Over the last three years or so, an average of 7 inches has been cut from the length of most dresses that I might like the look of in regular stores. The current design trend on the high street for mere mortals is for dresses so short I could wear them as a shirt - and I am 5'4".
I don't feel happy or well-dressed baring my armpits and legs, never have done - so modesty is one of the things I cannot blame on the aging process. My preferred dress length is 'tea dress': smack in the middle of the knee or below; a skirt I'll take even longer: I have a smashing vintage Valentino grey wool circle skirt that falls mid-calf and looks stunning with heels, and am always on the look out for below-knee pencil skirts because, paired with the right heels they're a damned sexy item.
What feels and looks alluring is a personal matter, I know. For me it's a dance between what is hidden and revealed. Covered shoulders and arms can give greater impact to a hint of decolletage, ankles and calves can be eloquent.
So once more to the land of vintage.
But once in a while I find a place that seems to want to dress me; where the idea, taken for granted from the 1930s to 1962, that a dress on the female form should look as fascinating from behind as it does in front guides the pattern maker. That we come in different shapes that do occasionally go in and out.
In New Orleans there is a dress shop called Trashy Diva. It is full of dresses, skirts and blouses in cotton, flowing rayon, crepe de chine and silk. Clothes are made from vintage patterns and tweaked for current requirements. With styles ranging from 1930s inspired frocks to 1950s opera coats it's my idea of heaven. The main store behind Jackson Square is a little palace for trying-on, with lots of attractive shoes from L.A Re-Mix and Giraudon, many in custom shades that complement fabrics for the season, plus cabinets of accessories. There are comfortable seats, roomy changing cubicles, lighting is relaxing while doing the job, and any music played is appropriate and not blaring (bit of Armstrong, bit of the Boswell Sisters)
The women who work at Trashy Diva are very good at what they do: approachable, not pushy and fake, they know the stock and how it fits because they wear the designs themselves.
Fan-tailed skirts, curving blouses, halter dresses, all the designs are worked in colors and patterns featured for the season and some staples are re-worked over time, to meet the comfort requirements of customers.
I'm very fond of my Mansfield dress
It's made in soft but substantial jersey (not usually the friendliest fabric on me) that hangs perfectly, clinging only where it should. The bodice feels snug in a good, supportive way and the length gets my approval - but the sleeves and shoulders are what I love best - a perfect and flattering fit that gives the impression I have the most amazing and balanced proportions. Dress magic.
I couldn't afford the silk Ingrid dress
Sigh - beautifully fluid. The black panels prevent the sleeves from looking fey.And I was ok for shoes that day (oh who am I kidding - receiving treatment for a long-established obsession with Re-Mix, thank you for your concern, now go to the web site, why should I suffer alone?).
So, it was one of those rare things: a pleasant, inspiring shopping experience in the real world. And it did me good.
If you'd like to transform yourself and can't get to New Orleans any time soon, take a look at the Trashy Diva site. Those elegant and competent ladies will gladly take your details and help you choose.
I'm waiting for this little number
