Accessorize With Friends!

This party idea was contributed by Tracy, California Director, Melanie Dunniway. “It was such a blast and the ladies thought it was such a great idea that we are going to do a purse party exchange sometime this year!!”

 

Setup:

Invite each guest to bring ten pieces of jewelry that are new or gently used and a dish for the potluck. Assigning courses will eliminate too many desserts! Or, you may want to make it a dessert-theme potluck! Each guest will leave with ten pieces. Decorate the jewelry table in boutique shopping-style fashion while the ladies are enjoying the potluck.

After the table is set up, invite the ladies to walk around the table and preview the items. Give each lady a small bag in which to place her jewelry. “I found cute little boxes with handles for a $1 each at Target” ~Melanie

Shopping:

Put numbers in a hat – one for each guest (Ten guests – ten tickets). Each guest picks a number, which determines the order they select items from the table. Depending on the number of ladies, two or three may go at a time.

Optionally, allow them to pick two to three items each round in order to expedite the process. Once one round is complete, re-pick numbers so everyone has a random chance to go around the table first.

Additional Ideas for Party Hosts:

· Guests were given three tickets and were able to pick three inexpensive, new jewelry items at the end of the event. Look for jewelry trinkets at a craft store and make your own handmade earrings. Place them in a glass bowl, each in its own sheer jewelry bag.

· Purchase a few inexpensive items for guests who did not have ten pieces. Optionally, guests will

leave with the number of pieces with which they arrived.

To see more photos from this Tracy, California LBDC event, click here or visit them on Facebook. Have an event idea or theme that you would like to see planned in your area? Just want to offer event ideas and suggestions to our club? Send an email to info@lbdclub.com. We always love hearing from you!

Denim, Diamonds, & Divas

The Little Black Dress Club hit the town on May 10, 2013 in downtown Tracy and it is still being talked about over a week later! Twenty members from our LBDC Tracy and East Bay chapters met up for “Denim, Diamonds, & Divas.”

One year ago two fun loving women, Melanie Dunniway and Gwen Brady met by happenstance at a vendor booth at this same event. Interested in learning about LBDC and hearing more about Melanie’s chapter in Tracy, California, who knew that a year later Gwen would be directing her own Little Black Dress Club chapter in the East Bay area?

 

 Hosted by the city of Tracy, the point of this sold out event was a ladies night filled with cute lady vendor boutiques, a too cute for words DJ, dancing and downtown shopping. Each attendee received a goody bag, a commemorative wine glass and several food and wine tastings.

Tracy and East Bay members made their presence known! The DJ dedicated a special song to these two chapters before demanding they hit the dance floor.  All the LBDC ladies showed their best moves and were pulling other ladies out of the crowd to join in and dance away! "Those girls were great and so much fun," said Sheila Martinez. "This was the most fun event we have ever had!"

Other attendees were curious about the club, envious of the obvious connection between such a large group of women and all the fun they were having together. Gwen was fantastic in promoting LBDC and was sending tons of ladies in the Tracy area Melanie’s way to learn more about the Little Black Dress Club. “I couldn't have asked for a better first meeting between our chapters," says Melanie. “It was just an absolute fantastic night and crazy fun!!”

So what’s in store for these two chapters? The Tracy ladies plan to party with East Bay once again at the upcoming LBDC Launch Party in the East Bay area. In addition, these two directors have already begun planning a joint river rafting excursion with their chapters that will take place August 18 on the historic Stanislaus River!  

Sounds like an incredible evening was had by all, proving yet again that making new friends is as easy as throwing on your little black dress! These two Little Black Dress Club, California chapters are alive, growing and representing what the true spirit of LBDC is all about; adventure, sophistication, and bonding friendships!

For information on joining a chapter in your area, email us by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

East Bay Is On The Move!

 

The Little Black Dress Club only started the East Bay chapter less than a month ago but has already grown to 30 members. They have done some pretty fun activities and we thought our readers might be interested to know what we have been up to!

 

The kick-off mixer at Sticky Rice Bistro was very successful and yielded nearly 40 attendees!  Next we set out for a hike at Pena Adobe with 12 ladies, followed by a ladies brunch at Crepes N More in Fairfield.   Friday March 29 several members attended Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Suisun for GOOD FRIDAY noon service.  Later that night, we met for Happy Hour at the Chevy's in Fairfield followed by Tyler Perry's new blockbuster movie "Temptation" at Edwards Theater!  Saturday March 30, we enjoyed a ladies breakfast at beautiful Lucca's on the bay in Benicia.

 

This Friday, April 5, the ladies will caravan to Berkeley to enjoy live jazz & cocktails at Paragon inside the historic Claremont Hotel and Sunday, April 7, some of our members will be participating in the fundraiser "Run Rocklin 12K race" which benefits local schools.

