Chloe by Design: Measuring Up

by Margaret Gurevich

  Another crisis averted, I bring the discussion back to the dress. “So like I said, this will be in a scuba material, like what I used in my portfolio designs. It’s body-con, but the material is softer and thicker and will let you move around easily.”

  “Perfect. I do like to be comfortable.” Alex stares at the dress, like the sketch will disappear.

  “I also added a sweetheart neckline and decided to go with a floral print to make it softer and more feminine,” I tell her.

  “I love the purple heels with it too,” says Alex. “It’s perfect. You’re the best,” She finally tears herself away from the picture to give me a hug. She’s smiling when she pulls back, but her face gets apprehensive as she looks at Nina.

  “Don’t even think about it!” says Nina, holding out her arms in defense. “Baby steps. There will be no hugging between us yet.”

  “Phew,” says Alex, pretending to wipe sweat from her brow. “I really do appreciate this, Chloe. I know I haven’t been the easiest person to deal with lately.”

  I’m surprised Alex is opening herself up like this with Nina here, but it shows me we can finally move on. It’s the perfect moment to show her my portfolio project of her evolving styles.

  “I have another surprise for you,” I say. “I’ve been using you as inspiration for my college applications.”

  Alex looks nervous. “Inspiration for what, exactly?”

  “Nothing bad, silly!” I take out my sketches of Alex’s outfits — past and present — and show them to her.

  Alex’s eyes grow wide as she examines the drawings. She looks at each one slowly and carefully. When she’s done, she goes back to the first and looks at them all again.

  “Chloe,” she whispers. “I don’t know what to say. These are fantastic, and you choosing my style for your portfolio. I just…” She stops talking and gives me another big hug. “I’m lucky to have you as a friend.”

  “Back at you,” I say.

  I peek at Nina from the corner of my eye and see her absently looking at all my sketches. I’ve spent enough time with her to know she’s uncomfortable and not sure of her place here. The last thing I want is for Nina to feel left out now.

  “Do you both have to be home for dinner?” I ask impulsively.

  Alex and Nina shake their heads.

  “My mom is working late,” Nina says.

  “And we’re having leftover casserole,” Alex adds, wrinkling her nose.

  “Great!” I say. “Let’s have dinner together. I have to take this to Mimi, but after that we can order in and hang out.”

  Nina unzips her backpack and takes out the most recent issue of a fashion magazine I love. “Maybe after we eat, we can look through this and grade the outfits,” she says shyly.

  I glance over at Alex. She looks like she’s struggling with what to say. “That’s a great idea,” she finally manages.

  I call Mimi and tell her I’ll be over soon to drop off the sketch for Alex’s dress — along with the rough idea for mine, which I finalized last night. After I hang up, I peek at Alex and Nina, who are busy thumbing through the magazines together. I realize the two of them may never be super close, but they’re both trying. That’s all I can ask for.

  Two days later, I’m sitting on my floor, portfolio sketches sorted into neat piles by college. They’re finished, for the most part, but I’ve added a few swimsuits to my seasonal designs for FIDM, one more Lola James piece for FIT, and my formal dress design and Alex’s.

  My phone rings, and I see Jake flash across the screen. I quickly answer the call. “Hey!” I practically sing into the phone.

  “Hey, yourself,” Jake replies, and I can tell by his voice that he’s smiling. “I can’t believe I get to see you this weekend.”

  “I know!” I say. “I’m trying not to think about that, though.”

  There’s a beat of silence before Jake says, “Really?”

  “Not because I don’t want to see you!” I quickly reassure him. “I just meant I’m trying not to think about that because I’m finishing up my college applications, and if I start daydreaming about this weekend and Winter Formal and you being here for the holidays, I know I’ll procrastinate.”

  “College stress. That’s better,” Jake teases. “I thought maybe you’d changed your mind about me coming.”

  “Never,” I say. “In fact, I wish you could be here right now to help me finish all of this.”

