Tuesday, October 13, 2009

I could have danced all night...



I can't believe the night is here. I've been waiting weeks for this moment. The incomparable Willow Manor Ball is tonight. I'm breathless as I wait for my escort to arrive. I spent the morning having a wonderful two-hour massage utilizing essential oils. Smelling of lavender I was ushered, wrapped in my warm, thick, terry robe, to the manicure and pedicure area of the spa. Don't you just love this blood-red polish?

It goes famously with my Oscar de la Renta gown. Doesn't the model show the lines of my dress beautifully? I bought it after the show, right off the runway. It didn't need much altering because the model and I are the same size:

Such a beautiful bandeau neckline called for a simple chignon, with jewels, of course:

No necklace, the dress speaks for itself. Don't you just love these earrings? Harry Winston is my favorite jeweler:

And a simple little bauble of a ring:

I found just the perfect Manolo Blahnik shoes. The heels won't be a problem because I can dance for hours in six-inch heels. No problem, my feet are superior specimens:

And a gorgeous bag for those few essentials:

I was so excited that my escort was free this evening. He's between films. Of course, I'm used to seeing him in more casual attire. Here he is playing a round of golf right outside our hotel room in Kauai:

Was that the doorbell? He's here! Someone get the door! "Ohhh, hello, dahling!" (drawl, fluttering eyelids)


Is that look for me? I guess the preparations paid off:

Oh, is that for me? It smells heavenly. I will inhale the smell of rose and Hugh all the way to the ball:

What? A kiss? Well, maybe just one.....now what did I do with that fan?

Limo? Of course, I'm ready. Just let me grab my bag. After all, we have some dancing to do!

Won't you join us? It's going to be a fabulous evening!

35 comments:

Mike said...

Isn't that wolverine??? LOL When he wants, long hard things made of steel pop out of his body! No wonder women love him! hahaha!

Lydia said...

My favorite of your accessories is that marvelous bag. I'd love to borrow it when I go to a ball sometime. I just visited the Willow Manor site and expect that you will all have an amazing, amazing evening!

(You can't imagine how envious I was when I read your opening about the two-hour massage... :)

Ruth said...

Don't forget, it's pumpkin season. Beware! (Or, in spoonerism, it's sumpkin peason.)

Susie Hemingway said...

Perfect quite perfect - not sure what I like best - the bauble or the first 'beefcake' such a big decision. Some thinking needed over that - It was a great party - quite took me out of myself. I will pop in again I like it here!

www.susiehemingway.com

alaine@éclectique said...

Oh, you looked fabulous, Nancy! And partnered by a fellow countryman, the gorgeous Hugh Jackman! How lucky you?!

Sylvia said...

What can I say?... Wow! I love your outfit, but best of all, your date! Lucky you! He KISSED you? Up to the clouds!

Stella Jones said...

Oh! I can see you're going to be competition on the dance floor but who cares, it's too late now. I'll just have to tread on your toe, grrr Have a great evening.
Blessings, Star

Mental P Mama said...

You are certainly going to be the belle of the ball! Love your style;)

Barry said...

I was going to ask you to save a spot for me on your dance card, but the sight of your date in his casual attire has kind of freaked me out!

Still, you look so gorgeous in that gown, I will steel my courage and ask for the next dance!

Betsy Brock said...

You look smashing, dear! Love that dress with those earrings! Now that I've danced all night, I could use a 2 hour massage...I wonder if Willow has any of those hunky valet guys giving them upstairs after brunch???

Unknown said...

Your gown and accessories are so lovely but I am having a very difficult time removing my eyes from your escort, in his casual attire. If he would like to stop by "Linda#53" for a martini and a swirl around the dance floor, I won't say no. If you are not otherwise busy with Hugh you are more than welcome too. We would love to see you!

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Nancy, I think you were the belle of the ball. That last dancing shot made me drool - or had I begun drooling with the photos of your delicious escort.

Well done!

~JarieLyn~ said...

Oh Nancy, this is so delightful. Did you see me out on the dance floor? I went with a much younger man. You may know him....Eddie Cibrion. Yes, he dumped his wife and LeeAnn Rimes to go to the ball with ME. I hope he calls me back.

