At Zonta showcase, fashion in the spotlight

Who’s the fairest of them all?

You, if you go to Zonta Club’s Lifestyles & Fashion Expo 2006, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Spectacular Event Center in Bangor. It’s like a craft fair for the fashion set with two fashion shows, demonstrations on everything from bra fitting to self-defense, and more than 40 vendors.

“It’s a nice girls’ day out,” said Zonta member Alexandra Turallo. “It’s a nice mix of vendors, a nice place to ask questions if it’s a service or product you’re not familiar with.”

The event is targeted to women in their late teens on up. It’s meant to showcase the services available in eastern Maine, including interior design consulting, massage therapy, day spas and photography. Vendors from Calais to Camden will be on hand selling one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry, lingerie and accessories, as well as housewares and candles.

“You can do it all in one place. You don’t have to spend on the gas,” Turallo said. “And you can buy. If you go to a regular fashion show, you can’t buy any of the merchandise.”

Admission is $10 per person and covers refreshments and two fashion shows featuring apparel from Talbot’s, The Henry’s, Pretty Woman and Peruvian Link. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Zonta International, which works to advance the status of women through scholarship, literacy and service.

Randa Shirland of the Breast and Osteoporosis Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital will give a demonstration on proper bra fitting, and she’ll reveal one of Bangor’s best-kept secrets: the figure-flattering, well-fitting bathing suits that her center sells. Another speaker will teach women how to tie a scarf.

“These kinds of people have absolutely so much to show,” Turallo said.

And the Lifestyles & Fashion Expo will show local women how much they have to offer – and how to accentuate the positive.

“I think it’s important to convey to the women some of the variety of choices available to them as they try to put forth their best self, to present themselves to their best advantage,” Turallo said.

Tickets to Zonta’s Lifestyles & Fashion Expo 2006 cost $10 and are available in advance at Garden Cafe in Bangor, Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono, Curves in Brewer, Hampden and Bucksport, or at the door. For information, call 942-4611.