Empire Wasted

There are a lot of things I fear (yes, including fear itself), and an equal number of things that will make me blush beyond reason. Yesterday one of my plethora of fears came true: I was in the exact same place and time as someone wearing the exact same dress as I. I blushed to match my dress which was about the only difference I could tell between her and me.

It's a cute outfit: a magenta, black and cream print dress with an empire waist (meaning it's flattering for women who carry a bit of extra weight in the tummy)that I wear with black tights (adopting the now-popular-again 1980's look) and gold sandals. It's a trendy look-- and I like it.

What I don't like, however, is being seen wearing the exact same dress as someone else. I had been calmly looking through hangers of updated fashion at the mall yesterday, when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. However, there was no mirror, just another brunette wearing the Target dress I currently had on.

It's one thing to see someone wearing "my" clothes; it's a whole other game when you're wearing it then, too. And it wasn't that she seemed to pull off the look better-- because we were about even. But what reeeaallly got to me was when this woman turned sideways, it was clear then that she was about 8 1/2 months pregnant.

Let me clarify here, that while I love empire waisted clothing, I do not ever, ever, EVER buy maternity empire things. It's just not done. I've tried them on by [blushing] mistake, yes, but purchased? Not in twenty-five years.

So pregnant women, please, please, PLEASE: save my embarrassment and only wear maternity-labeled clothing. I can only fake the pregnant belly for so long. . .