Necessary Tasks

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

Perhaps most D'Anglines enjoy spending hours and hours pairing themselves with every known fabric in the world. But as a testament to my oblique strangeness, shopping for clothing is not on the top of my list for things I like to do.

But, it's people like Octavier, and several house mates who give me odd glances when I wear the same shawl several days in a row thats an indicator that I need to procure some new threads.
There were a variety of shops in the clothiers district. Perhaps if I get something a bit off from norm, I'll be able to attract new patrons.
As it were, I wandered into one shop specializing in one of the more higher class related wear, though it was open to anyone who could afford. Couldn't hurt to look I suppose.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Eventually, I knew, I'd have to get new clothes for my new shape- one could only let laces out so far, and my backless gowns were close to completely useless. I had some funds saved, and this seemed like the time to begin drawing on them, so I stepped into one of the prestigious clothiers within the District and began looking over fabrics.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I hadn't been long in before the shop admitted another patron. I espied another customer from between racks of fabric. Tall, proper. Some noble most likely. No, maybe not. A marque? Adept. Interesting.

I'm sure at some point I met her eyes through low hung bangs, but for now I bid my tongue to silence. Shopping as it was complicated enough. I wonder if I'd be better off finding something pre-made, or trying to get something fitted, for it seemed I might be able to pull off some purchase here.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

A pale-haired fellow adept peeked at me from under his shaggy hair and I smiled, then turned back to the racks for a moment- I was right, none of the colors on this side suited me. Everything was bright, lacking in my customary earth and jewel tones. Smoothly and gracefully I walked over to where the adept stood and ran my fingers lightly over a burgundy brocade, something rather like I had at Dahlia, but would soon have to discard as my stomach expanded. Would the pattern on the fabric call more attention to such a feature? Sighing, I closed my eyes and tried to picture the gown I wanted made in my head with this cloth on it.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

Sometimes I wondered how was able to dress myself. I think I stared at the same piece of fabric sliently for about five minutes before I realized that I wouldn't do. Seriously, I felt a little embaressed that an adept such as myself couldn't not preform well at this art.

It's why I like my shawls really, they were simple. Nothing like this tight fitting vest, heavily brocaded. Ah Naamah, give your servant some reprieve.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

For a moment I left off the fabric that so interested me I looked at the adept in my vicinity, offering another smile. "If I may venture a suggestion," I said politely and in a somewhat private tone, and nodded toward a simpler set of clothing, done in black and blue.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

Trapped in my own little dilemma, I barely noted the outside comment. The previous customer I saw gave me a generous suggestion. I nodded silently, and took a look. It was a lose silk shirt, with ruffled edges, and a blue trim. I held it up, and paired it to hair, it seemed an interesting contrast. I offered a slightly blushing face, and cocked eyebrow to the other adept, a silent offering of opinion.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Smiling more widely I nodded once in approval, though I made an effort to not seem as though I were really examining him; after all, likely he didn't want the place knowing he was taking fashion advice from me. Still, it did seem to suit him.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I took another solid look at it. I suppose it could trust the opinion of another adept. I took the shirt and found my way to a nearby mirror to give myself a good view. It did kind of work, the ruffled edges pairing well with my curly hair. I looked a bit more like my first status, that of a peer, and not one dressed for service. But, it would attract attention I bet.

I espied some dark breeches that looked like they'd match, so I grabbed them, and went to a dressing room near the side, quite large actually. Best if I try them on, make sure they fit and all.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

My look to the man was encouraging as I waited to come out- after all, I'd sort of started this journey into couture and wanted to see how it ended up- and discussed quietly with one of the seamstresses the possibilities for maternity gowns such as I was hoping to purchase. Pleats, lengthened fronts, tunics with underskirts- a good deal of possibilities presented themselves and I passed the few moments in good-natured conversation.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

Definitely tighter than what I usually wore. I was forced to leave the collar open so I could feign some comfort. However in a way it suited me I suppose. I walked out to get a good view of myself. Also, I suppose I owed it to my near silent assistant.

I wondered if I could justify such a purchase though.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

It was obvious he didn't appear comfortable in such clothing- but would he adjust? It was not in me to make that decision, so I raised a brow and gave him a considering look, bidding him to choose for himself. It suited him, and gave him a rakish air, but the best clothing is that which one is willing to wear for its own sake.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

I noticed the other adepts gaze. "Please, speak freely. I'm afraid I don't often attend to my own looks in detail, and would gladly accept any advice you might have to offer."

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

Smiling, I nodded in gracious thanks, both for his friendly request to speak as well as his willingness to heed an outsider's view. "I think clothing, no matter how finely cut, looks best when the one who's wearing it actually wants to, and is comfortable in it," I replied gently.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

"Well, yes, I suppose that might be true." I paused for a moment. "But what if....what if you are not aware of all the things you are comfortable in, then what?" I asked. I hoped it wasn't to much of a question.

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

"Then you try them on, and see," I replied, smiling confidently- after all, this was something adepts seemed to know instinctively. "If you don't like it, you'll know immediately, or after trying to walk a bit."

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

Not paying attention, the question I'd asked was more meant as a insight into the answerer. Being Gentian, I guess I'm always looking for something beyond the simple answer. Nonetheless, I shrugged, and offered a small bow and smile.

The shirt still wasn't too bad, so spread my arms checking the range of motion. Still, perhaps it seemed to simple to end here, being the detail of the shirt alone.

"I wonder what might go with this?"

[Allisande nó Dahlia]

I was an intensely practical person- most questions I examined first in a literal sense, then the figurative, but I could feel that my answer was not the one he'd been looking for. Still, it was the best one I had at the moment and I wouldn't let it worry me. "What do you think would go best with it?" I asked, curiously raising a brow. One could learn a good deal from the decisions a person made.

[Vincent nó Gentian(D)]

She's testing me know, I think. I bit my lip so as not to say the first thing that came to mind. Perhaps breeches were to plain, but it needed something else. A cloak would hide the decorative nature of the shirt.


"A hat." I said plainly.