ES fashion – Uptown “Bubbles & Gowns”
Brynn Boyles at Smoky Hollow Roasters, where “Bubbles & Gowns” will be held on Nov. 2.
Finding a gently used dress or ensemble (maybe even one with the original tags still on) is for Lee Boyles, like finding buried treasure.
“I started thrift shopping at age 15, with my mother. I have been obsessed with it ever since,” Boyles said.
On Nov. 2, at Smoky Hollow Roasters, the public will have the opportunity to view Boyles’ latest discoveries during a fashion show benefiting Work N Progress, an El Segundo-based adult mental health daycare program.
Brynn Boyles wearing a dress to be featured at “Bubbles & Gowns.”
Tickets to “Bubbles & Gowns” are $15. The dresses modeled will be just $25 and will include comic stylings by comedian Sereny Waide.
“My brother attends Work N Progress. It has been empowering and satisfying for him and I am very grateful for the program,” Boyles said.
Boyles started hosting the benefit fashion shows in her home in 2017. This year’s show will be the first at a public venue.
“Most of the dresses are by upscale designers. They are all in ‘like-new’ condition. Some even still have original tags,” she said.
Lee Boyles with two of her thrift store finds.
The runway models will be Boyles’ 15-year-old daughter Brynn Boyles, and two of her El Segundo High classmates, Nicole and Juliana Booker. Sponsors include Smoky Hollow Roasters, Electric Bikes LA and Next Session recycled wetsuit ring company. Other sponsors include 1-800-Got-Junk?, You Move Me, HazawayToday.com and DropFusion IV.
Brynn Boyles and mother Lee at Smoky Hollow Roasters.
Tickets are available at Eventbrite or by email at leeboyles@yahoo.com.
For more about Work N Progress, visit ultimateprogress.com
Jeff Mitchell is a South Bay freelance writer.