The busy Vero Beach woman has plenty of reasons to shop to look her best for every occasion. She has many daily wardrobe requirements that include athletic attire, casual outfits, sophisticated looks and black-tie wear. And finding the right thing can certainly be achieved in a shopping excursion on the barrier island.
Even her children or grandchildren benefit from her diverse lifestyle.
Looking just right for every occasion may appear to be effortless but she is focused and disciplined. She’s up early getting the kids ready for school or play dates with the help of Lily Pad, then off to the tennis court or golf course in one of The Moorings Yacht and Country Club Tennis Shop or Golf Shop sporty items, then she comes home to throw on one of Sassy Boutique’s dresses for a luncheon-meeting, looking immaculate and stylish. Later, she dons a casual and good-looking outfit from Pineapple to go shopping or play bridge, and into the evening she goes in one of Frances Brewster’s classic and beautiful dresses, suits or slacks and tops. For a formal event, she may turn to one of Cooper & Co.’s magnificent cocktail dresses or gowns. And there’s no letting down at the end of the day when it comes to bedtime – into something luxurious and comfortable to sleep in from Very Fitting.
The Indian River Guild presented the 16th annual Blue Ribbon Luncheon and Fashion Show to benefit Hibiscus Children’s Center at Oak Harbor last Thursday and Miami-based professional models strutted their stuff in local retailers’ clothing and accessories – all with a focus on the Vero Beach woman’s lifestyle.
Showcasing their fine fashions were Lily Pad, Very Fitting, The Moorings Yacht and Country Club Golf Shop and Tennis Shop, Pineapple, Sassy Boutique, Frances Brewster and Cooper & Co.
“It captures the whole essence of these women,” said Cathye Inman, manager/buyer at Frances Brewster, located on Cardinal Drive. “They’ve always dressed. It’s important for them to look their best. Even if they go to the grocery store they want to look nice.
“These women are very used to looking great regardless of what the style entails,” she added.
Indeed, those styles ranged from perky and whimsical to romantic and sophisticated.
For example, vibrant, bold prints in silk jersey by Averardo Bessi and classic JSS Knits including a black sequin jacket shown with a black skirt with a little kick to it from Frances Brewster sashayed down the catwalk. And an Asian-themed watercolor silk organza dress by Emmelle dazzled onlookers with its dreamy effect.
“The looks are classic, elegant and comfortable,” Inman noted.
Pineapple on Ocean Drive carried off a variety of great looks including a Joan Vass islet dress, Conrad C jumpsuit, Kay Celine jeweled silk top and Jude Connally jersey tank dress.
Some linen dresses by Inizio revealed a contemporary, dress-up or –down look.”These are cool and comfortable, travel well and fit women well,” said Jennifer Mahon, store manager. “You can wear them in Dallas, New York and Vero Beach.”
From Cooper & Co. on Ocean Drive, owner Melinda Cooper showed all Teri Jon designs mostly in bright, spring colors with the exception of a couple of black dresses. These were an array of stunning, jaw-dropping looks that someone could wear to a formal event, dinner dance, cocktail party and dresses that the mother of the bride or groom can wear.
“The long gowns are very romantic,” said Cooper. “You really feel special when you wear a long gown because you can’t wear it any day. It’s not a dress you put on for dinner on just any Friday night. In these, you are going to something special.”
A jade floaty gown with gorgeous bead and floral work, and dreamy movement accentuated by the butterfly sleeves earned applause from guests.
A hot pink silk cocktail dress with lovely accent at the waistline, black sleeveless sequin dress and a full-skirted dress reminiscent of something wholesome and sophisticated that Audrey Hepburn would wear revealed a variety of dressy looks to suit different personalities and body types.
Deana Marchant, owner of Sassy Boutique on Ocean Drive, said, “Each of the stores showing fashions today represent what a woman who lives or vacations in Vero Beach might wear on any given day. She might go from the tennis courts to a luncheon and off to a black-tie event all in one day. Sassy Boutique strives to accommodate these women with fashionable options for all their events.”
Sassy Boutique focused on transitional pieces that go from day to evening depending on how they’re accessorized. The store put together looks that are easy to wear, but have a very polished feel. Cobalt blue is a big trend this spring that they showed with looks from Milly, Shoshanna and new designer Hunter Bell. They also featured a number of looks with bold colors and graphic prints that have a retro resort feel from their go-to lines – Trina Turk and Tory Burch. Overall their pieces give the Vero woman a modern twist on classic looks.
For example, a Kate Spade green and white wide-striped top with green, pink and white full skirt accessorized with a bold necklace and matching green leather watering can-shaped purse; a Trina Turk white lace vintage-inspired dress and punch-colored romper in lace added to the variety. Also, sauntering down the platform was a Hunter Bell neoprene watercolor dress designed by the women’s contemporary apparel brand that grounds feminine playfulness with an approach to sophistication.
Very Fitting on Ocean Drive offers the very finest in intimate apparel and co-owners Erin Metz and Shelagh McCracken showcased some of their beautiful gowns, pajamas, nightshirts and robes in silk, satin and cotton by famed designers Louis at Home, Natori and P.Jamas. Smocking, beautiful lace and satin trims and other details brought these pieces to life and the fabrics are the pinnacle in luxury.
The tennis and golf shops at The Moorings Yacht and Country Club showcased athletic wear which is touted for keeping people cool, dry and sun-protected while providing easy movement on the court and course.
For tennis players, they showed a Bloq-UV mock zipper jacket in purple with SPF 50; Pogues multicolored butterfly print tennis skort; and tennis bags from All for Color.
Golf attire included items by Jamie Sadock, with 100 percent polyester such as black Capri pants worn with a matching black and gray top and black and white stripe visor.
A Hatley soft pink and white print short dress with matching pink handbag would like pretty at a poolside lunch or casual dinner. And the old stand-by designer, Levin, with its cotton three-quarter sleeve tops, offers classic and comfortable apparel.
“People want to look fashionable, as well as be comfortable in clothes with easy movement that are breathable for hot weather,” said Barbara Harbaugh, golf shop assistant. “It’s also a confidence-builder.”
Lily Pad, formerly known as Twirl, located on Ocean Drive, was purchased by Jennifer Lier in February 2015. Lily Pad sells newborn to size 16 for girls, and newborn to size 7 for boys – with up to size 10 being added for fall.
Kids jumped, bounced and twirled in their clothes designed by Andy and Evan, Rachael Riley, Spendid and Ella Moss, the latter two designers which are perennial favorites with pre-teen and tween girls. These two brands are known for their on-trend styles in comfortable knits.
Rachel Riley is a British luxury brand for children featuring fine tailoring, hand smocking, hand embroidery and vintage-inspired prints. And Persnickety Clothing known for its use of color, pattern play and uniqueness, charmed the audience.
Andy and Evan designs are classic preppy styles for girls and boys newborn to size 7. One little girl bounced on the catwalk in a blue polo and paisley shorts.
Mimi and Maggie, a best seller label, is known for their floral prints, handmade touches and various cultural influences. And Giggle Moon clothing is all about love, joy and laughter. Girls love their soft styles, including dresses and tunics/legging sets.
