I Shopped! Really!

Just a quickie post (for me, anyway) about my quest for the dress for the kids' wedding in January. I know, that's not like next week or anything, but dangly details make me anxious. Plus, Fabulous Fiancee is having necklaces made for the moms and grandma, so we needed to know what color I'd be wearing.

Before I put the picture up, let me tell you how it all transpired. I headed to Coldwater Creek, because I had three dresses I'd seen online, and I thought I should try some of their dresses on for size, so I'd know what size to order. (Answer: 8) They had none of the dresses there, but I tried on one in a similar style. Too much to ask for them to have actually had the dress I wanted in the store, obviously.

Then I thought, "What the heck, I'm at the Outlet Mall, I'll wander down to Dress Barn." That was a bust, because the Dress Barn inventory now contains only about 10% dresses. They really need to consider re-naming the place "Slacks and Stuff."

I trekked clear over to the other part of the Outlet Mall (this place is huge!), figuring I'd go into Liz Claiborne. They have good stuff, and it's not all cut for 14 year old girls. However, they (like most places, it seems) can't seem to understand that some women would like to have some sort of sleeve, even if it is a summery dress. I was looking at a bunch of dresses which, had they not had spaghetti straps, halter tops, or tank-style sleeves, would have been perfect. Muttering, "Things need to be much more sleevier," I decided to wander the furthest reaches of the Outlet Mall, just to see what was there.

I discovered a BCBG shop, figured I had nothing to lose, since the library wouldn't open for another 25 minutes, and was delighted to find many, many oh-so-pretty dresses. Yeah, 90% of them had no sleeves, but still. I know, I know, I could buy a shawl or wrap or shrug or something, but that's just way too much bother. It has to match, has to suit the style of the dress, you have to lug it along on the trip or outing, then if it's too warm you have to carry it around. I need to find one item of clothing that just works as it is. I'm waiting for the day that jumpsuits come back in style. (Not really.)

The picture isn't very clear... it's a silky-type wrap style dress in shades of blue, tan and white. The pattern is little bitty feathers. The front of the skirt is gathered with some little pleats. A wee bit sexy, but still sophisticated, and I think it will pack well. Plus, it's not the kind of dress that will become a Fashion Disaster if I gain or lose a few pounds.

WHEW! I'm glad that's over! After my last shopping trip to Kohl's, which also turned out suspiciously well, Tom says I'm in danger of becoming a semi-competent shopper.

Don't hold your breath.

So... here it is!