I think rather than the word 'Makeover', it should be phrased as 'Making the best of what you have'. I gave myself over to the wonderful team at 'Mink' photography to experience the package they had generously offered to our members to win in a recent draw. I was a bit apprehensive as I couldn't really see the point of personal upmarket photos being taken for me at 61 years of age. Bit of an indulgence I thought but now I have been through the effort I have a different take on why. "Think of it as an archived memento for the family," said the gorgeous Sarah from Mink. Sure I said sceptically until I read the response from the woman who won the 'Makeover' competition.
Ann wrote when told of her win, "Dear Geraldine and Raewyn, What a surpise when I just checked my emails. What a treat that will be- I'm stunned! - As a single mum of 5 children for several years there wasn't any spare money to spend on me, but it was all worth it to see them grow up into wonderful ,caring young adults. So now it's time for me. It feels like a reward for all those hard years, I can't tell you how thrilled I am at the prospect. This was always on my 'bucket list' of things to do one day....because I usually avoid being photographed, and I wanted the children to have one good photo of me!"
I can't wait to hear from Mink Photography...I'm going to have a nice cup of tea to celebrate.... and a piece of chocolate. Thank you so, so much."
That certainly changed my outlook and when speaking to another wisanow member who has won one of the lesser makeovers she said she was so looking forward to having the family come in for a group shot after her makeover for the photoshoot. Sarah's suggestion again and one the wisanow member is totally thrilled about. Anyway the photo at the right came out as a bit of a surprise and one that will be given to the grandchildren so they can remember me as something other than the person who will be there in their twenties given the youngest one is under two.
Now to the evening of 'Effortless, Gorgeous Women'. The first ten women to enter the wisanow 'Makeover draw with Mink Photography were also given tickets to this evening which I had the fortune to be able to attend last wednesday night the 31st of March. Joining with Mink photography was Global Self-Image Expert, Susana Sarmiento who picked a brave woman from the audience for the quick makeover for the night.
What really struck me was how focused we all were on the good points of each woman which we could identify easily as strangers even though when questioned each woman struggled to quickly identify her best three features herself. Except for the midlifers. There was no hesitation when they were asked to write down what their best features were. And why not after living with them for so long. And anyway, most of the angst of wanting to be taller, smaller/bigger busted has been over-ridden by reality come fifty. Still, we were there to learn tips to make dressing and wardrobe stocking and refining easier. Susana and the wonderful makeup artist worked their magic and lo and behold out came a rather more gorgeous woman after the 'Makeover'.
Susana is very adamant about ridding black from all wardrobes which I simply do not have a hangup over. And, she gives a very convincing argument as to why in one of her great videos on the TV 'Breakfast' session. Click on the photo of Susana on the left to view the video. Susana is a regular on TV and has the most wonderful tips all available on video to view at any time. Check out Susanas website to see Susana talk on the video 'Stylish at any age'
Sure colour needs more airing with NZ'rs and Australians but I would have hated to see Audrey Hepburn's famous LBD in any other colour. And, as Paula Ryan, doyen of NZ fashion and self confessed black as a staple lover, says, "women who wear black lead colourful lives."
All in all a great night with really expert presenters.