Black Tie Affair
Men, do you own a tux?
Black tie affairs are serious, although I’m not sure who invented the idea. And ladies, tell the truth: Who hasn’t dreamed of being Cinderella at the ball, with the swishy long gown and gloves. Ok, so no gloves these days but boy did I have an interesting time getting ready for the trip we’ve just begun.
#Inauguration Day 1 En route. On our way. Sitting in a Paris lounge sipping tea and reading quietly, the calm before the proverbial storm. Let me take you back a few weeks…
A few good friends on Capitol Hill spent some time convincing me that attending the Presidential Inauguration in DC would be a fun time. From both sides of the Hill, our team was offered tickets to attend, and at first I turned them down politely – what would we do there? I don’t know how to dance. And it’s over Shabbat. And so on.. Basically the small-town girl in me had no inkling of attending the sparkling affair just for fun.
But generosity won out, and I graciously accepted the offer of seated (!) tickets to the swearing-in ceremony, as well as various receptions and events. As the invitations came into my inbox, it became quite clear that this misplaced American-Israeli did not have the right attire. Black tie? Ball gowns? Oh no.
Option: Rent a tux – some obscure Jewish rules made that impossible, so off to the store in Israel we went: husband, and daughter for a second opinion. We laughed at the bow-tie (first time!) and had fun choosing. Success. Check that off the black-tie to-do list.
But, alas, it seems men have it easy, and my search for the perfect – or any! – ball-gown proved challenging, to say the least. With Jewish modesty rules in place, most online dresses were ruled out. Gorgeous but too revealing. Next, borrow. But do I really want to look like the mother of the bride? Ugh. Last, and not least, but very last-minute (how’s on the way to the airport) a wonderful group of women in a nearby community with a lending-library of gowns came through, and now I am going to be a fairy princess.
No gloves (not in style!) but a flowing, silky long gown in gold and cream – that’s what I’ll be featuring at our inaugural ball this weekend. Stay tuned for the pics and hopefully some fun anecdotes – unless they tell me that what happens in DC, stays in DC…
They’re calling our flight – so enjoy this photo as Israelis attract the cameras at Charles de Gaulle. Not me this time:
Stay with us for more as we take this adventure one step closer to the new Presidency. And no, protesters not allowed. This weekend is a celebration of democracy, whether it leaves you worried or proud.
#inauguration2017