In Fall Social Season’s First Fete, Fashionistas Gather at Tootsies to Help Women in Need

Daniel Ortiz
In Fall Social Season’s First Fete, Fashionistas Gather at Tootsies to Help Women in Need

Liz McDonald, Emily Robinson, Karishma Asrani, Dipali Ely

ITS ORGANIZERS CALL it the unofficial kickoff of the fall social season, and, despite Delta concerns, Dress for Success Houston's annual Women of Wardrobe to-do came off without a hitch last week.


In its 18th year, the fashionista event, dubbed the "Summer Soiree," raised more than $13,000, and featured fall collections from designers Tanya Taylor and Mignonne Gavigan. "We find it incredible how [DFSH gives] women the tools to really feel empowered and strong at moments of their lives when they need it," said Taylor.

DJ Joe Ross provided the soundtrack for the sipping, socializing and shopping. Sparkling rosé and prosciutto bruschetta were among the menu highlights.

Those spotted in the crowd included event chair Sarika Patel, Dress for Success Houston President Lauren Levicki Courville, Tootsies President Norman Lewis with wife Donna and daughter Allison Cattan and daughter-in-law Emily Lewis, TV reporter Miya Shay, Katherine Ross, Daisy Mendoza, Paulina Padilla, Bethany Buchanan, Katy Ellis, Lauren Abel, Hannah Swiggard, Vidhya Rama, Claire Hodges, Karina Barbieri and Dress For Success Advisory Council Members Paige Branam and Crystal Wright.

"The mission of Dress for Success Houston is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and life," the organization says.

Allison Cattan, Norman Lewis, Donna Lewis, Emily Lewis

Blanca Jolly, Dr. Emma Lopez, Daisy Mendoza

Catherine Murray, Anne Kalenits, Meredith Shields, Zan Winter

Joy Ku, Amy Becket, Jacquie Baly, Star Hand

Kathryn Knoblauch, Winnie Hung, Natalie Dang, Gini Dube

Lauren Levicki Courville, Sarika Patel

Paulina Padilla, Marissa Wergin

William Finnorn, Hannah Swiggard

Parties
Reyna Group Owner Leads Real Estate Market with Passion and Excellence

MICHELLE REYNA WYMES, a distinguished name in the Houston real estate market, is the owner of the successful boutique brokerage, Reyna Group. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michelle has deep-rooted connections to the community she serves with dedication and pride.

Keep Reading Show less

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less