So here goes my first attempt at a “blog”. Everyone always asks how I got involved with the show, and why I chose to do it. First I must say I was very fortunate in a close friend actually emailed all of her contacts the application. I filled it out – thinking there was no possible way I’d be chosen. I mean, I never thought I was the fashion disaster Tim and Veronica did. I knew I was in a fashion rut at work, but honestly did not realize I was doing absolutely EVERYTHING wrong! When I did get chosen I was very anxious to start the process. Little did I know how much work, and how much fun it would actually be. I have to say that as nice as you think Tim Gunn is he is by far 100 times nicer! He is by far the most down to earth, warm, kind man and an excellent teacher! I couldn’t have asked for a better fashion mentor to lead me on this journey. And I would have never had so much fun or learned as much if it weren’t for him, so THANK YOU!

On the first day I was so excited to meet Tim and Veronica. I’m a huge Runway fan so couldn’t wait for Tim to come and show me how to “make it work”! Little did I know he would hate everything about my style! I rolled with it, and had fun. I will admit I was upset when they said I could only have one pair of jeans – I mean who has one pair of jeans. That was the hardest part of the first day. But I knew Tim knew what he was talking about and if I were to learn from this process I’d have to let go of my denim, and start wearing more dresses.

The second day was lingerie shopping with Veronica. Here I am standing in by far the nicest bra I have ever seen with a super model judging the fit! Was I dreaming here? It was a very surreal experience, as was everything. Veronica was very helpful during the process and made me really focus on the importance of a good foundation!

Next was off to Tim’s studio for the Optitex. I have to admit I had been dreading this moment from day one. If you couldn’t tell it is pretty difficult to embarrass me. You can go through my underwear drawer, trash my taste in style, give away all my clothes, but the thought of my 3-D body image spinning in a circle for the entire world to see had made me nervous for the weeks prior. However, Tim eased my nerves and seeing the different clothes on “my body” made me realize how I really am wearing the wrong things for my body type. I NEVER before tuck shirts in, nor would I wear high wasted pants but I now see how much taller I can appear. It was by far the greatest learning experience of the entire week.

Next was Jared – and now I will say is my time to briefly defend myself. I have yet to see the episode as I write this but meeting with Jared was the only part of this week I didn’t see positively. I don’t want you, who are reading this, to get the wrong impression and think I am at all ungrateful for this wonderful opportunity I had. I loved every minute of being with Tim and Veronica. I learned so much and would do it again in a heartbeat. However when I entered a room, not knowing who Jared was or why he was there I was in total shock. Here I am, walking into a “date” but totally confused. Then Jared analyzes me, calls me immature and guarded. It’s just not who I am, or how I want to be perceived so I feel as if now my voice can be heard. We’ll see maybe I won’t look as bad as I’m afraid I might. Plus I’m not 100% sure his “sweep him and keep him” technique for picking up men wouldn’t send the wrong message if you know what I mean. Now that is off my chest, thanks for listening ;)

The next day was Macy’s . . . What a whirlwind! So glad Sarah was there with me! I’m a horrible shopper and that’s probably why all my clothes are wrong with me. But what I did learn, is being as petite as I am, even with Tim and Veronica’s help I can’t expect to buy things straight of the rack and there is nothing a great tailor can’t fix!!

Meeting Cynthia Rowley was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done! She is so adorable, so sweet and very generous! And here I am trying on HER dresses and in walks Nina Garcia. So I’m standing there, trying on dresses for the wedding and Cynthia Rowley is picking out which one of her gown’s would look best on me and Tim Gunn and Nina Garcia are telling me which ones they like best! HELLO??? Is this really happening?? I couldn’t believe it! Talk about out of body experience! I knew I picked the right dress for me with their expert help. And thank you again Nina for teaching me how to properly walk in heals!

A makeover is not complete without hair and makeup of course and Brian and Sue were the perfect Duo for me. I do feel awful I gave Brian a bit of a hard time at first for cutting my hair but I was nervous. I never thought I could pull off short hair, but my attitude has always been, he knows the best as he is the expert so go for it and hey its hair it always grows back. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t completely nervous to chop my hair! But I love it and believe it or not I’ve even gone a little shorter since the show! Thanks so much Brian for really making a huge change in my appearance. As Tim would say – you made more sophisticated and stylish!

As for the reveal I will say thanks to my mother I was totally shocked! My mom, who is not a very good actress and all day on Friday she said how upset she was that she wasn’t going to be there at the end! Now I never thought she was lying since she isn’t good at hiding secrets. Thanks to her I was completely surprised! I had no idea she and so many of my friends were there. And a very special thanks to my sister in law, Rachel and Aunt and Uncle Tina and Larry for coming in from out of town to support me. But the biggest shock at the reveal was the trip to the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon! I always said I wouldn’t cry on the show, but when they started speaking about MDA I thought Tim was going to say that they were going to make a donation and that is what started to make me tear up. I have volunteered for MDA for as many years as I can remember and to be able to go to the telethon was a dream come true. It was! I raised $5,000 and was able to present that to Jerry Lewis himself. I met many amazing families and people who work in the field and made great connections I will keep forever. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for that experience. It meant everything to me!!! Thank you over and over again Tim and Veronica!
One last special thank you I must say and that is to my mother. You can’t tell in the show because of makeup but the day before filming started my mom fell and broke her nose and her left wrist. She was in a cast the entire time and three days into filming had surgery on her wrist. She was there every time she was needed no matter what pain she had so thank you! I love you!
And just one finally note – again I have to say Tim I’m still waiting for our date!
;)