Falling In Love With Blouses, Boutiques, and Rock Stars
Item: Blouse Color/Fabric: Pink, Silk, Rayon Designer: Marc Jacobs Where Purchased: Next Boutique Years Owned: 6ish
This is my 17th post! I’m not sure why that number seems like a milestone, but it does. I’m very surprised and rather delighted that I am turning this into such an effortless habit. It’s becoming a lovely and relaxing nightly ritual. Now to just make myself believe that I can carry the momentum into my fiction, that entity that is lying cold and dead somewhere far away beyond my reach. I’m starting to feel like I can actually revive it. I will.
Today I spent the afternoon working at Next Boutique. I’ve taken about a two year hiatus from there, and it’s nice to be back, even in my limited capacity. I’ve started to fall in love with the store all over again, and was prompted to think of the first thing I ever bought from there.
I remember the first time I saw the Boutique- it was the 4th of July, and we had lived here for just about a month. Next was closed, but I looked in the windows and was mesmerized. Next Boutique is almost like a living and breathing entity, with a distinct yet ever evolving style that is very palpable to all who enter. It is just the right combination of sparkle, rockstar, simplicity, and class. From that little peak, I thought about it a lot, but did not have enough courage to actually go inside for a while. I became very hermit-like in those first few months of living here.
When I finally decided I could shop at Next, I found this blouse on the sale rack, and I loved it instantly. The deal was sealed, though, when I saw the little buttons on the back- they are precious. 
I felt like I deserved a treat for being brave enough to move so far away from my home and my family. So I bought it, and have worn it numerous times. It is well loved, and well worn. Yet it still looks and feels brand new.
I know that I wore this the first time we went to Coney Island, with the jeans I used to call my “Britney Jeans” because they were very low and very tight. And Nate told me that I looked like I was “trying too hard.” That cut me to the quick then, but I realize now that he was most definitely correct. I wear it much differently these days.
We spent the day on the boardwalk, and riding the scariest roller coaster of all time, the Cyclone. The fear is heightened byu the fact that it is virtually ancient, and so rickety you feel it might just disintegrate mid ride. It’s awesome!
The highlight of the night was a triple-bill concert; Brenden Bensen, The Shins, and the White Stripes. All were really great live, and afterwards I bought Brenden Bensen’s albums in the hopes that he could make enough money to buy a cheeseburger. He’s the skinniest person I’ve ever seen. Seriously. The Shins were extremely cool, and were even walking around on the boardwalk before the show like us regular folk. And The White Stripes are without doubt in my Top 3 list of best live bands ever. And not just because I think Jack White is one of the hottest men on the planet.
And this might just be my favorite blouse. I am still in love with it. I like the textures of it, and how it feels when I’m wearing it. It’s like so many things that I’ve found at Next Boutique; special enough to stand out, but timeless enough to never really look dated. I’d like to keep this forever. Thoughts?
**Confirmed. I will keep this forever!!
Ode To the VMAs: A Tragedy
Item: Skirt Color: Beige, Suede Designer: Strenessee Blue Where Purchased: Last Call Neiman Marcus Years Owned: 4
In honor of the Magical Tradition known as the VMAs, which were broadcast this evening, I felt it only appropriate to select a garment that was very nearly worn to last year’s event.
I belong to a website that does audience casting for shows filmed in NCY for special events. When I learned they were casting the audience for the VMAs, I applied instantly. Did I think it was really shallow that applicants were required to submit a picture, and height and weight? Sure. Did I fib a tiny bit about my age? You betcha. Did I get tickets? Of course!
I was beyond excited. So many historic pop culture moments have occured at the VMAs throughout the years. I thought it would be a blast. How could it not be? Green Day, Beyonce, Lady Gaga- there was a fab list of performers last year. I got four tickets, so we invited Kevin, and our friend Tori, who was going to meet us in the city. Many, many hours were lost deliberating over my outfit. I finally choose this skirt with a lovely brown silk blouse, and my favorite boots of all time. I liked it- a little bit rock n roll, without trying too hard.
We planned to spend the day in the city, first campaigning to a dear friend in Brooklyn, and then heading over to the show.
