I think I love my husband

For Christmas, among other small things like books and music, Yan got me a couple of gift certificates; one for Sunglass Hut and one for Banana Republic.  Sunglass Hut because he knew that I'd broken my old sunglasses, and even though I would never pay the $100 plus they usually charge for designer frames at that store, he wanted me to treat myself. And Banana Republic because pre-London (where they don't have the much beloved Banana) and pre-baby Banana Republic was one of my favorite stores. That, and he's probably tired of seeing me in my rotating three postpartum outfits. (Aside: The weight has come off, but I am still a good size or two above my pre-pregnancy size. Normal? I'm wondering if I'm just ... swollen.)

Today he went into the office for a few hours but suggested that Ellie and I meet him for lunch at the Inner Harbor, where we could use my gift certificates. I told him I was only planning to use the one for Sunglass Hut and that I'd save the Banana one for when I go back to work or for a special occasion. So, after lunch, I headed to Sunglass Hut while he and Ellie took a spin around the mall. After purchasing my new shades, I met the two of them outside.

"Let's go to Banana Republic."

"Nah, I don't really need anything right now and you should get back to work."

"But they have wrap dresses!" Yan's obsession since we became such avid Project Runway fans. "C'mon, they have these really pretty dresses that I think would bring out your eyes."

Yan led me into Banana to show me this rather loud but not distasteful dress. He held it up to my face, then made me go to a mirror to do the same. (Aside: I do not have neon green eyes.)

"It's nice," I said and made an obligatory circuit around the store. See, I'd tried this once before in Houston. I'd missed shopping there for a year while we were in London only to come back and find out that a stay-at-home mom (at least this stay-at-home mom) has very little use for cashmere, silk, and little black dresses. Plus, nothing really fit. I felt lumpy.

I made my way out of the store.

"But what about the wrap dresses?"

"Um, well. I don't really need anything. We'll come back next time you have a work function."

"At least try them on."

"I just ate. And I'm between sizes. I don't have the confidence right now."

"Please."

So I trudged back into the store and tried on the green one and another blue one. Ellie and Yan accompanied me to the dressing room so I wouldn't have to model for the whole store.

"Get in the 360 mirror!" Somebody's also apparently been watching What Not to Wear.

I agreed that the big, graphic print on the green dress was nicer than I would have thought.

"I love it! What do you think?"

"Um, I like it, I guess. If you like it I'll get it. But it's not really practical. I have nowhere to wear it."

"I'll buy it for you. You don't have to use your gift certificate."

"Really?" This was a surprise because we've been trying to save our money and particularly not spend it on anything frivolous. An hour before he had refused to buy himself some on-sale work shirts. He could have gotten two or three shirts for work for the price of that dress.

"Yes, I really want you to have this. To have something nice for yourself. You deserve it."

"OK, if you really want to."

"I do."

And that's how I ended up with a large-print, borderline-neon green, faux wrap dress. I'm thinking of donning it with a vacuum cleaner and a martini. You know, just to be ironic. Or, Yan could take me on a date.

Yeah, the second one. I really do like the dress.

Comments

[Keely]

I'm glad you got the dress. Definitely go on a date night! I've felt similarly about my wardrobe choices. It took me a bit to want to wear anything but sweats and my old preggo jeans.

[Marcy]

What a sweetheart. =) And the dress is very cute! Hubby's already mentioned that when we go back to the US in June for my sister's wedding I'll get to go shopping for new some fun post-baby clothes. =)