Clothing depicting the ‘very Vero’ lifestyle was handsomely highlighted at last Thursday’s Blue Ribbon Luncheon and Fashion Show to benefit the Hibiscus Children’s Center and commemorate Child Abuse Prevention Month. The theme was Step into Style and our top island retailers stylishly stepped up to the plate with clothing and accessories spanning a day at the beach to an elegant gala.
Showcasing their lines were Cooper & Co., Sassy Boutique, Frances Brewster, Pineapples, Cashmere Beach, J. McLaughlin, and Sara Campbell. The show was produced for the 13th year by Miami’s Sobol Fashion Productions, whose statuesque models are favorites with the audience.
There was a decidedly retro feel to the fashions, with several dresses giving a nod to classic looks of the 1960s, while casual outfits were reminiscent of the bohemian 1970s. White pants, a staple for Florida’s seemingly endless summer, were another favorite with many of the boutiques, paired with a variety of tops ranging from sleek and sophisticated to colorful resort wear. Altogether, styles were easy to wear with a definite flair, pretty yet practical, chic but comfy.
Several silky Tolani handkerchief tops and dresses, available at Pineapples, fairly floated down the runway. A pretty little daisy dress by Jade and other timelessly simple sundresses are also favorites at their boutique.
“That boho look in fashion is generally coming back. If you look at European fashions, there’s not as much fitted any more,” said Jennifer Mahon, store manager. “Pretty much all we have is washable, and most of it travels very well also. I think people are looking for affordable, easy care and contemporary.”
Light gauzy scarves and shawls by Italian designer Franco Ferrari, including a stunning felted cashmere lace wrap, lent a graceful dimension to the softly hued slacks and tops from Cashmere Beach.
“We are very, very well known for our scarves,” said Lee Burke, store manager. “He does pieces that go from a very light, airy look to the heirloom look of cashmere lace.”
On the more casual end, a white linen skirt by Porto paired with a chambray shirt by Margaret O’Leary, was finished with a white braided Suzi Roher belt.
“The linens are very light and comfortable; perfect for the summer weather,” said Burke. “The Vero Beach trend is casually comfortable. They want to look fashionable but relaxed.”
Vero’s unpretentious lifestyle is virtually a hallmark of the J. McLaughlin tradition, which showcased crisp shorts paired with a lacy white cap-sleeved top, timeless peasant blouses and a hot pink pant set. The brand’s American nostalgia was also feature in a striped midriff blouse and blue denim jacket paired with white scalloped shorts; the beachy outfit given a pop of color with a bright orange scarf.
Sara Campbell emphasized a return to the feminine era of Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, featuring Italian Ponte knits with lovely jewel tones and charming scalloped skirts.
“Our fabrics are mostly imported from Europe but manufactured in the United States,” said Kathleen Jacobs, assistant manager. “We’re very proud of that. They’re American classic and timeless.”
A delightful off-the shoulder white linen top was specially designed by Sara Campbell for Maureen Bauchman, who is battling multiple myeloma.
The Sassy collection showcased a delightful range that included outfits for a day at the beach, as well as day-into-evening wear, closing with a gorgeous flowing coral dress from Trina Turk.
“Tory Burch’s spring collection was so strong this year we decided to make it our focus for the show,” said owner Deana Marchant. “The collection has an east coast meets west coast theme, with the first three or four looks being quite preppy and the remaining a very boho chic vibe, with great pops of color, pattern, and trim details.”
“Everybody in Vero works so well together; it’s nice,” said Cathye Motta, Frances Brewster store manager. “We all kind of have a different look for such a small town. Between us we offer anyone any look they want. And that’s why I think the show really does well.”
Their stylish dresses could easily be accessorized to take a woman from lunch at the club to an evening out, especially with the addition of a blended silk charmeuse Raynie Phelps kimono wrap.
“I call it a day into evening topper,” said Motta, noting that it can as easily be worn with jeans and a t-shirt as with eveningwear. “They actually have a sleeve in them. They’re perfect for travel; it comes in its own little bag. It’s really an amazing piece. Everybody should have a Raynie Phelps.”
Cooper & Co. made a statement with a vivid Moschino pant set, featuring a brightly colored pink top paired with a pink and green leaf design on gracefully fluid pants.
“I still have some with the narrow leg, but I put in a couple of fuller leg pants; it’s definitely becoming a fashion move to the future,” said owner Melinda Cooper about that ensemble and a lovely paisley silk pant set by Etro.
A sophisticated pink and chartreuse silk dress by the French company, Weill, featured a slightly shorter matching pink jacket, enabling the dress design to peek through.
“It’s a retro of Courrèges, back in the ’60s. That same era is back into fashion,” said Cooper. “Fashion designers always go through a revolution in fashion. They bring back things known to us but unknown to the younger generation. It may be modified, but it repeats. But certain things never change; some things are always classic.”
The show concluded on a high note with Cooper’s stunning Teri Jon confection; a golden shimmering ball gown with an embellished mermaid skirt.
