Here comes the…FOF Mother-of-the-Bride (and Groom) Makeover Finalists!
One of the FOFs below will win a private style consultation with designer-to-the-stars, Kay Unger, and a complete look from the designer’s collection.
Read why these FOFs (or their children) think they should win, then vote for the finalist YOU think should win by commenting below. The finalist with the most comments by June 25, 2010 at 5 p.m. (E.S.T.) wins.
Arline Kimerling, Ridgefield, Ct.
Why Arline thinks she should win:
“I’m a 68-year-old antiques dealer. My son is getting married October 3 of this year. It’s an unconventional wedding at a campground in Westchester, N.Y. I’d love to be informal but chic with a flair. I changed my life 5 years ago and lost 170 lbs, with the help of a wonderful life coach. The best thing: I’ve stayed the same weight for almost 3 years. Although I think I’m pretty fabulous as I am, a little help never hurts. ”
—
Sharon Hoffman, Washington D.C.
Why her daughter, Erin, thinks she should win:
“I am entering this contest for my mom. My parents were overseas with the military when they were married so they were unable to have a wedding. Because of this, my wedding is extremely important to my mother, and it would be amazing to be able to give her this as something to make her feel extra special on my wedding day.”
—
Pamela Stein, Harrisburg, PA
Why Pamela thinks she should win:
“I want my son to be proud of me on his wedding day. I’ve put most of my time and energy into my kids, and now that they are growing up and moving toward lives of their own, I look forward to new ways to reinvent myself. A Kay Unger makeover for my son’s wedding would be a fitting start.”
0 Responses to “{Makeovers} Drumroll please…FOF Announces Mother-of-the-Bride (and Groom) Makeover Finalists!”
Emily Sanders says:
Sharon Hoffman gets my vote. She is an amazing and selfless woman. She totally deserves it!!!
Vicki Rogers says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman
Tiffany says:
My vote goes to Sharon!!
Gene says:
Sharon personifies what this contest is about. She is a wonderful person, enjoying a long-term marriage to an outstanding and loyal man, who raised two ideal daughters. She did all this while also serving our country first on active duty and then as a military spouse. When looking for an American family to emulate, one need look no further than the Hoffmans. I unequivocally vote for Sharon Hoffman.
Patrice Mortson says:
My vote is for Sharon Hoffman!
Jason Smith says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman!
corin says:
Go Team Hoffman! My vote is for Sharon!!!!!
Rabbit says:
I vote for Pamela Stein, because she is a single mom and so am I so I know how hard it is to raise children on your own. I think this would be a nice reward for all her hard work.
Sally Hoffman says:
Sharon Hoffman gets my vote!
MurphyK says:
Sharon Hoffman has been my generous and kind friend for many years. I vote for Sharon Hoffman!
Teresa says:
I am voting for Sharon Hoffman, too! I hope she’s able to share this exciting and memorable time in her daughter’s life–looking and feeling fabulous! She’s sacrificed so much over the years, she absolutely deserves this special honor.
susan says:
I am voting for Sharon Hoffman!!!!!
Susan Thorstenn says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman my college roomate!
Anja McConnon says:
My vote is for Sharon. When you give up your big wedding to serve our country, you are a special person and deserve this special treat. And the fact that her daughter and bride to be wants her mother to win this, shows what a wonderful mother Sharon is.
Emily Cat says:
I vote for the lovely Sharon Hoffman!!!!!!
Quine Washington says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman, a wonderful mother with a great family. She has managed the demands of motherhood while excelling in her professional career, which includes distinguished military services. She richly deserves this unique reward to enhance Erin’s special day.
Denise says:
Sharon wins my vote. Her daughter’s entry demonstrated that Sharon is loved by her family and they would enjoy seeing her treated to a memorable, special day herself in addition to the thrill of her daughter’s wedding.
MeganCata says:
My vote is for Sharon! She deserves it!
Ellen B. says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman! She and her daughters have a wonderful relationship. They deserve a wonderful wedding celebration.
sisterjtc says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman.
f_kranzberg says:
It’s so hard to pick just one! Arline is truely an inspiration, and a fellow hat lover. I can relate to Pamela having devoted so many years to raising her family. But I just love the fact that Sharon was nominated by her daughter. That speaks volumes, and I would love to see her look her best for her daughter’s wedding – especially since she never had one of her own.
Jorene says:
Go, Sharon, Go!
Amy Holden says:
Sharon Hoffman! You couldn’t find a kinder, more down-to-earth person if you tried.
Kristin Drohan says:
As a fellow Military Spouse, I know the sacrifices we make for our famlilies, our country, but mostly ourselves. My vote is for Sharon Hoffman.
