Last Friday, after starting my morning with back-to-back meetings, I returned to my desk to find an e-mail message from the Vice President. As I opened it, I held my breath and hoped for the best. Well, I got my wish. The email revealed the Daytime Emmys were happening in five hours, there was an extra ticket and I was invited to join the party!
I did a little celebratory dance in my chair... then reality struck: I had five hours to finish my work on deadlines, get my hair and makeup done -- and drive through L.A. traffic to the venue. Was I forgetting anything? Oh yeah, what to wear?! I needed a dress, which also meant I needed time to shave my legs. It's hard enough finding a fabulous gown to wear for such an occasion, even with weeks to spare, but when you're a size 16... it might be easier to find an Emmy! Undaunted, I finished my work and headed to the mall.
Four hours to go and I'm running through department stores like... a woman who needs a dress. I hit up four high-end stores, with the perfect excuse for "price is no object," hoping to find something amazing in a size 16, leaving me with the proverbial and literal fat chance. The largest size they had was an 8. Not even a size 10 to give me the momentary illusion that I might hold my breath, skip dinner and have a quickie liposuction somewhere in the mall. One lovely woman at a store which shall remain nameless actually said, "I might have a granny-style dress that will fit you." If I'd had a cane she'd be permanently wearing it.
Dejected, I headed toward my favorite store, Macy's. I don't know why I didn't go there first; I always find things that fit well, look professional and result in a lot of compliments. I just thought the more expensive stores would have something appropriately fierce. Time was running out. I ran into Macy's and it hit me... a stunning, green Adrianna Papell Grecian gown... it reminded me of something I'd seen J.Lo wearing on the red carpet. I grabbed a size 16 off the rack (and a 14 and 18 just to be safe). Things got even better as I tried on the size 14 first -- and it fit perfectly! And in a leprechaun-like bonus, it was on sale! Double score!
I had my makeup applied at the store counter, bought a purse, picked up some earrings and ran out the door just in time to get myself to the red carpet in time. I didn't have time to buy shoes, so I wore flip-flops, which were hidden under my long dress, along with my unshaven legs.
The good luck streak continued -- as Tyra won the Emmy for Best Informative Talk Show!
My fashion secret is out! Now tell me yours! Where do you go in a plus-sized fashion emergency?!
-- Angelica
