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One of my favorite dresses was actually a wool suit, circa 1966. I had just graduated from nursing school, had just moved to Toronto, had my first real job, my first apartment, and my first real paycheque. I was finally grown-up and independent. It felt good, but scary.

My suit was made for me by a dress-maker. It was a Vogue pattern. There is something special about an outfit made just for you. There’s the fittings and seeing it take shape. The skirt had two front seams with hidden pockets and was above my knees, which was the style then. There were two little tucks along the waistband that kept it a little loose in the front, but the back was fitted, with darts. The jacket fell to just below the waist and was shaped to skim the body. It had two front seams to match the skirt as well as beautiful, carved wooden buttons.

The best part, though, was the fabric. That was what I loved so much about it. It was a small, discreet hound’s tooth check of pale blue and chocolate brown. The wool was soft to touch, and smooth. It hung so nicely when worn. I wore it with a pale blue turtleneck and, of course, dark brown leather shoes. Every time I wore it, it felt comfortable and I felt so nicely dressed. I could wear that suit anywhere. I think I did. I remember wearing it to a function at Hart House. I don’t remember the function, but I do remember the room, all that gleaming wood and the atmosphere of intellect. I also remember my escort, a very nice medical student. I loved that suit and that year in Toronto. It was a special time.

Charlotte Owen, Newmarket, Ontario

My favourite dress is a full-length shimmering sheath with (ahem) a long slit up the side and covered in gold sequins: a glowing reflection of my love for music. I first wore it 18 years ago when I performed for the first time with a symphony orchestra: The Hamilton Philharmonic at Hamilton Place. I was petrified, but the dress sparkled and carried me through!

Since its inaugural performance, my dress has seen many stages including Massey Hall and has glowed before 4,000 at Mel Lastman square when I had the honour to work with the great Peter Appleyard and his Swing Fever Big Band.

During the past year or so it has graced stages in Victoria, the Annual Ball at RMC in Kingston, the Old Mill in Toronto, as well as a special tribute evening to songwriter and Toronto Symphony trumpet virtuoso Johnny Cowell. The dress even got to go out on New’s Year Eve to the Royal Canadian Military Institute for its gala celebration.

You might think I’d be getting tired of this dress but the opposite is true.  It glimmers with such wonderful musical memories. I hope I never outgrow it!

Priscilla Wright, Toronto, Ont.