White Snow/Black Bears.

voltee ♦ January 11, 2011 ♦ 3 Comments

Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Black/White, silk Designer: White House/Black Market Years Owned: 8
Well, it seems that I’ve had a request for more items that I have not worn in years, and therefore can more easily sacrifice. I’m haven’t decided if I can easily sacrifice this particular piece yet, but verily I have not worn this in years. And years. Most likely at least seven and a half years.
I bought this on a trip to Annapolis to see Nate’s sister Sara and her husband Ryan. I think it may have been our first ever trip there, and sadly there have not been enough of them throughout the years. When we visited in 2003, we were still living in Michigan. Now that we live half as far, and being that they are are nearest relatives, we really need to get out there more often. It’s a travesty.
And not only because we love Sara’s wonderful little family. But Annapolis is a very charming, very hip little town. I like it quite a lot.
This was also my first time in a White House/Black Market store. I think I only own one other thing from there- I was smitten at first, and then discovered they that they are a pretentious little chain with nothing to really back up that arrogance. I mean, even the name annoys me. Seriously.
But I loved this dress, with its shiny seed beads, and drapey back:

Plus, it felt so soft and luxurious. It would be the perfect little something for Formal Night on our Alaskan cruise!
Alaska is the one trip that I haven’t ever discussed in this format. Mostly because it was not a trip about fashion in any capacity. I think that this dress and an awesome vest are the only clothing I still own from that trip.
Plus, it was the most unattractive I’ve even been in my life, I think. Even including the “Hey, world!” years. Evidence:

Ooo. My theory is that being on such a thing as an Alaskan cruise aged us both by about 10 years. Yikes.
But Formal Night was a blast! We ate with a trucker and a librarian from Indiana, an elderly couple from England, and newly weds from Malta.
I only remember this because Alaska has been the only trip I’ve ever made anything resembling a scrap book for. It’s really just a photo book with captions, but the cover is decoupaged beautifully with our itineraries, pictures of eagles, and phrases like “Jammin’ Salmon.” And inside, the deck plan of the Norwegian Wind (wouldn’t want to forget that!), the ship we chose mostly due to its chocolate buffet.
I don’t know where this crafty streak came from, or where it’s gone since. I haven’t even sorted through my pictures from Spain yet.
However, I do remember Formal Night! After dinner, we grabbed as many complimentary champagnes as possible, and headed to the Ballroom for a Glen Miller ball.
It was wonderful. I happen to love Glen Miller, and so did all the old folks. There was only one other couple besides Nate and me who still had all their original teeth. It was adorable. Watching these beautiful senior citizens put on their finest and sway the night away was just priceless. The dance floor positively radiated with love.
I think I even cried a little.
Someday we’ll go back to Alaska, probably when we are seniors. I’d like to go soon, and not take a cruise, though- to get to see more wildlife. I did not accomplish my heart’s desire, which was to spot a puffin.
One of these days I will spot a puffin.
I’ve never worn the dress since. Maybe to a wedding. I like it in theory, but it just doesn’t come off as sexy as I might want it to. I think it’s the neckline- the black just makes me think of a tank top and makes it too casual. I think I would like it better if it swooped like the back. I love the shape of it and the fabric, though. What say you?

**This is leaving me, but I do think it’s lovely. It needs a nice new home!