Oh, Giorgio!

Atlanta has been blessed with an amazing store whose mere name causes women everywhere to swoon and drool. Until I moved here, I did not even know they existed! Now, however, Filene's Basement is a staple on my shopping sprees which have recently been few and far between.

The last time I made it to Filene's, they were having a designer's sale. I should remember the official name of their annual event - I want to say it was called the Vault sale. :-) The actual title of the sale is mostly beside the point, though. I was in a shopping mood, and had maybe 3 hours before my roommate and I were hosting a bachelorette party at our place, so what better way to kill a few hours than head to Filene's?

Little did I know the temptation that lay ahead: Gucci, Armani, and Dior graced the aisles next to the usual Calvin Klein and Philosophy stands. Their swan song called my name in the sweetest voice, I couldn't resist! Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be even thinking about buying a designer piece, however off-the-rack it might be. The decently-sized fitting room provided the perfect place to slip into the black Valentino number that had found its way into my pile of clothes. Trying to zip it up was another matter. I managed, but just barely. This was the perfect "10 pounds lighter" goal dress. A gorgeous "little black dress". Almost exactly what I would want in a LBD. But...for $200+ I didn't think a "goal dress" was what I had in mind. Regardless of it being Valentino. I know. But girls, there's a good reason behind this decision.

Enter the supple, saturated deep pink satin cocktail dress by Giorgio Armani. I slipped it on and it said "Take me home!". Two understated ruffles flow down the front of the dress, one on either side of the tasteful v-neck. Each seam hugged my curves and accentuated the positives. (And for a good bit less than $200, it also fit my budget better) Triumphantly, I made my way to the cashier's desk with my first designer dress. I even bargained them down another 10% because of a slight rip at the top of the back zipper! So now I have Armani in my closet, just waiting for the right moment to make its sexy debut! Now for the right shoes...jimmy choo, anyone?