New Year's Eve

Due affiliate disclosure

Tier Florence Necklace

Stella & Dot

"Ten!  Nine!  Eight!  Seven!  Six!  Five!  Four!  Three!  Two!  One!  Happy New Year!"

New Year's traditions - kiss at the stroke of midnight, champagne bottle corks popped open, formal attire at a formal party.

At the stroke of midnight on this particular holiday, excitement was exceptionally loud.  

"Will you marry me?!" he shouted to her.

And then her mind went silent.

"What?!"

"Will you marry me?!"

In the center of the ballroom, in front of so many friends and friends of friends, he slowly dropped down on one knee and proposed marriage to his girlfriend of three years.  

He pursued her in the first three months they knew each other as coworkers, but she always said,

'You are just not my type.'

Another three months later, she caved to his pursuit...and happened to enjoy their first official date.  Their first official date led to a second and by the end of the first year they knew each other, they were officially in a relationship.

They were the perfect couple.  They rarely fought and any disagreements were talked out rather than shouted out.  Outside of holding hands and an occasional kiss, they did not believe in public displays of affection.  They preferred affection at home.  They were intellectually on par with each other.  They both shared the same sense of humor and slight sarcasm.  Their interests were the same.  They supported each other with life goals.

In their second year as an official couple, he proposed moving in together.  She happily said yes.  In their second year as a couple, they were very much in love and so moving in, to them, meant renting an apartment together rather than one moving in with another (admittedly saving a potential argument).  Their apartment was filled with love, laughs, and content happiness.  Their life together could not wrong.

In their third year as a couple, in this present time, they considered marriage with their relationship being so strong and solid.  He was fully committed to her and their future.  She was hesitant but  dared not to let him know.  She dismissed him in their first three months.  She did love him now, though.  She was committed him, but was she ready to envision their future?  Why did she really pass in their first three months?

Silence in the ballroom.  Why was she so quiet?  If the obvious answer is not exclaimed right away, perhaps the answer is no.

He slowly raised himself from the floor and sadly said, 

"Okay.  I understand."

"You were my type.  I was just scared to let my guard down."

"If you were so scared, then why did you finally agree to date me, fall in love with me, move into together, be together in the long term?"

"Because I have never been in love before!"

"Are you in love now?!"

"Yes!  Yes, I will marry you!"

"What?"

"Yes.  I will marry you because I want to marry you because I want the rest of my life to be with only you...and any children we may have."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," she said as she wiped away a happy tear.

"Okay then.  We just had our first argument in public.  Shall we make up with a public display of affection?  Oh, by the way, you look stunning."

Kiyonna.com

One year later...

"Ten!  Nine!  Eight!  Seven!  Six!  Five!  Four!  Three!  Two!  One!"

"I do!"

A new year for newlyweds.

Author's Brief : Cool Shades

Due affiliate disclosure

Cents of Style Feature - Trendy & Affordable Accessories

Winter Wonderland

Due affiliate disclosure

Monroe Statement Necklace

Stella & Dot

Michael and Nina met in the month of January two years ago.  Their first date led to a second shortly after and every following date snowballed into a committed relationship.  In their first year as boyfriend and girlfriend, they took their time on an emotional and intellectual level to really know one another.  In December of the their first year together, they knew they were meant to be and were very much in love.  Michael, then, took this cue to propose to Nina.  She ecstatically said yes.

In their second year together, now engaged, there was so much to plan and agree upon.  Michael once proposed in a long ago previous relationship that was turned down before she could see the ring.  Therefore, he opted for a simple wedding.  She, on the other hand, wanted a formal wedding...but not necessarily black tie.  They both wanted a church wedding.  Details after that went back and forth.  Now, though, there were two considerations - one they both needed to agree on and one only she needed to decide.

The date was not yet set, but the month was - January.

The dress.  She could not decide because there were so many options she explored in every bridal salon she went to.  There was one, though, that caught her attention after her exhaustive search -

Kiyonna.com

In this moment, she was more in love with the gown than with Michael.  This was it.  This was the one.  Pure perfection.  She could now see herself as a bride and the month of January was around the corner...as was their decided date.

The day before the wedding presented a slight problem...

A blizzard.

All of the guests called in to say they were unable to attend with the same reason - they were snowed in.  The minister, however, was still available.  

"Gosh, Michael.  Such a winter wonderland outside.  But there is just no way we can get to the church.  I mean, we'll need to be in our wedding attire before we get there.  What do you think?"

The day of...

The power of the blizzard slowed to a standstill.  The sky was richly overcast.  The pavement was deeply covered in beautifully fresh white snow.

"Let's do it."

She smiled and said,

"Okay."

He was so handsome in his couture suit and tie.  He chose not to wear a winter coat.

She was breathtaking in her perfect wedding gown.  She chose not to wear a winter coat.

They and the minister were able to reach the church but stood just outside as the steps leading to the inside were too covered to walk through.

They held hand in hand and kissed sweetly after "I do" and "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Their theme song with every following wedding anniversary was Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!  Let It Snow!

Autumn Leaves

Due affiliate disclosure

Charlotte Pendant Set - Lilac
Stella & Dot

The peak of summer in the dead of August was brutally hot in the Southwestern desert.  They were both born and raised in New York City and when they met, fell in love, and found themselves in a serious relationship, they moved in together.  So did they end up in the brutally hot Southwestern desert in the dead of August?

"I cannot believe your company chose this region for your sales position.  Will this summer ever end?" said a very frustrated Rachel.

"Neither can I, but at least the salary is better," said Henry in a very unconvincing laugh.

They would take heat and humidity over oven-baked heat any day.

"Hey, why don't we watch When Harry Met Sally?  We can melt over the Autumn season scenes," said Henry in the hopes of cheering up his miserably feeling girlfriend.

"Oh all right," said Rachel as she collapsed into the section of the sofa just under the living room fan.

Henry had a secret behind his movie suggestion that had been in the back of his mind for a good month.  Rachel's birthday was in July, but the secret was in no way a belated gift.

