The Journey to "Crazy" (is not really that far)

I have to rise before the sun does tomorrow morning in order to get to the "My Name is Earl" set, so this will be short and sweet because I need to get to bed ASAP.

When I book a gig, the wardrobe people are usually the first people from the set to call and arrange a time for a fitting.  They ask for my sizes, and USUALLY ask me to bring a few items from my closet.  As happy as I am to be working, I H-A-T-E this part.  If YOOO are wardrobe, why am EYEEE dragging clothes across town?  I gave you my sizes, production gave you money, now you go shop, please.  Jeez.

But I play nice.  I carefully choose items that might work and that won't make me uncomfortable.  Nothing itchy or constricting that will make me grumpy if I we have to go into overtime.  They usually end up choosing something from their own selection of clothes, and I schlep my clothes back home.  That's what happened this time, with one cruel twist.

The head of wardrobe called me on Saturday to tell me which dress was chosen by the producer (it was not one of my own two that I took in on Friday) and to ask me to bring a handbag and jewelry.  She told me that it was okay to wear the shoes I wore on Friday.  I said "Okay" and hung up.  Then my mind started computing:

The dress is orange and white.
My shoes were black.
I was asked to bring an orange or tan purse.

In MY mind that either sounds like I'm going to end up looking like I'm ready for Halloween or that I'm going to end up wearing black shoes and carrying a tan purse, neither of which is in my constitution (unless it really is Halloween, which it's not).  So began the journey to crazy-town.

This morning, I started out trying to stay within the given guidelines:  black shoes, tan or orange purse, orange or gold jewelry consisting of small hoop earrings and a cross.  All day long I've been getting so frustrated that I kept putting it off.  Finally, a few hours ago, I had to buckle down and pack my bag.  I love shoes and purses, and have amassed quite an ample supply of both (hey, we all have our 'thing'), so it spiraled into complete mayhem very quickly.  First I had to pull all of my purses out of the closet and "organize" them better so that I could assess my options.  Then I went into my other closet and checked out alternate shoe options (must be comfortable, low or no heel so that I don't tower over the other parishioners, and must match at least one of my purse options).  My purses had to be appropriate for my character and not be distracting in the scene.  I had jewelry that I just knew would be perfect, but when I looked for it, it was missing - where or when it went missing, I don't know. *sigh*

This (ahem) "selection process" went on for almost 3 hours.  In the end (if this really is the end), I am taking 3 pairs of earrings, two necklaces, two bracelets, 5 purses, and 4 pairs of shoes to set.  If I end up wearing black shoes, gold earrings, a silver bracelet, a pearl necklace, and carrying a tan purse, I think I might cry.

Then again, I might laugh.

You never know what crazy people are gonna do.

Good night, and I hope you all enjoy watching the rest of the Oscars!

--Nicole J. Butler

P.S. - This is just one reason why crazy people actors (okay, I ) shouldn't have to worry about putting together wardrobe items.

Comments

[Sis Ivd]

I'd say, go for the orange purse and black shoes. All you need now is a large black wide brimmed hat pulled down over one eye and a 'church lady' fan and you're all set.

[Nicole J. Butler]

OMG - I'll be all set to look like the Wicked Witch of the West!