A St. Valentine's Day Story

Dear Fashion Friends:

Sophia (this is a pseudonym) is running late at her boutique. All-day, she was busy taking phone calls and answering emails. Customers were making last-minute decisions as to what to wear that February 14th evening. Sophia was so busy that she barely found time to have her usual blueberry yogurt and hot tea for lunch. The latest delivery from www.aleyacollections.com came late in the afternoon. She and her employees had to inventory and sort out new clothing until they could leave for the evening. It was a hard day.

Sophia and Ian (this is also a pseudonym) are to meet up at the Jumps for St. Valentine’s Day dinner (see http://www.jumpsrestaurant.com/menus.html). She is looking forward to seeing the man she loves. She admires his devotion to veterinarian medicine and his love for books. She enjoys his sense of humor, and never ceases to tease him about their Canadian adventure (see my blog post, https://aleyacollections.com/blogs/news/a-story-canadian-adventure). Most of all, Sophia loves talking with him about the wonders of family, friends, and love.

These intangibles took on a special meaning during the time of Christmas and New Year.

Sophia and Ian went up to Caseville after Christmas day to take care of some business regarding her parents’ condominium apartment. While the drive up was pleasant, she noticed that Ian gained weight. Far too many visits to Gilbert’s for chicken wings and beer (see www.gilbertslodge.com/home.aspx). Sophia softly reminded him that he has his annual physical in February, and he needs to shed a few pounds beforehand. He is not happy about the idea but grudgingly accepts that she is right. She told him she would help him by taking him with her to the gym next time around. His feelings on exercise were somewhat mixed.

Sophia and Ian spent the next three days taking care of their business in this small Michigan town. After he stored a couple of her items in his SUV, Ian discovered to his dismay that one of his tires went flat. He took out his smartphone only to find out that it was low on batteries. Sophia, who was amused at his predicament, got out her smartphone and arranged for a truck to help change the tire. By the time the tow truck guy changed the tire, it was about six in the evening. Sophia and Ian were famished. They went to Caseville’s Blue Water Inn for burgers and Iced Tea. (Tasha C., who lives in Indianapolis, wrote in a review: “Stopped in for lunch today and ordered burgers, nothing fancy. However, they had really GOOD homemade burgers on a perfect bun.” I found Tascha's review: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blue-water-inn-caseville).

When they arrived, a couple of gentlemen were sitting at the bar talking about the latest in the Jimmy Hoffa saga. Others were either looking at the menu or discussing their plans for the upcoming New Year. Sophia ran into some of the locals, who gave her a warm welcome. They asked her about her parents, and things were going for her in Grosse Pointe. Sophia listened to the neighborhood gossip while Ian took a moment to look at the latest football scores. While eating, Sophia talked about fashion and her favorite BBC program House of Elliot, and Ian went on about how much he is looking forward to seeing the next Star Wars movie – The Rise of Skywalker. After dinner, it was time for Ian to pay their check. While Sophie went to the restroom, a pleasant older gentleman approached Ian. He told him that Sophia is a wonderful young woman, and he should never take her for granted. Our young veterinarian took these words to heart as he left the Inn with Sophia.

Sophia is to meet Ian at Jumps at 7:00 in the evening. She has enough time to go home and change. In her room, she lays out three dresses on her bed. The first dress is this lovely Black Lace Bandage Dress (as listed on the www.aleyacollections.com website. See photo below). Sophie remembered, however, that Ian had already seen her in this enchanting attire. She wanted to wear something that would be a surprise for her beloved. The second dress is a Lace Nude Illusion Open Back Cocktail Maxi Dress (as listed on the www.aleyacollections.com website. See photo below). The arabesque-style pattern is quite exquisite, as Sophie mulls over this selection. She admires its sheer fabric found around the arms and shoulder. Its open back feature makes it a delightful addition to one’s evening wardrobe. Pondering it over, however, she decides against this attire. It does not blend with her chosen accessories.

She decides to wear this beautiful Lace Up Open Back Velvet Bodycon Dress (as listed on the www.aleyacollections.com website. See photos below). She loved its soft velvet fabric and V-neck design. She enhances her attire with this enchanting Siliverage Original Feminina Braceletand Handmade Craft Butterfly Drop Earrings (as listed on the www.aleyacollections.com website. See photos below). She decides to wear some light lipstick and perfume. As she gets herself together, she listens to Laini Colman’s latest song Tears of Ash (see www.lainicolman.com). Sophia must make sure to donate to https://www.redcross.org.au/, in aid of Australia’s plethora of recent fire victims.

Sophia arrives at Jumps on time. She meets Ian at the table, and they give each other a kiss and a gentle hug. As she sits down, she finds on her plate a card. Inside there was this beautiful quote: “Life is too short to argue and fight. Count your blessings. Value the people who love you, and make each day count” (https://www.lovethispic.com/image/365325/make-each-day-count).

I hope your visit to www.aleyacollections.com was an enchanting one.

Sincerely,

Gabe xoxo

P.S. This blog post is a piece of fiction. I hope that you enjoyed it. xoxo