As they watched the Autumn season backdrop, Henry paused the DVD...

"Why did you pause?"

...dropped to one knee and proposed.

She was speechless.  They were committed to each other, but she assumed they were not ready for marital commitment.

"I will always remember when we met.  We were jogging in different directions in Central Park, in the brisk Autumn weather, and as I was too busy scrolling through my iPod and not paying attention, I accidentally ran into you.  You weren't terribly hurt, but said,

'We seem to have run into each other for the same reason.  What were you listening to?'

"You didn't complain about any pain or possible injury.  You didn't get angry that a stranger ran into you.  You just began a conversation.  I love you so much for that part of your personality.

"If you say yes, I have another surprise for you."

She cleared her nervous throat and said,

"Um - um...What would that be?"

"My company told me just the other day that I am their best pharmaceutical salesman and want to promote me - with significant raise - to any of their offices of my choosing within the U.S."

"Gosh, I hate to say this, but we just moved here in May.  Packing, unpacking, settling in."

"I know, I know, but there is an availability in New York."

She briefly stared at him and then exclaimed,

"Seriously!  Oh my gosh!"

"Do you want to pack up and move?  Get out of nature's oven?"

"Yes! ... And yes!  I will marry you!"

Two months later, they were home - a newly purchased brownstone in Manhattan.  Two months later, crisp Autumn weather settled in to great relief.  Two months later, they were married - he in a formal suit and tie and she in a simple wedding dress.

Kiyonna.com

They held hand in hand in a historic chapel in the city, before the chaplain, and said,  "I do."

Summer in May

Due affiliate disclosure

May is always the "start" of summer...high school and college graduations, warmer temperatures, the launch of grilling season, and so many more reasons why May should launch the summer season.

Every season - Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall - has one major retail sale dedicated to the given season.

In this post, I thought I would once again share the Stella & Dot Summer Sale.

Stella & Dot

Love jewelry duos?

Check out the Simple Knot Collar ($21.99) & Simple Knot Hoops ($22.99).
(The Simple Knot Collar in Silver is $36.99.)

Love accessories?

Check out the Hideaway Pouch - Navy Stripe ($22.99).
Consider the Chelsea Bag - Saddle/Black ($43.99).

Love trendy jewelry?

Check out the Fringe Tassel Earrings - Gold ($21.99) or the Gita Tassel Earrings - Black ($30.99).

Love geometric jewelry?

Check out the Pave Rectangle Cuff - Gold ($28.99).
(The Pave Rectangle Cuff also comes in Rose Gold in the same sale price.)

Love charms?
I do!  I recently purchased the Leather Tassel Bag Charm.  Sale cost - $12.99.  The original cost - $44.00.

Can I go on?  I would, but then the fun of exploring the Sale section on Stella & Dot (see the website link above) wouldn't be as enjoyable.

Did I mention 71 new amazing arrivals?  Nope.  Why?  Explore and enjoy!

Make today your day to just have fun and perhaps treat yourself to something special at any price you can afford.  Budget-friendly is an awesome perk to shopping Stella & Dot.

Have a great day!

Sunday Trend - Edition 2

As a recap - In Sunday Trend, I will highlight a standout Couture Tales blog post and a standout Pinterest post linked to Couture Tales.

And so I begin...

Couture Tales trend -

Spring Blossom

As a brief recap, Spring Blossom is a sweet love story between a young couple who just knew.  On the eve of their Spring wedding, family and friends commented on their blossoming love to last forever.  The couple was fresh out of college and only 21 years of age, so wedding rehearsal formal was rather grown up to them as they preferred jeans and a t-shirt.  In the end, when they said "I do," they were officially grown up.

Read the full story by following the link above.

Pinterest trend -

First Anniversary - Vow Renewal 

As a brief recap, in their first year of marriage, wedded bliss was brutal with constant shouting matches, threats for divorce, and who would care for their newly adopted puppy.  He was rarely at home.  She was always in tears.  On the week before their first wedding anniversary, she found her wedding gown.  She put it on if only to remember the feeling of happiness she once had...

Read the full story by following the link above.

Summer Solstice

Due affiliate disclosure

Duchess Pendant

Stella & Dot

The wedding date was the first day of summer...the summer solstice.  Solstice came with intrigue and a magical sense.  The wedding and reception were to be magical and grand...a black tie affair.

She shopped in a couture bridal boutique - Bridal Boutique at Kiyonna.com! - for a luxury gown fit for royalty.  She was inspired by the duchesses of England.

Kiyonna.com

The ceremony was to be held in a centuries old church in the heart of a major metropolis.

She was to arrive by an upscale limousine generally reserved for A-list visiting celebrities...and detailed in newly polished shiny black with slick silver lining.  He was to arrive in an upscale vintage automobile...a style often used in Hollywood film.

Her father was to give her away and his attire was very regal and royally proper.

His mother was to walk with him to the alter and her dress was a beautiful sun kissed yellow.

The guest list was at full capacity and everyone was royally impressive in tuxedos and dresses.

The reception was to be held in the penthouse of the city's most prestigious and oldest hotel.  The atmosphere was meant to reflect the history of the hotel dating to the turn of the 20th century.  A truly grand affair.

They were last to arrive as they took a horse-led carriage slowly trotting down the luxury avenue to the hotel.  They went with notice and received occasional shouts of congratulations from crowds of pedestrians seeing them share a romantic newly marital kiss.

The ceremony was set to begin at exactly noon.  The reception was set to last well into the afternoon and evening.  The bride and groom were to stay the night as the penthouse  was also rented as a honeymoon suite.

As the sun set on this solstice wedding, she in this moment was a duchess and he in this moment was a duke.  

A grand day to a magical love story.

