A Common Refrain.

voltee ♦ March 24, 2011 ♦ 4 Comments

Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Ebony/Ivory, silk Designer: For Love And Liberty Where Purchased: Next Boutique Years Owned: 4
Tonight, I am considering a lovely little dress that I unearthed from the floor of one of my closets. In the spare bedroom, which I was tidying up last weekend before our friend Chris came to visit. This dress has not seen the light of day in probably two years, and it shows.
I remember when this dress arrived at Next Boutique, along with one more piece, a blouse I think, from this brand called “For love And Liberty.” I loved the name immediately, and then fell in love with the dress. I loved the sweetness of the chiffon combined with the rather edgy brass grommets and lace tree. Plus, the back:

It didn’t quite fit me properly, though. Even the smallest size had, to paraphrase Norma Arnold, “Plenty of room in Kerry Dotson’s bust!” A phrase I hear quite frequently in my head about many almost-fitting dresses.
So it was not something I would have paid full price for.
When it went on sale, however, I snapped it up. I planned on donning a clever bra and wearing it with big black boots for the second MAC Christmas party I was invited to. For some reason I was really excited by the concept of being decidedly un-holiday-y.
And then there was a terrible snow storm, and I missed the party.
I was the most sad about not getting to wear this dress.
I did not find an opportunity to wear it for close to a year later. I can’t remember the occasion, but Nate and I were going out to dinner, and for some reason we choose Torches in Newburgh. I knew I ran the risk of being overdressed, but at this point in our lives we didn’t get to go out that often. Plus I really wanted to wear a dress, and specifically this one.
And so I did.
Really, it was a very mediocre dinner. I am always amazed by the prolific amount of culinary magic surrounding us in the Hudson Valley, and it’s disappointing to get something that feels a little…generic. Plus the cocktails were expensive, and terrible. I certainly don’t mind paying $10 or more for a drink if it is hand crafted, fresh, and creative, using, perhaps, lavender-infused vodka. But I get very irritated when I order a $12 mango mojito, and I watch the bartender use a store bought mango mixer. I at the very least expect real fruit, and hand muddling.
Anyway, at some point during this dining let down, I must have spilled something on my dress. I don’t remember any spill, but the years the dress has spent on the closet floor really let the stains set and stand out. Now there is no missing them. It’s sad.
For some reason, when we got home, Nate decided to take my passport photo. It became the strangest picture.I thought about sharing it with you, but just couldn’t talk myself into it. It’s kind of frightening. I am wearing large gold earrings, and the most serious expression my face can muster. I sort of resemble a psychotic gypsy. I’m always a little bit surprised when I’m actually allowed on an airplane. It’s that scary.
It’s not the dress’ fault. It’s unique and pretty, and I love it. Even though it is stained and the fit is a little off . I know. I say those words a lot. Does anyone have any advice for removing a mysterious two-year-old stain from silk chiffon? Or is it time to let this one go?

**The stains came out with Dryel! This went with me on a trip to California, and I loved it. She stays.