a little Ash: Fashion Friday #2

Matric Ball. Every girls dream day, apart from her wedding day of course. As girls, we spend most of our High School years thinking about it. The glitz, the glam. Your special day. Your time to shine. To feel like a celebrity. To walk (in some cases), the prestigious "Red Carpet".

My Matric Ball was one of the best moments of my life. I spent months gushing over dresses, shoes, hairstyles – what would the event be like? Would I dance? Would I look pretty like all the other girls, and most importantly, who would I take as a partner? Okay, I'll admit it... I spent years thinking about it and it came and went in an instant. After months and weeks of preparing, just like that, it was over. I had my hair done at my usual hairdresser and I was in awe that she actually did the style exactly like I wanted it. *Yay* to her. My dress was a red beauty sent straight from the Dress Gods. I absolutely love it! I even cropped it and wore it as a braids-maid dress to my sister's wedding. It's not everyday you get to parade around in full make up, heels and a stunning dress. Some people get the dress code so right. It makes me want to cry enough tears to last a few chick-flicks. And then others... They make me want to poke my eyeballs out. Hello. Please don't wear your grandma's curtain. It's not dress fabric. Bye. But my sister explained to me that not everyone has an older sister, with a wild/mad fashion skill that will help them and guide them in the right fashion direction - and that we should not judge. Sure Candice, take credit for my fashion sense why don't you.

This made me question: Who do we take our fashion inspiration from? Obviously the media and celebrities. But ladies, we also have our grannies, mums, aunts and big sisters. None of you can tell me that you haven't fitted on your mum/big sisters high heels and paraded around like the Queen of England when you were a kid. Am I right? Yes. We've all done it.

It took me forever to find the perfect dress for my matric ball. In one morning I fitted on thirteen dresses. And if you know me... You know I was not happy. I'm the laziest person ever and that was so much effort. THIRTEEN! Sheesh. I made the decision to purchase a dress (laziness does not accommodate designing and having a dress made). After browsing through most of Cape Town with the guidance of my mum and two sisters, I went as far as Pretoria to find a dress. My pride and joy was purchased at a boutique type shop in Menlyn Park shopping mall. I swear. It was like one of those moment just out of the movies. I put it on and knew it was "the one". I fell in love. My earrings were from Sass Diva. Ring, a random jewelry shop. Bracelet, from my sister, I don't know where she bought it. And peep-toe nude heels from Aldo. *Yay* Oh and perfume - Kate Moss Vintage, a gift from my cousin and his wife.

My sister kept it with her in Pretoria. Apparently if I looked at it too much I would become less excited. Uhm ok? But they were right. I couldn't contain myself in the week leading up to the ball. September 29, 2012. Forever etched into my heart. Putting on the dress, showing my family and friends, driving up to my school, walking the red carpet and dancing whole night in my pride and joy will forever stay with me as a memory I treasure. I thank my family for that wonderful opportunity.

Here are some matric ball dresses the popular girls should wear. ( I'm a secret mean girl and we all want to look better than the popular girl right?)