LBD

In my experiences at St. Fozzie's, I've really been thrust into the limelight far more often than I anticipated. Between fancy doctor dinners, the Gala, the golf outings, and semi-formal events at the area country clubs, I've ripped through the stash of semi-formal and formal gowns I accumulated in college.

I bought classic styles back then and thanks to my never-ending stress, I have a similar-sized body. However, I ran out of dresses and needed another fancy one, STAT!

The Medical Exec retreat downtown culminates in the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity. It's a black tie event and people waltz around fancy cars, sipping champagne, posing for photos with the posh offerings, and hobnobbing with Chicago's finest. I was debating going, just for the experience of it. It's out of my price range...but since I'm speaking at the Med Exec event, I figured I better go to the First Look. I forked over the money and told Jack we're eating mac & cheese and PB&J sandwiches the next few weeks. Plus, it'll help build my political capital with the senior administrators from Muppet Corporate.

Fine. Now, about that dress.

I figured I have NO problem finding a dress. I figured I could walk right into Carson's, Macy's, or Penny's and pick one up. I've been avoiding the Chicagoland malls because, for some reason, I HATE dress shopping. On Saturday, I drug Jack to the mall and stood there with my mouth hanging open when, at all three stores, all that remained of the winter formal attire was one or two racks of picked-over, 75% off, stretch-jersey dresses (in ugly colors, I might add).

Panicking, I started planning my contingency. I could go to the black tie event in a sundress I wear on our cruises, RIGHT? Maybe with flip-flops?!

In one last-ditch effort, Jack suggested visiting White House, Black Market. Typically, this store is way above my price range. Desperation makes you do some wacky justification, though! I caught sight of a gorgeous, black silk frock that was made for my body. I put it on, trying to forget about the price tag, while the sales staff fawned over me and dressed me in fancy baubles, coats, and accessories. If Richard Gere was my benefactor, this would have been great and I would have taken it all! Alas, we have an uncertain future that necessitates some money savings these next few months. I decided on the very beautiful dress, figuring I could shop at garage sales to accessorize.

Coming home, I slipped the dress on again to admire its fabric and shape (I don't get out much). It's really unlike anything I've ever owned. In a flash of brilliance, I ran to the jewelry box and dug out the pearl choker, necklace, and earrings I wore for my wedding. It's elegant, makes good use of that jewelry I haven't worn in almost 9 years, and certainly befits a black tie event in Chicago. It's the above picture, minus the belt, and with pearls. Plus, y'know, add about 40 pounds. :)

WHEW. I cannot tell you how relieved (and superficial) I feel to have this dress situation solved!