My husband recently started a new job, and shortly threafter received an invitation to the company’s annual awards banquet. Since the last company he worked for didn’t even invite spouses to the Christmas party, I was tickled to be included in the invitation, for cocktails, dinner, awards presentation, dancing and even an overnight stay at the hotel where the party is to be held! Wow! What to wear, what to wear… Hubby says fear not, it’s a pretty casual company, it’s likely to be a pretty casual event. So I select a semi-sheer patterned blouse and tasteful black trousers. No sweat.
This morning at 8:30, my husband called from the office. “Remember when I told you that the baquet was casual? You’re going to kill me…” As I shake the cobwebs from my brain, I try to process the fact that I have less than 30 hours to come up with something formal to wear. :eek: And the mall doesn’t open until 10!
Well, one of our local thrift stores often carries designer and department store overstocks. So I head over. 20 minutes later, I have found a drop-dead gorgeous, backless, black velvet floor-length Shelly Segal halter gown that fits me like it was sewn onto my body. Totally elegant. The original price tag for $179 is still on it. The thrift store tag says 19.91.
And now the mall is open! No shoes I like at any of the “good” shoe departments. So I half-heartedly wander into Payless. Five minutes later I am buying the only pair of size 5.5 black velvet pumps left in the store… they’r perfect, and they’re on sale for $10.
With such a gorgeous, stately gown, I don’t want to overdo on the jewelry, and since I usually wear heavy, funky stuff anyway, I decide I’d better look for something classy. Kohl’s has a sale on sterling silver rings with Austrian crystals that sparkle like diamonds - for only $6.99 each. I bought a “diamond” cocktail ring and a heart-shaped “garnet” ring to temporarily replace my turquoise, jade and onyx. A trip to the earring counter yields a fantastic pair of long, slim Austrian crystal “diamond” dangles for $16. A quick stop in the lingerie section and I’ve got the specific gear I need for under this particular dress - also all on sale.
Then my cell phone rings. It’s my husband again, and he has the funniest coincidence to tell me about - do I know a woman named <blank blank>? As it happens, I do. I went to high school with her. I haven’t seen her since we were about 22, and she made a successful attempt to woo my then-boyfriend away from me. She gets o the phone with me and says, “My gawd, this is so weird! I can’t WAIT to see you again tomorrow!”
I am going to look fabulous for next to nothing in terms of financial investment, and I am going to look fabulous in front of my high school rival. Now all I have to do is get through this without falling on my ass.
Cross your fingers for me!!
