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Original poster

Help! Mystery lunch (??) out on Wednesday!

41 replies

NotQuiteCockney · 09/01/2006 13:05

DH is taking me out for some sort of very belated birthday lunch on Wednesday. (I think it's lunch. Really, I don't know.)

He's sorted childcare.

I assume it's somewhere reasonably fancy. Maybe Club Gascon? Maybe that Jamie Oliver place?

I just need to work out what to wear. My current plan is:

  • flared plain black skirt, knee length
  • opaque thin tights
  • short black boots, with a low heel
  • thin black knit top
  • fancy weird Chinese-ish jacket thing, shiny green.

Does this sound too scary?

I haven't got much in the wardrobe, and lots of it doesn't fit (too big), and can't really go shopping ... not ideal.

OP posts:
Marina · 09/01/2006 13:08

Don't forget a really eye-catching hat NQC
I think that sounds great, although in your position I'd either switch footwear or tights - depending on how thin they are. I think anything 20 den and under doesn't look right with boots personally, but I am not Stylish!
Have a lovely time.

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 09/01/2006 13:25

Hmm, they're quite thin boots, short, ankle boots type thing. The tights aren't too too thin, anyway. Very opaque. I do know what you mean, though.

I'm looking forward to it, it was meant to be in October, but I spent the designated day with some sort of tummy bug, so it had to be postponed. (I keep hoping it's at The Fat Duck, but I suspect that's impractically far.)

OP posts:
Marina · 09/01/2006 13:26

Wrong side of town and...snail porridge ?
I'd sooner eat brains in Smithfield

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 09/01/2006 13:33

Oh, I want to go, I'm quite curious about it.

It probably is Fifteen. I'd rather Club Gascon, but whatever. Either will be fine. Or somewhere else, whatever.

Hmm, should probably try on possible outfit, if I can face it. I have a wardrobe full of lovely workwear, none of which fits any more. Including a black silk trouser suit ... I should check the fit on that one ...

OP posts:
puddle · 09/01/2006 13:43

Nothing with a tight waistband is my advice!

You want to be able to enjoy yourself.....

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 09/01/2006 21:39

Good point, puddle.

Further hints have been obtained. It might really be the Fat Duck! If DH is telling the truth, we are leaving about 10am by car, and may not be back for tea (!!). I'm a bit boggled by this, because although DS2 is 15 months, he still has four feeds per day, and this plan will involve him missing three of them.

He's also saying I need to bring my passport, which is possible, I guess, but unlikely, surely.

OP posts:
Bink · 09/01/2006 22:08

Are you close enough to an airport to get to & from Paris in a day? (Tour D'Argent, maybe ...?)
You are lucky!! (Oh, and I like the sound of the Chinoiserie jacket.)

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 09/01/2006 22:39

It wouldn't be an airport, I don't think - it would be the chunnel? I guess? We actually did do a daytrip to Paris that way, once.

But I'm pretty sure it's the Fat Duck, if it's not in London.

The jacket is lovely, I suck at explaining it. It's fake silk, with a fancy lining, in pale green. One button. Like a bolero? Ish.

Still haven't tried anything on. Well, I think the flared skirt will still fit, it is only fitted around the waist, and I think my waist is reasonably normal these days. (I'm a size smaller, and a different shape, than pre kids.)

OP posts:
Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 09/01/2006 22:40

I lie. We are 15 minutes' drive from City airport. I guess it could be that. But (I hope) DH knows I'm not fond of unnecessary air travel, so wouldn't choose that for me? If we were doing Paris in a day by chunnel, we'd have to leave really early.

OP posts:
Beetrootfultoyourself · 09/01/2006 22:47

i don't like short boots with skirts. better to have long boots or shoes.

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 10/01/2006 07:50

Hmm, that makes sense. Will dig in wardrobe. The thing is, I don't really own girl clothes or shoes that fit any more. I mostly wear trainers. It probably doesn't help that I'm a size 9, so buying boy shoes is easier.

