March 28, 2024

Playing dress up

Editor’s Note: This column originally published Oct. 16, 2015.

I grew up as a tomboy. Instead of playing with dolls and dresses, G.I. Joes and fake weapons were my toys of choice. I chose to dress as a pirate for Halloween instead of a princess. In place of dresses and skirts, I wore  jeans and shorts. You get the idea.

My twin sister was the same way. We played football and baseball in the backyard with our older brother. There were no dreams of becoming a ballerina for me. I wanted to play softball like Crystl Bustos on Team USA. If you don’t know who that is, please “Google” her. She was one of the best power-hitting softball players ever and has the Olympic Gold Medals to prove it.

When we weren’t playing sports, Trish and I would climb trees and see who could jump from the highest branch. I have so many fond memories of those times.

However, there are a few moments in every woman’s life where she is expected to be a “girly girl.” Shopping for a wedding dress is one of those times.

My sister is getting married next July and is well into the planning stages. The biggest step is finding the perfect dress. While Trish was looking forward to finding the gown, she was a little apprehensive about the whole process. Neither of us have been on a major dress shopping excursion since prom in high school. I have purchased dresses since then, but all that involved was going to a department store and finding one that fit.  I knew this whole wedding dress shopping would be quite a bit different.

To find a place to start, Trish, mom and I picked a weekend to have what I like to call a “fact-finding mission.” We didn’t make appointments; we just showed up at a few boutiques, browsed and asked questions. One boutique happened to have an opening, and the ladies were nice enough to let Trish try on a few dresses to give her a jumping-off point. Trish benefitted so much from this. I think she was a little freaked she didn’t know what she was looking for.

We ended at David’s Bridal. Of course, they were booked solid, but we were able to browse. We wandered into the bridesmaid dress section, just to get some ideas. Then the unexpected happened. You don’t need an appointment to try on bridesmaids dresses; and before I knew it, I found myself in a dressing room trying on different styles of dresses, all in marine blue.

I was shocked at how much I was enjoying myself. I finally had my princess dress-up moment, and I was having a blast. Of course, we had to document with photos to give us a visual when making the final decision. My favorite photo was snapped when I took a phone call while modeling one of the dresses. I look really important.

Alas, I was not the important one in this scenario. After my brief time playing dress up was over, Trish made an appointment to return the following Monday. Thirty-six hours and five dresses later, she had found the one she loved. I can’t give anything away, but it looked very much like her. I know she will enjoy her special day looking beautiful in white.

There was a moment when I first saw her in the dress that really made the dream a reality. My twin sister and best friend was getting married. I can’t properly describe what that feels like. I am so happy for her and Justin, and I look forward to their special day next summer.

Contact Pam Rodgers
at prodgers@newtondailynews.com