Just Fine and Dandy -- The Seersucker Social

Tags

fashion, Hillwood Estate, parties, seersucker, Seersucker Social 2012, social events, Vintage, Washington D.C.

Leigh and I were incredibly excited to attend our first Seersucker Social, especially since it came recommended by Leigh’s friend Victor as one of his favorite events of the year. Since Victor never seems to miss a good time or an opportunity to dress to the nines, we figured we were in for a treat.

Saturday’s event at the Hillwood Estate did not disappoint. The Georgian-style mansion and immaculate gardens were the perfect backdrop for an old-fashioned garden party. Our fellow partygoers certainly got into the spirit of the day in a stylish array of seersucker and vintage outfits. Walking past fountains and carefully groomed shrubbery, we felt like we’d died and gone to fashion heaven, finding ourselves suddenly surrounded by a sea of suits, bow ties, fedoras, silk gowns, colorful fascinators and, of course, seersucker. A good friend of mine often fantasizes about getting to dress the entire world for a day, and if she ever gets her wish, it might look something like the Seersucker Social! And what better compliment to the crowd of beautifully dressed people on a summer day than St. Germain cocktails (of which I only have second-hand accounts), picnics, and old-fashioned music and lawn games (Croquet, anyone?).

I had a serious challenge picking my own outfit for the day. My current maternity wardrobe doesn’t lean toward Gatsby-esque celebrations. So, after looking longingly at some dresses in my closet that would have been smashing back in the day when I had a waist, I did what any modern gal in need of new party frock would do. I got online and bought the only maternity seersucker sundress I could find. I was disappointed when the dress arrived to find that “seersucker” was just a fancy word for red and white striped cotton twill and that the dress ran big. At least I had my newly purchased Goorin Bros. straw cloche, which was just made for a 1920s afternoon party. Not without some regret, I passed over my tan Prada pumps for the eminently-more-practical-for-pregnant-feet espadrille wedges. A vintage red, carved cinnabar bead necklace rounded out the look.

Leigh had an easier time of it. His closet has been more or less waiting for this day for years. He looked even more dapper than usual in his blue and white striped rowing club blazer from Brooks Brothers, striped cotton knit tie (which, believe it or not, was actually his high school class tie), cream wool Ralph Lauren slacks, pink striped socks, and vintage brown and white spectators. Oh, and his brand new Panama hat. His outfit was such a smash that he spent most of the day posing for pictures and even got some press coverage from neonVmag.com and the Washingtonian.

All and all, it was a delightful day both for admiring the fashions and enjoying the company of great friends, new and old. We’ll definitely be at the Seersucker Social 2013, by which time I hope my vintage dresses and Prada pumps will be out of the closet and ready for their close-up.