Kristine! WHAT DO I WEAR????

I get this question a lot, and it's a good one. Particularly in habitually casual SoCal.

Honestly, the real goal behind the request for cocktail attire is that when you dress up a bit and go out, it really feels like a special occasion. I've tried to make Cocktails in Historic Places FEEL like a special event, without the special event price tag.

LADIES

Personally, I use Cocktails in Historic Places as an excuse to bust out those great dresses I don't get to wear often enough (chartreuse and camel chiffon this time, I think!) So, If you have something really fabulous you've been dying to wear, do it! We have some members that are also costumers or vintage dancers, and they arrive in the most GORGEOUS period cocktail garb. I look forward to the events just to see what they'll be wearing. . .

If you're unsure what to wear, you're pretty safe with black. A simple, knee-length black dress and some fancy jewelry, or nice slacks with a decorated jacket. Something like that! Coming straight from work, in a suit? Consider donning sparkly earrings, unbuttoning your top button and tousling your hair a bit. It does WONDERS for your state of mind! Changing into a dressier blouse can have the same affect. Whatever it takes to feel like you are out of work mode and treating yourself.

GENTS

For the men, my husband always wears a jacket and sometimes a tie as well (but not the kind of suit and tie you would see in a board room). We also see nice slacks and vintage cocktail shirts of the kind Dean Martin or Sammy Davis, Jr. might have worn back in the day.

Ultimately, the events are really about the people and the spaces. A little effort put into how your present yourself goes a long way. Think of dressing up as a respectful nod to these wonderful old buildings, and to the charming new ladies and gentlemen you'll be meeting.

Be well, and I'll see you soon!

-- Kristine

Kristine, that's nicely written. Sounds like a fun evening.

Makes me think of Bond, ... James Bond ... suave and debonair as he slides into a crowded casino or dinner event.

I would like a martini please, ..... shaken, not stirred.


I think I still have a evening jacket that was handmade in Hong Kong for my evenings of schmoozing in Asia, once upon a time. I'll dust off my shoes and polish them ;-)

OOOH! I can hardly wait!

Perhaps I should skip the chiffon and wear my Susy Wong dress in honor of your handmade evening jacket. We'll see what mood strikes me come Thursday. . .

See you then!

-- Kristine

PS - Funny you should mention Bond. I've been working my way through the Bond books again and LOVING them. They are occasionally shocking in their political incorrectness, but otherwise only a little dated and actually hold up fairly well. Ian Fleming was a much greater wordsmith than I believe he is given credit for being.