Up early for a dash to New York City and the dress salon at Lord & Taylor. I explained to the sales lady that I was looking for a dress for a very special ball....that I loved the English country house look....
She brought out this one of a kind....now I like old fashioned things.....but this was a little too far back in the Way Back Machine ----even for me! Lady Macbeth I am not. Let's try something a little more up to date.
Now this was certainly ball worthy, but way too modern for me,and looks more like a wedding gown. Next....
This one was almost as lovely as the model, but certainly not for right me.
Then, of all people at Tavern on the Green (I had to break for lunch) there was Charlotte Moss.... well I could not very well ask for her dress.....but I would love to know how to find her designer.....she has some gorgeous taffeta evening skirts I have seen in some magazines paired with very femine white blouses.
Then I passed a shop specializing in vintage clothes.....and I was getting closer ....this 1930's beauty was so elegant...so Katharine Hepburn......but the color was all wrong for me.
Naturally I wanted to check out jewelry at Tiffany's...surely I could find just the dress to crown with the tiara and matching diamond necklace and earrings!
Then I remembered a dress I had seen in one of Sargent's paintings....a Mrs. Chapman I believe......not time to copy it .....but wait........it reminds of something I had seen in England once upon a time......so across the Pond!
Once in London, I make my way north to the walled city of York. To my great joy and and surprise, I find my dear old friends still in business (I call this Willow Magic)... and there in the window...dresses, dresses, and dresses galore in the style I love.....and yes there is velvet! I am just a velvet kind of girl! I did spend more time than the 15 minutes I had spent there the first time I visited. Once inside, I meet owner and designer Angela Holmes sent by the angels to rescue the total lack of imagination and romance in current fashions. She walks to a collection of velvets...and the rest-- as they say--is history. At last, I have the perfect gown for the ball!Once back home....I must make plans to call on a very famous and much admired Southern gentleman. Though he has been honored and celebrated, he has never made the Most Eligible Bachelor's List, or has even been on a date as far as I know. I am determined that he will be my escort...I think he may be sort of shy. I will ask a close friend of his...and get a few tips.
11 comments:
Oh, you are going to be just exquisite in your fabulous velvet!!! I can't wait!!!
Lovely selection of dresses, I especially love the medieval looking one. I'm glad you found a perfect ball gown - hope we shall see pictures eventually:)
Funny, but I posted Sargent's Lady X the other day..It must be the sheer beauty and elegance! I'm sure you'll be smashing in whatever your choice!!
Thought I passed you at L&T...
I'm not in the least shy Marnie.......laughing. I heard you were in York today, whirling like a dervish along The Shambles. Well done you.
Was that gown shop in The Shambles in York? I love that old-fashioned cobbled street.
Must dash, I've just splashed some rum and blackcurrant on my pristine white tuxedo (I think that's what it's called). I'm taking it to the cleaners to get it dyed black. That should do the trick.
Willow, I have just had the most marvelous time getting ready for your glorious ball! I can hardly wait!
Rowan, truth...I DID find a dress on ebay by Angela Holmes...I was stunned when I went looking for photos of dresses by my all time favorite designer...I have seen some of her items there...but none so posh...my virtual ball gown is the real thing!
Lyn, I have always loved Mrs. Chapman's black gown in this portrait...and several others featured in paintings by Sargent....and now that you mention it...I was sure I saw Two Ghosts in that dressing room!
Michael, I just love the city of York. I am glad I had a good reason to dash over .... and back in time...thanks to the power of Willow Magic...And since YOU indeed are not shy, shall I roar ( maybe rumble) by your house in my vintage Rolls and have you join me and my ever so honored escort? I have to pick him up early this evening....and once he is in the car we can winningly wheel our way to any point on the globe (just like S. Claus) in just minutes and then arrive back to the Manor by midnight! If you have a date by this posting...have her there in Cheshire and you two can pile into the back seat! However you arrive....see you at the ball! And of course you are on my dance card! Find me for a Strauss waltz!
PhillipH, indeed the shoppe was in the Shambles (I mentioned it in a previous post). There were several other Droopy & Browns throughout England and in Scotland...but my favorite was the one in York, though the one in Bath was especially charming. Thanks to Willow having waved her virtual magic wand...I was there & so was the long since closed shoppe ...again yesterday ....for a shining nostalgic time... long enough to find a dress.
Hello FireLight,
Well, not much longer now before we see you and your gown! Save a dance for me, won't you?!
Hello Derrick, I have you on my dance card! A dance? Just one? {smiles}
How gracious an offer Ms Firelight, it will be delightful for Miss Seagrove and I to lounge in the back of your magnificent motor.
I look forward to our Danube Dance.
I'm not surprised you chose G. Peck as your escort. He's a fine man and a great dancer, so I'm told! For me, it had to be an Italian!
Blessings, Star
Your velvet dress is so elegant for the ball.
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