Mountain Peace, safety tips, and formal wear….

Last week I had the most amazing and rewarding experience when I was invited to speak to a small group of women and girls regarding safety tips for women at Mountain Peace, in Bailey, Colorado. Bailey is a great little mountain town, known more for its laid back attitude and spectacular scenery than it’s reputation for elegant evening wear.

Mountain Peace has a charming and delightful second-hand shop called the Mountain Peace Boutique. As I made my way through the shop to the classroom, a bit of black lace stopped me in my tracks. Right in front of me was a  stunning, floor length black dress. Oooooo, pretty!

I tried to focus on the task at hand. After all, I was there to teach a class, but the consummate shopper in me kept hearing the dress calling my name. I walked past it again, and I swear it winked at me. Maybe it was the way the light caught the pearls that were draped across the neckline. Either way, that heavenly dress looked about my size, and I simply had to try it on. It fit perfectly, and so did the price.

When I placed it on the counter to pay for it, one of the women showed me a gorgeous and elegant blouse on display behind her. With a knowing smile, she handed it to me and said, “I think this would fit you, too. And it would be perfect with your hair color.” Hmmmm, can you say enabler?

She was right. As she rang up my purchases, I noticed that the original price tag was still on the blouse. I turned it over and was shocked to see that it was a designer label priced at $208. I paid $20. The dress was $25.

Satisfied with my purchases, I moved on to teaching the women and girls simple safety tips and basic self-defense. It warmed my heart to see them find their strength, grace, and confidence over the next hour and a half. When we were done, we shared hugs, love, cookies and chocolate. Then we went our separate ways. I carefully tucked my bag of lovely formal wear under my arm and walked to my car.

On the drive back to Denver, I reveled in the memory of meeting this wonderful group of women and spending a remarkable evening with them. Not only was it a fantastic experience, but who knew that I would discover a fabulous find of elegant and sophisticated formal wear, in the little mountain town of Bailey? I even got a refund!  You never know what treasures you’ll find in Bailey, and at The Mountain Peace Boutique!

So, the next time you’re in the mood for formal wear, check it out. Tell them Cheryl sent you. I’ll just bet they’ll find something special for you! And here’s the best part….you’ll be supporting a great cause!