De Rigueur

Of course I am wearing the pink dress to the party tonight. It would
be foolish of me to wear anything else, since it is by far the best
dress in my wardrobe. Just look at it now, hanging up there on that
silk hanger. Isn't it simply marvellous? Look at the way the layered
skirt hangs so perfectly, at the exquisite feather trim round the
neckline. Usually I keep all the dresses wrapped in tissue paper. It's
so important to keep things looking their best, if you know what I
mean. The green dress I keep in a tank of nitrogen to preserve it. It's
over fifty years old, you know. It belonged to my aunt.
Evening dress will, of course, be de rigueur. It's being held in St.
James's Square, don't you know, so I will have to look my best. Of
course, my radiance is rapidly diminishing; I just don't look the same
as I did ten years ago, but one must try one's best. What are you
wearing tonight? You really should wear the blue taffeta gown, it suits
you so well. The fabric hangs perfectly, and the bodice is so well
tailored. It complements that blue scarf so nicely.
Let me show you what I brought you here to see. It's in the room down
the hall.
There. Just look at it - the finest dress of all. Made of Japanese silk
- rare as gold dust. The sleeves and neckline are trimmed with soft
ostrich feathers. Isn't it marvellous? It belonged to my grandmother. I
never wear it, of course. That would undoubtedly spoil it, the fibres
are so delicate. I kept it in cold storage until last year, to preserve
it. As I said, it's so important to keep things looking their
best.
I must put on my make-up. This is my collection of lipsticks, lined up
carefully on the dressing table. I've got every colour you could
imagine, from the palest pink to the deepest coral, and my own personal
favourite - blood red. I never use foundation - it doesn't do anything
for my pale complexion. I use pressed powder instead, with blusher to
bring some colour to my cheeks.
Oh, I do enjoy getting dressed up for parties. Almost makes me feel
like I'm still alive.