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.
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.