Marines

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A colorful black-light sign welcomes participants to the Little Black Dress party held at the Midway Park Community Center aboard the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune housing area, May 5. The “female-only” party was an opportunity for women to get together for a night out and included games, dinner and many little black dresses.

Photo by Cpl. Miranda Blackburn

Ladies don little black dresses for night out

5 May 2012 | Cpl. Miranda Blackburn Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Fashion historians ascribe the origins of the little black dress to the 1920s designs of Coco Chanel, intended to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, accessible to the widest market possible and in a neutral color.

Ladies had a chance to throw on their favorite LBD for an evening of pure, girly fun during the Little Black Dress party held at the Midway Park Community Center aboard the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune housing area, Saturday.

“This is a biannual event,” said Victoria Braggiotti, a recreation specialist with the Midway Park Community Center. “This is the first time we’ve made it more of a semi-formal event. Traditionally, it’s more of a spa theme, but we wanted to switch it up and do something really neat every time.”

The girls were greeted by cabana boys who waited on them hand and foot.

“It’s just a night for the women to get out and have fun,” said Braggiotti. “They can chitchat and it’s not too loud and feel like they’ve been able to get dressed, get out of the house and relax.”

The “no boys allowed” evening away included hors d’oeuvres, tea, games, a mini manicure and pedicure as well as a small gift from Mary Kay.

“I’m actually having a lot of fun,” said Tandee Buff, a military spouse. “I was really nervous at first because I don’t normally do the whole girly thing, but to get some alone time is absolutely amazing.”

The event was also a great way for ladies with deployed spouses to get their mind off stresses, said Braggiotti.

“I brought my friend because her husband is deployed and she’s kind of had a bad week,” said Buff. “Getting ready tonight, she just lit up because she had something to do. I didn’t really see a lot of events that interested me when my husband was deployed but I feel like (Marine Corps Community Services) has really stepped up their game.”

Some simple games put smiles on the women’s faces and were sure to make lasting impressions.

“I hope that they get a relaxed evening out and that they can feel refreshed with some good laughs and memories,” said Braggiotti.

The next ladies night out is scheduled for September with a Spectacular Shoes theme.

For more information on events held at the community center, call 451-1807.