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From amongst the aisles of designer gowns, Kay plucked a full-length Maria Grachvogel black dress.

Absolutely gorgeous.

And with the slinky number tucked firmly under her arm, we made a beeline for the footwear department, the jewellery counters and finally the changing room.

There I climbed into the first outfit. Kay had been right - raspberry wasn't red and it didn't look bad.

From behind the curtain I peered out. "Perfect," Kay announced.

Wrapped up in the winter warmers I was definitely ready to do battle with the biting winds at Home Park.

After a quick twirl it was back into the cubicle to try on the dress.

I felt like a film star. Suddenly my mind was racing with visions of grandeur.

The lights, the glitz, the glamour....

"How are you getting on?" Kay announced. With a thud I was brought back to reality.

But this dress was just stunning.

Now I needed a reason to buy it.

"Isn't your wedding anniversary coming up?" sales manager Janette Lawson asked.

Well it's five months away, but who am I to argue.

As I begrudgingly removed the dress, I realised I had tried colours and styles I would never have contemplated.

And it had been great receiving advice without feeling under pressure to buy - although I was sure to be back to purchase that little black number.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk