Whether you prefer the red, white, or blue tee, you can now look stylish enough to go out and about after a full eighteen. Golf dresses that transition from the fairway to cocktail hour were one of the most exciting trends at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show. The three best styles came from brand new, women-owner/designers Amanda Palmer, Green Tee Apparel and Cocchia. 
Designer Amanda Palmer is a former golf and fashion professional...she's also the niece of Arnold Palmer, so golfing smarts are in her DNA! Her deep jewel tone purple dress was my favorite -- it looks like linen (see close-up), but the fabric is actually a microfiber blend. Besides looking incredible, this soft, slightly stretchy blend provides UV protection and moisture-wicking.
I'm so in love with this collection and got to meet Amanda at the booth. Her warmth, elegance and thoughtfulness are fully reflected in these designs--check out the tiny Italian glass buttons on one of the tops. She's spaced the buttons so that full-figured gals like moi don't get that awful 'gap'...especially important if you're out for a round with the guys. The backs of some of the tops are equally well-designed with draped pleating to cover the adipose accumlation (aka back fat) that sometimes happens with age...both of these are details I'd expect to find only in couture collections.
Her other dresses also provided lengthening silhouettes, although one prominent buyer I spoke with (a cool and enlightened guy, mind you!) was a little concerned about the shorter hemlines. I didn't actually try them on, but this would be a plus for height-challenged fashionistas like me. Here's another style I liked -- similar fabric to the purple one with a slightly more flared skirt and lovely trim (see close-up) at the top. Although I didn't get a chance to photograph it, she also had a shirtdress similar in style and jersey fabric to Diane Von Furstenberg's Sheena (with 3/4 sleeves instead of long).
www.amanda-palmer.com will be up and running later this week. The line will be carried initially in high-end resorts and clubs, so definitely check out the site for the retailer list. Of course, I begged them to offer some pieces (at least that gorgeous purple dress!!) online. (-:
Green Tee Apparel serves an entirely different market segment but is another 
newcomer that totally 
gets it. Liz and Tiffany are adorable, smart and clearly excited about their line. I am too, after feeling the breathable fabrics including the poly pique (on the yellow halter dress) and poly/spandex (92/8) blends made with nanotechnology for stain resistance (click here an excellent article on 'Smart Technologies'). Love the color palette and the sophisticated trims, piping and thoughtful details such as the tiny tee pocket (pictured), flushed pockets for extra balls (heaven knows I need those) and glove loops.
Like Amanda Palmer's line, the Green Tee gals have given a lot of thought to adding stylish design details, such as the slightly puffed sleeve and waist belt on their updated polo. Best of all though, they're offering the line in petite sizes...THANK YOU!!! (-:
The blue/dark tangerine dress is my favorite and will be the first purchase when their online store up and running. In the meantime, you can see line and sign up on their mailing list for news on the latest retailers at www.greenteeapparel.com
My other favorite dress in this year's crop is Cocchia's belted shirtdress in white and a blue print. It reminded me of Diane Von Furstenberg's Bundette dress (available in sizes 0 & 6 in our store).
Stylish entrepreneur Lara Cocchia started the line to offer 'styles that swing'. For now, you can find her collection in specialty boutiques and pro-shops. See www.cocchiaonline.com for more details.
Although they're not necessarily for golf, I went gaga over another line of dresses. J. McLaughlin has been around for almost 30 years, but is only available on the east coast. Bummer for us Cali gals!!Their Amalfi dress in the Aquarium print is one of the most divine pieces I've seen all year. They also had some beautifully printed jersey wrap dresses, styled like Diane von Furstenberg's classic Julian wrap (same luxe fabric for $100 less than DVF). 
One of them featured a caning print in cocoa/vanilla, similar, but smaller (and better IMO) than DVF's. Two of their 45 stores are in Manhattan, so I'll definitely swing by during Fashion Week (first week of February) and see what else is new. Check out their website for a retailer near you as well as a few pieces available online. For those of us on the west coast, this has to be one of the best kept secrets in all of fashiondom!
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