When I graduated from college, I took all the gift money I received and went down to the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City. Built in 1922, the Plaza is America’s first outdoor shopping center. It’s a beautiful area with more than 150 lovely shops, dozens of fine restaurants and architecture and fountains inspired by Seville, Spain.

(image via Country Club Plaza)

It was a beautiful spring day when my mom and I walked into my favorite store, Anthropologie. I’ve always said I would shop there primarily someday when I had the funds to do so. Well, graduation was the closest thing to someday having funds. I proceeded to blow all my graduation money at this store. My favorite piece I got that day was this beautiful cream, vintage-looking dress that made me feel like I should be a milkmaid somewhere in the French countryside. I remember trying it on in the dressing room and coming out to show my mom. She took one look at it and said, “That’s it!”

It’s a special dress to me, because it represents a day that I will forever hold in a special place in my heart. My mom passed away a little over two years ago, and she’s not around anymore to go on our mother/daughter shopping trips. I loved getting to spend a day with just her. This dress is a reminder of those days we used to spend together…days when we would go to lunch, spend hours talking and laughing, walk around Antrhopologie and imagine buying the entire store. We were best friends.

Because this store holds such a special place in my heart (it’s even influenced the way we spell “Photographie”), I am thrilled that one week from today (Valentine’s Day!), Anthropologie will unveil its new wedding line. If they can do this with just a regular dress, what must their designated wedding dresses be like?

Click the photo below to go to their site.  If you have the patience, they have a rolling photo preview of the gorgeousness to be revealed February 14th.