Omaha Fashion Week.

Over three years, I’ve hosted this incredible event six times.  August Fashion Week 2015 was supposed to be my lucky Number 7.

“Don’t you get nervous?” asked Kontempo’s Kristen as she did my makeup Friday afternoon.

“Nah,” I replied.  “I’ve embarrassed myself so many times in my job over the years, and realized hey, it wasn’t the end of the world.”

Thanks to Herb Thompson for the photo!

Perhaps I should’ve stuck my foot in my mouth.  Then it wouldn’t have caught underneath my beautiful, beaded, BORROWED gown Friday night on the runway, causing me to WIPE OUT in front of hundreds of people.

I was Carrie.  I was Fashion Roadkill.

When I tell people what happened, I don’t use the verb ‘fall’.. it doesn’t seem like it fits.  Folks, I FLEW.  I seriously had a few seconds of air time before crashing down on my hip/shoulder.  Somehow I crawled behind the backdrop (surrounded by horrified models and stage staff), and composed myself.  A few deep breaths.. nothing hurt but my pride.  As for that.. I WANTED TO CURL UP IN A CORNER OF THE TENT AND DIE.

Here’s what I did instead..

I texted my best friends out in the audience, the girls who’ve come with me to six of those seven shows.

They texted me their reaction, and I smiled backstage.

I texted my mom, and when she asked if I’d had any ‘wardrobe malfunctions’, I breathed a sigh of relief that I DID NOT.

I texted Rob, and after his response.. ‘Please God.. I’ve lived a relatively good life.. let there be video of this!’.. I laughed out loud.

Then I took off those damn shoes, hiked up my dress with my hand, and walked back onto the runway.

Thank you to Light Illusions Photography for the photo!

I poked fun at myself the rest of the night.. probably too much on a night that should’ve been, and hopefully still was, about six INCREDIBLE designers, and the amazing models showcasing their work.  I’ve since shared the story with my coworkers, family and friends.. because you know what? It’s funny, and I like to make people laugh.  I realize that YES, I’m sure there are people out there who think I’m clutzy, obnoxious, and unsophisticated.

They’re right.  That’s just me.

And you know what? These girls.. MY girls.. are ok with that.

Thank you to Light Illusions Photography

When I told my 4-year old what happened, he asked me where I got hurt and said he would kiss it better.

I even got this INCREDIBLE message from viewer Jayne Meehan..

Things happen.. sometimes in the privacy of your home and sometimes in front of way too many total strangers.  They say life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.  I can’t change what people think of me, and I can’t say that I’ve danced around in my bedroom to Cheryl Lynn like Carrie.  BUT.. I’m again reminded of and grateful for the people who love me whether I’m on a billboard along I-80, or lying in a pile of hot mess at Omaha Fashion Week.  Because of them, I’m no longer MORTIFIED.. in fact, I’ve added this to my queue of ’embarrassing Brandi stories’ to share the next time I emcee an event.

Hopefully, on my feet.