A silver lining of quarantine has been that I can wear anything I want without worrying about meeting some kind of dress code. For a given event – knowing that it’ll be virtual, present times being what they are – I can imagine exactly what I’d like to wear and know that there’s no way I’ll be turned away at the door. Not that I ever have been turned away. Perhaps that prudence which kept me in line with hosts and ushers has evaporated in these dry times of staying at home. Because upon reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that had I gone to the actual opera house on Saturday in my bustier and leather pants, I’d likely be turned away. Come to think of it, this opera outfit would have been turned away as well – thank God for streaming at home.
Thankfully, the “opera house” was really a Zoom meeting with my bestie Claire, and we both dressed up for the occasion (duh – have you met me? haha). A rosé in her hand, a cocktail in mine, we watched SF Opera’s Manon together, all three hours of it, each second of drama, sudden deaths, salacious sopranos, and tenors frothing with impassioned jealousy. While I miss going to the actual opera house, nothing beats being snarky and giggly with a girlfriend on a Saturday night. Our vocal praises of a supporting cast member’s purple pantsuit would not have been appreciated in the opera balcony, now would they?
Bustier and Leather Pants
I’ve been in love with these pants for awhile. Frankly, they remind me of a fairytale heroine who stole her boyfriend’s trousers. What’s not to love about that?
Due to the bulk of the pants – they have pleats, guys – whatever happened above the belly button needed to be minimal. I had a bustier from Vicky Hush Hush lying around (don’t we all?) and after much trial and error, it won out over a host of bodysuits, corsets, crop tops, and bralettes. It added a hint of old-world glamour and a tad of texture to the whole (as we say in Portuguese) production and zero bulk.
Same for hair and jewelry – everything minimal to avoid sensory overkill. I wanted the silhouette to be the star, complimented by glowing skin (Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is the hero of this post) and warm, terracotta makeup. I have to say, I loved the result!
Have a lovely week,
love,
Stig
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