From Babylon Dress

Clad in a vintage skirt whose idyllic print blossoms with castles and waterfalls - an inspiring design quite like the one on this Bernie Dexter dress - I stopped at my favorite bodega to pick up some fruit. Suddenly, a wispy voice tendrilled into my ear. "Are you from Switzerland?" it breathed. "No, I'm from here," I responded, studying the wide-eyed lady who inquired. Apparently not satisfied, she asked again. Puzzled, I repeated myself, adding, "I live here." A beat passed. She blinked, then... More

Clad in a vintage skirt whose idyllic print blossoms with castles and waterfalls - an inspiring design quite like the one on this Bernie Dexter dress - I stopped at my favorite bodega to pick up some fruit. Suddenly, a wispy voice tendrilled into my ear. "Are you from Switzerland?" it breathed. "No, I'm from here," I responded, studying the wide-eyed lady who inquired. Apparently not satisfied, she asked again. Puzzled, I repeated myself, adding, "I live here." A beat passed. She blinked, then moseyed off. Perhaps my skirt's print looked Swiss to her, just as this dress' looks paradisaical to me. It spirals from gossamer blue sky at the bow-adorned, Heidi-esque elasticized neckline, down to a lush scene of brilliant tulips, singing cherry trees, and stately garden furniture - a scene with otherworldly charm. When I wear this joy-invoking dress to the bodega with a sunny cardigan, sheer tights, and vibrant suede pumps, I expect that trellising voice to reappear and ask, "Are you from Babylon?" Maybe this time, I'll say yes. -Hannah, Fashion Writer