Game On

I signed up for bridge lessons this week. Stop laughing, - I’m serious. It’s a tribute to my mom who died in December (I would have said passed away, but she hated when people said that – still trying to please you mom) and I have always wanted to learn.

My mom played bridge for as long as I can remember. It was an integral part of her life – so important she forbid us to have her memorial service on a Monday because it was bridge day. Bridge created her most lasting and cherished friendships and provided an outlet from the five kids she raised. Ok, so our lives aren’t exactly parallel – I’m not the best at making friends and my two dogs and husband don’t create much need for escape – but I am hoping to recreate some of the magic I remember.

Growing up, we were never allowed to attend bridge. It felt like a secret club and I didn’t have the password for entry. There was always good food prepared and those butter mints (you know the ones, square in shape and pastel in color) that we weren’t allowed to touch.

Us kids were granted the privilege of saying hello when the ladies arrived and then we were out of sight for the rest of the night. I remember my sister and I sitting at the top of the stairs in our pajamas trying to hear snippets of some conversation that would give us an inkling of what it was like to be a part of this secret world.

Bridge night always meant looking your best – no one showed up in their sweats or without makeup. It was truly a social event – not that the cards weren’t important (Banks' don't like to lose). In my head it looked like a scene from Mad Men with stylish women socializing while strategizing over their next move.

I know I am setting myself for a huge disappointment for my bridge experience, mainly because it's 2015 and no one gets dressed up for anything anymore. So the ultimate question is…what do I wear to bridge lessons that occur on Wednesdays at 11 am? Cocktail attire is out (sorry Betty).

I subscribe to the theory it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. Even if you stand out, you look your best, which puts you in the winning category. Remember, people make judgements on the way you look. There is proven research correlating what you wear with how others percieve you and what they believe you are all about.

For this reason, it's imperative for me to feel my best when going into unfamiliar territory. Although I have been told I have a "big" personality (not sure that's a compliment), I am really an introvert and spend much of my time alone. For better or worse my clothes feed into my self esteem - I carry myself with more confidence if I'm comfortable and know my outfit is on fleek.

How do I want to portray myself for this occasion? I am going for a nice, quirky and a bit mysterious lady with a healthy dose of badass. Remember when I said Banks’ don’t like to lose? I am thinking an outfit something like this...

The uniform of black pants and a crisp white button down mean business. The tennis shoes are an unexpected touch and say, "I don't take myself too seriously." The jacket draped over the shoulder provides flair and the muffler is mysterious and badass all at once. Don't you think the folks at A.L.C. should just gift me this outfit for my first lesson?

Maybe I can help contribute to the resurgence of bridge. Hell, if 70's fashion is cool again, anything is possible.

Game on ladies, game on.

#bridge #MadMen #ALC