"This one is amazing," Harri said to Adriana.
The were in a shop called Ama Boutique that Harri found online and they were there to find a dress for the Gala. The Boutique was small and elegant and the gowns were beautiful and high end. Adriana decided to tell Harri that she had come into some money from a big job for the police, though she did not tell her the exact amount and Harri insisted that they shop all day long.
"It's nice," Adriana said. "What about this one?"
"That's plain," Harri said. "We've been to four stores and you haven't even tried on anything. Is this out of your price range?"
"Well," Adriana looked at the tag on the dress she was holding. $900. "No, the prices are fine." In all honesty she was not in the mood to shop or dress up very much.
"Well you can't wear your typical urban street wear to the gala."
"Urban street wear?" Adriana laughed.
"Yeah," Harri said. "I'm not making fun, your style is cute. But jeans and hoop earrings..they won't let you in."
"Fine," Adriana said. "I'll try something on, just not that one you're holding. Blue is not my color."
"Okay.." Harri went back to the rack of dresses.
"Do you ladies need some assistance?" the salesgirl walked over to them.
"I'm looking for something amazing for her to wear," Harri pointed to Adriana.
"Size..2?" the girl guessed.
"Yup," Adriana said.
"What's the occasion?" the girl who then introduced herself as Lisa asked.
"She's going to a fancy gala tomorrow night," Harri answered for her. "I want her to look beautiful, classy, but a little..risque."
"Are you her stylist?" Lisa asked with a smile.
"Yes," Harri lied with an even bigger smile.
"Do you have a price range?" she asked and looked at Harri.
"Do you?" Harri looked at Adriana.
"No, I guess not," Adriana answered.
"Show me the best dresses you have," Harri beamed.
"Right this way," Lisa said and they followed her to another area in the store. They walked through a doorway into a space with seating and Lisa offered them champagne.
"Thank you," Harri said and Adriana declined the drink.
"I'll go pull a few pieces," Lisa said and left.
Adriana went for the champagne right away.
"I didn't know you were drinking again," Harri said.
"Just a little," Adriana said and took a sip.
"These three I think would be great," Lisa said as she came in with the dresses in her arms.
"Oh, this one is beautiful," Harri pulled the red dress on top. "You have to try all of these."
"Sure," Adriana agreed and took the red dress and went into the changing stall which was enormous. There were two couches and four floor length mirrors as well as a small TV.
Adriana pulled on the sequined gown and immediately felt that it was gaudy. The price tag read $7,245. The sleeves were slightly puffed and the sequins reflected enough light be be almost blinding. She reached behind her and pulled the zipper up as far as she could before walking out.
"Yessssss, Jessica Rabbit," Harri exclaimed as soon as Adriana walked out. "Look at your figure!"
"It's a bit much," Adriana said.
"The waist would need to be pulled in a bit," Lisa said. "When is your event again?"
"Tomorrow night," Harri reminded her.
"We could have it tailored by then, " Lisa said to Harri and then turned to Adriana. "Or whichever dress you decide on."
"I'd like to try something else," Adriana said.
"Here," Harri walked over and handed her a silver dress.
Adriana took it.
"I freaking love the one you have on now," Harri said. "How much is it?"
"Like $7,200," Adriana said.
"Okay, next dress," Harri said making a face at the price.
"Okay," Lisa said and walked over to them with a gold dress. "You did say risque."
"This is awesome," Harri pushed the gown to Adriana. "Put it on."
Before taking off the red dress Adriana looked and the back in the mirror. The zipper was totally invisible.
"Magic of luxury shopping," Adriana said as she wriggled out of the red dress and realized this gold number would require assistance.
"Could you help me please?" Adriana called from behind the door.
"Of course," Lisa said and entered the changing room.
"It's just the fabric," Adriana said, the word tulle escaping her. "Feels very delicate."
"Don't worry," Lisa said and helped her into the dress. "Oh this one is perfect."
The gown was floor length with shoulder straps. The bust was solid deep gold satin and felt very well structured. It had what looked like a wide belt around the waist and the bottom was very dramatic layers of brighter gold tulle.
"This is so nice," Adriana said and walked out of the changing room.
"Now that is spectacular," Harri said, holding a black gown. "How much is that one?"
"$7.800," Lisa answered.
"It's gorgeous, I will take it," Adriana answered.
"You have to try on this one too," Harri said, raising her eyebrows realizing her sister really did have no budget.
"I want this one though," Adriana laughed.
"Well this one can be an extra dress for another special occasion," Harri said.
"Okay," Adriana said and took it to try on.
It had much less material and weight to it that the other dresses but also looked much easier to get into. After being assisted out of the gold gown Adriana pulled it on. It was black. The straps were extremely thin and black. They connected to an extremely shiny black corset at the top which came down to the mid waist before it appeared to melt into the simpler black fabric at the bottom that flowed down to the floor. Adriana turned to all angles and could see through the bottom with enough effort.
"Ohhhhhhh this one is the best!" Harri exclaimed when Adriana left the stall. "Yessss, not for the gala though but you have to get it."
"I don't know Harri," Adriana replied. "What is this corset top thing made of? PVC? Some kind of hard latex? I feel like a dominatrix."
"Yesssss," Harri applauded. "You need this in your life. She will need these two dresses tailored as soon as possible."
"Of course," the salesgirl said and Harri waited while she took Adriana's measurements before they went to pay for everything.
"I don't know what I was thinking, letting you talk me into spending an extra five grand on that dominatrix gown," Adriana laughed as they walked to the parking garage.
"I have a feeling you'll need it," Harri laughed.