Bubbles and Bluegrass- Black Tie, Blue Jeans, and Anything In Between!

Bubbles and Bluegrass by Milk.Bread.Fashion. featuring dark wash jeans

Rag Bone racerback dress, $495
Aidan Mattox sequin evening dress, $198
Silk dress, 85 GBP
TopShop gray dress, $100
Floral ruffle dress, 65 GBP
White top, $245
MiH dark wash jeans, $189
Pour La Victoire patent leather pumps, $141
Sam Edelman platform shoes, $225
Sam Edelman peep toe heels, $200
Wedge sandal shoes, 200 AUD
FOOTCANDY summer pumps, $195
Steve Madden suede sandal, $130
Zara high heel shoes, $100
Juicy Couture crystal jewelry, 61 GBP
Bangles jewelry, $82
Kenneth Jay Lane spiked necklace, $80
FRIDA post earring, $75
All Saints brass jewelry, $65
Kendra scott jewelry, $60

It's time once again for the Bubbles and Bluegrass party held each year by Give Back Alexandria. This year, Give Back is partnered with Stop Child Abuse Now and Higher Achievement so that is where the money that is raised will be going. The food is from some of the top restaurants in Alexandria (including The Majestic and Jackson 20), the music is the amazing bluegrass band Over Under Down Yonder, and the beer, wine, and prosecco will be flowing freely. But what does black tie, blue jeans, and anything in between really mean? If you show up in a pair of jeans and a concert tee, are you going to feel comfortable? (It does say "anything," right?) Let me help...

Ladies-

It says black tie but don't bother breaking out a gown for this event. It's too laid back for something that dressy. That doesn't mean a great maxi dress won't work. There are so many great options out there- just make sure you dress it up with some fun jewelry.

How about a cocktail dress? That will work although err on the side of fun cocktail dress, not appropriate-for-a-business-party cocktail dress. This is an event that is focused more on raising money and enjoying friends than trying to impress anyone.

It also says blue jeans. That's true. You could wear jeans. But they should be dark and dressy with something really dressy on top like silk, sequins, beading, etc. And definitely pair with heels.

What you'll see the most are the fun little dresses most of us have at least one of in our closet. Grab one of those, put some heels and some makeup on, and head on over. If you still can't figure it out, call me. That's what I'm here for!

Gentlemen-

Just as with the ladies, you won't be happy if you're in a full tuxedo. But have fun with the theme and try business on top, party on the bottom! (That's code for tux jacket and tie on top with jeans on the bottom.)

If you're coming straight from work and you have a full suit on, feel free. No one will look at you twice. But loosen up your tie and don't be afraid to do something with a little color given the festive occasion.

How about khakis and a polo? Sigh. This is D.C. It is our fall-back male ensemble. You won't be out of place but I encourage you to have a little more fun with this than that. Try to at least grab for a button down! Remember, most of the ladies will be looking gooood... so if you want some attention, you might want to step it up a notch.

This year, the folks at Give Back are making it a little more interesting by awarding a prize to the person whose ensemble most embodies the theme of the party. My advice is have fun with it and, most importantly, wear what you feel comfortable in- not including sweat pants, of course!

It's not too late to buy tickets online- but just 3 more hours!! After that, they'll be available at the door.

http://bubblesandbluegrass2011.eventbrite.com/