Kathy McAuliffe says:
Dan and myself have known John, Sharons husband prior to their marriage as he was best man in our wedding. They met in the service, married, had their wonderful daughters and returned to the states. Sharon has been a wonderful mother, friend. All you have to do is look at Erin her daughter and that shows what a gem mom is. Go Sharon, you deserved to win.
Ann McCormick says:
I vote Sharon (and John), both fabulous over fifty.
Erin, you’re brilliant! Truly kismet…
Deb White says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman! What a wonderful story and I know she would enjoy this!
Carolyn says:
I’m voting for Sharon Hoffman. Good luck, Sharon!
Sara Dickie says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman! She is a dedicated mother and deserves to share this special event with Erin! Look forward to the wedding already!
Mango says:
I vote for Sharon’s parents.
Julie says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman.
Roni Jacobson says:
My vote is for Arline. She has overcome so much and has come so far. What a nice ending for her to win this!
Martha T. says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. Military families are special! Sharon has earned this!
Kacey says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. She is a great lady!
Carol Williams says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. I think it’s great that her daughter nominated her and I hope she wins.
Susana says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. Her co-workers love her and have nothing but nice things to say about her.
Seth Director says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. A touching story and a terrific family.
Monica says:
Sharon Hoffman is a great mother to her daughters, her home was like a second home to so many of their friends during high school (me, included.) I love that she was nominated by her daughter, and I think it would be great for her to get the “wedding pampering” experience she never had!
louise burkholder says:
I vote for Arline Kimerling. She is kind and decent and funny and a devoted wife, mother and friend. In our line of work(antique show dealers) every show rises and falls for you based not only on sales but the dealers around you -how ez or hard they help make your set-up,how difficult they are during shows, whether they are “fun” neighbors to pass the time with. Well we hit the jackpot when first we were set up beside Arline and Bob because they were the PERFECT neighbors – patient, helpful, kind, fun. To watch Arline slim down and reinvigorate herself over the years was inspiring.I know how she has anticipated this wedding and a make-over would be such a cool reward for her tremendous efforts.She is Fab over 50 !
Marjorie Munroe says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. Sharon and her husband John are just the best people in the world. Their daughter Erin nominated Sharon for this award because she feels Sharon is a wonderful and a fabulous mother and friend. We all believe Sharon deserves this great honour!!!!
Sharon is the definition of Fab over 50!!!!!
….GO HOFFMAN TEAM!!!…
Tiff Dewell says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. What a fitting gift for someone who was not able to have a big wedding because of her and her husband’s service to this country. I think she would be such a wonderful and worthy winner.
Leigh Anne says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. As a fellow military spouse, I understand what’s like to sometimes have to do things “untraditionally” for the sake of the Army. I think she deserves a taste of what it’s like to be pampered in preparation for a conventional wedding.
Jean Boyce says:
SHARON HOFFMAN!!
Stephanie says:
My vote goes to Sharon Hoffman. This is a great opportunity for her and Erin to share in an experience of creating a wedding that Sharon never got herself. Go Sharon!!!
Sarah says:
I vote for Sharon. I can’t think of a better treat for this deserving mother of the bride.
Shay says:
My vote is for Sharon Hoffman! I can’t think of a more deserving family for such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their daughter’s wedding in Style.
Alison Gregoire says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. The Hoffmans were not able to have a big wedding themselves, because they were serving with the military overseas. This has made them all the more excited for Erin’s wedding. I think it would be wonderful if this particular mother-of-the-bride was made to feel special the big day.
Lori Heltzel says:
One of the most devoted families I have encountered in a long time. Sharon Hoffman is a fantastic example of a selfless devoted mother-of-the-bride and deserves this opportunity to have a weekend of pampering with her daughter.
Connie Schultz says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. When she was married, she was overseas and unable to have the traditional wedding. If she won this contest, she and her daughter could share the thrill of participation in a traditional wedding, as well as sharing the fabulous fun of the consultation with a designer. This could begin a new family tradition!
Maureen Bozzo says:
My vote goes to Sharon Hoffman. What a treat it would be for both mother and daughter if they were to have this special honor during this exciting time.
Hanan says:
I will vote for Pamela Stein because she spent all her life taking care of her kids, and now i think it is the time that someone should take care of her.
ro caggiano says:
My vote goes to Arline Kimerling, a memorable colleague and friend from the past.
Mary says:
Sharon has been such a wonderful wife to my brother and mother to her twin daughters all while have a fabulous career of her own. She is so kind, loving, generous, and fun!
Sharon Hoffman gets my vote!
