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ClustrMaps
2009 Mon 16th Nov The Perfect Little Black Dress...
Today I had one of those moments where you just know the gods are smiling down upon you and the world is your oyster. It started innocently enough, just strolling through Nordstrom, helping my aunt shop for dress pants for her cruise next Spring. We wandered over to sportswear and I glanced at the sale swimsuits, thinking if the perfect one jumped out at me I might try it on for my cruise in two weeks, but I don't really NEED one.
We meandered upstairs just to see what was on the third floor (shoes maybe?!). Not really looking for anything in particular, we glanced over at the dress department, walked in a few steps to see what pretty things we could see, and then...there it was! The most perfect little black dress, made just for my body shape. It was as if someone took my picture and measurements, and said "I am going to design a dress just for her," and then they did!
I am a girl with curves, an hourglass figure my husband likes to say, but I basically tend to be a bit large in the hips, small in the waist, and curvy on top, which is not ideal for most of the designers it seems. Many of them seem to like to design for those straight bodies, which is weird since I don't know many women with that straight shape.
Back to the dress, it is cut in a style reminiscent of the 1950's with a fitted, V-necked bodice that has an oversized collar (not really a "collar" but collar-esque) going around the back of the neck and over the shoulders then tapering into the V. The sleeves are 3/4 length and have french cuffs with delicate rhinestone encrusted buttons. The skirt flares out with a bit of crinoline underneath to give it just the right amount of volume. The bodice is made of a knit type fabric and the collar and skirt are more of a silky taffeta type fabric. I should probably apologize for not having better terms for the design and fabrics, but this is just how I describe stuff - only without the made up words I usually use, so consider yourselves lucky.
Anyway, I tried the dress on and it was BEAUTIFUL! I loved it immediately and did not want to take it off! There were some shoes by the mirror so I grabbed a pair of peep toed heels to try on for effect - and WOW! I am sold! I couldn't imagine NOT owning the dress, even though I don't do dressy that often because my lifestyle involves wearing jeans, t-shirts, and flip flops most of the time. That, of course, is going to have to change!
So after I procure the dress for my future fancy life (I will for sure be wearing it on my cruise, at least!), I need to find shoes because the ones I already own will probably be ok, but maybe not. Back down on the first floor I examine all the dress shoes, walking slowly through the sale racks first, because I do know how to be thrifty, and then through the displays of regular priced shoes. I choose four pairs to try on and the salesman measures my feet to be sure I am asking for the right size (I love the service in Nordstrom!) and then proceeds to bring me the shoes in my size AND the size I told him I wanted.
The first pair were pretty, but the heel was lower than I am used to and the soles were SO slippery! The second pair were beautiful and so feminine with a satin rosette highlighted with rhinestones just above the peep toe. They just had that special look to them that the dress called for. Elegant, simple, yet they make a statement. Normally I do not like things (clothes, shoes, purses, accessories, bedding, towels, etc) with flowers on them, but these shoes spoke to me and when that happens, I have learned to listen.
Hours later, once I had reached home and unloaded my purchases on to the bed to show my husband, I was a little nervous. Hubby is a wonderful man with very good taste, but sometimes our taste differs and I really wanted him to like my new ensemble. Instead of showing him the dress on the hanger, I decided to give a little fashion show. Once I was ensconced in the dress and shoes, with appropriate jewelry and fresh lip gloss on, I walked into the room, did a little pose before giving a spin, and then waited for a response.
Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long...he loved it too! Even my son gave me a good review - and he is a tough critic - by comparing my look to one of the best characters in his video game (this was a good thing - I asked!).
With the stamp of approval given by all, I now sit here in my new dress, smiling and not quite ready to take it off. Finding the perfect little black dress is a wonderful experience, and finding the perfect shoes to go with the dress is blissful! Bring on those fancy, black-tie events people...I am ready for them, one and all!!