Spring Blossom

Due affiliate disclosure

Charlotte Pendant Set (Navy)

www.stelladot.com

They were happily in love from the first day they met.  They both knew on their first date that they were meant to be.  They just knew.  He proposed to her six months into their relationship.  She said yes before he asked as he knelt down on one knee.  She just knew.  They were young - 21 years of age and fresh out of college graduation.  They went from dorm room to a one-bedroom apartment as their first home.

They went from jeans and tee casual to upscale formal on this spring eve of their wedding.  The rehearsal was so grown up...a feeling they never really experienced.  The women were lovely in evening dresses and sparkling jewels.  The men were handsome in suits.

Kiyonna.com

A clink of champagne flutes as the best man rose from his seat to give a rehearsal toast.

"My toast was to include silly humor and serious moments about the couple and about my connection to them.  I realize now that what I want to say most is how honored I am to know the bride and groom and their blossoming love as soon to be husband and wife.  I have yet to know two people more deeply and profoundly in love with one another than these two.  I have yet to know two people more prepared for wedded bliss than these two.  I am forever honored to be a witness to pure and content love.

"Always my best wishes.  Congratulations to the bride and groom to be!"

Raised glasses and round of congratulations.

A clink of champagne flutes once more as the maid of honor rose from her seat to give a rehearsal toast.

"If I may be so bold to in this one moment steal the rehearsal, I am lucky to be here on this eve of a beautiful and romantic spring wedding.  I am lucky to be here for the bride.  You see, she is my older sister.  She is my best friend.  She has taught me so much about life.  She has taught me so much about love and to cherish who you have when you know.  I am 18 years old and am fully prepared to embark in collegiate level studies.  As I watch my sister marry her sweet heart, her soulmate, her prince, I too feel prepared when I should be so lucky as to find my one.  In the meantime, though, I am lucky to witness blossoming love and a blossoming forever future.

"I love you, sis.  And to my brother-in-law to be, I love you just as much.  As the best remarked, always my best wishes as well.  Congratulations to the bride and groom to be!"

Raised glasses and round of congratulations.

As the rehearsal came to a close and the couple was well wished by all in attendance, they stood hand in hand alone in the rented ballroom space and kissed sweetly...

...

"I now pronounce you husband and wife.  You may kiss your bride."

They were officially grown up on this beautiful and romantic spring blossom day.

Apology

Dear readers and passersby,

I owe you a sincere apology regarding my introduction of affiliate marketing to Couture Tales.  My announcement simply lacked and I delved in immediately without notice.  For this, I want to give you a deeply heartfelt apology.

The essence of Couture Tales is short stories with a fashion theme.  This essence will remain always.  The essence of affiliate marketing for me is owning a small business.

I am passionate about blogging just to blog.  I always have as of 2010 with my very first being Set List, a niche blog about anything music.  In April of this year, I launched Bedtime Tails, a niche blog with posts like Couture Tales - short stories about various dog breeds.

I am also passionate about being an entrepreneur, especially in the world of fashion.  For this reason, I chose to be an affiliate marketer and I felt that Couture Tales would be best for its given niche theme.

With this said, I still apologize for my lack of an appropriate announcement.

I do hope you will enjoy my stories as I continue to post.  I do hope you will support my endeavor as an entrepreneur through Couture Tales.

Thank you.

- Lauren

Author's Brief : Stella & Dot Summer Sale

Due Affiliate Disclosure

An exciting announcement...

Stella & Dot is launching the summer season with a massive summer sale!

50% off + New Arrivals Added

Why shop Stella & Dot?

- Fashion Jewelry & Fine Jewelry - classic styles and one of a kind styles
- Bags - Totes, Clutches, Wallets, Covet...and so many more styles
- Accessories - Sunglasses, Scarves, Hats...and so many more styles
- Collections - Iconic in one word
- Clothing - Tops, dresses...and so many more styles

Stella & Dot is a luxury boutique for the everyday woman.  Anything she wants, she can find.  The ultimate fashion destination.

Shop the look with Stella & Dot here!

Her Vow - A Love Story

Due affiliate disclosure

Her vow

My mother left me and my family when I was very young.  I did not have a female role model because my father never remarried.  With two brothers before me and two brothers behind me, I was very much a tom girl.  I did not know how to be feminine.  When I was in high school, the only dress I wore in the whole of the four years was for graduation...and even then, I felt uncomfortable.  Jeans and a tee gal.

When I met you, I saw you as a friend.  I did not feel the need to physically impress you by wearing "girly" clothes and "girly" makeup....although I was always intrigued by jewelry.

As I grew closer to you, I felt the need to be "girly" and rid my time as a tom girl.  I wanted simply to be a girl.  I shall forever cherish the wedding gift you gave to me...out of the many...just the night before.

Love Story Cardigan

When I fell in love with you, I vowed to myself that if we were to marry and have children, I would forever be a female role model to a daughter or just in general.  Being a role model is exceptionally important to me - to young men and to young women.

As I say "I do" in this vow, I am the girl I wish to be...not "girly," but simply feminine.

His Vow - A Love Story

Due affiliate disclosure

His vow

I was carefree, goofy, and always testing the limit.  I was never serious in relationships.  I suppose I would rather date than fall in love.  A date is a simple yes or no to a second.  A relationship has profound meaning, commitment, and work in order to last forever.  A date can lead to a second or cannot.  A relationship can lead to marriage and possibly a family.  A date is basic, with or without a spark.  A relationship is filled with love.  I was not ready to fall in love and until I met you, I never imagined ever falling in love.

When we met for the first time, there was spark.  When we met for the second time, I knew.  I did not know how I knew, but I did.  I was filled with giddy excitement every time I was with you.  When we established each other as friends, I knew.  When we moved forward together into a relationship, I knew.

I fell in love and I was ready...because of you.

I am now ready to move forward with only you.

I adore the tokens of love you shower me with because of the precious thought put behind them.  No other has shown sentiment.  This, then, means everything to me.

I shall shower you with tokens of love to show my sincere thought behind them.  I hope these tokens will mean the same to you.

I love you with my life because you are my life.

I am honored to say "I do" on a day I once never thought possible.

