Twenty-Eleven brought a bushel and a peck of blessings, and I was determined to give it a celebratory bon voyage.
The Opening Act
The Cast
The Result
Twenty-Four+ plates dirtied (because I despise plastic and paper) from Miss Saigon Sushi, Marry Poppin’s Scones, 7 for 7 Mountain Man Stew (nice abbreviation no?), Hairspray Chicken Wings (hairspray modifying chicken as an inspiration rather than a dressing), West Side Story Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes, and a myriad of other broadway belly fillers.
Musical charades were performed, everyone sang at least a bar, and most of us kept our eyes open until the New Year rang in.
My Costume Breakdown
Garcia Dress, Anthropologie
Sequin Front Cardigan, Banana Republic
tutorial for False Eyelashes and Cat Eye Liner
And I should have gotten a bumpit to achieve a sixties inspired coif, but we learn from our mistakes.
Add a comment telling me your favorite musical
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My favorite musical is a lesser known one from 1949 called, “On the Town”, featuring Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Vera-Ellen, just to name a few. If you can get your hands on a copy of it, I highly recommend it!
A question for you, Empress. Can you recommend a good tailor in the Gilbert/Mesa area? The tailor I’ve been using wants to charge $35 to take in a skirt. That seems a bit high to me but I’m not sure of the going rate these days. Your help is appreciated!
What do you think about having clothing tailored to be more modest for those of us who need sleeves? i LOVE the gracia dress, but can’t bring myself to buy it knowing I would always have to wear a cardigan with it. The thought came to my mind, what if a tailor could add sleeves with a little extra fabric? What do you think? Have you ever tried? Would it look good?
It was the best new years yet! My favorite part was how excited Jared got- he even sang. You’ve put a spell on him!
I would have loved to some some Cats in there 🙂
Lady Brooke Cowan,
I’ve actually been really impressed with Marian Reidhead at AJ Tailors & Cleaners, 6475 South Rural Road Tempe, located at the Southeast Corner of Rural & Guadalupe. Her e-mail address is msreidhead@gmail.com, phone is (480) 326-6744.
And “On the Town” is now on my Netflix cue. Thanks for the recommendation!
Leslie,
Seriously, where was Cats? The Music Man? Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat? some serious oversights. Thanks for dropping Coco’s clothes by. Next time your in the area, let me know. I still have Ellie’s gift
Melissa,
With a dress like the Garcia dress, I think tailoring would make sense. When deciding to tailor a piece you have to perform some cost-benefit analysis. How long are you going to be able to wear it? Is it classic, trendy, delicate, durable. What will your cost per wear be when you finally retire the item.
Since this item already has a strong shoulder strap, it would be easy to add a cap sleeve on. And I don’t think the fabric would be impossible to match.
You’d have to consult with a tailor to be sure, but I would go for it.
I actually thought about you guys on NYE and wonder what your new years theme would be! I’ve heard so many great things about your parties! 🙂
Such a fun party! Thanks for the invit, I always love a reason to dress up, even if it makes me look a little frumpy.
Thank you, Reachel! I will contact Marian. Glad you were able to find “On the Town”. 🙂
I love your New Years party! My mom got my name from Xanadu–it holds a special place in my heart! (and reminds me that I need to make my husband watch it!) I love musicals, and next to Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady is my most favorite! 😀 Happy New Year!