Happy day-after-St.-Patty's, everyone! I hope everyone had a safe night and enjoyed themselves. I'm feeling much better than I did as a college student/young grad students on the day after St. Patrick's Day. Maturity FTW!
In college, I went crazy for babydoll dresses. For the first time in my life, the entire fashion world was at my fingertips, by which I mean that I had a brand-new debit card and high-speed internet. I ordered babydolls from Urban Outfitters and Forever 21, and tromped all over campus in knee-high boots, tights, and my array of short jersey dresses. This was definitely a step up for me, fashion-wise: for the first few months of college, I went to class in running shoes and workout clothes, so as to not waste any time between class and the gym. My undergrad advisor actually came out of his office one day during my senior year, while I was working in the student lounge, specifically to tell me that when he first knew me, I dressed like a dork. So babydolls were a major improvement.
This black dress, for example, was a staple from around 2005 or so until I finally retired it in 2008.
In college, I went crazy for babydoll dresses. For the first time in my life, the entire fashion world was at my fingertips, by which I mean that I had a brand-new debit card and high-speed internet. I ordered babydolls from Urban Outfitters and Forever 21, and tromped all over campus in knee-high boots, tights, and my array of short jersey dresses. This was definitely a step up for me, fashion-wise: for the first few months of college, I went to class in running shoes and workout clothes, so as to not waste any time between class and the gym. My undergrad advisor actually came out of his office one day during my senior year, while I was working in the student lounge, specifically to tell me that when he first knew me, I dressed like a dork. So babydolls were a major improvement.
This black dress, for example, was a staple from around 2005 or so until I finally retired it in 2008.
Me and Socrates, down by the schoolyard...
And while this may technically have been a nightgown, it also made a fun going-out dress, worn over a black slip. I'm actually still not sure about what this garment was intended to be. I got it in Nagasaki, and never quite mastered all the characters for different articles of clothing, so the packaging was a bit of a mystery. It made a great 'roller-skating in the apartment' outfit, though!
Early selfie technology was not very advanced. You can barely even see my skates!
However, all things must pass, including my love for the babydoll silhouette. After I started grad school, many of my favorite babydoll dresses were relegated to the second-string, since they seemed to get shorter every time I washed them. But the real nail in the babydoll coffin came when I wore this tunic on a redeye home in March 2009:
Look, it's my best friend from college! Based on the hair and the Facebook album I found this photo in, I'd say this was winter 2007, but this tunic hung around for a few more years. Looking at myself in this photo, I'm hard-pressed to say why I kept it at all.
I thought this shirt was pretty great. I wore it to death in multiple consecutive holiday seasons, and it was a go-to traveling shirt, since it worked with leggings and I am all about comfort on airplanes. However, in late March 2009, I learned how utterly, tragically wrong I was about this tunic, and by extension, babydolls in general.
Picture this: it's 1AM or so, and I'm in line for the bathroom on a plane somewhere over Middle America. There's a woman with a cute baby in front of me, and a few people in front of her. There's nothing to do but make funny faces at this inexplicably-goodnatured baby, so that's what I was doing. An older woman standing in line gets my attention.
Woman: "When are you due?"
Me: *does not compute* "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you…"
Woman: *points at my stomach and smiles* "When are you due?"
Me: *jaw hits ground, 37,000 below us, because I am definitely not pregnant. Takes a minute to think. Well, I don't want to make this woman feel bad, and I'm never gonna see her again…* "…uh, September?"
Woman: "Congratulations!"
Me: "Thanks" for nothing!
I haven't worn a babydoll since. Perhaps not coincidentally, I also haven't been asked again when my nonexistent baby is due, either. Problem solved!
OMG I used to LOOOOOVE babydolls too! Although I was never asked "when are you do" but I did see a picture of myself that made me question if I was, in fact, preggo! Damn trends lol
ReplyDeleteThey really are extraordinarily unflattering for like 99% of women! PS -- tonight I made a meal and though 'I should blog this, because I bet Evie would be interested.' The only chopping was like half an onion and a couple of squash in BIG pieces!
DeleteHahahahaha YES!!!!!!!
DeleteOh man, that last part makes me so sad. I've long since thought it's only acceptable to acknowledge a woman is pregnant when you can see the baby coming out of her. Otherwise, say nothing!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right -- I was able to see the humor in the situation after a *very* long time, but that one question sparked so much sadness! This is definitely one of those times where one is better safe than sorry!
DeleteThis whole post made me laugh so hard I cried! <3
ReplyDeleteAwww I'm glad! My life is a little ridiculous sometimes ;). It's so exciting to get a comment from you, too!
DeleteI've only read a few posts but I am really enjoying your blog! Why haven't I followed sooner?! Anyway, like you, I do not prefer babydoll dresses any longer. I think they are made to offer some definition below the bust but not cling to belly. But in all honesty, now looking back, it is not a flattering look. When I am not shopping vintage inspired (because I doubt I will ever find true vintage in my size), empire waistlines annoy the heck out of me! Even when some aren't intended to be empire, they are for some reason but it makes no sense to me because I am not particularly tall. "My real waistline is about 2-3" lower...Forever 21...!"
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I have such a great time writing it, and the best part is meeting new people!
DeleteI have such a hard time finding true vintage in my size, too! It always makes me wonder about women back then. Empire waistlines really aren't as flattering as something that fits where my natural waist is, even if the skirt flares out below the waist! I feel like an empire waist dress just hides one's true shape.
Oh my goodness, fun and infuriating fashion story all at once! I think you look great in them, and NOT pregnant, for the record! People can be such idiots. But I get why you became turned off to this style too!!!!!! ::hugs:: XO
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks! Yeah, this was one of those times where I had to get over it, and then it became pretty funny in retrospect. But yeah, why on earth would anyone *ever* ask if a woman is pregnant?!? It's totally a "danger, Will Robinson" question!!
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