Kerry didn’t have much money as she lived on her pension. But she wanted to buy a dress for her granddaughter Anne’s prom. At a luxury store, saleslady Sandra greeted her but couldn’t disguise her prejudices, as Kerry didn’t look like her regular customers. She drove Kerry away, but someone stepped up to help.
“Grandma, I don’t care about prom! Really. I just want to stay home and watch movies with Mom,” Kerry’s granddaughter, Anne, said through the phone.
Kerry had called her to talk about her graduation from Strawberry Crest High School in Tampa, Florida, was coming up, and prom was right around the corner. But the older woman was surprised when her granddaughter assured her that she didn’t want to go. She claimed to not care about the event, but Kerry knew the truth.
Kerry went to a luxury store to find a dress for Anne. | Source: Shutterstock
Her daughter, Lisa, worked minimum wage, and Kerry lived on her pension alone. None of them had enough money to buy Anne a proper dress for the prom. The 18-year-old felt embarrassed about it.
“Ma’am. Are you ok? Can I help you with anything?” a kind male voice asked.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go? You know I went to the prom with your grandfather. He asked me out of the blue, and we got married a few months later. We loved each other until the day he died, and I still miss him every day. The prom can change your life,” Kerry insisted, her voice cheerful as she tried to convince her to go.
“I know, Grandma. But still. I don’t want to go. Also, I don’t have a date either, so it doesn’t matter. Listen, I have to go study, I still have a few finals left. Talk to you later!” Anne said and hung up the phone too quickly for Kerry’s comfort.
Therefore, the older woman decided something. She was saving a bit of her pension every single month to cover her funeral costs so that Lisa would not have to worry about anything expensive. But there was something more pressing right now.
The saleswoman greeted her but her attitude changed for some reason. | Source: Pexels
She wanted to buy a dress for her granddaughter. Anne deserved it. She was a brilliant kid who worked hard at school. It wasn’t her fault that they lived in poverty most of the time, and Kerry would convince her to go to the prom in a lovely dress.
The following day, she went to the mall and found a beautiful boutique full of amazing dresses. She entered, and her eyes widened at the sparkle. “What would Anne like?” she asked herself, touching one gown closest to her.
“Hello! My name is Sandra. How may I help you… ugh… today?” a saleslady approached Kerry, but she stumbled on her words for some reason. The woman looked up and down at Kerry and her mouth twisted strangely.
“Hi there! I’m looking for a dress for my granddaughter. Her prom is coming up,” Kerry explained, smiling at the woman despite her weird demeanor.
“I’m sorry. This is not a rental store. You have to buy these dresses in full,” Sandra said, linking her hands together.
But Kerry had no idea what she was talking about. “I know that. But can you show me some of the most popular models?”
Kerry realized what the saleslady was implying. | Source: Pexels
“Well, the most popular are pretty pricey. In fact, the entire store might not be in your price range. Perhaps you could go to Target for it?” Sandra suggested, and Kerry finally realized the woman’s attitude. She didn’t think Kerry could afford anything and shouldn’t be shopping at that store.
She was offended immediately but didn’t want to say anything and cause a scene. She continued walking around the store, with Sandra following. “I’m just going to browse around, okay?” Kerry said, trying to get the woman off her back.
“Listen, you can really get nice things at Target in your price range. This is simply too much,” Sandra continued, crossing her arms. “Also, we have cameras everywhere. You won’t be able to stash anything in that ugly old bag of yours.”
Kerry finally turned around to face the rude saleslady, and her eyes widened. Sandra smirked cattily at her, daring her to do something. But she had never been a confrontational person, so she rushed out of the store, ashamed, and tears streamed down her face.
A police officer asked what was wrong. | Source: Unsplash
She was right outside the mall when she dropped her bag accidentally, and for some reason, that made her break down even more. After being humiliated by the woman, she cried heavily, but something touched her shoulder.
“Ma’am. Are you ok? Can I help you with anything?” a kind male voice asked, and Kerry lifted her head to stare at a young cop, who tried to get her to stand up straight. He leaned down to pick up her purse and gave her a dazzling smile.
“Oh, thank you, officer,” Kerry said, grabbing the bag and composing herself.
“Well, I’m still an apprentice. I’m only 20, but I’ll be an official officer soon enough,” the young man answered humorously. “Can you tell me what happened?”
“Well, it’s a bit silly…,” the older woman began. Something about his face made her want to talk about it. He was frowning heavily by the time she finished.
