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 Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 2:19 pm
The library main was a pleasant spot, but no drinks were allowed near the shelves and manuscripts. It was a rule with reasons, and not one that was excepted to any in the club, so Stroud had some hours before settled in one of the immediate wood-paneled reading alcoves off the rotunda to order a ristretto and the copies she'd ordered through the curator of the Henry Beverige Diary of 1864 and the Samuel Hollingsworth Stout Papers. As copies, they wouldn't risk any damage from the beverage, not that the antiquarian planned on allowing a drop of it to spill. There were two other quiet readers in other alcoves, both Newspapers to use metonymy. These changed here and there, but always remained stable at two. Her ordered beverage was on it's second return. One-two-onetwo—there was a rhythmic sound of walking coming down the halls toward the rotunda from another part of the club, muffled only slightly by the lush runner from the high and stained glass ceiling. It was an unusual gait and shoe, one not immediately recognized as one of the regulars to the club, which drew Stroud's eyes up and over the edge of bone china to note who it might be- Returned member long away? Courtesy admittance from foreign club? New admittance?
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Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 6:01 pm
The Rosslyn Club. Jada always tended to forget about the place, impossible as it seemed, for she'd not been permitted within the walls before 18, and after 18 she was far too rebellious to have even considered stepping into the place for any purpose except the occasional business meeting. So when she realized that she'd been neglecting that ancient and most disturbingly austere of resources, she'd continued to neglect it. It was unlikely, after all, that an establishment of that nature would be inclined to have the sorts of thing she might be interested in. There was, however, one thing that the Club might be good for that the public library was certainly not (for all her fondness for it) and so she had carefully dressed to impress. It had been so long since she'd been within these walls, after all, and Jada could practically feel her mother's ghost having actual fits over her shoulder as she tried to find something in her closet that would adhere to their standards. Her mother's family had been club members since at least 1900;Jada didn't want to get expelled from the wall just because she had a fondness for clothing that was not entirely appropriate to their exacting standards. Still, even if they weren't completely impressed by her taste in fashion, it was within their limits; their gaze had been judgmental but she had passed their examination and made her way towards the library. Her sky-high Louboutins clicked with experienced precision, and Jada made her way into the room that had been pointed out to her, sucking in a breath and peering around with veiled interest. Her eyes first went to the bookshelves, taking them in with visible interest before she turned her attention to the layout and the other patrons. One other woman in the library, unless more were hidden, and Jada gave a nod and a brief smile in that direction as she considered where she wanted to start.
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Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2017 6:42 pm
The question remains. Though narrowed some. The nod was returned and Stroud carefully put aside the manuscripts as the newcomer's attention turned to the gloss of the shelves, the many hand-wrought bindings and display cases of illuminated treasures. Stroud stood and passed along the few strides to meet the woman's personal space, behind and to her left to lean slightly down and in to speak to ear beyond ravenette waves, "You'll not know the breadth of the collection, I expect. " "Though that is easily remedied. Marinus, by name, antiquarian by trade. If there's a specific want, I've helped the curator a good deal, and am a passable surrogate to his assistance. " An ivory hand from a hard angled arm in cream and tweed was offered out. "We have not met before."
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Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2017 7:34 am
If the Club was any one thing, it was visually enthralling. So many books, and the items in the display cases seemed to be potentially of interest... But the books. Her own library was fairly extensive, for a private collector, but she didn't have this much lovely custom work, nor did she probably have so many older works. The voice in her ear didn't startle her so much that she jumped, but she still startled. "No, I wasn't expecting this much," Jada agreed breathlessly, shifting to wirelessly invite the stranger closer, a clear lack of personal boundary. "I thought I had been building a decent collection of books for a personal library, but I clearly can't compete with a century of care." She turned further, her sun-tanned hand gripping ivory firmly but gently. "Jada, Jada Chamberlyn. A pleasure to meet you, Marinus. I don't usually come to the Rosslyn Club, no, but I was pointed this way for the collection." bright violet eyes shifted back to the books, enticed by the sight. Red-painted mouth curved in a smile, and manicured fingers released Marinus' hand. "Nothing specific, I suppose. I am a model by trade, and unabashed bibliophile by choice. I was thinking this time I could mix business and pleasure with a bit of history-trawling through the collection." She tilted her head, considering. "Though if there isn't much of a fashion bent, I wouldn't be averse to looking at the poetry selection." Jada was a simple girl, in truth. Dubiously high maintenance, but at least she was easy to please.