In the commitment I make today, I promise you always with words you already know.

This is my vow.

Sunday Trend - Edition 1

I recently launched a Pinterest page to showcase Couture Tales posts, Kiyonna favorites, Cents of Style favorites, and Stella & Dot favorites.  ( I also showcase my blog, Bedtime Tails.)

In Sunday Trend, I will highlight a standout Couture Tales blog post and a standout Pinterest post linked to Couture Tales.

And so I begin...

Couture Tales trend -

Channel Theory Boutique

As a brief recap, Channel Theory Boutique was an upscale and wealthy makeup, skin care products, and beauty accessories boutique she, on her own, would pass on.  Her mother, however, adored makeup and all things feminine.  With her mother's birthday coming up and being financially independent with her part time job during school semester breaks, she made the attempt to blend into the Channel Theory Boutique atmosphere to simply buy a gift card in the amount she could afford.  Her mother was thrilled with the birthday gift and happily shopped a hint more than the gift card amount.

Read the full story by following the link above.

Pinterest trend -

Ville Luxury Terrace

As a brief recap, Ville Luxury Terrace was a new outdoor mall with luxury shops Courtney had to check out with the promise to her mother that she would only explore.  Of course this would not be true.

Read the full story by following the link above.

Author's Note : Stella & Dot Affiliate Partnership

Due Affiliate Disclosure

Stella & Dot is a United States based women's fashion brand with roots in fashion jewelry.  Stylists are small business owners and entrepreneurs in social selling.  Pay is by commission (up to 35%) and income is unlimited.  Work whenever and wherever is the general sense.  Starter kits include sample jewelry, a personal website, 50% off in the first 30 days, and so much more.

Sign-up to be a Stella & Dot Stylist Today!

The Essentials Kit is $199 and offers $350 in Stella & Dot jewelry and accessories (social selling could easily pay back the kit).

The More To Love Kit is $499 and offers $1,000 in Stella & Dot jewelry and accessories (think entrepreneur - one time investment, lasting reward).

The Ultimate Kit is $699 and offers $1,500 in Stella & Dot jewelry and accessories (think small business ownership and full financial independence - one time investment, lasting career).

Why choose Stella & Dot as a career?  The experience - as a small business owner, as an entrepreneur, significant financial payoff, part time or full time chosen schedule, work wherever is best, the luxury behind every product...The experience.

With all said, the decision is up to you.  Do you want to be your own boss?

50th Anniversary - The Key

Due Affiliate Disclosure

In their first year of marriage, wedded bliss was rocky with daily heated arguments, weekly threats for divorce, brutal contest over custody of their newly adopted Golden Retriever puppy, and eventually him often staying with a friend rather than in their newly purchased home.

One week to the day before their first wedding anniversary, she found her wedding gown tucked away in their master bedroom closet.  She wiped away slowing tears and looked to her dress.  She put it on and sorrowfully admired herself in the bedroom's standing mirror.  She remembered how excited she felt when she saw the custom designed gown, how peacefully happy she felt when she put it on, and how perfectly okay she felt when she paid the exceptional price tag cost.  She was a bride then and her supremely positive emotions could not be put into words.  She looked at herself now and devastating emotions could not be put into words...until her husband surprised her.

He spoke lovingly and sincerely.  He wanted a second chance at their marriage.  

She said yes before he could ask.

They renewed their vows to renew their life meant to spend together forever.

On this Saturday, fifty years later, her anniversary gift to him was a letter in words that best described her emotions.

My loving husband,

My life before you was without meaning.  I lived day to day and simply got by.  Exciting moments were understated.  Special moments were understated.  Mundane would be the best word to describe my inner emotions before you.  Content happiness, these two words combined into one emotion, best expresses how I feel now...not the literal now, but where we are now, with our life together in the present and lasting forever.  I promised to you love and honored devotion 'til death do us part.  In our first year of marriage, I feared parting ways.  My life with you has true meaning.  Exciting moments are exciting.  Special moments are special.  Mundane is no longer a descriptive word for me.  On this day, our 50th wedding anniversary, I maintain my promise to love and honor you 'til death do us part.  My vow to you will last always.  I love you.

On this Saturday, fifty years later, his anniversary gift to her was a key.  A key to her heart...a lovely token of his forever feelings for her.  The key, however, was a copy he once made to their house purchased in their first year of marriage.  The key was to their home...where every positively charged emotion, moment and event occurred.  The key to her heart would never, ever break.  The key to their home would never, ever break.

My loving wife,

The key I bestow to you best defines how I feel.  My vow to you will last always.  I love you.

Their 50th anniversary was spent with their grown children and young grandchildren.  The gift from their family was a Golden Retriever puppy.  Their eldest child gave them a stumbled upon framed photo of their wedding ceremony.  Their youngest child gave them a stumbled upon framed photo of their vow renewal.  Their middle child gave them a stumbled upon framed photo of their first Golden Retriever puppy.

On this day...love and devotion were words to describe fifty years.

Author's Note : Cents of Style Affiliate Partnership

Due Affiliate Disclosure

I am partnering with a second fashion retailer - Cents of Style.

Cents of Style is a classic yet modern fashion apparel and accessories company for women at affordable prices.

Sample affiliate looks include -

First Anniversary - Vow Renewal

One year ago, they vowed to love and honor each other for as long as they both shall live.  Every church pew was filled with family, friends of each family, and close friends of the bride and groom.

The wedding and reception were black tie formal.  Her gown was custom made by Laurel, an exclusive couture designer for Bridal Bouquet - an upscale bridal salon in the heart of the very wealthy Sachs Park.  His tuxedo was custom tailored by Mr. Something - an upscale gentlemen's tailoring service also in Sachs Park.

In their first year of marriage, wedded bliss was very rocky.  Heated arguments filled the atmosphere of their newly purchased home.  They threatened to divorce on a monthly basis.  They fought to decide custody of their newly adopted Golden Retriever puppy.  Was their marriage truly meant to last?

