Queen Anne's Lace

Due affiliate disclosure

Annie recently graduated from The Art of Design.  She considered merchandising and buying during her studies, but apparel design was her dream career.

In the first six months after graduation, Annie was turned down by indie brands and major brands.  She was very upset but soon had an idea...

She would launch her own clothing line.

Annie adored lace fabric to work with because it is classic and relatively versatile - lace wedding gown with slight beading, lace blouse with jeans, lace blouse with a pencil skirt, lace blouse with dress pants, the options are endless.

Annie opted for the versatile look, especially blouses.

(Kiyonna.com)

Annie sketched and handmade every style - formal, casual, slimmer size, plus size.

With samples on hand, Annie considered returning to the indie brands and major brands.  She also considered going to the corporate end of major retail.  Her request was to have her independent label sold in stores.

All were now impressed by her designs.  All agreed to sell her work as an independent label.

"What is your brand name?" all asked.

She hadn't considered that yet.

Let's see...

Annie by Design - No

Annie's Boutique - No

Annie Style - Definitely no

She was born under the name Anne, but family and friends called her Annie.  Anne though.  Lace.  She adored royal trends.  

Queen Anne's Lace!  Yes.

"My brand name is Queen Anne's Lace."

Within one year of concept to production to sales, Queen Anne's Lace was a national name and must have among customers.

Designer Style

Due affliliate disclosure

Catherine was an independent fashion designer with a strong entrepreneurial mindset.  She was best known - by her family and friends - for her handbags of all types, especially tote bags.

Catherine was always in design mode, sketching and hand crafting.  She never gave herself a break to find a way to actually sell her work.  Until one gorgeous, sunny, crisp Saturday...

She claimed a booth at a local arts and crafts fair.  The table was filled with her personally favorite creations.  The tent covering the booth was filled with other styles and excess inventory in the event a particular style sells out.

Comment after comment.  Interest after interest.  But nothing...yet.

"These handbags are amazing!  I'm guessing you designed them yourself?"

"Yep!  From sketch to handmade...all me," Catherine said with a beaming smile.

"Hmm."

Catherine hesitated for a moment.  Was this person going to pass as well?

"You know, a good friend of mine is a buyer at OFF - a retail boutique exclusive to New York.  We are in Evanston, though.  Anyway, she is always interested in considering new designers.  She would love your work.  Do you have a business card?"

"Um...Oh yes!  Here you go," Catherine was briefly embarrassed to know that her business cards were tucked away from visual sight.

"I see your name is Catherine.  Hello to you, then.  My name is Elle.  Do you mind if I make a purchase?  I would love to show my friend one of your designs."

"Absolutely!"

Elle bought a tote bag, tucked Catherine's business card in her wallet, thanked her, and left.

Catherine screamed with joy in her head.  OFF was a huge retail boutique exclusive to New York.  Designers around the country were eager to be a coveted feature.

One month later, Catherine felt blue.  Why was she not receiving a response?  And then...

Ring.  Ring.  Ring.  Her cell phone!

"Hello?"

"Hi Catherine.  This is Elle.  I am so sorry to keep you waiting this past month.  Fashion is always busy.  Listen, I spoke to the buying department at OFF and they love your designs.  They want to sell your handbags at a generous retail cost.  What are your thoughts?"

Catherine raised her jaw from the metaphorical floor and nervously said,

"Absolutely."

"Great!  I will arrange shipping to get the handbags to our warehouse.  From there, marketing will take over to get presentation in the Winter line.

"Congratulations, Catherine.  You are now a professional designer.  Welcome to OFF."

Sunday Trend - Edition 4

On this edition of Sunday trend, Couture Tales is a tie for trending.  I will feature both.

Couture Tales trend -

London Style

As a brief recap, London Style is a general commentary on sample fashion styles in London with a hint of fiction.  London is linked to the fashion brand, Stella & Dot, in that the company has a branch office in the UK.

Read the full story by following the link above.

(Due affiliate disclosure was noted in the post)

New York Style

As a brief recap, New York style is a general commentary on sample fashion styles in New York Coty with a hint of fiction.  New York City is linked to the fashion brand, Stella & Dot, in that the company headquarters is in NYC.

Read the full story by following the link above.

(Due affiliate disclosure was noted in the post)

On this edition of Sunday Trend, there is no change in status on Pinterest with regards to trending posts.

Sunday Trend - Edition 3

On this edition of Sunday Trend, Couture Tales is in a tie for trending.  I, then, will feature both.

Couture Tales trend -

Summer Solstice

As a brief recap, Summer Solstice is about a wedding set on the day of the Summer Solstice.  Why did the couple choose the first day of summer for their ceremony?

