Flat fashion show South Jersey/ Philly?

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alexandria58
alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

Hi everyone,

    My BMX, no recon, was on April 25.  I've already decided to stay flat, and I just want other women to feel that this is a viable option. I have been thinking about organizing a fashion show in the Phily- Central/South Jersey area to show that flat can be fashionable and beautiful.  Any one in the area interested?

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  • Ondagrow
    Ondagrow Member Posts: 349
    edited May 2011

    That is an excellent idea... I am in the Philly area... You should call Dr, Beth Dupree office and ask her about it,,, She is a breast surgeon in Southampton... She has a very large support group...

    I am going on the Breast Cancer cruise next week... If you have a flyer, I will circulate...

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited May 2011

    That sounds cool!  I have learn to dress a little differently & no one know the difference.  I have to try things on to know for sure they will work for me.  I kind of know now what styles work better. Good luck with your show! NJ

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2011

    I live in the Phila area, and your idea sounds wonderful! I think I would be up for volunteering. I am newly flat after deconstructing my reconstruction with implants just a month ago. I have some dips and bumps that are somewhat challenging, but I am doing okay with finding clothes that make me feel attractive. I'm working around some extra skin and muscle that should retract and shrink over the next six months, and my ribcage is a little concave on both sides from the expansion. I have truncal lymphedema and haven't been able to wear a bra for a while, so I'm not sure prosthetics are even a possibility later on. I like the idea of being able to go flat, and I probably will dress this way the majority of the time. It definitely takes some thought to figure out the kind of clothes that flatter your particular body type - just as it would if you still had breasts. It is currently my mission to expand my wardrobe so I can get dressed easily each day without a meltdown! 

    Alexandria, there is a thread on this forum about dressing flat called, Wardrobe Pics for Boobless Days. Lots of great pics and tips there! 

    Also, a friend told me that the show, "What Not to Wear" recently had an episode with a woman who had had a mastectomy and wasn't wearing prosthetics. I haven't been able to find it on-demand yet. She said it was excellent and then pointed out that the outfit I was wearing demonstrated one of their strategies. Made me happy to hear I was on the right track!

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  • alexandria58
    alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
    edited May 2011

    Hi all,

        Thanks for the support.  I am just now starting the planning, trying for for the first Sunday in October.  I will be looking at possible venues, and i'm going to start contacting stores like Ann Taylor's and other possible sponors before I design any flyers.  Part of my thought has been to find fashion consultants in the area who would not only help with the show but be available to consult with women who are going flat.  I'm also hoping that this can be a fundraiser for research to prevent the disease as well as to support women who've gone through this or will be going through this. 

          I'd love any help.  My e-mail address is sleemanning@gmail.com. 

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  • pip57
    pip57 Member Posts: 12,401
    edited May 2011

    That sounds like a great idea.  Wish I lived near you.  My dh emailed a make over show about doing something like that...never heard back from them.  

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited May 2011

    What a great idea! I hope if you're able to organize the event, you'll take photos that you can post here, for those of us who live too far away to attend.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited May 2011

    Can I add a wish to your plans? How about if one or some of your models also sported lymphedema sleeves and gauntlets? It's all part of the package that we risk after breast cancer treatment, and including compression garments as part of the style challenge would speak to both women who must deal with lymphedema already and those who still worry about it.

    I'd suggest contacting Lymphedivas for garments. They have a range of colors and patterns that are actually exciting, and they're good about public relations.

    http://lymphedivas.com

    There are other garment makers as well who might be interested in working with you -- let me know if you need contact information.

    Wonderful idea -- really ambitious undertaking! I'm so eager to see what you come up with! Hope you'll do a you-tube video so we'll all have a record of it. Or Barbara, how about attending and taking some video for BreastFree?

    Onward!
    Binney

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  • alexandria58
    alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
    edited May 2011

    Binney, Thanks for the idea about incorporating lymphedema garments and for the contact info. I'll be contacting Lymphedivas.  Any other contact information you have for other garment makers would be appreciated.

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  • JanetinVirginia
    JanetinVirginia Member Posts: 1,516
    edited May 2011

    What a GREAT idea!  I'm in the DC area but it's a quick train ride to Philly.  When you consider locations it would be nice if it was a cab drive away from train/airport - maybe a downtown hotel would donate space for the show?  They are usually open to that esp. if you plan a luncheon or participants who need rooms for the night.

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  • reesie
    reesie Member Posts: 2,078
    edited May 2011

    alexandria, Ilbbc.org has their annual conference in October in philly - you might want to check them out for possible connection with the conference or assistance with the planning/etc. of the show.  I live in South Jersey (I always say if the river wasn't there my house would be in Philly) and would be interested in helping out.  I don't think I will have any surgery by then but am lopsided due to the size of my tumor of origin and the amount of "shrinkage" from my chemo - maybe incorporate something (if there is anything) for us unilateral girls who haven't reconstructed?

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited May 2011

    BRILLIANT

    BRILLIANT!!!!!

    BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Yes!! Please plan on video and uploading to YouTube!!!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2011

    Alexandria58, I sent you a personal email.

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  • BirdyRobin
    BirdyRobin Member Posts: 105
    edited May 2011

    I love this idea, Philly....Chicago?....NYC?....LA?....and hopefully someday Seattle, too. I would love to see this going to dif. cities all across USA esp. in October.

    Good luck with you efforts and please get video and pics.

    Robin

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  • alexandria58
    alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
    edited May 2011

    Hi everyone,

         I called Living Beyond Breast Cancer to ask about planning help etc. No response yet.  Currently I'm considering the Cherry Hill Mall.  It might be easier to coordinate with stores if it's in a mall.  Also, there's free parking.  Also, since at this point in the planning, I have no idea of the number of people, it would be easier to do an open area than a hotel or restaurant, where I'd need numbers, and possibly money up front.  Could possibly reserve something at a restaurant for a lunch afterwards if I get enough interest..

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  • alexandria58
    alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
    edited May 2011

    Update on fashion show possibility:  I've finally talked to LBBC in Philly, and they seem interested in working with me.  Some discussion of aiming for the spring of 2012, to give enough time to get  everything planned.

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  • reesie
    reesie Member Posts: 2,078
    edited May 2011

    Awesome!

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited May 2011

    Glad LBBC is interested. With that much time, you could design and sew an entire line of clothes LOL! Kidding aside, it is something that requires planning and maybe with a lot of advance notice, more women will be able to attend.

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  • Faithroad
    Faithroad Member Posts: 432
    edited May 2011

    I wish I lived in your neigborhood!!  What a great idea for a fashion show!

    Tina, I'm going to check out the thread you mentioned.  Thanks!

    "Wardrobe Pics for Boobless Days"

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  • alexandria58
    alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
    edited June 2011

    Hi everyone.  It is official.  The fashion show will be a benefit for LBBC, and I can use their stationary and mailing list.  I do not have a definitive date - but looking at April of 2012.   I'm planning to have an organizational meeting at my house in Trenton sometime in July - towards the middle - end of month.   Anyone interested in helping - please message me and I'll send my address.   

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  • alexandria58
    alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
    edited July 2011

    The meeting is July 21, 7 p.m.  

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  • alexandria58
    alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
    edited July 2011

    The meeting is being postponed until September.  Date to be announced.  If interested, send me a message.

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