The Country Friends 57th Annual Art of Fashion Show transforms Rancho Santa Fe into center of fall/winter fashion on Thursday, Sept. 20... 

Something very happening catwalks Rancho Santa Fe way on Thursday, Sept. 20, across a plain public green magically transformed into one of the largest outdoor fashion shows in the nation.

The Country Friends, in partnership with trendsetting South Coast Plaza, and The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, stages the ultimate in outdoor fashion events, the 57th Annual Art of Fashion runway show. 

It's a must-attend event for fashionistas, usually featuring creations from the world's leading designers and front-line, center-stage fall/winter collections. Upwards of 550 people generally make the day's activities.

The amazing festivities begins at 10:30 a.m. with boutique shopping on the lawn at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe followed by lunch at 11 a.m. The ultimate in outdoor runway shows kicks its heels "PROMPTLY" at 1:30 p.m. Then, an Apres' Affair Wine Tasting hosted, by Falkner Winery, Lemon Twist and Allure Chocolates, back at The Inn toasts off around 2:30 p.m as boutique shopping continues until credit cards are maxxed.

 The show highlights fashions from the 2012 fall/winter collections of renowned international designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Valentino, Celine, Donna Karan, Roberto Cavalli, as well as clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue and Gucci. It's garnished with jewelry from such as  David Yurman and Black, Starr & Frost.

The Country Friends was founded in 1954 with 167 members. It has grown to more than 1,200 members and has distributed more than $12 million to San Diego County charities.

 The group funds more than two dozen charitable agencies each year, through events such as the Art of Fashion, and also proceeds from its consignment shop at Rancho Santa Fe, specializing in exquisite furniture, antiques, rugs, silver, china and objets d’art. Its mission is “helping people to help themselves.”

The event usually is sold out, so tickets probably are not available. However, it never hurts to check even at this late date. 

Valet parking is available at the event entrance. Tickets cost $225 for the fashion show and lunch, or $125 for the fashion show alone. They are available online at www.thecountryfriends.org or by calling (858) 756-1192, ext. 4.

Country Friends spring membership luncheon brings 23 new members and help for local groups

                                    (Photo: Betsy Heightman, Shelly Dew, Annie Garcia, Melissa Brown)

The Country Friends, based in Rancho Santa Fe where their Consignment Shop is situated, moved their Spring Membership Luncheon plus Fashion Show east and enjoyed the amenities of the Rancho Bernardo Inn.

More than 140 women came to shop May 4 and enjoy the styles presented by TRE Boutique (The Rare Earth), with outlets in Del Mar, Carlsbad and 4S Ranch. Thirty ensembles from the shops owned by Rochelle Johnson and Sheree Vihon were paraded.

The event co-chairwomen were Anna Waite and Kathe Votsis.

Among those attending were Yvette Letourneau, Cheri Salyers, Terri Chivetta, Laing Rikkers, Deborah Cross, Sophia Alsadek, Tonita McKone, Jo Ely, Laureen Bolstad, Donna Ahlstrom, Andrea Muir, Eileen Menees, Edna Sahm, Betsy... (more)

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

 No matter what holiday you honor in your home, we decorate our homes to please ourselves and to welcome family and friends during the holidays.  

Although this time of year seems to be hectic for most of us, transforming our homes with dazzling decorations for the tree, sprucing up the mantel (no pun intended), setting a new, inventive holiday table scape, or hanging an exquisite welcoming wreath at our front door, renews our ties with our family, and returns us to the magic of Christmas.

The first thing to do to make your home more beautiful for the holidays is to bring in lots of fresh greenery.  All the rage this year is fresh greenery.  Garlands, sprays, boughs, and branches of fresh greenery create the necessary backdrop for all your holiday decorations.  A gathering of greens from your own pine trees truly marks the start of the holiday season.  Wreaths and garlands, simple in design, bring a fragrant aroma and natural evergreen palette to a room at a time of year when the days are shorter, and there’s a chill of winter in the air.

Often it’s the simplest designs that make the most charming Christmas décor.  I like to clip pine branches and set them atop framed oil paintings in different rooms of my home, and instantly, it add that holiday dressed up look.  Potting fresh greens in baskets and glazed pottery, weaving greenery around chandeliers, or displaying fresh greens in your entrance adds a festive touch that reminds guests of this special time of year.  Incorporating fresh greens on fireplace mantels, in centerpieces, or in an arrangement on a table in a seating area, brings the look of Christmas instantly to a room.

Other natural elements, such as pinecones, woody branches, and leaves from your own yard perhaps sprayed in gold or silver, adds contrast and sparkle when mixed with the evergreens.

The Christmas tree, decked out in so many possible themes, is probably the most cherised of all.  We usually have a couple of Christmas trees in our home, such as the “designer” tree, as my children call it, is in the formal living room is one, and the “children’s” tree, often displayed in the family room.  One important thing to remember before bringing home a fresh tree, is to look at the space you intend to place it.  You need the correct amount of room to make sure you can see and enjoy it during the holiday season.

