Something Borrowed . . .

What I wore to Symphony Ball isn't as interesting as how it came together. I had a vision in my head of what I was hoping to find to go with a long black chiffon (do they still call it that?) skirt with vertical ruffles that run from the hips to the floor about every four inches. I bought it years ago at Neiman's and have worn oodles of times. I never tire of it. It's flattering and I just swap out tops, shoes, and accessories. Plus I love the way it moves.

This year I had the idea of a super deep v-neck with something wow about it. I knew I'd know it when I saw it. I never saw it. I've been so busy at work that my shopping excursions have been limited to stolen moments at lunch downtown. So two days before the ball, I switched gears. I pulled a deep navy blue satin fitted dress (a modified halter-style) out of the JHO archives--a ten-year-old Laundry by Shelli Segal dress. I decided this classic, yet slightly sexy, dress would be the backdrop for great accessories. I dug through my drawer of newer and vintage pieces and pulled together a few chunky necklaces I liked, dropped them all in my circa 1970s silver handbag and brought them to work last Friday morning. I had phoned Kevin Quinn at StyledLife in Gaviidae and left him a message that I might need some emergency help—perhaps even needing someone to bring some options to my office (the store offers that service).

Shortly after I arrived at work I swung by a co-worker's desk to talk shop when I noticed some killer jewelry laying across her desk. I recognized the pieces right away as the same ones we had recently featured in the magazine as examples of the collection created by the Minnesota sisters who are designers for Badgley Mischka. "Oh, my god . . . this is exactly what I'm looking for to wear to Symphony Ball tomorrow," I said.  "Can I borrow one of the necklaces and the bracelet?" It was like having a roommate again. Plus, what a thrill to wear something that isn't even in the stores yet.

I swung through Macy's shoe department on my way home and found the perfect pair of Via Spiga black satin peep toe slingback platforms. The satin shoes triggered a change in handbags. I opted for my 1960s-era black satin envelope-style clutch, accented with an interesting and random pattern of small rhinestones.

Now, I should add that Vogue we are not, and we don't have a wardrobe closet at MSP filled with beautiful baubles. But for one night I felt a little like Cinderella meets Anna Wintour. Unlike Cinderella, I didn't make it home by midnight. The girls were overnight at Grandma and Grandpa's, so Daddy and I didn't get home until after 2. Thank god for the late night menu at Solera.