It’s actually jacket weather around here. OK, so it’s in the 40s — nothing compared to my sister’s 4 and 14 degree reports from Denver. Still, it’s darn cold.

Which is why I said no when Sophie asked if she could wear a pink spaghetti strap dress with a tutu skirt to school today. She settled on a long-sleeved, black velvet number with a wide pink satin bow, pink tights and tennies.

I’m not sure where this came from. Usually, Sophie’s much sportier. But when she felt the velvet dress, she melted and cooed and made me wonder if I shouldn’t be investing in some velour warm-up suits. If velvet can replace paintbrushes as the latest sensory obsession I’ll be thrilled. No one ever put their eye out with a piece of velvet.

I think I’ll resist the urge to shop for more clothes for Sophie, since her drawers are literally exploding with hand-me-downs. I’m sure this black velvet dress saw its share of good times in Denver, where my niece Kate wore it (quite a bit, from appearances). Only fitting that it go to school once or twice.

On Facebook this morning, I concluded that life is short, so you should wear a party dress to school if you want. The ever-wise Deborah dubbed that “The Tao of Sophie”.

I love it.