Fashion and charity go hand in hand for the women who are part of Pearls, Pumps and Pinups.
The group members, who like to sport retro-style clothing, are on a mission to help the community, said Debby Geary of De Soto, one of the founding members.
She said the group has 14 members, many of them from Jefferson County, and they currently are collecting coats, hats, gloves, backpacks and toiletries for Mind the Gap, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless people in St. Louis.
The Pearls, Pumps and Pinups group has placed collection boxes in the lobbies at the Arnold Branch of the Jefferson County Library, 1701 Missouri State Road, and the De Soto Public Library, 712 S. Main St.
A Mind the Gap member, Joe Richardson, 71, formerly of Arnold, said he appreciates the women’s efforts to help with the collection drive for the homeless.
“It’s a social group that has taken it upon themselves to do good work for others,” he said. “It is a wonderful gesture of humanity by these ladies.”
Richardson, also the executive board’s treasurer for Feed My People, which has locations in High Ridge and St. Louis, said he’s impressed with the women’s group.
“They are a lot of fun, and it (the women’s attire) is really neat to see, but they also have a mission, which is to help others,” he said. “I applaud them for that because there is a need.”
The women’s group likes to attend fundraising events and help other groups raise money for charitable causes, Geary said.
In May the group took part in a Make-A-Wish Car Show in Cadet, helping that organization raise $18,000, Geary said.
The Pearls, Pumps and Pinups group also has worked with Wreaths Across America, Nurses for Newborns, Lydia’s House, Little Patriots Embraced, Blessings in a Bag and Gateway Defenders.
Debbie Sammelman of Chesterfield, president and founding member of Pearls, Pumps and Pinups, said the group tries to meet and work with a charity at least once a month.
“There is so much bad out there, we just want to give back,” Sammelman said.
She said the group formed in 2019 after several women left a similar one that has disbanded.
“We were in another group that focused more on pinup competitions, photos and a little drama,” she said. “We are drama-free, and we like giving back to the community.”
Group welcomes new members
The group is open to new members.
Sammelman said while the vintage outfits are not required, members are encouraged to wear them.
Geary said she and other group members will help new members find clothes.
“Most of our clothes come from thrift stores, so it does not cost a lot,” she said. “We trade and share clothes. Everybody’s wardrobe is everybody’s wardrobe.”
Sammelman said wearing throw-back fashion is easier than people think.
“When you are dressing retro, you can wear jeans and an oversized oxford shirt, and you look like you are from the 50s. So, new members can start really simple,” she said.
Geary said she enjoys dressing up for meetings and fundraising events.
“I have raised my kids, I have worked, I have taken care of my husband, and it’s my time to do something for me, to be silly,” she said.
Sammelman said all the group members had a different reason for joining.
“We have widows in our group, so it’s a way for them to get out once a month with other ladies,” she said. “Some people join because they like the vintage clothes, and some people join because they like helping out with the charities. Debby and I like it all.”
Geary said the group members are close.
“We are all connected for the same purpose, to share and give, have a good time and help others,” she said.
Geary said the group’s name was chosen because its logo includes a red pump, and group members are referred to as pearls.
“A pearl necklace can keep growing and growing,” she said.
Group requirements
While the group meets once a month, typically on the second Saturday of each month, every member must attend at least one meeting a quarter.
“We have very few rules. The top rule is no drama,” Sammelman said. “And, you need to come to one meeting a quarter and you have to do one service event a year.”
The drama rule is enforced, Sammelman said.
“If we are there for the sisterhood and camaraderie, who has time for (drama)? A lot of people appreciate the no drama,” she said.
Geary said part of the reason she enjoys the group is because it is drama-free.
“If we want to fight with someone, we will stay home with our husbands,” she joked.
To join the group, a woman must attend at least three meetings and announce her intention to join.
“That gives (a potential member) time to see our personalities,” she said.
Sammelman said when a member is officially inducted into the group, she receives a nametag, a pearl necklace and a nickname.
Sammelman’s nickname is Dazzling Divine, and Geary is Glam Mama.
They said the nickname may be based on your dress, hobbies or personality.
Geary said women interested in joining the group may send a message to the Pearls, Pumps & Pinups Facebook page.