They’re equally talented, attractive and successful, so why the divide between daytime TV and primetime TV actors? That’s my question of the day. It’s no secret primetime TV actors have entrée to the best fashion and accessories, are sought after by paparazzi, and can be seen on hit lifestyle shows like "Entertainment Tonight," "Extra," "Access Hollywood," and others. Could the networks be to blame? Advertisers? Fans? I ponder the thought! In any event, I believe all actors are created equal. Ok, not all of them; just the ones I choose to work with. Which brings me to my story:
Thanks to a call from my dear friend Kenneth Teaton of Foxboro Entertainment, Emmy-nominated actress Terri Colombino, who plays Katie Peretti on the CBS daytime drama "As The World Turns," got a taste of the royal fashion treatment most high-profile celebrities are accustomed to. "She’s gorgeous, the paparazzi love her, and I want you to dress her for the Daytime Emmys in L.A.," were Teaton’s words. After a brief glance at my calendar, I replied, "Sure, I can squeeze her in." But with only two weeks before the big event and having not worked with the daytime darling before, I had my work cut out for me. So I put the pedal to the metal and started with the two Rs: research and my Rolodex. After confirming Terri’s sizes, I quickly began to scour the online celebrity photo websites (Wire Image, Getty Images, Film Magic) to see what Colombino currently looked like, who she’s worn and what can be improved Felix-style. Then I opened my trusty Rolodex and began calling those who I thought were perfect for what I was envisioning.
In just a few hours, I confirmed my good friend and famed fashion designer David Rodriguez for evening gowns, Judith Ripka for sparkly gems, Stuart Weitzman and Kate Spade for shoes and Jacqueline at Tracy Paul, who was ready to ship evening bags of my choice by deadline. Now, all I had to do was find Terri a "va-va-voom" dress, jewelry and hairstyle fit for the princess of daytime TV. But between her busy shoot schedule and mine, trying to lock down a date to meet would be near impossible.
Just as I was about to take a break my Blackberry rang, and it was Teaton again. "Celebrity red-carpet photographer Su Coflin of Max Photos, wants an exclusive to shoot Terri’s pre-Emmy wardrobe try-on and fit session." "It’s a deal!" I belted out. After a few more calls between my contacts and Teaton, a photo and fitting date was set with Rodriguez himself at his showroom! My work had barely begun…
It’s fitting day! After trying on over half a dozen gowns by David Rodriguez, we found the "va-va-voom" dress. It was a perfect fit! The dress spoke sex appeal, elegance, glamour and left us all speechless at the same time. Colombino was thrilled. "This is going to be so great! I can’t tell you how excited I am to rock that hot dress!"
The fitting went so well, we even found her a fabulous cocktail dress with a stingray accent on the back, also by Rodriguez, along with jewelry by Grafite Chic, for the Pre-Emmy party.
Next step: Jewelry! Jessica Stark, PR Director at Judith Ripka, sent over more than $100k worth of diamond jewelry for us to choose from. The bling was so fabulous I had to put on my Dior shades to soften the bright sparkle from the spectacular jewels. But after much debate, we chose the best of the bunch. Colombino loved the medium cuff and the all diamond cuff, as well as the cocktail ring, the smaller necklace, but agreed (with me) that some great earrings could be better.
After finding our dress and selecting the jewelry, we moved on to shoes and clutches. With quite a few choices from Stuart Weitzman, Kate Spade, Inge Christopher and Whiting & Davis we had to make some cuts.
After some deliberation, we agreed the Kate Spade evening shoes in bittersweet chocolate satin coupled with the stylish Whiting & Davis minaudière clutch in bronze was a picture-perfect match. "I just can’t thank you enough, you have gotten me all excited about dressing-up again!" said Colombino.
And now for the big reveal. Here is Terri Colombino on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys in a one-of-a-kind mermaid-style gown by David Rodriguez, diamond chandelier earrings, diamond cuff and diamond cocktail ring (all by Judith Ripka), clutch by Whiting & Davis, and shoes by Kate Spade. The sexy stunner sent photographers into a photo frenzy! "Lots of camera flashes, and tails were a-waggin'!" said Colombino. Her date for the evening was Paul Leyden, who plays Simon Frasier on the "As The World Turns."
Like Tom Cruise in M: I-3, my mission was accomplished! (And yes, that was Terri and me you saw on the red carpet at the New York City premiere of Mission: Impossible 3!)
If you have a style query for Felix, please send your comments, suggestions and feedback to fncimag@foxnews.com or contact@sayitwith-style.com. We look forward to hearing from you. And remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so always make every impression as fabulous as the first and always, Say it With STYLE!
Your Style Expert, Felix Mercado
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