Set in the twinkling antique downtown riverfront of St. Paul, the Minnesota Historical Society urges ladies of all sensibilities - no matter whether their look is more Bettie Page or more Rita Hayworth - to celebrate the era that gave birth to Dior and consumer superpower.

Arrive inside the marbled rotunda, dressed to the nines. Make sure your nose is properly powdered, talc absorbed evenly. Forgive anyone who smells remotely of mothballs. Check in with volunteers adorned with their fav vintage digs - from diamond-encrusted pheasant brooches to pale yellow paper-doll pleated evening dresses. All the jukebox favorites will encourage swanky movement and sultry hip swaying, if you're game.

As you marvel at the number of Dusty Springfield beehive knockoffs in attendance this evening, step aside into the sitting room. There at the bar even the classiest of lasses can get plumb licked as Rico the bartender serves up era-appropriate cocktails, both for sampling and cheap transactions: gin martinis, Tom Collins, Sidecars, mai tais, and gimlets. Rico will teach you how to make 'em all.

You're now slightly tipsy, as any well-intentioned woman of leisure should be. Proceed up the winding staircase to the second floor rotunda where a crowd has gathered among the most lavish garment cases from the Historical Society's collection. Walking gingerly on your pumps as you gaze at the best vintage clothes, from Zsa Zsa Gabor's Neiman Marcus pink nylon tricot nightgown (with halter neckline and applied foliage and carnations) to a lady's netting cap adorned with plastic strawberries.

The night is still young, and you have a lot more gazing to do before the main events. You have myriad choices before you: perchance you'll jaunt over to the booth where you can make your own clutch purse or tie (for any daddy-o's or tomboys in attendance) out of colored vinyl blueprints. Or venture over to the boutiques, where St. Paul vintage vendors Up Six and Succotash will be selling mid-century accessories and garment items.

Don't fret if you find yourself meandering through the museum's many exhibits. It's allowed. While you're at it, better check out the Prom Ballroom replica exhibit, a bygone staple date hot spot in Midway, St. Paul. Get your photo taken in one of the booths.

If you could use a little chow to wash down the mai tai, summon a nearby butler and request a sampling of cocktail wieners, deviled eggs and mistletoe dip.

If the evening's events haven't struck you drunk yet (or you've yet to turn back into a pumpkin before the clock strikes 12), perhaps a stop at the famous Mickey's Diner for a burger and chocolate shake would hit the sweet spot.

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