April 2024
From the Editor…
As a celebrity stylist, I loved dressing the stars. With an open door to the best designer gowns, looks, and more, who wouldn’t love it? However, for most red-carpet events, the celebrity’s mother, sister, and friends also needed a top-notch look to accompany their famous loved one. And I absolutely adored working with what we called “real women.” It was one of the reasons I founded Access when I landed on the Bay as making other women feel good is something I never wanted to end. If you’re an Access fan, you know that over the years we’ve treated countless local women to the best looks and glam around. We’ve even had tears of joy on our set as many women never knew how beautiful they truly are. Those treasured moments fuel the entire Access crew. So, when Erin Langley of the Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre extended an invitation to meet Shirlee Idzakovich, the tailor and costumer to the world’s biggest stars, we felt like we hit the jackpot. In town to finalize her costumes for Erin’s high fashion rendition of Broadway hit “Cats,” we decided to take Shirlee from behind the seams and put her in front of the camera for a change. For me, being in the style trenches with Shirlee was everything and pangs of the busy fashion world are beckoning. Beyond kind, her boundless energy swept over everyone including each cast member and our incredible glam squad. While she may not know it, she lifted us all up as she spoke about the importance of dreaming big and making room at our tables for mentoring and helping others. Because she made room for us, it was an experience we’ll not forget. It’s my hope that you’ll all be inspired to make room at your own tables and join us at this special —and very fashionable—production of “Cats” too!