But yeah, I could see that combination being odd. Might have an appropriate long skirt somewhere ...

OP posts:
Beetrootfultoyourself · 10/01/2006 09:26

or trousers with fitted top and boots wouldloook great.

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 10/01/2006 10:04

I found more clothes! And some of them fit!

I have found:

  • low heeled black shoes with a buckle. They look a bit Amish, but ok
  • my Evan Picone black silk trouser suit. It still fits fine. Maybe a bit loose, but fine. It's gorgeous. Double-breasted, and really plain, a bit zoot-suity, but not excessively so.
  • a tweedy dark brown Talbots suit that fits ok. Not too tempted by it though, as the skirt is fitted, and the jacket is short, and I am pear-shaped.

Oh, two more details: I have basically a shaved head. And I don't wear makeup.

I think I'll wear the suit, with either the boots, the shoes, or maybe some really cute men's dress shoes I have somewhere (with pinstripes and, I think, flowers on them. Really cute).

OP posts:
Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 10/01/2006 10:06

Oh, and either a black fitted top, or a coloured one, I have a few blouse options at least.

Dh has since told me that I won't be away from the boys for as long as he implied initially, which is less stressful for me, anyway (I don't know why that's stressful, he has two people doing the babysitting, and they're both people I absolutely trust.). My guts went a bit weird last night, which may have been stress about all this? Who knows. He'll tell me what the surprise is now, if I want, but I don't want that.

OP posts:
Bink · 10/01/2006 10:35

Agree, don't ask - and don't let him tell you.

Does he have a view on what you should wear? In these circs I'd let dh have a say - and he would say, well, some jewellery would be nice, just for once, perhaps?

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 10/01/2006 13:04

I have asked if corporate is the sort of look I should go for. It probably is, as I expect we're going somewhere in the City. Hmm, he might well like me wearing jewellery for a change, too. (Not makeup though, I don't need to ask to know that!)

At least I now feel I have options, I'll try the various outfits tonight and make a decision.

OP posts:
Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 11/01/2006 07:48

Hmm, DH has agreed my suit is probably the best idea. I'll certainly be more comfortable and relaxed in trousers, as I haven't worn a skirt in ... over a year? Maybe two?

I do miss wearing skirts though, so might change my mind.

OP posts:
lucy5 · 11/01/2006 08:38

Hope you have a lovely day! Let us know where you end up.

Bozza · 11/01/2006 08:45

OOh yes - don't forget to report back. Your DH sounds lovely to arrange this for you.

harpsichordcarrier · 11/01/2006 08:45

it's today it's today!
[excited]

nailpolish · 11/01/2006 08:49

oh yes have a great time!

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 11/01/2006 08:51

I think he is just stirring, re: passport requirement.

He's also muttering about us really just going to the British Library, so I can knit in peace, and he can read his book. (He's really enjoying Battle Royale at the moment.)

I'm pretty sure it's lunch out, Fat Duck if I'm really really lucky, somewhere nice in the City if I'm just moderately lucky.

It turns out he has two babysitters coming from ten, to take care of DS2. DS2 is 15 months, but isn't that much of a handful. I'm sure either of these people could cope with both of them just fine. (They're both family friends. They do know each other, and get on well.) I do fear they won't put DS2 down for his nap, as neither of them can stand the five minutes (max) of howling that will involve. But one day without a nap won't kill him.

OP posts:
nailpolish · 11/01/2006 08:54

dont worry

hell probably get spoilt

cant wait to hear all about it

harpsichordcarrier · 11/01/2006 08:54

OH GOD the British Library all day now that DOES sound like heaven
report back later NQC. I hope it's the Fat Duck because I think you hope it's the Fat Duck and I would love to hear if it lives up to the hype...

harpsichordcarrier · 11/01/2006 08:55

yes don't worry about the lo's
they will have a ball I bet with two people fussing over them

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