Monthly Archives: February 2012

My life before I moved to the Northwest was tied up in the world of  Rental Apartments, working with a team and family of wonderful people.  Years later I’m still very close to some of them, so when a wedding gown was found left behind in an apartment, naturally, they thought of me.  Complete with veil, this gown is simple, comfortable and quite welcome. A huge Thank You goes to my friend Brenda and Greg for chasing me down one evening while I was in St.Louis to give this to me.

Designer: Precious Formals
Size: 26
100% Polyester
Made In China
Weight – 3 Lbs 3 Oz

When I arranged a Fund Raiser and ‘ Gown Drive’ while I was home visiting the parents and my ol’ city of St.Louis, I thought I knew everyone that was going to show, and which gowns I would be getting my hands on.  It was an INCREDIBLE surprise when an ol’ high school-mate popped her head in with this gown in her arms.  This was one of so many touching moments for me while working on this project.  Definitely a surprise to find out, years later, that so many people remember and like me from what seemed to be a strange and awkward few years in School…  After my Freshman year, I transferred from a private to public school, but it seems I left my mark in just one short year.

Shannon’s two sons accompanied her to drop off her gown, and the looks on their faces were priceless as they watched me try it on…  These short moments together are not ones that I would soon forget…

As of this posting, this gown is still on the rack… The weight of the gown is substantial, and the train alone leaves me with a complicated decision of how to keep it up and out of the way…. I’m sure I’ll find something creative to do with it, if i have to sling it over my pack =-)

Designer – No Tag (may have lost it when I ripped the seams out wearing it =-P
Weight – 7 Lb. 1.6 Oz.

This is a basic vintage wedding dress I actually purchased from a local shop.  My friend Lynn suggested I check out her daughters shop, Carousel Vintage Clothing in Spokane.  The Owner, Jenny, said she had a dress she’d sell me cheap if she didn’t have to dry clean it.  This too will be an easy dress to hike in….

Designer – No Tag
Weight 1 Lb 4.8 Oz

This is one of a few from the Ever Wonderful Helena, AKA #1 Fan.  When times were rough in the gown collection world of hiking26, Helena would go in search of one to send me.  This one arrived HUGE, but once stripped down, it’s going to be one of the lightest on the trail…  Early on I attempted to use it in photos, but wasn’t happy with the outcome of them.

Designer – No Tag
Size 10/12 – (difficult tag to read)
3 Lbs 13 Oz.