Mom’s Big Night Out

Just over a week ago, I received an email inviting me to a private yacht party with a bunch of people I don’t know but was eager to meet. I did not hesitate to say yes. Then the panic set in.

What would I wear? Would we be able to get a sitter at late notice? What time would I have to leave to arrive on time, fighting Southern California Friday night traffic? What would I wear?

The last time I went to a cocktail party, the crowd dressed far more casual than I anticipated. Luckily, I had asked around and found out the scoop ahead of time and dressed appropriately. This time, however, was on a yacht. It sounded pretty fancy! I did some homework and sought advice.

Stacey recommended a dress as it is always fun to get dressed up. Angie suggested a dressy trench to wear over a cocktail dress as it would be chilly out on the water. I checked online and found a great empire coat that I had to have. Angie said it was popular for this season and appropriate for dressing up or running out in my jeans. I had to have it!

I didn’t get it, not yet anyway! The only time I had to shop was a short 3 hour period that my daughter would be in school. Minus drive time, it left me with about an hour and a half to find a dress. I ended up going to the local mall that does not have the department store which carried the coat. Mom duty had priority over shopping time- isn’t that always how it goes? Next time, I’ll budget my time better.

I shopped and tried on dresses for the full time I had. Nothing fit right. Junior dresses are WAY too short and are shells (no lining). Women’s dresses are simply too big on top for me. I have never had success finding dresses that fit well (except my wedding dress, of course!). I wanted something trendy, sexy and fun.

The next day I called Mary, “Do you have any cocktail dresses?” She brought some over. They were all too big on top. (I miss my nursing breasts!)

Mary called Mindy. We met the next day (the day of the event!). She brought over 4 great outfits. All black to match my red high heels. One was super sexy, one was very simple and the other two were just right! I chose the dress over the HOT jumpsuit, as it went better with the trench coat that I ended up getting. Two hours before I had to leave for the party, I had an outfit. Thanks Mindy!

I prepared to get ready. My daughter prepared with me. I showered, she showered. I got out the blow dryer to do my hair, she insisted I do hers. I applied make-up, she applied makeup…to her foot! I’m lucky she didn’t color her entire body like she planned to…I simply didn’t have time to clean her up!

I finished my hair and makeup then dressed in jeans and tank to go get my son from school. We came home. I changed. We left.

I brought the kids to my husband when he got off work. The babysitter thing didn’t work out. He was on Daddy Duty, I was off to socialize. In true Mommy fashion, I drove the distance in my flip flops (hey! I’m not out to get sore feet before the party!)

Along the route, I picked up my friend, who is a mom to one. It was a big night out for her as well! We finished the commute in less than 3 hours total driving time. Not bad for a Friday night in So Cal!

The evening was spent meeting some very interesting people, eating some really great food and admiring all the pretty dresses. It’s so fun to get dressed up, even with the anxiety of what to wear! I felt very at ease in the dress I wore. I’m glad I didn’t wear anything that I had to tug at all night or worry about a bra strap showing. I’m glad that I wasn’t distracted with any of that so I could focus on the conversations I had and the people I met. I felt confident.

And you know what? I don’t think anyone noticed that I forgot to do my nails! Oh well, the life of a mom…

P.S. These are the shoes I wore and received compliments on several times that night! Oh, and I just discovered they are on sale at an even lower price than I bought them for! Scoop them up, moms! Less than $40 for these amazing shoes! If you do buy a pair, let me know! Leave a comment!