On the value of customization...

Happy Holidays to all!

Funny how something that is almost right can become exactly right, when you customize it yourself...



We considered doing without a tree this year, since we knew the flashing lights and breakable ornaments would be distracting for Aaron, but then an idea hit last week... what about a tree with no flashing lights or breakable ornaments? Nadine loved the idea, and really wanted a tree both she and aron could enjoy. So we got a little tree, and I bought lots of white ribbon and white steady lights, tied a bunch of bows, and attached them to the tree. This picture was taken before it was all done, but this is the general look of our special Autism Christmas tree...

On Friday night, we went to my husband's Christmas party in Manhattan. Since I don't get out much, I thought it best to wear something I already owned. On Friday morning, my husband insisted that I should go shopping. I knew not to take it personally; he just wanted me to feel special.

Nice.

My favorite store for special occasion clothes (that I don't make) is Nordstrom. I set out with Aaron to find something do-able. I wasn't shooting for the stars; just something appropriate and flattering. On my way to Nordstrom, I decided that I should try an outlet store... just to check... and I stopped in at the Nordstrom outlet, "The Rack" at The Source Mall. (If you've been to Westbury, LI, you know where I mean)

I hate shopping. I really do.

I knew my time was limited, since I had Aaron and the stroller with me, his patience for shopping is really short, and my ability to carry a lot and navigate busy stores would be limited. I really wasn't expecting much.

But then... from across the store, tucked in-between silky baby-doll dresses, and strange, trendy, printed things, this dress beckoned...





Well, we all know ready-to-wear frequently isn't.

This dress fit perfectly, but was long, and sorta "prom-y". I lopped off eleven inches with my rotary cutter, and roll-hemmed the lining and red silky layer. Paired the dress with black, spiky heels and silky black hose, and felt like a million bucks.



The alteration took 1/2 hour, and the dress had been marked down multiple times... all the way to $32.

I kid you not.


Oh, and I couldn't help but pick up this little Eileen Fisher velvet jacket/top I passed on my way to the cash register.



Total shopping time? About 20 minutes.

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