  “I couldn’t do that even if I were there,” says Jake, “but I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

  “You mean you don’t have magic fairy dust?” I pout. “I underestimated you.”

  “Ouch,” he says. “I can send super productive vibes. How’s that?”

  “It will do.” I so miss our banter and him.

  “Can you tell me about your dress?” Jake asks, changing the subject. “I want to wear a matching tie.”

  “My dress is a secret. I want you to see me and be dazzled.”

  “I’ll be dazzled either way,” he says. “It’s just that I’m staring at my new suit and need to know how to spice it up. How about the color?”

  “I can do color because that’s really not giving anything away — red,” I say.

  “Red tie, it is,” Jake says.

  I giggle as I imagine Jake sorting through racks of ties to find the perfect shade.

  “You’d make a good spy,” he says. “Well, I’ll let you get back to your college stuff. I won’t try to make you divulge more dress secrets.”

  “Ugh, good point,” I agree. “I should put my applications out of their misery. See you soon!”

  “Sooner than soon,” says Jake.

  After we hang up, I can’t stop smiling. Then, I look at the piles on my floor, and my smile disappears. I was kind of hoping the applications would miraculously finish themselves while I was on the phone. No such luck.

  This is the home stretch, Chloe, I tell myself. You can do it!

  I start with my pop star designs and add definition to another of Lola’s lounging around outfits — skinny jeans, a plaid shirt, and brown ankle boots. Then, I move on to one of Alex’s pieces. Her style evolution has been my favorite part of working on my portfolio.

  I already added the final design — Alex’s Winter Formal dress — to the mix, but I wanted to highlight the prints in a casual style I sketched. I define a silk camisole and outline white flowers on the black pants. Then, I pair the piece with black flats. Done!

  It’s a relief for my portfolios to be nearly finished, but I’ve also learned so much in this process. If it weren’t for this assignment, I never would have gotten the idea for Alex’s dress or stretched my designing ability. These applications showed me how to expand on what I know. It’s a skill I’ll keep working on wherever I end up going to college.

  I pick up a sketch of a bathing suit — a two-piece with a bandeau-style top that’s outlined in thick black stitching. The design on the high-waisted briefs features different-sized shapes in blue, black, yellow, and red outlined in white.

  I left this one for today because it required a lot of precise coloring, and I didn’t want to get bogged down in details while I had other sketches to complete. Now that the bathing suit is finished, I get to work transforming the design into something that can be worn away from the beach. I sketch a sweater dress in a similar style, adding tall black boots and further defining the shape and color.

  My mom walks into my room just as I finish. “How’s it going?” she asks.

  I throw my hands up in the air victoriously and let out a sigh of relief. “I’m done!”

  Mom swoops in and gives me a big hug. “Oh, honey, I’m so proud of you. We need to celebrate!”

  “Maybe we should hold off on the celebration. I haven’t sent the applications in yet.”

  Mom waves her hand, dismissing my comm
ent. “You have two weeks until deadline. I know you wanted to finish before holiday vacation, and you did it. Now, give yourself a break — at least until Winter Formal this weekend. Just enjoy yourself.”

  “I just hope I didn’t forget how,” I say.

  My mom rolls her eyes. “My daughter the drama queen. Let’s go tell your dad and plan a celebratory dinner. We can go to that new restaurant you’ve been begging us to try.”

  “That would be terrific. Thank you! I just want to put everything away first.”

  Mom nods, and after one final hug, she heads back downstairs. Once she’s gone, I move all the sketches from my floor to my desk. That makes everything more official somehow. I like seeing my floor all clean and uncluttered. It’s been months since it’s been free of college stuff. The biggest decision — where I’ll get in and where to actually enroll — is still ahead of me, but for now it’s time to have some fun!

  The doorbell rings, and my first thought is to run to the door, but I’m still getting ready. Alex’s and Nina’s voices float up the stairs, and a moment later, I hear Jake and Dan too. Now I really need to hurry.

