Shop local for major event
By Jacquie bennett Sentinel style columnistArticle Photos
Fact Box
If You Go:
What: The Sentinel's 2008 Bridal Expo
When: 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lewistown Country Club
Details: Admission is free, and the expo is open to the public.
Editor's note: Jacquie Bennett, Sentinel style columnist, will be presenting wedding fashion tips during The Sentinel's 2008 Bridal Expo on Sunday, which includes her wearing the dress she chose for the Emmys, which she attended to support her son, Scout Masterson. She also will co-emcee the expo.
LEWISTOWN - There are soccer moms, field hockey moms, football moms and then there's me, a Hollywood mom. Unlike many other moms who can support their children close to home, I fly more than two thousand miles to Los Angeles, to support my son at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards.
"Son of local woman nominated for Emmy," was headline in the local paper about me, but the adventure went way beyond me. It included the support of local merchants who helped to make me "red carpet" ready. When I found out that I would be attending the ceremony with my son, I thought, "Move over Armani, Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang." I was buying my gown right here in Lewistown.
My first and only stop was the Paisley Bride. I was pleasantly surprised by the selection and display of formal dresses. The directive given to me for appropriate dress on Emmy Day was "Mom, wear black; wear floor length." Upon entering the shop my eyes immediately were drawn to the bright greens, blues and multi-colored chiffons. I quickly redirected to the rack of black formal gowns and got down to the task of choosing the perfect one. It needed to "jump" right out and say "Wow!"
Moments after scanning the selection, one dress stood out. The only problem was the fact that it was strapless and I had never in my life worn a strapless gown. Now if I hadn't done this in my 20s or 30s, could I pull it off at almost 60 years old? You bet. The moment I tried it on, I knew it was going to Hollywood. Just think, it could have stayed on the rack and gone to a prom or a fancy Christmas party, but this gown was destined for big things. I must confess, though, that I did have thin straps sewn onto it.
The next task was to find the right jewelry to compliment the spray of embroidered, jewel-tone flowers that adorned the front of the gown. I have found that the area's small gift shops offer a great selection of costume jewelry. Sometimes you find exactly what you are looking for in a place you least expect it. At Squire Browns in Reedsville, I discovered a new line of "bling." A display of beautifully designed bracelets and earrings with just the right amount of glitz and glamour immediately caught my eye. A wide "stretchy" bracelet with sparkly stones accented the flowers on my gown.
Jewelry can't stop with just a bracelet. No self-respecting woman would go to a Hollywood awards ceremony without diamonds. It is a well-known fact that famous stars appear on the red carpet with "borrowed" gems from the likes of Fred Leighton, Tiffany's and Cartier. Move over, Harry Winston! A local jeweler came to my rescue. I sparkled at the Emmys with a round cut diamond necklace and matching band. Who would have known the secret that my gems also were borrowed?
I headed to the West Coast with my bag packed with local "treasures." I was comfortable in knowing that I would look just as fabulous as anyone else sitting in the Nokia Theatre.
We may live in a small town, but if we look closely there are "diamonds" in our backyard. Never doubt this fact for a second. Girls, when you begin shopping for those special prom dresses and accessories, check out the local fare. You just might be pleasantly surprised.
