A dress by Dolce & Gabbana

For most women, their wedding dress is one of the most expensive investments in clothing they will make.  They spend months shopping and trying on and looking through magazines or Pinterest boards for just the perfect look on their most special day.  And when they find the perfect dress, it is often the most expensive fashion investment they will ever make.  

I felt that way when I bought my wedding gown, thirty-some years ago.  It was the most beautiful dress I had ever worn… until I discovered luxury ready-to-wear fashion!

I was shopping with a then new friend (we’ve since been friends for over twenty years now) and she introduced me to the luxury level at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. I was in awe of the pieces and overwhelmed by the prices!  As a new mom and thrifty New Englander recently transplanted to the southern California scene, I had a little bit of sticker shock – but like a strong cup of coffee I enjoyed every jolt.  We laughed and shopped and had such a fun time. We tried on many different designers’ latest creations and I fell in love with a beautiful silk floral dress from Dolce & Gabbana (queue the meme from The Devil Wears Prada where Andi asks, “Can you spell Gabbana?”).  This dress was so lovely, ruched down the sides, just off the shoulder, and hit every curve correctly.  I was instantly smitten! I tried to imagine the many places and ways I would wear this dress, but I ultimately walked away without making the purchase.  Has anyone ever had a severe case of buyer’s remorse?  Two weeks later I was still thinking about that dress and I ended up calling the store and having them ship it to me.  And I’ve kept it ever since!  It’s a classic piece that I will never get rid of.  And the story behind my purchase – the fun my friend and I had together and me frantically calling the store two weeks later, hoping it was still available, is a memory I will never forget.

Do you have a fashion investment in your closet that you will never part with?