Thursday, May 1, 2008

Triumph!

I need a dress. And well, frankly I don't enjoy clothes shopping much right now. Those cute little empire waisted, "floaty" numbers look adorable on the size 2 mannequins and teenagers, but transform this short, overweight 34 year old into a lumpy, dowdy mess. Oh, and have I mentioned that I was hoping to find something that would work for both a memorial service and a wedding? (I know, not exactly setting myself up for success...) I've been looking around for a couple weeks now, whenever I have spare moments and find myself in a store that has clothing - but nothing has caught my eye. I decided to get serious in my search, so I headed out on Monday evening, optimistic that I'd find something. I tried on over 20 items. Many of those were, "I'm not quite sure about this one, but maybe it will look better on." Ha! I did discover that those shiny bright prints do a lovely job highlighting the silver strands in my hair, though :) I was even open to a blouse that would coordinate with a skirt I already had, but just couldn't find anything.

I headed out again on Tuesday night; I got a later start than I had planned, but was hopeful as two different ladies at MOPS that morning had recommended TJ Maxx. I made three treks to the fitting rooms, and emerged with 1 "this will work if I can't find anything else" dress. Debated about purchasing it, but decided to just go ahead and put it back. It was 8:40 at this point, so rather than going to the other store on my list (which was 10 minutes away, and closed at 9:00), I headed to Wal-Mart to pick up the spark plug that hubby needed. Well, as I pulled into the parking lot, I saw "Dots" a couple stores down from Wal-Mart. Now I've walked by this store several times, but never actually gone in as the items I could see through the window just didn't seem like my style. They were still open for another 15 minutes, though, so I figured I'd take a quick look around. And surprisingly, I found 2 things that were worthy of trying on: a purple wrap dress, and a B&W print. Wrap dress was OK, but I wasn't thrilled. At this point, the sales clerk has chirpily reminded me that they'll be closing soon, so I hurriedly pull the 2nd dress over my head. Wow. I actually like this one! Cap sleeves. Squared neckline with just a bit of shirring (and no, I don't look 6 months pregnant). Hangs nicely, and has a bit of sheen without crossing over into scary, shiny land. Ding Ding Ding - we have a winner!! And it's been marked down to $20! I plunk down my cash, finish up at Wal-Mart, and head on home. Wonder of wonders, hubby even likes it!!

It's definitely not something I would normally have been drawn to, but I am happy with it. And I already know how I'll be accessorizing: simple black cardigan and flats for the memorial, funky black beaded necklace and heels for the wedding. All of which I already own. Hooray! And here's a little sneak peek:

And now back to my knit shirt and jeans. Hey, they are stain free!

4 comments:

Ivymamma said...

Love the print! Looks like a fun dress and amazingly will work for both events!

I think we are both stuck in a hard stage. We want to look younger, but not look like we're trying to look younger. there are some things that we just can't wear, and I think some of those clingy dresses with empire waist are one of them...but they're everywhere!!!

Anonymous said...

So when are you going to wear your saucy new number to church so we can see it?! :)

Shay said...

Love the fabric! :) Glad you found something that will work for both events. I am in that same shopping both with ya's, it's just a weird age/stage to be in? Half of what's in style I don't want to be caught dead in, lol. :P

In Pursuit of His Call said...

Are you going to post a picture of the dress? Or is it still a secret? It looks very pretty and appropriate for both events.