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Tuesday 30 May 2017

Trotting to a gala like a little pony

On Friday I went to a gala called The Little Black Dress, a fundraiser for youth at risk. It was very schwanky. Su (Fairy Thrift Sister Su) had a few freebie tickets which she generously shared with me and a couple of my friends, Vancouver Barbara and Judy.

This is what I wore, my so-called Vegas Pantsuit because it feels snake-eyes lucky. It's a fully-lined, vintage crepe wool jumpsuit with diamond-edged side slits and neckline. You may have seen me wearing it for gardening here. The clutch was thrifted from My Sister's Closet. And my vintage angel-wing top, psychedelic tights, diamond earrings, and magic loupe.

Too bad you can't see my rainbow eyes here. They matched my tights. Photo by Barbara.

I was running late that night, carried away by eye shadow, so I wound up trotting, rather than swanning, into the heart of the city as I had planned - my sky-high 5.5-inch platform black glitter booties prevented a full-on canter. My hair, freshly coiffed, was very perky and bobbed jauntily like a little pony as well. 

I tried to hail a cab to take me the few remaining blocks, which merely resulted in interesting body contortions as I kept looking over my shoulder for one, but no ride. I am glad I didn't run into sign posts or parking meters.

Those are the booties. I trotted, danced, and hobnobbed in these from 6:45 until 11:30 p.m. Ooooh! But it was worth it - if not now, then when, right?


Below, detail of the side slit in the palazzo pant legs and metallic-silver frog closure embellishment. 


Several people commented on my outfit as I lurched down the sidewalk. I responded breathlessly, in a high-drama voice, "I'm on my way to a gaaaala and I'm late." Heh. It's a line I've always wanted to use.

Below is the jumpsuit as day wear in a 10-second YouTube video I made in late 2013. 


When I arrived at the hotel, I was delighted to see many familiar faces from the gala Shelley (Forest City Fashionista) and I attended last May. See her coverage here. And everyone was dressed.

Mingling in the foyer off the grand ballroom was an older gentleman oozing mystery, power, and moolah, with a bevy of young, gorgeous women, obviously with him. They liked my style and, after discreetly conferring amongst themselves, asked photographer David Bong to take some photos. I also met David last May. Our group lined up and my auto-pilot went ON: one foot forward, shoulders back, head up, big smile.

Then this happened... David said: No, just relax. No posing.

???!!! Be natural? How is that possible?! My whole life is unnatural. It's taken me forever to perfect this state and now I'm asked for natural?! Is a tripod in a concrete box natural? Is smiling into nothingness natural? I tried my best but I'm afraid I must have looked rather Mr. Bean-ish in my attempt to be real. Or here's a thought - maybe that is the real me. Gaaa!!


Above is what I wore the DAY AFTER the gala, tux pants with satin stripes down the sides and a tux shirt. I still had all my stuff crammed into that sparkly clutch, which I continue to use, too lazy to do the bag transfer. Same applies to the tie and blouse, can't tie it, can't iron it. The pamphlet on the right is the crumpled gala program I dug out of my clutch. I'm reading it with O's magic loupe, which, by the way, he is selling on Etsy now, here.

The gala was happy exhaustion. There were dance troupes, opera, live music, DJs, a silent auction, and a grand fashion show, in which my friend Yuliana, whom I also met last May, was modelling. She was a knock-out. Barbara told me later that she saw some Middle Eastern princesses in attendance too. And I met some other Vancouver style bloggers, excellent!! When I left after 11, I heard the show was still only half over, but my feet left and I followed.

Below, Su, who made it happen for us. She farked that pastel coral suit with spectacular detailing on the back. That's a big burnt-out velvet warp with a motif of faces and scissors. And note the asymmetry she created with her earrings, and the black pom-pom near her waist. And let's not forget the shoes, the shoes.


Su is also carrying a Philip Treacy bag with a Campbell soup can lining. You can see it in this photo with Barbara.

Barbara dazzled in this sparkly jacket and all that bling. She is known for her vivid colours and wasn't sure she had anything black to wear. Clearly, she did.

PHOTO WAS HERE

And below, Judy. She made that crown from pipe-cleaners and farked her dress with tons of cool detailing. She also made her neck piece. With her is probably the coolest-dressed couple of the evening. The woman on the left is wearing a Philip Treacy hat which she got through her hairdresser in London. The man is wearing a Barbie-doll necklace with lights and a tire-tube skirt with tulle. Of course he is. Love them!

There was a fantastic live band in the ballroom and Judy and I couldn't keep still. She has irrepressible new Orleans rhythm. 


And below, I spotted this stunning woman in the VIP Lounge, Jamie Gerus. She brings to mind a Downton Abbeyesque adventuress returned home from travels in the Middle East for intense discussions with her publisher before departing on another voyage. I love the tassel on her handbag. Almost at the same time we asked each other for photos. It's like that sometimes.


