My Very First Selkie Dress: The Experience
Once upon a time someone said that I give off bisexual energy. I was so confused. Then I realized I was pansexual. The end.
I’ve loved gathering my thoughts and putting digital pen to iPad paper and this is a double post! Even though my birthday was May 11th, I wanted to debut this experience as my first official announcement that I am Pansexual!
Pansexuality is sometimes considered bisexuality but it’s a little deeper than that. My attraction to people isn’t defined by their gender or sex. I was very introspective for a while and I finally feel comfortable sharing my truth in this big world. So wave a cute pink, yellow, and blue flag for me at your celebrations this month and beyond! If you’re an adult coming out too, I’d love to know how to support you in the comments below or see your celebrations on Instagram if you want to send me a DM! This year has already been BIG for so many reasons (starting this blog, a vlog, and building a business states away) but this is one of the most freeing reasons yet! I hope people who know me, continue to know me, and maintain the support they’ve given because I’m so thankful for ya’ll! I’ll be planning a Twitch party Friday, June 16th at 2pm so please follow me on Twitch to get the notification when I go live!
Now let’s get into this dress (:
I heard about Selkie for the first time in April of 2022. I was looking for dresses that inspired me, items that moved me to pieces. I found the acid trip dress (which is on my purchase list STILL) and fell in love with the way Kimberly Gordon, the founder, cooks up these looks. Without knowing just how luxurious this brand was, I was obsessed! To literally have my ideal aesthetic fleshed out is such a distinct honor, even if we’ve never met! I was not aware of the small batch design of Selkie and missed out on that dress. But I believe now, a year later, my first dress Selkie dress experience was absolutely meant to happen the way that it did.
One of the things I love so much about Selkie is their transparency with us consumers. You can find their vision, their practices, and their goals all in one front-facing spot and feel confident in your purchase, (which I absolutely do)! “Filled with color, exuberance and power, this collection is for the Selkie women everywhere, setting themselves free.” I read this and something in my soul was electrified with an overwhelming sensation. The more I think about it, the more I really truly understand how beautifully intertwined our human experience can be. This year has hit me like a ton of bricks and this May I decided to be my own hero!
The Where: Gardens in Baltimore
The Dress: The Monet Sunflowers Romance Novella (available in all sizes as of this post date!)
I have never ordered a luxury dress online before so I was very careful to read the intructions! I used Selkie’s sizing guide and measured maybe five times, checking off every single specification on their list. Because the style of the dress was flowy and a little open, I’m sure they suggested measuring for high waist and bust for the best fit because they’re the experts… BUT I WAS NERVOUS.
Being nervous, I ordered the size for my hips, which is the 1X. In the future I’ll definitely go with the XXL! This Monet was only one size up and I look phenomenal in it, so I’m glad I can choose sizes for looser or true-to-size fits! Speaking of sizes, Selkie sizes range from XXS-6X are highly stylized.
The Puff dress is one of a few signature Selkie styles, but there a few different ways to spot the style you love in the print you want! My favorite right now is the Romance Novella (the dress I’m wearing) and the the print is from the Monet collection! The Romance Novella is characterized by the short, strapless, draping layer lined with lace, back-tie ribbons, and thin lace ruffle at the bottom of the dress!
So far, I’d have to say my favorite styles are the Ritz Gown, the Bloom Dress, the Bloom Gown, the Faerie Dress!
Some of my favorite variations to look for among styles:
(｡･∀･)ﾉﾞ⁍⁍ sleeves ⁍ long puff, short puff, flutter, and loose marie
(｡･∀･)ﾉﾞ⁍⁍ hem ⁍ circle, tulle, prairie, and bubble
(｡･∀･)ﾉﾞ⁍⁍ length ⁍ ranging from short to long in almost every batch of a print,
(｡･∀･)ﾉﾞ⁍⁍ naming system ⁍ gown, dress, and romance novella
Fun Fact: My middle name is pronounced like Monet so I’m further encouraged that Kimberly Gordon specifically made this collection for me.
The packaging was minimal and eco-conscious, and my dress was practically ready even without a little steaming maintenance. After my initial screaming, I moved into the fairytale and cottage-core space of my dreams, these gardens, and the rest was history!
Along this journey of self-discovery, I have come to realize that embracing who I am and being open to a different plan for my life is a powerful act of self-love. It takes courage to let go of preconceived notions and societal expectations, and instead, follow the path that resonates with my authentic self. With this willingness to adapt and grow I have found my true source of perpetual happiness. Through self-reflection and maybe a little extra forced introspection, I have learned that my key to living a fulfilling life is not rooted in external validation or conforming to societal norms, but rather in cultivating a deep sense of inner peace and contentment. Today, I choose to embrace my unique journey, trust the process, and allow my purest self to sparkle brightly. And in doing so, I have discovered a profound sense of joy, fulfillment, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty that lies within me. May we all have the courage to embark on our own paths, embracing our true selves, and finding our own version of peaceful happiness.
