Chapter 12 – More Shopping
"So what is next?" Elizabeth asked, looking at Sara and Katie.
"Let's look at the sun dresses." Katie said.
"Seriously?" Elizabeth asked.
"Denim sundresses are popular in Saratoga." Katie said. "I have different denim sundresses with embroidered details. The first one has roses and a western pattern. The second had flowers along the bottom and the third one was plain."
Elizabeth looked at them and decided to try one on. Sara handed her a set of the dresses and Elizabeth went to her room to try. The small was too small and when she put the medium, she liked it, but she wanted to see what Katie and Sara said.
"What do you think?" Elizabeth asked as she walked into the living room.
"It looks great on you." Sara said.
"How do you feel?" Katie asked.
"I like it." Elizabeth said. "I don't usually wear dresses a lot."
"It is expected in Saratoga at least part of the time, especially if you go to the racetrack." Katie said. "I also have some cotton sundresses. If you absolutely don't like them, we will figure something else out."
"Well in that case." Elizabeth said. "I guess I will take all three."
"What size did you decide?" Sara asked.
"Medium." Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth looked at the cotton sundresses, but didn't see any that she liked. Katie was okay with that. Sara had a lot that she was taking back, but that was okay.
"Let's look at the button ups." Katie said. "Again, I went with solid colors, but did grab a few plaids. These are nice for layering, but can be worn alone."
Elizabeth took the button up from Sara and slipped it on over her tee-shirt. She liked it okay enough. She guessed that it wouldn't be so bad with the fitted tees or with a necklace or something.
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "So what do you suggest?"
"At least one each black and white." Katie said. "Then look at the others. I will tell you a lot of people wear plaid up there. Kind of a horse/country thing. Jack has a lot of button ups, many in plaid. I did grab one fancier white button up, I have one similar that I like to wear with a henley under it. It is something that could be worn out to lunch or even to church."
Elizabeth looked at the shirts that Sara held and decided on both black and white as well as both shades of blue. She also chose a blue plaid as well as a pink plaid one. Elizabeth also really liked the fancier one that Katie had picked. Elizabeth thought it might be nice for church like Katie had said. Katie decided to do shoes and boots next and save the semi-formal dresses for last.
"Okay." Katie said. "Before we look at dresses for the banquet, let's do sandals and boots. I have strappy sandals in both tan and black. I would suggest both. I went with flats, but if you want a heel we can do that. I would just need to drop them off later with the other stuff."
"I prefer flats." Elizabeth said. "I am a little clumsy at times."
"That is fine." Katie said. "No need to tempt fate. I have a couple different ones, so you choose."
Elizabeth ended up choosing a similar sandal in both black and tan. Both were dressy enough that she could wear them out, but also comfortable enough that her feet wouldn't hurt. Both also had a little more to them then the other pair. The straps came up near the ankle bone, but easily slipped on and off.
"Next I have short boots." Katie said. "These are for dress or every day, just not for ranch work. If you go riding, I would suggest tennis shoes or have Jack help you get boots when you get to Saratoga. I could, but they would have a better selection up there and Jack is better at picking out those types of boots."
Elizabeth chose the Ugg Auero in suede. She picked the jet black as well as the fawn (tan) ones. She liked them since they had a side zipper. Sara also pulled out five sets of tennis shoes. Elizabeth picked two pairs – one for everyday and one for workouts. Both were white, but the workout ones had some pink detail.
"Okay." Katie said. "The last thing that I have to show you before Sara leaves, is the dress for the banquet. Then Sara will start returning the rest of this stuff and you I will sit down and talk about the rest of what you need."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "But I don't know what else I need."
"Sleepwear for one." Katie said. "We will also talk about undergarments, socks, swimsuits and anything else. I know that Jack sent me a list of a few things this morning, like a flat and curling irons."
"Oh." Elizabeth said. "I forgot about those things. Do I really need a swimsuit?"
"No problem." Katie said. "Jack's grandparents have a pool and I know that Jack likes to spend time in it. I will be picking him up with a couple pairs of swim trunks. Let's look at the three choices that I brought for the banquet. If you don't like any of them, we can sit down and look for others later."
"What will Jack be wearing?" Elizabeth asked.
"Most likely." Katie said. "Black dress Ariat jeans that I am picking up, a linen/cotton blend button up and maybe a vest to match your dress. He may also wear a jacket, but it will depend on him and his mood since he doesn't necessarily like society functions. He also will have dress boots of some sort. His boots are one thing that he insists that he pick out himself."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "Show me what you got."