Read the full story by following the link above.

Winter Wonderland

As a brief recap, Winter Wonderland is a lovely story of an engaged couple planning their wedding to be held in the month they first met - January.  There were some differences of opinion, but their heart was truly set on January.  One hiccup though...

Read the full story by following the link above.

On this edition of Sunday Trend, Pinterest is set on Ville Luxury Terrace as the leading Couture Tales trend.  However, Ville Luxury Terrace has been first in trend for some time, so I am opting for another trend - 

Swingin' 

As a brief recap, the theme of the story is 1940s fashion style.  "Think Rosie the Riveter all glammed up."

Read the full story by following the link above.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Cat's Meow

"Do the Charleston!  Do the Charleston!"

"It's the cat's meow!"

The Roaring Twenties...a decade of nonstop carefree fun for women.


Yes!  Excellent start to this post, first-time guest blogger, Sarah Adams, thought to herself...but what else?  Blogger's block.  She had a deadline to meet for this post, so a mental block could not have come at a worse time.  Stretch your imagination, Sarah thought to herself.

Let's see.  If I lived in the 1920s...


"We are strong!  We are independent!  We can vote!  We are proud women!"

"Suffrage!"

"We define our lives!"

"We are flappers!"

"We are Chanel girls!"

"We follow...No, we set the trends!"

Short skirts, freedom of choice in clothing overall, freedom of choice in use of makeup

Short bob hairstyle

Trendsetting haute couture

Fashion - smart and sophisticated, independent, very casual

Bold, daring, pushing the envelope for women in the 1920s...because they could.

Break the rules.  Own your feminism.

Show a little of this.  Show a little of that.  You are a woman.

No longer live under the man's rule.

Define your life under your terms.


Yeah!  Wait, where am I?

Once lost in thought, now back on track.  Blogger's block no longer.

For Sarah, daydreaming life in the Roaring Twenties was the perfect inspiration for her first guest blog post.

By Her Side Series 3 - Father of the Bride

By Her Side Series

"My little angel."

"Daddy, you are making me cry," she spoke, wiping away swelling happy tears.

"Oh honey, I...I am sorry.  They are hap...happy tears, right?  Yes.  Oh dear, now I am a mess."

Father and daughter laughed, grabbing tissue after tissue to wipe away the many tears.

He cleared his throat and said,

"There is something you need to know about your wedding gown.  Your mother and I wanted to share its history with you on the day of your wedding."

"Okay," she spoke in hesitation.

"The gown you are wearing has been passed down the family tree on your mother's side for more than a century.  The first bride to wear the gown was your great-great-grandmother, Maria Jane Coleman.  She designed and made the dress herself, knowing the history it would unfold."

Maria turned to face the standing mirror and deeply focused on the dress she never knew had such an extensive history.

Off white ballgown.  Large puffy shoulders.  Thick long sleeves.  Chest coverage as high as the middle of the neck.  No train, but long veil.  All satin (with exception of the veil having tulle fabric).

No trace of wear...ever.  So how would she know?

One other question -

"Dad, am I named after..."

My name is Maria Jane, she thought to herself.  She never knew.  She only assumed the name was unique to her.

"Never..."

"Yes you are," he said, answering her question before she asked and finishing her realized thought before she could complete the word "never mind."

"Dad, why do you call me your angel?"

"Because of her.  She has been loved dearly all this time and is a forever angel by every generation's side."

Knock, knock

"Come in," Maria called out one last time.

"It's time," said the wedding planner.

"Shall we?" he asked with raised arm.

On this day, so many loved ones were by her side.  In spirit, Maria was not alone.  Maria Jane Coleman stood by her side as she walked slowly down the long church aisle in a gown to pass on to a daughter she would one day have.

By Her Side Series
The End

By Her Side Series 2 - Mother of the Bride

"My precious Maria, I will always remember you playing dress up with my makeup and jewelry.  You tried so hard to fit into my clothes and heels.  So adorable!"

Mother and daughter laughed at the silly childhood memory.

"I still remember laying out your wedding gown and daydreaming wearing it someday on my wedding day."

"And now here you are - a daydream come true.  Lovely.  Absolutely lovely."

"As my mother - mother of the bride - you are lovely as well.  As my mom, you are timeless and classic in fashion.  You taught me well with all of the years you worked in the fashion industry.  I remember going to photo shoots with you and looking at the window displays when you were a visual merchandiser.  Do you remember sharing your first personal shopping trip with your very first client?  And your first styling session?"

Her mom lightly laughed and said,

"So many years ago and yes I still recall all of those many memories."

