My publisher and I had the honor of attending the Saint Mary's Foundation Ga*La this Saturday. I was very excited to experience this black tie affair, a thrill that increased exponentially when on my lunch break one day last week, I tried on a prom dress from my freshman year of high school, and it still fit.
The dress is nearly ten years old, but it's a classic style in an understated color, besides the zipper still works. In putting on the dress, I got to thinking about the first time I wore it, and how it made me feel then. At the Ga*La, I could see that feeling beaming on every woman's face. Special occasions and special attire make women feel lovely.
Today I'm wearing a sweater and rain boots, but does the lovely remain? Can a woman still feel beautiful on a daily basis? I'm the same me as Saturday night, and just because my eyes are less lined and I'm wearing mismatched socks instead of nylons, do I lose the ability to believe that this day is just as special as the one I got up, washed my hair twice, and went through four pairs of shoes before I picked the winner?
I say no. On this day, this hairspray-less, no earrings day, I can allow myself to feel equally charming. You are just as special everyday. The fact is, whether you are in a pretty gown or yoga pants, the lovely is you–exuded from within and exemplified on your face, not your clothes. Although this grin is because I still fit into my prom dress.
Written by: Erika Fifelski was born and raised in West Michigan, and after a brief stint on the sunrise side, she's home and loving it. Erika enjoys cooking, sewing, vacuuming, and discovering new ways to live sustainably and support local businesses.
