I mentioned back in June that I wanted to start making an effort to actually do more things…
THE STORY
…I’m happy to say that I’ve done pretty well with that goal. My mini is my primary partner in adventure and we’ve done some shopping at previously unknown boutiques, went canoeing (daddy was along for that one), visited a local farmer’s market, went to the Pittsburgh Flea and now we’ve accomplished one of the other things on my list…seeing The Nutcracker again.
In the past when we’ve gone to The Nutcracker we saw the Pittsburgh Ballet production. And that is one truly breathtaking spectacle. If you’ve never seen it performed by a professional ballet company, I highly recommend it. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. This year however, my son discovered that a smaller local ballet company and orchestra near where he lives was also performing it so we thought, why not?
The dancers were predominantly teenagers and children, but my friends, there was some fine raw talent there. No, of course the sets and costumes were not as lavish, nor was the performance as flawless as a professional ballet company. I have to say though that I enjoyed it just as much for entirely different reasons.
As I said, watching professional dancers in jaw-dropping crystal laden costumes is truly breathtaking; there were moments when my mouth would be literally hanging open in awe. But watching kids who are just getting their start on what is perhaps the road to becoming a professional dancer is a beautiful thing. Their love of what they were doing was apparent on their faces. The story was just as beautiful as was the music.
And my favorite part? When I said there were children performing as well, I meant children. As in little girls of maybe 5 years old. There was one little girl whom I loved. Every time she was on stage I watched her…she was the little rebel of the group. While she was basically following the choreography, she was most definitely unashamedly doing her own thang. Absolutely my kind of girl…a rebel ballerina.
THE OUTFIT
See…I do clean up pretty well when I want to! I don’t get the chance very often, but when I do, I love to put together a dressy look. The only requirement is that it’s still says “me”. And what better way to do that than with a slouchy off the shoulder sweater, some velvet and a pair of slouchy socks to take the look from “Going to the ballet” to “I’m going to the ballet”?
A pretty sweater, a velvet skirt, pumps and a sequin clutch are such a classic holiday look. Since I’m not necessarily what comes to mind when one hears “classic” I simply tweaked the details. I chose the off the shoulder sweater in cobalt blue as opposed to red for something different, and I love how the slight slouch and off the shoulder details lend a more laid back vibe than a more traditional sweater would.
I’m loving all things velvet at the moment and didn’t yet own a black velvet skirt so this skirt was the perfect choice. I was also drawn to the ruffle and faux wrap front since it throws off a sort of boho vibe. Of course I could have went for basic sheer black tights (um, when did they stop being pantyhose…just a random thought), but the metallic slouchy socks were so much more fun, don’t you think?
Actually, you’re sort of getting an outfit two-fer today. My mini is sporting head to toe pieces from my closet so you’re getting not one, but two “Debbie’s going to the ballet” looks. 🙂
THE TIP
Socks with pumps or dressy sandals can be a scary proposition. With that being said, it’s also a cool lil’ bit edgy look well worth trying out. I’m particularly loving all of the sock choices available at the moment. From velvet, to fishnet, to sheer, a pretty pair of socks can give a whole new look to your basic pumps. In my opinion, sheer slouchy socks are the perfect way to ease into the look without worrying about the rather intimidating bulk of regular socks.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Skirt: GAP; Sweater: NA-KD; Pumps: Rialto Shoes (Similar); Socks: NA-KD (Similar); Clutch: Similar