The campaigning was actually really fun- there were stoop sales all over, and I found a few treasures. Then we headed into Manhattan to meet up with Tori.
It’s hard to know where it all went wrong. We arrived at the check in for the show earlier than they asked by about an hour. But by that time it was already too late. It was swamped with teen-aged girls in sequined dresses and cheep heels, and frat boys with flipped collars and sunglasses. There was absolutely no order to anything, and everyone was freaking out. Finally, they took a group of people, and left more than half of us to wait and suffer.
It turns out that they over booked the show. By more than twice the number they could let in. They explained by saying that there is usually a percentage of those who are given tickets who don’t show, and they were trying to account for that. Which is ridiculous, in my opinion. What kind of idiot gets tickets to the VMAs and doesn’t show?
What happened next was one of the most surreal moments of my life, and I will never forget it. We were told that we would be taken to the venue, Radio City Music Hall, and there was a chance some of us would be let in after they determined how much room was left. We filed outside, onto the street as a giant cluster, and then chaos ensued. There were girls squeezed into tiny lycra dress, in teetering heels, and made-up within an inch of their lives running down the streets of Manhattan as if their very lives depended on it. It looked like the Gossip Girl Olympics, and it was absurd and wonderful at the same time.
Then we were left in limbo for an hour or more- no one had any idea what was happening. It finally became apparent that they weren’t going to let anyone else in when the show actually started. There were so many girls who were completely devestated. I’m sure it was the worst thing that had ever happened to them.
Our little quartet, although disappointed, made the best of things. We went to one of my favorite little restaurants in the city, a place called Vinyl, where the menus are made from old lp covers, and the four bathrooms are each decorated for a different musical superstar. And the food is good and reasonably priced.
And wouldn’t you know it, they were having their own tribute to the VMAs! They were projecting the show on a supersized screen and serving special drinks. Instead of standing all night, smashed in a crowd of people, we got to sit in a cozy booth and eat delicious food, such as Macaroni and Cheese with Black Truffles, and drink frozen cosmos all night. Certainly not a bad deal! The frozen cosmos, though, oh man. Whew. Strong.
That was the night when I started to love Lady Gaga. I will never forget the reaction in Vinyl when she started dripping with blood- everyone was gasping and cheering and it was great fun. Sure, I ended the evening getting my boot stuck on something on the train on the ride home and giving myself a black eye, but all in all it was a fabulous evening, one of the best I’ve ever had in the city.
They’re just lucky that they moved the VMAs back to LA, because I would’ve gotten in this year. Somehow.
The skirt, I still love. Sure, it’s a little beaten up from that crazy night, but I think that just adds character. I love the way it feels. It is so soft, like butter. It makes me feel good, so I think it should stay around for a while.
A Daydream Believer and A Homecoming Un-queen
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.
A Series Of Fortunate Events
Item: Tee-shirt Color/Fabric: Beige, cotton Designer: Max Jeans Where Purchased: BCBG in Woodbury Common Years Owned: 5
This is a relic from my very first trip to Woodbury Common. In case you’ve never been there, if sort of like the Shopper’s Disney Land. There are many tourists, overpriced snacks, no where to park, and sometimes even lines to get into stores. One of the major differences is that instead of spoiled little children running around, there are more spoiled little doggies being carried around. It’s fun, though, if you have lots of time to waste away wandering around and you like to look at pretty things you’ll probably never own. There are some stores, such as Dior, that I am only comfortable peering into from a distance.
I felt a little star-struck on my first visit. It was hard even to decide where to start. So I just want to some stores that felt a little familiar, and not too exclusive. Of course, the hubby was with me, and he is extremely patient for a few hours of shopping. And then, in an instant, the patience suddenly just evaporates, and he has to leave. Now. Like the store is on fire and he’s suffocating. It drives him crazy that I need to sort through every item on a rack of clothing. “You don’t need to touch every piece. You can just look at it and tell automatically if you’ll like something!” he says. But that is far from the truth, especially in an outlet mall. You never know what hidden treasure you’ll find smooshed between two items.
Like this tee, for example. Believe it or not, it was I think the most expensive tee-shirt I had ever seen until then. The original price was $120 or something, and of course I bought it for less then $10. I think I just wanted to see what a tee-shirt that cost over $100 would feel like. It really didn’t look like much to the eye, but I assumed that maybe it had some sort of magical properties that might look better once I wore it.