"Special memories passed down and to be treasured.  Mom, you are my inspiration.  You are my reason for being a fashion stylist.  Without your guidance, I would not be the person I am today, especially with  my career.

"Look how beautiful you are...dare say stealing the show," she said with a happy smile.

"Oh honey..."

Pastel pink satin fitted gown with pastel pink cashmere wrap.  Pastel pink suede kitten heels.  Sterling silver necklace with small but ornate silver locket...Inside, a photo of Maria's mother holding her daughter shortly after birth.  White rose corsage.  Dark blonde hair gathered into a bun with a clear crystal bun cuff.

Knock, knock

"Come in," Maria called out.

"Honey, it's time.  Oh look at you, my little angel."

"Daddy, you will make me cry..."

To Be Continued

By Her Side Series 1 - Maid of Honor

"You are so beautiful, Maria.  I am truly honored to be your maid of honor.

"And Christopher is so lucky.  I cannot imagine two people more perfect for each other, more meant to be, more in love, and more prepared for the journey of marriage.  I am certain, then, how happy and content married life will be for you two."

"I do love Christopher so much.  He will always be my soulmate.  I am so happy for me!"

The two laughed at Maria's eager exclamation.

"In all seriousness, though, you are beautiful too, Cindy.  And I should be so honored to have you by my side this evening.  You are my best gal pal..."

The two lifelong best friends lightly laughed at their special nickname, tears beginning to form at the corners of their eyes.

"Oh gosh, Maria, there goes our makeup."

"Oh no!  Oh I don't care.  Happy tears can ruin our makeup.  But you...you are a stunning maid of honor.  The dress you chose is breathtaking.  Navy blue is a gorgeous color on you."

Navy blue satin A-line dress with sweetheart neckline and wide straps.  Long silver heart pendant necklace.  Navy blue suede low heels.  White carnation and green leaf mix bouquet.  Long jet black hair styled with clear crystal bobby pins on either side.

If not for being maid of honor at her best friend's lavish wedding, she would be a breathtaking bride in her gown.  She knew she would impress her boyfriend, Dustin, of so many years when the ceremony was set to begin.  (He in fact was going to propose at the end of the reception.)

Knock, knock

"Come in," Maria called out.

"It's time," said her wedding planner.

Cue the violin.

"Congratulations, Maria.  I love you, best gal pal."

Cindy walked arm in arm with the best man down the aisle.

Today was Maria's day, but her maid of honor was by her side.

Paparazzi

"Jules!  Jules!" shouts from eager paparazzi with shimmering camera flashes much like sparkling diamonds.

Juliet "Jules" Hennessey was a global A-list actress known for her breadth of film, television, and vocal performances.  Her leading roles in film led to several Oscar nominations and wins.  Her leading roles in television led to several Emmy nominations and wins, as well as long-term syndication with translation in many countries (and to further mention substantial royalties on a weekly basis).  She was profoundly talented in so many ways, but Hollywood was not her first passion.

Jules simply loved designing fashion jewelry.  When she was much younger, she dabbled in jewelry sketches but soon realized that drawing was not one of her many talents.  She was self-taught in design and learned how to physically make jewelry of all kinds by carefully studying online video tutorials.  Time, perseverance, some frustration, and admittedly a few tosses in the garbage led her to now.  She used only the best - Swarovski crystals of all sizes and textures, genuine gemstones of all sizes and textures, Swarovski pearls, glass multi-colored beads, pendants, charms, faux leather, decorative flower petal spacer beads, gold and silver metal chains, gold and silver metal plating, and silver wire.

She made necklaces, from chokers to long pendants to fancy pearls to bold statements with large gemstones (some with metal chains, some with string wire, and all with a lobster clasp).

She made bracelets, from charms to beaded stretch to cuffs to leather stud wraps (the charm bracelets were secured as a toggle or lobster clasp and the leather wraps were secured with a snap button).

She made earrings, from studs to dainty drops to hoops of all sizes to delicate designs using a mix of small crystals and small gemstones (all with a variety of backings).

She made adjustable sized rings lavishly decorated with encrusted crystals.  She hoped to someday learn how to design fashion rings with a wedding theme.

Her love was just a hobby.  Yet her hobby soon became a small business when she found enough time to focus on her designs.  Her small business soon became a booming business with hired assistants.

Her designs were a phenomenal success in mass and small retail and among fellow celebs.  She briefly considered leaving Hollywood to focus solely on her jewelry business, but knew that her fans nonetheless wanted to see her on screen.

And so while Juliet was a famous actress ranked highly among critics, Jules was ranked highly for her jewels.

Sparkling paparazzi camera flashes shimmered especially at jewels worn by Jules.