Dear Snarky – Fashion Victim – Snarky in the Suburbs

Dear Snarky,

Last week, I went to a charity gala wearing an amazing formal gown and I was really looking forward to the evening. Big mistake. As I’m walking around the hotel ballroom I got accosted by a group of women (whom I kind of know from my children’s school) because I’m wearing the same gown as the gala chairwoman (a big old B). These women then had the gall to accuse me of “copying” her. One of them even asked me to go home and change. I didn’t, of course, but my whole evening was ruined. The entire night they were gossiping about me and going out of their way to be just plain old mean. The tickets to this event were very pricey and I’m thinking of calling American Express and disputing the charge in an attempt to get a refund. Do you think this is wrong? These women really need to be taught a lesson.

Signed, Gowned and Dangerous

Dear Gowned,

Do not make that call to American Express. If you were upset by these women talking about you at the gala you have no idea what kind of tornado of trash talk you will kick up if you ask for refund. You will be the prime topic of conversation at the school drop off line, soccer field, PTA meeting etc. etc. Pretty much to infinity to beyond. AND more importantly you will be dissing the charity not these women and I’m sure you don’t want to do that.

Take solace in the fact that you must have looked AMAZING in your gown to incite such a flurry of hostility and if the chairperson had any class or a sense of humor she would have come over and asked for someone to take a picture of both of you in the same dress. Wearing similar outfit happens even in Hollywood where celebrities have pricey stylists. As for the alleged friend that suggested you go home and change – she deserves your pity for being such a clueless idiot. My piece of advice is that you soothe your hurt feelings not with revenge but with some retail therapy. Trust me, it will be cheaper in the long run.

If you have questions for Dear Snarky please email me at snarkyinthesuburbs@gmail.com

9Comments

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1

Scarlett on March 11, 2014 at 11:28 am

Great advice and hello these women all need to get over themselves!
2

Gala Goer on March 11, 2014 at 11:36 am

As someone who goes to a lot of these kind of events your advice is spot on. Twice I have at attended a function where someone else had on the exact same dress. I did exactly what you said and had someone take a picture of us for a “Twin” photo. If you don’t want to look like anyone else you better be willing to pay the big bucks for a couture gown if not shut up and just enjoy the party.
3

Eve on March 11, 2014 at 11:57 am

Good advice. I cannot believe grown women would act like that! Sounds like junior high behavior to me… shame on them!
- 4
  
  snarkyinthesuburbs on March 11, 2014 at 11:59 am
  
  So junior high! I wonder why they weren’t just enjoying a night out with their husbands.
5

Kevin on March 11, 2014 at 12:36 pm

Wear the same dress to pick your child up at school next time or the next holiday gathering or function at school 🙂
6

Sandy B. on March 11, 2014 at 12:37 pm

Just think, you and the chairperson have the same great taste in dresses..Maybe that is why these child acting women are behaving this way..
7

Pearl ;) on March 11, 2014 at 7:51 pm

Total high school behavior, or even middle school. Those women were clearly jealous of your impeccable taste. May your next event be more enjoyable.
8

Beth on March 12, 2014 at 8:42 am

Sounds like the writer has lower self-esteem than she wants to admit… Why does she even care what they think? And, the fact that she even spoke of disputing the charge with AMEX speaks volumes about HER, IMHO.
- 9
  
  snarkyinthesuburbs on March 12, 2014 at 12:48 pm
  
  Why yes it does!