I guess that was the reason why I decided to wear it on a very pivotal day in my life- when I auditioned for Chicago. I wore it with black yoga pants, and felt sort of sporty and hip on the outside. Inside I was completely terrified. I had not sung in public or done any sort of theater related activity for more than 7 years. My friend Arek encouraged me to go, and gave me a shot of whiskey to calm me down a little. I’m not sure that trick worked, but it got Nate to drive us to the theater, which was the only reason he auditioned at all.
The week before, we saw Into the Woods at the Center, and I was thoroughly impressed. And then horrified when I saw many of the cast members also auditioning for Chicago. I wanted to leave-I felt so out of place and unqualified. But my companions wouldn’t let me, and we stayed for hours and hours and hours, until I nearly fainted from hunger. At the very end, Arek decided not to finish the audition, and said he only went through it at all so that I would. It was very sweet of him. And fortunate. Because now those very same people whose talent intimidated me are now some of my very best friends. And I have a job that is usually fulfilling. And a hobby that brings me heaping quantities of joy.
Maybe it was the shirt?
Yes, it is imbibed with good vibes and it’s boxy in a good way, like a Volvo, but let’s face it, it isn’t flattering at all. Do I keep it for artistic merit?
**I have decided to part with this…please, someone, give it a good home!
What A Desiccated Insect With A Giant Elephant Leg Wears
Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Blue, Cotton Designer: Lilke Where Purchased: Anthropologie Years owned: 1.5
Oh, today was not a good day. I have been crawling around in the depths of despair all day long. I still don’t have an answer for my hip/back/leg/whatever pain, and in fact now have more questions. So I’ve been thinking about the surgery I had in April quite frequently today, wondering if it has actually helped me. Wishing I could have a little peak into the future and see if this all goes away someday.
What more appropriate garment to write about than the dress I wore on the day of my surgery! I bought this little dress because the shape reminded me of 1930’s dresses and the embroidery reminded me of the hand embroidered shirts and dresses we saw in the markets of Budapest. When I went for my pre-surgery screening, they told me I would want to wear something I could get on and off easily and was comfortable and loose fitting. And I chose this, with my well-loved red suede flats.
I remember taking this off and getting into the hospital gown, which was a tent. I literally could have safely hidden a family of four inside it in an emergency.
The best part of the whole experience was lying on the gurney under warm heated blankets, toasty and comfortable, before they took me to the surgery room. By that time I the pre-anesthesia was starting, and I remember lots of white, and many lights, and I wondered why there were so many people wearing surgical masks and if they were all there for me. My surgeon was talking to me and then he started to sound like the grown ups in Charlie Brown, and then I remember nothing.
The next thing I remember is my surgeon telling me that the surgery took longer than anticipated, and then going to the post surgery room. I had to stay there for hours and hours, and it was so uncomfortable and awful, and I wasn’t able to see Nate or my mom, or drink any water, which I wanted more than anything else in the world. Oh, and I had a nerve block, so the pain and motor nerves in my leg were shut off entirely. It was the strangest sensation, like I had someone else’s leg attached to my body. It was just dead weight- I couldn’t control it at all.
When they let me go up to the recovery room, I was given some ginger ale and a cheese sandwich that I was physically unable to eat. I tried valiantly, but my mouth was so dry it turned to this glue-like substance that, try as I might, I simple couldn’t swallow. I drank and drank and drank, though. No matter how much I drank, it wasn’t enough. I felt dried out from the inside. Like a desiccated insect.
Once I was able to leave, I had to put the dress back on. Yes, it was easy to get into, right over my head, but I had not anticipated how swollen my leg would be. It was an elephant leg. Given my new girth, the dress was now ridiculously short. It barely covered my bum, and the ruffle stuck out instead of lying flat. I felt like an absurd, very chubby cheerleader.
I’m glad I wore the dress, though. It was almost as if I had a comforting friend with me. I feel like it soothed me somehow. The pretty red flats, not so much- there was no way my enormous balloon foot would ever have fit!
