July 26, 2009 | Solo Adventures

Style Guru Tim Gunn Leaving BlogHer '09

Or, this post could have been called, “My Two Minutes with Style Guru Tim Gunn” of Project Runway and Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style fame. A treat about BlogHer is the mixing with celebrities compliments of brands sponsoring the conference.

Tide and Bounce were kind to invite Tim Gunn between 3 and 5 p.m. on Saturday to meet with attendees. This was more than the standard meet and greet, Gunn took the time to chat with each BlogHer attendee who wanted a photo with him. And so it was my opportunity to, in the words of Gunn himself, “Make it work!”

With my pink Flip video camera in my left hand, I shook Gunn’s hand who was very kind and sincere. I asked if I could ask him a few questions and he agreed. I pressed the start button and away I went asking two questions suggested by Facebook friends and a question of my own.

Solo Travel Girl: During your foundation year at Parsons, which classes were you taking when you knew you could make it in fashion?

Tim Gunn: I didn’t go to Parsons.

Solo Travel Girl: ["Oh, this isn't good," I thought to myself. I disregarded one of the key principals of journalism by not fact checking and was kicking myself because a little gut feeling said, "Check his schooling" but I didn't. Feeling my face and entire body turn hot with redness, I continued…] Oh, that’s not a good question. Uh…

Tim Gunn: I worked there after earning a degree from Corcoran College of Art and Design in sculpture. By not having a degree in fashion, I think I’m better qualified because I have a different perspective.

Solo Travel Girl: Hmm. Interesting. So what’s the ugliest piece of clothing you own? [This interview is not going well. I was still flustered over the flub of the first question and this next question was suppose to ask about the most 'embarrassing' garment, not ugly.]

Tim Gunn: [After he laughs] I hope I don’t have any ugly clothing! I would have gotten rid of it in fear of someone following me and trying to film me wearing it.

We both laugh.

Solo Travel Girl: Okay. You have a robust vocabulary so what’s your favorite word?

Tim Gunn: [Pausing before answering, I see his eyes thinking.] Preposterous!

Solo Travel Girl: Great! Thank you so much, I appreciate your time.

We shook hands then walked over to the Tide and Bounce backdrop for the professional photograph. I turned off the Flip video camera, or so I thought. We posed, shook hands and before I walked away he asked, “I didn’t ask you about your blog, what is it?”

“Solo Travel Girl dot com. I’m a solo girl, I travel. I travel alone, not lonely.”

Gunn had a thoughtful look before responding, “I’m the same way, I really am.  We’re kindred spirits. I’m the same way plus I prefer it. It’s a good thing.”

“It is a good thing,” I replied.

When I went stepped to the side to immediately look at the video, a pit fell to the bottom of my gut. The camera was RECORDING at that moment, which meant it was NOT recording when I asked Gunn the questions. When I hit the button to turn it off after asking his favorite word, I was actually turning it on. Ugh!!!! It did record him asking me about my blog yet the video is of our feet and a lot of red carpet.

Lessons learned?

• I’m a blogger and not a vlogger…yet.
• Fact check and recheck before asking an interviewee a question.
• Learn to look for the red light on the Flip to make sure it’s on.
• Just roll with it and make it work!

Thank you Tim Gunn, Tide and Bounce!