Today's Highlights

• Turning a dream into reality
• Dressing up for golf
• An "Ah-ha" Moment

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Subscription | Advertise | Publish | Archives | Search | Contact

FEATURE

Turning a dream into reality

By Janice Ferguson
GPA Correspondent

Designer, business owner, wife, mother, golfer, world traveler, and philanthropist -- that's a lot of tasks for one person to juggle. But for Patti Varrelmann, creator of GGblue women's golf and lifestyle apparel, it is all simply realizing a dream.

"When I was young, my daydreams were always the same -- I wanted to travel, stay at beautiful resorts and experience life," Varrelmann said. "When I was 22, I became a flight attendant and fulfilled part of that dream. My other dream was to have a family and to create a clothing line that fuses my passion for travel and love for design."

GGblue, named after the blue eyes of Varrelmann's daughter Georgia Grace, launched in spring 2004. The line is inspired by femininity, positive energy and happiness.

What began as a golf apparel collection has evolved into a complete women's lifestyle brand. Pieces transition from day to night to meet the demands of today's on-the-go female.

"I consider myself a modern-day woman and created GGblue with all of my experiences in mind, however big or small," Varrelmann said. "The collection has pieces that I would want to wear while traveling, practicing Pilates, golfing, and to dinner at a resort."

Varrelmann has found the same balance with her creation of GGblue clothing as she has in life. The collections include a range of versatile separates and basics in tops, bottoms and outerwear, in addition to flirty dresses, skirts, silk halters and accessories.

One of the most popular items is the Bermuda short that comes in a low or regular rise, with color choices of white, pomegranate or black, and in six different prints. The Nina knicker pant in chocolate or white is another favorite piece.

Two additional best sellers are the Patti long sleeve tee in pink lemonade, and the short sleeve Georgia tee that comes in three brightly-striped patterns.

Solids and vibrant prints can be mixed and matched so customers can create their own individual look. A variety of fabrics, including Italian viscose and printed cottons, are used to achieve a fit that is tailored but flowing.

The prints are all hand-selected in Italy, and reflect the spirit of combining whimsy with practicality.

Dream over?

Not quite. Varrelmann took the top-selling Sarah tank top and added a custom-designed Orchid of Hope logo in three different colors. The tank retails for $52, and a portion of each sale is donated to UNICEF.

Varrelmann has always believed in helping others, and wanted her three children to appreciate the life they have, while practicing generosity and humanity. The idea began simply at her son's seventh birthday party last year. Rather than spending money on frivolous party favors for all the children attending, Varrelmann donated the money in honor of her son's birthday.

"I wanted to teach my children the value of giving back," Varrelmann said, "to learn at a young age about the needs of others less fortunate, and to lead by example. I hope that my family and my company can make a small difference."

Choosing a global charity like UNICEF, which supports international groups helping children of all nationalities, seemed logical based on Varrelmann's fulfilled daydreams.

Dreams of hope … dreams we hope will also come true.

GGblue is sold online, and in pro shops, resorts and boutiques across the country. For information, go to www.GGblue.com.