The first dress that Sara opened was an A-line V-neck tea length dress in a soft coral color with matching lace cap sleeves. Elizabeth wasn't sure how that would look with her coloring, but she was willing to try. Although she wanted to see what else there was. The second dress was a lace and chiffon high/low dress in a beautiful sapphire color. Elizabeth was excited about that one since she thought it would look good with her eyes. The last dress was a sheath/column scoop neck knee-length chiffon dress in a steel gray color. The scoop neckline was highlighted by a beautiful lace applique, sheer lace sleeves, a beautifully draped waist detail, and a flowy chiffon skirt. Elizabeth immediately ruled out the coral dress, but was willing to try on the other two. Elizabeth came out in the high/low dress and had Katie zip her up. Both Katie and Sara agreed that the color was perfect for her and Elizabeth liked it as well. Katie unzipped her and Elizabeth went to try on the other one. Again, Elizabeth had Katie zip her up. Katie liked that one on Elizabeth as well. Sara wasn't sold on the color. Elizabeth liked it a little better then the high/low dress but wasn't sold on the color.
"What do you think?" Katie asked.
"I like the color of the high/low dress." Elizabeth said. "But I like the fit of the sheath dress. I mean I like both and at the same time I don't."
Sara had already pulled up the sheath dress and was looking at the other colors.
"Well." Sara said. "We can get the sheath dress in a royal blue, ocean blue and a dusty blue. Here look."
Sara handed her tablet over to Elizabeth and Katie to look. As Katie and Elizabeth were looking, Elizabeth saw that they had lots of colors.
"What do you think about that dark green?" Elizabeth asked.
"I like it." Katie said. "Also, I like the peacock or stormy blue. It is really your choice."
"I like the stormy blue one as well." Elizabeth said. "I can't decide."
"Do you want both?" Sara asked.
"I couldn't." Elizabeth said.
"Sure you could." Katie said. "You could wear this for a date or to the theater."
"Probably even wear it for church." Sara added. "Instead of sandals, you would wear nylons and dress shoes."
"Are you sure I could get both?" Elizabeth asked.
"Absolutely." Katie said. "Then you can take both with and decide."
"What about Jack's vest?" Elizabeth asked.
"I will get him a silver or white one." Katie said. "Either would work with either dress."
"Then let's do it." Elizabeth said.
"That's the spirit." Sara said.
Katie unzipped Elizabeth as Sara reserved the dress to pick up later. Katie was happy that Elizabeth would have two choices of dresses for the banquet. As Elizabeth changed back into her shorts and tee-shirt, Sara packed up what was heading back. Katie pulled out her tablet and the list that Jack had sent her earlier as well as the list that she had gotten from Jack's grandmother. Katie had decided to talk to Elizabeth and get to know her a little before picking out sleepwear and undergarments. Elizabeth came back out and thanked Sara before she left. After Sara left, Katie helped Elizabeth take all her stuff back to her bedroom.
"I would suggest that you wash this stuff." Katie said. "Now let's figure out what else that you need. I see that you only have two smaller bags. I think I need to add luggage to the list."
Looking at her two mismatched bags, Elizabeth realized that Katie was right.
"Just don't get me an expensive set." Elizabeth asked.
"Reasonable, but durable." Katie said. "No problem. I will get you at least a three piece set with a garment bag. It will be better for the dresses. Now let's go sit and look at other stuff."
Katie and Elizabeth settled at the table as Elizabeth put some water on for tea.
"So what do you usually wear to sleep?" Katie asked.
"Depends on the weather." Elizabeth said. "But either shorts and a tee-shirt or flannel pants and a tee-shirt. Sometimes sweatpants and sweatshirts."
"Okay." Katie said. "I can work with that. I would suggest some lounge pants to wear around the house. Some shirt and shorts sets and maybe a nice robe. If you want a sweatshirt, I would suggest that you just grab one of Jack's or Tommy's. They have a ton each and there are a bunch that stay up at the Saratoga house. I also got a text from Jack that Charlotte, that is his mother, reminded him that there are a ton of his cousin Laura's clothes up there that might fit you."
"She won't mind sharing?" Elizabeth asked. "I don't want to take something that she might need. But that was nice of them to offer. I look forward to getting to Jack's family and am glad that there will be another young woman up there."
Elizabeth saw the change in Katie's face.
"What?" Elizabeth asked.
"Okay, I guess Jack didn't tell you." Katie said.
"No, what?" Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth worried that she had done something wrong. Katie saw that and was trying to figure out what to say to reassure her.
"I don't know all the details, so you will have to ask Jack." Katie said. "But I will tell you what I know. Jack's cousin Laura is about three or four years older than him. A couple years back, Laura received a traumatic brain injury. She lives in a home for people with those injuries. Laura was a competitive jumper and all around equestrian, now she can't feed or dress herself."
