[1]
You've heard me mention Joy Bianchi [2] (left) a couple times now. She's the ultimate San Francisco socialite, and someone I hope to be half as fabulous as when I'm her age. She's invited to every glamorous event and dressed to the nines in unique frocks — her designer of choice is Ralph Rucci — but Joy has a generous philanthropic side as well. She runs Helpers of the Mentally Retarded and owns a boutique whose proceeds benefit the organization.
Imagine my joy (pun!) when I was invited to the opening of Helpers House of Couture, an invite-only event that sold couture dresses, designer shoes, hats, and jewels galore — some Joy's, and most donated by upper-crust ladies. I felt like a kid let loose in a candy store, only this candy store had two floors and six rooms stuffed with fashion fabulousness. If money wasn't an object, I would have bought the house and everything under its roof. I did end up scoring two amazing necklaces that I think Kate Moss would be envious of.
To go behind the seams and to see what I scored, .
- The House of Couture. [4]
- A dress fit for Carrie Bradshaw. [5]
- Diane, one of the many stylish volunteers. [6]
- Couture dress and footwear room. [7]
- What a sophisticated mannequin. [8]
- Hats, hats, and more hats. [9]
- The drawer of jewels where I found my treasures. [10]
- Two fashionable volunteers in the '20s room. [11]
- I'll take them all! [12]
- A divine sequin skirt. [13]
- Fur-ocious! [14]
- The tiniest volunteer. [15]
- The shoe table. [16]
- Joy trying on futuristic sunglasses she said everyone in Paris is wearing! [17]
- The fierce earrings my friend purchased. [18]
- My tassel necklace. [19]
- My coin beauty. [20]