Fall Chicago MeFi Formal
posted July 22, 2013 7:35 AM RSS | iCal | +googleCal
Sat September 28 at 5:00 PM, The Gage, The AIC, The Frog
24 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA (Map & Directions)
This past weekend, EamonDaly and McMikeNamera came up with a great idea -- a Fall Formal where we can put on our fancy duds and have a night on the town together.
Crush and I agreed that it's a great idea. Here's what we've come up with.
edited details!
edited details!
- It'll be on 9/28.
- If you're interested in dinner, we're having it at 5pm at The Gage, 24 S Michigan avenue. I want to make a reservation for us, so if you're attending, but skipping the gage, please let me know. Dinner will probably be done by 7.
- After dinner we'll walk over to the Art Institute of Chicago dressed to the Nines event. Tickets are $25 for nonmembers and $15 for members. You're responsible for getting your own ticket.
- We'll be doing the afterparty somewhere. Maybe at the frog, maybe somewhere else based on attendees preferences.
This does not appeal to me even in the slightest but that should in no way deter others.
I'd like to follow this in my recent activity, hence the comment.
Carry on.
posted by phunniemee at 7:48 AM on July 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'd like to follow this in my recent activity, hence the comment.
Carry on.
posted by phunniemee at 7:48 AM on July 22, 2013 [1 favorite]
"Okay, I suppose I'll go, but if I do, I think we'll have to get me a new suit, if that's okay," said Andy, this weekend, in the least believable argument he's ever made.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:19 AM on July 22, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:19 AM on July 22, 2013 [5 favorites]
I'm totally down for this. I love fancy dress.
posted by youngergirl44 at 12:12 AM on July 23, 2013
posted by youngergirl44 at 12:12 AM on July 23, 2013
What defines formal, in this case? and what sorts of activities did you all have in mind? As all of my cocktail dresses lack pockets, I lack imagination.
posted by Cold Lurkey at 7:07 AM on July 23, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Cold Lurkey at 7:07 AM on July 23, 2013 [1 favorite]
Ooh, maybe this one could be combined with the firing range trip. Just spitballin' here.
posted by phunniemee at 8:15 AM on July 23, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 8:15 AM on July 23, 2013 [5 favorites]
Maybe? Life has been pretty stupid of late, but man I like getting dressed up for fun things, and I'm pretty sure I could persuade baniak to go.
posted by bibliogrrl at 8:25 AM on July 23, 2013
posted by bibliogrrl at 8:25 AM on July 23, 2013
I have no suits that fit me anymore, but I am interested.
posted by baniak at 8:36 AM on July 23, 2013
posted by baniak at 8:36 AM on July 23, 2013
Well, the MCA does a Tuesdays on the Terrace thing through September and a First Friday thing all year. I think the Fridays are probably more cocktail-attire friendly. The Art Institute and the Aquarium have similar things.
But I'm sure Chicago has many alternatives. I mean, we could just go somewhere a little less fluorescently-lit than the Goat in our fancy pants.
posted by crush-onastick at 9:57 AM on July 23, 2013 [1 favorite]
But I'm sure Chicago has many alternatives. I mean, we could just go somewhere a little less fluorescently-lit than the Goat in our fancy pants.
posted by crush-onastick at 9:57 AM on July 23, 2013 [1 favorite]
I gotta say: I kind of like the idea of a Garb, Guns, & Goat party.
posted by eamondaly at 10:10 AM on July 23, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by eamondaly at 10:10 AM on July 23, 2013 [3 favorites]
I would be very interested in this!
posted by thelastpolarbear at 9:59 AM on July 24, 2013
posted by thelastpolarbear at 9:59 AM on July 24, 2013
I may use this as an excuse to buy a whimsical suit to contrast my standard issue black wedding/funeral suit. Make it so.
posted by deathpanels at 7:10 PM on July 28, 2013
posted by deathpanels at 7:10 PM on July 28, 2013
So hitting up a local museum for a part of our formal sounds pretty good to me.
At the MCA, they have First Fridays for $14 in advance on 9/6 or 10/4.
At the Shedd they have (the stupidly named) Jazzin' at the Shedd on 9/4 (the only september date) for $18, or more if we want to reserve seats in the 'Aqua Lounge'.
At the Art Institute, on 9/14 or 9/28 we can go to their Dressed to the Nines event to see look at their special exhibit on the fashion of Impressionism for $25.
At the MSI, there's a Casino Masquarade Ball on 9/21 that will be $160 (unless you get the early bird price in the next 2 days of $100).
