Life of a Fabulous Grandma: The Perfect Little Black Dress

Before going to my parents' house last weekend, I dropped by their local market to pick up some wine and deli items for a small gathering they were hosting. It was just your ordinary Sunday afternoon -- lots of shoppers bustling around the store, who like me, were grabbing only a few special items before heading off to their own Sunday gatherings. As I walked toward the deli aisle, I spotted a woman, probably in her mid to late 40's, wearing a black, floor-length jersey dress. The bodice of the dress was sleeveless with tank style straps, the neckline was beaded with rhinestones, and the jersey fabric flowed freely to the floor, unobstructed by a waistline. As she walked toward me I noticed she was wearing a simple black summer sandal, which in my opinion was the perfect choice, making her little black dress day (and market) wear appropriate. Casual elegance, I thought to myself. She looked absolutely stunning in her little black, age appropriate, figure flattering dress.

This little fashion "Aha" (to borrow a term from Oprah) moment got me thinking about the perfect little black dress, and the fact that I don't own one anymore. Immediately, it became very obvious to me that I'd lost my exterior elegance, but then I started thinking...have I lost my inner elegance, too?

For me, the best and quickest way to answer that question was to reach out to Google images in search of spring fashions for 2010. After hours of fashion viewing enjoyment, I'm happy to report that I'm on my way to a full inner elegance recovery. Enjoy the fashions!

New York Fashion Week - Spring 2010