No, this is a fancy deal, with valet parking, big ticket gifts and of course the invitation says "business casual"
Yeah, right.
Business casual means you have to squint and judge from a far what everyone else is going to wear and I know it's not going to be totally low key.
I am a big time drama queen, and don't mind dressing up more than most of the guests.....at an event where I'm already comfortable! But here, I'll be the only spouse who isn't a power lawyer or a physician or a something fancy. I'm happy with what I do (and hey, I can say "author" as long as I change the subject FAST!). But this time, I'd like to just be a part of the crowd.
I read Peacebang's BTFM, even though of course I'm not ordained clergy, it always has good advice.
I read the blurb about office parties on the Oprah website and iVillage. This is what I get: no cleavage, knee length for skirts, maybe a suit with a dressy shell and good earrings. Dress at a level they'll expect (impossible!!).
So, here's what I'm thinking.
The sweater I have is from the local consignment store, Ann Taylor Loft from last year, black sequins trim the v-neck which is much lower cut (and needs a silvery shell or something with a little something to it).
The slacks are pretty much these. Or I have black. Add dressy dangly earrings, pearl choker, sparkly hair bling.
Or a dress....OK, mine's cut longer. I think. Maybe. Yes it is. It's just below the knee. But again, lower cut.
Whine.
Any and all advice would be appreciated.
And back to some serious theological issues and great inspiration for creating dynamic family minstry soon, promise.
5 comments:
I love the sweater/pants combo (with the pants the colour in the picture, as opposed to the black option) - especially with a little bling. (Agreed that if it's lower cut you need something underneath.)
Business Casual is such a ridiculous terms because it assumes that we all begin at the same "business" level, and then dress it down. I've often found that business casual for some is "business" for me. ;-)
I think the important thing is that you're comfortable in what you choose (not comfy as in sweatpants, but comfortable in your own skin)... and a little sparkly. ;-)
And then have fun!
This from a woman who loaned me her sweater when we'd only met an hour before. :-)
You are a kind and wonderful person. I feel LOTS better. Thanks!
Kari, I think that if you follow Andrea's advice to just be comfortable in your own skin, you'll be the envy of every woman in the room. Remember, the majority of those powerhouse doctor/lawyer types are still wondering what they want to be when they grow up, and they're struggling with the same issues as the rest of us. If you smile that briliant smile of yours, and say with confidence that you change the lives of families and that it brings you great satisfaction (and author on the side - yah, that sounds pretty good too!) then they'll all want to know YOUR secret.
I'm a huge believer in the Maya Angelou poem "Phenomenal Woman." You are a phenomenal woman, and the rest is just decoration.
And as for the decoration? I say go with the little black dress, even a bit low cut. It's not YOUR office, you're the pretty wife (accomplished and all that, certainly) and dear husband will drool all over you. Don't bend over slowly to reveal your treasures, and make sure it's not crazy, but have a little fun! People tend to dress up a bit, and enjoy themselves, at this kind of thing. I say have a bit of fun with it.
You needn't worry, dear. If you're you, they'll all wish they had some of your secret. I'm sure of it.
xoxox
Awww....shucks, thanks. (blush)
I think you're both right, we have confidence, and hey....everything else falls into place.
I will try to believe it. :-)
Soooo - has the party happened yet? Do you have pictures?
Post a Comment