Sunday April 28, we will travel back to Berkeley to see the world renowned Alvin Ailey Dancers at UC Berkeley.  On May 4th we will attend the Kentucky Derby (Bay Area) at Golden Gate Fields.   Then, on May 10, we will be heading to Tracy to meet with the Tracy Chapter of LBDC and enjoy Girls Night out-a shopping extravaganza called Denim, Diamonds & Divas!  We are currently planning a visit to Hangar 1 Distillery...home of Hangar ONE vodka as well as a Zip-line adventure during the month of May in Sonoma.

Those are just a few things we have been up to!  The women in this group represent a wide variety of professions, and our members currently range from 21-58 years old!

This is truly an amazing outlet for women who want to experience positive, therapeutic, proactive, lifestyles. The support and friendships being nurtured here is really something special. I tell our perspective members "Ladies, you don't have to do things alone and you don't have to sit at home wishing you had someone fun, adventurous and safe to hang out with ...we're just a little black dress away"!

We are having SO much fun and there is SO MUCH MORE to come!

 

~Gwen Brady

Director, East Bay Chapter

Chicken and Waffles, Anyone?

Rhonda Watson has gotten the DC chapter off to a great start! Having just hosted her second event, Rhonda is actively searching out the best venues, tastiest meals, and most exciting activities for the LBDC ladies of DC.

 

On a recent and cold Sunday morning, a small group from the Washington chapter got together for some enjoyable conversation and a more than filling meal. Rhonda, Sonya, LaJuan, Clarinda and Sonja, shared a mimosa toast and welcomed the beginning of a new day while focusing on some great conversation and the smell of delicious contemporary cuisine at  Chef Geoff’s in Rockville, MD.  

Chef Geoff’s Sunday specials consisted of Belgian waffles, fried chicken, crab cakes, and biscuits. The entire meal was simply delicious, the service was great, and the ladies quickly decided Chef Geoff’s is a great place to return!

Rhonda has several more great events lined up for the Washington, DC chapter. If you are in the area and are looking to meet new girlfriends, get out of the house on occasion or  just have some fun, make sure you contact Rhonda here and ask how you can join the club! In the meantime, make sure and “like” this fun chapter on Facebook page by clicking here.

~Shay Ashcraft

National Director, LBDC

Better Than Sex?

The Nashville chapter recently hosted a V.I.P. Pajama Brunch. The ladies gathered on a Saturday morning, in their finest pj’s, and shared brunch while discussing the upcoming year and planning out events for their chapter. 

All the ladies brought a side dish, a brunch item or a finger food. It was a great way to start the new year, have a few laughs, plan our event calendar as a group and get new recipes! One of the highlights of this event for me was, as they say, “better than sex.” Nashville Director Amy Campoli brought her version of this popular cake. While a quick Google search for “Better Than Sex Cake” can return many interesting results, this recipe is tried and true and has received the LBDC stamp of approval!

Ingredients
1 box of German Chocolate cake mix
1-14 oz can sweet condensed milk 
Caramel ice cream topping 
1-8oz container of Cool whip 
Handful of milk chocolate chips 

Directions
Prepare cake as directed. 
Allow to cool to room temperature. 
Poke holes in the cooled cake and gently pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake allowing it to run into the holes. 
Pour caramel over the cake. 
Top with whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. 
Add more caramel to the top of whipped cream. 

The results....

I hope you all enjoy this cake as much as we did! For more recipes from this event visit our event page! 

Shay Ashcraft 
Social Media Director, LBDC

The Year In Review

The Little Black Dress Club had a fantastic 2012. New friendships were formed, new experiences were had and this national organization that I have come to love has grown. The LBDC has chapters spanning the US from DC to Arizona, Alabama to California, from Nashville to Ohio and several in between. Here are just a few highlights from a few of our chapters.

Columbus - OH The Columbus ladies gathered at the Columbus Crew Stadium for the annual Buddy Walk. These LBDC members were thrilled to be a part of such a great cause while supporting great families. 

Louisville, KY/Nashville, TN/Chicago, IL/Deep Creek, MD - As one of the very first multi chapter events, members from these cities enjoyed a weekend road trip to Louisville, KY!  The weekend was full of activities such as exploring local caves, BINGO, distillery tours, and martini bars! Some of my favorite perks of LBDC membership are the once-in-a lifetime opportunities, the chance to make new friends, and the fun experiences that I have had. This multi chapter trip offered all of that and more!

Phoenix, Arizona - This past Thanksgiving the Phoenix chapter found a local family in need. The LBDC members were able to deliver a huge basket of goodies and treats to this family to ensure that they had a happy holiday. The mother was overcome with emotion and very grateful to the Little Black Dress Club. 

 

Tracy, California - Tracy Members found themselves making “Thyme for Tea” in Niles.
The ladies enjoyed  a Victorian Tea Service complete with scones, assorted tea sandwiches and pastries and of course pots of tea. This chapter also celebrated the holiday season with a White Elephant gift exchange. After the tea they spent the afternoon shopping at the local antique shops nearby.



