The Great Annual Antique Sale

Last fall, you may recall that just before I left for my annual pilgrimmage to the antique sale, unbenownst to me, my better half repacked my suitcase.  She replaced the spare pair of denim leggings I had packed (matching the pair I was wearing) with several nicely labeled plastic bags, each containing one of Mom's stirrup outfits - which no longer fit her, but fit me perfectly.  (The better half had "rescued" them and added to my wardrobe when Mom's house was being sold.) Since I have a tendency to spill things, this little change made it almost impossible to avoid ending up in stirrup leggings and ballerinas during my days at the show. 

I really got lucky, and was able to avoid it - though barely.  Even though I loved wearing Mom's outfits to the nursing home and for everyday use, back then "something" was keeping me from wearing them to the sale - I would have been extremely self-conscious in front of all those people who have seen me for a long time...

This year, after all the better half's medical issues and her recent display of angst, she did nothing about "repacking my suitcase."  So, I decided to take matters into my own hands, and prepared my own "encore."  The only spare outfits I included were Mom's stirrups and tops, and I wore my trusty ballerinas.  Well, "only" isn't exactly true; I also brought my skirts and tops along, as well as my high heeled Mary Janes - my evening (and only spare) shoes.  

I left the house Friday morning in Mom's gray stirrup leggings and burgundy polo top with my ballerinas, and I'll be wearing a different pair of her gray stirrups and a navy blue top when I get home Sunday night. I think the past year in almost total androgynous mode has helped me conquer most of my "being self-conscious at the show" demons, and not having any pants other than my stirrup leggings made "backpedaling" impossible.  So, in for a penny, in for a pound.  

Friday was completely comment-free.  Well, comment-free, except for the attractive female desk clerk at the Crowne Plaza, who had commented "I love your gorgeous nails, hon" when I checked in.   But nothing about my pants (at least at that point.)   So, on the way back to the room after going out to a local eatery for dinner (an uneventful meal, without pronoun use by the server, but many glances from a couple of late-teen girls out with their dates and seated way across the room,)  I stopped by the front desk, wearing my tan tiered skirt with blue floral blouse, and MJ heels.  The desk clerk smiled broadly when she recognized me and we chatted a few minutes, since she wasn't busy.  Topics included my skirt outfit and nails...  "You look so very pretty in that outfit - you know you really should have been wearing it all day today, instead of pants."  I thanked her and said I'd have preferred that, too.  "But pants really were more appropriate for unloading boxes from a car."

She then confided that I have a beautiful head start on a set of long, sexy fingernails, so I shouldn't let the tech cut them.  When I told her my tech feels that same way, and is "growing my nails out" by not trimming them with each fill, she was very pleased. "You'll look and feel so elegant with inch-long nails.  Be sure to ask her to start using red acrylic - it's the ideal color for you.  And once it's on, it stays on through normal wear and tear.  That'll keep your mani perfect from fill to fill!" Then she explained that she has short, unpolished nails now that she has two kids and no time or money for nail care...but someday "my nails will be as pretty as yours!"

I asked her if she would mind taking my picture in the lobby, and she was quite enthusiastic about it...in fact, she took several.  And if she's working Saturday night, she volunteered to take another picture if I wish...   Ahem, yes - if she's there,  I definitely will "wish."  

Saturday, my second day at the sale in stirrups and ballerinas, was another uneventful day,  though a couple of men who didn't know me addressed me as "Ma'am."  And, a male staffer who was introducing a bunch of us to new people in attendance, introduced me (intentionally, I suspect) as a female, to a group of ladies. He didn't stumble over it - he said it, then kept right on with his talk.   Subsequently during the day, several of the visiting ladies with questions, came up to me and asked me (instead of men standing nearby).  I was happy to help them, and it kept me in a female state of mind....   Overall, women just seemed a bit friendlier today, with me now looking more feminine.

I cheerfully admit to "watching the clock" till it was time to go back to the hotel.  Unfortunately, plans for a meetup with a girl who blogs here just did not work out, and a  last-minute dinner meetup with my acquaintance from work fell apart today due to a just-hospitalized parent, so it was going to be another "dinner alone."  I made the best of it, and even found a park near the restaurant to get a picture of tonight's outfit.

The greeter and the waitstaff at Applebees addressed me properly as a female, and I got great service from everyone (which merited a bigger than normal tip.)  Unfortunately, the friendly hotel desk clerk I spoke with the night before was off duty, so I didn't get one of her "photo sessions."  So, back to my room after dinner, where I snapped a quickie pic of my outfit without a sweater....sorry it's not a bit sharper.  But you 'get the picture...'

My Mary Janes are undoubtedly the most comfortable heels I've worn.  It's like they were made just for me...there are no unsightly gaps.  With the comfortable strap, there's no chance whatsoever that I'll accidentally step out of them. And the heels are wide enough that they're very stable...I haven't twisted my ankles!  Yes, my feet still complain a bit when I wear them...but I think it's because they're not used to being in heels.  I'm really looking forward to the day when I can just put them on in the morning (instead of my ballerinas) and go about my business all day, and all evening too, without having to change them! 

Up early on Daylight Saving Time Ending Sunday - the last day.  No skirts today at all...will be androgynous all day.  I'll be heading directly home when the gig is over.

It was an uneventful day...no issues whatsoever.   And, I had an absolutely fabulous time!  (More vacation posts will follow shortly...)