What're the chances?

It's possible that my first and most favored garment of 2008 was free. I know we're only 8 days into the new year, 357 more to go, but if my excitement induced insomnia is any indication, I'm at least 99.9% certain that if I revisit this grand declaration in December, I'll still feel the same.

I first saw this dress on Britney Spears when she visited the David Letterman Show last year. After learning that it was designed by Gwen Stefani for L.A.M.B., I was able to track it down, but as I suspected, I could neither afford nor justify it at $565 so I reasoned that it wasn't meant to be and let it go. . .

Fortunately, my errand list included a stop at my favorite consignment shop today. Though I normally make a bee-line for the door the moment I get my statement, reasoning that I'm there to drop-off not bring-back, it had been a few months since my last visit so I decided to make a quick run through the racks for "buried treasure".

It wasn't until I hit the fitting room that I realized what I'd found. The tag had fallen from the lining and the belt was missing, but it was a perfect fit. I talked myself into and out of it at least 10 times before opting against it after noticing small tears in two of the panels, but I should've known my restraint wouldn't keep. About one hour and a Thai lunch later, I found myself phoning the shop owner and asking her to hold it.

When I emerged from the fitting room at her urging, she assessed the damages, gave me the name and number of a reputable alterations specialist and proceeded to remove the price tag, insisting that I take the dress free-of-charge!! She then mentioned that there was a belt, but that she was unsure if it went with the dress so she priced it separately. She asked her assistant to retrieve it, helped me put it on, gifted it as well and finished the transaction with a compliment!!

Another wardrobe dream satisfied. Happy New Year everyone!!