"Oh." Elizabeth said. "Are you sure that it would be okay for me to wear her clothes?"
"Charlotte wouldn't suggest it if she had a problem with it." Katie said. "I would still tread lightly and talk to Jack about it. He doesn't talk about Laura a lot, but they used to be close. They trained together and would compete together, albeit in different classes usually."
"I will talk to Jack about it." Elizabeth said.
"There are shops in Saratoga if you find you need something." Katie said. "Jack just suggested this because there are better selections here in the city. I also work with a number of vendors and that way you wouldn't have to go to each store. I think that Jack said that it would be easier to get out in Saratoga."
"Yeah." Elizabeth said. "He said there will be security if we need them, but otherwise there will be more freedom up there. Okay let's pick some pajamas. I was also going to talk to you about some bras. I realize that I will need a strapless one for the dress. I was also thinking about some sports bras for working out."
"Let's look." Katie said.
Together Katie and Elizabeth spent the next forty-five minutes picking out pajamas, undergarments, yoga pants and a few other things, including swimsuits and cover ups. Katie promised to pick up everything and drop it off at the apartment later when she dropped off Jack's stuff.
"So is there anything else?" Katie asked. "Makeup, personal care products, hair products, anything?
"I don't wear a lot of makeup." Elizabeth said. "But I guess I could use some body spray and hairspray. We stopped this morning and picked up some personal products so I should be okay for now."
"No problem." Katie said. "You really don't need make-up, but if you want some just let me know and we can do something. Now what kind of perfume and body spray do you want? Also what kind of hair products do you usually like."
"Lately." Elizabeth said. "I have been wearing a lavender/vanilla body spray from Bath and Body Works. As far as hair stuff goes, I am not picky. I usually get a medium hold spray. I don't use much else."
"No problem." Katie said. "I will get some stuff at Bath and Body. Anything else?"
"I don't think so." Elizabeth said. "Like you said there are shops up there and I wouldn't mind getting out anyway."
"Sounds like a plan." Katie said. "Just let Jack or his grandmother know. I am sure that either will be willing to take you shopping. I will get these things that we reserved and the other things on the list. It might be a couple of hours, but I will bring everything back here. Again, I suggest that you wash your clothes that I bring. My last piece of advice to you today is to relax. Enjoy your time at the farm, talk to Jack or his grandparents. If you need anything, just ask. Don't feel bad about needing something or not knowing something.
Charlotte can sometimes be uptight, but don't let her bother you. If she says something, let Jack know. I know that her parents, which is where you are going, will not tolerate her being unkind. Jack's grandparents are wonderful and will do anything to help you. Talk to Jack about his family, he can tell you more. I have only met his grandparents a few times, but they have always been wonderful to me. I think that Doug is also going up at some point and maybe Jack's other friend Lee as well.
It is a new experience. Again, don't feel bad about not knowing something, especially with the horses. I know that his grandfather will want you to be safe. The other nice thing about being up there, is that the farm is big enough that you will have lots of space if you want. It is controlled who comes on the property, so it will be one less thing to worry about. I think Jack told you that I am also part of the security team, just so you know. We will try to not invade your space, but will keep you safe. I am not sure who will be working while you are up there, but I know that Jack will probably know. If you have questions, talk to us and we will do what we can to help. Trust Jack. Maybe you can go riding together."
"I really don't know how to ride." Elizabeth said. "I have only rode a few times and probably not in three years."
"Well." Katie said. "From what I hear, Jack is an excellent rider and teacher. There are also plenty of horses. One of Jack's favorite things to do is ride. He doesn't get a lot of opportunity to ride while here in the city, but he loves it. I am surprised he doesn't spend more time with his grandparents, given how much he likes to ride. I know I have been with him and Doug when they went to a stable near the city to ride."
"Good to know." Elizabeth said with a smile.
"I just texted Jack to let him know that I am done for now." Katie said. "He will probably be leaving his house shortly. It might take about an hour to get here depending on traffic. Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah." Elizabeth said. "I have laundry to do and I will probably just watch some TV."
"Okay." Katie said. "Chris is down in the security office/apartment if you need anything. You know how to get a hold of him?"
"Not really." Elizabeth said.
"Here I will show you." Katie said
Katie showed Elizabeth how to call down to security as well as where the password for the wi-fi was.
"Take it easy." Katie said. "I will see you later."
"Thank you for all of this." Elizabeth said.
"Feel free to call if you think of anything else." Katie said. "Or even if you just need to talk. I don't normally do that, but Jack is like a little brother to me and I am sure he is worried about you."
"Thank you again." Elizabeth said.
