A Birthday! A Gown!

voltee ♦ December 14, 2010 ♦ 5 Comments

Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Various blues, polyester Designer: Nikki Livas Where Purchased: The Goodwill Years Owned: 10+

Today is a joyful day! It’s my one and only sister’s birthday. My sister is the kindest, most generous and completely selfless person I have ever known. She can always make me laugh, is a world champion listener, worries about me and many things too much, and has totally conquered the mom thing. How blessed am I that we happen to be related?
She’s also a very gifted photographer. Go here to check out her fb page and if you’re inclined, like it. And if you’re in the Ohio/Michigan area and need a wedding photographer, here’s her amazing website. You should go here even if you’re not in the area and bask in the glow of the love.
I was thinking today about how far she’s come, from being a harried nurse to running a successful and artistically satisfying personal business. Of course I remembered photographs she’s taken throughout the years.
Including this dress. I have always loved this dress, although as I look at it now I’m afraid the love may have waned a little. I remember finding this at one of my most favorite thrift stores in the world, the Goodwill in Bowling Green. I can’t remember exactly when this was, but I know that I was in college. Otherwise I would most likely have worn this to prom.
I found this dress so interesting. The bodice is so plain, almost like a tank top, and the color is almost like tie dye. It’s almost hippie-ish.
Until you get to the enormous train. That’s what did me in.
If you feel like dragging a yard or two around on the floor as you negotiate, well, wherever this might be appropriate, then, cool. If you are looking for a little more junk in your trunk, it has two loops and a button for a lovely French bustle. Or, and most appealing to me, you can wear the loop on your finger like a ring, and let the fabric drape off your hand, like a sophisticated Old Hollywood movie star. This option is best if there is a dance floor, and a man whirling you around in, preferably, a waltz or a fox trot. Then, the fabric will flow down from your hand on the dapper gentleman’s shoulder, a vision of effortless grace. Your dance-card will be full in no time!
Would you believe that I’ve never even tried that option? I have only worn this once, and that was for my sister to take some pictures of me in it.
I can’t remember if it was her idea or mine. Probably I put it on the very minute I brought it home after buying it, and she happened to have her camera out for some other reason.
Anyway, it was great fun. Like Glamor Shots! Which I’ve never actually done. And wonder if they still exist. For the future of the aerosol hairspray business, I sure hope so.
In the picture, the loop is, of course, over my finger.
I don’t know what happened to that picture, or I’d show you.
Now my sister has actual equipment, including a studio I’ve never even seen. She’s a pretty big deal, and I’m very proud of her. I also love her. Dearly!
The dress, though. Hmm. It does not look as polished as I remembered it. I remember thinking that this was just the epitome of sophistication. I’m not sure that I would ever wear this to an actual event. Maybe if someone invites me to prom. Should I save it for a costume, perhaps? Or hold out for prom?

**I’ve decided to say goodbye to this one. Someone, love it, please!