Remarkable
rɪˈmɑːkəb(ə)l/
adjective
adjective: remarkable
worthy of attention; striking.
extraordinary, exceptional, amazing, wonderful, incredible.
memorable, unforgettable, unique, noteworthy, great, distinctive, important, rare
I believe that we are all 'worthy of remark', unique, special. I'm lucky to have met so many remarkable women, some who still feature heavily in my life. All have one thing in common and that is their influence on my thoughts, actions and the way in which I see the world.
A favourite garment is one that you love for many reasons. It might be superbly comfortable, make you feel extra special when you wear it, garner many compliments or evoke special joyful or poignant memories.
I wanted to have an excuse to hang out with some remarkable women (who wouldn't?) and talk about what their favourite garments mean to them. In the first of this series, I chat with my younger sister about a garment that, for some not all, represents the pinnacle of 'special outfits', her beautiful wedding dress.
My sister, Amanda, and her husband recently celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary. During an attic clear out, my funny little sister sent me her picture wearing her wedding dress with her sons hoodie as a veil...as you do. I certainly don't know many women who can still fit into their wedding dresses almost a decade later (do you?), especially those are in their *ahem* late 40s! After I'd stopped giggling I was, and still am, rather impressed!
Later that month, when I visited their home, I couldn't resist asking to see The Dress which is now taking up regal space in their wardrobe. We reminisced about finding her dress whilst marvelling at the detailed handiwork. (Yes I did try it on. No it didn't fit. *sad face*)
"Why have you kept your wedding dress?"
"To be honest, I love that I can still fit in it." *cue wide grin from both of us*
'Swishy' netting.
"I never saw myself as a wedding dress-y kind of girl. I was going to wear a trouser suit! I certainly wasn't looking for a dress. The wedding was months away and all we had was a venue. Then I happened to be in Oxford ambling past a bridal shop that happened to have a sale on. I think it was in the window so I went in and tried it on. I was still carrying my baby weight but it was too big so it had to be taken in which meant quite a few fittings. It was down from a ridiculous price to just £300. I felt so special when I tried it on. I love that it's 'plain' without any lace or beading fuss. I remember calling you outside the shop and saying 'I bought my dress!'".
(I remember that phone call clearly too. Funny.)
"I had to have lots of fittings to get it taken in. You can see all the tiny hand stitches. Its such a beautiful piece of work. On the actual wedding day I didn't change out of it. I love the 'swishy' sound the netting makes. The silk is gorgeous.
There's a rip at the back where someone must have stepped on it whilst I was dancing. There's a little stain on the front but dry-cleaning would be almost as much as the dress cost!
It's still beautiful and I still love it. But it was taking up space in the attic. We're supposed to be having a clear out but so far its been a fail. I thought I might keep it for one of your daughters but I don't suppose its their style is it…?"
We shared a special moment, my sister and I, discussing The Dress whilst it lay on her bed, and swooping memories and disputing details (I was *not* drunk by midday I was happy!). We both know that it means far more than a beautiful arrangement of fabric and stitches.
No doubt wedding dresses are foremost in my mind because my eldest daughter recently became engaged. (Now I'm wondering if there's a way I can use part of my sisters wedding dress in my daughters outfit. Oh the possibilities!)
How many stories might your favourite garments reveal, given the chance? Do you have a favourite garment? (or two? or three??) Why are they so special to you?
Dear reader, I present to you My funny little sister!
Do you have a wedding dress you can't bear to part with? Why have you kept it? (Does it still fit?)
We'd love to hear from you.
x