HOW TO DO A ‘BLACK-TIE DO’ IN STYLE


Okay it’s 7.30am and I totally cannot sleep because;

A. I have a gremlin on my chest ie; a cough & chest infection.

B. It’s my family’s annual charity black-tie ball tonight and I absolutely cannot wait to get my posh frock on and dance the night away like a loon.

I’ve been meaning to write this post all week but I’ve been the busiest bee of the land – big old work events, prepping for our charity ball and being sick as a dog. Y’know, standard Jade week.

Lemme start by saying that ‘black-tie do’s’ can be anything you want them to be. Some people see them as a chance to get dressed up and look fabulous AF for one evening, others see them as a stuffy affair.

Always go with the former, people.

Here are my top tips on ensuring your black-tie do prep goes smoothly:

 

THE DRESS CODE OF DREAMS

Some people find the open ended dress code of ‘black tie’ a bit of a mystery.

Don’t.

It basically means, wear something that’s fancier than your average party wear. Simples.

Try to ascertain if the black-tie event is more of a floor length dress affair or a cocktail number party – this will help hugely in your search for the perfect frock.

And then, my friends, try to find the best dress you can for the least dollar. Besides, you probably won’t wear it again. This is my absolute favourite thing about my annual charity do prep. This year I spent a mere £12 on my dress (and an extra bit on dry cleaning it and making a few adjustments). 

Don’t spend all your pennies in your purse buying an uber expensive dress because let’s face it; you’re probably gonna spill red wine on it whilst grooving the night away anyway and how often do you really go to black-tie do’s?

Oh and it’s much better spent on other things. See below.

 

img_1306.jpg

img_1301.jpg

img_1308.jpg

COMFORT IS STILL KING

I can’t believe I’m actually writing this point but I feel it’s totally valid.

Ladies; don’t let your dress turn you into a waddling, breathing in, boob adjusting maniac.

Wear something that you feel so comfortable in that you could dance the night away until silly o’clock. Something that you’re happy to work the room in and something that doesn’t require help getting out of the taxi/into the toilet/up the stairs.

Effortless is 100% your best friend. Float in like the badass you know you are. Look like the most carefree laid back cat in the room.

Needless to say, control pants are not comfortable but are totally your best friend. The is the only anomaly to this point.

 

img_1298.jpg

img_1307.jpg

GET YOUR HAIR DONE LIKE YOU’RE A PRINCESS

You know that money you saved on your dress? Well here’s where you’re gonna spend some of that saved dollar.

So you’re wearing a far from average dress so don’t turn up with average hair. Ladies, your hair game must be on point.

Treat yo self. Go to the hairdressers and ask for an ‘up’ style that makes you feel a million dollars. At the end of the day, you don’t wanna be fussing over your hair a gazzilion times before you go out – you know the feeling right? When you put it up over and over again and somehow it doesn’t seem right and your hair just won’t do that twisty, braided thing you saw in the magazine.

*all the tantrums*

Sound familiar? Don’t let it come to that.

Book in with your hair professional and get your hair done all nice. You deserve it, you princess you.

PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS

Details are key.

A lady I work with who’s coming along tonight dragged her husband around Intu Lakeside to find just the right type of blue sequin bag to match her blue sequin shoes.

She explained that; no, the bag could not be blue beaded. It absolutely had to be blue sequin, and the right type of blue at that.

And it’s that kinda detail that’s gonna make her look like the belle of the ball tonight.

Make sure your accessories are on point. Don’t assume that just because you’re wearing a long dress that your heels don’t matter – that is a silly assumption to make. Oh and get your nails done pretty. That is the type of detail that will take your black-tie attire to the next level.

FYI I got my nails done all chrome yesterday at The Beauty Shed and I cannot stop looking at them. They so freakin’ shiny. Details coming up in a post next week.

 

img_1296.jpg

img_1304.jpg

img_1303.jpg

COME WITH A CHARITABLE OPEN MIND

Here’s where the rest of your saved dollar is gonna go.

Don’t forget that the reason we’re dolled up all nice, dancing & drinking the night away like night time revellers is for a good cause.

Tonight, we’re raising money for The James Hora Trust & I hope everyone bought £12 dresses so they can be super generous with their donations.

But lemme be clear; no matter how many people play Head ‘n’ Tails tonight, I’m feeling lucky AF so watch out everyone.

img_1297.jpg

img_1299.jpg

 

And on that note, Imma go finish setting up the venue & hot step over to the hair dressers.

If you’re coming along tonight, I’ll see you on the dance floor.