  The Christmas tree need not be elaborate.  A fresh, full, aromatic tree decorated simply with lots of clear sparkle lights can be as beautiful as one adorned with many ornaments.  Then comes the gilt – the gold and silver sparkle – the magic only this time of year you can excuse yourself of, and turn your home and tree into a fantasy setting.  Gold, sparkly, and shiny ornamentation on the tree and in you home, provoke atmosphere that captures the season.  Shimmering holiday decorations brings a magical touch to Christmas and glamorize your holiday décor.

There are endless themes, color combinations, and unique ornaments available for decorating the Christmas tree, yet consideration should be taken of the overall room’s color, style, and personality when choosing the Christmas tree’s scheme.  I often like to retire some of my worn, tired holiday decorations while decorating the tree.  Experimenting and adding new pieces to display in a new way can be fun and creative.  For most of us, the holiday décor seems to change from year to year, depending on our mood and schedules.  Whether you do it up big and hire a firm to go all out with decorations, or choose a sparse, simple look, or somewhere in between, creating a festive home for your family and friends during the holidays should be enjoyable.

At Christmas, make your home a visual, sensual special place that delights all who enter.  After all, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.  May yours be merry and bright.

Country Friends 55th Annual Art of Fashion Show VIDEO Presentation

A record crowd of more than 550 incredibly fashionable patrons showed up for the big tent on Thursday, Sept. 23 as the Country Friends, in partnership with South Coast Plaza, turned heads with its 56th staging of that grand annual tradition the Art of Fashion outdoor runway show. It all happened from 10:30 a.m. to well past 3 p.m. in, and around, the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

 It's one of the largest, if not the largest, outdoor fashion show in North America. The latest in haute couture for the fall/winter season from some of the leading designers and fashion houses in the world strolled, strutted and amazed a highly attentive, and appreciative gathering.

"We are thrilled to have such an incredible line-up of designers," said Jeanne Lucia, president of the Country Friends.

Added Debra Gunn Downing of South Coast Plaza, which partnered in the event for the sixth consecutive year: "It's a pleasure to bring our stellar cast of luxury boutiques to this show."

This year's runway show featured fall/winter collections from Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John, TOD'S, and Versace.

Aloha Taylor, KSWB 5/69 Fox San Diego meteorologist, and former Miss USA Hawaii, emceed the fabulous event, noting how the weather was perfect and so were the fashions. Andrea Naverson, chair of the Art of Fashion, welcomed everyone to the special event and introduced Country Friends Art of Fashion committee members and special guests.... (more)

BREAKING NEWS 4 P.M. - GOING, GOING, GONE TO THE COUNTRY FRIENDS 'ART OF FASHION SHOW'

Midnight UPDATE: Video of the event will be posted later today...

A record crowd of more than 550 incredibly fashionable patrons showed up for the big tent on Thursday, Sept. 23 as the Country Friends, in partnership with South Coast Plaza, turned heads with its 55th staging of that grand annual tradition the Art of Fashion outdoor runway show. It all happened from 10:30 a.m. to well past 3 p.m. in, and around, the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

 It's one of the largest, if not the largest, outdoor fashion show in North America. The latest in haute couture for the fall/winter season from some of the leading designers and fashion houses in the world strolled, strutted and amazed a highly attentive, and appreciative gathering.

"We are thrilled to have such an incredible line-up of designers," said Jeanne Lucia, president of the Country Friends.

Added Debra Gunn Downing of South Coast Plaza, which partnered in the event for the sixth consecutive year: "It's a pleasure to bring our stellar cast of luxury boutiques to this show."

This year's runway show featured fall/winter collections from Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John, TOD'S, and Versace.

Aloha Taylor, KSWB 5/69 Fox San Diego meteorologist, and former Miss USA Hawaii, emceed the fabulous event, noting how the weather was perfect and so were the fashions. Andrea Naverson, chair of the Art of Fashion, welcomed everyone to the special event and introduced Country Friends Art of Fashion committee members and special guests.

 Those guests included family members of the late Betty Mabee and Betty Zable. These ladies were honored at the event. "Mrs. Zable and Mrs. Mabee, longtime members of the Country Friends, are being honored for their commitment to the community," Naverson said.

The Country Friends was founded in 1954 with 167 members. It has grown to more than 1,200 members and has distributed more than $12 million to San Diego County charities. The Art of Fashion show, the consignment shop on El Tordo, and the Hats and Flats event at the San Diego Polo Club were the annual fundraising events with proceeds going to 18 county nonprofit groups.

Much more to report, including a great video about the event, all of which will appear at Ah-Ha Rancho Santa Fe News later today and tonight.

La Granada at Via de Santa Fe gets a makeover

 After years of talk, and months of prep work, La Granada and Via de Santa Fe's fabled Y-intersection is being reformed into a 4-way intersection providing access to Camino Selva and La Flecha.

Construction is expected to continue through late September. Traffic will continue to flow during construction although detours and open streets will vary.

San Diego County taxpayers through the half-cent dedicated TransNet sales tax approved by voters in 1987 are paying for the $325,000 project that includes realigning the intersection, curbs, gutter and sidewalk, as well as creating conforming driveway entrances and utility corridors.

