Tuesday, June 9, 2015

A Dress For The Ages

Several years ago my mother-in-law was doing some spring cleaning and emptying her closet of old, outdated, never-to-be-worn-again items.  While most girls would cringe at the opportunity to look through a pile of said clothes, I was thrilled.  I've always found vintage items cool and unique (plus I know where my mother-in-law does her shopping).  That day, I walked away with several interesting pieces and one very special dress that belonged to my husband's grandmother.

Marion Raby led the sort of life that inspires novels and films.  Born to a prominent Southern family, she went on to marry a Navy pilot, and would spend years with him in service to her country before settling back in her hometown.  She traveled with the country club set, drinking martinis with the likes of Wallis Simpson, but also waded through flood waters to the British hospital in China to give birth to her only daughter in 1939.  I wish I could have known her, because she was the epitome of a steel magnolia, and every time I wear this dress, I am hopeful that a little of her style will transfer to me.






I love the pockets.


All the sentimentality aside, this dress is effortless to wear!

My favorite DVF clutch

I was so mad at myself because I couldn't find my Fiesta medallion.  I substituted a Mardi Gras one instead.

With my sister-in-law, Jennifer, who happens to be the wife of this year's Fiesta "Padre."

My love.



I do deClaire

Mama-andmore

14 comments:

  1. This dress looks absolutely GORGEOUS!

    Hope to see you at my new Beauty by Miss L Weekly Fashion Link Up! 

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  2. Wow what an incredible story behind a seriously beautiful dress! She sounds like an amazing woman, and you look stunning! Thanks for linking with #allaboutyou x

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    1. Thanks! She was pretty incredible, and I love that I get to wear her dress! Cheers, E

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  3. WOW, this dress is stunning!

    felizcyntia.com

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  4. This dress is absolutely gorgeous! I love the story behind it, I have a few vintage pieces that I've collected from family members over the years & I feel like those pieces are so special. I'm stopping by from the Confident Twosday Linkup!

    Crumbs & Curls

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    1. Thanks! I've always been a fan of vintage, but somehow it seems that much better when you know the person who wore the clothing. Thanks for stopping by! Cheers, E

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  5. That dress is a real gem and you glow in it. Even though it has history, it looks as modern and fresh as if you bought it yesterday. And what a fantastic story behind it.

    We are like-minded! I too just adore it when a dress has pockets. Timing is incredible - just as you post about a dress with pockets, I bought a dress with pockets yesterday, which was a complete impromptu purchase!

    http://www.petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thanks! I love a dress with pockets, and I agree, it doesn't look dated at all. Thanks for stopping by! Cheers, E

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  6. Hi ! So good to meet you! I just told my mom when she visited the other day, oh how I wish she woluld have kept her clothes! I think vintage or vintage inspired clothes are so interesting too! Love this dress, gorgeous pattern and love the pockets too!

    Thank you for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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    1. Thanks, Jessica! My mom has saved everything, and she has some really cool stuff. Unfortunately, she is incredibly tiny! Thanks for visiting Waltz Me To Heaven. Cheers, E

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  7. Wow, what a stunning dress... and an even better story! You are gorgeous :)

    XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass

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    1. Thank you so much! She was an incredible lady with some beautiful clothes! Cheers, E

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