Miss America 2009
February 04, 2009
Ok, so you all know the deal, right?
A handful of housewives get together in evening dresses and watch The Pageant. Thriftstore dresses. Too much makeup. Over the top jewels. Heels. Lots and lots of hairspray. Fancy food and drinks. Tons of laughter.
You can't say I didn't warn you.
Also, I am STILL waiting (AHEM) on photos from others from that night, but I wanted to keep this blog post timely, so you'll have to do with the 13 decent shots that ended up on my camera:
I am, what, 18 weeks? here, drinking bubbly cider and finally filling out the top portion of a dress. The goal is to be tacky and over the top, and this year I didn't get There, because I was challenged in the fitting department, what with the growing belly and all. I figured being with child at a pageant was tacky enough. (Dress, $4.50.) The big Ol' golden necklace gave it some flair though.
Now, for my sister.
This was the 3rd dress she tried on and we could go no further. It was so awful and perfect at the same time. It's a Gunne Sax, probably circa 1980, and it has bows everywhere. She isn't wearing the HUGE sash at the waist in this photo, which is a shame. It is about 5 inches wide and flounces over her rear. To know Kim is to also know that this is SO NOT her, which was even better. (Is it anyone?) And we made ringlets. We couldn't decide whether it was more Scarlett O'hara or Little Bo Peep. Or a really bad Footloose prom dress. Anyway, it was golden. (Dress, $3.50) She also isn't wearing her pageant sash yet, because this is pre-party. She was Miss Cellaneous.
For the rest of the party pics, here is a link to the private photos on flickr. I will expire the link in a few days, but not before you all get your fill. Enjoy.
Oh my goodness. I want to come to your party. Please? I still have my 10th grade prom dress. Iridescent green/black taffeta.
Posted by: Joanne (The Simple Wife) | February 04, 2009 at 05:46 PM
That is too funny! I love the miss... sashes what a great idea. Your sisters dress reminds me of a friend of mine who double dated the prom with me back in 1983 -- her dress even had a big hoop...mmmmmm, it was special even back then.
Posted by: Mary | February 04, 2009 at 06:06 PM
Yeah, you lose. You look entirely too perfect.
Your sister though, oh Lord. Look at those rocking girls she has going on. Love it.
Posted by: Amanda | February 04, 2009 at 06:47 PM
Oh, my darling. Thank you for the belly laugh at the end of this hideous day.
And nice cleavage. :)
Posted by: laeroport | February 04, 2009 at 06:49 PM
Oh my, tell you little sis I am chuckling! No, really it was a belly laugh! Looks like good friends, good times and good memories!
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 04, 2009 at 06:59 PM
Ummmm....why do I seriously think you both look gorgeous?! haha. Whatever, thrift store :). Fun party!
Posted by: dana | February 04, 2009 at 07:04 PM
It is *very* little bo peep, and it totally made me laugh.
Posted by: Sarah | February 04, 2009 at 07:41 PM
What FUN!!! What a great idea. Maybe I'll try it next year!
Posted by: Mrs. DD | February 04, 2009 at 08:00 PM
I LOVE it!!! 100% totally jelous I wasn't there..
Posted by: Pretty Mama's 'lil sis | February 04, 2009 at 09:35 PM
OH wow your sister's dress! LOL
What a fun party! You look fab!
Posted by: Staci | February 05, 2009 at 01:09 AM
That just looks like so much fun! Wish I had a part ty like that to go to! You look stunning! :)
Posted by: Astrid | February 05, 2009 at 02:16 AM
You're looking nice actually. Didn't fulfill the criteria of being "over the top", I see! Haha! Your sister's dress, however, is classic!
Posted by: Puva | February 05, 2009 at 05:33 AM
My oh my! Those totally made my day. Fantastic!!!
And you, by the way, look absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: caroline | February 05, 2009 at 06:21 AM
What a great idea! It looks like you all had the best time! I should try to get my girlfriends to do something like this. I know some of them would just blow my mind away with what they could come up with :)
Posted by: CathyC | February 05, 2009 at 08:08 AM
I would agree that you looked fantastic- maybe if it would have had a mermaid dress bottom you could have competed in the outragous dress catagory. I made that Butternick 5119 for Valentine's Day for my girls I'll post pics when I get the other two done today!
Posted by: Jesse | February 05, 2009 at 09:37 AM
Those were too funny, what a fun tradition! You look so pretty and I love how you match your background there. Your sister looks hilarious, love it!
Posted by: Cindy | February 05, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Someone once paid more than $3.50 for that dress...
Yep, you didn't get There - you're looking far too good.
Posted by: UK lass in US | February 05, 2009 at 12:19 PM
That's fantastic! I love the concept of your get together. Brilliant!
Posted by: Jen@thecottagenest | February 05, 2009 at 12:45 PM
You are radiant, Chris. Just beautiful.
Years ago (before I was married), my roommate and I hosted a 70's party. We both had on long gowns. And false eyelashes. Sweet.
Unfortunately, most of the thrift stores in our area don't carry such fine gowns anymore. The few they might have are far too expensive when just playing around.
Posted by: lera | February 05, 2009 at 01:26 PM
Oh my gosh! Too funny! It is fabulous that you and your friends do something so outrageously fun! Great job and keep the fun times going!
Posted by: joan | February 05, 2009 at 03:37 PM
you guys are so funny, but i must say, you all look amazing! sounds like such a fun party!
Posted by: katie | February 05, 2009 at 07:05 PM
I gave you an "award" on my blog:)
Posted by: stephanie | February 05, 2009 at 08:26 PM
You all are way too funny!
Posted by: Lisa | February 05, 2009 at 08:40 PM
you are cracking me up!!!! beautiful preggo mama!
Posted by: Jade | February 06, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Those sashes are hilarious! It looks like you all had a fantastic time. I'm still giggling...
Posted by: Liz | February 07, 2009 at 06:20 PM
That looks like so much fun! You look so cute in that picture!
Posted by: Carrie | February 11, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Too cute! I love the idea! I have high hopes that my girls will enjoy doing things like this with each other when they are adult(ish).
Posted by: Gina E | February 11, 2009 at 05:58 PM
That sounds like the funnest party idea EVERY! I am going to have to borrow it!
Posted by: Lorie | February 15, 2009 at 06:47 PM
oh what fun! i guess if i have the party, i'm set with the trophies. i was on a bowling league and we were gunning for the last place trophy, but for some reason they didn't give one out that year.
drat.
thanks for reading!
b @ mtss
Posted by: Brian | March 08, 2009 at 01:36 PM