As she recovers from surgery, Spokane Mayor Mary Verner, has embraced a new look.

Since she returned to work March 7, Verner has been donning scarves to cover her neck brace and incision.

"It makes a nice place to drape a scarf," Verner said.

Verner had surgery March 2 at Deaconess Medical Center to remove a bone spur that was affecting her spine. She's been ordered to wear a neck brace for at least six weeks.

"The doctor's orders were way too restrictive for my lifestyle." But, Verner said, "no matter what I do to violate the doctor's orders, I have to wear the brace."

Verner has maintained her public schedule, including reading her declaration of Julia Sweeney Day on Friday before Sweeney took the stage at the Bing Crosby Theater. Sweeney, a Gonzaga Prep graduate, comedian and Saturday Night Live alumna, was performing with Jill Sobule in "The Jill and Julia Show." (Sobule: "I sing." Sweeney: "I tell stories.")

City spokeswoman Marlene Feist said Verner is "making a new fashion statement" at City Hall.

Verner says she hasn't bought any new scarves, but is supplementing her collection by "borrowing."

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