Akira: By the Hand of a Woman

Judith 13:15 "...by the hand of a woman."

Yesterday was a fine day. Clear skies, temperate weather, and a nice breeze. The morning was uneventful but Markelle, Katie, Khadijah, and I spent the evening out around Athens. I had it in my head we would be wandering about the tourist area--of which I am most familiar--but we instead wandered into a fun section of high-end shops. Despite the surprise, I had an absolute blast window shopping with the ladies!

Towards the end of our journey, we came upon a designer shop filled with retro dresses and vintage-inspired pencil point heels. It was brightly colored and flashy and simply my type of place. After a bit of general browsing, Khadijah suggested try on a dress displayed on a mannequin. I was hesitant, I don't know why, but Khadijah insisted. She wouldn't let me get away until I put it on. Like Judith, Khadijah knew what she wanted of me and wouldn't let me off the hook until she saw me in that dress. She used her feminine wiles to get to me agree--And, like Holofernes, I really can't turn down the demands a lady.

But I am so glad I gave in! I don't begrudge her a bit; she deserves all my gratitude, actually~

Wearing the dress was like stepping into a Disney fantasy world. It was gorgeously made--I believe hand-stitched as I could only find long strings of miniscule slip stitches holding the doubled-over hem in place. The fabric was akin to silk dupioni in texture and heft. It had a built in petticoat made of sever layers of soft tulle. The dress was absolutely magnificent. I felt so beautiful walking out to show my three companions.

I said I would write it, so here it is: Khadijah knows best! By the hands of that woman, I learned something new about my personal style and how I'd like to dress upon returning to the states. Though the dress was over 800 euros, I think I can recreate it. Certainly the fabric was custom dyed for the original dress, but flat colored silk dupioni isn't too difficult to come by. Last night, after rejoining the larger group for dinner, I jumped on etsy.com and purchased three 1950s patterns with similar designs or designs I would be happy to attempt. Once I return to the states, I am making myself a wardrobe of vintage-inspired gowns--Just you watch! At the hands of an insistant woman, my person style has been transformed.