by SUSAN ANDERSON
Special to the Sounder
The buzz around the mayor’s upcoming VIP Soiree isn’t from flies – it’s from local fashion experts offering advice on what to wear to the gala. You may not see Armani, Wu, or Wang, but dressed-up Wellingtons are likely to make an appearance.
The swanky $100 per person VIP Soiree will be held at the Mayor’s home (pasture), which requires some unique consideration for those who want to dress well for the occasion, appropriately for the venue and tastefully for the host – who just happens to be a cow.
“Political leaders enjoy smoo’zing with their constituency, but it would be a faux paw to wear leather to this event,” advises Carol Mckinstry of Faraways Boutique. She suggests rubber flip flops and politically correct pleather purses. “And animal prints continue to reflect the moo’d of this season,” she adds. “But for the gentlemen attending, a milk moustache would suffice.”
Amanda Sparks of The Clothes Horse/Siren Boutique recommends for women “rubber boots and feather fascinator hats” because they are both casual and elegant. In the event of rain, Sparks advises pairing “NYDJ denim leggings tucked into Wellington’s and a beautiful Mycra Pac rain jacket topped with your favorite fascinator.” With favorable weather, replace the Mycra Pac and wear “a black Cut Loose tunic with a colorful scarf from Relique then top with a feather fascinator.”
Nikki Ames of Tres Fabu believes the event requires casual chic with a twist.
“Think denim and diamonds (fakes are fine), high-heeled cowboy boots (preferably in bright colors), spurs and chaps (if you’ve got the nerve) and a big, rodeo-style hat with all the trimmings, including silver conches, tied-on silk Hermes scarves or fresh field flowers,” she said.
For those wanting to make a more casual yet elegant statement, Ames recommends leopard prints or velvet – but not together, “quel faux pas.” Her perfect accessory? “That oversized belt buckle you won as the Ellensburg Rodeo Queen (back in the day.)”
Gordon Koenig of Gordeaux’s suggests the occasion dictates a more upscale look.
“The point of dressing up is to pay respect to your host; and there are so few opportunities to dress today, so we should welcome this chance to look civilized,” he said.
Koenig advises linen jackets and pants for men accompanied by “a colorful tie to make an individual statement.” And women, he says, “always look elegant in a long gown, of course.”
But even with gowns, Koenig agrees the occasion screams for rubber boots. “Fashionistas around the world have embraced the new colors available in Wellies.”
If casual elegance is still more your style, Koenig recommends “a fancy skirt and colorful top for the gals and a linen or white shirt and coat, (even with jeans) for the guys.” Choose vibrant colors “to offset all that green,” he advises. “Think purple, lavender, red, midnight, pink!”
Ames, Sparks and Koenig also offer these practical tips for those attending the mayor’s Inaugural Bawl (a family-style, ice cream social and barn dance):
Sparks says, “Nothing says ice cream social like a wide-brimmed black and white sun hat.”
Ames advises a large colorful bandana around the neck, particularly useful for catching melting ice cream or swatting barn flies and yellow jackets.
And Koenig says simply, “Bibs. And a pocketful of napkins.”
The big question is: What will April be wearing?
The VIP Soiree on Sept. 3 is by reservation only; the Inaugural Bawl at Morningstar Farms is Sept. 4. Both events benefit Orcas Island Children’s House.
For more info, visit www.oich.org, call 376-4744 or email susan@oich.org.
