Long known as Denver’s premier shopping destination, the Business Improvement District of Cherry Creek North was ready to kick off its second annual fashion show, “Celebrate Fashion in Cherry Creek North,” last month.

Tents had been raised, clothes pulled from the racks of some of Cherry Creek North’s finest boutiques, and models were arriving for fittings, all on Sept. 12. Does that date ring a bell? Sept. 12 marked the beginning of rainstorms that turned into deluges and then floods in Colorado. Leslie Horna, marketing and communications director for the BID, and her team cancelled the event.

But like true fashionistas with a commitment that the show must go on, “Fashion in Cherry Creek North” was rescheduled for Oct. 18. Hundreds of fashion lovers dusted off their little black dresses, slipped into sky-high heels and paraded over to the pre-reception cocktail party in the lobby of the Janus Capital building. Many partygoers were not only clothes lovers, but were happy to show their support for the non-profit beneficiary of the event, Denver Health Foundation.

Paula Herzmark, executive director, said that funds raised will benefit their women’s health services. “We have the same goals as Cherry Creek North, excellence in customer service and support for women,” Herzmark said.

Waiting for the fashion show to begin, Style Matters couldn’t understand why so many men were at the event. SM attributed it to charitable enthusiasm. Ah… no. It’s the lingerie, stupid. SOL – Store of Lingerie – featured five revealing lace ensembles. How did I know the SOL models had started down the runway? The men in the audience stopped talking.

Sitting next to Style Matters was a beautiful young blogger, creator of the website fashionfolio.wordpress.com. Oh, boy, I thought. Here’s where the generation gap will rear its ugly head. But surprise, surprise. Despite the many number of years (I’m not saying how many!) between us, our fashion assessments were exactly the same.

We couldn’t argue with the fact that Eccentricity, owned by Gayle Larrance and known for catering to the mature woman, stole the show from the younger hipper boutiques. When the model strutted out in a red coat, you could hear the gasp and spontaneous applause from the audience. “She’s nailed it,” my blogger buddy announced. I couldn’t agree more. Way to go, Gayle!

Also thrilling the audience was the pairing of Mariel and Marks-Lloyds Furs. Mariel, a popular upscale boutique relatively new to the district, first drew kudos for the fire engine red bouffant dress owner Denise Snyder put on emcee Denise Plante. The host of KOSI 101 and Colorado and Company warmed up the crowd by pulling off a bun extension and tossing it to an audience member with the order, “Hold that for me!” The furs wowed the crowd, and many women came up to Richard Gross, CEO of ML Furs, after the show to get the prices on several of his coats.

Here’s where the generation gap revealed itself. After the show, Style Matters went home to bed. Blogger buddy went to the official after party.

Adult fashion show boutiques:

AliciaBeyond 9Calypso St. BarthEccentricityGarbariniJos. A. BankMarielMarks-Lloyds FursNora’s Retro BoutiqueSOL Store of Lingerie

Judie Schwartz, AKA Style Matters, is the co-author of two best-selling books on the best places to shop in Colorado. Called “A Fashion-Lover’s Guide to the Best Shopping in Denver and Beyond,” the books are available at stylematters.us. Schwartz presents image seminars to corporations on the importance of a business casual wardrobe and entertains conventioneers with talks on how to look great on a budget. She is also a wardrobe consultant. Schwartz has one husband, three children, no pets and small closets. She can be reached at:? judiezs123@gmail.com ? www.stylematters.us? Facebook: StyleMatters1? Twitter: StyleMatters123