Dressing Room Camaraderie

camaraderie (n.): a spirit of friendly good-fellowship

I was at a department store a couple of weeks ago checking on a jacket that I really wanted. I had originally seen it a month ago on the 40% off sale rack, but even on sale, I knew it was too much to spend. I had checked back on it twice since then. The boy-child was with me at the store and we were actually there to find him some sandals. No luck, but I managed to convince him to go upstairs so I could see if the jacket was still there. There had been only one in my size, and I was convinced someone else would buy it before it was marked down again. But up we went, and there it was--on the 60% off rack! I'm not usually lucky enough, or patient enough, or whatever it is that it takes, to get great deals on lovely clothes. That velvet Favourbrook* jacket two years ago (at 80% off!) was a one time thing. But this time, I waited and watched, and ended with success.

I did not try the jacket on before because I was worried that I'd like it too much and get it right away, so I had to go into the fitting room (which I call the dressing room, because I just do) this time and make sure that the number 6 stitched on the black tag was accurate. I took His Majesty, The Sausage King, etc., etc., in with me. I left the door open since I was only trying on a jacket and not removing any clothing. My child enjoyed himself royally making silly faces in the three-way mirror. I blocked most of that out as I smiled in wonder at the amazing fit of the jacket. The only minor flaw, which I have never run into before, was that the sleeves were just a little bit too long. As I ignored the antics going on from my hip down, I fiddled with the cuffs.

Suddenly, another shopper came into the dressing rooms. She stopped and admired the jacket I had on. I noticed that she had the only remaining jacket in the same style (different size) in her hands. Then the sales associate came in behind her with an armload of garments (for that guest to try on, I suppose). These women were at least twenty years older than I, but in that moment, I think the earth tilted a little bit too far from its axis.

"That's a stunning jacket!" the shopper exclaimed.

"It's a perfect fit," the associate assured me as tugged the back of the jacket down with her one free hand.

"I really like it," I said into the mirror where I could see their reflections behind me. The Sausage King continued to do tricks that a court jester would be envious of, but no one other than my mental maternal eye noticed.

"What are you going to wear with it?" the like-minded buyer asked.

I was quiet for a second. Why was this older woman asking me a fashion question of such import? I'm not good with fashion. I'm a mom who rejoices in a shower and something reasonably pretty to wear. This was a special jacket, which I felt would go with anything with its bright blue, green and pink goodness; that's what I cared about.

"I have white pants at home," I replied, then paused. "I also have a pair of flax-colored linen--"

"It even looks great with jeans," she told me.

I was wearing a denim skirt. She was right. I was right. This jacket would go with anything.

"I was thinking of something in green?" She was asking me, not just making a statement. I felt a tiny quiver of panic. Did she not see the contorting face in the mirror near my knees? That is what my life is focused on these days. What did she see in me that made her think I would have an answer? We were in the Designer Apparel department with an associate hovering near our shoulders. She was a woman who looked like she was sophisticated and had plenty of disposable income. Was she afraid that the associate would say anything just to get a sale?

I smiled at her again. "I did think a green scarf would look good," I answered as my hands fluttered near my neck.

Her answering smile seemed reassured and the older ladies drifted off to an available room. I stared, confused, into the mirror until the seamstress arrived to pin the sleeves for alteration. I wondered, again, after I tugged the performer away from the mirror, what had inspired that moment of camaraderie.

*If you click on the Favourbrook link and go to where it says "Ladieswear" you will see the jacket on the left.