca Jolly, Dr. Emma Lopez, Daisy Mendoza

Catherine Murray, Anne Kalenits, Meredith Shields, Zan Winter

Joy Ku, Amy Becket, Jacquie Baly, Star Hand

Kathryn Knoblauch, Winnie Hung, Natalie Dang, Gini Dube

Lauren Levicki Courville, Sarika Patel

Paulina Padilla, Marissa Wergin

William Finnorn, Hannah Swiggard

Parties
In Time for 'Movember,' Top Spa Pro Offers Tips for Men Looking to Make the Most of a Spa Visit

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep ReadingShow less

Morris Smith, Tilman Fertitta and Toni Smith

THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S Charity gala is always anticipated, thanks to the big-deal musical acts brought in to entertain; this year it was Chicago. But the headliners this year were the generous donors, who seemed to surprise even event organizer with their largesse, with a total till of $6.2 million, a record.

Keep ReadingShow less
Party People

Breanna Blankenship, Nicholas Stuart, Zsavon Butler, Outspoken Bean

SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston Arts Alliance pulled inspiration from global art, fashion and culture for a spectacular gala at the Hobby Center. “The World’s Stage” gala, chaired by Zsavon Butler and Nicholas Stuart, raised $325,000 to benefit the Houston Arts Alliance’s public-art and artist resiliency initiatives.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parties