Sorry, I've been running around like a chicken with it's head chopped off trying to put together formalwear for myself on the cheap. Yes, I have the conundrum of having been invited to a Formal Event. It's extremely nice of the person who invited me, but when I started pricing tuxedo rentals I was shocked. Over $180 for something that looks like a business suit with satin lapels and a pink sateen tie? Not even a bowtie but a regular one? Harrumph..
So here's the deal. I have black wool trousers, a cummerbun and bow tie. I found a Bill Blass tuxedo jacket for $10 at the Council Thrift store that looks like it was made for me and have a pair of shiny leather loafers that can pass for evening shoes. All I need to do is get a proper shirt and I'm done. At least I hope so. I know no matter what I do I will certainly not be the best dressed person at the ball, so I'm shooting for reasonable looking. I'm sure the photos will end up on Facebook, unless I look like a gargoyle and unlink myself from them..
Here's a fragrance question: what scent? Help me out and chime in in the comments. Please?
Image: Internets
My initial response is to wear a "take no prisoners" scent like Route de Vetiver. Or something that smells really expensive. Or Bel Ami.
ReplyDeleteI think you are going to look sooooo handsome! As for your fragrance, all I can think is that you should wear whatever is your favourite/the one that makes you feel most confident and assured. Or maybe the one that is the most expensive?? It's funny, isn't it, that an invitation to an event can cause so much worry and expense? Good luck - enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteJillie
Fracas.
ReplyDeleteMKK.
A bit of both?
Or if you have to behave, perhaps that Stephen Jones/CdG violet?
As you know, at functions like this everyone is self-aware and trying so very hard. Just be yourself and wear whatever strikes your fancy at the moment.
ReplyDeleteSpray lightly, have fun, and enjoy sniffing the efforts of others.
I think nothing beats the gorgeous oakmoss of FM's Bois D'Orage for a formal affair. Other options are Carthusia Uno, Eau Sauvage (the most dashing men I know wear ES) or its dryer and wilder cousin Annick Goutal' Eau du Sud. If you're feeling a little naughty, Nasomatto's Absinthe is a great choice, although that one definitely needs a light touch depending on the density of the event/warmth of room. Also, for some reason, Musc Botanique from SIP comes to mind. Have a fabulous time and thank you for allowing us to participate in dressing you!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun hunt~ hope you look divine!
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Certainly, as others have said, wearing the scent you love most/feel most confident in is a great idea. Or, if you want your fragrance to convey a bit of mystery, you might wear an intriguing wonder like Silver Factory or Jubilation XXV. They're both as sophisticated as any black tie affair, so gorgeous, so smooth. But regardless of what you choose, you know your fragrance is going to elevate the evening's experience for anyone within smell of you!
ReplyDeleteI also suggest Eau sauvage... always good... or Terre d'Hermes or even Habit Rouge Guerlain...
ReplyDeleteAnd Fracas would be great too....
Good luck!
Guido
Guido and I are on the same page. I'd love to catch a whiff of a gentleman in a tux wearing Eau Sauvage, Terre d'Hermes or Habit Rouge. It all depends on what image you want to waft!
ReplyDeleteDapper gentleman, sweeping ladies onto the dancefloor, and gentlemen's money off gaming tables into his pocket: Eau Sauvage, Terre d'Hermes, Derby.
A bit wild, a bit louche, meet me out back: Habit Rouge, Musc Ravageur, Straight to Heaven, and don't cringe, but CK's Obsession came to mind as well :D
Whatever you choose, report back, please. Have a wonderful time!
--Hemlock Sillage
I would also consider Jicky, pure parfum. Guerlain at this concentration marries incredibly well with formal wear and a formal gathering. You won't be able to see yourself, but you will never doubt for one second how fantastic you smell.
ReplyDeletemichael allen
Have you tried MDCI's Invasion Barbare? My husband's favorite, and sniffing it on him makes me swoon (a lot). Could definitely see it for a formal event. Have fun, I sure you will look (and smell) amazing!:)
ReplyDeleteTama-
ReplyDeleteI'd love to but it's kind of a conservative affair that I'm s guest at. So I don't want to get too freaky.
Jillie-
ReplyDeleteGood idea!
Tammy-
ReplyDeleteI do have to behave otherwise it would me MKK
Vinery-
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Anon-
ReplyDeleteGood suggestions! I forgot about French Lover..
Cheryl-
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Anon2
ReplyDeleteThanks! I appreciate it!
Guido-
ReplyDeleteHabit Rouge! Good one!
Hemlock Sillage-
ReplyDeleteDerby's a good one!
michael allen-
ReplyDeleteNice! Thanks!
Anon3
ReplyDeleteHaven't got that one, even a sample. Oh well.
I'd wear Purdistance M. The smell of an Astin Martin reminds me of Cary Grant in formal attire.
ReplyDeleteYatagan or Knize Ten for sure!
ReplyDeleteGreyland! :-)
ReplyDeleteNatasha-
ReplyDeleteA great choice!
loverdoll78264 -
ReplyDeleteI have both and love them, but think it might be a bit too much for this crowd..
D-
ReplyDeleteGreat choice!
Oh dear, I'm too late - but I would have taken something from the always very elegant and lovely gentlemen like Tom (Ford) or Frederic (Malle)...
ReplyDeleteI'd reach for the Rien. It works anytime I want to pull off something unlikely. It's my link with the Force.
ReplyDeleteI don't know when the do is, but I would also recommend Invasion Barbare, or PdN's New York.
ReplyDeleteIf you like them of course.
Jane-
ReplyDeleteIt's not too late. The 'do is tomorrow
Unknown-
ReplyDeleteI love Rien, but think it might be a bit much for this crowd
Austenfan-
ReplyDeleteGreat choices!
Yatagan is my choice! :)
ReplyDelete