In the Little Black Dress Club, Divas Drink, Dine and Discuss

"Lauren, Katherine, Lana, too. Bette Davis, we love you." 

You don't need to be Madonna singing Vogue to evoke the names of these beauties. Here in New Lenox, you just need a little black dress.

On Saturday, the met at for an introductory meet-and-greet. The national for-profit group aims to provide a sophisticated social network for women of all ages and backgrounds, said Rosanne Harris, New Lenox chapter director.

"That's what we want to do," National CEO Christine Zellers said. "We want to bring women together from different backgrounds."

The group plans to meet twice a month for a variety of activities, such as themed dinner parties, causal happy hours and fashion shows. Members are recognized for their class, intelligence and grace, according to the group's brochures.

Membership is $30 per year, which includes a lapel pin and membership cards. The cards provide discounts at local businesses , , Bottles and Brushes and Dragon Place. National discounts include Tote Buddy, Cage Walker Clothing, 2 Chicks & A Basket, Wine Diva Shop, Nepethe's Bathtime and Accessory Row.

"We definitely try to make it advantageous to be a member," Zellers said.

Harris said she started a local chapter because she has two teenagers at home ad often finds herself in mommy mode. This group is designed to help women a couple hours twice a month to get outside that mode, she said.

"A lot of women don't have the opportunity to come out and meet other professional women, and (Harris) is creating that," National Director Angee Billingsley said.

Black dresses are encouraged, but not required. 

"We want them to feel great about themselves," Zellers explained. "That's really what it's about."

Harris described the club as a place where women can be completely healthy and happy. The point is to give them an opportunity to balance mind, body and spirit. In order to do this, women need a reason and a place to be individuals, not just the family and work roles. 

About 24 women attended, mostly wearing black dresses, pearls and beautiful jewelry. Photos of Audrey Hepburn, Lena Horne and Diahann Carroll were framed on each table. 

There are eight chapters across the country. Nashville was the flagship chapter. Others are located in Washington DC, Baltimore, Phoenix, Annapolis and Birmingham. New Lenox is the newest chapter, and the club is in the process of developing leadership in San Francisco, Zellers said.

To learn more about the and how to get involved, go to www.lbdclub.com, or email Harris at rosanne@lbdclub.com.