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Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 9:01 pm
Unperturbed? Even inviting— how deliberate was the choice, though? If so, a masterful stroke in the game. Clever body, heavy hips with small waist and ample bosom, perfume of skin pleasant, clean, nails just so. Model was believable, but not for all types of magazine. Too 'plus', too plenty, too sexy, for most of the catwalks. A cup of plenty for getting many things out of the private rooms of the club, pending how far she would go in dealings. Chamberlyn. There had been a Montgomery married such a name like Chamberlyn years before in the days of Forbes, Vanes and Leigh, and further back with Vanes Grey. Oil money, real estate and the modern shift to investments not so far different from the Marinii. "Fashion and Society have been hand in hand for many generations. From the greeting handshake, Stroud lifted fingers to lightly brush along Jada's elbow in invitation to follow across the Rotunda. Through the shafts of stained-glass colors, she spoke with the authority of familiarity as promised. "There's an early copy of a códice de trajes. The Biblioteca Nacional de España has one from 1547, but the Rosslyn collection has three fine volumes, considered a single work, from a Prussian aristocrat in the 18th century- the courts of Queen Anne and the Georges, Louis XIV, the Fifteenth, pieces from Prussia and the Soldier King Frederick William. Fine things for the fashion curious. " "More in depth study, though, will be less from direct sources and more from Highlights from exhibitions. Much of early fashion is preserved for us from the illuminations in non-fashion manuscripts: Romance of the Rose from 1340, Books of Hours from Bruges, Livre du roy Modus et de la royne Racio from Lyons...others, which there are many. " They passed through one of the lofty arches to a side octagon, to the third side-shelf from the door. These all had cabinet doors or sliding glass panels. "The Morgan in New York has such an exhibition on the illuminations of medieval France and the Netherlands. If you wish access to materials from them, or other museums and private collections, you can call one of the attachés to submit the request to the curator here. They'll have you color copies at the size you need within a day or two, pending time zones. " Chamberlyn. Montgomery. The membership rosters... Stroud opened the panel clasp deftly, and removed the first of the three tomes from the plain, obviously later, cloth slipcase, and held it out to Jada, "A relation of Lucian Montgomery? "
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Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 2:55 pm
Jada was used to a pause after she announced her profession, and was pleased to see that Marinus did not seem to be phased by it, not did she seem to carry a judgmental look that some of the older family friends would get, wondering why a woman of family would choose to parade in such a career, or display herself in so common fashion as modeling. Instead, the much taller, leaner woman (who should have been a model herself- such lovely bones, and the lean tower of her was much more visually inclined to runway than Jada's own voluptuous curve) grazed the heiress' elbow in quiet invitation to follow her lead. Jada was grateful- such places as this club were outside of her experience by choice, though her mother had always tried. Jada had never been past the areas more inclined to meeting. "Society created fashion," Jada agreed, "all the better to display their wealth and privilege. I find it rather interesting to have seen the changes over time, and how haute couture came into play." The disparity that exists now in-between the traditional and the 'fashion forward' in the same social strata was something that amused and irritated her- and always had. Jada was all-too pleased to be bid by that faint touch and she followed Marinus through the color-dappled room, violet eyes taking in everything, memorizing what she could of the scenery. Her ears were closely tuned to the other woman's rundown of what was available, and her heart gave a faint patter of excitement at the thought of the available opportunities. Not modern, perhaps, but she hadn't been expecting anything as old as what Marinus indicated that they had access to. It was fascinating, and she remained hovering around the edge of the woman's personal bubble until invited. "I will probably keep the curator well-engaged," Jada said with a laugh. "So many options, and I have a lot of free time to keep myself engaged, with my return to Destiny City society after so long overseas." she tilted her head inquisitively up to the other woman, considering her directly. "I don't suppose you know someone who may be advantageous to connect with?" Her smile was practiced, warm, and in the light it was a bit more obvious that those smiles didn't fully brighten up her eyes. "I am Lucian's granddaughter." and the sole heir to his entire fortune, which might be even more important.
