Joanne Lehman, left, and Geri Dekker pose with Felicia Ragsdale as the Queen of Hearts.

RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - A queen of hearts, top-hatted escorts and a runway filled with fall fashions brought a touch of Wonderland to the Rancho Murieta Country Club on Sept. 23. The Rancho Murieta Women’s Club presented the sold-out luncheon and fashion show, with all 204 tickets purchased a week before the reservation deadline.

The welcome began in the parking lot, where elegantly dressed “Mad Hatters” shuttled guests to the clubhouse in golf carts. Inside, the men offered guests glasses of bubbly, and hostesses in black helped them find their tables.

Guests followed the invitation to wear black and white, creating a striking contrast with the red dresses worn by event co-chairs Theresa Ilaga and Erin Bailey.

“I didn’t see a single person who didn’t wear black and white,” Club President Bonnie Kirschman said.

Model Kellie Bindel shows off an outfit from Cho Cho’s when the Rancho Murieta Women’s Club presents the Queen of Hearts Fashion Show on Sept. 23 at the Rancho Murieta Country Club.

Kirschman praised the organizers for carrying the queen of hearts theme through every detail, from the escorts and table settings to the programs and a special appearance by Felicia Ragsdale as the queen.

“The fashion show was fabulous from start to finish,” Kirschman said. “Erin and Theresa don’t miss a detail.”

The Murieta Room became a sea of black and red, accented with gold. Volunteers fashioned centerpieces from black top hats, gold trim and roses, adding “Off with Their Heads!” signs. Candelabras and tall candles enhanced the atmosphere, while the program’s queen of hearts logo featured a faux diamond crown and a red jeweled heart.

Afterward, the co-chairs explained their inspiration.

“We wanted to bring a little Alice in Wonderland magic to the fashion show,” they said. “Guests were invited to wear black and white, and we carried the playful theme through the event.”

Sasha Mock goes barefoot while modeling floral overalls, a gray top and a cowboy hat from Main Street Mercantile.

The luncheon featured a blackened salmon BLT appetizer, an Asian-grilled chicken salad, and strawberry shortcake. Raffle drawings followed, with prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.

Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” played before the fashion show, setting the mood for the afternoon’s main attraction: approximately 55 outfits presented by 18 volunteer models.

Participating stores included Blonde Desperado, Main Street Mercantile, The Clothes Mine and Unique Boutique for U in Sutter Creek, along with Cho Cho’s, Chico’s Palladio and the Rancho Murieta Country Club Pro Shop.

Ilaga and Bailey shared the commentary, greeting models by name, describing their outfits and identifying the stores that supplied them. Their lively exchanges mixed fashion details with suggestions for wearing the clothes to dinner, on vacation, to a winery or out with friends.

Janet Cann models a flowing orange dress with a high-low hem from Blonde Desperado.

The fashions ranged from casual denim and golf attire to elegant dresses and sparkling evening jackets. Embroidered sweaters, reversible jackets, wide-leg pants and fall colors offered plenty of ideas for updating a wardrobe.

Janet Cann brought Western flair to the runway in a rust-colored dress from Blonde Desperado, pairing its flowing sleeves and dramatic high-low hem with cowboy boots. Other looks included a black-and-white sequined jacket from Cho Cho’s and a leopard-print jacket from Chico’s.

Ragsdale made appearances during the show as the queen of hearts, playfully threatening “Off with your head!” as the commentators encouraged guests to keep their royal visitor happy.

The co-chairs said they enjoyed bringing a little Joan Rivers and Melissa Rivers energy to their shared commentary while keeping it conversational and informative.

Felicia Ragsdale presides as the queen of hearts against a Wonderland backdrop.

Behind the scenes, 36 volunteers helped with many details, including fittings, rehearsals, dressing the models, and raffles.

The show ended with a final parade of models, loud applause and flowers presented to Ilaga and Bailey. A gift certificate to The Cupola Spa served as the final door prize.

For new club member Marcia Reimers, attending her first fashion show made the afternoon a memorable introduction.

“I thought it was absolutely fabulous. The women were beautiful. The clothes were gorgeous. The food was delicious,” she said. “The booths that they had for gifts, I spent way too much money, and I had a wonderful time.”

Sasha Mock models a floral blouse, wide-leg jeans and a hat from Main Street Mercantile.

The event also drew rave reviews on Nextdoor, where attendees praised the festive décor, fashions, luncheon and the many details that made the afternoon special.

Kirschman said the organizers’ talents and enthusiasm were helping bring excitement to the club. “The Women’s Club can’t thank them enough for their hard work and dedication,” she said.

In a follow-up text, Kirschman emphasized her appreciation for everyone who helped: “I left out a very huge thank you to all of the volunteers.”

During the luncheon, Kirschman welcomed 17 new members who had joined since the previous luncheon and announced several upcoming events. The club’s final blood drive of the year will take place Oct. 26 from noon to 6 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The Dec. 2 holiday luncheon will feature a return performance by High Voltage, the El Dorado Musical Theatre youth group. Plans also are underway to celebrate the Women’s Club’s 35th anniversary in January.

Denise Gere models a dark jacket, striped blouse and pants from Chico’s Palladio.