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December 6, 2010
A model philanthropy reporter
When it comes to fashion show models, I think we all know that short, round and average looking isn’t usually “in.” Which is, of course, one of the many reasons why I’ve never been in a fashion show.
But as a reporter, I get to do some things I wouldn’t ordinarily have the chance to experience. A couple of weeks ago, Lisa Starr from the Austin Humane Society asked me to participate in the nonprofit’s annual Rags 2 Wags fundraiser. I agreed to be one of the celebrity (and I use that word very lightly) dog walkers. Essentially, my job was to get dressed up and walk a dog down a stage in front of 500 people without falling down or making a total fool of myself.
I said yes without thinking about it, mostly because of my regrettable habit of not thinking things through before I commit to them.
At first blush, it didn’t seem like such a big deal. I don’t mind getting up before crowds. In fact, I am ashamed to admit, I rather enjoy being the center of attention. (Explaining why would require an embarrassingly juvenile jaunt down Memory Lane, but suffice it to say I’m fine in the spotlight.)
But as the day of the fashion show arrived, I remembered one little thing: I hate getting dressed up. Fancy clothes make me feel awkward and exposed and I don’t know how to dress in a way that flatters my curves. Given the choice between a form-fitting gown and a tarp, I’d pick the tarp every time.
A week before the show, I showed up for a fitting at Julian Gold, a downtown clothing store that was providing all the clothes for the event. The fashion show had a Hollywood theme. I was supposed to go as Sarah Jessica Barker. I imagined myself in a giant tutu and the stylist planned for me to wear a shirt and flouncy skirt. Sounded good to me.
The day before the fundraiser, however, my “character” was switched to Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. She wanted to recreate the fabulous red dress scene in which hooker Roberts goes to the opera with Richard Gere.
Yikes. Numbly, I returned to Julian Gold.
Stylist Kat Hursley handed me a beautiful, floor-length gown. It fit perfectly and I complimented her choice. She obviously knows her stuff.
But I still wasn’t sure. Logically, I knew it looked fine, but emotionally… well, you know. Old habits die hard.
On Saturday (Dec. 4), the big day arrived. At 2 p.m., I headed over to Bella, whose fabulous hair stylists and make-up artists had volunteered their talents for the show. My hair was pinned up and decorated with a feather. The makeup artist gave me a dramatic look with dark smokey eyes and red lips.
“Do you get more satisfaction out of making a mediocre person pretty or making a pretty person prettier?” I asked.
Making a mediocre person pretty, the make-up artist responded. It’s a chance to show women that everyone is beautiful.
Later that evening, I headed to the Four Seasons. It was a packed event because, let’s face it, everybody loves animals. As guests chatted, ate dinner and participated in a live auction, the models dressed in a small hotel conference room on the 9th floor.
Miss Teen Austin 2011, Jordan Corlew sparkled as Sarah Jessica Barker in a funky dress and a peacock in her hair. Terri McCormick from Majic 95.5 pulled off a short gold dress (a la Beyonce in Austin Powers) beautifully. Others were dressed as characters including Reese Whiskerspoon, Brad Pitbull, Bark Walburg and Angela Bassett Hound. (Raiders of the Lost Bark, however, takes the cake for best name, I think.)
Standing in my full length gown, I felt uncomfortable. The top didn’t fit quite right and despite the last-minute tape-job intended to keep my dress in place, I was haunted by visions of my down falling down in front of hundreds of people.
Truth be told, I was completely paranoid. If I could have found a blanket, I would have wrapped it around myself and shamelessly pranced down the runway.
Alas, no blanket was readily available. So when my turn to model came, I stoically headed backstage to face my fate.
My canine escort, Susie — clad in a hooker outfit of black shorts and a pink shirt — was raring to go. She was so excited by the crowd, she nearly dragged me up the stairs to the catwalk. And it was her enthusiasm that saved me.
As soon as I hit the stage, I knew no one was looking at me at all. It was all about Susie! Praise the Lord!
The audience oohed and ahhed at the dog’s joie de vivre. They leaned from their chairs to pet her. They roared with laughter when she ran to the end of the stage and barked at the photographers.
I was so busy trying to hold on to her that I didn’t have a second to worry about my dress or my aching feet or my general insecurities. My role was to get Susie down the stage and back. And while I messed up our exit by trying to walk out the wrong way, we both escaped alive and, thankfully, fully clothed.
Now we come to the part of the story where I tell you what I learned: that I should trust a good stylist, that beauty is subjective and that it’s important to get out of your comfort zone whenever possible.
