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03/23/2010 12:00 AMChristen Riedy's friends and family joined those of us here at Shore Publishing who've followed her progress—and the sponsors who made the makeover possible—to check out her new look at the Reveal, a cocktail reception hosted by Café Allegre in Madison.The Day of the RevealThe Day After the Reveal2 Days After the Reveal
Riedy sported a black, sequin dress and layering necklaces, along with bright red pumps to match her nail polish. Her hair and makeup shone, thanks to last minute touch-ups from Mark Palumbo, Sr. at Madison Avenue Salon and Nikki Rasmussen at YOLO in Guilford. And Riedy maintained an air of cool and confidence throughout—perhaps thanks to a relaxing morning session at Rain Wellness Spa in Branford, where she'd started her day with a manicure and pedicure.
"It's amazing what things like a new haircut, new color, some new clothes can do for your self-esteem!" Riedy said. "I feel like I have a whole new level of self-confidence."
At the Reveal, Riedy also touched base with last year's makeover winner, Corrie Harreys of Ivoryton, who not only looked fabulous but is also taking the first steps toward a lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian—an idea first sparked during her own makeover!
Riedy was grateful not only for her new look, but for the support of the numerous professionals who helped her through every step of her makeover journey.
"Everybody that I worked with went above and beyond," she said.
Her husband Tom, daughter Bethany (check out her new outfit, too, in the accompanying photo gallery), and all who attended were caught up in Riedy's energy and enthusiasm. An hour and a half of wine, hors d'oeuvres, and great conversation later, the event was over—and Riedy had no regrets.
"It's been amazing," she said. "The makeover provided me with exactly what I was looking for when I entered the contest—it turned me into someone I think my husband and daughter can be proud of, and I look forward to being '50 and fabulous' instead of '50 and frumpy!'"
The official makeover might be over, but is it over for Riedy? Check out her diary below to see her thoughts on the day of the Reveal—and beyond.
For the full makeover story, look for this week's Fashion on the Shoreline supplement inside your regular weekly paper.
Today is THE day!!!! I ran some errands in the morning, then headed to Rain Wellness Spa in Branford for my mani/pedi. Whitney gave me my manicure and pedicure, and Jess showed up to take some photos. Jen came by to ask a few questions. The polish we chose was red—to match the shoes I would be wearing tonight. Whitney did a great job! I finished early and went and spent some time in one of the relaxation rooms—I took out my book and read for about a half hour. It was great! From there I went and grabbed a quick bite to eat and then off to YOLO in Guilford (the place that did my spray tan) for makeup application. Nikki at YOLO did my makeup, and she made me look great in less than a half hour! She gave me some great tips on how to get a great, natural look in only a few minutes a day! Since YOLO took less time than we thought, I had some time to kill before I went for hair. Ran to Wal*Mart to pick up a few things and kill some time! From there it was back to Madison Avenue Hair Salon where Mark, Jr. did my hair for "the big event!" I'm still not sure about the extensions—it has nothing to do with how they look (I love the way they look!), it is that I am not used to blow drying my hair with them in. Perhaps this weekend I can figure it all out!
After Madison Avenue I headed home to see my family and get ready. Starting to get nervous and excited! I had to be at Café Allegre at 5 p.m., and my husband, daughter Bethany, and her friend, Casey, would be arriving at 5:30 p.m. I asked my husband if he wanted to see how I looked before I left, or did he want to be surprised at the reveal. He said he wanted to see me before I left. After I was done getting ready, I took a look at myself in the full-length mirror—I couldn't believe it—what a change! It all came together and looked fabulous! I felt really awesome and felt like I had a whole new level of self-confidence! It's amazing what things like a new haircut, new color, some new clothes can do for your self-esteem! I called to my husband, and when he saw me, he could not believe it! He was stunned (and I think he liked what he saw!). I said good-bye to my family and headed out the door. Ten minutes later, I was at Café Allegre. I was taken to a small room upstairs, where I waited with Robyn and Kim from Shore Publishing. Jess and Jen showed up a few minutes later. Kim got me a much-needed glass of white wine. Mark, Sr., from Madison Avenue, came by at 5:15 p.m. to do a last-minute touch-up on my hair! I was told I would wait upstairs until a little after 5:30 p.m., when family, friends, and sponsors were scheduled to arrive. After Robyn talked to everyone in the room for a few minutes—it was time for my entrance! All I was praying for was not to fall flat on my face while walking into the room in my high heels! Thankfully, that did not happen! I spoke for a few minutes, and then Robyn presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and then I was allowed to relax and go hang out with everyone. It was important to me that my family was there—and their love and support meant all the world to me! My friends Kristen, Cindy, and Sue were there—and that meant a lot, too. I know everyone has busy schedules, so I appreciate them all taking the time to be there. Unfortunately, duty did call my friend Lee, who could not be with us tonight—she was missed! My boss Phil and his wife Stephanie were there, and I thought how nice it was that they, too, took the time from their busy schedules to be there for me. My daughter brought her friend Casey tonight, and I hope she had a good time! Many of the sponsors were there, and it was fun to see them again! Jess took a bunch of pictures, and I can't wait to see them! Especially fun was meeting Corrie Harreys, the winner of the last makeover contest! She looked great and was a lot of fun to talk to! We have plans to keep in touch and compare more of our experiences of our respective makeovers! Hors d'oeuvres and wine were served, and I think everyone had a good time. The event only lasted an hour and a half, but I was exhausted when I got home!
This morning, when I woke up, I realized it was back to reality. Hard to believe it has all come to an end! It was sad not to have any place fun to go today—just routine stuff: work, grocery shop, run errands. This journey was a great experience and a great way to start off the new year—and one I will never forget! Not only was I changed on the outside, but I feel I was changed on the inside as well. Like I said earlier, I feel like I have a whole new level of self-confidence and self-esteem. I'm not the type of person who likes to be in the public eye, but I don't mind being pampered! When I first won the makeover, the only people I told were my husband and daughter. I did not tell my friends for a few weeks, and I did not tell my boss until about a month into the process! I guess I did not want to come off as being pompous and snooty! But as people found out about it and started asking me about the contest and how I won, and I saw their enthusiasm, I gradually became more outwardly excited about it and it was easier to talk about it! The makeover provided me with exactly what I was looking for when I entered the contest—it turned me into someone I think my husband and daughter can be proud of, and I look forward to being "50 and fabulous" instead of "50 and frumpy!" Thanks, Shore Publishing!
P.S. Just thought you might like to know—this morning, my 15-year-old daughter came into my room and decided my WHOLE wardrobe needed a makeover—closet, drawers, etc. She proceeded to take everything out of my closet (shoes included) and drawers and determine what items I could keep and what needed to go. After that, we went on a mini shopping spree to Westfarms Mall to replenish and update my wardrobe! I plan to go back to Ciao Bella and Shoetique sometime in the next few weeks!