It is my firm belief that weddings are the most truly abysmal manifestation of "friendship" one can inflict upon others.

When are people going to wise up and realize what a f*cking racket it really is???

On tuxes, it depends. Last time I rented one it was from the Men's Wearhouse (shudder) on Connecticut, I believe. But why rent a tux? At this point in the game you'll probably have to pay extra for an expedited fitting. Tommy, if you have a good suit, that's a much better option. Dark if it's a night wedding, lighter is fine for the day.

it's a black tie wedding. are suits okay for black tie?

expedited fitting? oh lord. I'm screwed.

A black tie wedding???? That is just cruel. If you have a good black suit, go with it -- with a dark tie and a very nice white shirt, as starched as possible. If not, it'll have to be the tux. MW will probably be the quickest/cheapest option. But I'd avoid the rental shoes. Hella uncomfortable.

$70 and men's wearhouse, which is open late enough and close enough to the Y to count as convenient. I priced two or three other stores, and none offered anything under $100. bah!

oh, and re: the weather -- see here for the observed temps, forecast and historical averages. looks like we'll be in the upper fifties starting this weekend if everything goes according to plan.

BBQ! soon. need booze and burgers.

Seek and ye shall find, Catherine. I was sent to spread the message. . . .

Laptop Bag: Diesel makes messenger bags that can be adapted. Also try Zara or even Kenneth Cole.

Chicago: The Field Museum, The Art Institute.

Wrap/shawl: it depends on how low the dress is cut. And how cold it is gonna be.

Too drunk is sleeping with the groom.

Spring will either come soon or we'll continue this hot-cold shit until summer hits like a metric ton of smoggy water.

There's a tux rental place on Wisconsin in Georgetown, just south of the kenneth cole, that might do. A black suit is just fine.

when are you coming to chitown?

woo! i love the collective hivemind thing.

i'll be in chicago from like 8am on saturday, april 2 till monday evening (the 4th). maybe we can meet for coffee!

I just got back. $100.45. All I can say is that rumors of a cash bar had better be wildly exaggerated or I might end up going on a killing spree.

Too drunk is sleeping with the groom.
omigosh, that is too funny...considering who it is!

I have a Swiss Army branded laptop backpack that just looks like a regular backpack, but has all kinds of crazy shit to keep your laptop, mp3 player, etc. It's rad. It was pricey from WorstBuy, but I had a gift card.

yes, yes, the groom is an ex-boyfriend. a brief ex-boyfriend. not that that matters, considering that at various points in college he was in love with approximately 7 of the wedding attendees.

RE laptop case:

Are we talking cute and stylish?

Go here http://www.thebagblog.com/bags/2005/02/ask_the_bag_lad_3.php

Yes, it is called "The Bag Blog." Oh my, I might spend time on here if it is everything its name actually says it will be.

ooh, thank you! i recently discovered the bag blog, but hadn't seen that particular post. there's also purseuing.com.

Someone asked about a suit for a formal wedding...while it is not always the rule you should grab a tux.

Tommy if you are looking for a tux to buy (and if you go to three or more events in a tux in the next 5 years it pays for it) I would suggest Filene's on CT ave (the three floor one) they usually have tuxedos for a very affordable price. If not there I heard Jos Bank has a good price.