I guess, in the end, it's clear that my love of fashion began with Sunday shopping trips in the mall with Mom.
When I went to my first fashion show, Betsey Johnson, I sat by myself, thinking of how my mom used to love Betsey in the 70's. She bought her clothes from a store called Alley Cat, and while the store and the clothes are long gone, the thick and sturdy plastic hanger stamped with the store's name still hangs in my closet. And I can feel the love she had for those clothes still emanating off the hanger; it's a feeling that I can reciprocate.
No matter how much my sense of style evolves, how many years I've grown older, my mother still knows exactly what I should be wearing. She knows me more than me.
So it's always a treat when she calls me, debating whether or not to pick up something she thinks I need to have. This week, it's a gorgeous Calvin Klein sundress. For a season I usually see right through in jeans and a v-neck t-shirt (every single day, without so much as one trip to the beach), it's as if she's telling me, "Enjoy the sunshine! Get a freakin' tan! Try some color on for a change!"
"Get some lowlights," she added, of my long, curly, auburn hair, "and this apricot will be beautiful on you."
Considering the majority of dresses I buy myself are black, this occasion is an especially delightful summer treat. A sweetheart neckline and multiple construction details on the bodice are sure to flatter the upper body. But the softly pleated skirt and deep pockets are what make this dress ooze the ease of a lazy summer day.
To style: a chunky bangle bracelet and probably a flat gladiator of some sort. Down and natural for the hair, or; up in a loose, high, bun. That's really all the would be needed.
Of course, this sateen dress is classic enough to wear formally, as well. Even though it's a solid color, I would still pick shoes of the more simple, very high variety.
Mine cost $50.00, but you can get one at
Overstock.com for $79.99.
Zappo's has a magenta one for $133.80. So for the bargain, thanks, again, Mom.
