Black Tie Essentials

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

Coco Chanel

Black Tie events don't happen often (guess who's got one tonight?!) but it seems to me that, like death and taxes, there's no escaping them.  Here's my recipe to avoid 'des terribles faux pas'...

The Basics
-Wear a dress that suits your body, not somebody else's (borrowing a gown that works is like wining the lotto, chances are slim mes chères **!)
-Go for understated elegance - to me this translates into a black dress.  Some Black Ties call for a cocktail dress, some for a long gown.  Determine which of the two you are dressing for (when in doubt, go with the smart cocktail)
-Avoid the latest trend like the plague (especially if you're over 40!)

** Let me explain...What looks fantastic on people you admire will probably look terrible on yourself. See, I think we tend to love in others what we don't have.  So for the purpose of my little blog (and my wallet) I went to the trouble of verifying this fact last night and the verdict is in: don't bother anyone, it simply doesn't work!  Then, just when I had decided to stick to my own black dress, and was trying it on again, I put the pointy heel of my S. Maden shoe thru the fabric.  Yap.  Who wanted a Martini at 9 o'clock in the morning today?  That would be me.  But then, out of nowhere, appeared my next door neighbour with a little Chanel inspired cocktail dress. Not a word of a lie, it fits like a glove.  Today, I won the little black dress lotto, people! Moral of the story... it's good to be lucky!  Back to the post...

Have fun accessorizing...
- Go for evening make-up, keep it tasteful (is silver or gold better on you?)
- Get a killer vintage clutch, it will complete any classic look
- If you're going for the 6" high heels, you better know how to walk in them. I say stick to gorgeous lower heels and avoid disaster!!
- Wear no more than a beautiful bangle and simple earrings (hang the rest on a Xmas tree)

My last words about Black Ties...  
Knowing what looks good on our bodies help us select proper cuts and colours.  When we get this right, we never go unnoticed.  Really, great personal style is key to projecting a confident image and God knows that's sexy! 

Here are my picks for tonight 
Italian earrings, loyal companions for the past 15 years. My mother-in-law picked them for me, I told you I was lucky!  No bangles.  I think the richness of the upper part of the dress is enough.

,

Sling back heels in black

The clutch will be vintage... but which one will it be?

Joe Fresh Eyeshadow (love you, Joe!), a dark brown eyeliner to create an evening effect, my favorite Infallible lipstick #515 Undeniable Mauve, though I might go crazy and use the #315 Rebel Red (I know my friend Licia would approve!).  Maybe I'll just be myself and go for a clear lip gloss, we'll see.  Then (for sure) a bit of blush, and last but not least a drop of my favorite evening scent: India Hicks' Island Night. 

The plan is then to cover myself in a plastic suit, kiss and hug my kids (remove the plastic suit) and run out the door. 

As for my beau...He's wearing a very smart, fitted black suit, a white shirt, and a plain deep grey silk tie.  I don't think this event calls for a tuxedo, nor a long gown.  Plus, I always much prefer my beau in a great suit (preferably without a tie!) 
 
That's about all, chicas.  Too plain for you?  OK, fine, I'll blow dry and style my 1 inch long hair just to spice things up a little!  Would you stick to black or wear colour?  What would you change to this combo?  Mrs. C., you can't touch my shoes!