She was left in sorrowful tears every night he came home late.  Was he really working or was he at a bar to stay away from home?

Today was Saturday...one week before their first anniversary.  He agreed to do rather mundane errands.  She took this available time to revisit her gown.

Innocent white.  Lace and satin fabric.

Ballgown with fit at the waist.  Sweetheart neckline.  Off the shoulder lace sleeves.  Long train.  Long tulle veil.  Swarovski crystal-encrusted tiara.

Inspired by the Royal Duchess.

Breathtaking.  Pure.

Joy.  Content happiness.  Peaceful.  Forever lasting.  Love.  Devotion.

Words cannot express.

How this marriage was meant to be.

They met and fell in love in high school but drifted apart after graduation.  They stumbled upon each other in graduate school and rekindled their love fairly quickly.  He proposed to her the day after their studies were complete.  She said yes before he asked.

One year after the proposal, they stood before a full church - before family, friends of each family, and their close friends - to formally say "I do."  They did.

On this Saturday, she put on her gown and admired herself in their master bedroom's standing mirror.  For every date they went on, he always told her how beautiful she looked.  On the day of their wedding, he said that her shining beauty would last in his heart forever and she, beyond the gown, would last in his soul...

"Forever."

She saw him in the mirror, standing behind her.

He warmly embraced her and said,

"I guess I just needed to see you in your wedding gown to know that our love is forever."

He knelt down on one knee, held her left hand, and said,

"I love you with my life.  I am so lucky and so honored to be in your life.  We are meant to be for each other.  You are my other half - a half I once thought would never be filled.  I cannot imagine my life without you..."

"Yes.  I will marry you."

On the day of their first anniversary, she wore her gown and he wore his tuxedo.  They stood together hand in hand and before no other in the church where their married life began to renew their now forever vows.

Valentine's Day

"I feel blue," Gina said sorrowfully.  She fought to hold back her tears while talking on the phone to her best friend, Desiree.

"Today is meant for love, not heartbreak," Gina said, now engulfed in a flood of tears.

"I can sympathize with you, Gina.  My boyfriend broke up with me the day before Valentine's Day one year ago.  I cannot help  but feel sad sometimes for my loss, especially today.  I am so sorry for you to lose your boyfriend especially today being Valentine's Day.  You two were the perfect couple and he truly seemed to be the one.  I cannot imagine what went wrong for him to leave you on this particular day.

"Hey, a few friends of mine from work and I are going to Jack's Pub tonight.  Do you want to come along?" asked Desiree.

"Oh gosh, Des.  I think I just want to stay home."

Gina generally got her way when making decisions, so Desiree did not argue her want.

"Okay.  I understand.  If you change your mind, though, I'll be at Jack's Pub."

"Okay," Gina said in sniffles.

Come on, Gina, you were too good for him, she thought to herself as she wiped away tears and threw away another Kleenex tissue.

Okay, I'll go to Jack's Pub, she thought to herself in firm affirmation.

She skimmed through her closet and found the dress she wore on her first date with him - a black background with flower-pattern T-shirt dress with black slip-on shoes.  They were friends before he formally asked her out and he always said, "you look adorable," in every outfit she wore.  On their first official date, then, she wanted to look adorable.  "You look adorable" always made her feel special and happy.  She considered wearing the outfit tonight if only because she did like the dress.  If she added her favorite black wash jean jacket, wearing the outfit would not seem so sad.  Okay.  She was set and ready to go.

As she opened her apartment door to head out, she looked down to find a trail of red rose petals.  She looked up to find no one.  She was confused and a bit scared.

She carefully walked to the apartment building's elevator down to the first floor from her fifth.  As she approached her car in the parking lot, she heard "The Way You Look Tonight" a short distance away.  "The Way You Look Tonight" was their song.  The time was early in the evening and the sky was not fully black yet, so she did not want to be spooked in darkness.

"You look adorable," spoken just behind her.

She turned around to find him down on one knee with an open engagement ring box.

What?

"Surprise!" shouted Desiree from across the parking lot.

What?

"Gina, I did not mean to break up with you.  When I walked away from you this morning, I realized that no other woman was as perfect for me as you are.  We are meant for each other.  You are my soulmate.  You are my best, best friend.  I love you so much.  Will you marry me?"

"Jim, I don't understand.  You broke my heart this morning and now you are proposing?  And why is Desiree here, shouting surprise?"

"He knows we are sisters at heart and so he asked for my approval."

"You knew about this all day and you didn't say a word, Desiree?""

"You know me, Gina.  I can keep a secret pretty darn well."

Gina hesitated to say anything to either of them.

In pure irony, the outfit she was wearing - on their first date so many years ago and now, being proposed to.  Was this outfit a sign of positive luck?

She slowly extended her left hand and, with happy tears, said,

"Yes."

Author's Note : Affiliate Partnership Announcement

Due affiliate disclosure

Kiyonna is an apparel fashion company exclusive to plus size women sizes 0X to 5X.

Example affiliate shares include -

Pencil In

"What is the status of the Bethany Foster pencil skirts?"

"The sky blue pencil skirt production and jet black pencil skirt production are complete and should arrive at the warehouse within the week."

"What about the charcoal grey pencil skirts?  They are the most in demand, Liza."

"Yes, I know boss.  They are currently in pre-production stage.  I can get sketches to you by the end of tomorrow if you would like."

"I do not want sketches, Liza.  I want charcoal grey pencil skirts in the warehouse as in yesterday."

"I - I - I don't know what to say.  I do not know why there is such a delay."

"Get Bethany on the phone."

1-555-0513

"This is Bethany Foster."

"Hi, Bethany.  This is Mark Peterson from Couture Suite.  I am calling in reference to the charcoal grey pencil skirt design you have.  Do you have an estimated time in when the design will go into production?  Charcoal grey is in the most demand I should add."

"Hi Mark.  Do you have my sky blue and jet black designs?"

"Yes."

