This last Saturday was my company's annual party. I haven't been here long enough to know what kind of parties this place throws, but I do know they like their alcohol.
About 2 weeks before the party, I received an invitation in the mail... at home. Dress - Black Tie optional. Now I was already shocked that they didn't just send out an email because you know that would be cheaper, but BLACK TIE OPTIONAL? Holy Crap! What kind of shindig is this?
The invitation also noted that there would be plenty of food, an open bar, and Wii and PlayStation2 setups, and a live Karaoke Band. What is a live Karaoke band you ask? It's a band that knows a whole lot of songs, really well, and they hand you a list, you pick and then you entertain the crowd with your well trained voice.. NOT!
So I was quite confused by what to expect because on one hand it sounds like it's gonna be fancy with the dress options, and on the other hand... video games?
With my procrastination habits in tow, I waited until the last possible moment to venture out to find a dress for this occasion, Saturday afternoon. Yup, 4 hours before I had to jump into the shower. I debated on what shopping center I might have the most luck at, and I incorrectly choose the close, cheap and umm... now I know, trashy one. But it was closer to home, and the car wash which I had a coupon for, so I ran with it. (and yes, I had to get my car washed because I had no time to wash it and I can't let the valet guys see my dirty Civic. Standards people, standards!)
After much frantic trying on, I actually walked out with 3 dresses, 2 of the three drastically marked down (i.e. Ann Taylor brown strapless number - orig. $178, sale $59). I had my heart set on wearing the Ann Taylor dress, but after visiting every shoe store in the mall, I found no appropriate shoes... BUMMER! The other two dresses were black and I had a pair of strappy dress sandals at home which could be worn one more time before they officially die from 6 years of being the only dressy shoes I own.
I ended up wearing the least expensive of all of the dresses, as it was very comfortable and a little less formal, and most importantly I could wear a normal bra with it (you boys out there have no idea!). Of course I was dressed down in comparison to the gowns that were there, but there were also people in jeans, so it was really nothing I should have worried about.
I will wear the brown number to a wedding in April in New Orleans, so I have a little more time to find "the" shoes. Zappos.com had some that were cute, but I've never paid $200 for shoes, especially ones I've never tried on, so we'll have to see how that goes.
All in all, it was a great party. Eric looked hot in his suit, and most people didn't recognize me in a dress with the hair up and make-up applied. Food was eaten. Songs were sung. Dances were danced. A few drinks were drunk (a few more by Eric then by me, as I was the driver, which is probably why he was on the stage singing and not me). And yes, many a game were played (Eric wants a Wii now!).
I wonder what they'll do next year?
10 comments:
The bit about going to the store because it was close to the car wash cracked me up!
Wow, I love the price of that Ann Taylor dress!
Glad you had a good time.
That's great that you were able to get so many dresses. I usually have the hardest time pinning down an outfit. I have a formal affair to go to in 2 weeks and I haven't a clue what to wear. Sounds like you had a great time. D. wants a Nintendo Wii too.
Now Cherry, don't you have a full wardrobe of outfits for casual to uber formal events like I do? I'm shocked.
hahahahahaha
I can't tell you how many times I've done that! Good thing our office holiday party was just here in the office with Indian food ordered in...the main part of the company was up in Sac at a semi formal up there. No way I was gonna go out and buy, get dolled up and drive for 2 hours then party with people I don't know and avoid alcohol 'cause I have to drive 2 hours back. Too. Much. Hassle.
Dude, I so want a Wii.
I have never worked for a private company, and neither has Hubba-hubba, so I know zilch about office parties.
That sounds like so much fun. You should of posted a picture of the dresses you got. I just love to see what great finds you came up with.
Sounds like a great party! Gald you had a wonderful time.
Wow! That sounds like a fun party! My dream would be to have my own personal karaoke band that would just follow me wherever I go. I'd be all, "Excuse me, I'd like a little 'Son of a Preacher Man' to get this party started! Oh, and let's follow that up with 'I Say a Little Prayer for You', and let's not forget my big finale 'Hey Big Spender'. Oh, and I feel like a ballad now. Let's go with 'What I did for Love'. Thanks, y'all! You're the best. We'll have rehearsal later to work on my new numbers...."
Sounds like a fabulous party. Were the Wii-playing people part of the show?
So glad you had a great time! Wow, three dresses in one store? That's pretty amazing good luck. Wish you had found shoes to go with the brown one, but unless you wait until the last minute, you have time. ;)
We need pictures!
Did they have Guitar Hero there? That makes me laugh to think of people all dressed up and playing Guitar Hero. Or any video games, for that matter. I'm glad you had fun!
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