By Melissa Dobrowski

Teaming up with hot retailer Tootsies, young professional's group Women of Wardrobe (WOW) raised more than $20,000 for Dress for Success Houston at the 14th annual Summer Soiree, a record amount for the event.

Decked out in haute summer style, fashionistas were out in full force as approximately 300 guests flooded the West Ave boutique for fun, food, and fundraising.

The atmosphere buzzed as guests sipped, shopped, and socialized. Models from Page Parkes sauntered through the colorful crowd wearing fresh designs by Parker. Luxury shoe brand Schutz showed off its chic fall collection of must-have shoes and boots, and the Lisa Freede contemporary jewelry collection was showcased by Freede's daughter Ashley.

Trendsetters nibbled on festive fare from Armando’s, Eddie V’s, chef Brian Caswell's soon-to-open Oxbow 7, Snap Kitchen, Revolve Kitchen + Bar, Shri Balaji Bhavan, and Del Frisco’s Grille. Refreshing summer beverages included white wine from Total Wine, specialty cocktails crafted with Deep Eddy Vodka, and sparkling water.

Nothing Bundt Cakes donated a sweet step-and-repeat: arriving guests posed against a custom-made backdrop featuring mini bundt cakes. Live saxophonist Andre Killian accompanied DJ Senega, adding a dash of sexy soul to the hip happening. And social media mavens enjoyed plenty of instantly shareable photo-ops with two photo booths provided by My Event is the Bomb.

KHOU’s Mia Gradney formally welcomed the lively ladies gushing, “You put the 'wow' in WOW!” She was joined by co-hosts, Women of Wardrobe president Lauren Granello, Mary Patton of Mary Patton Design, and Bria Wall. The event spotlighted the mission of Dress for Success Houston as the nonprofit's vice president, Lauren Levicki Courville, spoke about the lasting impact the agency will have on more than 3,500 women this year.

WOW’s goal is to assist Dress for Success Houston through fundraising and volunteerism to support the organization's overall mission. Spotted among the smart set were Courtney Zavala, Lexi Sakowitz, Brittany Sakowitz, Kristy Bradshaw, Rachel McNeill, Hannah McNair, Megan Cushing, Courtney Campo, Paige Branam, Lindsey Brown, and Karishma Asrani.

Link to CultureMap article:
https://houston.culturemap.com/news/society/08-24-17-women-of-wardrobe-summer-soiree-sizzles-with-fashion-and-philanthropy/