PBP Weekend ~ Fashion Emergency!
Chasing Amy ~ Mission of the CoA Women


s part of the PBP2002 weekend, CityofAngel had several special missions, but one was of the most import—taking our youngest staff writer and turning him from mild mannered Jimmy Olsen to the dashingly debonair Jeff Ritchie. After all, he was hoping to meet Angel's very own Amy Acker (Fred) and he couldn't do it looking like he did when he arrived in Los Angeles. A Boston native, Jeff joined the CoA staff approximately one year ago with aspirations of furthering his writing talents. We took this young pup right under our wing because his natural writing skills were so impressive we knew a good thing when we saw it. He quickly moved up the ranks, painstakingly earning his way into our head writer's graces and the rest of our hearts to where he is now doing VIP interviews and writing exclusive features on actors; Jeremy Renner (Penn), Mark Lutz (Groosalugg) and Matthew James (Merl).

As the PBP rolled around, he joined the traveling staff and headed to L.A., and from the onset we had plans for him, big plans. After all you can't travel with 6 women and not think we're not going to stylize and dress you. Yes, Darren, our L.A. based writer, was along for the ride, but he's used to us by now and strictly off limits - he's more of a T-shirt and knapsack kinda guy. Darren just sat in the background saying, "Go with the clippers, dude." Indeed, Jeff was on his own. He did help us along by bringing several outfits, but first we had to do something with that hair!

Before all the nightmares being.

It's snip, snip, snip - painless really!

Worth a mother's smile in the end.


Phase One fell into the hands of Rachel and Kristy. They took Jeff to the famed Luis Hair Salon in Costa Mesa and had stylist Olga Loera work her magic. We had the place to ourselves as the transformation began - with the cutting of A LOT of hair. Our Jeff started off with shoulder length dark brown hair but it wouldn't be that way for very long. After looking for just the right style we settled on a choppy medium cut, short on the sides and long on top. Think, a longer Oz-look for you Buffy fans. Although Jeff has wonderful, natural blond highlights, we opted to color his hair as well, give it that softer Hollywood look, but that comes later. Once Olga was complete with cut, trim and stylin' blow dry, it was off to Hollywood!

Phase Two: Coloring went to Susan. Jeff entrusted his hair to this CoA girl that has great taste and knew exactly what she was doing. Susan shuffled Jeff into our rooms at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and quickly got to work, covering his hair in its new color. While we waited for his color to set, Jeff revealed he colored his hair once before - black! Very Oz-like. We chastised him and gave him some hair advice. Jeff has no sisters and truly appreciated a break from living with his male roommates. Nothing like girls fawning all over you! Thirty-five minutes later Susan washed the color off and what remained was a soft sandy blonde that matched perfectly with his new haircut. Jeff was happy that we were happy. Darren admired the handy work and assured Jeff that the girls would not do him wrong, but still insisted, "Go with the clippers, dude."

The color goes in & 30 minutes later...
All the bad hair vibes are washed away...
And a handsome man emerges!


Phase Three: The Look. Here, Lilian took over. She pilfered through Jeff's limited wardrobe. He does travel light! Lilian decided on the dark blue blazer with the light gray long-sleeved silk-like dress shirt. To round out the look, she added crème colored Dockers dress slacks and black shoes. Jeff was looking sharp but the hair still had to be touched up with some extra stylin'. After a few minutes of running styling wax through his new cut and making it just right on the sides, top, back and in the front…Viola! The transformation complete, the only thing we could all say was, "It's Alive!" Yes, ladies - we did an amazing job! It was over much to the dismay of all the girls. Jeff approved of his look and he showed his smarts when he proclaimed, "Girls know best on these things." Jeff knew he looked damn good. Never doubt the CoA females!

Jeff Ritchie with
Amy Acker during the Buffy Posting Board Party 2002!

Now, I know you're all dying to know, did Jeff get to meet Amy Acker? Well, Hellmouth yes! When Amy arrived at the party Kristy was there to meet and greet and after a little CoA press talk, she introduced Ms. Acker to Jeff despite the fact that Amy's very handsome boyfriend was in attendance. Jeff was a tad bit nervous but was good to go! He was just as gracious and congratulated Amy's beau (she is from Texas after all) on winning the arm of the most beautiful woman in the room, according to Jeff anyway. And don't they look Fabulous?!

Jeff was the hit of the night! He got more autographs and pictures with VIPs than all of the CoA crew combined! He won the attention of the Succubus Club's own Kitty, "My new crush is Jeff from CityofAngel, he's such a cutie!" as she stated live, On The Air, during their broadcast the following Wednesday night. Let's just say that the word from the Mayor is that this young man has a bright future at CityofAngel! Jeff's final thoughts on the experience, "I was very nervous. Placing my precious hair in the hands of those ladies may have been a bit crazy, but I think it all worked in the end."


Here are The Stats ladies:

Full Name: Jeff Edward Ritchie
Age: 19
Status: Single
Height: 5'-11"
Weight: 140 lbs.
Eyes: Green
Hair: Light Brown with Blonde Highlights
Education: Junior year at Boston College (major: English)
Applying to Harvard Law Graduate School

Philosophy: "Enjoy all aspects of life. You need to experience the full spectrum of emotions to truly be alive."

What he looks for in a girl: "Honesty. Without honesty there cannot be trust, which is one of the major pillars in a relationship. That, and nice eyes!"


You can drop Jeff an email at: jr@cityofangel.com



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