Brian Miller said...

you look delightful nancy. jackman i am sure will need his claws to fight off the envious. dropped by the ball a bit early...will be back once work is done for the day. mayhaps i will see you there. smiles.

Rosaria Williams said...

Nancy, you look FABULOUS! Love the jewelry! How did you manage to snap Hugh?

Pat said...

Oh, it was hard to type this with my eyes all glazed over. Sigh. Thanks for letting this old gal dream. Sigh. Love the dress. Love the accessories. 6" heels. But of course. Hugh? Swoon. H a r d t o t y p e f r o m t h e f l o o r.

Unknown said...

Hello Nancy,

You certainly seem to have the trump card with Mr Jackman! He is turning heads all around the room. But my companion could probably give him a run for his money! Do come over and say hello.

Tess Kincaid said...

Nancy, daaaaaling, so glad you could come!! You look sensational!!! I must say you have exquisite taste, daaaaaling...no wonder Hugh is totally smitten.

Such excitement...must go mingle...ta-ta...

Skip Simpson said...

(Gallant bow) M'lady, if you could tear yourself away from Mister Jackman, I was wondering if you could honour me with the next dance?

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

I am so enjoying the events as you prepare for the big Willow Manor Ball. Besides laughing at the 6" heels and the perfect specimen feet, the off-the-runway purchase and the Harry Winston earrings...I am totally enamored with your escort! Especially that kiss!

GYPSYWOMAN said...

well, what a gorgeous damsel you will be on the ballroom floor! and an escort of such beauty, too! quite the pair, you two - but don't forget the midnight hour comes soon!

Reya Mellicker said...

LOVE all of this! All that pampering definitely put you in the right place for the ball. You were radiant. Your dress, the shoes, the nail polish! OH YEAH!!

And Hugh Jackman? WOW!!

Was fun to puff out on the patio with you, Hugh and Will while the band was on a break, yes? A toast to the fabulous Willow (with a glass of Dom Perignon of course!)

Cheers!!

The Good Life in Virginia said...

your gown is stunning, those earrings, oh my. and hugh...he definitely can make my heart skip a beat. looking forward to chatting with you this evening nancy.
until then...

Anonymous said...

A wonderful time for sure. We are still dancing. Come over for a drink and lets meet. I am looking for parties from now on. I am having a Kentucky Derby Party on Millionaire's Row at Churchill Downs in May. Hope you like Derby hats. I love those kinds of shoes, but can't dance very long in them. I admire you. Maybe you could have a dance with Mr. Jones.
QMM

Leah said...

You little sparkly baubles are adorable!

DJan said...

Oh Nancy, I knew you were just divine in every way. I could smell the nail polish, and the shoes on your perfect feet, well, it's amazing that anyone could top your most excellent taste in fashion. Off to look at Willow's site!

Lori ann said...

You are gorgeous! Have a fabulous time and don't forget to take more pics!

L'Adelaide said...

what a great post although I don't as yet know what the "ball" is, I am glad you had one :)
xoxoxox

Von said...

Ah our lovely Aussie Hugh!!Don't forget he's just an Aussie male at heart, he'll be good for the Ball but his mates are the real deal.
Wonderful fun post..keep it going!

scarlethue said...

I wish my dreams were so romantic and wistful! Sounds like a wonderful night.

Lynette said...

Was it not a lovely evening? Thank you for stopping by to visit. This was a very special night, indeed.

Marguerite said...

Love your outfit, your jewelry, and your date!! Looks like a blast, cher!

Duchess of Lanier said...

So lovely to have met you this evening at the ball.
And best wishes to your daughter and her new wardrobe ;)
Next year I promise not to overly indulge in the Champagne so that we might have more time to get to exchange stories of great adventures.
Cheers to next year!
D. of L.

Swetha said...

I love Wolverine! i think he is Hot!
and this post is fabulous!! the dress, ear rings and the heels are just great !!

Robynn's Ravings said...

Oh THANK YOU for stopping by my ball and I am desperately embarrassed at having been so unattentive to my guests! Life called me away unexpectedly and now I will have to be the dreaded straggling guest.

Your taste in men in perfection and wasn't HE the lucky one to escort YOU?! Your choice in evening wear was exquisite. And SO glad you took advantage of the pool. Anytime....please...it is yours.