Cam and I just celebrated our twenty-second wedding anniversary! Wow, I cannot believe that twenty-two years have gone by since we stepped into the unknown territory of love and marriage. Of course, we did one of the things that any other couple would do on this special day: we went out for dinner. Ah, but where? I'm not going to mention the restaurant, but I will tell you that I booked it well in advance because I'd heard amazing things about it. (Here in Philly we do have some great places to dine.) This place was highly spoken of for it's creative, local and fine cuisine, it's incredible decor/ambiance, and it's impeccable service. All true, but...
WHOA on the casual attire for dinner on a Saturday night! I know we're in a more casual society, we do not take our appearance nearly as seriously as our lady of Europe, but I was so disappointed and distracted (I was able to get over it and enjoy and focus on my husband) by the lack of effort put into pulling together for a Saturday night.
I know there have been so many thoughts around this topic, but, what the heck, I'll add mine! I'm sorry to see a little elegance and etiquette go by the wayside. I like special. (I love "Downton Abby" and think I should have been born in that time!)
For those of you who agree but are not sure what to adjust, here are just a few suggestions:
*Jeans with heels and a fabulous silk or dressy blouse or topper of some kind are great in most places. Although, there are still some restaurants that don't fancy denim. Ok. Ditch the denim for that night.
*Overdressing comes across as "I don't get out much." But what if you don't? In this economy, lots of people are saving up for that one special dinner out rather than a whole bunch of meals "on the fly." I totally respect that. Then, you go girl! Dress up!
*Put on some heels…that have some personality or add some shimmer or glamour with a scarf or an embellished top. Try head-to-toe black or navy or cream...or if you're really going for it, RED!
*Pump up the make-up a bit.
*Ditch the great big purse and opt for something smaller and more appropriate for evening.
*When the cooler weather arrives, invest in an outer layer appropriate for evening: wool/cashmere wrap; car length, dressy coat or long, flowy, cover-all coat; or purchase a cape of some kind.
So what if the leisure suit is a fortune? It's still a leisure suit. What is that? Is it, "I dine here all the time. I don't try, it's a common place to me" attitude? Is it, "I'm way to tired after a long week of running to get myself pulled together"? Is it something else?
Hope you had a great summer.
You were created to be lovely. Be lovely.
Nancy
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