Here is the thing about The Sisterhood of The Traveling Dress. Sometimes, when you give a dress away, it works out perfectly. But sometimes, it works out imperfectly. Which is why I always warn people who want to give their dresses away that they need to be willing to let go of the outcome. That the action of gifting has to be the reason that they are doing it.
But, as we talk about a lot on APW, sometimes the beauty of things is in their imperfection. Melissa, who you’ll remember from her kick-ass brewfest wedding, gave away her wedding dress last year to Kelly. Over the last year, Kelly got very ill, and her wedding was pushed back. Because Kelly is adorable, she kept emailing Melissa to ask if it was ok, could she still keep the dress? And of course Melissa said absolutely yes. Keep the dress, and wear it in good health. But, recently, Kelly emailed us to say this:
I am, thankfully, in better health than I was. It was scary there for awhile and I’m glad to be well again. But I’m also 30 pounds heavier than I ever thought I’d be. Which means that while Melissa’s dress is still just amazing as always, the whole look is so less cute when it doesn’t fit over my ass. Sigh.
Last week, I ordered another dress and I pick it up in a few days. It’s beautiful, even if it’s not draped in the same karmic goodness as Melissa’s dress, and I’m just thankful at this point to have something to wear. It’s strange, how much seems to work out that way. Our caterer called Friday and said they couldn’t honor our contract. Which I’m thankful for too, because yesterday, I complained loudly enough in this little natural foods cafe I like, and the two women who run it were all “Oh, honey, we’ll cater for you. Don’t you worry about a thing.” Hooray! They were certain it was meant to be this way and I am too.
And frankly? Melissa and I are just thrilled that Kelly is WELL, and GETTING MARRIED (next week!!!!!!!! Eeeeeeeeee!!!!) But that means that Melissa’s dress needs a new home, that it will hopefully find in one of you. Here is the story of the dress:
The dress is a lovely champagne color (perfect for fair skin) and is a true-to-size 16, with measurements of 45 bust/37 waist/49 hip. I’m 5’7″ and wore a 1/2″ heel, with the skirt just brushing the floor.As for alterations, aside from the skirt coming up a smidge, the tailor also removed unnecessary boning in the bust. The only other things to note is that it needs a good cleaning and the black shrug doesn’t come with it.
This dress is an Eden Bridesmaid dress and it is sans train, petticoat or any of that other stuff I didn’t want to be bothered with (not that they aren’t lovely…they’re just not me). It is a workhorse of a dress that is just the right balance of elegance and no-muss/no-fuss. And ladies, this is a dress you can pee ALONE IN!
So, perhaps, is this dress meant for you? If so, you’d get happy wedding wishes from Melissa, Kelly, and me (lucky you!). The rules are the same as always: Leave a comment about why you’d like to receive the dress. Melissa will select the recipient (with possibly lobbying from me and Kelly). The recipient pays for shipping, and promises to send Melissa (& Kelly) a picture of them wearing it, full of joy. Hopefully the recipient will come back as a wedding graduate too, but that’s encouraged, not required (but we’ve never had a dress recipient grad post yet. Snifff!). Beyond that, remember, if you receive a dress from a wedding grad, they automatically become a small part of your bridal brigade. Keep them in the loop, send them a love note or two. Because suddenly, they are now invested in your wedding.
So with that, Cheers to Kelly, as she finally reaches the other side. May you wear your new wedding dress in good health, knowing that we’re all rooting for you!
Pictures by Georgi Anastasov