  I put a gold clip in my hair and check myself out in the mirror one last time. The dress I ended up creating is an A-line silhouette with a full skirt and a strapless bodice in a bright, bold red. The long, floor-length hem just brushes the ground, and the bustier-style bodice is accentuated with a black ribbon and bow detail at the waist. To break up the bright color, I also added a large, abstract feather design on the skirt.

  I twirl in front of the mirror, and the dress moves with me. A year ago, I would have never worn this. I would have chosen something in all black or another neutral, solid color. My designs — and my personal style — have come a long way.

  “Chloe, stop showing off to the mirror, and come down!” Alex shouts from the first floor. She knows me so well.

  I grab my clutch and realize my hand is shaking. Why am I so nervous? I hold onto the banister as I make my way down the stairs and into the living room, worried I’ll trip over my feet and come crashing to the floor. That would put a damper on the night’s events for sure. I wrap my fingers tighter around the railing.

  “Hey, everyone,” I say when I step into the living room.

  “You look amazing!” Alex exclaims. She looks absolutely stunning in her fun, floral-print dress. Her hair is pulled back slightly with a braid across her forehead, and the rest of her hair falls in soft waves past her shoulders.

  “You do,” Nina agrees. “I love that color. And the feather is such a unique touch.”

  I take in Nina’s dress. “Your dress is so elegant,” I gush. She’s wearing a floor-length strapless dress in mint with gold embroidery across the bodice and a gold belt at the waist.

  “Thank you,” says Nina, blushing. “I worked really hard on it.”

  “The gold details are stunning,” Alex adds.

  Jake clears his throat. “Not to interrupt the love fest, but can I take a look at my date?” he asks.

  Everyone laughs, and I blush. I want to run up to him and hug him, but that would be a little awkward with everyone watching.

  Jake walks up to me and takes my hands. “You look beautiful,” he whispers.

  My cheeks redden some more. “Thank you,” I reply. “I like the red tie. The red pocket square is a nice touch too.”

  “Do you think we can take some photographs of you dazzling people?” Dad asks.

  “Let’s take them outside,” Mom suggests. “You all look fantastic, and that way we can take advantage of the natural light.”

  Everyone agrees and heads for the front door. Jake squeezes my hand as we go. “I’m so glad I can be here with you,” he whispers.

  “Me too,” I agree, squeezing his hand in return. “There’s no one else I’d rather be with.”

  * * *

  “Aaah!” Jada squeals as our group makes its way to our shared table thirty minutes later. “You all look so fabulous!”

  “So do you,” I say. Nina designed Jada’s dress, and the long, white off-the-shoulder gown looks beautiful on Jada’s lean frame and against her dark skin. A silver clasp decorates the left shoulder strap.

  Jada puts an arm around Nina. “I have this girl to thank,” she says.

  “My pleasure,” says Nina, smiling. She looks so relaxed and happy.

  I glance around, taking in our little group. Everyone is excited and thrilled to be here. It’s such a change from the start of the year, when we were all stressing about college applications. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone.

  “Wait!” I say, realizing something. “Where’s Mia?”

  “Late, as usual,” a voice says from behind me. I turn and see Mia approaching.

  “Fashionably late at least,” Jada says, laughing.

  “That’s for sure,” says Mia. She has a new razor edge haircut, and a streak of blue across her bangs. “You all love my Chloe original?”

  “Definitely,” says Alex. “It’s very you.” The dress I designed for Mia is a cream two-piece with a sheer, mesh skirt with a ribbon hem. The midriff-baring bodice is decorated with crystal beading.

  “I’m so glad we can be here together,” I say. It’s like the best of both worlds having all my friends and Jake here. If only there was a college near both him and Alex. That’d make my life a lot easier.

  “You’re saying that like it’s the last time,” says Jada, frowning.