“That’s preposterous! How can a salesperson treat you like that?” he said.
“What’s your name, young man?”
He ushered her back to the store and talked to the manager. | Source: Pexels
“George Martins,” he answered and looked toward the mall doors. “Look, my mentor came here for coffee. But we have time to choose a dress. Let’s go!”
Kerry wanted to refuse, but George pulled her along towards the luxury boutique. Sandra spotted her immediately.
“I thought I told you to leave… oh, officer. What’s going on?” Sandra asked, changing her tune as soon as she saw the cop with Kerry.
“We came here for a dress, and we’re not leaving without one,” George stated, and he gestured for Kerry to continue shopping. He also complained to Sandra’s manager while the older woman looked for a dress.
After a few minutes, she finally chose something beautiful for prom, and George even paid for half of it despite Kerry’s objections. But it wasn’t that expensive because the store offered ended up offering them a discount due to the complaint George raised against them. They heard the manager scolding Sandra while leaving.
Anne looked beautiful in her dress but lamented not having a date. | Source: Unsplash
George accompanied Kerry out of the mall and bid her goodbye. But Kerry couldn’t let such a wonderful young man go just like that. “George, do you have any plans this weekend?” she asked, raising her eyebrows slyly, and George laughed.
***
On prom night, Kerry appeared at Lisa’s house to surprise her granddaughter with the dress in her hands. They told her how vital this rite of passage was for every young person, and they dressed her up.
In the end, Anne was happy and looked beautiful. But she shrugged as they took pictures of her. “It’s too bad I don’t have a date,” she said, arranging her dress shyly.
“Actually…,” Kerry stared, and the doorbell rang at that moment.
George was right outside wearing a beautiful tux, and he had a corsage in his hands. The older woman made introductions, explaining what happened at the mall and how kind George was. Anne was embarrassed, but she accepted the corsage and the date.
Years later, they got married. | Source: Unsplash
They had tons of fun at prom, and seven years later, she and George got married.
“I told you prom can change your life!” Kerry said while helping Anne with her wedding dress.
What can we learn from this story?
- It’s not polite to treat anyone any less because of their looks. Sandra judged Kerry because she didn’t look like her regular customers, and she got scolded because of it.
- Help out as much as you can. George saw a crying older woman and decided to help out. And in the end, he found his happiness thanks to that one moment of kindness.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a waitress who mocked a poorly dressed man at a restaurant, and karma hit her back.
Once Hailed as the ‘Most Iconic Supermodel,’ Here’s How Twiggy Looks in Her 70s
This English fashion icon, who set trends in the 1960s with her distinctive look and became a symbol of the era, remains as elegant as ever in her 70s. Today, fans are still in awe of her as she shows that true fashion never fades with age.
On September 19, 1949, this model, actress, and producer was born. By the time the ’60s rolled by, she was ready to revolutionize the fashion industry with her distinctive look and instantly recognizable style.
Her slim figure, pixie haircut, and striking eyes made her a global sensation and a symbol of a new era in modeling. Decades later, her influence still resonates in the fashion world, and fans are excited about how she has carried her iconic image into her 70s, maintaining the charm and elegance that first captivated the world.
Far from slowing down, she remains active in her personal and professional life, embracing her age gracefully. The star often engages in various pursuits, including appearances on television, fashion collaborations, and public speaking.
In September 2023, she collaborated with Vogue to recreate her Bert Stern original Vogue shoot from 1967. Despite her age, she flawlessly nailed the look as she noted, ” Everything came full circle for me in that moment.”
Fans immediately took to the comments section to share their thoughts. One wrote, “The most iconic of all the supermodels.” Another fan went down memory lane, writing, “I remember I was in 12th grade and did lower lash draw in and my sister got the short twiggy hair cut. You look amazing still. ❤️”
As she maintains a vibrant lifestyle, her passion for fashion and zest for life remains as strong as ever. Fans are also excited about her journey through the decades, which showcases a fascinating evolution of style that began in the vibrant 1960s.
A Look Back: From the ’60s to Now
The model burst onto the fashion scene in the 1960s, becoming the face of a new era with her slim figure, short blonde hair, big eyes, and androgynous style.
Discovered as a teenager, she quickly became an international sensation, embodying the youthful spirit of the decade. Her unique look broke the mold of traditional beauty standards, making her a trailblazer and a cultural icon.
1960s: The Rise of a Supermodel
In the 1960s, her boyish figure, dramatic eyelashes, and pixie haircut set her apart from the curvier models of the time. She became the embodiment of the “mod” look.
