November 23rd, 2010 - Black Tie

I was at the Visions fund raiser over the weekend. It was the 20th annual fund raiser for the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, held again at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. It was a really fun event, and if you don't attend, you might want to consider it for next year. Not only is it a great cause, but hanging out drinking champagne with a who's who of Victoria really sizzles.

The women, dressed to the nines, were stunning. The men, I thought, a bit less so. Everyone wore a tie alright, but when I see an invitation that reads 'black tie optional', what I think that really means is 'wear a tuxedo'. I understand better than most that business suits can be dressed up, but they are, when all's said and done, for doing business in. Evening attire is something else again.

Would 007 attend a fete in a navy suit? Should you? The answer in both cases is no.

Before you bang off an email to complain to me, let me say this: I don't mean to offend anyone not wearing a tux that night. This is just as a reminder that such a soiree means something special to one's social calendar. And though you'll have to spring for a tux and the accoutrements that go with it, think how much better you'll look and feel with your gal on your arm. Oh, and gentlemen, I believe the women in your life will love you all the more for it.