What's the oldest piece in your closet? I have a couple of things that come to mind. My moms vintage fur coat, my grandmas necklace and this dress! Today's prompt was the oldest thing in your closet and as soon as I read it, I knew what I was going to showcase.
This classic, dark navy, fitted dress, is 28 years old and it's still in my closet and gets worn once or twice a year. I got this dress for my grade 8 farewell! Yep, I wore this as a grade 8, 14 year old student. Here in Saskatoon we have elementary schools, K-Gr.8, and high school, Gr. 9-12. When we end our elementary school career we have a farewell that students dress up for, there is a ceremony, a party, and speeches, like a practice graduation. Well, I bought this dress at Suzy Shier for the occasion and I just never let it go. LOL. I usually wear it for funerals now, or for this post I decided to throw on my sparkly, rose gold, duster cardigan to make it more festive. I actually love this outfit and would wear it to a school event such as one of our holiday concerts, or dinner out. It's really a timeless and classic piece and it's why I've kept it all these years. Sometimes, I throw over a sweater and wear it as a pencil skirt.
WARNING: TEAR JERKER AHEAD
You'll notice that in both of these photos, I am also wearing a necklace. This is the most precious thing I own. Ready to get teary?!?
When I was little, I used to always tug at this necklace around my baka's (grandmother) neck and say, "when you die, can I have this?" I was young and mesmerized by it. When I was 10 years old, in the early hours of a morning, my family fled our city during the Bosnian war. We didn't say goodbye to friends or neighbors, because it was dangerous, but my grandparents were there to hug us one last time and send us off. That morning my baka took off her necklace and put it around my neck before we got in the car. OH GOSH, now I am crying. Years later, my baka and dida, arrived in Canada and we were reunited, I was 14 years old by then. I asked my baka if she wanted the necklace back but she told me to keep it. My baka is 94 years old and a force to be reckon with. I have endless love and respect for her and feel so lucky to have her living just a couple of blocks away from our home. This necklace is the most valuable thing I own because it represents love, strength, resilience, history and family.
So with that I leave you with a message of love, peace and joy as you enter this holiday season.
Thank you for being a part of my little world here on this blog, I appreciate you more than I could ever say. I hope to be back on Monday, Dec. 22nd with a Winter Bucket List and then a 2 week break.
Oh wow the dress still looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
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Thanks so much.
DeleteOh wow! I love that you still have this dress and it looks fabulous on you. It's held up so well too. What a fabulous piece to have in your closet. Your necklace is beautiful too and I loved hearing the story of how you came to own it.
ReplyDeleteAwe thank you so much. It really has held up so well over time. No snags, pilling or fading of the color. Crazy.
DeleteAh, a classic shift dress. It never goes out of style. I spoke a little about my old shift dress too, but mine isn't as old as yours! That's amazing that you can still wear a dress you wore in the 8th grade! The story about the necklace is gut-wrenching. I had no idea about your family's history. And that is great that you live so close to your grandmother now.
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy for taking the time to read it. It's one of those pieces that you just end up holding so close because of the history it holds. I read about your shift dress and I love the pashmina you have, such a lovely pattern and color.
DeleteOh, what a wonderful memory associated with your necklace and so wonderful that your baba is with you all in Canada! I can't believe you are still as petite as in 8th grade. It looks perfect then and now! What a cool dress to keep.
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Ah that necklace story... Now that's one for the books... Absolutely incredible, and i'm so glad you included her photo as well.
ReplyDeleteHow fabulous you still have that dress...And wear it. It's one of those dresses that really can be layered in so many ways. Heck, you could put a skirt over it and wear it as a top.
Xoxo
Jodie