Fore Fashion

As an Augusta, GA native, I grew up walking the golf course of the Augusta National every year at the Masters Tournament.  And though I do love watching the golf, I sometimes get distracted or delighted by the fashion that's walking the fairway.

The all time legend.  Bobby Jones.  A southern gentleman, he not only was a world class record making golfer, but he also helped design the Augusta National Golf Club and co-founded the Masters Tournament.  

No one has worn a tie on the golf course better.

Obviously, Mr. Jones had a huge impact on golf in many ways.  Including on the late great golfer, Payne Stewart.

No one will ever for get Stewart's consistently striking outfits, from caps to his pants (some interesting hybrid of plus fours and knickerbockers).

As a child of the 1970s, Jack Nicklaus will always remain a favorite of mine and a stand out in the world of golf.

Giving Lief Garrett a run for his money, Nicklaus' locks sometimes stole the show.

Plaid pants were his signature.  Along with winning the most Masters tournaments in history.  Wearing plaid and winning the Masters:  not things that most people can get away with.

Apparently, it's not just the ladies who like their shoes.  Freddie Couples is the best shoe dresser on the course these days, sporting his Ecco Street shoes.  My favorite were the pair with the red soles - much like the beloved Christian Louboutin shoes.

Winning the Masters in 1992, Freddie is a favorite on the golf course, I'm sure because of his excellent golf skills.  With nicknames like Boom Boom and Mr. Skins, what's not to love?

He's controversial.  And always has been, before and after the scandal.  He is a risk-taker on and off the golf course, and I believe he changed the way men started dressing for golf.  Tiger Woods.

Winning, winning, winning.  It didn't seem he could ever be stopped.  But with more wins came a change. His shirts were more fitted and sleek.  Gone were the pleated trousers and loose preppy golf shirt.  Golf started looking like an actual sport.  And Tiger certainly like an athlete.

And of course, the iconic Sunday Tiger Red.  Somehow it worked with Masters Green...

Once Tiger had sprung, those young golfers took it to the next level.  Kyle Stanley is the Johnny Cash of golfers today, wearing all black and having a bad boy look.

Definitely not your typical golf attire.

Ian Poulter: an expert at mixing the tacky with the avant garde with the fabulous, Poulter certainly makes a statement out on the golf course.

Taking risks with pink, plaid and punk, he seems to have no fear - which I respect.  I wonder what Bobby Jones would have thought of him?

Best dressed caddy in the world must go to the Augusta National. You see those white and green jumpsuits and you know Spring has officially arrived.

Cute!  I'm adding to my shopping list...

2 Days, 2 Cities, 2 Fundraisers

This past week I was in New York for a couple of days.  I went for the sole purpose of attending the Books for Kids Laughing for Literacy Luncheon.  

Photo courtesy of Sue Barr Photography

Books for Kids is an organization that I've been familiar with now for just about ten years, entirely because of my good friend and Executive Director, Shawna Doster.  The mission of the Books for Kids Foundation is to promote literacy among all children with special emphasis on low-income and at-risk preschool-aged children.  They create libraries, donate books, and partner with literacy programs.  

An example of a before and after of what Books for Kids makes possible

Shawna Doster, Executive Director, a gracious and passionate speaker

This year the luncheon took place at Caroline's on Broadway, a comedy club in the heart of the theater district.  With lunch followed by 3 comedian acts, this fundraiser was not only creative and different, but fun.  All with the great success of raising money for this important and focused non-profit.  

The ultimate hostess and funny girl, Kareth Foster. Photo courtesy of Sue Barr Photography

With friends Pamela Balk and Susan Rockefeller.  Photo courtesy of Sue Barr Photography

Photo courtesy of Sue Barr Photography

The next day I headed Down South to Augusta, Georgia - the Garden City and my hometown.  

Augusta is best known for the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, the Masters Tournament at the Augusta National.  But a hidden gem lies in downtown Augusta, The Morris Museum of Art.  The first museum to dedicate itself to art of the American South, The Morris (as its known to locals) is a treasure of water colors, oils and sculptures all located on the Savannah River on Augusta's Riverwalk.

This year, I had the distinct honor and privilege to Co-Chair the Morris Museum of Art Gala 2012.  I co-chaired with Dr. Alan Whitehouse, the powerhouse in charge of the corporate and individual sponsorships who raised over $200,000 for the museum.  The evening was exquisite, celebrating the opening of the exhibit The Working South: Paintings and Sketches by Mary Whyte. Detailing the essence of the vanishing blue collar trades of the South, Ms. Whyte captivates and compels with her watercolors.  The eerie silence of vanishing trades that were once so vital to the South are a must see for any art lover.  

Mary Whyte, Trap, Crabber, Pinpoint, Georgia, 2008

Mary Whyte, Pilgrimage, Funeral Band, Miami, Florida, 2009

And then there was the party.  Greg Boulus of Charleston Street, an Event Designer  - not to mention proprietor of the boutique, Charleston Street, is a man of many talents and good friend.  As a guest of mine from New York declared, 'these were the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen at any event...'

And the people watching in Augusta rivals any city 

around the world! 

With Molly McDowell, Executive Director of the Westobou Festival -
 a first class arts festival that takes place in Augusta every fall

Amber Hacket (front) of Amber Erin Jewelry adorned ladies with jewels for the event
and donated a piece for the raffle

 

New York to Augusta.  I can't think of more complimentary bookends...