"Good.  The charcoal grey is not slated until next year's Fall/Winter season.  I am not sure why the demand is for this Fall/Winter season.  Are you thinking of..."

"Oh my goodness, you're right.  You debut two colors at a time.  Liza, who am I thinking of?"

"Um, Eden Rose I think."

"Um is never an acceptable word in this office, but yes, Eden Rose is who I am thinking of.  I am so sorry to bother you, Bethany."

"No worries."

"Liza, pencil in a conference call with Eden Rose this afternoon at four o'clock.  She is in California during this season, so the three hour time difference shouldn't be a problem.  Stay on this call as well, Liza."

"On it boss."

Four o'clock

1-555-1925

"This is Eden Rose."

"Hi Eden.  This is Mark Peterson from Couture Suite.  I am calling in reference to the charcoal grey pencil skirt design you have.  Do you have an estimated time in which the design will go into production?  Charcoal grey is in the most demand I should add."

"My charcoal grey design.  My charcoal grey design..."

Shuffling of sketch pad papers.

"Oh!  Here it is.  Yes, the sketch is complete and I have forwarded it to the production team."

"Great.  When can we estimate a completion date?"

"I am sorry, but I cannot say.  I just forwarded the sketch this morning."

"Eden, you are killing me."

"I"m sorry, Mark.  I don't know how to relieve your stress.  I can send a rush production order, if that helps."

"Yes please.  Thank you for your time, Eden."

"You are more than welcome."

"Liza, let's pencil in a meeting with Marketing tomorrow morning at nine o'clock."

Tomorrow morning - nine o'clock

"Okay everyone.  The Bethany Foster sky blue pencil skirts and jet black pencil skirts will be in the warehouse by the end of the week.  They need to hit store displays next Monday.  As you know, she only debuts two colors at a time, so look books need to be on par with her style.  The charcoal grey pencil skirts are from Eden Rose, not Bethany Foster, and they unfortunately went into production yesterday...a huge problem for expecting customers.  Please, please tell me you guys haven't gone through promotional material."

Silence

"Oh no," he held his head low.

"We haven't published the materials yet, though."

"Really?!"

"Liza, pencil in a vendor lunch for today.  A sigh of relief is in order."

Rush production for the Eden Rose charcoal grey pencil skirt shipped sooner than expected, arrived at the warehouse sooner than expected, and hit store displays just as the Marketing department published promotional detail to announce to the public.

Relief behind the scenes.  Eager customers.  Major commissions for employees behind the registers with the charcoal grey pencil skirts selling fast.

"Liza, pencil in a Friday social.  We have something to celebrate."

"Yes boss."

Channel Theory Boutique

Upscale and wealth best defined Channel Theory Boutique.  Makeup, skin care products, and beauty accessories were exclusive to Channel Theory Boutique.  Gift cards were offered but began at a rate of $300...requests for anything less were rarely accepted.  The atmosphere was young, sophisticated, and with a hint of pure class.  Overhead music reflected the atmosphere and did not dominate the experience.  Large poster images of models wearing the makeup or skin care products were prominently placed in the window displays.  Channel Theory Boutique  offered personalized tutorials on how best to use the products for free with every $500 or more spent in purchase.  Beauty accessories began in the $50 range and up.  Skin care products began in the $100 range and up.  Makeup was the most prized inventory line and what defined the boutique.  Therefore, all makeup products began in the hundreds of dollars range...being exclusive and upscale, the cost seemed justified.  Of course, Channel Theory Boutique was the first stop in a long line of upscale and wealthy boutiques and department stores.

She only wore makeup for special occasions, such as dates or interviews.  She felt too young to be concerned about skin care (outside the obvious need for sunblock in any season).  She did have a mirror compact bought at a local drugstore, so beauty accessories directly linked to makeup were again not of interest.  Her mother on the other hand adored makeup and beauty accessories, especially for work.

She was financially independent through employment during school semester breaks.  She earned just above minimum wage but was nonetheless thrilled with every payday because the employment was naturally temporary.

All of her classes were in the heart of downtown.  She aced her mid-terms exams and was allowed a pass on the finals because of her stellar mid-terms.  The only requirement for every student in her classes was to come in for an end of term discussion on what could be taken away from what was learned.  In the end, she was free to leave.

Channel Theory Boutique was mere blocks away from her campus.  On one gorgeous sunny day in crisp Autumn weather, she boldly walked to the boutique after her class, hesitated for a moment at the door, opened the door, and entered as casually as possible.  She hoped to blend in...

...She did not.  She looked like a typical college student with no reason to glam up, especially with upscale and wealthy makeup products.  Why, in all seriousness, would she belong - naturally - in a boutique such as this?

Her mother's birthday was coming up and she was saving all of her paychecks to buy something special.  They were not rich.  They were middle to upper-class and still could never afford a place like Channel Theory Boutique.  She, however, was bound and determined to buy something special for her mother to, on her one day, feel upscale, wealthy, and exclusive.

"Hello.  How may I help you?" asked one of the sales consultants in what sounded harsh in tone.

"Hi.  Um, I would like to purchase a gift card for my mother.  Her birthday is coming up and she is a makeup fanatic, so I thought I would go the gift card route to let her pick out what she wants." She nervously laughed at her nervous tone.

The sales consultant smiled at the kind gesture, but somehow lacked sincere meaning.

"Well, a gift card for your mother's birthday sounds great.  Does she like Channel Theory products?"

"Absolutely!" She knew her mother liked Channel Theory products but was intimidated by the hefty price tags.  The tone behind her exclamation was meant to impress the sales consultant in a pretend way.

"Great.  Good to know.  Well, our gift cards start at $300.  Is this cost okay with you?  Can you go up...since your mother loves our products so much?"

I don't plan on pursuing your upselling, lady, she thought to herself.

"Okay, in all honesty, I can only afford $100.  Is this cost okay with you?" A direct shot at the sales consultant's degrading tone.

