Allie’s vision board directs her every move as she organizes her ideal wedding. She does, however, run into discrimination because of her skin tone when looking for her wedding gown.
Flipping through bridal magazines, Allie struggled to balance her craving for gooey pizza with her resolve to follow a clean eating regimen for healthy, beautiful skin.
Her fiancé, Scott, had told her that she was “perfect the way you are” after she refused to eat takeaway before the wedding.
“But I want that princess glow,” she’d taunted him. In that scenario, Scott had recommended getting a tiara, which made her grin.
Now, Allie touched her hair with her fingertips. She remembered getting her hair styled and braided as a child, sitting between her mother’s knees.
“Why must we carry out this task? “Mom, it hurts!” young Allie would whine.
Her mother would say, “This way, your hair will grow long and smooth.”
Allie let out a sigh. Her thorough wedding preparation was evident in her Pinterest vision board, but she was still stressed about finding the ideal dress.
“Al, why are you stressed?” Asking Scott.
“Because everything needs to be flawless,” she answered. “I need to get my dress still.”
“Visit the Boulevard bridal shop. You’ll locate what you require. Do you want me to attend?
“It’s unfortunate, but do you think I could find the ideal dress there?”
Without a doubt. If not, we’ll perfect it. It will be your ideal day.
“Our ideal day,” she smiled.
Scott wasn’t an expert on weddings, but he did own the shop. Allie decided to prepare eclairs and closed her book. She contacted her mother and wondered if they should be on the wedding menu.
Allie said, “I needed a break from wedding stuff.” “This weekend, you’re flying, right?”
“I totally forgot,” her mother said.
“Don’t worry, Mom. Attend the last fitting; it is the important part.
Should I go right over? her mother suggested.
Allie hesitated, unsure whether to save her mother’s anxiety or to welcome her back.
“Reserve the journey for the last fitting. I cherish you.
“All right, Peach. I also love you.
After the chat with her mother, Allie was feeling a little down and wanted her dispersed bridesmaids could make it to her fitting. She imagined them at the store, curled together on a velvet couch, enjoying champagne.
While experimenting with eclairs and incorporating strawberries, Allie thought back to her infatuation with a tidy house. Her flexibility, inventiveness, and attention to detail were enhanced by working remotely as a graphic designer; these traits also aided her in wedding preparation.
She recounted how Scott’s reaction to her wedding vision board startled him. The bridesmaid outfits were predominantly forest green and pastel in color.
“Whatever happened to ‘I like colors, Scott?” He made fun of it.
Allie hesitantly described her idea for a sophisticated, laid-back, and bohemian atmosphere.
Allie was doing everything flawlessly, and Scott told her so, sensing that she was under stress.
***
When she included him in something, like picking out the song for their first dance, he gladly obliged. Allie gave him the duty of cooking grilled cheese sandwiches in the kitchen at midnight.
“You’ll be alright with whatever I decide?” Scott smiled.
She said, “Just keep it romantic and special.”
***
Scott offered to phone ahead and set up the store when it was time for the dress fitting, but Allie insisted on having a real experience.
Scott drew her in closer and whispered, “If you’re sure.”
Grinning, Allie thanked him for being there for her during the hectic wedding.
In an attempt to give Allie a memorable experience, Scott made a stealth call to one of the managers, Sandra, as she was leaving for the wedding store. He underlined how crucial it is to treat each client fairly, preserve the welcoming environment of the boutique, and make sure the greatest outfits are available for an unidentified, important guest.
“Send in the tissues, pour the bubbly, and ask the stylists for their courteous and helpful input on dress fittings,” gave the go-ahead.
Sitting in her car, Allie made the decision to ask her mother for guidance before getting inside. While playing Sudoku, her mother gave her classic advice on how to dress for her physique, consider materials and colors, and pay attention to the cleavage.
“Do you want Reece to become irrational? Watch the cleavage, please!
Allie declared, “I’m not dressing for my brother.” Not even that I’m dressing for Scott. I’m getting dressed for me.
“And I would only have it that way.”
“All right, Mom,” she murmured as she hung up.
“I’m going in!” she texted Scott after that. She assumed he was preoccupied in a meeting since he answered with many hearts and said very little.
Allie had a mixture of peace and excitement within the store. As she looked about the tastefully decorated room, the air was filled with the aroma of roses and classical music. Sandra smiled politely at Summer, who was probably a manager, but she stayed quiet.
In her alone, Allie discovered a dress she adored: it was straightforward, with lace around the bust and a flowing A-line skirt. Sandra suddenly stepped in and grabbed the hanger as she was raising it to be admire.
Sandra said, “Please don’t touch the dress.”
Why am I unable to touch it? Perplexed, Allie inquired.
“After making the payment, you are welcome to try it on,” Sandra feigned a grin.
Allie retorted, “But that makes absolutely no sense.” “Maybe I don’t even fit it.”
Sandra replaced the outfit on the rack, and Allie observed.
That’s the reality. With a forced smile, Sandra said, “That’s our policy,” and turned to go.
Allie snorted, understanding that prejudice was the source of Sandra’s irrational actions. She was aware that Scott wouldn’t support these laws and experienced the hurt of prejudice.
After Sandra’s discriminatory attitude, Allie felt discouraged and decided to treat herself to a donut while going for a stroll to clear her thoughts. When she got home, she fixed Scott dinner and made up her mind not to tell anybody about her bad experience at the shop.
She faked a smile and said, “I found my dress, picking it up tomorrow,” as Scott extended his card.
She said, “Let me at least organize my wedding dress by myself.”
