Night Out: Gala 2011

Do you remember last year when I went to a gala? Well, I am going to the gala again. Actually I'm at the cocktail hour right now thanks to the magic of previously scheduled posts. You can just imagine that my hair is flawless and my makeup is polished because I didn't really feel like going through all that trouble for picture taking Sundays. Maybe I will have some actually pictures from the event tomorrow and you can see what is really going on...

I find this evening outfit to be an amazingly excellent example of going from day to night. I mean, you saw what I was wearing earlier! I make a couple of simple swaps and the dress becomes a whole new world thing. I find it even more amazing for the work to evening swap because I've already used it that way a few times. The fact that I was able to make it come together for a formal affair makes it the best piece ever! I don't know what this dress is going to do next. Do you have anything like that in your closet: a piece you can take from day to evening and maybe even a fancy event?

• Top: ivory sheath dress, Adrianne Vitadinni via Loehmans/gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: silver t-strap shoes, Due Farina; rhinestone studs, New York & Company/gift from BF's parents; Isadora Pearl Bib, stella & dot; violet Clea Clutch, Katherine Kwei/won at Blogger's Night Out 

Friend Friday: Holiday Party Attire

1. Which holiday party are you looking forward to attending this year?

I love visiting the families (meaning BF's and my own) We only see some of these people once or twice a year and it's always a good time!

2. What is your go-to holiday party outfit?

Well Danie from No Guilt Fashion and I talked about this before. See here for what I said and you can check out what she said here. My short answer was black pants and a nice sweater with some sparkly jewelry for fun if it's more casual but, a simple and elegant dress for a fancier affair.

3. Do you go dressed in something that would be impractical to wear at any other time of the year?

Not really, I'm all about comfort plus, I like to get lots of use out of my clothing items. 90% of my wardrobe can be worn to work and/or in a more casual way. There are things in my closet now though that I tend to only break out for the holidays... velvet pants anyone?

4. If you are going to a house-party what gift will you bring to the host/hostess?

I generally bring some sort of non-perishable treat that can be shared with all the guests or by them on their own at a later time.

5. If you could buy only one trendy piece to update your holiday party wardrobe, what would you get this year?

I would get something with sequins for sure! I have been eyeing pieces while Christmas shopping but, with no purchases... I make an even bigger effort to not shop for myself in December since people will be buying me gifts.

November 5, 2010: Morning After

The gala was so much fun! I was out till that wee hours of the morning sharing drinks and good times with friends and colleagues. Speaking of colleagues... can I just tell you how most of the people I work with didn't recognize me?! Even my own boss who I see every darn day did a double take! I didn't think I looked that different but, apparently I was wrong.

The morning was a less glamorous affair, since it was supposed to be rainy and gross. Thankfully I had nothing important going on.

• Top: maroon ribbed tank top, Old Navy with another tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: Regal black rain boot, courtesy of Cougar; gray shell earrings, gift from BF's mom; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here:

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Night Out: Gala

I got an invite to the very exclusive gala for my company about a week ago. Last minute, I know but, I was more than happy to oblige. I mean who wouldn't be excited for free dinner in a fancy hotel on Fifth Avenue?! Plus, this was a low stress situation; I already had a dress to wear, or so I thought... This unfortunate weight gain made that prospect null and void (maybe next year) and I was all of a sudden dress-less.

I resigned myself to try and make my Monif C. Marilyn Convertible dress work for the event; With 22+ different ways to tie it there had to be something that worked for this occasion, right? Not so much... Even though the event was not black tie the dress was too plain for evening wear. Now I was really in a tight spot, let the stress commence.

Enter my local Loehmann's! I got a coupon in the mail and thought, "Why not?" It was a good move because they saved me with a nice selection of modest pieces (it was a work event after all) and this lovely Calvin Klein dress was the winner. Seriously, if you are ever in need of a dress for a fancy occasion head to Loehmann's, if you can, they have an awesome selection! What do you think of the final ensemble?

The best part of this dress is that I don't have to count it in my purchases for November! Why, you ask? Because it was free! BF had gotten a rebate on our new cell phones and he gave it to me to get the dress (what a sweetie.) Still, I didn't want to squander all our free money so I was a discount ninja when it came time to check out. Let me break it down for you: Original cost of the dress $128.00, Loehmann's price $59.99, Gold member discount: $6.00, 15% off coupon discount: $8.10, Price after discounts, $47.90 (w/ tax) minus a gift card: $15.00, Final price: 32.90. I was honestly impressed with all that and still had money to give back to BF! I love it when things work out like this... What's your favorite discount ninja memory?

• Top: gray sheath dress with pearl embellishment, Calvin Klein via Loehmann's
• Shoes & Accessories: black and gray leopard print peep toe pumps, Hollywould for Target. Does anyone else remember that line?; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black satin clutch, Old Navy (not pictured)