It's that time of year again – time for fall foliage, apple picking and back-to-school – but more importantly, time for reflections.

The annual Reflections Fashion Show will take place on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Bedford High School. This year, the NH Mirror is teaming up with Families in Transition for a bigger and better show.

Several boutiques will showcase their fashions on stage at the event. This year's participants are Real Bodies of Amesbury, Mass., Junz Boutique of Nashua, Alapage of Bedford and Harley Davidson of Manchester.

The event will benefit Families in Transition and Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, and it will feature hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 for individuals, $60 at the door or $450 for a group of 10.

For more information, visit www.thenhmirror.com/reflections or call Mackenzie Fitzgerald at 641-1143, ext. 328.

By JULIA K. AGRESTO

Real Bodies Clothing from Bali,
Amesbury, Mass.

Real Bodies specializes in authentic clothing from Bali and Java, as well as beaded and silver jewelry and complementary accessories. Nancy White of Amherst has owned and operated the store for more than 10 years and moved it from Milford to Amesbury, Mass., about 10 months ago.

White said she feels working with the NH Mirror and FIT to benefit families, as well as CHaD, is a "worthwhile endeavor" and allows all involved to help those in need. She is glad to be a return participant this year.

"We have a lot of fun presenting some of our wide range of clothing, and the models have fun with the audience," she said.

Another advantage of the event, White said, is the opportunity to highlight independently owned businesses and support artistic endeavor, which "gives everyone an added cultural lift, as well as an economic boost."

Junz Boutique, Nashua

Junz Boutique will return to the Reflections show this year to support FIT and CHaD – and to show off the fashions the Nashua shop has to offer.

June Pastman of Atkinson has owned the boutique for 22 years. She said it has allowed her to raise money for various causes and to be able to make women feel great about themselves.

Junz Boutique is a high-end women's boutique offering a wide array of casual clothing, evening wear and accessories. The boutique's items come from such locations as New York, Los Angeles and Miami – and attendees of the show will have a chance to view several of these items.

She chooses to take part in the shows because she wants to help the organizations and people who will benefit from the proceeds.

"It's a win-win situation for everybody because it promotes the stores and it promotes the cause. People get to see the clothing on real people because they're not professional models," she said. "Mostly it's just such a worthy cause. That's the number one priority really."

Alapage, Bedford

Lisa Gavin of Brookline has owned Alapage of Bedford for 20 years. The store offers clothing, a "jean bar," jewelry and accessories, shoes and gifts. The name comes from an old French slang expression meaning "front page news" or "in fashion," appropriately.

Alapage will show off several outfits that can be purchased at the store. Gavin wanted to participate in the show because she feels the cause is a crucial one.

"I think it's important because it supports women and children in the area, and that is something that is really important to me, especially being in a women's business," Gavin said. "I like to support something that supports women and families in need."

Gavin's biggest inspiration is her mother, who gave up her career as an assistant fashion editor at a New York magazine to move north and raise five children.

Harley Davidson, Manchester

Harley Davidson is a franchise that has been in business for more than 30 years at its Manchester location. Sarah Byron, the store's motor clothes manager, said Harley Davidson – like the other participating stores – takes part in the Reflections show primarily to give back to the community.

"It's a great cause to raise awareness for Families in Transition, because we all think it's a great program and it works," she said. "And I just think it's a good event to bring awareness to that."

Byron said she hopes attendees will see that Harley Davidson offers much more than just motorcycle apparel. Models will show off some of the many outfits customers can purchase at the store.

So not only is the event for a great cause, but it also gets the word out about local businesses – a positive experience for all involved.

Julia K. Agresto is a freelance writer who lives in Dunstable, Mass.