As the year so far update continues, another big change in the family has been Handsome’s new job.  After a long and, I believe, successful career with his old company he has now moved to an entirely new industry.  Now in this industry socialising and “corporate entertainment” is big for business.  I mean BIG!   They appear to be up for all things sociable and although some people might run a mile at the thought of spending a day or night or even a long weekend with complete strangers fills them with dread it would appear that I quite enjoy it.

Handsome has been invited to many a doo with his last company but they tended to leave out partners – Although I have to big up the one event I was privileged to have been invited to which was Wimbledon 2015 and that was just a special day.  It was one of the best experiences of my life!  Having watched tennis for years on tv then to actually be there in centre court was amazing. So he (Handsome) tends to be a little less excited by the whole thing, he likes his own bed and home comforts and after 2 years working and staying all over Europe it is completely understandable.  He is a sociable person but a true home bird at heart.

So anyway this new company seem to like to include plus ones (Me!!) which is awesome!  I mean I love to get glammed up, I love a hotel stay and I love a doo so for me it’s a winner!   So far I have been to a launch event in Liverpool, a couple of horse races at Donnington and York and an amazing trip to Mallorca, lucky me!  These things are normally a fancy shmancy hotel over night, lots of free food and booze and a jolly ol’ time for everyone!  But there is a process and protocol which I am now getting into the swing of personally and it goes a little bit like this…

Pre Event Build Up

Obviously starts with “what shall I wear?”, OMG I have nothing to wear!  This is a whole new wardrobe requirement, so I need to shop obvs!   But what will everyone else wear? 

Question put to Handsome “What shall I wear?”

Reply “Something nice”

Me “Like what?”

Reply “Whatever you feel comfortable in, you always look nice”

Now lovely as that it, it is of no help to me!  There is no insight to the other women attending’s attire.  And yes I know it doesn’t really matter how they look but I want to look amazing and individual and classy and edgy and………… oh bloody hell what shall I wear? 

So where to go for inspiration?  The power of Instagram is my first port of call.

The first “function” was a Liverpool doo and from the invitation it seemed a bit hipster and edgy.   Overnight stay at the Beatles themed hotel (swanky) and a warehouse event so I’m thinking classy but modern. 

Where are Gok, Fearn, Trinny and Suzzanah when you need em!    I’m on my own on this. 

So I see an outfit on Instagram worn by Martine McCutcheon – off the shoulder (on trend), jump suit with wide leg (edgy?) in navy (classy).  All boxes ticked until the evening comes and bam…. why the hell did I not think about how I was going to have a wee before buying this jump suit. 

No wing man with me to unzip.  I don’t know a soul except Handsome and he can’t come to the ladies with me, I’m screwed!

You just don’t think about these things until you are in the moment!!  You have had too much fizz and not enough food, feeling good and loving life, swaying to the hipster tunes being spun by the funky young dj.  It’s all grand until you need to go!  And only then when you arrive in the ladies cubicle and realise you have no idea how on earth you are going to undo the hook and eye and then get the zip down at the back!  And once you are in there and you realise you are trapped in your outfit the urgency to go increases!  Now you are desperate!    Flipping Martine how did you cope woman!.

Anyway,  all was well, I managed to manoeuvre and got Handsome to fasten the hook and eye all stealth like on my return to the gathering.  Lesson learned for the future and moving forward…. all purchases will be based upon solo powder room trips.

So back on the entertainment front… There was then a trip Palma trip.  Now again not knowing anyone who was attending what do you pack for a long weekend in the sunshine?  In my case there is only one answer to that….

Take EVERYTHING!  It’s all about options.

Thinking back, I wonder whether the other attendees consider these occasions the same way as I do?  I wonder if they look around the room and think whatever was I worried about?  Once I am there everybody just does their thing, they wear what they like and act relaxed and comfortable in their own appearance.  It’s all OK and everyone has their own style and I relax and enjoy myself.

Handsome is right and if you are ever faced with the same crazy concerns, just be yourself, be comfortable, be you!   There will always be someone more dressed up/more casual/ more expensively dressed than you but who cares after a few too many bottles of fizz and not enough food.  As long as you are not the crazy drunk lady who falls over it’s all gravy!!  😉

So it’s the races this weekend…….”what the hell shall I wear?”