I think I would like to keep this, and wear it on an occasion that isn’t quite so pain-filled. Like a picnic. It would be a perfect, sunny picnic dress. Yes?
A Metaphor Of A Sweater.
Item: Sweater Color/Fabric: Black/Wool (Bedazzled) Designer: Marc Jacobs Where Purchased: Actually, a Christmas gift from my mom (And I think that she got it at a yard sale). Years owned: Almost 4
Tonight is just one of those nights when the words don’t want to come. I am trying and trying to coax them, but so far it seems futile. The point of this project is to not give up, ever, so try I shall.
Here is a sweater that I have always loved. I remember unwrapping it on Christmas day, and being completely delighted, thinking of all the ways I could dress this up or dress it down. But in reality, it really doesn’t wear that easily.
I went on a Quest. I was determined to find the right outfit for this piece. I tried it with plain tee-shirts. I tried it over dresses. I tried camis. I bought blouses specifically to wear with this. It just never looked exactly the way I wanted it to.
I ended up buying a white silk camisole that looked nice with it, and I brought out my new ensemble on New Year’s Eve. It was a great look for the festivities. Even if I’m not going to a party, I like to wear something a little sparkly on New Year’s Eve. It’s the respectable way to greet the coming year- it demonstrates shiny new hopes.
This was one of those New Year’s where I truly felt like I was approaching an epoch. We went to two separate parties, and were surrounded by friendship, and food, and love, and blessings all evening. I met my lovely friend Tori for the first time. And I got to participate in Kevin’s wonderful ritual that helped me visualize what I hoped for in the year to come. I have it still, a quirky collage, and I love it. Even though the things I hoped for that year never actually happened, I know there’s still time. Hope doesn’t expire- it just gets sort of old and rusty if you don’t use it enough. So- I am trying to use it more often!
I still adore this sweater. I will cling to the hope that one day it will live up to my expectations of it and shine to its brightest ability! And become amazing instead of just acceptable.
**I haven’t really worn this more successfully, but I’m still trying. I love it!!
The Ballad of the Plaid Mini
Item: Skirt Color: Plaid Where Purchased: American Eagle Outfitters Years Owned: ???
This is my very first skirt! Ok, well not the very first skirt I’ve owned in my life (but it may actually be close), it’s my first skirt to face scrutiny. I am now trying to pick items randomly, so I drew “Skirt” out of a pretty bejeweled box, and I felt sad. Because I know that I have a very unhealthy accumulation of black skirts that drastically needs to be downsized. But since it is the first day back from a long weekend, I just did not have the energy to begin the Great Black Skirt project. Maybe next week.
And before I get too in depth with this piece, I’ve had a few people ask me what I plan to do with the items that don’t make the cut. I’ve decided I’m going to put them on Ebay, since I’ve had lots of fun with that in the past. Any proceeds that come my way, and I don’t expect much from used and damaged clothing, I will apply to my trip to Europe in October. I’d like to say I would donate to a charity, but I’m simply too selfish at the moment, faced with large travel bills. Perhaps around Christmas I’ll feel generous again.
Ok. I have absolutely no recollection of when I bought this skirt. I’m pretty sure I was still living in Michigan. So it’s been at least 6 years. I’d say it might even be close to 8. It had a partner, a yellow number that I bought at the same time. The yellow one was much shorter, and I think I only wore it once. That was a wonderful day- it was my first lunch date with my beloved friend Kevin. We ate Mexican food, and cried. Still things we do together quite often!
The yellow skirt has sadly succumbed to a a previous closet clean-out, probably years ago. I’m not sure how it’s plaid counterpart has survived for so long. I think it’s because it’s not quite as short. And it has this part punk, part preppy confusion going on that endears it to me. Plus it’s very soft.
I’ve broken this skirt out on a few occasions. The one I really remember was to a karaoke night after a performance of Chicago. That was just over four years ago? I’m not sure why I remember that I wore this skirt, all those years ago. Sometimes outfits just stay in my head. We went to the Firebird in Rhinebeck, which is now extinct. It was such an exciting time for me. I finally was making friends and doing fun things, and starting to make New York my home. I do remember Nate singing “Kiss” while I was his back-up dancer. If I had chosen to wear the yellow skirt, it would have been scandalous! And I agreed to sing a Pat Benetar song with Blonde Stephanie- I can’t remember which song. Maybe “Heartbreaker”? So I assumed that since Stephanie picked the song she knew how it went. Because I only knew the chorus. But she didn’t know the verses either, and wow, it was bad. At least I was wearing a cute skirt.
