Inspired by Jezebel.com's Dress Code segment on "How to Dress for Date Nights," I thought I'd put together my own "How to Dress for the Group Date" interpretation. Having recently been in this position myself when attending a group, meet-my-friends, intimate party date and feeling regretfully overdressed in a royal blue frock and mile high shoes, I've decided this might be good to keep in mind for when you want to effortlessly blend in--and sometimes, blending in is really optimal.
As Jezebel.com describes, the first-time Group Date is:
Perhaps the most tricky of them all! This can be any number of things, from a bash at someone's house to a dinner party. Either way, it involves meeting people you don't know, who could be arch-hipsters or fashionistas or jerks or awesome or all of the above. There's really no one formula for these profoundly stressful situations.
So true.
Thus, my newly decided recommendation (and self-practice) for those first time group dates is just to go simple, classic black. No arch-hipsters, fashionistas, or jerks will have anything to judge you about if you give them this type of blank slate. And really, you want to make a positive first impression--one that is based off your charming personality.
So: simple black dress but perhaps with a little bit of interest in the cut... possibly short. Keep the fabric something casual--cotton, wool, viscose. Pair with flats or some equally demure, comfortable looking shoes. Do up your jewelry in some pewter or faded gold tones, and top off with a cute purse. Oh so effortless... and that is key.
Even if my royal blue frock and mile high shoes were effortless (to me), it was just a wee bit awkward being so obvious in a small gathering of friends who were strangers to me (and incidentally, they were all couldn't-give-a-shit-about-fashion physicists). I suppose this all depends on your personality. I, for one, have never much craved being the centre of attention.
I have an upcoming event Wednesday evening. Think casual cocktail party. While this ensemble isn't what I had in mind originally (I was thinking short and black), I am kind of in love with this dress! Indeed, I did do some lunchtime shopping today. The objective in my mind was a short-sleeved, fitted black mini with a tulip skirt bottom. This is pretty much the exact opposite of that. Still debating whether this one should stay or go!
For quite awhile now it seems there have been a few outfits that every girl (at least every girl in New York) wears on the weekends (or weekdays if your employ allows), myself included. Oh woe, how lacking in originality; what slaves to the trends; quelle horreur! Yes, it's all true... and yet... there I am: wearing the same damn things all the time.
So, here is Uniform Numero Uno. All you need is a decent blazer and some jeans! (Can mix and match any item):
Oops, lined paper was all I had handy!
As is the case with all uniforms, once you have it down, getting dressed becomes an cinch--even if a bit dull. And, since it's pretty much standard (I mean, who doesn't have a few blazers and jeans around?), no one will even remember you've been wearing the same thing the last 12 days.
Alternatively, replace blazer with leather jacket. Oh ho, that was a little foreshadowing of Uniform Numero Dos!
I'm behind the times. You've probably already read/seen/heard everything I'm about to share.
This is what mindless fiction I've been reading:
Stieg Larsson's "Millennium" Trilogy comprised of: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (now also a Swedish movie out in theatres!), The Girl Who Played with Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
Thoughts: Upon first starting The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I was thoroughly enthralled. Could not put the book down. Oh the mystery and the intrigue! By the time I finished the first book, much of that intrigue and thrill had dissipated, however this did not totally diminish my experience the first 3/4th of the book. So, for that I recommend it to anyone looking to be sucked into a book in the same way Harry Potter had once done. (I hate Twilight. Don't even go there.) Note: aside from the fact that both series kept me turning the pages, there is nothing in common between Harry Potter and the Millennium triology. In fact, if you're of the target age range for HP, definitely do not read the latter. Lots of graphic, sexual, abusive detail. Uhmm... yes... so...
As for book 2--not nearly as exciting as book 1, but I will be certainly book 3 shortly. Clearly, something's working.
I've never read any of America's favourite thriller authors such as: Koontz or Grisham. In fact, I've always fancied myself superior to such books. I wonder if the only reason I read Larsson was because my snobbism did not extend also to Swedish authors. Heh. I wonder if I'd like Koontz or Grisham or (gasp) maybe even Dan Brown?! Hmm...
This is the more thoughtful fiction I've been reading:
Thoughts: Fellow Canadian that she is, I found myself very much enjoying all the references to all things Canadiana in this collection of stories, but that is truly the most trivial comment I can make. Now, into the grit of the matter: it's truly a gift she has that within the confines of just a few pages, she can create such a rich life for these characters who make you totally understand even the most shocking and horrific acts they commit. Unlike the title would have you believe, there is little happiness in this collection. Instead, there is insight into the amazing depths of the human condition at its extremes. Those depths, I think, are surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly) placid.
The non-fiction I've been reading: newspapers and magazines, as usual.
An amazing story from The New Yorker's April 19th, 2010 edition,"The Ice Balloon," tells the story of one man's attempt to hot-air-balloon his way to the North Pole. The story was in one word: depressing. But oh, such emotions it managed to evoke (probably because I've experienced intense, intense cold while trekking, and those were the most miserable times of my life.)
Watching:
Marathon-watched (over a month) the entire series of "Six Feet Under." Fan-fuckin'-tastic. While it isn't quite "The Wire" simply because its subject was a little unrealistic given the morbid humour, it is definitely right up there in terms of best series of all time. Also, I dare you to name on television show finale that was as brilliant as this show's. So yes, it's a few years old now but if you haven't seen this series, time to get yourself a set and throw some popcorn in the microwave!
Also of shows currently airing: Breaking Bad, Treme, The Pacific, and Life (the David Attenborough version).
Listening:
Ah, this is way, way past due for anyone with any bit of knowledge of music, but basically I have been obsessed since December. First few listens of the album kind of washed over me without much notice, but then suddenly, you're hooked! The lyrics are just brilliant. Shocked they were only 19 when they wrote this album. If you listen to the album, you might recognize their guitar riffs from a certain Olympics commercial.
I know I have blogged about the amazing Maidenform lasercut bra in the past, and truly, it is amazing. But, in recent months I have discovered another secret of bra sizing (with many thanks credited to my flatmate!). Whatever your measured bra size is, try bras on of that size and then--hoho--try bras on that are one size bigger in the cup, and one size smaller in the band.
Example: you measure 34C. Try bras that are both 34C and 32D. Example: you measure 36B. Try bras that are both 36B and 34C.
If you are like me, you will discover that the one size smaller band and one size larger cup is truly the ideal fit for lift and support! Further, you get a lot more shelf-life with a smaller band as bras tend to stretch out over time. And of course, you get the vanity points of being a larger boob cup and smaller body girth. Hah!
And remember, always use the widest hook on the band first and only move in a notch when the bra has stretched out.
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