I love getting dressed up. I love having an excuse to experiment with makeup, actually blow dry my hair and dig out those dresses collecting dust in the back of my closet. But like most moms, “fancy” nights out aren’t exactly common – and if they do happen at all, it’s usually because we’re going to a wedding or some other family event … not on a date.
That’s why I’ve been dying with anticipation looking forward to last Saturday since, well, the spring. Why? That’s when we bought tickets to see Wicked (the untold story of the Witches of Oz) at the Boston Opera House.
I have been wanting to see Wicked for years. I frequently torture my family (sorry, guys) with my off-key renditions of “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” (trust me, I’m no Idina Menzel) and I’ve always loved the “Wizard of Oz” story (even if I couldn’t get through the book “Wicked”). And, admittedly, I’m a total fan of musical theater (just wish those tickets weren’t so pricey!?).
So we decided going to see “Wicked” in the city was the perfect excuse to plan a “fancy date night.” We made dinner reservations at one of our favorite “grown up” restaurants in Boston (Bistro du Midi, overlooking the Boston Common, which I highly recommend) and hooked up Mimi and Buddy (who had been battling a fever all week, poor guy) with a sleepover with Nana and Papa (thanks, Mom and Dad!).
Of course, I used this an an excuse to shed my typical work and mom gear. First step? Hair.
The folks at Be Styled, a blow dry lounge with several locations in the Boston area, recently invited me to try them out and there was no way I was turning down that opportunity – especially with a “fancy date night” circled in red on my calendar.
I love this concept: you go in and for $35 you get a professional blow out or style. This works for me because I wear my hair one of three ways: flat ironed for work (since I’m lazy), wavy with my growing-out bangs pinned back (because I’m lazy) and a pony or messy bun on the weekend (because I’m lazy). Truthfully, I don’t have the slightest clue how to make my hair look nice and polished for a night on the town.
I chatted with my stylist Alexa at Be Styled’s Wellesley location and we took a look at an iPad with pictures of some of their most popular styles, which ran the gamut from sleek and straight to soft and romantic – and everything in between.
Because my hair has a natural wave to begin with, we decided on a swirly/soft combo. She washed my hair with some yummy-smelling Kerastase hair products, and I took my seat at the bar, sipped a cappuccino and watched one of my favorite romantic comedies, “How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days.” Alexa worked her magic, first with the hair dryer and brush, and then with a curling iron.
When she turned me around, I was in love. I have never seen my hair look so nice! And she got those awkward bangs to look decent.
I only wish I got a photo from behind! I think I was in too much shock to think clearly. My hair felt so bouncy and, not to sound completely dorky, but it gave me a little extra spring in my step. I would definitely go back if I had a wedding or other evening event to go to. It was fun being pampered!
Next on the list? Clothes. Okay, the thrifty gal in me is pretty proud of this outfit. I thought it came together really well and … drum roll please … the whole thing cost less than $100!
Yup.
I got the dress on sale at LOFT a few weeks ago for $29.99 and I adore it. You know when you find a dress that just fits (and flatters) perfectly? This is it. Plus the color is fantastic (and cobalt is one of the hot colors for fall, so I can’t wait to pair this with black tights and a cardi in the fall/winter).
I added a necklace I also got at LOFT back in the spring for $20, gold hoop earrings from Target for $5, a cocktail ring from Charming Charlie’s for $10, a Coach clutch I bought off Ebay for $25 and gold Nine West shoes I borrowed from my best friend.
Total cost? $99.99.
We enjoyed a delicious meal, wine and chocolate tart before walking the few blocks to the Boston Opera House. My heart might have sped up a bit when I saw this sign.
I love Boston Opera House. I mean, look at it. It’s so gorgeous. You really feel like you’re going to an old school theater when you walk in.
We quickly took our seats and the show began.
It was amazing – and what a treat to hear “Defying Gravity” peformed live! The rest of the music (with a few exceptions) kind of pales in comparison to that one number, and the story itself may not be as powerful as some other Broadway shows, but it was still entertaining and fun and I’m soooo thrilled to have finally seen it.
Plus I got to spend the whole evening with this guy.
And I got to sleep – uninterrupted – until 8am on Sunday morning. What more could a girl ask for?
Do you have a favorite musical or play?
Erin says
I LOVE Wicked! I’d love to go see it again! And the Boston Opera House is gorgeous. ๐ Totally jealous of your date night!
Jessica says
I know, and I cannot stop signing “For Good”. It’s gotten to the point where my son is asking me to please stop singing ๐