Published: August 08, 2008 07:25 am         

Mall stores offer back-to-school event

DANVILLE — The idea of going back to school might be a little more appealing once students see the latest fall fashions tonight and Saturday in a show outside Elder-Beerman in Danville’s Village Mall.

Titled “Go Styling Back to School,” the fashion show will highlight the latest styles for girls and boys from toddlers through teens. The event also will include other mall businesses and partners from the community.

Elaine Martinez, Elder-Beerman store manager, sees many changes in fall styles from last year.

“For boys, there’s a rock ‘n roll theme to fashion this year. There are lots of graphic T-shirts and combinations of plaids and stripes, things we thought we’d never do,” Martinez said.

“That mix and match continues with the girls. One new look for them is open-neck blouses with ruffles worn with vests,” she said. “Tunics and sweaters are paired with leggings, which are back again. Skinny jeans are very strong.

“Girls will see combinations of purple and gray. Pinks with browns will continue to be strong,” she said.

Melody Kelson, Elder-Beerman’s area manger in charge of the children’s department, said, “The same fashion trends can be seen even in the infants’ clothing.”

All models for the event will be store customers. Mayor Scott Eisenhauer will serve as fashion show emcee both tonight and Saturday afternoon.

Tonight at 6 p.m., the spotlight will shine on fashions for girls from sizes 2T-16 and boys from 2T-20. At 2 p.m. Saturday, pre-teen and teen fashions for both boys and girls will be the focus.

Other businesses will join Elder-Beerman to celebrate back to school.

-- Sears Optical will provide free vision screenings from 6-8 p.m. tonight and 1-6 p.m. Saturday outside in the mall near the fashion show area.

Sandy Ireland, who works in the optical department, said this is the third year the free screenings have been offered at back-to-school time.

“This is National Eye Exam Month,” Ireland said, “so we try to see as many people as possible, including adults.

“This is a visual screening only,” she emphasized. “If we detect a problem, they will need to see a doctor.”

-- At 10 a.m. Saturday, Midwest Gymnastics will present a tumbling demonstration outside Elder-Beerman and hold registra-tion for the fall session.

-- From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Elder-Beerman will have kids’ games in the children’s department.

-- Business partners such as D & S Wholesale, Jodi’s Dance Unlimited and mall stores including Waldenbooks, BoRics, Johnny’s Men’s Clothing, Maurice’s and Shoe Sensation also will be on hand Saturday with coupons and information.

IF YOU GO

“Go Styling Back to School” will take place tonight at 6 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday in front of Elder-Beerman’s mall entrance at the Village Mall. Other businesses and stores will join in the event.