By CANDACE CHASE/The Daily Inter Lake

Mary Reckin and other members of the Flathead County Democratic Women decided to grow some green in the depths of winter with a unique fashion show featuring consignment clothing.

"Fashion Goes Green" is scheduled for Jan. 25, featuring consignment designer clothing as well as tea and munchables from 2 to 4 p.m. at the New Outlaw Inn. Proceeds from the $15 admittance benefit the group's scholarship fund for women.

The Democratic women awarded two scholarships of $350 each last year, but have bumped up the awards to $500 each for 2009.

"What better way to help our young people?" Reckin asked as she rehearsed gliding in a black gown.

Inspiration for a benefit show came to Reckin while shopping at the Re-Finery, 231 Main St., her favorite consignment designer clothing store, in Kalispell. It

promotes the party's green principles, accessible on a working woman's budget.

Melissa Beumer, proprietor of the Re-Finery, helped models choose a mix of fashions for the Sunday afternoon show from her large selection tucked into the 3,600 square-foot building. She describes herself as very picky when accepting consignments, which must be less than two years old, pressed and spotless.

A veteran of 12 years in fashion, Beumer said she purchased an established shop in Kalispell in 2003 then "upscaled" the inventory. In April 2008, she moved the Re-Finery across Main Street into the same building with Mimi's Bridal, a one-stop wedding shop she opened in 2007.

"I do everything for the bride and groom," she said.

While the downstairs bridal store sells exclusively new dresses and accessories, the consignment shop gathers gently used clothing brands such as Georgio Armani, Tahari, J. Jill, Coldwater Creek, Double D Ranchwear, Abercrombie, Seven's, Kate Spade and more.

Boutique items arrive from local woemn and beyond, creating a unique blend of one-of-a kind clothing.

"Women send things from out of state," Beumer said.

The store pays for consigned items when they sell. Beumer said sellers get more value with an in-store credit in lieu of cash.

According to Beumer, her prices reflect a sizable discount of the original retail. As an example, she said she has sold True Religion designer jeans, priced new for as much as $250, for as little as $48.

She said people attending the Democratic women's "Fashion Goes Green" show will see a good cross-section of clothing.

"We'll have everyday, cruise wear and evening," she said.

Judie Stewart, co-chairwoman for the event with Nancy Westberg, said models will include women of all sizes, with only one common denominator.

"They all had to be Democrats," she said with a laugh.

Stewart said she became the model recruiter by default by showing up late for a meeting. She managed to find 15 to 16 women willing to strut their stuff for a good cause.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," Stewart said.

By volunteering for the runway, the models had the fun of spending a few hours digging into the racks of clothing, shelves of unique shoes and boots and cases of jewelry. Stewart said Beumer allowed the women to choose for themselves, but also set aside some special pieces.

"I got a gorgeous black dress that I'm going to wear," she said with a smile. "She [Melissa] pulled it for me " very seldom do things fit me like that."

Stewart said the fun part of the Re-Finery is that the store has something for everybody from teenagers to the most mature women. The Democratic women have tapped Beumer to provide the fashion commentary during the show.

"All the clothes will be available for purchase," Beumer said. "I'm also going to bring some extra things."

Models will have their hair styled by Krystal of J. Thomas Salon and makeup by Criswell of Salon Jazlin, using the Mirabella Beauty products.

People interested in tickets may purchase them at Books West and the Re-Finery.

For information about the scholarship fund, call Pat Sanders at 257-1932." For additional information about the style show, call event co-chairwomen Judie Stewart at 752-2955, or Nancy Westberg at 756-3145.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com