Gala attire..

Okay, I have no idea what you wear to a Gala. I have never been to a Gala. Is it super dressy? Like what you would wear to a wedding? I haven't been to a wedding since pre-surgery days and know that I won't be wearing the same style that I would normally wear, so I am stumped! I have a nice skirt that can be dressed up with a new blouse... is that okay? --style challenged in waterford

I have a black tie affair, private wedding, in the fall at the Waldorf in NYC. Very dressy, and it sounds like this gala is too. So, I go to Nordstrom's (Westfarms) and try on a skirt, tank top and gorgeous cut velvet jacket. I come out of the dressing room and the store clerk asked where I was going, and I told her. She then begged, yes begged me NOT to wear this. Moral, go somewhere where you can get another opinion. I ended up buying the outfit for another event, but I let her pick out another one, and let me l you, I love it and would not have tried on such tailored clothing on my own in a billion years! Ask for Mary, she was amazing.

I went to shopping today and found the outfit . i am going to wear nice black pant with red jacket but is still looking for top goes with red jacket. kathy K

Terri- When I heard "Gala" last year I thought the same thing and I wore a dressy long skirt and silk blouse and felt over-dressed compared to the others. I would say a nice party outfit, nothing too fancy... Most women wore dresses or dress slacks and tops. Having said that - I STILL haven't picked something out for that night! See you there!!! Carla

Hi, Carla! And I thought you looked great last year! Besides, don't you need something really dressy to go along with your crown? I think that anything in the range of slacks and nice top to something like what you wore would be fine. If someone wants to get dressed up now that they'll look and feel great doing so, why not? (Especially if it's something they've got already that they've shrunken back into.) And if they'd rather not spend too much money on something they may not wear again and would rather wear something not so dressy, that's OK, too. I'm wearing black slacks with a somewhat dressy top that I got a great deal on, and I'll dress it up with diamonds, including a bracelet that I haven't worn in years because it became too small, but now it fits. (Which brings up an interesting point...Between the time in Nov. that I tried on the bracelet and it barely closed and now when it fits fine, the scale hasn't moved down, but somehow my wrist got smaller. Proof that progress can be (and should be) measured in ways other than pounds lost.) See you 3 wks. from Sat., Debby

Hey everyone, Terri I feel the same way you do, I heard gala and thought oh god a black tie event. I was going to either get a very nice pair of black dress pants and a blouse or a dress or skirt. I can't really afford anything too fancy, I usually do my shopping at Kohls, Walmart and Avenue. But I am going to wander into Filene's for the very first time to see what they may have, then Maryjo and I are going to the mall and to Burlington to see what we can find. Can't wait to see everyone. Its going to be a blast. Can't wait to dance, I use to love to go clubbing. :dance Love ya all Hugs KimC

Thanks everyone for your input. Looking forward to the 4th terri

I have been absent from here for a while...what and when is the gala???

Hi Kristen! how are you doing? Here is info on the Gala: Hi, All! Since today is Feb. 4th, it's exactly 1 mo. till our Spring Gala (4 wks. from tonite), so I'm reposting the info. for those who may have missed it the 1st time (or 2nd time or when Carla Minutillo posted it)...we just want to be sure that no one misses the dance because they didn't know about it. The 2nd annual WLS Spring Gala will be held on Sat., Mar. 4th, from 7 p.m. till midnight. This is a fundraiser for A.S.B.S., just like the Walk from Obesity which is held annually in Sept. Once again this year the dance will be at Il Monticello (on the Meriden-Wallingford line). For $20 per person, we get a DJ and bountiful hors d'oeuvres. There'll be enough variety (including high-protein selections) and quantity to be dinner, even for non-ops. There'll be a cash bar and, like last year, there'll be non-carbonated, non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic, low-calorie choices (besides water) for those who want them. The dance is open to everyone, even if they have no idea what WLS is. (Since it's a fundraiser, we'll take money from anyone.) Last year we had a pretty good turnout from this board; hopefully even more will come this year. Please tell your friends, too. Some people are coming with significant others, but there are plenty who'll be coming alone, so don't hesitate to come either way. Tickets will be available at some of the support group meetings in the area and Carla Minutillo and I also have tickets for sale. If you're interested, let Carla or me know and we'll figure out whether you should mail a check or if you might be seeing one of us at a meeting. Debby P.S. The tables seat 8-10 people and last year we reserved several tables together for this board. Not that we were sitting all the time, but it made it easier to meet, mingle and catch up with each other. I'll be reserving some tables again this year, so if you want to sit with us (or want a table for you and the group of friends you're bringing along), let me know Hope this helps! MaryJo

I just went to Goodwill and bought a dress. Its a simple green dress but I like it and the price was right. So maybe you can try that. Goodwill and consignment shops have been my savior since surgery especially when events like this come up.