The shop owner (the happiest, most inspiring saleslady of them all) took time to help me try on different dresses, including things I thought I would not want, including this dress. I had come to know that I really wanted a sweetheart neckline; this dress (the same style as the Pronovias, but made by San Patrick) had a lacy halter neck. So when the woman pointed it out to me, I was skeptical. For her, the neckline was not a problem: “I can alter it.” Now, I was nervous. But, I tried it; and it fit me perfectly. As we tucked and pinned, admired and imagined, I started to fall in love. Two friends, who had joined me there to give their opinion, were smitten. Forty-eight dresses after I first tried it in Nice, I knew: this was the one. Without hesitation, my lovely Chinese seamstress cut the fabric around the neckline (gulp!), pinned a few tucks, and went to work. While my friend took me for an espresso down the street, she altered the dress. One more fitting an hour and a half later, and that was it. Within 10 days, the dress arrived in the mail. And it was perfect!

Then there were the boots… but that’s another story!

Hope you enjoy the tale; it’s fun to live it again!