In my mid-twenties I moved out of my mother’s house and into an apartment with my best friend. She had been seeing a considerably older gentleman off and on for some time but it didn’t seem to ever be going anywhere. A young man, Steven (names have been changed to protect the innocent), from the stable where we both worked, had been flirting with her for some time…but he flirted outrageously with every girl, so she didn’t give him the time of day.

Until one evening she came home all aflutter, singing that she was going out that night with Steven. I said, “but, but, but!” and she announced, “tonight I just want to feel like a girl!”

“I want to feel young and wear a pretty dress and go dancing and have fun with someone my own age. I just want to feel like a girl!”

And that became a catch-phrase for the rest of our friendship, when we were being silly or we needed something to lighten the mood. It was usually said in a slightly southern accent. And it always made us crack up.

Guess you had to be there šŸ™‚

But *I*Ā neverĀ really feel particularly girly or feminine. I’m not one for ruffles and pink. Usually. But this Democracy top from Gwynnie Bee, even with it’s pink and ditzy floral andĀ cold shoulderĀ (SO not my thing!) andĀ ruffles…made my heart sing! In a tiny, quiet little voice it sang,Ā I just want to feel like a girl…just a little bit.Ā 

I think what saves it for me (beyond the wonderful loose, drapey fit) is that it seems almost grandmothery. Like doilies. Is Grandma Chic a thing? Now it is.

I wore it to work under my pale cream Old Navy duster cardigan. And next time I’ll wear it over white jeans for a different look. Oh. Yeah. I bought it -> Happy Ending.

What I Wore

  • Democracy Cold Shoulder Floral Print Ruffle Top, size 3x. I found it in straight sizes here, but can’t find this exact top in a plus size anywhere except Gwynnie Bee.
  • Old Navy Cream Fine Knit Duster Length Open Front Cardigan, size 2x. I’m linking to a slightly shorter version of this cardigan.
  • Charlotte Russe Refuge skinny jeans, size 22 short. Charlotte Russe announced awhile back that they were closing. I think the stores all closed up. But I see they’re back online, with aĀ veryĀ limited plus size selection. Literally 8 plus size items at this moment. Anyway. When I next need a skinny jean, I’ll probably go the Old Navy route for these.
  • White Keds Champions

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