The Bravo A-List Awards Show

So, I went to the taping of the Bravo A-List Awards Show in Manhattan last night. My invitation read "cocktail attire," but by the looks of some of the attendees, it made me wonder what their invitation said. If you were wondering, cocktail attire for women generally means a short dress, think LBD, and a dark suit for men. I donned a cute, black knee-length dress with side pockets that I dressed up with dramatic jewelry.

In one of the fashion capitals of the world, you would think people would be more tasteful in their wardrobe selection. For crying out loud, they could be seen on national TV! There were men in jeans and Chuck Taylors; electric blue suits designed for another era and some in tuxes with tails. I swear I saw a woman in a chocolate-colored velvet ball gown on a night when it was 80 degrees outside. One woman wore a sequined dress that was more appropriate for the Emmy's.

When I was waiting for a friend about a block from the Hammerstein Ballroom where the event was held, a woman in  floor-length peach dress with a matching wrap gracefully thrown over her shoulder passed me. She could have stepped in as a bridesmaid for any spring wedding. "I wonder where she's going," I thought. Guess who was in line for the show when I arrive? The bridesmaid!

While I glanced at the colorful crowd, I thought maybe I was being too harsh - part of the fun with fashion is being creative and comfortable in your clothes. I got a good laugh at some of the folks that night, but as long as they smiled at their reflection in the mirror before they left the house, that's all that matter. I know I did.