Attack of the Little Black Dress

Okay, so I've never really made it a secret that I have a favorite when it comes to planning my wardrobe. Yes, it's that ever present classic item every woman should have; the Little Black Dress or "LBD" as it's come to be called. It's my true love in fashion and I think it's the garment I was born to wear. There are about ten in my closet. Seriously. Some tight, some a-line, some lacy. I've never felt more comfortable or confident than when I was wearing a little black dress. It's classic, it's sexy, it's cool, it's powerful. 

"One is never over-dressed or under-dressed with a Little Black Dress." 

—Karl Lagerfeld

This week, I was lucky to pick up one more. Actually, I had bought it on eBay and managed to get quite a bargain. Originally a $160 dress and I picked it up for $19.99 plus $7.00 for shipping. Not too bad. It was sitting in my building lobby waiting for me one day, packed in a little plastic envelope. I was so excited to take it inside, tear it open and try it on.

For me, this is always a moment fraught with anticipation. See, when I come home I have a whole routine I just can't skip. First I'll come in, put down my groceries or coat or book or eagerly sought dress still in its package. Next I've got to strap the dog into his harness and take him out for a walk. After the walk, it's time to get the dog new water and feed him his dinner. Then, I get the cat new water and top off his food if need be. The next step is to put the groceries away, then ball up the plastic bags really tiny so they can be used for the next dog walk. Finally, I can take my new dress into my room, take off my work clothes, hang my work clothes back up, open the package (sometimes having to go find scissors to do that) and then at last I can try on my new purchase.

The new dress I ordered was a black shift from Banana Republic. As soon as I put it on I knew I had a new favorite. It fit so perfectly. It was tight around my waist, showed off my hips and curves and chest while still being super classy looking. Go, Banana Republic, right? 

When I look into the mirror and see myself like that, in the perfectly fitting dress like this one, I can't help but just feel so "right." Like this really is who I was meant to be. Being a guy feels like something I have to endure, but being a woman just feels so great, like the gender fits me as perfectly as a glove, or as perfectly as this dress. 

"My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying the large sunglasses, and the little sleeveless dresses." 

—Audrey Hepburn

Okay, I also knew that I couldn't hide this look under a bushel, no. I had to get out and shine! Luckily, we had a cause to celebrate. Sort of. Unfortunately, my poor little kitty has been sick, but this weekend he showed definite improvement. Then, after we managed to finally get a pill and a squirt of liquid down his throat as he struggled mightily under a towel, we decided it was time to go out and have a cocktail to celebrate our veterinary success. Sometimes all you need is just the smallest reason to celebrate. 

Then again, even with a sick kitty, I still have plenty to celebrate. Life is pretty good. Though I do wish my transition were proceeding a little faster, I have two amazing little pets, a great apartment in a fantastic and beautiful neighborhood in the coolest borough of the coolest city in the world. I've got an amazing partner who's totally supportive. I've got a closet full of little black dresses and a few classy cocktail bars within walking distance.

I felt just too classy to have my regular pint, so I eschewed beer for a much more classic gin lime rickey (dry gin, soda and lime juice) because I like my cocktails a little old fashioned. The bartender wasn't quite sure how to make one, but luckily I was able to tell her the recipe. The other bar we visited did actually know how to make a gimlet (which is fairly similar to the gin lime rickey and the gin and tonic). Yeah, I could have just ordered a gin and tonic with a splash of lime juice, but dang it, that has a name and I'm a classy dame, okay.

Since it wasn't too cold out, my partner was nice enough to offer to snap a few photos of me. We got a couple on the street, but then went over to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for a few more with that gorgeous background full of sparkling light. 

"People will stare. Make it worth their while." 

—Harry Winston

Now all I need is some slightly warmer weather and some more excuses to get out in this dress! Luckily, I think there'll be a ton of chances coming up soon. Then eventually, I can get to the point where I can finally wear a little black dress every day and always see this classy girl looking back at me in the mirror.