<p>Bromfield, of course it’s a tacky dress; I believe that was the point.</p>
<p>As for why I think easterners look down on my clothes? Because they do. I grew up in Philadelphia and then lived in Boston for twenty years. I visit my eastern friends and relatives often (not just for weddings). And every single trip someone takes me aside to let me know that I have, in some way, committed a fashion transgression. Often it’s my shoes, mostly because I wear comfortable shoes, and that usually means they aren’t fashionable and don’t have heels. My lack of a bra is often an issue as well. (Why are they looking at my breasts, anyway?) I should, at this point, make it clear that my clothes are always clean, they fit correctly, they don’t have holes or stains, and that no one in Portland even looks twice at me, much less says anything.</p>