PART ONE

"Love me, love me not... love me, love me not..." I muttered to myself as I picked off the petals of my self bought rose listening to some old school Marvin Gaye, sipping on a glass of Moscato. I wouldn't say that I was lonely, but I was single. Valentine's Day was coming up in a few days and I had been invited on fourteen dates so far. I didn't know if it was coincidental but there I was, doing a 'Love me, Love me not' exercise to determine if I should go on any of the dates. Down to my last petal.... "Love me" .... I realized it looked like I had to be adventurous for the weekend. Fourteen dates meant getting to know fourteen different men but most importantly, finding fourteen appealing outfits. I walked to my closet to pick out everything then strolled over to my computer to confirm with all of my dates. I'm Stephanie Blake.... A thirty one year old hopeless romantic who had been single for the last decade. My previous relationship was horrific. My ex cheated on me with a guy and I had never found a way to trust someone else. My friends had recently pushed me to do some online dating. It was their view that there are good men out there other than the jerks I usually encounter here in Atlanta. As a stylist, I hardly I have time for myself or anyone else but I had no clients booked for the weekend. It's crazy how it was all happening during the time of lover's day. With fourteen dates lined up, I didn't plan to fall in love but I planned to find the beginning of love. Atleast that was the perk of not being in a committed relationship on Valentine's Day. I had the opportunity to weigh out my options. Graciously, all of the men agreed to meet me in my city, so I was actually excited... Who knew I was in for a world wind... This is the story of my recent V-day experience...

It all began on Thursday. My first date as scheduled decently early. I met Gary at my favorite place to eat, Houston's, for a casual lunch.

I wore a white tie back crop top and a red crepe mini skirt tailored with a middle pleat. The light raw wash denim jacket was my outerwear to complete this chic and easy look along with a pair of black lace up open toe bootie sandals and a signature grain leather Burberry handbag. Other black accessories included a point pave pendant necklace, gem drop earrings, and an Olivia Burton dial watch.. both with gold trimming. I also rocked polka dot printed black and white Louis Vuitton round eye sunglasses and flattering neutral lips. Gary was sweet and cute, but very young. I knew I did not want to date a guy who's still a junior in college, but at least the tasty pasta I had made the date acceptable. 

Later that evening, I changed into a chic white turtle neck sweater dress with side cut-outs and layered the comfy shift with a brilliant hot pink long sleeve coat. On my feet were nude Sergio Rossi laser-cut leather and suede ankle booties while in my hand swung a colourful DVF tote with fringe details and metallic handles. Jewellery pieces were limited but all of delicate shades. My pretty crystal ring set along with moon soft pink and rose gold drop earrings were just enough. William took me to the movies and as much as I hate typical dates as such, he chose an interesting film for us to see. I laughed and cried at the romantic comedy the entire time but I seemed to be more into it than I was in him. We hardly talked and I left barely knowing anything about him other than his name.

As the night winded down, I switched into my final look of the day which comprised of bright red cropped cigarette trousers and an Alexander Wang woven halter wrap top that features cami-style straps and clever cut work at the front. Covering the top a bit was a classic black cape blazer and I popped dark red lips. With gold metallic Giuseppe Zanotti pumps and a set of bangles, the two matched my twisted rope onyx earrings and a clutch with the very fitting word 'Love' engraved at the front, both hosting a black base. I went to a paint studio with Fedrick for a little sip n' paint session. The date wasn't the only thing I found unique and different.... so was his nationality.  He's Italian and as much as I couldn't take my eyes off of him as I painted on the canvas, he told me he didn't want any kids in the future.... What a deal breaker. 

The next afternoon, I was dressed in a flirty white high waisted pleated mini skirt and an opulent strappy metallic bralet.  I paired the two with all white Chuck Taylor sneakers and a cute and trendy pink bomber jacket. My lips were saturated in a purple matte gloss and to enhance my look a bit more I wore Swaroski crystallized bracelets, diamond cluster stud earrings, and vintage v-shape knuckle rings. David had a romantic picnic set up on his golf course.... yes, is golf course. The preppy affluent white boy planned a date I was sure no one would be able to top. We drove carts on the bold verdant field, played a competitive game of the classy sport, and enjoyed a fancy meal in the sun. I loved the scenery but all he kept talking about was himself.... his money, his profession, his goals, his success. Maybe asking me something about myself for a change would've made me slightly interested. 

I headed to dinner afterwards with Anthony. I opted for something more elegant, of course. This consisted of a satin muted mauve romper designed with a deep v-neckline, a nude shaggy faux fur boyfriend coat, and a pair of bronze Giuseppe Zanotti triple strap sandal heels. Dark gold coin drop earrings, a bronze cuff bracelet, a triangle 14 carat gold ring and a lucid ball clutch with brassy gold borders were also apart of my attire. We ate at an exquisite five star restaurant and luckily he made reservations early. The place was jammed pack. Anthony, however, didn't have sufficient funds to pay the bill as he said he would. I used my card to pay the $500 balance, left the hard-working waiter a tip and even gave Anthony $20 to get a taxi home. I slowly started to think this dating thing wasn't for me.  

I then remembered I had a concert ticket to see Usher and Nathan told me to meet him there. What could possibly go wrong at an Usher concert? I quickly swapped into some suitable concert apparel... a slim fit white jean pants designed with knee rips, a deep green velvet plunge bodysuit and an oriental garden embellished crepe bomber jacket to top it off. With my black Staurt Weitzman patent leather and mesh escort booties, a medium sized satchel, and aviator shaped sunnies to go along, I also wore gold Michael Kors crystal hoop earrings and a dusty pink Olivia Burton watch. It was all smiles once the concert started until I noticed he kept looking at his ex who sat two rows from us. They kept singing Usher hits to each other and I stared in disbelief. Why would I want a guy who was shouting the words of "Good Kisser" to his ex right in front me? I immediately thought to myself, 'I need a drink.'

It was actually good timing. Jamaal had just text me to see him at a local late night bar. 

I stopped home to do a quick change. I jumped into a basic but sexy fitted red dress and wore a nude warehouse long line belted cape coat over it. With Gucci 'Ursula' ankle strap sandal heels on my feet, I dressed in other accessories such as a spike brass gold and ruby two finger ring, a small box graphic 'Love' clutch, and gold etched stick through earrings. Drinks were flowing non-stop once I got there. I had a few Long Island ice teas and Jamaal was actually very charming until they took too long to bring him another glass of Vodka. In an instant he started arguing with the bartender. He threw the first punch which then resulted into a huge brawl. Scared for my life, I ran out of the bar and went home. Somehow he ended up getting arrested, unfortunate to see as I laid in my bed watching the news.

To Be Continued...

Read Part TWO here