Curvy Girl Outfits: Butterfly Sleeves

Camera Artwork c/o Joni James

When I was about eight I got a longing for a butterfly-sleeve shirt and I began saving money for it. It was something about looking like I had wings and the possibility of flying that appealed to me. I remember going to the doctor's office with my mom knowing we would go to the store after her appointment. I sat alone reading in the lobby for what seemed like days. When Mom finally emerged she asked if I would mind going on another day. I tried to act like it was no big deal but I was heartbroken. She must've seen it written all over my face because she quickly said she had some things to get anyways so we could go on. I was thrilled! At the store I searched through a pile of butterfly shirts until I found the one that had everything I wanted. I spent the evening waving my arms showing everyone how butterfly-like I was.

A few weeks ago while digging through my sister's stash of giveaway-to-sis pile, I squealed when I found a butterfly shirt with a BUTTERFLY on it! I'm probably too old to wear this sort of thing, but I don't care, I love it. It takes me back to that little girl who saved all her money for a shirt she wore as many days as Mom would allow and who always had an inkling it might give her the chance to fly.