Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Savoring simple daily pleasures

During a somewhat arduous week, a walk with my eldest daughter punctuated one late afternoon. We often take walks together, and as she steps confidently into adulthood, I truly treasure these moments spent together chatting and being in nature.

This particular evening, we were on the topic of formal balls and the all-important DRESS.

Last year, the poor girl attended her first ball, and that week she and most of her friends came down with the flu and spent their special evening feeling decidedly under par - even though they were still very elegant and glamorous.

Her grandmother had very generously treated her to a beautiful dress we had happened upon by chance when we weren't even in the market for one - she tried it on on a whim, and it fitted like a glove.

So during our conversation on the walk, I was so delighted - and rather proud - to hear my daughter express her opinions on high-quality, well-made, timeless garments. To the point where when I suggested she sell last year's dress, I was immediately reprimanded, as apparently that one is being kept forever. "As a classic cut and well-made piece, it can serve her for many years to come - even if it occasionally requires tailoring with inevitable changing body shapes."

It was so refreshing in this world of fast fashion to hear a teenager value quality over quantity, to understand the fundamental value in that.

To have an appreciation of what makes you and your unique body shine is quite a mature thing to grasp - to not wish to look like everyone else your age and to have a little identity and an edge while appreciating quality, timeless garments - investments certainly, but a buy once buy right strategy for formal gowns and such, and recognizing and valuing quality.

A cost-per-wear mindset can be really useful in these situations when debating investing in a piece you will hopefully have and enjoy for many years, be it a well-fitted pair of jeans, a classic trench, or a beautiful gown. If you break it down in that capacity, it can really help you focus and decide if something is worth the investment - or if that cheaper item is really worth the quick fix when, with a little patience and possibly a bit of research, a much better alternative may be well worth investing a little more.

Sadly today, our anticipated treat of a foray into our favorite high-end department store in the city, with its sweeping staircases, iconic displays, and luxury brands - an elevated shopping experience historically - was a shell of its former glory. Times are changing, and these grand businesses can no longer support their exclusive brands and variety of extensive stock with a lack of clientele, shopping habits evolving, and waves of recession and less disposable income in general.

While the fragrance counters were still glittering and wafts of expensive scent mingled, the women's couture and in particular formal gowns were all tucked away in storage and not on the floor displayed. The upper floors were dark and soulless and cordoned off, scaffolding and roadworks framed the once imposing and grand exterior, and our ball gown mission was soon, disappointingly, abandoned.

I genuinely feel bereft. A dying breed of these Old Dames of elevated department stores - owned and run by families for generations. Another one as good as emptied out and packed away, no grandeur or sense of occasion left anymore.

I feel grateful that for as many years as we were able to enjoy it, it was an intrinsic part of family traditions and special outings - always a leisurely browse among the floors and refreshments at the in-store restaurant during our annual outing to the Christmas Ballet - usually the nutcracker, other big shows and concerts, visits to Father Christmas, sparkling festive window displays, and first ball dresses.

I am grateful that my eldest got to experience the lavish fitting rooms with her first special dress, walking away with a thick glossy bag tied with an opulent ribbon.

And that these special moments instilled in my girls a sense of ceremony, quality, timeless pieces, and of "Buy once buy right".

We are looking forward to a family trip to Melbourne in the next few weeks, so perhaps we will squeeze in some ball gown browsing too......