Katie Peterson says:
I proudly cast my vote for Sharon Hoffman. She was lovingly nominated by her daughter, Erin — the bride to be. Sharon and her husband John were serving in the military when they became engaged. Due to their committment to our country, they never had a typical wedding. Needless to say Sharon never had a brides dress to wear to her wedding. So I believe that after raising twin daughters and being the mother of the bride, Sharon truly deserves this honor and all the fun related to a special magical time shared with her daughter in preparing for a real wedding. She could now have the wedding dress that she never had many years ago.
Bill Cummings says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. She and her husband have done an excellent job in raising twin daughters and serving our country. They married while serving in the U.S. Army and didn’t have the opportunity to have a big, traditional wedding. Sharon would certainly be a worthy winner of the Fab Over 50 contest.
Patti says:
I think they should all win……
so my vote is for all 3
John Nolan says:
My vote is for Sharon. Not only did she and her husband, John, not have their own wedding because of their service to our country, but her nomination by her daughter demonstrates John and Sharon’s success as parents. This is especially refreshing given today’s too frequent “It’s all about me” culture. The other two ladies have inspiring stories, but are clearly competing for # 2 in this contest.
Deborah Imse says:
I vote for Sharon: I think what her daughter is doing is terrific!
Patrice says:
Sharron all the way. Honor her for the military service. She deserves it!
Sue says:
My vote goes to Sharon. Anyone who has given their time and service for the betterment of our country deserve this special gift. Also, pretty darn cool that this is what her daughter wants. Speaks volumes!!!
Nico says:
I agree with Mel15 who said “sacrificing a wedding to serve your country and now having a chance to shine with your daughter on her day is very touching. Sharon all the way!”
I vote for Sharon
Marcella Hadeed says:
I vote for Sharon!
Marinka says:
It is hard to make choices, but that’s life. Arline accomplished a lot with a life coach, congratulations to you, but I believe you had your make-over already and I have to give it to you, you look amazing.
Sharon seems to have a loving daughter who likes to do something nice for her mother.
Pamela is my pick because she seems to be at a stage in her life in which she is looking for ways to redefine, reinvent herself and may be needs a little encouragement to believe that her son will be proud of her. If it was up to my Pamela you would get the make-over.
Melissa says:
Sharon deserves this.
Elizabeth says:
My vote definitely goes to Sharon.
Dave says:
Sharon.
Emily says:
I vote for Sharon
Emily says:
My vote is for Sharon.
Gretchen says:
My vote is for SHARON HOFFMAN!! 🙂
centreville11 says:
Sharon Hoffman, hands down. She and John are a wonderful caring couple, each with decades of loyal service to our great country. Great parents, great kids. Fabulous that Erin wants this for her mom instead of herself. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
cathy says:
My vote is for Sharon!
Ashley says:
SHARON!!!!
Linda Quigg says:
Sharon Hoffman gets my vote, by a mile
Julie Angello says:
My vote goes to Sharon…..She is a fabulous over fifty, Mother of twins, wife , friend ,daughter and women….she deserves to win!!!!!
Dan Cotter says:
My vote goes to Sharon.
jessica says:
My vote is for Sharon, out of all three I was touched most that her daughter is the one that nominated her.
Teresa Cotter says:
I VOTE FOR SHARON. Let’s let Sharon celebrate Erin’s wedding in a special way since her military service for our country precluded her from her own wedding celebration. GO SHARON
Julia Sally says:
Mrs. Hoffman should win!
-Erin’s BFF, Julia, who helped her get a large button telephone.
Anita says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman! Thanks for all the gushers in high school!
Elouise says:
Sharon
Andrew says:
I vote for Sharon!
mabrei says:
I think Sharon should win, because she could experience the wedding she never had through her daughter’s.
gaylepk says:
All are great entries but Sharon’s daughter makes a compelling argument
donnay73 says:
Sharon is my favorite. I think it is sweet of the daughter to want it to be a special day for her mom. She gets my vote hands down!
helene gaynor says:
My vote is for Arline21. For someone to have transformed her life through such hard work and determination, she deserves to absolutely glow on the day of her child’s wedding. Her whole family should see her at her very best. Continued good luck. In my eyes, she has already won!
karinehils says:
Go Arline21! Arline has amazing determination and never allows herself to be down. She is eternally positive and her good vibes invigorates all who are around her. She deserves to get this special treat.
papaya21 says:
The best over 50 rolemodel! Arline show me and so many other how amazing it could be to be at her age and never stop. She is up bit person who light the room when she enters. GO ARLINE!!!
norbett says:
The best person in every way and every day!! “Arlene is a doer and embraces life with a passion. Remarkable woman — lost over 150 lbs – not for vanity but to improve her health. I consider her among my circle of loving friends. Good luck on your son’s upcoming wedding. I know you will shine from within and of course will be the best dressed Mother of the Groom of the year. Bettye”
Mel15 says:
My vote goes to Sharon. Losing 170 pounds is no small feat, so a congratulations to Arlene. But sacrificing a wedding to serve your country and now having a chance to shine with your daughter on her day is very touching. Sharon all the way!
