My Internal Hemline Debate

A couple of weeks ago I was with Nani and the girls at JCPenny's and, despite my firm resolve not to buy anything, I was tempted when I saw three cute, button up dresses. They had flouncy skirts and cute little collars and were half off. So I slipped into the dressing room with three of them and, while Maggie made faces in the mirror, tried them on.

A few years ago I would have probably gotten one of them. And I was pleased that I recognized what was happening as it was happening and managed to prevent the purchase of a dress that would have gone unworn in my closet. The entire scenario has happened before, although I hope it won't happen again. It goes something like this:

I see a dress. I hold it up while it's on the hanger. It looks like it goes well past my knees and it has a cute, conservative neckline. What a find! In spite of myself I'm hopeful. A modest dress with no need for modification! Could it be?

I try the dress on and at least four inches magically disappear (the disadvantage of having curves these days). The dress now falls about an inch above my knees. I tug at it. It touches the tops of my knees. I turn. At that length it's almost perfect (perfect would be if it were actually four inches longer... but these days, when all dresses seem to be either short or low cut, it can sometimes be discouraging). And it will stay at that length if I don't move my arms or shoulders at all.

The scenario continues to unfold: I buy the dress and wear it once. I find myself tugging at it the entire time because it feels too short. I go home and put it in the back of the closet. After six months I have blocked out the last wearing and give it another try. The above scenario repeats itself. I am uncomfortable and grouchy all day long.

By avoiding this scenario this past month I feel like I've at least learned a tiny bit from past experiences.

One of the dresses would have been long enough were it not for these bizarre gobs of thread that brought the hem up about to mini skirt level in the back and on the sides... sigh... sometimes I really don't know what designers are thinking...

At least I'm learning. If a dress doesn't at least cover my knees I'll be tugging and bothered all day long...

In unrelated news: thank you for all the prayers! I'll be going in to get the results of the x-rays tomorrow and will keep everybody updated!