"This project will enhance traffic flow, drainage and pedestrian facilities in the neighborhood by constructing 450 feet of new sidewalks," county officials said.

 Once the road is re-arranged, the Rancho Santa Fe Association will provide new landscaping.

Hola to the new Fairbanks Ranch Fire Station aka RSF Station No. 3

 The new $4.5 million Rancho Santa  Fe Fire Station No. 3 on nearly an acre at 6424 El Apajo, across the street from Helen Woodward Animal Center, rapidly is taking shape.

Officials broke ground on July 1. Actual work recently began in earnest, as the long-awaited solution to earthquake resistant building standards as well as modern firefighting techniques comes to Fairbanks Ranch. Ledcor Construction is managing contractor.

The two-story, nearly 11,000-square foot building will house a two-bay, double-stacked drive-through apparatus room for engine companies, as well as first-floor workshop, laundry, "clean room" and captain's office.

The second floor provides living quarters for six firefighters, a day room, kitchen, study and fitness room. Firefighters will be assigned on a daily basis with one fire engine and one brush engine.

The old fire station at the same location was torn down in February. Since then, firefighting operations have taken place from double-wide trailers, and a portable shelter, behind Horizon Christian Fellowship Church, next to Helen Woodward on El Apajo.

Country Friends honor Betty Zable and Betty Mabee at Art of Fashion Show

Two of Rancho Santa Fe's leading ladies who died in recent years are being honored by The Country Friends charitable group at its annual Art of Fashion luncheon and outdoor fashion show.

Art of Fashion, presented on Sept. 23 in partnership with South Coast Plaza and The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, is one of the largest outdoor fashion shows in North America. It's a must-attend event for fashionistas, usually featuring creations from the world's leading designers and front-line, center-stage fall/winter or spring/summer collections.

Mrs. Mabee died at age 88 in February, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Survived by her son Larry Mabee, and their Eagle Farms thoroughbred breeding operation, Mrs. Mabee and husband John, who died in 2002, formed Rancho Santa Fe's premier power couple.

High school sweethearts, the Mabees founded the Big Bear supermarket chain, then founded, and operated, Golden Eagle Insurance Company, which became the state's third-largest workers' compensation carrier with more than 1,300 employees.

Starting in 1957, when the Mabees bought their first horses at the Del Mar Yearling sale, they created Golden Eagle Farm, which had 800 horses at its height in the early 2000s. They won the Eclipse Award as the nation's leading breeder in 1991, 1997 and 1998. 

Mrs. Mabee contributed to many charitable organizations and programs, especially emphasizing children in need. 

"My mother mentored many women in the ways of fundraising and the charitable world,” Larry Mabee said in February. “That was where she created her own identity and left her own mark separate from the things she did with my father.”

Mrs. Zable was first secretary of Cubic Corp., a global leader in defense and transportation fare collection services, now with 4,800 employees at locations in 23 U.S. states and 20 countries. She founded the company with her husband Walter Zable at Point Loma in 1951. 

The Zables met at the College of William & Mary, living at New York before moving to San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe where they founded Cubic Corp. Mrs. Zable was a major contributor, and supporter, to the Zoological Society of San Diego and aided in its building of the Wild Animal Park.

Mrs. Zable died at age 88 in August 2007 at an assisted-living facility in Carmel Valley. She had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for seven years.

“My mother held everything together,” Karen Cox, Mrs. Zable's daughter, said at that time. “My father was off building and running his company, and he depended on her to hold things together at home.”

Tickets cost $225 for the fashion show and lunch, or $125 for the fashion show alone. They are available online at www.thecountryfriends.org or by calling (858) 756-1192, ext. 4.

And finally, The Liliian, and Joe Pinnsoneault, bite the dust -- An Ah-Ha opinion

Argh, the so-called Lilian project for the corner of El Tordo and Avenida de Acacias, first proposed by Coronado developer Joe Pinsonneault in 2007.

I was the first person to speak to Pinsonneault when he showed up at the Rancho Santa Fe Association with his proposal to build a 13,000-square foot mixed use commercial/residential project at the parking lot behind Paseo Delicias banks and real estate offices, across the street from The Country Friends consignment store.

And you know what was the first thought I had and expressed to him? I said, it will never happen, you're insane.

And you know what, part two? He argued with me about it, calling me -- ME!!! -- ill-advised.

As usual, I was correct.

That didn't stop Pinsonneault, and fellow travelers, who shall go nameless since I'm in a good mood these days, from wasting everybody's time, and energy, with meetings, presentations, those dumb building pole markers, expensive brochures and displays, more meetings and self-promotions, not to mention all those BS self-promotional, butt-kissing articles by the Rancho Santa Fe Review.

Thanks for nothing, pinheads.

As predicted, the very instant Pinsonneault showed his face in town, The Lilian simply was a no-brainer, as in you have greed in lieu of brains, moron.

It pissed off people, never got anywhere with county leaders, and now, finally thank goodness, has bit the proverbial dust, drowning in a sea of liens, debts and well, its own BS.

Who needed it (besides the developer)?

Good riddance and Gracie, good night.