Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Golden Bow


Next week is my birthday and I want a new dress. This dress to be specific.

Last year my sis and I had a party (we are born on the same day but are not twins). Leo Bash it is called and it is a most raucous party replete with multiple DJs, a kissing booth with Branson the dog, a trampoline and a wild dance floor.

Upon arrival to the festivities, I broke out into tears (and yes, I am a grown woman) because my sis had a new birthday dress and I did not. And yes, actual tears came. My sis was stupefied and rather embarassed, not sure what was wrong with me. I recovered quickly, but my disappointment was real. Silly, I know.

When my sis and I were little my mother would always buy us new dresses; the same style but in a different color. I can remember each birthday most vividly not by the presents received nor the party had, but by the dress worn. Fashion has always dictated my ability to recall events. I can picture the past perfectly if I know what outfit I donned at the time. I suppose this is what creates packrat mentality. How can I get rid of a shirt I can remember going to the best concert of my life in? Or a skirt bought traveling in Turkey? Thus, each fashion memory is cataloged according to style, trend and color and eventually filed away, in the attic.

So each season I go shopping. To the attic I go retrieving old fashions and reliving musty memories. I always come away with something gorgeous, a lovely frock exiled for no discernible reason, that carries a little piece of history and now has the opportunity to create more.

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29 comments:

Hadley Makes said...

Happy Birthday! I hope you can get that dress. It is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

happy birthday :)!

Rosebud Collection said...

You will find the dress of your dreams..Happy Birthday!..

High Desert Diva said...

Your Leo Bash sounds like a lot of fun!

Hope you find the perfect dress for your birthday next week!

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

Sounds like a fun party! Hope you get "the" dress :)
Have a splendid birthday.

heidi said...

Happy Birthday!!!!!! get thee to the dress shop!

pve design said...

Happy Birthday and may all your wishes come true, especially for a new (vintage) dress. You could always add that spectacular gold bow to something and "voila" - a new dress!

Julie @ Belle Maison said...

Have a fantastic birthday! And hopefully you get your party dress...birthdays are always a good excuse to go shopping! Thank you for stopping by my blog. I'm glad I checked yours out - it's really quite fabulous! I'm off to check out your work :)

Cindy said...

Happy Birthday! Your party sounds like it was great and as the song goes -

"It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!"

Hope you get that party dress. Actually, hope your sister gets it for you.

Mrs.French said...

first of all, I am so jealous!!! Your birthdays sound fabulous! Second, you really need to get out there and find the most amazing dress...the dress of all dresses...Happy (early) Birthday deary!

tangobaby said...

Your birthday party sounds completely magnificent. No matter what you wear--although this year I am confident it will be The Year of the Perfect Birthday Party Dress--NO ONE I know (in the history of my life) has had a party with a tramopline AND a kissing both. Not even one or the other.

Sounds like I'm hanging out with the wrong crowd. Maybe I need to come to your party!

Happy Happy Birthday, beautiful talented Ms. Octavine! May your birthday be the first day of an exceptional new year for you.

S. Collier said...

Best Wishes!!

Bonbon Oiseau said...

Can't wait to see the dress! Something worthy of a lioness such as yourself!! happy pre-birthday dress hunting!
(don't make your sister cry!)

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

Have a very happy birthday!
Great image,

Di Overton said...

Today is my birthday and you are cordially invited to my party down by the river. Wear loose fitting clothes and don't drive due to the excessive amounts of food and champagne that is on offer.
Di at Designers Block
xo

Chris Stone said...

cool that you and your sister share the same birthday... have fun with you new dress!

Jessie Cacciola said...

so pretty!
P.S. glad to see you like the slow food movement, too. xo

please sir said...

Happy early Birthday - good luck with dress searching!

Anonymous said...

Oh Happy Birthday!! And goodluck with finding the perfect dress! It will be beautiful!

Unknown said...

Wow how cool to have the same birthday in different years! Any luck finding the dress? You will have to post photos when you do :)

Funny you say fashion reminds you...I always remember by the food lol.

/// said...

Ooooh, an attic of dreams. Love it. :)

I want that dress, too!

Laura in Paris said...

Bows are SO elegant! I love them!

tattytiara said...

Happy Birthday, and here's to many fabulous fashion opportunities to come!

kim* said...

love the short hair

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful story.. that dress is beautiful. Lovely colours..

Mary-Laure said...

When exactly is your birthday?

It's so fun it's the same day as your sister's...

This Makes My Day said...

Hi Cara,

I'm very sorry but I'm late to whish you a very happy birthday. But still I like to whish you a very healthy and fortunate new year in your life.
I also hope were able to find the dress you are dreaming about!

All the best for you my friend!

Tricia Rennea (sometimes Daisy) said...

You are a stunning artist and an amazing writer.

Mary said...

I, too would like this dress.