Celebrating Dennis Basso Cinderella Style

by on

I have to tell you, I had never been to a gala. I actually had to look up what a "gala" really was. Is it just a fancy dinner or is it a silent auction for the fundraiser? Well I soon found out it's a little bit of everything!

The FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) gala was quite possibly one of the most magical moments of my life. I will be forever grateful to have this memory!

When I first heard I was going, my mind immediately went to what do I have to wear?!?? Thankfully, Dennis Basso was kind enough to loan me a couture gown.

My second thought was, what if I spill something on it? You know I'm not very neat! Fortunately, it was black and I didn't eat any gravy so we were all good.

Since I had never tried the dress on - not sure what I was thinking there - and it was a 3 hour drive to New York, I decided to head up a bit earlier in the day to avoid the traffic - but also so that I could get my hair and make-up done by a professional.

Somehow I talked Leah Williams into riding up with me and even participating in a little pre-red carpet glow session - thanks to TATCHA!

Not kidding – these masks work really well. Not just for hydrating your skin but also for scaring other passengers on the freeway out of your way! Little kids especially didn't like it. Our poor driver did not know what to think with us at all!!!!! I actually wonder if Leah will ever go anyplace with me in public again?

Once we got there we met up with Lena McIllwain - who used to be a Show Host here at the Q and who is the backup guest for Dennis Basso's line here at QVC.

The three of us jumped into her hotel room and began a glamour and glitz get together. We had a make up artist - Alexis - join us and we giggled, drank wine and helped each other get ready.

Dare I mention that the topic of our conversation for a little bit was panties? How and where do you wear those kind of items if you don't want lines??? It was so much fun! I felt like I was back in college. The three of us helped each other get ready and we made sure our hair and make-up was flawless. Then we took way too many selfie's and pictures and FINALLY headed out the door.

Once we got to the event, it was a whirlwind of action. We were immediately ushered towards the Dennis Basso's "step and repeat" where we took pictures. (In case you've never heard the term, "step and repeat" is a long line of press and photographers that ask you to do just that "step forward and smile" ... then move to the next group and photographers and "step and repeat" all over again.

Fom there, we were ushered to another "step and repeat" which had lots of press from around the world. What a surreal moment... I've been on the other side of the camera but never on the front side of an event like this. I truly felt like I was having an out of body experience.

Yes, that is Paris Hilton and June Ambrose - the fashion blogger - with us!

And our sweet Laura Geller!

Renee Greenstein of Women with Control

Mari Lyn Meier from philosophy.

Our girl Angel from Quacker Factory.

Me, Leah Williams and Jennifer Coffey.

From then on, we were able to mingle. It was so great to see so many friendly QVC faces there. The dinner was amazing the plaza was transformed into this real walking, living, runway/live art show of the most gorgeous gowns most of which were designed by Dennis.

What an honor to be part of not only the designer of the year but having QVC named as retailer of the year. It's amazing to see how far we've come and how much the fashion industry has been impacted by our humble beginnings in West Chester PA.

And, then it was time for the QVC Cinderella's to return their gowns and to get back in their chariot and come home. But, the memories we made will last a lifetime!