And the Dresses Live On...

Today I did a cool thing (at least I think so). I have a closet full of bridesmaid dresses, tangible representations of fun times, good friends, and awesome ceremonies and receptions. Being part of a wedding is something special, whether you're a bridesmaid, a guest book attendant, a personal attendant, or just an attendee. I know each person that we asked to be a part of our wedding was a very special person to us, and I hope I've been the same to others who have asked me. So I get a little sentimental with these dresses.

The collection has grown over the years...I've been in 8 weddings since 1999...and the dresses have moved with me through 3 apartments and a duplex...and now I'm faced with moving them again into the new house. Do I really need to keep them? Only one of them still fits, and I've only worn one of them again so far. But what could I do with them that would honor what they represented?

This week while listening to the radio, I heard an ad for a non-profit organization called "Operation Glass Slipper." This is an organization that collects prom dresses, cocktail dresses, and bridesmaid dresses in good condition, and provides them at no charge to high school girls who couldn't otherwise afford to buy a dress for prom. They also collect jewelry, bags, wraps, makeup, bath and body items, shoes, undergarments, and anything else a girl might need to look and feel beautiful.

I knew what I had to do. I pulled out all of those dresses and looked them over one last time, then bagged them up. I also sorted through my closet and found some shoes, purses and jewelry, and finally found a good use for those unused beauty products I've been hoarding. This morning I dropped them off at my local dry cleaner, where they will be cleaned and pressed and ready for some lucky girl. (Kudos to my friends and family for choosing dresses in simple, elegant styles that are still relevant).

I dropped off 7 dresses...I kept one. It still fits, so I'll hang onto it a little longer. What's that phrase - "you can always shorten it an wear it again..." :) In honor of the memories those dresses represent, I put together a little photo montage of all of the weddings I've been a part of. Check it out here.

My donation felt good on many levels. My closet is significantly less full, and I don't have to move those dresses again. Most of all though, some lucky girls are going to get to wear something very special. I hope a bit of the magic and love is transferred to them, just for a night. Happy prom, ladies.