Thanks all, but who couldn't look good next to Amy?

Quote Originally Posted by JerseyLawyer View Post
You look very nicely turned out. Well done. I commend you for jettisoning the white hose and fly plaid.
Thanks, I don't mind losing the white hose but don't discount the fly plaid I do like them. It was just a bit too much for the Ball. St Andrews dinner now...

Quote Originally Posted by JerseyLawyer View Post
Don't worry too much about getting your tie perfect. A slight jaunty mussiness is the hallmark of a hand-tied bow tie - it will never have the perfect proportion of a pre-tied one, and it isn't meant to. Over time, you'll develop your own particular way of tying and wearing it. I think it came out quite well.
Thanks again. I will work on it. After years of having to get the tie perfect in uniform there are some things I get a bit anal about.

Quote Originally Posted by JerseyLawyer View Post
The only advice I would add for next year is, as the budget allows, pick up a nice evening sporran. Also, just FYI, if you're interested, you don't have to wear a wing-collar shirt if you don't want to - all my formal shirts (both of them - I don't wear black tie /that/ often ) have a lay down collar, and I just find it more comfortable.
The book I've been studing on how a gentleman dresses (and acts) it recommends a straight collar for those (like me) who have fat faces. The one I had didn't accept studs and I didn't have the time to get a new one.

This will probably be the last Navy Ball we go to in this area. It has gotten less fun over the years. Had some really rude people this year. People walkin around during the invocation and guest speakers speech. Had at least one "I like your skirt." It was from a civilan, one of the ones walking around during the invocation. If she hadn't been sitting with a couple of friends that I respect

Unfortunately Amy didn't know one of my shipmates. Anyone from the Navy knows the differance between co-workers and shipmates. This guy has earned the right to cut back and forth with me. Amy didn't know that and when he made a comment she went off. Big time!!! Had to step in and save this 6' 4" guy (looks just like the guy Bull from Night Court) from my 5' 10" wife.

Oh well, there is still the St Andrews Dinner, Burn's Dinner, ect.

Jim