Steve says:
No offense to anyone else, but Sharon really deserves to win. All of the others had their day to shine on their own wedding day.
lee casher says:
Hands down, it’s PAM! I don’t know the other women, but PAM is like a breath of fresh air! You will look amazing at your son’s wedding, make over or no makeover!
shay says:
My vote is for Arline! I watched her transform herself physically but still retain her marvelous sense of humor, self-esteem and kindness. She’s truly one of a kind.
Julie says:
I believe Pamela should be the winner! She has lived her life for her children, now it’s time for her to see what all she can be.
SUSAN MALZ says:
MY VOTE AND HAT GO TO ARLINE KIMLERLING. SHE’S TOTALLY AWESOME AND VERY DESERVING!!
jeanie.williamson says:
OMG Arline for sure. anyone that loses and keeps off 170lbs is a superhero- way to go girl. you deserve to win and lots of praise & prizes
anisenson3 says:
I vote for Arline Kimerling. She sounds very worthy of a makeover & very eager to see what you can do.
Lauren says:
the determination to START losing 170 lbs at age 63 when others might just resign themselves to the body & life they’ve lived in all those years – WOW! my vote is for Arline!
Mary A Hawkins Fischer says:
I vote for a mini, midi, maxi make-over for the three of them. WE ALL DESERVE IT!
mmont55 says:
My vote is for Sharon.
Elyse says:
I vote for Arline. Losing 170 pounds and keeping it off is amazing. Arline deserves it!
Hannah B. says:
I vote for Arline for several reasons:
1) I live in the same town, so even though I don’t know her, I’ll be rooting for her.
2) I’m in the same age bracket
3) She deserves a big reward for her accomplishment!
It’s not easy losing weight at our ages. Bravo, Arline!
Terry Perl says:
Arline is a great lady with spirit and quiet dedication. She has truly remade her image over the last few years and a wedding makeover would be the perfect thing to cap off her journey.
Aisling says:
I think all these ladies are great and deserve to win. I’m voting for Arline because I’m really impressed with her achievements and I think she should look totally chic for her son’s wedding.
Ilene Malz says:
I think Arline Kimerling should win! She is fabulous and winning this would be wonderful, her son Peter is terrific and so is Clara, his fiance.
suzanne klein says:
My vote goes to Arlilne. She makes all of us proud with her great style and
incredible weight loss. She deserves to be a very special Mother of The Groom
and this really would make it special for Arline.
ruth taylor says:
I vote for Arline. She is my best friend. She is witty,
intelligent and beautiful on the inside and out. I am so proud of her fortitude in losing over 150 pounds. She will make a great mother of the groom!
Tami says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman!
Agita says:
I vote for Arline; I love her attitude and her determination is inspiring!
robert kimerling says:
She’s worked so hard. she deserves to win this contest and so much more. I am so proud of her. We’ve been married for 38years and I’m looking forward to the next 38
Maggie says:
I vote for Sharon – a fabulous woman,wife, mom, professional. I think she is beautiful already but would enjoy a makeover on her daughter’s special day. Aloha!
Susie says:
My vote is for Pamela. :))
Eloise says:
My vote goes to Sharon, already a beautiful person, both inside and out!!
Madame Librarian says:
Sharon Hoffman should get to look utterly beautiful like a bride. And try to enjoy being the mother of the bride. So much of this iends up by being stressful; remember to enjoy the day.
Wang says:
Sharon, baby.
Adrienne says:
My vote for Arline. She’s got the kind of energy and drive that makes her FOF.
Michelle says:
I vote for Aunt Sharon!
Debbie Livingston says:
My vote is for Pamela! She is a terrific person, always giving and doing for others, and always striving to do more. She has worked hard to provide for her children and give them the best!
barbara hanes says:
I am voting for Pam. A single mother, who raised her three children alone after her husband passed away seven years ago. Since then her son graduated from college, daughter graduated Magna Cum Laude, and the youngest is an honor student. Pam herself is persuing her MBA while working full time. She is a generous women and would rather give than recieve. This makeover would not make her children anymore proud of her, but it would make Pam feel good. I vote for my wonderful daughter
Debcake says:
A daughter’s wedding is next-to-the most important day of a mother’s life (her own wedding day being the most important!). I vote for Sharon.
