I guess you just had to be there

I was pretty excited that Papa Spaniel's sisters in Pakistan were having shalwar kameez made for me for the Mehndi (henna party), in addition to earrings and bangles for the wedding (I'll tell you about the jewelry in another post). Well, Papa Spaniel has returned and brought all the pieces with him. Of course, as is bound to happen when you leave hardcore shopping completely in the hands of your sexagenarian aunties, you might not always end up with exactly what you wanted!

Since I was born and raised in Southern California without a lot of exposure to my South Asian heritage (only Papa Spaniel is Pakistani; Mama Spaniel is fourth generation Russian/Polish/Hungarian), and have always dressed... well, like the California girl that I am, I have no idea what is fashionable or current in Karachi right now. But I do know what I like, and I was really hoping Papa Spaniel would come home with something like one of these.

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The idea was bright colors, fun patterns, and modern fit. I got... one out of my three requests. It looked a lot like this, only with a tighter cuff around the ankle and evenly spaced one-inch diameter embroidered flowers spaced every six inches over the top.

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Like I said, I don't know Pakistani fashion, but I do know Spaniel fashion, and this ain't it. I got the bright colors, but with simple and old-fashioned patterns... and it didn't fit at all. :( Apparently there was an error transmitting my measurements, and I actually can't even lift my arm because the sleeve is so tight around my bicep (that or my guns are just too impressive ;). Needless to say, I won't be pulling out the too-tight granny-outfit for the Mehndi, or any other event.

Thankfully, Mama Spaniel came in to save the day, and found this dress for me on sale at Macy's.

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It's just an American-style dress (familiar enough to be comfortable) with a little hint of the Eastern style I was going for. I'll be sporting it with some gold jewelry (that I have yet to find). It also fits well enough for me to flex my biceps with impunity and without fear. Always a plus!