Allie worked hard the following morning before going to the shop. As she drove, she thought about her wedding dress and wondered whether Scott had picked out their first dance music. She was going to pay for the outfit right away when she got there.
Allie handed Sandra the $3500 and said, “Here you go.”
Sandra asserted that the dress was now $5,000 because of a deal that had ended, despite the fact that the day before they had agreed on a cheaper price. Upon understanding her skin tone was probably a factor in the treatment she received, Allie felt dejected.
She was startled to see a young lady waiting for another to emerge as she glanced up toward the changing rooms. Pushing back the curtain, her companion made her way out.
“What’s your opinion?” the bride said, showcasing her gown.
Bella, it’s not that horrible. However, I prefer the first one,” she remarked.
“This one appears less pompous than the others, for sure? it, to be honest, is what I want!
Stepping forward, Allie observed them. She was unaware that Sandra was trailing her.
“What does this mean?” Sandra was questioned by her. “Tell me how some people are able to try on dresses while others are unable to?”
“These girls are regular customers of ours,” Sandra said in a condescending manner.
“Pardon me?” said Bella. “I’m not a typical person. I’ve never been here before! Don’t make me a divorcee, please. In addition, this is my first marriage.
Sandra gave a stuttering laugh. She was doing all in her power to defend herself, and Allie could see it.
Now, let’s clarify this. Not only are you refusing to let me put on this absurdly expensive outfit, but you are also lying right in front of me.
“See, don’t force me to—” Sandra got going.
Allie sat down on the couch and ordered, “Get me the other manager now.”
Sandra gave Allie a narrowed look.
“All right,” she said.
Bella contacted Sandra to ask her to come take the dress she had just taken off.
“Well, how about a reduction?” Sandra was questioned by Bella. “You know, since I frequent your business.”
Sandra sent them a cold stare. “No, not on this dress,” she murmured.
Allie gave a headshake. She was going to tell Scott everything, no doubt about it.
Beside Allie, a man introduced himself as Martin. “I oversee this shop as its manager. In any case, the manager of choice.”
Allie stepped forward and said, “Hello.” I naturally wanted to try on the outfit I found so appealing. However, your coworker or supervisor, whomever she may be—
“yeah, yeah, yes, I am conscious of the circumstances. And I really do sorry for any confusion this has caused,” Martin cut in, providing an explanation. He recommended that Irene, one of the staff members, put on Allie’s outfit.
“Why am I unable to simply try on my own dress the same way the other girl did in front of me?”
“You know, it would be much less risky,” asserted Martin.
No, Martin. I’m not sure,” Allie shot back, annoyed by the ridiculousness.
For me, Martin said. “It will be less dangerous for the dress, the boutique, and me.”
Allie was first reluctant to accept the unorthodox arrangement, but in the end, she gave in to Irene’s eager invitation to put on the outfit. Why? Because she knew these folks wouldn’t let her try it on, and it was the dress she wanted for her wedding.
Observing Irene wear the garment, Allie became aware of the discrepancy in size. Sandra declined to take her measures, so she consented to provide them on her own. The cause was, of course, Allie’s skin tone.
Allie went back to the shop three weeks later with Scott waiting outside. The outfit looked just like it did the day Allie picked it out, even though Irene wasn’t wearing it. And there were no changes, based on how Irene fit into it!
She remarked, “I’m not sure if I like the dress.” “Irene has a different body type and size than me, so it’s really difficult for me to tell.”
“What do you mean by this?” Irene enquired.
“Irene, I’m not making any assumptions. I’m only stating that since our measurements differ, the circumstances are different between us.
Sandra said, “But we made it strictly to the measurements you gave us.”
“This is the reason why trying the dress on would have made more sense for me,” Allie continued. “I refuse to pay for this!”
Martin, showing signs of frustration, highlighted the store’s attempts to make changes and fulfill Allie’s wishes. He maintained that the business would suffer a loss if the dress was not paid for, and he could not let that.
Overwhelmed, Allie addressed Martin over the unfair treatment. He accused her of plotting to take the clothing as hostilities increased.
“I had no intention of stealing anything!” Allie cried out.
In a cold-blooded reply, Martin said, “You are all potential thieves.”
“Everyone?” Allie said again. “You’re not even attempting to cover up your racism anymore.”
Martin gave Allie a warning to leave or he would contact the police as their disagreement became more heated. Grumbling, she made the decision to go.
“And please never return here!” Martin yelled and dialed security.
Scott got to the site at that very moment. Sandra intervened, saying they had previously handled the matter, after Martin made up the accusation that Allie was trying to steal.
Indeed, my dear. Is it possible that I won’t be able to enter your business anymore? said Allie.
“Oh my goodness, how wonderful it is. How come? Asking Scott. His gaze shifted from Allie to his staff and back again.
Would you kindly explain to me why my fiancée isn’t able to obtain her dress? Or why is she being threatened with never being allowed back into my store?
He also said me a lot of hurtful things. Everyone did. Allie said, “And they wouldn’t even let me try on a dress.” She felt so much braver now that Scott was here.
“Betrothed?” Asked Martin. But that wasn’t what she told us.We were unaware.
“You didn’t inquire about my wedding or myself. You let the hue of my skin speak for itself.
Scott remarked, “There are no words to describe how sorry I am, Allie.” “My goal in opening this wedding store is to make every woman feel unique. Then my fiancée entered, and you gave her the exact opposite impression,” Scott groaned and let his staff go.
“Go now. Choose whatever clothing you choose. Scott said to Allie, “I’ll wait outside.”
“No, that can wait till tomorrow. Let’s get home,” Allie said with a smile, glad to be out of that upsetting circumstance.