as I now have a new family...

fangsiting

Tea bag earrings?http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13620462

andyandhillary

Not a fan of pearls, Alexia?  Really though I think they are a good staple if you are unsure of what to wear.  I have never looked at a girl wearing pearls and thought "wow, what a classless skankbot".  I dunno.  Just my opinion.*looks down at outfit and sees gray suit,pink button down, and pearls*.  Dammit. 

andyandhillary

Haha fang at one of our events a woman wore those and asked me what I thought of them.  I think I said, "Well those are.............fun!"  yeah.

AlexiaANDRobert

Actually, I personally love pearls and am wearing mine right now. I just think the blanket statement "Every Republican loves pearls" is a little ridiculous.

mandapanda78

*looks down at outfit and sees gray suit,pink button down, and pearls*. Hillary now I will know it's you if I spot you on the Metro later!! Just kidding. Hey, what neighborhood do you work in by the way?

andyandhillary

I was half kidding.  Playing into the stereotype.  Clearly not all republican love pearls just like not all democrats loves Hillary Clinton's rainbow of suits.  (kidding btw)

andyandhillary

I work at the Navy Memorial/Archives. 

ivystar57

ten, I guess I should be more clear.  I support the family.  They are moderate and I do agree with them on the fiscal policies their campaign is based on.  We are having a serious issue with our state finances right now and I feel that should be the focus on the campaign.  I am very liberal in my social views and my ILs are not super conserivative on issues like gay marriage.  Since we've already legalized gay marriage in VT, I'm not feeling as though this will necessarily be an issue during the campaign.

carrieoz_76

I don't know that the party matters so much as that you need to look professional since you're affiliated with a political candidate.  If you were told to wear business attire, then slacks and a jacket with a button-up or other top underneath should do fine.

ivystar57

I should note that there is a noticable difference along party lines in the way women dress here.  Maybe it's not PC of me to say that.  But I'm pretty sure you can guess that the person with the crazy jewelry and tie dye scarves is NOT the republican in the room.I really wasn't trying to be nasty or pin a certain type of clothing on one party or another, just recognizing that I may not necessarily have the same clothing in my closet as a bunch of middle-aged conservatives.  Sorry if I offended.  And I like my pearls very much.

tenofcups4me

:-) Ok, so that's pretty different than my initial impression. Honest answer: I'd wear a skirt suit or something comparable (skirt with jacket, dress with jacket, etc.), erring on the more conservative side, not cos they're Republicans, but because it's politics in general.

vallyhoo

*clutches pearls* I love mine, too, Ivyface. Just drive your tank into the dinner and that will be a great icebreaker.

temerityjane

I'm a Republican and I wasn't offended in seriousness. One, I totally wouldn't know what to wear, because honestly, you just can't take me anywhere. And two? Stereotypes exist for a reason and there is nothing wrong with not wanting to make a wardrobe "mistake" of sorts that would leave you feeling conspicuous and uncomfortable.

ivystar57

TJ, I don't want to make my family look bad either!  I mean, this campaign is really important to them.  I realize my wardrobe won't make or break the vote, but it would be good for them not to be shunned by their peers because I look like a fool. note to self: take tank to carwash before dinner.

temerityjane

ivy - I look it as the same kind of thing as me asking Buddy what I should wear to Thanksgiving with his family. I don't want to look like the weird thumb.

mandapanda78

TJ I jokingly asked the Googles about "Republican Pants" and I kid you not I came up with this article about the official clothing line of the RNC. http://www.startribune.com/18900229.html

squirrly

You're a better person than I am.  A true Republican thing, I couldn't go to.  If it were just a family party and they happen to BE Republican, I'd just keep eating cookies or play with the kids.

ivystar57

ok now that is hilarious.

virtualblonde27

OK - I can help with this as I am a Republican fundraiser (gasp!) As 'business' attire is suggested, the outfit you suggested would be fine. I often wear dresses and nice shoes.I do not own pearls. At an event last week, I wore a black v neck sweater dress, fishnet stockings (I'm british) and 3 inch heels.Honestly, you get an array of outfit styles at most events so i think you will be fine. Is the dinner for a local candidate (these tend to be a little less dressy BUT sometimes someone will think it's a black tie dinner and wear a ballgown)?Hope that helps!FWIW, there will probably be some crazies (are at every event) - usually identified by rhinestone pins.

mandapanda78

Wait, what? You can wear fishnets if you're British? But what can Australians wear??

Calypso1977

id wear a suit.

ivystar57

Blonde, thanks for the info   It's the GOP Fall dinner.  I don't know what that means hahagreat... MIL just told me I have to take my outfit up a notch.  apparently she is wearing a silk suit.

missy68

Ivy, report back on how it went and what you wear!PS:  I also like my pearls:

Calypso1977

ivy - i've actually been to this dinner.  i heard Barbara Bush speak one year - it was at sugarbush. you will have a great time.  who's the keynote?

ivystar57

Calypso, it was last night.  I posted an update earlier this morning.  It was ok.  But not my favorite event of all time.  Certainly a learning experience. Keynote was Ari Fleischer.

SarahSmile23

the misinformation about Republicans in this thread astounds me. you realize we aren't aliens, right? we are people. all the lame ladies who say they wouldnt attend the event are the problem with this country. since when is it bad to understand what the other side believes? i'd never donate to a democrat, but i'd go to an event in a heartbeat to understand their goals and beliefs. the ignorance kills me.that said, i went to a *gasp* REPUBLICAN event last night. (marco rubio for FL senate 2010!) i wore dark grey dress pants, a navy Ann Taylor Loft sweater, and a lime green/blue scarf. i'm wearing a similar outfit to a movie tonight with friends because i am going directly from work. basically, dressing like a republican = dressing like a human.

AlexiaANDRobert

Sarah, are you sure you didn't wear pearls???  We all love 'em!

SarahSmile23

actually, i wear pearl studs every day. so i did wear pearls. golly gee, i MUST be one of those dad-gum REPUBLICANS. quarantine me quickly or i might infect you!

ivystar57

Sarah, lame ladies?  I really hope your comments are not pointed in my direction.  I went for several reasons and I asked what I should wear for several reasons.  And like I said before, I'm not trying to offend anyone with my question.  I didn't want to look like a jackass and embarass my family at a public event, especially during an election year.  This was my first big event (I've been to a smaller social event before).  AND maybe you should read my follow up.  I did learn things about myself and the republican party.  I'm not claiming to know tons about politics.  This is a learning experience for me.  I don't see what's wrong with that. 

goheels05

I guess I just find it kind of mind-boggling that you can support something you obviously don't believe in. I get family ties and I'm all about family support. But to me it would be the height of hypocrisy to publicly support values and goals that were in direct conflict to my own. I wouldn't do it.Really?  It's mind-boggling to support your husband and inlaws just because you aren't of the same political persuasion?  Wow. That's what's wrong with politics in this country.  People like you can't even be civil towards someone who has well-supported and well-thought out beliefs if they are different than your own.