Como Couture: Lake-Inspired Fashion

I worked with a couple, Jess and Will, who were preparing for a wedding abroad. Jess came in first, looking for something special. I had prepared a selection of dresses, but she immediately told me, “I don’t wear dresses, and I only wear blue.” I quickly shifted gears and searched the store for alternatives.

I found tailored beige trousers with a bold burgundy stripe and paired them with a matching blouse. To give her options, I also pulled a few blue pieces. When Jess tried on the burgundy outfit, her face lit up. But she hesitated, saying, “I love it, but I don’t know if it’s really me.”

She tried the blue outfits, but none had the same effect. Back in the burgundy ensemble, she admitted her real concern: a long-standing insecurity about her arms. Will joined us briefly, reassuring her how beautiful she looked, but she still wasn’t convinced. I offered her a shawl for coverage, though it dulled the outfit’s energy.

Then, in a sudden moment of confidence, Jess removed the shawl, looked in the mirror, and said, “You know what? I don’t care about my bat wings. I look great.” Her eyes sparkled, and her smile was genuine. It was more than just finding an outfit—it was watching her embrace herself with confidence and joy.