Hello, Beauties🌸 Today’s post, My Modeling Experience At The Power of Style Fashion Event back in September 2018.
The Power of Style Fashion Show, a unique event by women for women, benefits the Greater Harrisburg YWCA Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program.
In fact, for the past 14 years, a community of generous women has combined their efforts, knowledge, and fashion industry expertise to support women in need.
The mission statement of the Young Women’s Christian Association is to create a safe place for young working women to live and gather. The YWCA, founded in 1894, is still in the same business: providing safe, secure housing and programs that empower women.
The YWCA is the leading women’s organization in the capital region. When I moved to Central Pennsylvania in 1982, it was my first volunteer opportunity to serve on their board. Serving on the YWCA Board was a perfect way to connect with professional women in the Harrisburg community while adapting to my new location.
So how did I come to model in the 14th Annual Power of Style Fashion Show?
Typically, I shop online for most of my clothing purchases, where I find most of my bargains. When I want classic-with-a-twist dresses, perfectly tailored suits, or seriously chic coats, I shop at a local boutique called The Plum.
Like most stores, they don’t specialize in the latest trends. This specialty boutique discovered the secrets of enduring and effortless style in 1967 in downtown Harrisburg.
When you live in a small town in the U.S.A., it’s nice to know you don’t need to drive to King of Prussia, the largest mall on the East Coast, to do serious shopping. As a personal service, The Plum offers the local style mavens clothes that fit, quality fabrics, a specialized selection, and an on-site seamstress named Angie. They are my wardrobe sheros and one of the sponsors of the Power of Style Fashion Show.
Early in 2018, The Plum’s fashion consultants approached me about modeling in the fashion show when I learned about the community efforts to forge together and raise funds for the YWCA Domestic Violence program. Who doesn’t want to strut their stuff for a worthy cause? With just a smidge of hesitation, I agreed.
A fun Plum appointment is scheduled to pick out an outfit. Viola! A coordinating Symphony & Note Coat and dress ensemble.
I showed up on September 26 at 4:30 pm at the Harrisburg Hilton Hotel for an evening by women for women. Oh, what a night!
What’s a fashion show without makeup? The MakeUp artists use airbrush technology to apply my foundation. I believe this formula provides an even, sheer, and natural appearance, covering a multitude of skin issues. What say you?
Locally female-owned boutiques The Plum, Amma Jo, Annabel’s, Little Black Dress, and Simply J, provided the clothing for the runway, highlighting their fashion-forward brands. The evening of style included a silent auction and jewelry raffle drawings.
Something is daunting about walking on a raised platform with the empty chairs now filled with people. However, knowing the walk doesn’t last forever and that music helps you glide down the catwalk effortlessly, the encouragement and applause of the audience help, too.
Everybody is not a model body. The Plum models represented different age groups, colors, and sizes. Women don’t have an expiration date and want to display confidence in aging. Modeling is a great way to fight back against midlife stereotypes of who can model. Thank you for the experience.
How about you? Are there any midlife modeling gigs? If so, share it in the comments section.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous and healthy week.