And now...

Parties are winding down, vacations are coming to a close and resolutions are being made. A new year has quickly gotten under way. If you are excited about the year ahead, looking for a great new adventure, want to get off the couch and into a social life while making some great girlfriends along the way, join our club!

The LBDC in 2013 is going to be the place to be! Don’t miss out!

Shay Ashcraft
Social Media Director, LBDC

Members Only Election Night Out

Here in Columbus, we LOVE our red, white, and blue…..and our shoes! To celebrate our right to vote, some of the Columbus members gathered for dinner. To lighten the tension and have some fun, we decided to have our own “election” so to speak. And what else are we going to vote on? SHOES!  We elected the member with the best pair of shoes on and gave a prize to her!

 

Heather was our lucky winner!!  She came all decked out in her patriotic accessories: red, white, and blue stars on her cheek; red and white feather boas; a red rosette clip in her hair; and the cutest sequined black dress!  BOOM!  She was representing in full effect tonight!  Not only was Heather elected our “best shoes” winner, she was also pinned tonight as an official Little Black Dress Club member.  I don’t know how she does it, but she wins all of the time! J

 

 

In addition to our first official “members only” event, we did a lot of brainstorming for 2013.  We are going to have a fantastic year filled with amazing events.  Now is a good time to start bringing your friends to events and inviting them to join our club!  Don’t miss out on all the fun!

 ~Rachel Blankenship
Director, Columbus Chapter

 

Saddle Rack and Cowgirl Up

Our Tracy, CA chapter recently hosted an event at The Saddle Rack. LBDC ladies went a lil country as they enjoyed this fun evening full of dancing and bull riding!

Starting out with a few basic line dancing classes it wasn’t long before the challenges started coming! Tracy Director, Melanie, was somehow talked into braving the bull ride!

The ladies danced throughout the night and could not be contained by what’s known as “the cage.” Ashley and Michelle had fun in the hithin corner drinking while sitting in the shot chairs!

The Tracy Chapter had a fabulous night and are all in agreement that this is one event that will be planned again soon! Don’t miss out on the next bull riding adventure. Join the club now!

Everybody Loves Cowgirls and Cocktails!

The Little Black Dress Club recently hosted it’s first Multi-Chapter event! LBDC members from Columbus and Louisville packed their bags and hit the road for a weekend trip to Nashville. Car rides were full of lively conversation, the latest and greatest celebrity gossip and lots of road trip approved snacks such as peach gummy rings, trail mix and hot fries!

 

Columbus started their weekend with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and Jim Beam Distillery and then made their way to our town where they met up with 

our Louisville and Nashville members. Our LBDC Nashville hostesses designed a fun itinerary that included some of the most well known hot spots in the downtown area. Stops included Coyote Ugly, The Wildhorse Saloon, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and the Paradise Park Trailer Resort!

Saturday night started off with a group dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Conversations and laughter could be heard throughout as our ladies got to know each other and shared stories of their road trip. Some of the favorite stops of the night were The Stage, Legends and Honky Tonk - some of Nashville’s finest right there! Both the Columbus and Louisville chapter members commented on the southern hospitality that Nashville is known for. 

As the weekend came to a close, the Columbus ladies headed back home but not before stopping to tour Mammoth Cave on their way. Our Louisville members could not pass up the opportunity to shop till they dropped before heading home!

One of the best weekends in LBDC history, all the ladies had a great time. So much so, that “LBDC Road Trip Part Deux” is already in the works! This November my fellow Nashville ladies and I will pack our bags and hit the road to Louisville. Picking up Cincinnati, Clarksville and Birmingham members on our way, we have a weekend full of fun events planned! Starting with a B.I.N.G.O game and tour of a local whiskey distillery, we will end the night with a great dinner with our Louisville members. Sunday morning will bring delicious brunch followed by an underground boat tour! Become an official LBDC member now, and then RSVP for this awesome road trip. It won’t be the same without ya!

-Shay Ashcraft

Social Media Director, LBDC

 

Dancing Diva's

The Columbus Chapter recently took our town by storm as we donned 80's attire and headed out to Skully's Music Diner. Skully's hosted "Ladies 80's Night" and twelve TOTALLY RAD ladies from LBDC Columbus gathered for the event! 

Not only did we represent Columbus, we also represented the 1980s!  Whew, what a blast from the past!  Legwarmers, hairspray, blue eye shadow and lots of bangles completed the attire for these 12 "Dancing Diva's." And let's not forget the pixy stix! There were LOTS of pixy stix!

We went all out for this fun event. This was a great welcome for our new member, Grace, and an awesome way to show her how much fun this chapter can have! Grace was officially "pinned" as a new LBDC member and we all enjoyed the evening festivities. 

The constant reminder of what our 80's were all about made for a nostalgic and incredibly fun evening. We hope to see YOU at our next event!

Cheers!

~ Dr. Rachel Blankenship
Director, Columbus Chapter

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