The Terror Of Being Stuck In A Dress
My Latest Vintage and Thrift Finds, Feat. Bill Blass, Theory and Leslie Lucks
(The Spiegel pants and a vintage hat)
As any woman knows, one of the most terrifying occurrences in life is when you get stuck in a dress in a fitting room. Such an occurrence recently happened to me on a recent vintage/thrifting trip. It’s hard for a garment to be too small for me, as I’m already petite, but it occasionally happens. I pulled a pink and black velvet peplum dress over my head and instantly knew it was a mistake. But instead of retreating I continued with stubborn abandon and tried, irrationally, to get it on. The sleeves were so puffy it was as if I had a hot air balloon sitting on each shoulder. The skirt of the dress wouldn’t even go flush over my hips, so I plotted my escape plan. The dress was so tight as I tried to get it off that I saw my life flash before my eyes. I was like a caterpillar stuck in a cocoon that I would never emerge from. It was already hot in the building but now I began to sweat from nerves and became worried I would be buried in this dress. I pulled and wiggled and twisted and finally the dress budged. I almost pulled a muscle with the final tug over my head, but I was finally free. I had escaped utter ruin.
(The dress I got stuck in.)
Surprisingly, I still had the nerve to try on the black Bill Blass dress I had also pulled from the rack. The statement ruffle over the black velvet base made this garment a classic. And while the size said 14 and I’m a size 2, the dress fit impeccably because it was vintage. I had almost screamed when I saw the label on the dress. I was at Goodwill after all, so finding a Bill Blass dress for $6.99 was insane. I took my spoils to the register and have since added the dress to my “To be worn” section in my closet. I can’t very well wear this dress when it feels like 110 degrees in southern Louisiana.
(The Bill Blass Dress)
Shopping that day was particularly good. I had earlier found a purple Theory blazer the tags still on it from Clothes Mentor and a pair of black Spiegel wide-legged slacks from Lilou Lafayette. I had been spending the day with a friend, so for once I wasn’t purposely looking for clothing. It was a bonding activity and I accidentally bonded with three pieces of clothing. Oopsie.
(The Theory Blazer)
Sometimes the best finds happen when you’re not looking for them. This is especially true for what will be my Christmas outfit this year. I was browsing a local church thrift store on dollar day a few weeks ago and came across a red Leslie Lucks skirt suit. I couldn’t believe it was my size, and yes, I only paid $1 for it! Don’t ever let the fact that something is out-of-season keep you from buying it. Items are harder to find in-season because there is much more demand, so buy that coat you’ve been having your eye on even though it’s the hottest part of summer.
(The Leslie Lucks Suit)
I’ve taken a step back from clothing shopping lately but have managed to find quality items at much lower prices than I normally pay since I’m not intentionally searching for things. This approach is a new experience but one which has been fruitful.