Style savers
| • | Help Dress for Success |
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
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| Shana Shimizu, the reigning Miss Deaf Hawai'i, looks to friends for approval of an outfit that she tried on at Dress For Success Honolulu at YWCA of O'ahu on Richards Street.
Photos by Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser |
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| Shana Shimizu, left, gets help trying on shoes from personal shopper Bethani Johnson at Dress For Success Honolulu. |
Donations help Miss deaf hawai'i To help defray Miss Deaf Hawai'i Shana Shimizu's travel expenses, mail contributions to: Aloha State Association of the Deaf 1833 Kalakaua Ave., Suite 905 Honolulu, HI 96815 For details: Fax 946-7300, e-mail asad@hsod.org or see www.nad.org |
"I like it," said Heather Rossi, who was interpreting for Shimizu. "I love the color."
Shimizu, the reigning Miss Deaf Hawai'i, was looking for suits and accessories to wear for the Miss Deaf America Pageant, July 6 through 10 at the National Association of the Deaf Conference in Kansas City, Mo.
The trip will cost $15,000 for both Shimizu and her chaperone, Cheryl Mizusawa. Shimizu, a junior at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., has been cutting costs by accepting donations whenever possible.
The 'Aiea resident, 21, sorted through racks of suits at Dress for Success Honolulu with personal shopper Bethani Johnson. The YWCA program donates suits to women with financial setbacks and who are making a transition into the workplace.
"It's in the line of our mission to help Shana, so I was happy to arrange a suiting for her," said Isla Morley, Dress for Success program coordinator.
Famed fashion designer Amos Kotomori also donated an evening gown to Shimizu for the pageant.
Shimizu has participated in several fund-raisers to pull together the money she needs to get to the national pageant, including working a fries booth at the 50th State Fair. Shimizu scrubbed potatoes and fryer baskets, and wiped down counters for the cause.
"It was really hot and busy in there, but it was all worth it," Mizusawa said.
Shimizu, crowned the local winner Aug. 15, will compete among 26 contestants at the national pageant.
"I'm a little nervous," said Shimizu, who admitted to suffering from a bit of stage fright. "But I'm really excited to meet the other contestants, and I'm really excited to face my fears."
Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.
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Dress for Success Honolulu, a program of YWCA O'ahu, prepares women to enter the job market by providing career clothing, style consultation and emotional support.
Dress for Success, on the second floor of the YWCA on 1040 Richards St., accepts donations of career outfits (on hangars) and services from individuals and businesses. Clients are served by appointment only, on referral from local social service agencies assisting with their job search.
To volunteer time or donate clothing or money, call program coordinator Isla Morley at 538-7061, ext. 235; e-mail dfshonolulu@ywcaoahu.org; or visit www.ywcaoahu.org.
