Still recovering from the last trip, I'm trying to get organized for the next one which, thankfully, has nothing to do with fiber festivals. Sherah's wedding is the day after tomorrow. I'm going to be her maid of honor and I have nothing to wear.
I stopped by Macy's in Redmond yesterday, but the selection of dresses was pathetic. Filmy pieces of gauze with no sleeves and barely any top; thick slubby light-colored suits that would make Twiggy look like Roseanne; slinky clingy handkerchief-hemmed pieces of polyester and rayon that would snag at the mere mention of the word "blackberry".
I am not looking for gowns or formal attire, but just a dress or a suit suitable for an afternoon outside wedding in Carson City in May. Something like a slubby silk sheath with a 3/4-sleeve jacket and a pillbox hat to match. Where is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis when you need her?
So either today or tomorrow-- or both-- I must engage in one of my least favorite activities: navigating the Mall to shop for clothes, and trying them on in front of mirrors that will destroy the delicate structure of Denial that I have been working on for several years. Luckily there is a pub inside the local Nordstorms at which I can fortify myself if necessary.
I can wear any color I want, Sherah says, as long as I look "hot". Oh yeah. A 45-year-old with flabby arms and rolls of stored fat who hasn't worn heels in five years is supposed to look "hot". The bride herself is wearing the gown I wore when I married her father, but she has had the sleeves removed. I think I'll wear sunglasses so that nobody can see me crying. What color goes best with shades?
Posted by Sheila at May 12, 2005 08:00 AM Posted to Life | TrackBackHey, if I can stuff MY 45-year-old feet into heels for a preschool fundraiser, you can stuff YOUR 45-year-old feet into high heels for your daughters wedding. I'll be rooting for ya!
Posted by: Ryan on May 12, 2005 08:39 AMTry Quintenssentials in the middle of Country Village in Bothell. They are going out of business and everything is on sale. They have some nice, simple construction but elegant things. Downtown Kirkland also has a couple of really nice dress shops. And many pubs.
Posted by: kim on May 12, 2005 08:40 AMif you wear the smile you wore in the festival pictures, you can't be more beautiful, Sheila.have a glorious day (and a rub on tattoo couldn't hurt)
tanya
Boy have I been in your shoes... you'll look beautiful, just smile. At the risk of sounding stuffy, how about Talbots. They often come through.
Posted by: Judy on May 12, 2005 08:50 AMIf you do wear heels be sure they have a very large stacked or wedge heel. Skinny pointy heels and outside don't mix, you'd end up walking on your toes.
Jayme
Posted by: Jayme on May 12, 2005 09:18 AMSheila I can't imagine you not looking hot! You always look very well put together.
Sheila, it's too bad you don't "get" how striking a woman you are. You will be beautiful in anything you choose to wear. When I found myself in the same situation I did a mantra, " they won't be looking at me; they'll be looking at her."
Relax and enjoy. You will be stunning.
Helen
Mmmm - raspberry? (to go with shades) - something that will set off your beautiful complexion and dark hair. And something comfortable so you wind up looking hot, but not sweaty! Oh wait, men sweat and women perspire...
Have a wonderful time!
Posted by: Katie on May 12, 2005 09:53 AMI kinda tend towards Talbots for those kind of dresses. Although my friends think I am frumpy rather than hot. :) Someone recently suggested Ann Taylor--not Ann Taylor Loft. Good luck. Shopping for clothes at the mall is the pits!
Posted by: Kathleen on May 12, 2005 09:54 AMHave a wonderful time.Try not to cry too much.Tell your daughter how beautiful she looks.Enjoy yourself.You'll look stunning in whatever you choose to wear.
Posted by: Emma on May 12, 2005 10:44 AMOh my goodness, the wedding is that soon? Why did I think it was sometime next year? Must have been the shawl you were knitting. In my experience a shawl takes at least six months, if not a year. ;-)
You'll find something to wear, I know. And it will certainly be a day to remember!
Posted by: Beth S. on May 12, 2005 11:19 AMA pub in Nordstroms... that would make shopping more enjoyable. :)
Posted by: Liz on May 12, 2005 12:12 PMOf course you will look hot. You are beautiful. Enjoy.
i wish i was there to go shopping with you :-) i like talbots and don't think i look too too frumpy ;-0 and i started bawling before i even sat in pew at my son's wedding, don't forget the waterproof mascara!
Posted by: vanessa on May 12, 2005 06:30 PMAnd I thought I was the only one. The score in my life is Bride 2 Bridesmaid 0.
Li