But whether I’ve actually learned these lessons will become abundantly clear on Dec. 16. On that day, I’m slated to model again, this time for Austin Helping Austin, which is raising money for the Wright House Wellness Center and AIDS Services of Austin. And this time, I won’t have a dog to hide behind.
(The above photo is of me and Gayle Stallings, who served as auctioneer for the event. To see a video of the event, go here. I’m at 2:18.)
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November 18, 2010
March of Dimes: What's Zakiya wearing?
It never hurts to have a beauty queen as your nonprofit’s PR person. In this case, it’s the March of Dimes Austin chapter that’s benefiting.
November is Prematurity Awareness Month, which is marked by supporters with the color purple. This month, March of Dimes spokeswoman Zakiya Larry — who is also Miss Black Texas USA 2010 — is celebrating the month by wearing some kind of purple every day.
That’s pretty impressive. I don’t think I even own any purple.
So what’s Zakiya been wearing lately? Check it out.
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January 26, 2010
Time to part with my fabulous, unused gown
Those of you who have been reading my column for the last 6 years (if there is anyone) may remember how, back in the day, I went out and bought a fabulous gown for the many, many galas I planned to attend. It was black and floor length with the prettiest pink shawl to add just the right dash of color.
Oh, I had such grand plans. I was going to wear that dress everywhere: galas, parties, fundraisers, grocery stores. You name it.
I wore it once. It’s been hanging in my closet for the last six years, So, yeah, it’s time to give it to someone who would actually appreciate and use it. Perhaps I should look into something like this.
Help make Prom dreams a reality
January 26, 2010 - You felt great wearing it, now feel great sharing it. Here’s your chance to help make a RRISD high school junior or senior girl’s fashion dreams come true and be the belle of the ball at her high school prom. The RRISD Council of PTAs will host the third annual “A Sprinkle of Fairy Dust” project where it collects and distributes new and almost-new formal dresses free to RRISD high school students who cannot otherwise afford to purchase their own prom attire.
The Council of PTA will hold three donation drives to collect dresses. The first drive runs now through Jan. 29 and dresses can be dropped off during business hours at Stony Point High School, 1801 Tiger Trail in Round Rock.
The second college drive will be held Feb. 8-19 at Cedar Valley Middle School, 8139 Racine Trail in Austin. The third donation drive will be held Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Round Rock Public Library.
Donated prom, formal and fancy party gowns sizes 0-22 must be gently used, on a hangar and preferably dry-cleaned. The RRISD Council of PTAs will also be accepting donations of gift cards/certificates for services such as hair styling, manicures, make up sessions, flowers, dinner for two, etc. All donations are considered tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and donation receipts are available upon request.
The PTA will open its boutique of collected dresses to approved students on Saturday, March 27.
Make a girl’s prom a night to cherish. Please participate and put a little sprinkle of fairy dust on a special girl’s dreams this year. The PTA will be accepting all donations through Friday, March 27 and anyone who cannot make it out to the three donation drives can contact Mary McGuire to set up a drop off time. Contact Mary McGuire at 507-7008 or via e-mail at mmmcguire@austin.rr.com with any questions.
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March 25, 2008
The clothes off your back?
I like this articleon Forbes.com about how Britney Spears is auctioning off her clothes for charity.
In short, Miss B is selling the wardrobe she wore during a cameo on the CBS television show How I Met Your Mother. Britney’s duds are expected to raise several thousand dollars for the Natural Resources Defense Council, a nonprofit environmental action group.
I can not imagine anyone in their right mind paying thousands of dollars for an item of my clothing. Wal-Mart couture isn’t in high demand.
About 15 years ago, I did own a brown leather jacket that supposedly once belonged to Alison Eastwood, daughter of the famed Clint. Allegedly, my college roommate got it from her aunt who was Alison’s maid or some such thing.
I think I gave it to my mom.
Oh! I did once have a windbreaker given to me by Willie Nelson. But I gave that to my dad.
So currently, I have nothing that’s worth much of anything.
What about you? If you had to auction off one article of clothing you own, what would it be?
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December 6, 2007
Better sweaters for charity
It’s sweater season! Now you can be fashionable and kind-hearted.
Today through Dec. 12, shoppers can trade in their gently-worn sweaters at any Banana Republic store in exchange for a 30 percent discount on a regular-priced sweater. Donated items will be sold in Goodwill retail stores around Central Texas, and the proceeds will fund the nonprofit’s job training programs.
And don’t be surprised if you see me wearing one of your old sweaters. Practically everything I own comes from a thrift store.
That’s just the kind of gal I am.
