This is without a doubt the most beautiful dress I own. I love it. So feminine, the way the ballgown skirt sways when I walk. The luscious feel of the illusion bodice. I thought I'd take a couple of lines to tell you how I came to own this vision of loveliness.
I used to work at a hideous day job programming computers for a mega-corporation. In an attempt to free my mind from the constraints of my cubicle, I often wandered a local mall during my lunch hour. I would walk the same route each day, usually pausing to gaze at the newest fashions in the store windows. I needed to be somewhat discreet, because many of my coworkers also traversed the mall at lunchtime. It wouldn't do to have myself found salivating over the newest pumps at 9 West, or lingerie at Victoria's Secret.
It was during one of my lunchtime journeys that I first saw this gown. Holiday parties were on the horizon so I was in the market for an evening gown. I was stopped dead in my tracks. The gown was on display in the shop window. I stood and drooled over it for a moment or two, but then regained my composure and moved on. I finished my tour and went back to my workplace. I put on a good work face, but the dress was on my mind. You girls understand. Once we get a dress, or pair of shoes on our mind, there is just no pushing it aside. For the rest of the afternoon and all that night I couldn't get it out of my mind.
The next day, I went back to the mall again. I made a point of passing by the shop, and the object of my obsession once again. I still couldn't get up the nerve to go in and take a closer look. Things went on like this for days. Now keep in mind that I am no stranger to shopping as Amanda, and all the while I had it in mind that at some point, I'd get myself all dolled up, and go try the dress on in feminine mode.
As the days and weeks passed, it was becoming obvious that I was not going to be able to arrange a shopping trip for Amanda in time to get the dress for the holidays. Something had to be done! I was getting frantic. A calm exterior, life went on, but inside I was in an obsessive panic!
I finally made my decision. Since there didn't seem to be an Amanda trip in cards for the near future, her twin brother was going to have to do the honors. I was going to have to go into the shop in boy mode and make further inquiries. This, again, was something that I was quite used to doing. The difference this time was that, being a holiday dress, returns were not allowed, so I had to make sure it fit. Well, let me tell you, by this time, no obstacle was going to stand in my way. I would just march into the shop, manly imposing business man that I was, and arrange to try the dress on then and there.
The fateful day arrived. I couldn't wait for work to be over. The hours finally passed, and I bolted from the office and headed for the mall. I screwed up my courage, and walked into the shop. The ladies there were very gracious and asked if they could be of service. I cleared my throat, and explained my situation. I needed a gown for an upcoming holiday party. The saleslady asked me what size my wife was. I'd long ago stopped beating around the bush in these matters, and hence, explained to her that the gown was in fact for me. She smiled, and didn't miss a beat. Well then, what size do you need sir? I love it when a plan comes together! I explained my sizing requirements, which we won't go into here in public (a girl has to have some secrets!) I told her I'd like to try on several gowns to get an idea of what worked for me.
She was very very accomodating. She set me up with a fitting room in the back. So there I am, suit and tie, wingtips, and four evening gowns in this lovely fitting room equipped with full length mirrors on every side. It was a very interesting sort of out of body experience. I selected two, including this one, that I thought might work. Leaving the fitting room, I went up to the counter prepared to make arrangements for Amanda to return to the shop on another day to try them on. The saleslady had a better idea. She offered to have both dresses shipped to my home. There, I could try them on at my convenience, and if one or both of them didn't work, simply mail it back. Now that's what I call service!
Two days later, I had both dresses at home in my boudoir. They both were magic, but unfortunately, my budget only allowed one extravagance so I had to part with the other one. It was sad to send it back, but trust me, I've made up for it since!
