I survived my first prom dress shopping experience! With my oldest daughter, that is (back in 1989, I’d searched for months before discovering a spectacular off-the-shoulder taffeta number with puff sleeves that perfectly complimented my magnificent bangs). She’s attending “the big dance” next week, and as most of you already know, it’s all about the dress.
She had ideas about length and color, and of course, I had ideas about cost and cut. Anything over-priced or too revealing would be off the table. “I’m not spending hundreds of dollars for you to look like a lady of the night!”
After navigating the jungle that is Macy’s for 10 minutes, we found the juniors section. She went left, I went right, and we reconvened with nine potential winners between us. “To the dressing room. Away!”
Holy, moly. My daughter rocked every single one she put on. Navy, burgundy, satin, chiffon, sequenced, plain, it didn’t matter. Stunning. I don’t know why this surprised me, but it did. I’m so used to seeing her making weird faces in leggings and a ratty tee that I don’t think of her as a beautiful young woman. And the self-confidence! Does she care her acne’s flaring up? Or that she takes after me in the small-chest department? Nope, not in the least. She stood in front of that mirror like a runway model, strong and fierce and gorgeous.
I’m happy to report we left with an on-budget, age-appropriate dress that she adores. And not only did I survive the experience, but I truly enjoyed the time with my daughter. Yay, prom!
Peace out.
