Word has it that Leo Gugasian, famed owner of 21 Oceanfront restaurant, could be the pivotal person to turn the Balboa Village into the destination center it deserves to become. Always touted as the crown jewel of Newport Beach dating back to the 1920s, the area could use Leo’s magic touch to become a West Coast hot spot for the rich and famous again. With Leo’s recent purchase of the famous historical landmark, the Balboa Pavilion, the move of the Nautical Museum over to the Fun Zone, and pending rebirth of the Balboa Theater, there is no doubt a winning combination is in the works. Dayna Pettit, rejoice!
  As usual, a fab crowd of women showed up at ATSC’s annual spring fashion show saluting St. John. Zee Allred, a vibrant force to The Sophisticates held court with beau Drago Gligic, Twyla “Chapman Film School” Martin, Mary Jean Simpkins, Susan Strader, Carmella Du, Pamela Paul, Gail Kirwan, Ronnie Allumbaugh, and Valaree Wahler. Spotted in elegant St. John couture were co-chairs Sarah Corrigan and Linda Lamitie along with Marsha Willis, Ariane Carro, Penny Fox, Nora Hester, and Kelly Gibbs. Carol Campbell was as cute as a button, sitting in for the beloved Julia Argyros. Let’s not overlook those dapper gents in the crowd: St. John CEO Richard Cohen, Antonio Cagnolo, Rick Lamitie, Michael Corrigan, and Steve Grant.
  Adrienne Brennan just returned from a well-deserved week trip in Aspen but a bit sore from a near collision by a gentleman on the slopes. Knowing that beauty, it may have been his poor attempt at an introduction. As everyone knows March is the gathering month in Aspen for the best skiing, best après-skiing, and best après-everything else. Newport Beach travelers Ron Soderling, Christine Rhodes, Karen Caves, and Ticia Choumas were seen among the many that hit the high profiled slopes or attended the famous Wine Party and St. Patrick’s Day and Snowmass Picnic parties.

Spring Escada-Style
  With spring finally here, so are the days of open-toed sandals and bare shoulders. After a long winter of wearing dark colors, women and designers alike are excited to introduce some colorful life back into their wardrobes. Spring is the perfect weather and OC the perfect playground for the fashionista…not too hot and not too cold…giving her unlimited possibilities! So I was more than excited to join PR exec extraordinaire Michaele Hall at Neiman Marcus for the Escada spring collection 2006 fashion presentation. Neiman’s left no detail undone with champagne, tasty hors d’oeuvres, and gifts of special Escada sketchbooks for runway onlookers.
  Through the crowd of ladies dressed in their Escada best, I spotted the designer, Daniel Wingate. Daniel is originally from Florida and went to Parsons School of Design in New York. It was interesting to know how many people it actually takes to create a line and the talent it takes to predict what will be in style months in advance, then invent and reinvent. Wingate designs everything from sportswear to couture gowns. I asked which he prefers to design and he was quick to state, “I love it all.” There was a quick hello to Billur Wallerich, a blast to the past, but no stranger to elegant in-store fashion shows. Hot tips for your spring wardrobe: white slacks, sexy flowing dresses and skirts, and vibrant ensembles for any pair of great jeans.
  More Neiman News: The fashionista’s of Newport Beach are anxiously looking forward to shoe designer Taryn Rose, who will make a rare personal appearance at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island, on Saturday April 8 from 10 to 3 p.m. in the shoe salon.
Bevy of Bridge Beauties
  Recently I had the privilege at The Guilds Fashion Show to sit with a charming group of Newport Beach women who have taken their bridge game to heart and created a support group 27 years ago called South Pacific. The rich history of their influence on the golden coast was amazing and had all the storytelling makings of a great girls’ weekend away. In a short hour and a half I was so enchanted with their youthful spirits and enthusiasm that I may have found my future bridge group when I’m ready. I sat next to Amelia Willington and Marjorie Cooling, who both proudly spoke of pioneering tales of Newport Beach dating back to 1973. Amelia was one of the first homeowners in Crystal Cove back in 1973 when her husband first warned her that their stay may be short lived due to the state-owned property, imagine that. And Marjorie was the first president of South Pacific after the founder, Betsy Ripley, and has been a member for 27 years. Other past presidents at the table included Alice Rosellini, Ann Rowe, Kathy Rolfes, and dear Amelia. It could have taken years for me to make my way around the table to hear from Mary Lou George, Jean Rameau, and Arlene Simmons, but I promise to catch them next time. Thank you, ladies!
A 40th Farewell
  Congratulations are in order to Newport Heights Elementary School, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Special recognition is being given at their upcoming fundraiser to honor Eleanor Dickson, a 2nd-grade teacher at Newport Heights who is celebrating her 40th and final year of teaching. Dickson blushes, “I never thought that when I got to this point in my life that I would be so sad to retire. I have loved my teaching experience especially when former students come back as adults, even with their own children, and remember details that made an impression on them. Every day has been different and exciting. I have even taught the children of my students and I will certainly treasure these past 40 years.”

Best-Kept Secret…
  A bit of a best-kept secret, but local foodies probably already discovered the culinary talent of Yves Fournier at 6ix Park Grill restaurant tucked away at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. But I’ll let you in on a tip. The valet parking is complimentary to dining guests and 6ix Park Grill has its own private valet entrance. It’s a fabulous experience to indulge in!

The Sound of
A Greek Odyssey!
  The Sound of Music Chapter of the Guilds of the Orange County Performing Arts Center has done it again! These hard-working ladies put on another fabulous sold-out event for 350 guests. This year’s gala was called “Experience The Greek Odyssey” and was an elegant and fun evening at The Island Hotel, which was transformed into Olympus for the night. Guests were attired in various forms of Greek attire ranging from handsome Greek gods and beautiful goddesses to chiseled Greek warriors who were accompanied by their decadent maidens. The revelers went back in time and enjoyed a gourmet feast fit for the gods and danced the night away to the music of Splash. The lavishly decorated ballroom was as beautiful as ancient Greece once was, complete with centerpieces dripping with varietals of white flowers and luscious grapes. Some of this year’s auction highlights included a private jet trip to Napa Valley, a stay in a beachfront villa in Maui, and two trips to a beautiful villa in Las Hadas Mexico called “Casa de Suenos.”
  The net proceeds of $300,000 that evening would not have been possible without the support of some very generous underwriters including Kelly and John Hague, Eve Kornyei and Stan Hanson, and Harriet and Sandy Sandhu. Other major supporters included Sally and Randy Crockett, Lori and John Loftus, Nancee and Rick Swensson, Patsy and Tim Marshall, Mark Clemens, and Laura and Jim Baratta. The event was coordinated by Sound of Music chairpersons Danni Good and Diane Palumbo and gala chairpersons Denice Tsujioka and Judy Pedersen and their wonderful gala committee. And kudos goes to the very hard-working co-chairs of the auction, Laura Baratta and Erica Swensson.  

  What will the sound of Music ladies think of for next year? We can't wait to find out and will definitely be there for what is always one of the "not to be missed" social events of the season!