I know this
report is long overdue, but anyone who has visited the shop will see how run off my feet I
am and I hope you will all forgive my lateness.
On a Saturday morning last November we all arrived at the Minto Hotel in Edinburgh to
prepare for what proved to be a great weekend. During the morning all the guests arrived
in a steady stream, coming from as far away as Jersey, Kent, Devon, Inverness and
Aberdeen. By 12pm the exhibitors were ready for the guests to browse around the trade
stands, which included:
Joplins Hair and Beauty
Next to Hide and Sleek in Kinghorn - they already have many of my customers as hair
dressing clients. As well as two hairdressers, Barry brought two beauty therapists along,
who were able to give manicures, facials, eyebrow shaping and discuss the other treatments
on offer, from non-surgical facelifts to slendertone.
Above Average Shoes
Victoria Street, Edinburgh - Pearson and Maria showed a beautiful range from their larger
sizes collection. They also have a catalogue.
Cinderella Ballgowns
Sheila had a wonderful collection of ex-hire ball gowns and cocktail wear. This shop has
now closed, but I bought her entire closing stock and they're now on sale at Hide and
Sleek - everything is under £35.
The Spectacle Shop
Whytescauseway, Kirkcaldy - Cliff brought a stunning selection of spectacles, a great help
for girls needing to choose frames "en femme". Several customers have followed
up appointments at their shop.
DM Photography
Inverness - Denise and Sheila made a huge effort to be with us on the day, driving all the
way down from Inverness that morning. They had a wonderful area set up with a staged
backdrop for portrait shots, that lasted all day and well into the evening.
Hide and Sleek
Kinghorn of course - I would never have managed that day without the help of my sister
Linda, daughter Marisha, and the gorgeous Martin helping customers find the right make-up,
pair of earrings or try a new wig - while I dashed around chatting to people I had only
known over the phone (and it was lovely to meet them for the first time).
Gary
Our make-up consultant was kept busy all day long with appointments. Many girls had never
been to a function before and wanted their make-up applied by an expert, who also advised
on which products they should buy and gave tips on how to use them.
During the afternoon lunches were served in the restaurant and the lounge bar was open
for refreshments.
We hope our brief talks were helpful and informative:
Martin - spoke about the law in Scotland with regard to dressing and appearing in public
Carolyn - imparted valuable advice on style and how to put together a feminine wardrobe
Linda - gave tips on how to appear more feminine
By 5 or 6pm everyone had retired to their rooms, changing into their glad rags for the
evening. We all assembled for pre-dinner drinks about 7pm, then took our seats for dinner
at large round tables, beautifully laid out and not too close together. Extra guests
joined us for the evening and there were 60 in total, including several exhibitors and
partners.
After a wonderful meal, our 11 contestants for the Miss TV Scotland competition dashed
off to change into their daywear outfits. The competition was underway by 9:30pm, compered
by Louise. While the girls changed into their evening outfits, our cabaret made his
appearance - the least said the better. The evening wear section was thoroughly
entertaining, all the contestants made a huge effort with their outfits as you can see.
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Johanna is crowned and sashed
(centre), by Loraine (left)
and compere Louise (right) |
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Our judges had a really difficult time choosing a winner, but their final choice was
Johanna from Newcastle, wearing a new wig bought that afternoon! She was crowned and
sashed and presented with her prize - £200 of designer outfits from Hide and Sleek. She
is having those outfits made at the moment and we will show them on completion.
We will be hosting Miss TV Scotland again from the 17th to 19th November in Edinburgh.
The event is spread over a full weekend this time and a leaflet is available from Loraine
- phone (01592) 891344 or e-mail.
Everyone we spoke to had a wonderful weekend and for many it was their first time at
such an event. Although very nervous about coming, it was a wonderful experience and they
went home with new friends, more confidence and picked up tips that would help perfect
their femme appearance and behaviour. Most of all, we had a really good laugh and
thoroughly enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones.
