Only my husband was scheduled to go to this event because we don't have childcare available, but we found out today that the kids are welcome and that I'm pretty much expected to come along.

This is the official opening event for my husband's new department (he's a first year PhD student). I'm also newly affiliated with the department. The event is at an old mansion/restaurant; drinks and "heavy ors d'ouvres" are only the menu. 5-7 PM.

A friend's wife is wearing, in his words, "a cocktail dress, but she overdresses." Not sure if that's just to make sure I don't feel pressure or what.

This is obviously no cocktail dress - I do have one eggplant, sort-of-shiny, knee length dress with a faux wrap neckline and ruching that's my only other possibility. I'll feel better in it at my normal weight, about 5 pounds from now, but it probably looks ok. I'll show it if this is a nay.

Footwear is a problem. I have no pumps at the moment. I could go a little funky with tri-tone Jeffrey Campbell spectators or my sbakeskin Petty's, but these sandals (I lied Suz! I do have a pair of sandals!) are the only other option short of hitting TJMaxx en route to the shindig.

Please tell me the truth about this outfit. Even if I can't fix it for tonight, I obviously need to be putting together a capsule for events like this and could use any pointers.

Eddie Bauer black lace top, nursing camisole under
Anthro chevron skirt
White sandals (Ann Taylor - bought for the civil portion of our wedding seven years ago!). Straps aren't fastened because baby was crying.

Misc. notes: mighty farmer tan! Might have some lipstick or tinted balm stashed somewhere. Does the sparkly necklace add anything?

Thanks, all!
Becky