I rummaged around through the racks looking for a dress for a special occasion. And that’s when I saw it; the most beautiful 1950’s vintage yellow silk dress. It was a one-shoulder dress with a bow cascading over the shoulder with exquisite crystal beading around the waistline. I tried it on to find that it looked even more amazing on. Perfect fit, tailor made just for me. My fashion side would have bought it in an instant but my cynical side thought I could find something better and less pricey. So I put it back on the rack, promising myself that if I didn’t find anything else I liked I would come back and buy this dress.

After many tight silk pencil dresses, itchy chiffon dresses, too bright colored gowns, and non-flattering out fits I found myself a bit disappointed. I had yet to find something to wear. A bit defeated and very much ashamed of the time wasted, I found myself traveling to the first store. And as I desperately searched the racks, I observed a girl getting out of the fitting room wearing the dress that was supposed to be mine. She twirled around showing it off to her friends as captivated as I was by its beauty.

So there it was the most perfect dress, just feet away, and there was nothing I could do to stop her from taking it. My best friend who was shopping with me looks at me, points, and says “See! The dress theory!” And we laugh because some truths are undeniable.

The dress theory is simple. She says that many times we walk into the store to find that the first dress we try on fits us perfectly. But since it’s the first dress we’ve seen or liked we pass it by hoping that the next store will offer something even more ravishing. Only to realize later that there wasn’t anything better and that we were fools for letting that opportunity pass us by. She compares this to love. And its true. Many times we let the things we really need pass us by because our cynical side hopes that somewhere out there someone better will arise. Sadly it isn’t till many non-flattering outfits later that we realize just how special that person really was. But more than likely by then it’s too late. And through out hands we let slip away what could have been.

It’s ironic and the theory is very much amusing. But it’s undeniable. Its true that choosing the perfect dress for a special occasion is complex. There are many details you have to think about. But it’s also true that the right dress can make you feel absolutely beautiful. If only we wouldn’t fool ourselves. See there are moments in life where you hope your decisions aren’t rash. And moments like this when you just know…