We sat down with the lovely and stylish sisters Ashley and Erica Dingeman, who along with their mother Fran Dingeman are chairing the event Cocktails and Couture for the Cure to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The event is going to take place this Thursday, April 24th at Prime at Saratoga National and includes a fabulous NYC-style fashion show featuring Saratoga Trunk, Spoken Boutique and Violet’s of Saratoga, specialty cocktails, scotch tastings and cigar rolling, and more. Click here to purchase tickets, and see the photo below for more info. We chatted with the two sisters about their own Saratoga style and what guests can expect at Thursday’s event…
Tattlers: So this event is all about fashion, tell me what your favorite trends are for spring and summer now that the weather is finally warming up here?
Erica: This season, I’m obsessed with dressy shorts paired with a blazer for work, and then a muscle tee with stretchy skinny jeans at night. (Sometimes I’ll throw on a knit hat with either outfit.) Total opposite looks, which completely define my personality. I just died my hair red for a change, and I’m having a lot of fun changing up my style to match my new hair!
Ashley: I love the tea length skirts that are in style this season, especially for those awkward spring to summer transition days when it’s too warm to wear pants but too cold to wear a short skirt. It’s also a super easy style to dress up or down! I also adore floral patterns, always have and always will, so I’m excited to sport some bright and cheery floral prints this season.
T: Speaking of summer fashion, what is your go to track fashion look? Are you hat wearing ladies or do you go for a more casual look?
E: That’s a great question. I am all over the place when it comes to the track – but I love getting dressed up in my own style. Usually that means some sort of light, flow-y maxi with an open back and a gypsy style headband. (Ashley is way better at pulling off the preppy track look!)
A: The preppy look is my go-to, especially during track season. I love Lily Pulitzer and all the bright and colorful dresses that never go out of style. I pretty much always wear dresses to the track, with a pair of dressy sandals or a comfortable pair of heels or wedges. As far as hats go, I have a small head so hats look awkward on me. Instead, I LOVE headbands that add a little flair to an outfit but don’t encompass my whole head.
T: What are some of your favorite local places to shop?
E: I am obsessed with local boutiques. I’m a local business owner, so I will doing anything and everything I can to keep my shopping local (Everything boutique owner in town can probably confirm this if they look with their purchase log!) Lately, I’m loving on Violet’s, Lucia, and Piper. At let’s not forget our other show stoppers, Spoken and Saratoga trunk – Stop it, I might take a break and go shopping now.
A: I also am in love with the local boutiques downtown. Piper, Violet’s, Pink Paddock are definitely my types of stores, from ultra preppy to boho chic!
T: Ashley you are a local food and restaurant blogger, tell me your go to outfit for a date night at your favorite restaurant of the moment?
E: Ashley, you’re not allowed to say “Erica’s closet…”
A: It depends on my mood! During the winter, I’m basically always in leggings and riding boots. But in the warmer months, I love pairing flowy skirts with dressy tops and a pair of wedges. I love those outfits that can go both ways – slightly dressy while still casual and comfortable. Add a piece of jewelry like a big necklace or pretty bracelets and you’re good to go!
T: What kind of looks can guests except to see on the runway at the event?
E: It was really important for us to include boutiques in this event that cater to everyone – Violet’s, Spoken and Saratoga Trunk. You’ll experience a runway style fashion show with many, many fashions from each store, showcasing casual, evening, cocktail, and anything in between for all ages. Best part, all clothing featured will be available for purchase.
A: Erica’s totally right – the show will feature a wide variety of 2014 styles and trends, from outfits as casual as jeans and a tank top to formal gowns. Also, Saratoga National will be there with a table of their goods for sale for guys as well, plus there’s a scotch tasting and cigar rolling by Havana Premium Cigar Shoppe.
T: Are there any silent auction items you guys have your eye on in particular?
E: There are SO MANY silent auction items. Seriously… I don’t know where to begin. Let’s start with Druthers — they’ve donated a Growler a week for a year …AMAZING… Or, the multiple baskets of wine?! 1-year YMCA Pass? Dr.Ridha Gift Certificate… Gorgeous Watch from Fox Jewelers… I’m glad that Ashley’s modeling in the show so that I can lock in all of the silent auction items I want!
A: I’ve actually never seen so many amazing silent auction items at one event. There’s a fabulous basket of rosé wines courtesy of Crush and Cask that I’d love to get my hands on, as well as that growler a week for a year prize. Um, you can never have enough alcohol, right?!
T: Tell us more about the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, what does JDRF mean to you guys?
E: JDRF is very close to our hearts because our brother, Brandon has Juvenile Diabetes. Not only are they SO close to a cure, but it’s really important for us to raise awareness about the disease. We are so touched that all of our friends and local businesses have come together to support us in this event, as they know this is a really special one for us.
A: When my brother was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, I was only 8 years old. Since then, I’ve learned so much about this disease and have dedicated myself to raising awareness about it. We’re so blessed to have so many people helping and supporting us in this event and it also makes me happy to show my brother that we’re always here to support him and this cause.
Thanks to Ashely and Erica for chatting with us, we can’t wait for their fabulous event on Thursday!
