Invitation... not sure if I should accept???

[pupuce]

I need your advice....
I have received this AM a printed invitation called "a private evening at such and such lingerie shop (shop that I know sells very nice and expensive stuff) for champagne and nibbles and giggles."

This was sent to me by someone* I have met twice (she came over to my house 10 months ago for a dinner but we haven't seen each other since...) so not close friends and I doubt I'll know anyone else there...

• clearly she is orgainsing it as she has signed it.

DH says I would be expected to make a purchase and he feels she is probably getting a commission from the shop (it's all printed on the shop's logo/pics and all).

I cannot afford (and don't necessaly need/want new lingerie) but might have enjoyed the evening out....

What do you think?

Go. Have a nice time and explain at the end that although the products were great there wasn't anything that tempted you this time round, especially as funds are low - but you'd love to come to another party if the opportunity arrives.

Sounds fun!

It may well be that she is getting commission, but that doesn't mean you are expected to purchase anything. In such circumstances I would only feel obliged to purchase anything if the invite said "in aid of so-and-so charity". Go. Have fun! (you can always sneak out early if you get uncomforatble about not knowing anyone).

With dh on this one! I think you would probably be 'expected' to buy something but if there were a lot of people there you might not get noticed and could get away with it! If you don't mind going and not buying anything, I say go for it and enjoy the evening. Although if you can't afford anything, you might well see something you REALLY like and get tempted... Presumably that's what they're hoping for

Go and enjoy yourself. IME the shop owner will not put you under obligation or even expect you to buy anything, but if you have a good time you may think of her in the future and possibly recommend the shop to your friends. In this way it still works as a bonus for her. Talks and parties such as this are good for promotion. I personally would not expect to sell much or anything at all when I organise visits to my showroom.

HTH and have fun

I've been to loads of shopping evenings like this (used to be part of my job !!) and not bought anything. I'd ring your friend and ask if you can bring someone with you - I'm sure she'd be thrilled. Then you will have a free glass of champagne or two, a few canapes and a night out with a friend. I used to do this all the time. You don't have to buy anything, but beware, two glasses of champagne and easy access to nice knickers do something to a woman's credit card IME! Afterwards you and your friend can go for supper and suffer buyer's remorse together.

I'll go! Sounds like a right laugh.

I agree re purchase.

Champagne and nice pants...I'd go. You can always leave your credit card at home!

Agree Pupuce, go and don't feel guilty if you don't want to buy anything.

If you definitely can't afford to buy anything, don't take your purse! (I went to a similar party thinking I'd just enjoy myself and not buy anything, but the stuff was sooo nice and everyone else was buying... not enough willpower).

She is not a close friend, so you don't 'owe' her a purchase. I certainly wouldn't feel guilty. As others have said, when you feel the need for lingerie, your first thought would be there, so the party is still getting publicity for the products.