The sales consultant caught on pretty quickly but as it just so happened, she needed more commissions to reach her expected monthly quota.  And so...

"Of course, you can pay $100 for the gift card."

After the checkout process and getting ready to leave as soon as possible, she was sincerely left with,

"I hope your mother has a wonderful birthday."

She sincerely smiled, thanked the sales consultant for the kind wish, and left.


Her mother was speechless when she received her gift card.

"I get to shop in Channel Theory Boutique?!"

"Yes, yes, yes!  Happy Birthday, Mom!"

Her mother could not wait to spend her gift card.  The two headed downtown the next day and, by surprise, was greeted by the same sales consultant in a more pleasant manner.  She guided the two around the boutique and offered suggestions on what best to spend the card on based on responses to questions she asked throughout the guide.

Her mother was giddy and could not help but spend a little over the gift card price.

"Channel Theory Boutique is having a sale one week from today - half off clearance items.  Stop on by!"

Mother and daughter planned to do just that.

Channel Theory Boutique was perhaps more possible than they thought.

Ville Luxury Terrace

As they drove past the outdoor parking lot at full capacity, festive decorations in the short distance, and a massively large banner closer to the street declaring "Ville Luxury Terrace GRAND OPENING," Courtney ever so slightly cringed in her passenger seat.

"Mom, we have to go to Ville Luxury Terrace.  I just want to explore.  I promise I won't ask to buy anything."

"Courtney, I know you...and I know luxury.  Luxury asks for money in exchange for sales.  Luxury asks for a lot of money in exchange for high end sales.  We are not the luxury type."

"Okay, I understand your rationale..."

"Thank you."

Courtney lightly sighed at her mother's interruption and continued,

"...But I am seventeen now and I have a great job that I love.  In fact, I would be happy to keep my position after high school graduation."

"Court, I am happy for you in so many ways.  Yet, your income is nominal compared to what I know you will want to buy in the shops at Ville Luxury Terrace.  Side note, I am fine with you keeping your job after graduation, but you are still going to college.  You have already been accepted to three different colleges."

"Okay again, I understand your rationale, but what if the grand opening has sales to entice new customers?  Side note - I already know which college I am accepting."

"Okay well, maybe you have a valid point with the sales idea..."

"Yes!"

"We'll come back tomorrow and you can explore.  If there is a sale, you can buy one item.  Deal?"

"Deal!"

Tomorrow could not come fast enough.

The Ville Luxury Terrace GRAND OPENING banner proudly displayed once more.  The outdoor parking lot was once again at full capacity, but there was a covered garage in the middle of the parking lot and there were a few slots available.  They pulled into one, got out of the car, and Courtney's mom could not keep up with her daughter.

"Courtney!"

Courtney slowed down.

There were three major retail chains in the massive terrace mall.  Courtney could easily go into any of them anywhere else.  Pass.

The terrace mall was an outdoor mall with lovely landscaping in the middle outside stretch.  Moving on.

There were theme dives and restaurants every so often.  Neither of them was hungry.  Moving on.

There were cute fashion accessories shops best for pre-teens with, ironically, older teenagers running the cash registers.  This style was no longer Courtney's interest.  Moving on.

There were intriguing music shops - one for CDs and one for actual instruments.  The one with the CDs was kept in mind.

There were luxury bath product shops.  The scents and products were soothing, but Courtney was never one for baths.  Her mother, however, looked around and did indeed make a small purchase.

There were fun "off the beaten path" clothing shops.  Courtney had to check this out.

"Hey!  Welcome to Just For You!  Thank you for stopping by.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask!" exclaimed the owner, who did not seem to be getting a lot of foot traffic because the store was at full capacity with inventory.

Courtney browsed what she wanted the most - a new pair of jeans and a T-shirt.  She did not look deep within the shop to find her must haves - a light blue wash size 12 jeans with tear in the knees and a size XL graphic tee with an electric guitar prominently displayed in the forefront with random concert images in the background.  Cool, she thought to herself.

"Excuse me, how much are the jeans and this shirt?"

"You are in luck!  With the Ville Luxury Terrace Grand Opening, I am offering 50% off for a limited time.

"Let's see.  The jeans are normally $80 and the T-shirt is normally $40.  With the half off, the total comes to $60.  With the grand opening and limited time offer, I am waiving taxes, so you would only pay the $60."

"Okay, um.  Never mind."

"Miss, what is your name?"

"Courtney."

"Hello Courtney.  You are my very first customer.  The jeans and shirt are on the house.  All I would ask in return is spreading the word."

Courtney beamed.

"Of course I will spread the word!  Thank you so much!  What is your name?"

"Nicholas."

"Hello, Nicholas."

Spreading the word went viral.  Just For You became the most popular shop in the entire mall for teenagers and young adults.  In all thanks to Courtney, she would receive a loyal customer discount every time she shopped in Just For You...and was even offered an associate position with pay twice as much as her current job.  She could definitely afford Ville Luxury Terrace now.

Bebop

"We're gonna rock - around - the clock - tonight!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, let this year's Fifties theme dance off begin!"

Ladies on one side of the ballroom excitedly leaped up from their seats in fits of happy giggles.  Gentlemen on the other side of the ballroom dashed for their gals in eager shouts of joy.

Prim and proper.  Hyper and fun.  Always enjoy social perks.

They met on a blind date set up through  mutual friends and were encouraged to fall into a relationship with the approval of their parents.  At the end of their first date, he was a gentleman when taking her home.  He knew then, however, that she was the one to marry and love forever.  He was a gentleman to this day and always would be.  At the end of their first date, she expected him to follow social protocol.  She knew then, however, that he was the one and wrote in journal daily about how fondly she thought of him after every date and eventually into a relationship.

Tonight, then, would be rather special for the two.

The ladies giggled with joy.  The gentlemen roared joy.  The dance floor was filled with electric energy...

"I am having so much fun!  A new dress for this dance off special occasion with my best beau!"

