Broke bitch shopping : Bella
I stood in front of my old closet, staring blankly at the sea of ordinary, lame and plain clothes. Nothing screamed "high-society gala" or "luxury companion.
They were either slightly faded gowns, pants, or outgrown shirts and shorts, which I only wore at home. Panic crept in as I realized I didn't have a dress for the event.
Now, that was a big problem.
I always managed with what I had, so it would last me longer; I literally didn't have a good source of income anymore. The farm wasn't bringing in anything tangible, so spending recklessly was a high risk for me. Not to mention how expensive new dresses would be now.
Ugh!
"This event better be worth it. Now, I'll probably have to spend a small fortune on a dress just for one night," I muttered, already calculating the cost.
I quickly grabbed my purse and headed to the upscale boutique on Main Street. The sign "Elegant Wears" glowed beautifully, adding to the night's ambiance around it. I softly pushed open the glass door, and the cool air scent enveloped my face immediately. It had been a while since I'd entered an expensive boutique.
The store was a haven of silk, satin, and champagne-colored gowns. I already loved the place. A sales associate, wearing light spectacles, impeccably dressed, with a light scarf around her neck, approached me immediately I stepped in.
"Welcome to Elegant Wears! I'm Rona. How may I assist you, my love?" she asked, her hands already on my shoulder, with a pretty smile on her face, as she led me to the endless lineup of dresses.
"Oh good evening... um, I need a dress for a high-profile dinner party," I said, trying to sound confident. "Something that will make me blend in with the luxury kind of people?"
Rona's eyes sparkled. "Hmm, I see. We have just the thing. Follow me."
Of course they always had "just the thing" for everyone.
She led me to a section filled with stunning gowns, which were superb and like the most lovely dresses I had ever seen. I admired and felt their fabrics and beautiful designs. I had never seen anything like them before. I got lost in admiration, feeling and looking at their textures and designs... until I saw the price tags.
"Shit!"
"This one's a designer original," Rosa said attracting my attention as she held up a sleek, modest black gown, tracing my waistline and bust with her hands. "It would be a perfect fit for your slender shape. She said as i took a look at the tag. $12,000."
My heart skipped a beat.
"And this one?" I asked, pointing to a floor-length, red silk dress.
"$11,500."
I gulped. Just for a dress? Well, I couldn't say I didn't see this coming.
"What's your budget?" Rona asked tactfully like she noticed my stress. "I...I don't know," I admitted. But she smiled sympathetically. "Let's find something that makes you feel like a million bucks, within your budget, then."
As we browsed, two ladies entered, picking dresses without checking price tags, effortlessly paying with their cards – probably spending over six times my account balance on a few dresses. That's was intimidating to men in a way even if they didn't even notice me.
Sigh
"Let's try something else," Rona said, leading me to a different section. "We have some exquisite pieces that might fit your budget."
As we walked, the gowns transformed from breathtaking masterpieces to elegant, yet understated, designs which was a no for me.
Yes I know I'm a little sensitive about my looks. But tell me a girl who isn't. Besides this isn't an ordinary outing, there was $100,000 on the line here so I have to bring the best.
"These are from our emerging designers collection," Rona explained. "Still stunning, but more affordable."
I scanned the racks, noticing lower price tags, but still out of my comfort zone. "This one's a beautiful lace gown, $7,500," Rona said, holding up a delicate, ivory dress.
"And this satin gown, $2,000," she continued, showcasing a sleek, champagne-colored design. Even though gorgeous, they lacked the wow factor of the original gowns I saw at first. I felt disappointed. But still knew what I had to do.
"Are these the most affordable options you have?" I asked, trying to hide my dismay. Rona nodded. "We do have some off-the-rack options, but they might require alterations. Would you like to see those?"
"Off the rack?" I thought. If the ones on the rack look like this, I don't even want to imagine what the ones that aren't look like. "Let's just go back to the first options," I told her, with a helpless tone she didn't seem to notice.
She just smiled and took me back to our initial options. I took my time, picking the one I loved – a sleek noir gown with a little opening at the chest, stones on its bust and waistline, and a side slit for a classic touch.
I felt I made the right choice. Surprisingly, it came with a matching shoe and purse, a perfect combination. Now it felt worth the money. And it was a perfect fit.
Okay so i was done with that, i paid and was about to leave when Rona called me back. "I'm sorry, my love, but if you don't mind me asking?" she said, smiling.
I nodded.
"It seems like you have a very important event to attend, picking a dress like that," she observed. It costs quite a lot. But it's worth it. She said smiling.
I mirrored her smile. "Yes, it is indeed besides, i really have to look my best, so... I didn't have a choice spending that much".
Rona gave me a thoughtful glance. "I like women with taste for quality. I saw the struggle in your eyes when paying for the dress. I would have given it to you for free if it were up to me, but..." She raised her finger.
"I can offer you a free makeup session for your event at our salon and makeup booth. That is if you would you like that?"
I paused for a second.
"Would I? Are you kidding me? That would solve a huge part of my stress! Oh my God, yes, I would love that!" I exclaimed, almost hugging her.
I thanked her, mentioning the event was tomorrow though.
"No problem," Rona said. "Just come over when you're ready, and I'll assist you, ready and prepped free of charge.
I hugged her immediately. "Thank you so much."
"Don't mention"
"That's about $300 saved" oh thank goodness.