  “Close enough,” mumbles Alex.

  Mia rolls her eyes. “Here we go. Since when did Alex become Miss Glass-Half-Empty?”

  “I’m not half-empty,” Alex argues. “It’s just sad to think about — and a little overwhelming. This is the last time we’ll all be together at a winter dance like this.”

  Everyone seems to realize how right she is at the same time, and we all fall silent.

  “You girls are always too serious,” Dan says, breaking the somber mood. “We have a whole second semester together. And this is supposed to be a dance — a party! It’s like you all want something to be upset about.”

  I glare at Dan, as do the rest of the girls, but if I’m being honest, he’s not totally wrong. But, it’s not that we want to be upset. It’s hard to explain. It’s more like sometimes, at least for me, when everything is going super well, I think about what would happen if they weren’t. Like now. Everything is awesome, but I know in a few months we’ll be graduating. It’s hard to forget that.

  “Well,” Jake interjects, “I think it’s more that the girls are being realistic, and you, sir, like to live in the moment.”

  Dan snorts. “Life’s better that way.”

  Just then there’s crackling on the stage, and one of the chaperones, Mrs. Reed, takes the mic. “Thank you all for coming today,” she says. “We’re going to do things a little differently for this dance, and announce our Winter King and Queen at the start of the festivities. So if you’ll all take your seats, we have some winners to announce.”

  There’s an excited buzz around the room, and everyone seems to stand a little straighter. I had honestly totally forgotten about there being a king and queen at the Winter Formal. I’ve been so busy designing dresses for the dance that the rest of the logistics sort of slipped my mind. I didn’t even remember to vote!

  Mrs. Reed takes a golden envelope from her pocket, not wasting any time. “This year’s Winter Formal King and Queen are…” She motions for the band to do a drum roll. “Daniel Castro and Alexis McGill!”

  We all gasp with excitement. Alex looks stunned as people around us congratulate her.

  “Come on!” Dan calls, pulling Alex to the stage.

  “Remember what she was like when you first met her at that craft fair last year?” I say to Jake, shouting over the noise.

  Jake nods and laughs. “That Alex would have run out the door.”

 
“And would have asked if there was a way to make sweatpants into a formal dress,” I add, laughing.

  “Speech!” shouts Jada, and others in the room pick up the chant.

  Dan gives the mic to Alex. “My queen is better with words than yours truly,” he says.

  Alex tries to push the mic away, but then Mia starts a cheer of “Alex, Alex, Alex!” and she reluctantly takes the mic.

  “Um, thank you all so much,” Alex begins. “I never, ever thought I’d be up here, and in such a fancy dress! I have my best friend Chloe to thank for that. Let’s give her a hand.”

  My face is burning as everyone claps and shouts my name.

  “And, of course, the other star of the night is Nina,” Alex continues, smiling widely. “Many of you are wearing her designs too. Take a bow, Nina.”

  Nina looks a little embarrassed, but she grins as everyone cheers and claps.

  “What’s next on the design to-do list now that Winter Formal is done?” asks Mia, turning to Nina and me, as Alex finishes her speech.

  Jada snaps her fingers. “Prom, of course.”

  “First dibs!” they both say.

  I look wearily at Nina, and she gives me the same look back. “At least we won’t have to worry about college applications by then,” she says.

  “Just finals and graduation,” I say, groaning. “No big deal.”

  Nina winks. “Piece of cake.”

  “You can design together,” Jake suggests.

  “Design what?” Alex asks, finally rejoining us. The silver crown sparkles on her head.

  “The prom dresses,” says Jake.

  “Oooh, dibs!” Alex exclaims.

  Mia laughs. “Already called it,” she says. “So did Jada. You’re third, though.”

  Thankfully, before anyone else can rope me into designing another dress, the band plays my favorite song, and Jake takes my hand. “Can I collect on the dance you promised me?” he asks.

  “Of course,” I say, walking with him to the dance floor.