Ahhhh…. The Perfect Dress
We all want to find it and we search and search… Some of us believe – every once in a while — that we have found it and hold dearly to it for at least a few wearings. That most perfect of all items — the dress of all dresses! I have owned quite a few. Some of them I still own and do wear… a lot. Usually they are black. Typically they are simple — crew necked, just above the knee, sleeveless, a-lined skirt with a fitted bodice. Sometimes they are belted or do have a long sleeve or three-quarter length sleeve. Sometimes they are navy or deep crimson or even lacy (that would be a perfect party dress). And, once in awhile, it’s a dress that doesn’t get a lot of wear but is always in fashion, always looks great and can get pulled out at least once or twice a year for that special occasion.
What makes a dress a perfect dress? What makes a man a perfect man? Everyone’s answer will differ, won’t it? For me, it’s a lot of what I listed above –simplicity, ease of fit over my hip area, tighter fit through my waist, etc…. For you, it may be that the dress covers just the right amount of arm, dips down your cleavage to where you are most flattered but still most comfortable, it’s the exact right length and material, etc… I could go on and on. Sometimes, it’s the back of the dress –see the two above: one with the bow on the top of the zipper, which took a very simple short dress to one with a sense of humor; and the lacy backed dress…just gorgeous.
However, like finding the perfect man, it is really an illusion. NO DRESS (i.e. NO MAN) will ever be perfect. No dress can be your best friend forever. No dress can be worn for every occasion for the rest of your life. Love for clothing, like love for your fellow humankind, is fickle at best. You love a dress, you wear it quite a few times but maybe by the 6th wearing, you sense deep down inside that you don’t get that same glow inside when putting it on and the same excitement at the thought of wearing it to your next ladies luncheon.
That’s okay. Don’t feel guilty and don’t feel that you can’t buy another similar dress to give you that same “lift” again. We all need perk-ups, in love and clothing. I have many clients who say to me — I love this dress but I already own: (fill in the blank here) a blue dress; a black dress; a sleeveless dress; a brown dress; a party dress; a tweed dress. As you personal shopping assistant and fashion consultant I give you permission to have more than one: (fill in the blank here) blue dress; black dress; sleeveless dress; brown dress; party dress; tweed dress.
When you find true love, grab hold it and never let it go. But always remember, love is fickle and that’s just human nature!