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Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 10:39 pm
"As it happens, you're in luck. " Stoud motioned again, leading with the manuscript back towards the alcove where the table and two chairs remained from where she'd been. By way of invitation and refinement, the antiquarian pulled the second chair out for Jada's use as might be done a visiting dignitary. Explanation of the answer waited until Stroud took her own seat. " "The Elsabeth Property Group, which owns the Brooksmanor Mall often does a fashion show in January or February. Some of their board was here the other day, talking with me about antiques to have as runway pieces. I expect they'll be doing their show in February, from the contracts they'd sent over to me. Augustine Simolaum is coordinating it. I can pass you his number and card to call later. He loves watching Bravo and heard that the Simon Group had Tim Gunn host a few winter fashion shows at their upscale malls a few years back. I think he was trying to get Tim, or Heidi Klum, to do the same at the Brooksmanor. " "There's some high powered fronts at that property that could need models or backstage specialists, pending what you were looking for. Highlights from the latest collections from Juicy Couture, Kate Spade New York, Diesel, and Lucky Brand Jeans, among others. Have you walked a runway? Or...honestly, with your name and connections, I expect you may even be looking towards heading up your own agency? You've probably a share of beautiful friends you'd like to see on a billboard or two. " "I have more personal friends in the arts scene, rather then industry, that I can give you their cards as well. Underground, avant-garde, and local. But far better for being able to buy or model the product for street fashion look-books before they get hired or become their own label. Takes more sifting, and more nights at the fireball-whiskey and guerrilla art hops in the abandoned warehouses. " Stroud winked, enjoying conversations that turned to parts of society, like art and fashion, that could span from the disgustingly rich to the $10 thrift store party kind.
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Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2017 9:29 pm
Jada remained close to the taller woman as Marinus guided her back to the original alcove where she had been sitting, politely pulling out a chair. Jada settled herself down carefully, crossing her legs under the table and waiting for the other to take her own seat. "February?" she considered briefly. New York and London's shows were the most important; she had seen little on the schedule for Milan or Paris just yet that would require her attention for more than a day or two. Fashion weeks were all-important to her, however, and were something that she hadn't missed since she was 18. "I'd appreciate Augustine's card very much, Marinus." crimson lips quirked in a smile. "Getting Tim or Heidi might take some work, but would be well-worth it for some star power to add to the event." her head tilted, considering- she could possibly pull some strings, but probably not to enough effect. "I've done very little for runway work," Jada confessed with a wry laugh. "My body type is a rather niche market, and I don't have the height to make it worth the struggle to change it." though they'd certainly had enough suggestions of designer drugs she could get addicted to to help her lose the curves. "It does sound like a very interesting show." Jada tapped the toe of one shoe lightly against the floor, considering. As for heading up her own agency, she'd not thought about that. Jada had always thought that one day she would settle down with a partner and wrap herself in with as big a family as her partner- or partner s, lord knew it had been a proposition before- would tolerate. An army of children, filling her house with laughter. The business side of things... she'd have to devote more time to it eventually. Modeling was.... not the end-all she had sought. But it was what she had. "I do enjoy the 'arts scene' as you called it." Jada let her eyes brighten, forcing her smile to reach them. "It's very different from the big name events, and the work tends to be much more fun." her shoulders relaxed with the wink, and Jada leaned in. "I used to work with as many of the local artists as I could get away with- custom jewelry, showing off clothing designs made for actual humans, letting them play with my hair and makeup when I went to events. If you know someone who needs a patron, a model, or a walking display case, I can sit through a few rounds of fireball." She might even enjoy it. Jada had always enjoyed going to art shows and making connections to get herself known. Destiny City boasted a new set of opportunities, after so long away.
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Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 1:17 pm
What draws the light so dim in the name and thought of her family? Is it the usual bitters mixed with upper-class upbringing? New schisms from politics and beliefs? Tragedy and death still mourned ? "With artist's, they're always in need of display cases and photo shoots. I can think of one right off that has let his arts slip in favour of archaeological graduate studies. They should compliment, rather than compete. My cousin is a sculptor, goldsmith and lapidary. Trying to become the rare Crazy-Cat Gent. Jada Chamberlyn was easy on the eyes as walking diversions went. "What sorts of fashion industry have you been involved in, if it isn't too bold to ask? You seem an artist's Muse of the Pre-Raphaelites sort. The death of old fashioned patronage hasn't helped that as a profession."
