(no subject)

[d_aulnoy]

In a couple of weeks, we're heading to West Virginia for some work function of J's: it includes activities such as skeet shooting and manicures.  Yes, these are very obviously gendered: yes, I have signed up for both the skeet shooting and the manicure. 

The only hitch (aside from the anti-academic timing) is the hearty goodwill of the evening entertainment: on the first night, we are instructed to garb ourselves in our "country western best!"  On the second night, we get away with white.  Aaaaaaaaaall white.

Now, thanks to the elopement shopping, I'm actually okay with the white (unexpected, for a New Yorker who's generally all the way at the other end of the monochromatic bell curve), but ... country western?  Seriously, if they'd said 24th c. Venetian masquerade, or poem by Swinburne, or Roman courtesan, or vole, or any other unexpected "theme," I probably would have had a better shot at fulfilling it.

Then I remembed my completely randomly purchased plum-colored ankle-length leather suede skirt, bought for a song.  And the fawn-skin suede bell-bottom trousers purchased on the same occasion.  Gods bless hoarding.

Now, all I need to do is think of a "country-western" -esque top.  Suggestions?

Also, for the gentlemen?  'Cause, gotta say, it's never occurred to me to randomly pick up a nice suede skirt for the Gnu, and I assume that Country Western Night applies to him as well ....

Comments

[tibicina.livejournal.com]

You should probably be able to get a 'camp shirt' for not too much. Otherwise, you start heading for ruffles and/or embroidery.

[d-aulnoy.livejournal.com]

I have a Ben Sherman collarless striped shirt that will correspond with either bottom: past that, you're right, I'm into the frou in a way that's not suited to me. What do you think, accurate enough? 'Cause, beyond that, it's tank tops or really inappropriately modern things (and I don't think I have the time to shop) ....

[tibicina.livejournal.com]

If you absolutely can't shop, then it's probably fine. But really, it should have a collar. However, it should be pretty easy to find an appropriate shirt if you do have time to shop.

Stripes... generally aren't Western. Plaid, check, gingham, embroidery, yes. Stripes... not so much.

[d-aulnoy.livejournal.com]

Huh, fascinating! Like I said, CW is an area of costuming that I'm generally repulsively ignorant of. Thank you for the advice! Now, off to wonder why stripes seemed so Western in my *head* ....

[tibicina.livejournal.com]

Well, okay, it kind of depends on the stripes, but... usually if they're stripes, they're stripes of embroidery or of stuff meant to look like embroidery, so.. I guess from a ways away they could look like stripes. And thin stripes /might/ work, but would really depend.

Honestly, I'm not all /that/ familiar with 'Western' wear, but I've done just enough costuming and theater to be sort of familiar with the needed look.

[rosefox]

Button-down plaid or embroidered shirt and jeans should be fine for both of you. Strategic bandannas and cowboy boots also recommended. (Bonus points if you follow the hanky code.) The shirt can certainly be worn with a skirt as well, but suede as a pant/skirt material isn't really terribly country or Western; it's too warm and you can't ride a horse in it. On the other hand, it's very costumey. If you think they're going to try to make you dance, though, definitely go with the jeans or a long, light denim skirt.

[d-aulnoy.livejournal.com]

When you say plaid or embroidered ... think a stripe-y fashion shirt will do? I have one that should correspond with either bottom nicely (no bandanna or boots, alas, though the opportunity to employ hanky code would be ... well, awesome, if inappropriate). In terms of general appropriateness, I think I'm going with convenience over accuracy: I simply don't have *time* to go looking for gingham or anything else even vaguely chronologically correct. Costume-y will do, if only I can find a thematic top* ....

*Band name!

[honeychurch.livejournal.com]

I will be interested to hear of your success at skeet - my facebook profile picture is from when the summer class at my firm did its annual "biathalon" this year (skeet shooting and beanbag toss, aka "cornholing," a name with which I was unfamiliar in that context). In my case, the skeet sleep soundly when I am around - they know that none will die that day at my hands. Or, less flowery, I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.

[d-aulnoy.livejournal.com]

I am pretty sure there will be no cornholing at this event. Also, I am literally biting my knuckle to keep from saying something REALLY crass right now.

[cissa.livejournal.com]

I am having too much fun imagining a get-together with everyone dressed as voles.

[handworn.livejournal.com]

Now, all I need to do is think of a "country-western" -esque top. Suggestions?

Something rhinestone-studded.