Playing Dress-Up

I got to play dress-up this wknd. And it was an absolute-freaking-blast!

I even got to wear a tiara (although, you're right, I'm not really a tiara kinda girl, but come on, how could I resist?!)

I had to be awake at 5:30am, to the Convention Center by 6:30am for hair, make-up and rehearsals, and the show didn't start until 11am.  It was over and noon, and oh-my-gosh was I tired and very ready for a nap!

Note to self: Nothing has changed since my last post. I'm still NOT a morning person.

On a serious note, I've never been so nervous in my life! For work, I make presentations in front of groups of people, and I don't get nervous.  I think because people are paying attention to what I'm SAYING, not what I'm wearing or what I look like (okay maybe they are subliminally, but I don't think about them doing that).  Plus, I know the content of what I'm speaking about, which makes me feel confident and comfortable.

So modeling...this was definitely out of my comfort zone. In a really good way.

The energy in the model's fitting area was so exciting and full of adrenaline, as we got ready to walk down the runway (aside from the fact that we all had to get naked in front of people we didn't even know LOL)! Everyone was feeling and looking beautiful, ready to rock the dresses we were all given to wear.  My parents even came into town to experience this fun day with me - they were in the audience taking a bazillion pictures (which, sadly enough, turned out pretty fuzzy, but as you'll see in a minute, I managed to save a few).

There were about 15 female models and 6 men that modeled tuxes (and even did a dance while wearing Steelers jerseys - only people from Pittsburgh can understand the importance of this). DJ's played music and pumped up the crowd before and during the show - we were actually dancing back stage.  Er...well...not really dancing as I had a train, more like a rhythmic sway with lots of arm motions lol. Yup, it was a little lame.

Anyway, my first walk down was in this short, halter style, fuschia dress:

It fit pretty well and I loved the color! The only issue was the straps/top part was  slightly too big and, of course, with my luck it actually came undone as I walked down the runway!  No wardrobe malfunction here though - thanks to a lot of double-sided tape, WHEW.  No one even knew, except for me ;-)

The 2nd dress was also super cute, had a sweetheart neckline and a lot of rouching on the stomach/chest area. I liked the detailed beading too.

After my almost-wardrobe-malfunction, I thought that surely this trip down the runway would be much smoother (I mean there are no straps on this dress). Well, I was wrong. I got to the canopy on the runway, struck a pose, and my shoe fell off!  So I stopped and posed for a few extra seconds, while frantically moving my foot under the dress to put my show back on. Thankfully, no one knew - they thought I was just striking a super-long pose lol.

The final dress of all, was my favorite and the most like me I think. Very tradititional, ivory, detailed, gorgeous train, sheer overlay. (By the way, both of the bridal gowns were made by Forever Bridals in case anyone wants to go purchase.)

I tried to edit these so you can see more of the show - thanks again to my dad for snapping these! :)  I think there are some professional photographer ones as well, but they haven't been released yet - stay tuned.

Finale

Randy Fenoli, from "Say Yes to the Dress"!

Trying not to step on the girl's train in front of me.

Me with Randy Fenoli - he was so nice!

 

 

Randy came, signed a lot of autographs and then gave (from what I hear), a pretty inspirational speech to the crowd.  He took pics with all the models too.

Alright, I think this is long enough!  Last thoughts?  Well...I had a terrific time and I hope they ask me to do it again!