And below, wearing the Super Model t-shirt I made. Who decides who's a super model and who's not? One of the things I liked about the gala fashion show, what I saw of it, was the diversity of models.


This super model really needs sunglasses with five lenses.
It doesn't take much to crack myself up. Is this natural?


I always get excited by the prospect of a gala or special event, even though I don't need a gala as an excuse to dress up. It's that being among crowds of people with a common purpose can be exhilarating.

I love the frisson of anticipation. Whom will I meet? Will I embarrass myself badly? Will I say lots of stupid things? Will there be magic there? Will there be chocolate? (This gala had pyramids of Lindt chocolates.)

Have you gone to any good galas lately? Fun parties? Do do you usually entertain yourself? That counts too.

That's all for this week. Some bloggy friends are coming to town in a few days. I must get to work now!

I'll link something up with Patti's Visible Monday at her blog, Not Dead Yet Style, and Catherine's #iwillwearwhatilike at her blog, Not Dressed as Lamb. See you there.



41 comments:

  1. Oh, I love galas! I have to psych myself up for them (of course), but I love the anticipation of being in a crowd of like-minded people, especially if it's an artsy event. So much fun! My last gala was the Vic Film Fest - I just love dressing up!

    We have L's birthday party this weekend, so I'll be dressing up for that, but nothing too cray-cray.

    More bloggers coming to town? So totally jealous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You love galas and I LOVE to see your posts when you go to them. You and your bunch are always the best-dressed. And a birthday is always a great one for dressing up too - although you never really need an excuse, either you or L.

      Yup. They came; they went - just shows you how slow I am in replying to comments this time. But so much fun, as you know!

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  2. Is a tripod in a concret box natural? Is a camera man following a woman like a hound, natural ? Is the weather pattern, one day spring , on day autumn , natural . ??
    No, Nothing is natural anymore.
    Goodbye to natural. It was great being beasties with you but now you are gone.

    But what you have left, dear Melanie, is the sort of fabulous that carries on despite the drought.
    hats off, as always, love both ensembles; the jumpsuit, with frog closure stole my itty bitty heart!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, farewell, natural. You are right. I am subconsciously adapting to my environment. Heh.

      Hugs, Elle, for sharing these insights. xox

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  3. oh right,
    i forgot, as i am want to do...
    you are not a pony.
    not a pony.
    not a pony.
    you are a World Champion Quarter Horse Gelding!!!

    Deal with it.
    and my late father's favorite , all time favorite, was Mr. Bean.
    so don't diss the man..
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I adore Mr. Bean. One of my fantasies is for my Miz Bagg to marry Mr. Bean and we can be Mr. and Mrs. Bean Bagg. Hahaha.

      Yes, a quarter horse gelding sounds much better than my little pony! Hahaha!

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  4. Ooh, chocolate pyramids, I forgot the rest! Looking schtar-worthy as always. I don't think of you as a pony, BTW - more a Triple Crown winner. xox

    Patti

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Triple Crown - that means jockeys are always riding me. Hmmm.
      Yes, the pyramids in the centre of the table did tend to dominate all form of interaction for a while. Thank goodness I took care of the situation. Heh. xo

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  5. Oh my. Everybody looks absolutely fabulous! You are the belle of the ball. I especially like your silver frog. Ribbit! How fun to go to an actual real live GALA, dahling! Around here, a gala is any event where people show up wearing shoes instead of flip flops.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neigh neigh, your neck of the woods has the real live global-type galas with red carpets and the works! Shoes instead of flip-flops? Hahaha. Well, it counts. Indeed it does, especially if they are on YOUR feet! Although they have some fine flip-flops these days. xox

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  6. How wonderful to attend a gala! I've never been to one, but did enjoy imagining I was there with you. All that glitter, glamour, farking, and general fabulousness!!! Everything about you was spot on, right down to those amazing boots. Oh how you shone! I'm star struck x

    Anna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, thank you, Anna. I can't believe you have not been to a gala. It's just a high-falutin' party with entertainment. You definitely have the wardrobe for them. xox

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  7. You ladies are showing Vancouver how to properly dress for a gala! Fabulous as always, dahling.

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    1. Thanks, Louisa. Everyone who went was absolutely dressed. I think the trick was to tell everyone to wear black. I would like a paisley and plaid gala and then I'd like to see what people wear. xox

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  8. Wow, that gala looks like a tremendous evening. What fabulous people wearing fabulous outfits! Your outfit was gorgeous and the frogging on the jump suit was exquisite. I think the big sleeved blouse underneath was a marvellous contrast.

    The post gala day outfit was very cool and sort of androgynous - a look you carry off to perfection.

