Stacy & Ted



I'm Ready For My Close-up, Mr. Deville

By Stacy Clement
When my wife, Judi, gave me a gift certificate last Christmas (Christmas of '95) for a make over by world renowned transformationist, Jim Bridges, I was excited. When she convinced me to upgrade that to a makeover and photo session with Jim I was thrilled. Nothing, however, could have prepared me for the event sufficiently well. I knew I wanted to shed a couple pounds (okay, more like twenty) and so I put off the session until Spring. Scheduling problems, real life interferences and the like for both Jim and me kept us postponing the event. I then planned to have the rebirth occur near Halloween, but could not schedule that. Finally, December rolled around and I felt compelled, at any cost, to complete this nearly year old mission. We scheduled the session to coincide with the Christmas Party for Ladies Knight Out and their S.O. Auxiliary, Pathfinders. But alas, life would throw one more curve ball my way; question was, could I hit it?

I had to attend a wedding at 1:30, the makeover, then the Party at 6:00. Geesh, I am good, and quick, but navigating Los Angeles and Orange County freeways on a Saturday evening; Nope, I couldn't see it happening. Again, I thought, thwarted within site of the goal. True to form , however, my bride stepped up, whispered reassurance and her plan in my ear, and I hit a home run! I was relieved of responsibility for the wedding, could make the makeup and photo session, pick her up and be at the restaurant in time to celebrate with the fine ladies there. Thus the plans were laid.

Nervous? Not really. More like a kid just before a birthday, knowing enough to expect something, but not knowing enough to know what to expect! I shaved (everything - heck, you never know, I might want a picture of my back) my face extra close. I have worked as a photographer in my past and know that though the camera never lies, you can convince it to tell untruths. I wanted Jim to have every opportunity for those untruths about me. I arrived two minutes late - the Hollywood freeway was not as 'free' as it should have been - and Jim was finishing up with a shopper. He directed me to a curtained corner and suggested I put on my foundation garments (done that, what next?). I sat at his huge lighted mirror and was greeted by the 43 year old nervous face of uncertainty.

We made small talk; he about his recent travels to the Mediterranean, me about school and other topical things. I paid close attention to his technique and savored every touch of brush and sponge. Powder went on first (he did the eyes first, I'll ask why next time), eyebrows, lids and lashes, foundation and under eyes next - white followed by dark beige next. Outline the lips just so with darker rose and fill them in with a color closely matched to my nail polish. He taped here and pulled there and I was pretty unimpressed with the look until he slipped the wig on my head.

YIKES!!! Who is that? The short secretarial look first; hair up with a yellow and navy business suit; I was ready to take a memo (almost said dictation, but let's not go there, okay?). I think the hair is dynamite, in fact I may have to have that wig! Off we went to shoot the photos. Standing, sitting, posing demurely this way and that. A change of hair. Shorter, straight, and lighter, a younger look and more photos. Then another wig, short and curly, also lighter than my own (wig or natural).

Half a roll of film later, he was ready to take it up a notch and prepare me for the evening out. More tape on the forehead (for a higher brow line) and more color. More dramatic eyes, false eyelashes (heck, I haven't worn false lashes since well it's been a while) and darker lips (both liner and filler were darker). Jim said his secret was blending - no definite lines between colors - and a flow from cheek to jowl to neck and so on. Then a change into the black and white beaded gown I had brought to wear to the Party (formal, you know). He slipped my own wig on my head and I swooned. Nearly in tears, I was as beautiful as the first time Judi had done my makeup and styled my own hair (maybe I'll tell you about that someday). He said I looked like an Anchor Woman (wow, what a compliment), but I felt like a princess.

He said the hair was perfect and he tousled it and ratted it to frame my face and his great makeup job. More photos followed after I had regained my composure. The roll came out of his camera and he handed me twenty-five pictures that I will treasure for a good long time.

I was running a little late to pick up Judi and head to Orange County for the Party, so Jim walked me to the car, saying I was completely passable. My reflection in the makeup mirror had already convinced me of that, but his compliments reassured me as we walked into the evening sunlight and across the street to my car. I was certain that I could walk into any five star restaurant in town and pass without question, but that fantasy would have to wait for another night.

Stacy I drove onto the Ventura Freeway with a woman's confidence and my heart beating wildly beneath my bra. We arrived at the Party a couple minutes after six (the Freeways Gods had smiled on us, rare, but I felt worthy!) and entered the restaurant.

A couple nights before I had seen Sly Stallone on television with Barbara Walters, or somebody, explaining that during filming of a recent movie, when he had been asked to gain twenty or so pounds, that he would explain during social situations that, "well, no. This is not me." I must admit that I paraphrased him at the party a couple times and explained that this was not me, that this was a Jim Bridges creation. The raves continued all evening. The night moved quickly and it was all too soon time to head home, strip the glamour off and return to the androgynous me. I pulled into the driveway, looked one last time in the mirror and said "see ya later" to the visage staring back at me - I would find the techniques and revisit this look, for sure. I had a roll of film and the hours full of memory to keep me company for some time to come. Thank you Judi. Thank you Jim.

A note about Jim Bridges and his Boutique:

Jim is a talented, compassionate, and empathetic member of our community. His experience and talent is known far and wide. His shop is located next door to the Queen Mary (ask him, he has some wonderful stories about that place) in Studio City (that would be just North of LA proper, in 'the valley,' fer sure). Though he travels to conventions and shows a great deal of the time, his shop is a must when in LA. as is a visit to the QM. In fact his hours are such that you can get dolled by him and walk next door for a night of wild times (he assured me that, if I so desired it, which I do not, I could have gone next door and not bought a drink, all night.).

Jim tells me that he has plans to be in attendance in a big way at the PPOC/IFGE joint adventure aboard the Queen Mary (the Boat) in Long Beach in the Spring (Be There or Be Square!) Jim is working on expansion of the business, both physical and virtual, and has plans for a catalog, a bigger shop space, complete with photo studio and props, and a presence on the Web. For now, you can call him or drop by to see him. (818) 761-6650.


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