A Time To Dress Up?

By Nikki Turner - June 1, 2008 at 8:45am EDT

We went to see Erykah Badu a little while ago. It was a last minute thing, so I was struggling to find just the right thing to wear…because I have so many fabulous things that are waiting in the wings for just the right event, it wasn’t an easy decision. I figured I needed to dress up since the show was at the Landmark Theatre, and not to mention, my date was rather dapper and very handsome. So you know I needed to make sure what I rocked, would compliment him as well.

At first I was considering this fabulous brown blinged out dress, but I changed my mind and decided to put this. Yes!! Your eyes are not deceiving you: It’s a Black leather halter with a hood since it was raining a little on and off outside. (Gotta protect the hair at all cost) Notice the matching pencil skirt and I couldn't half step when it came to my feet - so I’m sure it’s no surprise that my shoes were just as hot at the outfit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: I'm not bragging or boasting. I'm just trying to paint the picutre so you can really feel what I am saying.

Okay, so because there was a little drizzle, he let me out at the door while he found a parking space. I waited by the door and watched for him as the people hurried in. When I started looking around I quickly realized that I was EXTREMELY over dressed compared to the rest of the crowd. As I waited, I continued to watch the people come in; girls wearing jeans and t-shirts; guys were pretty much the same. Later as I sat in my seat during the 58 minute intermission after the Roots went off and before Erykah came on, I observed and began to wonder what ever happened to people dressing up at shows? I mean what’s worthy of your best these days?

I remember back in the day when going out to a show was a BIG deal! I mean, you'd get all dressed up, hair all fly and not a thing would be out of place. Like I remembered my first show- it was 5th grade - New Edition: The Candy Girl Tour. Even today, I still remember what I wore - I was decked out in a pin striped knickerbocker suit with a white shirt. (Thank GOD my momma will not give me that picture out of the photo album - other wise I'd have that bad boy posted right up here!) Boy you couldn't tell me nothing! Then I remember when Heavy D and the Boyz came to the Arthur Ashe Center… WHAT!!! Me and my girl Angie Fife put lots of thought into our little red and white Coca-Cola outfits with the little mini skirt and tights (yes back in the day). That was 7th grade. Then "THE RADIO" tour, Beastie Boys, Run D.M.C, (what yall young bucks know about that?) The "All For Love" tour my Aunt Brenda took me out shopping and made sure I had the "freshest outfit.". By the way thanks Aunt Bren for holding me down on the fashion tip - back in the day! I swear those are the little things that made an impact in a girl's life! Those were the days - then as I got older and could buy my own stuff, going to a concert was always a big deal.

What happened to people dressing up when shows came? I do understand with jeans being so accepted everywhere - you can dress them up, don't get me wrong, I mean I wear cute jeans and a sexy top and call it a day almost every day, but along with everything being so casual nowadays from come as you are to church, restaurants-even eating out has become so informal, not to mention going to funerals where people are paying their respects in jeans! (Okay, I’m done!) But still, I ask, when do we dress up?

Now that I think about it, me and my Aunt Tee were both a bit overdressed at the Mary J show too, but I didn't feel out of place because for Gods sake we were at a true diva's concert. So in closing- though I'm always in jeans too I do feel that we need more places where we can dress up- more balls, etc, and formal events in our community.

I really need to go get some rest been on tour all week (check tour diary for details) and now its gonna feel good to finally sleep in my own bed tonight.

NT out!