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The insistent hot and humid weather may have some questioning whether fall is really soon upon us.

On Sept. 21, however, any fears of an eternal summer in East Tennessee will be laid to rest when community stakeholders and supporters take to the runway for the Fall Fashion Show hosted by Kelley Marie Chic Boutique in Morristown.

The colors featured in the show will leave no doubt, according to boutique owner Kelley Simpson.

“The palette is more true to fall colors,” she said. “You’ve got some pale blues and pale purples, but I’m seeing more true to fall colors. Brown is a really big color and a color they’re calling ‘raisin’ which is a wine/brown color. Brown is still very strong and I love that because you don’t always see brown in the market place. Sometimes charcoal takes that lead, but I’m seeing more brown, olives, oranges, mustards – so many pretty things,” Simpson said.

More than 30 models will be featured in full ensembles, including accessories and jewelry that are featured at the boutique.

“I think what people are going to be mindful of when they see them is that print and patterns are still very strong. And the clothing lines are so professional-looking, the way the makers put them together.

“What people in the audience can look for are more professional, polished looks. The years of the dress pant/joggers are going by the wayside and people are really wanting to get back into the workplace look,” Simpson said.

The apparel markets are offering more upscale blazers and dresses with geometic prints for the upcoming season.

“There are longer dresses, with fun little contrast belts and fun jewelry. It’s more conservative, polished, professional looks. But, yet we have a lot of fun stuff, that’s where the print comes in to play,” Simpson said.

A new line from Spain has been added to the boutique’s offerings.

“It’s absolutely breathtaking,” Simpson said. “The colors, the prints, the style, the fabrics, they’re just all beautiful: lots of satin-looking things, blouses and pants. When they come in, we’re so excited. This show is going to display all of these beautiful prints.

“I really feel it’s going to be a remarkable show. I think it’s going to be one of best shows we’ve ever had from the beautiful things we have to choose from,” she added.

Simpson ordered far in advance for the show which resulted in boxes galore arriving at the boutique this week.

“UPS and FedEx just ‘love’ us – and we just smile when they come in because we love them too!” Simpson said. “We feel their pain.”

A group of seven models arrived on Wednesday for fittings and to pose for a few promotional photos taken by photographer Daniel Munson, who also produces the show’s live streaming.

“We’ve got lots of new faces on the runway this time. Some of our loyal models are modeling again, like they always do thank goodness, because they serve as such a force of wisdom for the new walkers,” Simpson said. “We’re really looking forward to that, along with all of the new things at Rose Center that they have to offer now for events, with the new lighting, the new sound system. It’s truly going to be a wonderful experience and I think everybody who comes is going to love it.”

It’s going to be a beautiful show – we say that with every show, but this show is going to be so pretty,” she added.

Tickets are $25 to attend the show in person. Included with the ticket price are hors duevres and beverages (including wine) a chance to win a unique door prize provided by a sponsor business and 20% savings at the boutique through Saturday following the show. Tickets are $10 to view the show on live stream, via the Citizen Tribune, and included with the $10 ticket price is a chance to win a door prize and 20% savings at the boutique through Saturday following the show.

Kelley Marie Chic Boutique hosts two fashion shows each year and chooses a local nonprofit to benefit from the total proceeds.

The 2023 Fall Fashion Show will benefit Rose Center Council for the Arts. For more information, visit the boutique at 2412 West AJ Highway in Morristown or call 423-307-5622.