Sunday Going To Church Clothes

My family is from the South; farm people, if you will. They are from East Texas to Mississippi and according to Ancestry.com - as far back as West Virginia. As a result of my upbringing and background, I was not immune to  old country sayings and colloquialisms. One that pops into my head often is "my Sunday go to meetin' clothes" or "my Sunday go to church clothes". My parents were born in the depression and brought up getting the 1 new pair of shoes and 1 new coat for the school term and dresses that were made of flour sacks. No really, they did. But despite the lack of money for more store bought clothing and accessories, Sunday was the day to display their finery.

When I was a little girl and going to church with the family I wore white gloves, some sort of hat with a ribbon and black patent leather shoes with frilly ankle socks. So, I guess I too, had my own Sunday go to meetin' clothes.

Living in New Orleans my church going was pretty limited to only going to the St. Louis Cathedral on Ash Wednesday - on  one such occasion entering the church after having leaving my last Mardi Gras party from the night before. 

I really loved Sundays in the French Quarter. There is about 20 churches of several denominations just in the Quarter and outlying neighborhoods; Treme, Marigny and old Storyville. People still dress for the Sunday services. Women will wear elaborate hats and dresses and men in their double breasted suits and shoes shined so bright you need to wear sunglasses to avoid the glare.

Easter Sunday service at St. Louis Cathedral

French Quarter Easter Parade on Royal Street

Congregation of beautiful African American women 

Seeing Through Rose Colored Glasses

I have had to wear glasses ever since I was 2 years old. I didn't like wearing glasses in grade school and the selection was slim and unattractive in the 70s. When I was in high school, in the 80s everyone had cool sunglasses, mostly Ray Bans, remember Corey Hart???

During my high school days, my love of vintage and eccentric dress flourished. There were a few vintage shops that I shopped at regularly and a couple shopkeepers I knew on a first name basis. During one of my shopping trips, at one particular store, the owner said she had something for me. It was a vintage, framed advertisement for Tura eyeglasses. I couldn't believe it! Not only did she think enough of me to offer me such a cute gift but it had my name on it!

After that, I began looking at wearing glasses in a whole new way. I went to my optometrist and inquired about these glasses and the company. They said they COULD do special orders from the company and two weeks later I had a selection to choose from for a new pair of glasses.

The 80s were reliving the 50s, so by a stroke of luck, I was able to find the cutest pair of modern cateye frames! From that day on I didn't mind wearing glasses. I owned it! Today, I have several pair of glasses including prescription sunglasses. Glasses have become my favorite fashion accessory.

  

 Tura Company