Florist Bill Graham knows that when it comes to spring fashion, it’s all black and white.

In his second annual presentation of spring fashion and flowers on Saturday in Salem, Graham will show local fashionistas how to dress up this year’s must-have outfit: a white blouse and black skirt.

“The audience will be shown how to accessorize that from business to black tie,” said Graham, who owns Beautiful Things in Salem. “(We’ll) go to eight different affairs.”

Graham will spice up this basic ensemble with jewelry, shoes, wraps, handbags and more. He’ll also show how to add some floral flair to each option by pairing them with flowers appropriate for various occasions, like the office or a luncheon.

The show, “The Best of Bill Graham,” is a fundraiser for the Women’s Friend Society, a Salem group supporting women and girls in the community. Proceeds will go to help maintain Salem’s historic home for women, the Emmerton House.

Calling him knowledgeable about fashion, Women’s Friend member Eleanor Soucy praised the tips Graham offers.

“He’s very entertaining,” said Soucy, chairwoman of the society’s fundraising committee. “He’ll dress you if you tell him.”

Last year, Graham set his styles to the classic little black dress, which he says is always in fashion. But this season, white is being thrown into the mix.

“If you’re in New York, you’re really into black and white,” said Graham, who has worked as a buyer for retailers like Filene’s.

What else can we expect this spring?

“No more pointed shoes,” said Graham. “Now it’s the natural toe and open toes.”

The floral aspect of the show is not so black and white. Graham said it will be all about color, from tulips to orchids to daffodils, offering a little glimpse of spring.

“This time of year, the more color you use, the more the audience responds,” he said. “People are anxious now to see spring. This will make them forget that there’s ice outside.”

The 2006 show attracted more than 200 women, and Soucy said the society is expecting a similar turnout this weekend. In addition to Graham’s presentation, the event will feature lunch and a raffle of five gift baskets filled with prizes, including weekend stays in Salem and Nantucket.

If you go

* What: “The Best of Bill Graham,” a flower and fashion show presented by the Women’s Friend Society

* When: Saturday at 11 a.m.

* Where: Salem Waterfront Hotel, 225 Derby St., Salem

* How: Tickets are $45. E-mail womensfriend@verizon.net.

What is the Women’s Friend Society?

Started in 1884, the Women’s Friend Society of Salem offers help and support to women and girls in the community. The group also maintains the Emmerton House in Salem, built in 1879 by Capt. John Bertram as a house for women who were working students. The house is currently home to 20 single women who are working and attending school.

Members, who meet monthly, plan fundraisers, work with the residents of the Emmerton House, care for the gardens, do community outreach and more. For more on the group, e-mail womensfriend@verizon.net.

source : By Rebecca Schoonmaker , Staff writer www.salemnews.com