Wednesday, April 5, 2017

My Fair Lady

The decision to go to my senior prom was last minute. I didn't have a date. I didn't have a dress. I didn't really have the budget for a dress (let alone time to find one). At the urging of a few close friends, I went anyway. My talented, supportive mother solved the dress problem as best she could, working diligently the night before to alter a dusty pink Laura Ashley bridesmaid dress I'd worn for a cousin's wedding at age 14 to fit my then 18 year old self. It was a pretty dress, but it didn't give me a lot of confidence. It didn't feel "special." In fact, I didn't want (and don't have) a single photograph of me wearing it. Fortunately, in the few years...er, decades...since that time, I've gained both confidence and a much better sense of my personal style and what looks best on me when it comes to formal events. My budget has also expanded (though I'll always be a bargain shopper). Yet, I still remember how uncomfortable and self-conscious I felt in that outdated dress that really didn't suit my shape or coloring (don't get me wrong, it was a pretty enough dress - it just wasn't a great dress for me). 
I found this vintage dress a few years ago in a resale shop. it was "new old stock" meaning it came unsold from a Department Store. I wouldn't wear it to a formal gala, but a vintage cocktail hat and jewelry; crocheted gloves; and a crystal evening bag up the glam factor to make it just right for a semi-formal event.
I don't want other women to feel the way I felt, or worse yet, miss out on important life events altogether because they can't afford to dress for them.  And that's where The Gifted Gown comes in! The Gifted Gown is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide formal and semi-formal wear free of charge to both women and men for special occasions (like homecoming dances, proms, weddings, and military balls). Everyone deserves to feel special, and to participate in life's festive milestones, without wondering how they'll pay for it.
Isabel Toledo shoes from Payless add a pop of color; an updo adds formality.
I'm so proud to be on The Gifted Gown's first Board of Directors, and I encourage you to learn more about the organization here. And, if you or someone you know in central Indiana is in need of semi-formal or formal wear this Spring or Summer but doesn't have money to spend on it, don't miss the organization's BIG EVENT this SATURDAY, APRIL 8 at The Hatch in Broadripple. We will be there from 9 am to 5 pm with more than 800 gorgeous gowns ready to make someone feel special! We'll also have shoes and accessories, as well as a limited number of men's suits and tuxedoes. No appointment is needed, and we'll have volunteer personal shoppers on hand to help. Because everyone deserves to feel special. 
Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!
Check out Hat Attack for more fabulous chapeaus!

4 comments:

  1. I remember reading another post of yours about The Gifted Gown and thought it a wonderful idea. So wonderful you're on the Board to assist and that you carry on your Mum's ability to make something wearable out of the seemingly impossible! (I remember having to wear a bridesmaid dress to the Year 11 Formal!) xx

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    1. Thank you! I see we are both community focused - so sorry about the beloved village trees!

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  2. The Gifted Gown sounds like such a wonderful organization; thank you for helping make others feel special. Your cocktail hat is stunning, the silver grey and black with the pop of sparkle and light netting is very becoming. Thank you for sharing with Hat Attack!

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