"Six months strong, Lindy!  You look gorgeous and you are an amazing dancer, beyond the lessons we took!  Gosh, Lindy, I - I love you!"

"You what?"  She was thrown off guard.  She always doodled "I love you, my best beau" in her journal and secretly thought of saying how she felt first, despite social protocol.

The surroundings swirled in a blur.  Lindy's best beau, Johnny, was happily in love with his gal, but never told her how he felt.  He could never find the right time or the right setting.  He had the blessing of Lindy's mother and father, especially, to express his love to her and someday propose marriage.  Lindy was happily in love with Johnny and truly did want to tell him but could never find a way to do so while remaining womanly proper.  Perhaps now was in fact the best time and setting for the two to finally say "I love you."

The dance off was set in a Woolworth's grand opening-style background with jukebox playing non-stop as part of the 1950s theme.  To be certain, there was also a women's best dressed contest.

Lindy was the most favored.

Halter style, pink throughout and white polka dots, swing skirt...White leather pumps...White cashmere sweater jacket for the night's chill.

"Ladies!  The decision has been made!" A happy shout from the small panel of judges.

The gentlemen clapped for good luck for their gals and the ladies held hands for good luck for one another.

"All of you look beautiful, but after close debate, the best dressed lady is...Lindy Simpson!"

Cheers of congratulations filled the air.  There was no trophy, but the title meant more...including which couple would win the dance off.

One last round of dancing with Elvis Presley blasting in the background.

"We're gonna rock - around - the clock - tonight!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a dance off winning couple!"

Hopeful shouts.  Couples tightly holding hands in the chance of winning.

"The first annual dance off winning couple is...Lindy and Johnny!"

Cheers of congratulations filled the air.  There was still no trophy, but their close hug meant more.

The two love birds excitedly returned to the bebop, officially declared their love for one another when both said "I love you," and kissed in public for the first time (well, outside her home type of public).

Swingin'

"Think Rosie the Riveter all glammed up."

"Oh gosh, Jimmy, a 1940s theme party?  Will we be reenacting the entire decade at this party?  Music, fashion? ..."

"Yes," Jimmy answered bluntly.

She chose not to hear what he said and continued on,

"I mean with regards to fashion, I've seen the dresses women wore back then.  They seem so boxy and form fitting.

"Swing music was very lively in the 1940s.  I am not the lively type, Jimmy..."

"Sure you are!" Jimmy eagerly interrupted.

She again chose not to hear what he said and continued on,

"...I am not one for swing jazz, let alone the social festivities that defined that era.

"Do you really think I could look 1940s glam and be 1940s social, especially when dancing?"

"Joan, I know you will look and feel great.  Take your hairdo for example - exactly the style worn back then...long and densely curled, pulled up and back held by bobby pins..."

Why does he know so much about women's hair styles, she thought curiously to herself.

"...I've also seen pictures of dresses women wore in the 1940s - cap sleeves, form fitting at the waist..."

"Jimmy, I am a plus size!  I will look horrible in anything form fitting!"

"Joan.  Joan.  Size never mattered then and will never matter now...never..."

She didn't want to believe him.  She knew she would be the only plus size woman at the party.  All of their female friends were at a minimum size six and a couple were a size zero.  She didn't want a boxy, form fitting dress accenting such an embarrassing figure.

"...The skirt half of the dresses I have seen seem fancy and airy at the same time.  They do not look boxy at all

"You do have a fantastic figure, Joan.  You are not plus size.  Show off your feminine curves!  You will look amazing on the dance floor!

"Swing to swing jazz!  You love to groove.  You are in fact the lively type, Joan!  Just have fun in musical history..."

He was struggling to persuade her.

"...Come on, Joan.  You did love studying the forties decade in college.  Live out what you learned!  Put into life what you only saw in your textbooks.

"So, huh, what do you think?" Jimmy pleaded because he was very eager to go to the theme party and show off his practiced swing skills.

She paused for a moment before replying.

"Rosie the Riveter all glammed up, huh?" Joan was hesitant in thought bud did remember how much she enjoyed studying iconic big bands and their contribution to United States society at a time of devastating turmoil.

Hmm.


Cue the drums...Cue the brass instrumentals...The 1940s energy brought to the 21st Century and certainly to last all night.

Flapper Style

"Twenty-something in a Roaring Twenties get-up.  Tonight's party should be fun.  I hope no one will mind the music I brought," said Sarah, eager to show off her themed costume.

"Halloween, Sarah.  It's just Halloween.  The party is a bash, so no, no one will care," said Andrea, who was minimally dressed in costume.  She was more of a summer person.

Andrea enjoyed Halloween to a more realistic extent.  Snack on some candy.  Chit chat with friends.  Pretend to be scared by spooky decor and a few costumes.  A pass on the basement scary activities.  That was about it, though.  For Sarah, however, Halloween was a surreal escape to eras long forgotten in the modern century.  Halloween was not scary or spooky to her.  Halloween was a chance to live ever so briefly in a long lost moment.

Sarah had two passions in life - fashion and United States history.  She was specifically drawn to decades where independent feminism dominated male-driven society.  In fact, she attended every women's rights conference held in the city she lived in.  And so the 1920s was a great example of female strength and independence.  As for fashion, Sarah loved the fun, sassy style and chose her 20-something to flaunt the 20s look.

Gold shimmering dress, fringe hem, strappy sleeves, knee length, carefree showing off bare arms and legs.  Gold glittery pumps.  Gold faux pearl necklace strung twice around her neck.  Gold satin gloves worn up to her elbows (aesthetic appeal).  Hair styled in a bun with 1920s ladies cap.  A gorgeous lady.  A sexy flapper.  A Roaring Twenties gal.

Sarah danced the night away in the only way she knew appropriate for her costume - the Charleston.  She even attracted a few to join in.

She even attracted one in particular - a handsome lad so happened to be in "The Great Gatsby"  attire.

Laughs, drinks, fun, carefree...Sarah did not want this Halloween to end.

Flapper style.