Of the lot, I like the Art institute option, since it's affordable, and fancy dress. Combine this with a nice dinner ahead of time, and afterwards tracking down Mary Mac and Virgil for drinks/karaoke/awkward dancing, and that sounds like a formal to me. Though maybe we invite them along to have fun with us instead. What do you guys think? Museum or something else?
posted by garlic at 8:45 PM on July 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
Of the lot, I like the Art institute option, since it's affordable, and fancy dress. Combine this with a nice dinner ahead of time, and afterwards tracking down Mary Mac and Virgil for drinks/karaoke/awkward dancing, and that sounds like a formal to me. Though maybe we invite them along to have fun with us instead. What do you guys think? Museum or something else?
posted by garlic at 8:45 PM on July 29, 2013 [1 favorite]
I vote for the AIC. Members, like me, can get tix for $15. I don't know how many, but I'll find out.
posted by crush-onastick at 9:14 AM on July 30, 2013
posted by crush-onastick at 9:14 AM on July 30, 2013
I am all for any of those, but also think I prefer the Art Institute one. If we do that, I think I'd prefer the 28th because I think Andy bought tickets for something the 14th, but that may be my imagination, so let me check.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 11:19 AM on July 30, 2013
posted by MCMikeNamara at 11:19 AM on July 30, 2013
I love this idea-- I think the MCA or AIC would be lovely choices... though, I am bit biased with a lifetime membership at AIC...
posted by TardisCompanion at 2:02 PM on August 5, 2013
posted by TardisCompanion at 2:02 PM on August 5, 2013
The AIC it is, on 9/28 because I'm slow at getting this rolling. Dinner at the Gage? Before (like 5?) or after (like 8:30?)
posted by garlic at 7:32 AM on August 7, 2013
posted by garlic at 7:32 AM on August 7, 2013
Ooh, this sounds like good times! I knew there was a reason I didn't toss my old bridesmaid dress when I moved.
posted by Fig at 10:54 AM on August 14, 2013
posted by Fig at 10:54 AM on August 14, 2013
This sounds so great! And like a wonderful excuse to go thrifting ahead of time to boot. I'll probably skip dinner but am down for the event & an afterparty.
posted by deliciae at 11:12 PM on August 14, 2013
posted by deliciae at 11:12 PM on August 14, 2013
Making the dinner reservation in the next day or two. I plan on reserving spots for all the yeses minus deliciae. So if you're a maybe and you're dining with us, let me know ASAP.
posted by garlic at 8:09 AM on August 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by garlic at 8:09 AM on August 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Reservations made for 13 at the Gage. If you need to drop out, or want to come to the dinner, give me a shout and we'll adjust the reservation as necessary.
posted by garlic at 11:28 AM on August 23, 2013
posted by garlic at 11:28 AM on August 23, 2013
You should be able to get your Art Institute tickets here. If that link is funky, click on buy tickets, then on 9/28 here.
posted by garlic at 11:34 AM on August 23, 2013
posted by garlic at 11:34 AM on August 23, 2013
I plan to buy my ticket today (MONDAY THE 9th). I have a membership and can pick up a discounted ticket for you if you want one. just shoot me a memail or an email or a tweet or comment here or whatever.
posted by crush-onastick at 7:56 AM on September 9, 2013
posted by crush-onastick at 7:56 AM on September 9, 2013
I'm using my best friend's membership to buy my ticket at the end of this week - I think I can get two, so if anyone else has yet to get theirs and wants the discounted rate, let me know.
posted by deliciae at 8:54 PM on September 9, 2013
posted by deliciae at 8:54 PM on September 9, 2013
Now I need a hat. Or shoes. Or something to wear.
posted by crush-onastick at 8:18 AM on September 10, 2013
posted by crush-onastick at 8:18 AM on September 10, 2013
Mr. Fig and I got our tickets ... And I somewhat surprisingly fit into an old bridesmaid dress, so all I need is some shoes.
posted by Fig at 10:59 AM on September 10, 2013
posted by Fig at 10:59 AM on September 10, 2013
For the men: a brief tutorial on getting fancy.
posted by eamondaly at 12:03 PM on September 10, 2013
posted by eamondaly at 12:03 PM on September 10, 2013
Dude #1 in your tutorial is my spirit animal.
posted by Cold Lurkey at 5:21 PM on September 20, 2013
posted by Cold Lurkey at 5:21 PM on September 20, 2013
garlic, I hope you are planning on wearing some open-toe shoes to show that off. Awesome.
