A Spring Fashion Show by Candlelight at Belle Haven

Women are often said to be like tea bags.  You never know how strong they are until you put them in hot water.  
 
Well, last week that theory was tested as more than 100 women from the Belle Haven and Alexandria community gathered at Belle Haven Country Club for the annual meeting of the Belle Haven Women's Club. And oh yes, its Spring Fashion Show by candlelight.
 
The evening began with a lovely cocktail reception with a signature drink created just for the event.  Co-chairs Madelyn Orfitelli, Isin Ludlow and Courtney Reynolds Cox worked tirelessly to create a special evening.  
 
The chimes rang and just as the guests were to be seated, mon dieu, the lights went out! A raging wind and rainstorm outside were the culprits.  
 
Nicole Duncan, Belle Haven's catering manager, was the consummate professional, cool under pressure. She brought out additional candles and the ladies were then seated and served wine and salad.  
 
The official meeting took place and the slate of officers were elected.  
 
Current Belle Haven Women's Club President of Peggy McLeland was an absolute hoot on stage, conducting the meeting with the hilarious candor for which she is known.  

The slate of officers passed unanimously.  The 2009-2010 Officers for Belle Haven's Women's Club are Kathy McCarthy, President; Madelyn Orfitelli, Vice President; Reae Sargent, Treasurer, and Eleni Silverman, Secretary.  Congratulations, Ladies!
 
The guests were then treated to a well orchestrated fashion show directed by Alexandria's favorite fashionista and home town girl, Courtney Reynolds Cox.  
 
Fashion by candle light turned out to be fun and dramatic.  
 
The fashion presenters this year were Kiskadee of Del Ray and from Old Town, Hysteria, Helen Olivia, Shoe Hive and jewelry designer Maggie Toepffer, who all provided gorgeous fashions for the show.  
 
Models included Loran Aiken, Carolyn Marker, Denise Constandy, Heather Cox, Julie Dyson, Kim Gess, Alicia McCaslin, Stephanie Stack and Sarah Wolcott.
 
Because of the power outage no entree was served, but the wine flowed and dessert was enjoyed by all.  
 
Nicole Duncan reports not a single compliant was made and a fantastic time seemed to have been had by all.  
 
To see more photos of the event, go to DIGITAL KICKS on the main page.