The tickets had been purchased, we'd already planned on having dinner beforehand. I don't remember whether inspiration hit me at brunch or movie night. Either way, an idea bubbled up. This would not be an ordinary night.
"Let's get dressed up," I said, excitement filling my voice. I didn't know what I would wear, only that I wanted an excuse to wear heels. Everyone gamely agreed. 'Tis the season, after all.
We clean up nicely but most weeks our attire is casual. Some of these friends have even been known to wear pajamas at our gatherings.
The day of the show dawned rainy but with weather in the 50s and 60s. By afternoon, the rain had cleared. I was still torn between dress options. My dresses tend to be summer casual or wedding formal. Not much said "Christmas show!" to me.
So instead of braving the mall (horror of horrors in December!), I chose a dress I loved. The flare of the skirt is 50s inspired and the gold and yellow tones could be holiday-ish in the right light. My heels of choice were black booties (incidentally, couldn't they have come up with a better name for such fierce shoes?), which always make me feel like I'm ready to conquer the world. Nashville, at the very least.
I love dressing with care. I put hot rollers in my hair to create lovely waves. I applied an extra layer of mascara. Just because. By the time I was through, I had no doubt of my beauty. And isn't that a wonderful thing?
We met at the restaurant and enjoyed a nice meal, which oddly enough, included fried pickles. Pasta and wine hit all the right notes for me, a prelude of what was to come. But the real star of the night was all of us in our finery. Chad, the token male, dapper in his suit. His "harem" stopping traffic in our dresses.
We walked over to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for the Dave Barnes Christmas show. White lights decorated the show, the auditorium buzzed with anticipation. And Dave didn't disappoint. This was my second year at his Christmas show. We heard old songs and new and finally it seemed Christmas is really here.
After the show, we left TPAC with a round of hugs and "Merry Christmas!" and "see you next year!"
When I got home, my feet ached and I slipped the booties off quick as could be. It was worth it though. I'm already dreaming up the next occasion for "required" dressing up.
dress, Anthropologie
shirt, Gap
tights, Kohl's
booties, Mart & Liz Shoes
chandelier earrings, Kohl's
cocktail ring, gift
Linking up with Dear Abby Leigh for Dress for the Day
I have a guest post coming up but otherwise will be taking a break from blogging until the next What I'm Into link up on December 28. Have a Merry Christmas, everyone! Dress up if you have the chance, hug your loved ones, and let the miracle of Christ's birth stir your heart anew.
