If you’ve lived in Houston long enough, you know that late August means one thing: the return of one of our city’s most stylish traditions — the Women of Wardrobe and Tootsies Summer Soirée. This annual fête is always circled on my calendar, and this year’s edition — the 22nd! — was no exception. Nearly 250 of Houston’s chicest young professionals came together on August 20 to sip, shop, mingle, and raise an incredible $18,700 for Dress for Success Houston. Talk about fashion with purpose!
Hosted at Tootsies, the evening sparkled with a mix of fall fashion, delicious bites, and plenty of photo-ready moments. Guests got a first look at the latest collections from Marie Oliver, presented by the brand’s own Sarah Evenson, alongside stunning jewels from Houston’s beloved LeMel Jewelry. With New York Fashion Week just around the corner, Sarah shared her inspirations and wished guests a season filled with style and joy — a sentiment that fit the night perfectly.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Tootsies party without a fabulous setting: lush florals from Mas Flora, playful balloon installations by Topped Off Co., and a buzzing dance floor thanks to DJ Johny Bravo. Guests posed at the Just Call Malik photo booth, shopped the racks, and grazed through the most decadent spread — from Korean short ribs to bourbon bread pudding. With a lineup of tastemakers like Domus Caviar, Traveler’s Table, Brown-Forman, Mi Luna, and so many more, the culinary side of the night was just as stylish as the fashion.
As always, the swag bags and door prizes kept spirits high (and hands full!), with goodies from luxe local partners like Skin Pharm, Sugared + Bronzed, En Gold, and LeMel. And because Houston never calls it a night early, the fun continued at the official afterparty at Makiin, complete with live music and fine wine courtesy of Sur Wines.
What makes this event so special, though, is its mission. Since 2003, Summer Soirée has raised over $318,000 for Dress for Success Houston, helping empower thousands of women to achieve economic independence through clothing, confidence, and community. As DFS Houston President Lauren Levicki Courville shared, this is more than just a party — it’s a movement that changes lives.
The night brought together some of Houston’s most familiar faces: event chairs Dani Kattan and Mow Rahman, Mia Gradney, Courtney Zavala, Allison Bagley, Ellie Francisco, Caroline Fertitta, and of course, the powerhouse Tootsies team led by Donna and Norman Lewis with Experience Director Shelley Taylor Ludwick.
All in all, the 22nd Annual Summer Soirée reminded us why this event continues to be one of Houston’s can’t-miss gatherings year after year. Fashion, philanthropy, and community — wrapped up in one dazzling evening.
Allison Bagley (Tidbits) and Graeme Gordon
Here’s to a fabulous fall season ahead… and to Tootsies, WOW, and Dress for Success Houston for keeping the spirit alive and thriving!
Photo Credit: Chase Pedigo and Daniel Ortiz.
