Rod

I am pleased to share the experience of my friend Nicole with you all!

I had a wonderful, glamorous, and feminine experience recently at a Rod Stewart concert in the Mohegan Sun Casino, Connecticut. 

Scarlett, my amazing makeover artist and ever-fabulous wing woman, had worked her magic. My makeup was flawless—smoky eyes, glossy lips, and just the right amount of shimmer. My auburn wig fell perfectly to my shoulders in a sultry side part. I felt very glam in my leopard print top, paired with a tight black faux leather skirt that made me strut like I owned that casino floor. My Sam Edelman gold wedge sandals added some shine, and I matched them with a gold chunky bracelet, a funky statement ring, and dramatic dangling earrings. I carried my quilted black Nine West handbag, and of course, my oversized sunglasses were the finishing touch.

We wandered through the casino, stopping to admire the glowing indoor waterfalls and the brilliant Chihuly glass art installations. Everything felt like it was glittering for us. We paused for selfies—Scarlett snapping perfect shots—and soaked in the glamorous vibe of Mohegan Sun.

Our reservation at Novelle Lounge was a dream. It had a sultry Miami-meets-Vegas atmosphere: leather lounge chairs, velvet couches, soft lighting, and a live jazz band. And let me tell you—the saxophone player was absolutely smoldering. We got a great table near the music, ordered craft cocktails, and shared small plates: tender short rib arancini, truffle fries, and grilled focaccia with creamy ricotta and fig jam. It was divine. Our waitress, Abbie, was sweet and flirty, and we might’ve had one too many cocktails!

The casino buzz grew louder as we headed toward the concert entrance. I felt seen in that crowd. Every step in that tight skirt, every sway of my hips in gold wedges—I felt unstoppable. Near the entrance was a giant, glittering poster for the concert, and a line of people waiting to take photos. In front of us were three stylish middle-aged women, clearly having a night out like us. One, with sleek blonde hair and a killer outfit— a white halter top and black leather pants—turned to ask if we’d take their photo. I offered a compliment: “You look fabulous!” She smiled wide and, taking my hand, told me I looked amazing. “That skirt is everything.” I practically floated through the next few minutes.

We snapped each other’s photos, chatted a bit, and walked toward the concert entrance together before losing them in the crowd. But the warmth of that compliment stayed with me.

Inside the arena, Scarlett and I found our seats and made friends with the people around us. When the lights dimmed and the curtain dropped, the energy exploded. Rod Stewart hit the stage in a leopard print blazer (which matched the backup singers’ stunning dresses) and brought the house down.

The concert was everything I dreamed it would be. From the classics like Maggie May and Stay with Me, to the emotional Forever Young—which he dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne—the entire show was electric. Huge screens lit up with photos, videos, and dazzling effects. Rod and his band had multiple outfit changes, the backup singers were divine, and it felt like a glamorous time capsule of rock and roll elegance.

When the show ended, we waited for the crowds to thin out, not quite ready to leave that electric energy behind. As we walked through the casino, headed toward the elevators, the stylish blonde from earlier zoomed past—then quickly turned around, leaned back, and purred, “Still looking sexy in that leather skirt.” I swear, my heart fluttered like a schoolgirl’s. Could the night get any better?

Yes. Yes, it could.

At the elevator, we joined a group of five tipsy, giggling women—clearly riding their own post-concert high. One turned to me, gushing, “I love your leopard print top! Did you know Rod Stewart always wears that pattern?”

“Of course!” I replied with a wink. “That’s exactly why I picked it.”

Another woman—very warm, and also a bit tipsy—started gently rubbing my arm, admiring my blouse and telling me how pretty I looked. “I could never wear something like that,” she said wistfully, still touching the fabric. I smiled and told her she absolutely could. Her friend was wearing a gorgeous sequin top, and I made sure to return the compliment.

The elevator ride ended too soon, and Scarlett and I stepped out, still glowing. She drove me back to my hotel as we blasted Rod Stewart’s greatest hits, laughing, singing, and being completely silly.

At the hotel, I leaned over, gave her two kisses on the cheek, and thanked her from the heart. “What a night,” I whispered, stepping out of her car with elegant flair.

I sashayed confidently through the hotel lobby, my heels clicking across the marble floor. At the elevator, an older gentleman joined me. As I exited at my floor, he tipped his head slightly and said with a smile, “Have a good night, miss.”

And I thought to myself what a perfect ending to such a fabulous night! 

I am way beyond blessed, but not really worthy of making connections like the one I recently made with Nicole. Without getting too far into the weeds, she and I shared quite a bit and she talked me off the ledge, so to speak, to make the right decision on something that selfish girl me wanted to do and real me (with all that goes with it, including amazing relationships and real responsibilities and obligations) knew he should not do. She was the ear I needed at the time. Thank you sweetheart!