(do open-toe male dress shoes exist? Maybe something European?)
posted by Fig at 10:18 AM on September 23, 2013
(do open-toe male dress shoes exist? Maybe something European?)
posted by Fig at 10:18 AM on September 23, 2013
hahahahahaha is that Koi Pondering???
posted by phunniemee at 10:22 AM on September 23, 2013
posted by phunniemee at 10:22 AM on September 23, 2013
Looks more like Sturm and Drang to me.
posted by crush-onastick at 10:57 AM on September 23, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by crush-onastick at 10:57 AM on September 23, 2013 [1 favorite]
It's Koi Pondering. I'm A) terrible at pictures, and B) terrible at nail painting so any flaws are mine and not the polish.
posted by garlic at 2:04 PM on September 23, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by garlic at 2:04 PM on September 23, 2013 [1 favorite]
So, I'm trying on my dress and my bangles and my hat thing. And I say to mr. onastick, "So, should I add the feathers to the hat? I mean, the small fluffy ones, not the big long ones. Those are over-the-top, right?" and he says "Of course they are. You should totally add them."
posted by crush-onastick at 8:45 AM on September 24, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by crush-onastick at 8:45 AM on September 24, 2013 [4 favorites]
I wish I could come but this stinking third shift schedule has screwed up everything social for me. Someone take pictures!
posted by sldownard at 3:10 PM on September 25, 2013
posted by sldownard at 3:10 PM on September 25, 2013
Victoria and I were planning on attending the dinner portion of this, but we're unfortunately going to have to back out. Have fun with your fancy selves!
posted by Zaximus at 7:36 AM on September 28, 2013
posted by Zaximus at 7:36 AM on September 28, 2013
I don't have anything to wear but I am still planning in showing up.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:08 AM on September 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:08 AM on September 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
My dress is hanging in the closet mocking me, but I'm not going to make it tonight after all. So bummed. Hope everyone has a blast, though.
posted by deliciae at 10:29 AM on September 28, 2013
posted by deliciae at 10:29 AM on September 28, 2013
Everybody who can't make it tonight can make it up to me by coming to the meetup on Wednesday.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 12:05 PM on September 28, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 12:05 PM on September 28, 2013 [3 favorites]
So, it's like a 60% chance of rain between 11:00pm and 3:00 am. I don't *really* want to carry my raincoat, but rain will completely ruin my dress. It's a pickle.
posted by crush-onastick at 12:41 PM on September 28, 2013
posted by crush-onastick at 12:41 PM on September 28, 2013
Mr. Fig and I are on I-90 now. Traffic is terrible. We will be approx 20 mins late. What name is the reservation under? We will meet you all there.
posted by Fig at 2:42 PM on September 28, 2013
posted by Fig at 2:42 PM on September 28, 2013
Reservation under my name, Dave stanford. We're at the bar.
posted by garlic at 2:55 PM on September 28, 2013
posted by garlic at 2:55 PM on September 28, 2013
That was super-fun, and clearly headed toward more fun after we had to bail. Yay!
posted by eamondaly at 9:04 PM on September 28, 2013
posted by eamondaly at 9:04 PM on September 28, 2013
We stumbled upon a trolley parked on Ravenswood on our way home and the driver asked us if we were looking to board. The key to access in life is apparently a top hat. Now you know.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 10:02 PM on September 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 10:02 PM on September 28, 2013 [2 favorites]
This was a great concept with fantastic execution. Mr. Fig and I both had a lot of fun.
posted by Fig at 6:05 AM on September 29, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by Fig at 6:05 AM on September 29, 2013 [3 favorites]
I keep checking, but ARTIC has not updated their Flickr feed yet, so there are NO PICTURES OF OUR PLUSH ATTIRE. Nor Mike's hat.
posted by crush-onastick at 8:10 AM on September 30, 2013
posted by crush-onastick at 8:10 AM on September 30, 2013
I was just looking for us too... maybe later this afternoon or tomorrow. I did, however, run across a picture of a guy that I used to work with who retired 5-6 years ago, which was surprising.
posted by Fig at 8:34 AM on September 30, 2013
posted by Fig at 8:34 AM on September 30, 2013
I just came in here to ask about the pictures because we didn't get a card and didn't know where they would be. I typically hate pictures of myself, but Andy is really on my case about it.
And though there are many benefits to having a partner who doesn't get on your case about much, in the rare case when it does happen, I jump.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 10:55 AM on September 30, 2013
And though there are many benefits to having a partner who doesn't get on your case about much, in the rare case when it does happen, I jump.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 10:55 AM on September 30, 2013
They all seem like perfectly lovely people, but I am getting tired of seeing the faces of the NOT-WE from early events in the Art Institute's Flickr stream.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 11:50 AM on October 2, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 11:50 AM on October 2, 2013 [2 favorites]
Damn, we are a fine-looking bunch of Internet people. So fancy!
posted by Fig at 3:56 PM on October 3, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Fig at 3:56 PM on October 3, 2013 [2 favorites]
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by garlic at 7:38 AM on July 22, 2013 [1 favorite]