You have heard the old saying, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” Well that was me from the time I graduated college until I was 25 years old. I was in 7 or 8 weddings and had a closet full of bridesmaid dresses. My closet looked like a rainbow of gowns that I had sunk hundreds of dollars into that I would never wear again, except for one. That one dress came from the wedding of my college roommate and best friend. Her wedding was the summer after we graduated from college and I was the maid of honor. This was probably my favorite wedding because we had just graduated college and it was also a reunion of all my dear friends that I had recently parted ways with upon graduation.
The dress was made of satin and was an elegant champagne color with the bodice covered in clusters of pearls. The dress was form fitting so it was a good thing I was still in shape and hadn’t gained those “real world” pounds after college. This was the only bridesmaid dress I wore outside of the wedding. I wore it to fundraisers and gala’s. Any chance I had, I wore this dress. Eventually the dress became a little snug but I always had hopes of wiggling back into it. Sure I could adorn some Spanx and make it work, but let’s be honest, I like to be able to breath and sit comfortably when I go to black-tie functions.Every time I would clean out my closet I would see that dress, look at it, smile and hang it back up. That dress hung in my closet for 14 years!On March 22nd I saw a post on facebook from VeniVidi Vintage, Inc. that stated:
“Thank you so much to those who have lent or donated prom dresses for my dolls at EC Central High!! It is much appreciated and they are going to look fab in them:) We will be fitting them soon for the fashion show prior to prom, so if any of you are looking to clean out your closets, please contact me by Sunday.” I have learned since I started this gift giving journey that when I get that little tug at my heart, I know what has to be done. Sometimes gift giving is about the sacrifice of something you love so someone else can enjoy what you have enjoyed. I knew it was time to part ways with “the dress.”
I immediately sent a message to Vendi and we arranged to meet the following day. When I met the owner, Bessie, I almost cried handing over the dress. That dress was tied to so many good memories and cherished times with friends I haven’t seen in years. She was so nice and even said she would give it back after they were done using it. I told her no, this was something I had to do. I needed to part ways. She promised to send pictures from the fashion show.Sure enough, I got a picture in my inbox of a beautiful, high school girl wearing my dress. The smile on her face made it all worth it. I received the following email from Bessie:
“Seniors at East Chicago Central High School modeled prom fashions lent from local boutiques and Dunhill Tuxedos or donated from ladies all over the region for their teachers and peers as a preview for their upcoming prom. Students had their hair and makeup done by a couple of parent volunteers or their peers and looked absolutely gorgeous. They were nothing but smiles (and sometimes fierce poses!) down the runway and had an amazing time dancing along to the dj’s music. Our models were so grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity of those that donated dresses for the show as they now had dresses to wear to prom that they may not have been able to afford and all said they felt so beautiful in them. They young lady that wore your dress was so excited that it fit perfectly and received many compliments from her peers.”Sometimes we have to ask ourselves why we are holding onto our possessions. They are just that, physical possessions. I have learned there is always someone that could use what I have more than I can. It feels so good to just give it away. The memories are in my mind and have been captured in photographs. What have you been holding onto that is taking up space in your closet or home? Is there someone you know that could benefit from your unused items? If so….give it away!To learn more about Veni Vidi Vintage, Inc. click on their name.