So can one get away with wearing a ruffled plaid skirt when she is well into her thirties? I can’t decide. I know there is a reason this skirt has dodged so many Goodwill bullets, but I’m not sure it’s still valid. Perhaps it has reached the end of the road. And that makes me think of Boyz II Men, and now I can hear the skirt pleading with me in a nice rich bass; “Girl, you know we belong together…” Sigh.
**This one is going. But you could still claim her!!
Pee-Wee and the City
Item: Trousers Color/Fabric: Black, cotton Designer: Banana Republic Years Owned: 6?
First of all, I really need to find a better way to photograph clothing. These trousers look horrible! I promise they are ever so much cuter in person. Second of all, I am back in New York. It was a wonderful whirlwind trip. Quite literally, because it was incredibly windy. But it’s nice to be home, where I can write on my own computer and listen to sweet tunes, and enjoy a glass of wine. Ahhh.
So, these pants I like to call my “City Pants.” I have worn them to New York City multiple times. They are very heavy cotton, so they’re warm enough for a NYC winter without being itchy like wool. Here is the first time I wore them to the city:
I know you can’t really see them in this picture, but I promise it’s these pants. Plus, I just love this picture. I’m with my friend Arek, and Nate, and we went to a show. I can’t remember which one- I think “Chicago?” It was a wonderful night, in any case.
The other time I wore my City Pants was the first time we went to a taping of The Late Show with David Letterman. They told me on the phone to dress nicely and to be excited, and since it was winter, I chose these pants, with a red sweater and a black cropped pea-coat. And of course I was excited- it was, after all, the first television taping we had been to.
So when we got to the ticket check point, we smiled and giggled, and I probably squealed a little, and hoorah! We got a ticket upgrade to the areas that may be on camera. It felt like VIP treatment. We got to sit in the first few rows, and we didn’t have to wait out in the cold like the losers who didn’t wear their City Pants.
The guest that night was Paul Reubens, aka Pee-Wee Herman. He was promoting the DVD release of Pee-Wee’s Playhouse. I admit that I loved that who when I was growing up, but I was rather disappointed with our guest appointment. At first. He ended up being very funny. Also the musical act sucked- they didn’t really play music, but hopped around the outside of the building on bands of some sort. We couldn’t even see them perform. Lame.
What I remember most was that everyone wore so much make-up. Seriously, about an inch or more. It looked frightening, but on tv appears totally normal. I also remember that we ate in the world renown eatery called Subway, and ended up giving sandwiches to a homeless man. All in all it was a lovely excursion.
The trousers, though, I am not sure about. They aren’t as classic I once hoped- the cargo pockets on the legs seem a little dated now. And if I keep them I would need to sew on a button or two. They do fit well, though, and they are warm. I’m torn- help, please!
**These are going, but they haven’t yet. The buttons are fixed! Someone save them!!
The Enchanted Dress
Item: Dress Color/Fabric: Raspberry, polyester Designer: Zac Posen, for Target Years owned: 0.5
So today I am making a departure. I am still in Ohio, and I miscalculated the number of items I would need to write about while here, leaving me forced to choose something I brought on my trip. I chose this dress primarily because it came from Target, and recently, so I knew I could pull up a picture on the internet.
Today was the second time I’ve worn this dress In hindsight, not the best decision, since it was chilly in the morning, the wind was blustering and the dress is light and floaty. I felt like Marilyn Monroe every time I stepped outside.
I’m not sure what it is about this dress, but it’s special. Four total strangers stopped me to compliment this dress today. Four! I don’t think that has ever happened with any other piece of clothing. It seemed to be little old ladies who stopped me. Maybe it was the vivid color that delighted them so much, with their failing eyesight and all. Whatever their reasons, I appreciated their kind words. I need constant affirmation. It’s a weakness of mine.
