For as long as I can remember I wanted to own a wig. This
past Christmas my lovely daughter took me wig shopping and, after trying on at
least a dozen, I found one I loved and she bought it for me! What follows is a “veranda
conversation” my first main character, Lydia “Red” Talbot (and my very best
imaginary friend) and I had regarding my gift.
Red: I hear your family and friends don’t really get the
whole wig thing.
Kathy: Correct. The object for them seemed to be to get a wig that looked like the "me"
I am every day.
Red: And that’s wrong?
Kathy: All wrong.
Red: So how did Vanessa know you wanted a wig?
Kathy: I put it on my Christmas wish list. She had no idea
how much I’ve always wanted one.
Red: So, I’m
confused. Why a wig?
I took a long sip of my bloody Mary then endeavored to
explain.
Kathy: When I was a kid, my grandmother was an antique
dealer and she had this wonderful back room full of stuff – old clothes, hats,
cigarette holders, scarves, high heels, sparkly jewelry and of course, other
items of antique vintage. I remember playing dress-up and putting on the
clothes and jewelry. Grandma would tie a scarf around my head to represent long
luxurious hair. Then she would let me use her very expensive Lancôme lipstick
to color my lips (and cheeks for rouge). I’d parade out to the dining room,
tottering in the heels, puffing on an empty cigarette holder and tossing my
fake locks over my shoulder. I was quite the dish – in my own mind - Veronica
Lake personified (Beyoncé or Gwyneth Paltrow in today’s world).
Red: Wow! That sounds like fun. Your Grandma didn’t mind you
getting into all those things?
Kathy: Nope, she encouraged it.
Red: So…you’re still playing dress up?
I chuckled. As usual Red had nailed it.
These pictures are
of my first wig. I’ve also bought a sultry blonde one. When I get a picture
taken in that one, I’ll be sure to post it.
Kathy, I love your wig story. I also loved hearing about you playing dress-up with the goodies at your grandmother's antique shop. What fun!
ReplyDeleteThere used to be an antique shop back in the 70s, in the neighborhood where I live, that specialized in the kinds of items that your grandmother had "in the back room." I loved all of the vintage clothes, hats and jewelry. The owner of the shop liked me a lot and had me come in regularly to try on the clothes and such in the shop. That would help to encourage other people to try them on and buy. I had so much fun. I was a teenager but playing dress-up still brought out the kid in me.
You look great in your wig. I hope you enjoy it for many years to come.
So I'm not alone after all?! Sounds like we had a very similar experience. The same grandmother gave me an old mink coat when I was a young woman and I loved to wear it at odd events. This was long before the consciousness about animal skins.
DeleteMy grandmother understood play.
I totally understand playing dress up with sci-fi characters and it was always so much fun!
ReplyDeleteLoved the wigs, the costumes, the step out of your personality. It was great.
I totally understand playing dress up with sci-fi characters and it was always so much fun!
ReplyDeleteLoved the wigs, the costumes, the step out of your personality. It was great.