Sequins, fringe, lace and tulle featured in fashion show

Wearing a full-length evening gown from Saffees, Roni Flood looks to see who is motioning to her as she is escorted by Dr. Shadi Haddadin, an oncologist/hematologist at JCMG, in the third annual Strut Your Style fashion show and luncheon Dec. 5 to benefit the Community Breast Care Project.
Wearing a full-length evening gown from Saffees, Roni Flood looks to see who is motioning to her as she is escorted by Dr. Shadi Haddadin, an oncologist/hematologist at JCMG, in the third annual Strut Your Style fashion show and luncheon Dec. 5 to benefit the Community Breast Care Project.

As the holiday season gets into full swing, local clothing retailers gave the audience a sneak peek of upcoming trends at the third annual Strut your Style fashion show.

On Dec. 5, Saffees, Ana Marie's Bridal, Samuel's Tuxedo and Dillard's gave breast cancer survivors and their doctors an opportunity to show off new styles in a variety of sequined and embroidered evening gowns, daytime cocktail dresses and tuxedos. All the proceeds from the fashion show go to the Community Breast Care Project, a local breast cancer support organization.

Judy Howard, owner of Saffees, said the featured pieces were ones geared for holiday parties.

"It's nice to show a little bit of glimmer for the holiday," Howard said.

The models came from all walks of life with one commonality: victory over breast cancer.

Tauncey Behringer, a 31-year-old breast cancer survivor, was featured wearing an Adrianna Papell black and white dress accessorized with a pearl and crystal necklace and earrings from Saffees.

Wendy Gladbach, owner of Ana Marie's Bridal, also provided a fit-and-flare mermaid bridal dress for Behringer to model.

Howard mentioned guitar strap purses - a style that uses a thick, adjustable, often-colorful strap such as the ones usually found on the musical instrument - are starting to become a trend.

During the show, Lori Hoelscher donned a purse with a guitar strap to go with her BB Dakota knit striped dress, Nic and Zoe beige coat and turquoise jewelry to match.

"Another thought behind the featured pieces is that because this is an inauguration year, the pieces kind of give people an idea of what the trends will be going forward," Howard said.

Dr. Kwei Lee Su gracefully showed off a red lace full-length evening gown provided by Saffees. Nancy Gratz wore an azure blue dress with peek-a-boo sleeves designed by Frank Lyman.

Linda Ennis, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, modeled a foil print tunic by Karen Kane with a top extender under it, complemented by onyx shoes.

Dana Kliethermes sported a black satin fitted gown provided by Ana Marie's. She was accompanied by George Lombardi, also a breast cancer survivor, who wore a gray tuxedo from Dillard's.

Donna Westhues was featured wearing a purple ultra-suede pantsuit with a purple felt hat, as well as a Frank Lyman black and silver buffalo-plaid walking coat.

Other evening styles were modeled by Sara Libbert, who wore a black fringe two-piece, and Roni Flood, who wore an embroidered print ballgown.

"So what's in?" Howard said. "Street-length dresses, fit-and-flare, lace overlay, embroidery, tulle, sequins and fringe."