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Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2017 11:54 am
Jada brushed a lock of hair back out of her face, still leaning in towards Marinus, letting one wrist settle across the table, the other comfortable in her lap. "Always a shame when someone with talent lets it slide into disuse." the young woman could see why Marinus felt that way about the two complementing each other- an artistic eye on an archaeological task could presumably come in handy, though she knew little about archaeology beyond museums. History was enjoyable once parsed and sought through, but actually doing the digging around? Not quite her cup of tea. "A sculptor?" Gold, and lapidary- her mind flicked to the word, considering it. Stones, Gemstones- "Does he focus on bigger items, or does he work with jewelry and smaller commissions as well?" She assumed he, anyways- what with being a future Crazy-Cat Gent. Her lips quirked. "Nothing wrong with being crazy for cats. There comes a time in everyone's life when they realize cats are usually better than people, anyways." Goodness knew that was probably going to be her future, regardless of how much she'd wanted children. Single parenting was a lonely job, even when you had a nanny helping out. "And you can fit so many of them into one place. And they cuddle." Jada was weak for cuddles. Touch-starved and cuddle-hungry. "For fashion, mostly I do photography," she said at last with a smile. "Height doesn't matter as much to a camera, just proportion." she tapped her nail lightly against the table. "Apparently, I have some of that. Mostly, I do makeup or hair, or other parts work. Parts being parts of me, like... hands and arms, legs and feet, pieces instead of the whole. I used to do lots of work with students or designers trying to get their feet off the ground. When it comes to the fashion side of things I am somewhat more of a consumer, however; I have a terrible weakness for haute couture and shoes." But she was still a model. "I haven't done too many body studies, but I'll also pose for art students, or the occasional painting." Jada shifted back, gave a small shrug. "Really, in my line of work, the artist is my customer more than the consumer, and I'm always open to new experiences. So long as they are clear what they want from me so I can gauge any personal limitations, I enjoy modeling both art and fashion. I have the luxury of being able to reject what jobs I do not want to do, since I do it more for enjoyment than money."
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 9:57 pm
"He does both, fancying himself a renaissance man. I've hired him myself fro casting work with restorations, and for unique jewelry. His sculptures have been mostly stone, marble when he can get it. His jewelry took a Victorian mourning turn of late—remnants of studies together by a lover who did taxidermy. " If late could be applied to at least a year, from the last she'd seen of his work when she visited. It had been fortuitous for November, and for her commissioning the set of teeth into a fantastic statement piece. Thankfully he was still not so successful as he could, like Jada, turn down high paying jobs. " As for cats, he owns the Catfé, a cat cafe near the university, so he can probably help you if you're looking for more yourself for fitting into small spaces. Don't feel obligated though, if nothing strikes your fancy. Sometimes it's the journey and exploration that prove more entertainment. " Are you lonely, Miss Chamberlyn? Stroud leaned her chin in her right hand, elbow of the arm of her chair, and traced lowerlip with an idle nail. "The parts and the whole are equally divine, if of a different era's ideal. " Left hand reached to the edge of the table and found an antique ivory button in a brass setting to depress, lighting up one of the labeled tables on a servants' annunciator down the halls in rooms not seen or heard by members. Within a minute a smartly uniformed attendant from the retinue had appeared by their table, 'Madam Marinus?' " Card rotary from box 1032. " From a watch-chain in breast pocket a delicate key was unclasped and given over to the man. Then Stroud returned attention directly to Jada. "Your family should have their own safe-box here at the club, with two keys. All you need is one of the keys, the number, and your member's number to access it. They're roughly twelve inches cubic. Decent for keeping odds and ends for while you're at the club, or for sensitive materials needing professional securities outside of the home." "If you do get in contact with my cousin, Quenton, I do hope to hear what your opinion is. We've been adversarial since youth, though with mutual respect for skills. Other feedback keeps things politic and honest instead of overcritical. So it goes with family sometimes. Are there others extant of the Chamberlyns? One would like to know when and where there are figures of such...breathlessness about. "
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Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2017 10:46 am
