Chapter 6

I’m with Laura again on Friday, and the day goes smoothly. I’m starting to feel more comfortable with the menswear-inspired pieces. I especially like getting lost in the fine details of the cuffs and collars. I even find myself noticing the shirts men wear. From the sporty to the dressy, they all have a unique fit.

As the day draws to a close, I think about Jake. We haven’t seen each other in two weeks, and texting just isn’t the same. Hopefully we’ll get to hang out this weekend.

As if reading my mind, Laura says, “Michael would like you to see him. He has a weekend assignment for you.”

I sigh. Homework on the weekend? Really? But I try not to be too upset. If this is what it takes to make it in the fashion world, there’s no point in complaining.

Michael is waiting for me when I get to his office. “Do you know what market research is?” he asks.

“Uh, like researching the market?” I guess, going for the most obvious explanation. The truth is, I have no idea what this means.

Michael grins. “Exactly. Have it ready for me Monday!”

I panic. Is he serious?

Suddenly, Michael bursts out laughing. “Just teasing. Here’s the deal — we’re looking for you to see what’s out there. Look at the items shoppers gravitate toward. Check out the trends, as well as what’s on the clearance rack. Compare other designers’ prices with ours. If something catches your eye, sketch it. Don’t try to analyze why you’re drawn to it, or you might miss something.”

I perk up. This is unlike any homework assignment I’ve had before. “Do you want me to take notes on specific lines or designs?”

Michael shakes his head. “Nope. I don’t want you to think too hard. I want to see what you think is important. You’d be surprised what we can learn this way.”

“But I don’t know this industry like you do,” I say. “What if I miss something?”

“Your inexperience is precisely why you’re perfect. You’ll view items from a different perspective than a professional. A less-experienced eye might pick up on a detail or a trend that someone else would pass over,” says Michael.

I’ve never thought of it that way, but it makes total sense. “Can I take pictures?” I ask. I imagine lurking behind displays and sneaking photos of different outfits.

“That would be helpful,” Michael says, “but most stores no longer allow that because of security issues. Better to sketch instead.”

My face falls. “I liked thinking of myself as a spy,” I say sheepishly.

Michael’s face grows serious. “You still are. We’re counting on you to report back with valuable information. Here are your instructions and the stores to hit.” He gives me a large manila envelope. “Agent Chloe Montgomery, will you accept your assignment?”

I hold back a smile. “I will.”

* * *


“Going to rob a bank?” asks Madison when she sees my outfit Saturday morning.

I roll my eyes. Maybe I’ve taken this spy thing too far, but it’s too fun not to! I’m dressed in a black romper and have a black scarf tied around my neck. The black sunglasses might be overkill, though. “You never know,” I say.

She stares at me, getting unnerved because she can’t see my eyes. “Whatever,” she finally says. “Have fun.”

I grab my bag, fling open the door, and jump when I see Jake standing there, hand poised to knock.

“Hey!” I say, giving him a hug. “What are you doing here?”

“We didn’t make definite plans, and I missed you. I thought I’d surprise you.” He looks me over. “Going somewhere?”

“Kind of, but you should come! I’m doing market research — it’s so up your alley.” I fill him in on my assignment as we walk outside. “Michael, one of my bosses, gave me a packet with information. I’m supposed to start with one of the high-end stores: Bergdorf, Henri Bendel, Barneys. He also gave me a charge card with instructions to bring back at least three of my favorite designs.”

I’ve passed the stores on Michael’s list several times, but I’ve never gone in. Even if I had, it’s not like I could have afforded to buy anything. Today will be different. If only school was this exciting!

“After you, m’lady,” says Jake, holding open the door to Barneys.

I giggle. “Why, thank you, sir.”

Walking into Barneys is like walking into another world. The floors look like they’re made of marble, and there’s a beautiful winding staircase that looks like it belongs in a mansion. And then there are the displays. Each item is hung perfectly. The shoes in the shoe department are arranged by color scheme, size, and heel height. The lighting surrounds them like a halo, showcasing each heel and strap in the best possible angle.

I think of department stores back home. There are always shoes left on the floor or shirts thrown on racks. I’ve even tripped over a pair of pants left in the middle of the floor.

I grab Jake’s hand and we take the escalator to skirts. One item immediately catches my attention. I sketch its contrast trim and rounded hem. I expect the zipper to be in the back, but it’s hidden in the front. The shirt it’s paired with isn’t really my style, but it’s certainly unique. I sketch the silk material and tiny polka dots, then add the gold and black design on the front.

I turn to show Jake a sketch, but he’s nowhere to be seen. I was so engrossed in my assignment that I didn’t even notice he’d left.

“What do you think of this?” I hear him ask from a few racks down. He’s holding up a dress with an argyle knit pattern.

“I like the mesh top panel and the tan and black together.” I head over and check the price tag. Five hundred fifty-nine dollars! For rayon and spandex?

“How much would Stefan Meyers charge for something like this?” Jake asks.

I have no idea. For all I know, Stefan’s clothing might cost even more. I sketch the dress, then make a note about the price.

As we walk through the racks, my book quickly fills with sketches of jackets and dresses. I make notes about the fabrics I see and the detailed embellishments. One of my favorites is an embroidered paisley dress with a deep V-neck. I take it with me to bring back to Michael and start sketching a satin blouse with rhinestones on the collar.

“Chloe? Chloe!” Jake says, sounding irritated.

“Huh?” I say, looking up from my sketchbook. “What’s wrong?” Jake looks annoyed. He must have been trying to get my attention for some time.

Jake shakes his head. “I shouldn’t have just stopped by. You’re obviously busy. Let’s catch up later.” He gives me a hug goodbye and starts to walk away.

“Wait!” I say. “This won’t take all day. I’m almost done.” I show him my sketches.

“They’re good,” he says, “but don’t you want what you present to Michael to be great? You should hit one more store at least.” He doesn’t look annoyed anymore, just a little sad.

I start to argue. I really want to hang out with him today, but I know he’s right. I need to focus. Still, is it so selfish of me to want him to tag along? “Rain check?” I ask.

“Definitely.” Jake smiles, and his adorable dimple winks at me. Then he’s gone.

I stand there for a moment, feeling bummed. But there’s no time to waste. I have work to do. I make a beeline toward the clearance rack, paying close attention to the marked-down clothes. A cropped black sweater catches my eye, and I imagine it paired with killer black boots. The price has been marked down five times, and it’s only thirty dollars! I take one for myself and grab another for Michael. Then I sketch it, adding examples in other colors.

More clearance-rack sweaters beckon. I draw a sheer silver knit with an extended front hem as well as a forest- green sweater dress with beading around the collar. Before moving to the next department, I place both outfits in my bag for Michael.

In skirts and blouses, I follow a college girl who appears to have the same taste in clothing I do. At one point, she holds up a tailored, lavender shirt with mother-of-pearl buttons down the front. She looks in the mirror and checks the price tag before slowly putting it back on the rack. When she walks away, I sketch the shirt.

Finally I tear myself away from Barneys to check out another store. More than once, I think of turning and showing Jake one of my sketches, only to realize he isn’t there. I comfort myself with visions of shopping and spying and head to Bendel’s.

Sketch of Market Research Designs