Feminine looks and bright colors will be the order of the day when the Columbus Anniversary Chapter of the American Business Women”s Association presents its 16th annual style show Wednesday,
April 21.
The Fashion Barn of Columbus will showcase spring and summer trends at the Hogarth Dining Center on the Mississippi University for Women campus at the noon-1 p.m. event. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
“Purple and yellow will be big colors this spring,” said Joanne Beaty, co-owner of The Fashion Barn. “And nautical stripes are big, too.” Other trends Beaty says will be previewed include large, bold necklaces, reptile prints, tunics, one-shoulder looks and layering.
“Even in spring, you”ll be layering, with camis, T-shirts and lightweight scarves,” she noted.
The ABWA chapter, chartered in 1989, is part of the national organization and has raised more than $15,000 for local scholarships with the style show.
“That”s our project each year, to raise money for scholarships for women wanting to enter or return to the work force,” said Lona Ward of ABWA.
Carolyn Long, co-publicity chair with Ward, reminded employers that April 21 is also Administrative Professionals Day, formerly Secretary”s Day. “A ticket to the style show would be a great thing to do for people who work in your office,” she noted.
Each year, several chapter members join other models on the runway for the spring fundraiser, all for the good cause.
“We”ll have something for everyone, from young women to seniors,” said member Patti Johnson, whose 87-year-old mother, Dottie Nelson, will help model.
The ABWA mission is to “bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking, support and national recognition.”
The Columbus chapter welcomes all women, working or retired, to join.
Style show tickets are $18, available from any ABWA member, or by contacting JoAnn Walk-Ferguson at 662-329-2058, or Carolyn Long at 662-327-1285.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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