Her influence extended beyond modeling; She became a symbol of the changing attitudes toward women’s fashion, representing freedom and youth.
1970s: Expanding Horizons
As the 1970s rolled in, she transitioned from modeling to acting and singing, showcasing her versatility. She embraced the era’s trends and showcased a softer, more natural look.
Her style evolved to reflect the laid-back vibe of the decade while still maintaining her unique edge. By 1977, her career flourished as an actress.
She became known as a Broadway star, and her family and personal life also thrived. It was that year that she married American actor Michael Whitney.
1980s: Family Life and More
The star and her husband welcomed a daughter. Sadly, by April 1983, when their daughter was four, the couple had become estranged. In September of that year, she lost her husband as he collapsed in a Manhattan restaurant due to a heart attack.
At the time of his death, she was going on stage to perform her hit musical “My One and Only,” and was not told the sad news until she finished her set.
Despite her loss, the model and actress’s fashion sense also matured. She adopted more classic and sophisticated styles while reflecting the decade’s trends.
1990s: Effortless Style in a Grunge Era
The 1990s saw her still ruling the fashion world. She embraced the minimalist and grunge trends of the era, often seen in simple, chic outfits. From plaids to scarves, the model showed versatility with her looks.
She also loved her high-waisted and skinny jeans. Over the years, she proved her timeless appeal and adaptability.
2000s: Reinventing the Icon
In the 2000s, she continued to reinvent herself, embracing the fashion trends of the new millennium. She balanced modern styles with a nod to her iconic past, often wearing sleek silhouettes, statement accessories, and bold patterns.
The model remained a fixture in fashion, taking on roles as a judge alongside Tyra Banks on shows like “America’s Next Top Model,” where she influenced a new generation of aspiring models.
2010s: Embracing Timeless Elegance
As she entered her 60s, her style evolved into a timeless and elegant one. She often opted for tailored outfits and refined accessories, showcasing a sophisticated look that was true to her playful spirit.
She continued to make public appearances, captivating audiences with her graceful aging and ongoing contribution to the fashion world. In this decade, she noted her style hadn’t changed much.
When planning her looks, she tended to start from her feet up. This is because her footwear depends on how much walking she’d be doing, which automatically helps her decide what to wear.
Before the decade ended, she received the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire award for her services to fashion, the arts, and charity in 2019.
2020s: Aging with Grace and Style
Now in her 70s, her style reflects a confident embrace of her age. She favors comfortable yet stylish clothing, often seen in chic blazers and classic colors.
While she maintains the iconic short hair, her makeup is softer, highlighting her natural beauty. Her look today blends the classic and the contemporary, demonstrating that style is ageless.
From the bold, youthful looks of the 1960s to her sophisticated style today, this icon’s fashion journey is a testament to her ability to adapt and evolve. She has transitioned seamlessly through the decades, each phase of her life marked by a distinct yet recognizable style.
While her look has matured, her essence remains unchanged — she continues to inspire with her timeless beauty, proving that true style is not about following trends but staying true to oneself.
Over the years, the model and actress born Lesley Hornby, famously known as Twiggy, has embraced a natural approach to aging, choosing to forgo cosmetic procedures like Botox in favor of aging gracefully.
She has spoken candidly about her decision, expressing that she values authenticity and feels no pressure to alter her appearance. Her choice to embrace her natural beauty sets her apart in an industry often obsessed with youth.
In 2016, she revealed, “I haven’t had plastic surgery but, if I ever felt the need, I would find a very, very good surgeon. I would never use Botox because, in my mind, it’s poison.”
Her natural approach to aging doesn’t just define her personal life — it’s also a key part of her enduring influence in fashion. Regarding her wardrobe, she prefers cobalt blue, purple, and orange while staying away from yellows because of her skin tone.
Twiggy’s natural approach to aging is a refreshing reminder that confidence and self-love are timeless. She also knows how to care for herself despite remarking that she’s low maintenance.
She swears by pilates, an exercise recommended by her osteopath after she suffered a bad back. Now that she’s a grandmother, Twiggy also knows how to relax. She does this with a glass of wine, preferably a Rose, especially during summer.
Irrespective of what she does, Twiggy once mentioned that she never goes on a diet. However, she’s mindful of what she eats and drinks lots of water.
Twiggy exemplifies what it means to age gracefully — staying true to her iconic image while evolving with poise and elegance. Her journey is a reminder that style is about celebrating who you are at every stage of life.
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