HELP ... Microwave Boy and the Hospital Gala

lyn*

O_o; I have six hours tomorrow after my big exam to find something suitable for a hospital fundraising gala.

Microwave boy surprised me with tickets. $225.

They say on them ... "Black Tie Optional." He already has a suit to wear. I have nothing that is REMOTELY appropriate for black tie.

What is black tie? Floor length? Cocktail? I have attending docs who are attending, so I don't wanna stick out too much!

Thanks in advance,
Lyn

PS: If all else fails, I'll call in sick.

14 years ago

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Jenava

Queen Mum

Veteran

ahhhhh! this is soooo exciting!
I would suspect that if it is "black tie optional" and microwave boy is wearing a suit, you don't need a floor length gown. I'd go nice cocktail.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

hmmm, you might direct microwave boy to this...
http://ask.metafilter.com/7318.....ional-Mean

can you find pictures of last years event? (assuming this is an annual event...)

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Microwave Boy's idea of dressing up for a date is a T-shirt with a hole in it; so I guess for him a suit is dressing up - thanks though, Queen Mum; I had a sneaking suspicion that his suit wasn't good enough. :p

*will forward to him*

14 years ago

Diana

Veteran

How fun! Do you have a LBD? Even if it's not super fancy, black always looks appropriate at these kinds of events... add some nice jewelry and high heels and you're good to go.

I like Kim's suggestion of looking at photos of last year's event too.

14 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Yay! A date! (Even if it is a hospital fundraiser).
I second the suggestion for cocktail dress. You don't need to do floor length unless you want to. Do you have any nice dresses you could use? Agree with blinging up a LBD with some necklaces/purses if you don't want to buy a fancy dress. (But nice excuse to shop if you do!).
Oh, and I went to a hospital fundraiser "black tie optional" a few months ago and there were a lot of guys in tuxes, but a significant number just in nice suits so I definitely think it's OK for him to wear a suit (esp if he's a resident). JMO.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

for you, I would still think you could do an elegant short dress.

I know you don't have Nordstrom, but here are some visuals of what I envision would probably be appropriate:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/do.....tback=3100

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/js.....tback=7152

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/be.....tback=4000

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I may go pick this up:

http://www.lechateau.com/style.....olor=Black

Backup:

http://www.lechateau.com/style.....lor=Purple

PS: I actually don't own an LBD. Shameful, I know. We're both med students; he's not a resident, so I hope they don't expect us to own nice things. WE should technically show up like hobos so that they'll let us in their program and pay us money so we can get nice things - lol.

Thanks!

14 years ago

Elly

Veteran

Yep-- LBD (not cotton, but most other fabrications should work in a classic or elegant style), satin, velvet, or silk wrap (inexpensive and easy way to dress that dress up) or furry shrug, sparkly or otherwise evening clutch, pearls or other pretentious-looking or sparkly jewelry and a pair of evening shoes.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I had that same thought as GP that perhaps there would be many residents not in tuxes, and it could be quite acceptable. I guess also what you choose depends on what he decides. If he rents a tux, you need glam. If he goes in a suit, you would be more appropriate in a LBD with a touch of elegance in shoes and jewelry.

this is exciting!!!

14 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Lyn, I would love to see you in a fit and flare dress, red if possible! Something like this, but in red:
http://www.katespade.com/desig.....;cgid=sale
I still remember how great you looked in that full red midi and have been searching for something similar with no luck. I think you would look fab in a twirly red dress!

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

i like both of those options Lyn

14 years ago

Anonymous

Lyn you have such a regal air with the way that you hold yourself that I know you will find something acceptable and make it look FAB. Make sure to post pics! And don't forget to enjoy yourselves!!!

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Drat, I dont' have a Nordie; those are really pretty selections, Queen Mum Maybe I'll have to shipitto for my next event!

Double drat: no Kate Spade either.

I don't need an excuse for a new red twirly dress

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

ooh, I really like this one.
http://www.lechateau.com/style.....olor=Black

14 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

WTG Microwave Boy!

I really like those but geesh it's like fifty degrees here and your location isn't that different termperature wise...

My first thought was le Chateau...

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Lyn, I love both the dresses you posted, but I LOVE LOVE the purple one!

And it was the boy's *idea* to go to the formal event? You didn't have to hypnotize him or anything? Don't you dare call in sick!

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Haha; Rae - yes, it was his idea ... because he wants to eat a fancy dinner or something.

The convo was really funny.

Me; I NEED A NEW DRESS!
Him: Why do you need ... oh, I'm not going to ask. You know dresses a lot more than me, so if you say you need a new dress, you need a new dress.

That's right.

14 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

black chiffon cowl. you'll wear this over and over and over...dressed up down and all around.

staying tuned for the next episode of "as the hospital turns".

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I second the black chiffon cowl choice. Perfect for the occasion and, yes, very likely to be worn again and again long after the gala is over. How sweet of microwave boy!

14 years ago

Sona

Veteran

so awesome. microwave boy sounds like a winner. I agree with something black and some pearls ( fake or not). And the most dressed up people at residency interviews are the candidates while every one else is in "post call" scrubs and beards. So I think unfortunately "showing up like hobos" at a hospy fundraiser is an attending only privilege !!!

Hee. Hee.

I've missed you. Wishing you a wonderful, fun evening tomorrow!!

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

SO exciting, Lyn! I can't wait to see what you get. You are the absolute Queen of Accessorizing, so I am certain that you'll find a way to make whatever dress you pick look fantastic. Loved the two pics you posted and know you'd look really pretty in either. Do you have dressy shoes?

Good luck on the exam, and please post pics so we can see what you end up in!

14 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I think I love Microwave Boy! <3

I love both the dresses you linked. I know you will pick something awesome and I can't wait to see pics!!

14 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I can't wait to see photos!

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Exam is done; possibly off to shop after - one of my friends is hospitalized and very ill. We shall see.

*fingers crossed*

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Lyn, I am so so sorry about your friend. It sounds as if this has been a super-stressful time for you, with the exam, the date, the shopping and the friend! Hang in there. We are thinking of you.

14 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Lyn, sorry to hear your friend is ill. I hope all turns out well.

If you do have a chance to shop, I would suggest popping in at Melanie Lynn. They have a great selection of cocktail dresses at the back of the store. I've seen some fabulous dresses there over the last few years.

14 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Lyn, with your impeccable fashion sense I know that you will find something fantastic to wear, even out of your own closet.

And at least the boy knows when to step back and let you take care of this sort of thing...LOL...a good sign!

14 years ago

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