A Perfect Fit ~ in Green

Did you ever have a dress or a piece of clothing that made you feel like a million bucks when you wore it? I did, back in 1960. I worked at a department store that summer and whenever there were going to be sales, employees got advance notice. The Diamond had a special *high-class* (and high dollar) department, where they sold better labels and clothing by designers. I used to haunt that place and dream about being able to buy something, but their prices were always above my means. That summer a sale was announced for July 5th. I had been watching a beautiful silk dress by Oleg Cassini, who was well-known as Jackie Kennedy's preferred designer. This dress would be the equivalent of "the little black dress", except it was emerald green. The sheath was shaped well to show every curve, had short sleeves and a boat neck. I had been hoping it would be reduced, but I thought for certain that it would be bought before it could go on sale. There was only one, and it was size six. I could not have worn a size six in my usual clothing, but in designer wear, a six was equivalent to a regular size 10. At 5'10" and about 118 lbs., it fit me perfectly.

I got to the store early that morning, and as soon as the bell announced the store opening, I ran to the "fancy" department to find my dress. It was originally $150 and it had been marked down to $80. That was still a lot of money for me (age 19), but I was determined. With my employee discount, I decided the dress was worth it and I put it on layaway. I don't know how long I had to pay before I could take it home, but when I did, it was a special day! That dress was better made than anything I've ever worn. It was lined in fabric almost as luxurious as the silk of the exterior; the seams were all finished so that there was no chance for them to ravel and there were no loose threads or bulges anywhere. It was so well made that I could have worn it inside-out and hardly anyone would have known.

That dress was so perfect for me that I kept it long after it went out of style (and I outgrew it). As I write this, I am reminded of 2 other green dresses that I liked almost as much. One was a darker emerald green satin cocktail dress and the other was a hunter green wool knit with a dropped waist and inverted box pleats. And another (LOL) a pale celery green sleeveless knit dress with a flared skirt. Now that I think about it - every favorite dress I ever had was green! I wish I had a photo of the Cassini dress so you could see it. You'll just have to take my word for it.