My Letter to Dress Shops (No Reply)

The newspaper in my city has an annual luncheon for the cranky letter-writers identified as "Correspondent of the Day" on the editorial page. The luncheon is a low-key, casual affair: barbeque chicken and cole slaw at the newspaper plant, plus a speech from the editorial page editor.

I was once named a Correspondent of the Day and thought of a way to make it pay off. I decided to "offer" the high-end dress shops in town the chance to "dress" me for the awards ceremony. After all, Nicole Kidman doesn't write a check for her frock when she goes to the Oscar's.

It was an idea ahead of its time. No one ponied up, but here is the letter I sent out that went unanswered by the unimaginative managers of several Richmond dress shops. My ex-husband told me that I had done one very good thing: given the poor, beleagered shopgirls a much-needed laugh. At my expense, it is needless to add. Is there any other kind in my life?

My Letter (No Reply)

Manager

Coplon's

6235 River Road

Richmond, Virginia 23229


14 February 2005


Dear Madam:


The exquisite dresses on view on the red carpets of awards events have become the stuff of legend. Who can forget Nicole Kidmans iconic lotion-pink Chanel Couture dress at the 2001 Academy Awards or Sharon Stones lavender silk shantung Vera Wang sarong, paired rakishly with her husband's Brooks Brothers shirt in 1997?


Awards ceremonies present a splendid opportunity for savvy dressmakers to promote their wares. On Saturday, February 26, I will attend the Richmond Times-Dispatch awards luncheon honoring 2004s Correspondents of the Day. As I am currently reviewing samples from area dress shops, I am writing to offer you the chance to promote one of Coplons elegant designs at the awards event.


The Correspondents luncheon features an open-mike question and answer session with Ross McKenzie, editor of the Times-Dispatchs editorial page and concludes with the much-anticipated announcement of the Correspondent of the Year. It always receives coverage in the local print and broadcast media. Should you be selected to dress me for this event, I will be certain to mention you as I preface my question during the open-mike forum. I will most certainly include you in my thank-you remarks should I be named Correspondent of the Year.


My October 31 letter to the newspaper was on the topic of unique and appealing locally owned stores and restaurants in Richmond, of which Coplons is certainly a celebrated example. I am enclosing a copy of my editorial letter as well as a copy of my invitation to the luncheon.


I am 42 years old, 5 7, blonde, and wear a size 6 - 8. I look good in everything except the inferior clothes that I can afford on my meager state-supported art museum salary; thus, I am writing to you. I urge you not miss this unique opportunity to capitalize on a most fashionable win-win proposition.


I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours very truly,



Rebecca E. Jones