Wendy says:
Arline all the way! How can someone who lost more weight than she now weighs not deserve some fab new clothes for her new bod? And she wears them well! Happy wedding!
Sally Light says:
All deserving, but Pamela gets my vote.
Elena says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman. She should feel special for her daughter’s wedding day!
Kathy says:
My vote is for Sharon! I know how it feels not to have a wedding. My husband and I have been married for forty years, and I still miss not having that special celebration. Sharon deserves it!
Debbie says:
My vote is for Sharon, although I wish they could all win a makeover as they all deserve it 🙂
TuKute says:
I wish all three of these women could have the makeover. They seem terrific. Since I can only pic one I will have to choose Arline. Go Girl!
Jamie says:
Sharon wins hands down! It is wonderful that her daughter wants to share her special day with her mom!
stephanie ~ paisley petunia says:
Its so hard to pick, they all deserve it, but I pick Sharon.
Gigi says:
I think Arline should win. She’s an inspiration to all of us and that shows through in her picture and her words. Keep up the good work!
katie says:
I vote for Sharon!
JoAnn says:
My vote is for Sharon! What a way to reward the family for their service to our great country. With dad in the military, Mom’s work is complicated. Let’s reward her on her daughter’s special day!
Kathy says:
I vote for Pamela.
Bonnie says:
my vote is for Sharon Hoffman, she deserves a make over
Cynthia Anderson says:
I admire each one of the ladies! I would like to vote for Pamela! She has spent her life focusing upon others and now it is her turn!
CYNDI says:
I VOTE FOR ARLINE. i HAVE LOST 145 POUNDS AT AGE 60 AND i KNOW THE BATTLES THAT SHE HAS FOUGHT. i APPLAUD HER LOSS AND HER MAINTENANCE. i WISH HER TO GLOW ON HER SON’S DAY.
Laurie says:
All 3 have good reasons for wanting to win but Sharon’s daughter nominating her does it for me. My mother married my father in a small civil ceremony when he was home on leave. I know how much she enjoyed her 3 girls weddings since she didnt have one of her own. Sharon should win as her daughter is willing to share this special day with her which is such a unselfish act as a bride to be. I wish them all a great wedding day for the mother of the bride or groom)
Mara says:
I vote for Sharon. She has a terrific attitude!
Marsha Harris says:
Hands down, Sharon. I think it is amazingly unselfish for the bride & groom to think of her at this time. She’s obviously been a wonderful mother.
mel rolleri says:
sharon hoffman should absolutely win this……for everything she gives her family, she deserves to get something back!!! and enjoy the wedding she never had. c’mon people!!
NYC78 says:
Let’s go Pamela!
Heidi says:
I vote for Sharon! She is a wonderful mother wife and aunt!!!
Kathy says:
I vote for Sharon. She is a wonderful friend and very proud of her daughters. This would be so much fun for them!
gkb says:
I vote for Sharon!!!
John Hoffman says:
Three fab women that would all be great winners. However, I have 28
reasons to vote for Sharon. I have been married to her 28 GREAT
years!
admin says:
It’s so hard to choose!
dayna w says:
I vote for Sharon! She has devoted her life to her family and a daughter’s wedding is huge. She didn’t have a wedding herself. She has a great outlook and attitude, I think she deserves this!
Beth Ann says:
My vote is for Sharon. She has dedicated herself to being a fantastic mom to her daughters!!!
UILAW says:
I think there’s a reason these three are finalists, that they are all clearly deserving, but I simply have to vote for (Mrs.) Hoffman. I can’t imagine just how much she must be anticipating the wedding with how abbreviated her own wedding experience must have been. On the face of it, she would be the best (and likely most appreciative) candidate. Good luck to all.
Laura Hoffman says:
I vote for Sharon Hoffman!
JFP says:
My vote is for Sharon also. I agree with KMM that they should have their own wedding day.
Bruce says:
I vote for Sharon!
Kelsey says:
My vote is for Sharon Hoffman!! What a special opportunity for both mother and daughter!!
Paul says:
I vote for my future mother-in-law Sharon Hoffman. Everyone deserves to feel special on their wedding day, and since she wasn’t able to have a wedding I want to ensure she feels special on ours.
Erin says:
I vote for SHARON HOFFMAN! She completely deserves this for a variety of reasons (from being a wonderful mother to her service for our country)!
Katherine Miles says:
My vote is for Arline–love the hat! She seems like great fun and I bet she would look super stylin’ in a Kay Unger dress!
KMM says:
My vote is for Sharon. It’s too bad she and her husband didn’t have a wedding celebration–this will be a great occasion for them!