She was 'the belle of the ball'. [=the most beautiful and popular woman at a dance, party, etc.]
a Southern 'belle'
(..) Good to see you. ...Melanie, darling. ...Hi, Your Honor. So good to see you. Look at you... always the belle of the ball. I hear very good things about your new line. Oh, yeah. Thanks. Always a pleasure. Um... (..)2002 Sweet Home Alabama