It doesn't have to be fashion week for local teens to learn about Spring styles and trends - and have fun doing it.
Members of the Logan Valley Mall Style Club took part in a two-day Fashion Boot Camp last weekend in preparation for their Spring fashion show later this month.
In its third year, the style club has blossomed with interest from fashion-forward teens from around the area, said Joy Weidel, marketing director for the Logan Valley Mall and Style Club volunteer.
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Members of the Logan Valley Mall Style Club had their makeup applied at Macy’s during a recent Fashion Boot Camp at the mall. Pictured are (from left) Jacquelyn Weidel of Huntingdon, Gabby Gironda of Ebensburg, Megan McCreary of Roaring Spring, Mikayla Frantz of Tyrone, Madisyn Wright-Weir of James Creek, Sydnee Ellis of Williamsburg, Lauren O’Farrell of Ebensburg, Allison Ritchey of Imler and Julie Gorsuch of Williamsburg.
"The members that we have this year are very enthusiastic," she said. "They are definitely fashionistas."
At fashion boot camp, Style Club members learned about new trends on the runway and in makeup, hair and skin care.
Mall vendors like Macy's, Regis Salon and the Ooh la la boutique provided their expertise.
Club members also got practice in putting together casual and dressy looks, and tried out their walk on a mock runway. The weekend was capped off Sunday with makeovers by Macy's beauty consultants and a photo shoot courtesy of Larry Helsel of Hourglass Photography.
"[That] was really their glamour day," Weidel said. "It really made them feel great. We really like to work on that self esteem. It was good to see that."
Morgan Johnson, 17, of Loysburg, said participating in the Style Club for the past three years has helped her with her own self-esteem.
"I'm so grateful for the mall," she said about their initiative to start the club. "Ever since I've been in it, it's helped me develop more confidence in myself and taught me that everyone's beautiful and you can be original and be yourself.
"Basically, it's OK to be different."
Johnson said the Style Club has been a great outlet for her because she loves fashion, and wanted to bond with other people in the area who love fashion as well. But the Style Club also has community service initiatives and opportunities, which in the past have included conducting a food drive and collecting school supplies for the United Way's "Stuff the Bus."
"That's what's keeping me in it," Johnson said about the community service projects.
Danielle Mayhew, 16, of Fishertown, said she had fun at the boot camp and is excited for the fashion show and community service project.
"Pretty much everything about it, I liked," she said. "It was a lot of fun and a great experience."
This is Mayhew's first year being involved with the Style Club. She joined because she enjoys "anything to do with fashion." Mayhew added that she would like to make a career of modeling or fashion design some day.
"I like how different designers have different styles, and it shows their personality through their clothing," she said.
Mayhew got her first taste of designing an outfit at Fashion Boot Camp when she won a contest for the best dressy ensemble by pairing a turquoise shirt, bootcut jeans, wedges and a scarf.
The contest was part of a styling activity that Old Navy hosted for the club.
Weidel said activities with the Style Club have helped the mall reach out to younger consumers.
"Teens and tweens are key costumers," she said. "It really helps us build relationships and have a group that can help us throughout the year."
The biggest events for the club are the two annual fashion shows in which club members model Spring or back-to-school fashions. This year's Spring fashion show will take place at 1 p.m. March 24 in the mall, and will feature everything from colorful jeans and tops to prom dresses.
Weidel would encourage anyone to attend the show to "see the talent of our young people and what they're doing to represent our community."
Mirror Staff Writer Beth Ann Downey is at 946-7520.