"Admittedly, being a Renaissance Man does sound a somewhat more useful career choice than that of being a Pre-Raphaelite muse." Jada's voice was warm and ripe with playful humor, and she leaned in towards Marinus with casual, friendly intimacy, listening with unfeigned attention. Frankly, she could like make use of such a 'renaissance man'; there were any number of small projects that she had on her checklist for how to drag her mansion out of the 19th century and into the modern day; should the cousin have skill sufficient to please her, she would be happy to commission him. But she was, admittedly, more taken by the jewelry than the sculpture. Jada was attracted to unique jewelry like a crow to anything that shone. "I wasn't aware Destiny City had a cat cafe," Jada mused, her lower lip becoming victim to sharp teeth as she considered. "I have seen what'd imagine to be similar in other places, but never been to one. It looks like you are pointing me in quite an interesting direction." Certainly a fun diversion to take up some of that empty time, until she could find It in herself to choose a hobby again, or resume working. Violet eyes flicked to Marinus' face, mouth quirking, pink tongue briefly wetting painted lips. Marinus herself was the one with a build and frame for the type of modeling Jada longed to do, but it was still... Flattery- a social more, in such circles as theirs, yet Jada found herself weak to the compliment, leaning in towards Marinus like a flower to the sun. With a warm smile, Jada brushed a curl behind one ear and inclining her head. "Kind words, Marinus." she knew far too well what many thought of her whole. What had Elzo called her figure- 'spank material?' Crude, but effective enough a phrase to have certainly given her a startling perspective on where she should look for work if she ever grew desperate for funds. She much preferred thinking of her shape as ideals of a different era. "I have seen similar keys," she agreed, eyes lighting as she leaned back in towards the other woman, "but was uncertain what they might belong to." her father hadn't known, so that meant the box may have last been used by Szelem. But why had Michael not known? He came to the club more than Szelem- was it because he had not been born to his membership, having come from a middle class family? "I think it sounds like it could be an exciting afternoon exploring some ancient family drama." her eyes danced. The antiquarian may find the idea more appealing than Jada from a historical standpoint, but Jada was hardly averse to finding out something (optimistically) shocking about her ancestors. "As for your cousin, I would definitely be interested in reaching out to him. If you have contact information, I would reach out to him personally, unless he has a business line he works through?" she leaned back at last, pressing her spine against the back of the seat, crossing one ankle over the other, remaining ladylike in lieu of a more comfortable position. "I will certainly let you know what I think, though if it is negative-" her grin was amused, "he will probably hear it first, and you through him." Jada knew far too well how problematic family could be sometimes. "There aren't many of us left in Destiny City," she said at last, lightly. "We are a dying breed. My siblings and I are the only ones of this generation, no cousins." there were, perhaps, some second cousins but Jada did not spend much time with any of them. "Your breath should be fairly safe- my two eldest siblings are out of state, for now, and the other two are only 6." She set one hand comfortably on the table, tilting her head to the side. "And what of your family, Marinus? You, and a cousin. Who else?"
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Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 1:23 pm
"A meeting of much imparted then, keys revealed to many doors. Or locks. Or possibilities. Fortuitous." The manservant returned with a device like a Rolodex: cut, clear glass with whorled iron and cast silver. It was feathered with business cards of many colors and die-cut shape. Navigating to the correct names was the work of a moment, and no more, and Stroud slid the promised contacts across the small table for Jada's keeping. "Drudging though attics and old closets can be a fantastic good time with the right music and hot cup. With families as ours, the gossip-worthy ephemera is usually the best find. Worth as much as any Gatsby-novel for reading. I wish you the best of luck with it. " "In Destiny City there is only we two. More in Michigan, where the Industrial Age saw the rise of the estates from merchants to capital-M merchants. Traders since antiquity. From Rome to Albion to America- 'Marinus,' we who pertained to the seas. My parents, as well as Aunt and Uncle of the Strathley line and their children are there. Oakland County, if you're ever in the area. " Stroud stood, and stabilized the antique with collection of other cards in an arm. There was no need to call the attaché to return the thing, as she knew the way. " More fortune for your researches and entertainment. I must find more coffee. Drinks are disapproved near the actual manuscripts," Like the tome retrieved regarding fashion for Jada's perusal, rather than copies like Stroud had. "I look forward to catching you again, Chamberlyn." Infinities ready for a fiiiin from Jada~ <3
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Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:22 pm
Jada's smile was warm, and more real than any of the others she had given so far, as Marinus called their meeting fortuitous. "So many possibilities," she agreed lightly, and reached out to accept the contact cards that Marinus slid across the table. "Count me in your debt," Jada said, lifting them and taking a quick look, flicking her eyes back to the taller woman. She would have continued the conversation with more information on her own family, but Marinus was gathering her things. "Coffee is a necessity," Jada agreed with an open laugh. "I appreciate your welcome, and your assistance." she pulled the tome closer to her, gentle hands caressing the cover. "I look forward to seeing you again as well. Next time, you can call me Jada." red lips quirked, an eyebrow lifted, and Jada slid open the cover, allowing Marinus to walk away in peace.
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