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.

Author's Note : Online Shopping Perks

Due affiliate disclosure

Why shop online?

The main reason is staying home.

Let's narrow down shopping online - Kiyonna and Stella & Dot.

Kiyonna
Stylish Plus Size Clothing at www.Kiyonna.com!

Women are pressured by society to be a certain size.  Fashion week models do not exactly help the cause for women of any size to look and feel their best, feel the most confident, and feel the most secure.  I am a plus size - size 16 jeans and 3X tops.  I would like to lose weight and lower my sizes, but for now I am okay.

So why shop Kiyonna online?  If I were to shop in person, I might feel nervous to go straight to the plus size section as though I did not want anyone to know.  Yet Kiyonna has so much to offer, clothing can still be viewed up close, and there is no shame ever in shopping for plus size clothing.  The tops, bottoms, and dresses range in the same retail cost as in-person.  The apparel is on trend and, as the link states above, very stylish.  The variety is likewise phenomenal, from style to occasion to types of fabric.  Kiyonna is simply a must when shopping online.

Stella & Dot
Stella & Dot jewelry

As the link states above, Stella & Dot is foremost defined by fashion jewelry - necklaces of all styles, bracelets of all styles, earrings of all styles, and rings.  Yet there is something intriguing about Stella & Dot...products offered are beyond just jewelry.  Stella & Dot has a clothing line, versatile bag styles, and connections with major designers such as Rebecca Minkoff.

The price range on Stella & Dot is the same as retail in-person.

So why shop Stella & Dot?  The jewelry, the clothing, the accessories, the major connections, and so much more yes.  However, when you shop Stella & Dot, you are supporting budding entrepreneurs hoping Stella & Dot will be thee career.

And so I conclude today's Author's Note.  There are definite perks to shopping online, from Kiyonna plus to Stella & Dot luxe.  If I spark interest, explore and enjoy!

Wedding Story Fan Favorite

Due affiliate disclosure

Spring Blossom is the wedding story fan favorite by a landslide.

The Spring Blossom wedding gown, then, is the fan favorite.

Poised Peplum Wedding Gown

Bridal Boutique at Kiyonna.com!

The Poised Peplum Wedding Gown is exclusive in women's plus sizes.

Cost: $288.00*

Made in the USA

*Cost comparison - The majority of plus size bridal gowns at David's Bridal are well above what Kiyonna offers, while only a brief few match or are less than the Kiyonna Poised Peplum Wedding Gown.  Kleinfeld is an upscale bridal salon in New York City with prices to match the couture experience.

My take away -

I am a plus size - 3X tops and size 16 jeans.  I do not have a boyfriend.  I have never been in love.  I have never been proposed to.  I have never been engaged.  I have never walked down the aisle as a bride or as a bridesmaid.  However, if any of this was not true, the Poised Peplum Wedding Gown would be a must for fabric and style alone.

And as for the jewelry...

Charlotte Pendant Set - Deep Navy

Shop the look with Stella & Dot here!

I chose the Stella & Dot Charlotte Pendant Set - Deep Navy to match the Poised Peplum Wedding Gown as a classic and elegant look.  Fashion and jewelry simply go together...especially on a bride's wedding day.

(Side note : Stella & Dot jewelry is designed and manufactured in the U.S.)

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.

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 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.

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.

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 -