Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Kate arrives every year, with the 30-pack of beer, but hilariously having not learned from the last.

Or maybe she has. She's learned that an underpacked suitcase merely increases her wardrobe choices, because the rest of us have plenty of choices for ourselves and have graciously thrown in a few items for her as well. And she leaves herself an excuse to shop also. Perfect.

She has often arrived on one of these trips with only one bathing suit...or maybe two, but at least one will be summarily thrown in the trash once we see it. Like the one with the elastic out of the leg which left the fabric dangling away from her body on the verge of indecency. That one, after the photographic proof had been secured, nearly went into the garbage disposal.

Jewelry. I always have jewelry to complete each of my outfits and then a few extra pieces in case I need to loan them out, or change my mind when the outfit is ultimately assembled. Joy too. Kate will be wearing the same earrings she's worn day in and day out for years. To work, to the gym. Dinner with her husband. Lunch with the ladies. Funerals, the delivery room, running a marathon. It's not that she doesn't have lots of jewelry. It just rarely comes out of the jewelry box to play. I don't blame her. Other people's jewelry is so much more fun. Think of the red carpet. What starlet is wearing her own diamonds?

Clothes. Hates her shorts but packed them anyway. Chose a shirt that she likes but not for this. Brought a skirt but feels like a sow in it. Not at all sure about the shoes with any of it. Has short short dress but not the right slip or bra. And there aren't enough choices in the bag to make the changes she wants now that we are here.

At least not in her bag. Joy and I have packed for a small crowd and have lots of wardrobe changes. And jewelry to match. And shoes. Someone will always have a spare pair she can pull the outfit together with. And maybe even a belt, though her belt collection usually doesn't disappoint. It is fun to start shopping for her in your own suitcase. She tries things on until we name a winner. It is a fashion show not unlike What Not to Wear.

Hair products. We could open a salon with the arsenal we have among us. Kate has great hair but rarely a product. One of us usually gets to take a few liberties to sex her up. And has a sharpener for the lip liner that has been worn to a nub and a little bronzer and highlighter. And lotion. And a curling or straightening iron or whatever other contraption is needed. Penny is usually the defacto stylist. She can make her hair or anyone else's do almost anything. And has a wig or two if she can't. We've all taken a turn in front of her mirror.

It is part of the fun. What girls are designed to do. Having a friend wear your clothes and look fabulous in them is a joy to experience. Validating. Intimate. Demonstrates the commitment to your friendship. What fun would it be to segregate the closet space and lock up our jewelry and squirrel away our miracle products? These things are for sharing. Sharing that is done in the spirit of girlfriends. We want eachother to be our best selves. And are happy to donate to the cause.

And all step out for the evening perfectly turned out, even in each other's esteemed opinions.

And it is only the first night. The fun is just beginning.