A Daydream Believer and A Homecoming Un-queen

voltee ♦ September 12, 2010 ♦ 7 Comments

Item:  Dress    Color/Fabric:  Merlot, velvet    Designer:  Roberta   Where Purchsed:  ?  Years Owned:  13!

Tonight I am considering a sentimental favorite.  This dress has lots of fun and mostly happy memories attached to it.

The first time I wore it was to my senior year’s (and I mean high school) Winter Homecoming festivities.  I was chosen as one of three girls, one of which reign as the Homecoming Queen and get to wear a tiara.  Here’s what it looked like: and yes, that is the man who would become my husband, back when he was just a Sk8er Boi.  I wish I could tell you what happened to his fine ensemble, but alas, I know not.

The best part of being a Homecoming Attendant (my official title) was how happy my parents were.  They got to be part of the royal procession as we marched onto the basketball court.  The worst part of the night was that I did not become Queen.  I didn’t really mind that part, because I never really was too sure what the benefits were of being Queen (beside the obvious- the tiara), or what exactly I might have ruled over.  But my escort (who was not Nate because he was out of high school by this point, believe it or not) was chosen to be King.  And that meant I had to have a new escort, who happened to be my ex-boyfriend, and we did not part ways amicably.  It was the first time I remember turning bright red- my whole body felt hot and giant red blotches popped up on my chest and throat.  Flames.  Flames, on the side of my face…Ever since that night I’ve been like a mood ring- if I am mad, sad, embarrassed, or really just feeling any kind of emotion whatsoever, red I go.  It renders me pretty much physically incapable of lying.  There are worse things to be incapable of doing, I guess.

Another time I remember wearing it was at our apartment in Lansing.  We were having a Murder Mystery party, and it was a grand occasion.  My sister was visiting from Ohio, and I don’t remember many other guests- my roommate Ashley, one of my friends from La Senorita, Heather,  and her husband Bryan, and Nate’s gymnastic coach, Terry, are all I can recall.  If you were there and I forgot you, many apologies!  We got all dressed up according to our characters, and had dinner and wine, and it was good old fashioned fun.  The best part was that I was sort of staging an elaborate cover up for the fact that I was trying to set my sister up with Terry.   I can’t remember the exact sequence of events, but basically they did start dating, and they have been married for many years and even have an adorable baby boy!  It stands as one of the only successful match-making I have ever done.  Alright- here’s that lying thing.  It is the only success I’ve ever had.  Most of the time, people end up scarred for life.

I’m pretty satisfied with one brilliant match made, and now I feel no need to ever attempt it again.

The dress is so simple, yet very comfortable and rather classic.  I know that I have worn it around the house on a few occasions.  Yes, I do sometimes wear gowns for no reason, and I think that’s an important thing to do in life.

But maybe it’s time to say goodbye to the velvet one.  It is in double digit years, and I’m not sure I would wear it again outside of my home.  What say ye all?  

**I’m keeping this.  It’s in the Costume Closet for now, but I have worn it to lounge in.  It’s cozy.