    I've never been to a gala and I'm still not sure what one is - but it sure looks like fun!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha, yes, I love that frogging! There was definitely electricity in the air that night, pinchy underwear and uncomfortable shoes all around. The next day, that was all I could manage, like I just rolled out of bed. I've seen you in fantastic party attire. That would probably qualify as gala-wear. xox

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  9. Your blog is SO MUCH FUN! Creative overload! Truly inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome, welcome, dulcy!!! I'm thrilled that you get inspiration here.

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  10. You ladies looked fantastic. It will not suprise you that I am totally in love with Su's outfit. All of it. They gala made you wear white paper bracelet, didn't they? Hmmm not the thing for a gala.
    Well my dear, you've got the gear, so they can ask you to go to a gala in minutes and you will pull it off.
    Next time Dae says to look natural, you just get in position as you always do and say "this is natural, thank you very much".
    Greetje

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I can see the attraction of Su's outfit - I love it too. I always forget the details, like her hand-stitching on the back. WOW.

      I'm glad you commented on the white bracelet. That was my thought exactly - you're making me wear THIS? And they had colours on them to show which class of ticket you bought.

      I love your comeback line for the "look natural" direction too. Hahaha!!! xox

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  11. You always make me giggle!
    I am with you on the Act Natural! I can act Natural with a tripod but not with a live photographer!! HArgh!
    "Vegas Pantsuit "- honestly thought you said 'Vegan' and I was wondering what on earth a Carnivore Pantsuit would be like? Something Lady Gaga, no doubt!
    Glad you had a lovely time. I do like your boggly-eyed tee, classic!!x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's an oxymoron isn't it? - ACT and NATURAL together. Natural is natural, acting is acting. So I had to fake natural to follow the directions correctly, right? You said it too - it's so different with a REAL photographer.

      Laughing at your carnivore suit reference. Hahaha!!! xox

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  12. I am not fancy enough to be invited to galas (insert sad face here) but at least I know someone who is!

    I love that the photographer told you not to pose. Ha ha!

    Also I'm dying over the barbie doll necklace. What a blast!

    Thanks for sharing all the fun!

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    Replies
    1. You, not fancy enough for a gala? Hahaha, you make me laugh. I stumbled across these tix from my friend. I saw the pic the photograher took later and many of the other women are not smiling. Uh-oh. But one was full-on Hang Loose, Sistah! Thank goodness.

      That couple was so interesting, their lives were too when we chatted. I'm glad they made the effort. It was a swanky affair, but, hey, all black, right?

      Delete
  13. Oh, oh, oh this is too much fun. Gala-ing around town with all the stars of Vancouver. Not posing! ha, I do that naturally. I think that might be something you'll need to unlearn, Ms. Melanie. You've become so stellar at it. And I need to unlearn not knowing how to pose. There's always something. A blogger meet-up! Now that's something to look forward to...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, we were gala-vanting. Hahaha. I do need to get a handle on turning on and off. Unlearning is definitely called for. We need to go to school - I hear Miz Bagg is opening one. Oh yes, a blogger meetup would take care of it! YES!!! xox

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  14. Love your sense of humor and style! Sharing this with those who design or dress up and go to great events for great causes. Tall in my next life.

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    1. Talking about going beyond the call, Colleen. I know how hard you worked behind-the-scenes to make this event a success. Truly! Plus post on it later. They should have paraded all of you down the catwalk as well. I would have clapped so hard. xo

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  15. I do, entertain myself, that is...

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    1. Hello, Kathleen! Hahaha!! Good one. xox

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  16. more awesomeness, I can barely stand it.

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  17. I loved lurching with you to the Gala! Such fun! And your friends and the friends you meet at these events...Wow! xx

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    1. I wish you were here to come to these things with us. But you do a great job of entertaining right where you are. xox

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  18. So many elements that make me happy!

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    1. Spreading the positive energy - that's what it all about. xox

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  19. I'm so far behind, but happy to be visiting your world this morning. I remember this gala from last year, when Shelley was visiting. Looks like a spectacular crowd and your ensemble was smashing. I am sure that you were the "hit" of the evening! Great photos and as usual, you have me laughing with my morning coffee!

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    1. I too am soooo far behind too and thank you thank you for visiting. I was thinking how much Shelley would have loved being there to see everyone again. Maybe when/if you come out I can find another gala to go to with you. That would be so much fun, Judith. But we don't need galas to have a fantastic time. xox

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  20. ohhh, all dressed up and going to a gala!!, mwahaha, your outfit is stunning, you're a schtar!! and love so much your post!, lovely people and lots of fun!! and lots of chocolates!! yum! And I think that looking natural is something really laborious!
    Obviously, some fab sunnies and a 'top model' t-shirt are always a great idea!
    besos

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    1. Hahaha, yes, it is laborious to look natural, which is so oooordinary, darling. My Super Model T-shirt guy knows how to look normal. Always so great to see you here. Mwah!

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