It started out one sunny morning in Melbourne, Australia at my parent’s house when I had become utterly bored with everything I had to wear. I had a fancy brunch to attend on the weekend, and after much deliberation and net shopping I came to realize that I just didn’t feel like I could find something that fit my fashion mood. I was becoming disinterested in fashion and it scared me all the way down to my Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color #461 Blue Satin painted toes. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with an overabundance of Marc Jacobs dresses and Antik Batik accessories, but I needed something one of a kind, something fresh, and something no one else had. I decided to make myself a soy latte and ponder this fact while reading my Marie Claire. After some time passed, I noticed that our family photo album was sitting on the coffee table. I decided out of sincere boredom to browse the past. The first few pictures were absolutely horrible: there was me in a bright blue sweater dress and matching high tops, with a pony tail that would make a steroid induced show horse cringe. Then, as if by miraculous divine intervention, it stood before me, my mother’s photo from the 70’s. She was very beautiful, but what caught my eye was her leather button down dress. It was so Zeppelin meets Joplin. I had to have it, or something like it. I ran to the kitchen, put down my now cold latte and picked up the phone. I know I wasn’t supposed to call my mother on her cell while she was at work unless it was an emergency, but damn this constituted one. I dialed her number and began to tell her the absolute importance of finding that dress. She found it hysterical. “That old thing? It is either in my closet or in the boxes in the garage”. “Right, must get to it” and I hung up to her mumbling “Girls these days”. First things first I must remain calm; there was a huge sea of clothing in her closet which would be like a workout with Gunner Peterson if I wasn’t careful. I decided to pace myself and divide her closet into sections. After what seemed like an hour, I found it. The excitement was obvious as I let out a huge “Yay,” feeling momentarily ridiculous - but I shrugged it off. Victory was mine. I had found the dress and nothing could be more perfect than a one of a kind leather button down dress a la mom. I hurriedly tried it on and ran to the full length mirror. I turned around and admired my reflection. I was ready and armed for the party. Call me Carrie Bradshaw because I was going to mix this baby up. The latest trend is tribal and hippie. I decided to match the button down dress with a floral tunic underneath and a pair of my favorite Antik Batik Fringe Flats. Something was missing, so I decided to add the latest purchase of mine a Lucky Brand Jeans Patchwork Across-Body Bag. On my way out the door, I realized that I had just learnt a very valuable lesson. Sometimes it isn’t about following someone else’s own sense of style if it doesn’t suit or serve you. Sometimes you need to take what works and add your own items to bring about a completely fresh look. Raid mommy’s closet and feel very Harrison Ford about it. It isn’t everyday a girl gets to find a much valued piece of treasure, and I definitely had found one of my top items for 2008. My girlfriends were super jealous and I got the satisfaction that it didn’t cost me anything except time, a strong sense of will and a chipped nail.
Graduating with a Major in History/Literature from the University of Melbourne. Rebecca Machalek studied classical dance at the Victorian College of The Arts and The Australian Ballet School. She is a published writer and now lives in New York City.
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