Nate really wanted me to write about this dress so I could document the wondrous event that happened to him while I was wearing it; he got free meatloaf! We went with his dad to a place called Uncle John’s Pancake House. It is a magical place. Everything is pretty much $6 or less. There are pancakes, and blintzes, and waffles, and French toast, and omelets, and every type of topping you can think of. Plus a full range of dinner items,which is nice, since Nate hates breakfast food, and I could eat it all day long. So I ordered a Greek omelet with pancakes, and Nate ordered meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
Nate’s meatloaf, sadly, was served still frozen in the middle. They made him a new one to go, and took the other one off of our bill. And showered us with apologies, which really weren’t needed, because Nate could not have been happier with this turn of events.
Even though they serve frozen food, Uncle John’s was still delicious. It’s a good thing we live far away from it, because if we didn’t I would need to eat there every day. And then I wouldn’t be able to fit into my clothes.
The first time I wore this dress, I received free drinks. Sure, my friend was serving us, but it still was a nice treat, and I think the dress helped. Clearly, it’s enchanted in some way. I need to wear it a few more times, and see what happens. This is a keeper.
Prada: A Tale of Regret
Item: Sweater Color/Fabric: Merlot, cashmere Designer: Prada Where Purchased: Prada Sample Sale, Woodbury Common Years owned: 5
When I moved to New York, one of the higher numbers on my To-Do list was to go to a Designer Sample Sale. Having read about them in numerous fashion magazines and websites, I was thrilled by the prospect of fending off greedy women who would gladly rip a bargain out of my cold dead fingers if they had to. So when I got an inside scoop that Prada was having a sample sale, I immediately drew up my battle plan. I figured we would leave the house at 5:30 in the morning, get to the store by 7, and wait outside until they opened at 9. And I would bring a large handbag for beating down the competition.
On the morning of the sale, all went as planned, except that I was hungry. I had Nate stop at McDonald’s for an Egg McMuffin.
That McMuffin cost me some of the most fabulous finds I have ever encountered. Or probably ever will again .
When we got to the store, about 20 minutes later than planned, there was already a line, although not that big. There were maybe about 50 people in front of us. I think there were exactly 50 people in front of us. Because when they opened the door at 9, they let 50 people inside, and shut the beautiful glass doors right in my face. I wish the door hadn’t been glass. It was a cruel sort of torture, having to watch people just grab and grab, gorgeous piles of shoes and clothes heaping up into their arms. No one had handbags, though, because the first person in line went straight to the bags, curved both arms like giant hooks, and threaded them through the handles of every last one. It was smart, since they were all $75, and I’m sure he sold them for much more. Clearly he had trained much harder than I had.
I wish that tonight I was writing about a pink cocktail dress with a feathered skirt. But it was not meant to be. I watched the dress sitting alone, for minute after minute, while women just passed it by repeatedly. Sometimes someone would pick it up and contemplate it. I sent them mental bullets with my mind. “No,” I said. “That will not fit you. Put it down.” And they did! Then, when at last they opened the doors, I went straight for my feather dress. And someone beat me by a fraction of a second. I entertained the idea of beating her with my handbag like the women I had read about, but I decided to let it go. It was like a dagger in my heart.
But then I found this cashmere shell. And a lovely silk skirt. And another sweater. And four pairs of shoes. Suddenly the world did not seem so dreary and hopeless!
I wore this sweater with an orange skirt and a chunky beaded necklace on the day that I went to apply for the job at Next Boutique. Somehow just knowing that that label was touching the back of my neck gave me a much needed confidence boost. Silly, right? But it worked. I got the job, which started a new chapter in my life, and lead to my making many lovely friends and many lovely purchases.
Would I have kept this sweater, though, if it didn’t have a designer label? I’m not sure. It is very soft and classic, and a pretty color, but it does have a pretty big flaw. It has some fading in the front from where it was folded. You can see it in the picture. But if I wear it underneath something it’s not even noticeable. Am I just making excuses? Maybe. I am very fond of this sweater.
Yet I will forever be haunted by that feather dress, and the McMuffin that broke my heart.
**Yes, I kept this. I may not have even worn it, but I just can’t let it go…
I Am What I Wore 