Most of the stuff in this set is red...that's odd since I don't usually wear the colour red. Eh, new year, new style.

I didn’t know what to expect from Antonio’s mystery date that night so I dressed like I was going to a formal black-tie ball. I was just touching up my pearly pink lipstick in the dressing room mirror when I heard the tires of a moped screech below my window.
 
“Kenzie, oh Kenzie, wherefore art thou fair Kenzie?” a low Italian voice serenaded. I rolled my eyes, wondering if he was normally this embarrassing around girls. I grabbed my Guess handbag and darted down the stairs. Antonio was waiting in the lobby, dressed in a crisp white shirt, Ralph Lauren jeans and black loafers. His entire body smelled like Paco Rabanne cologne.
 
“Ready for our date?” he asked, smiled suggestively.
 
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied, fluffing up my hair with one hand.
 
“Great.” He led me across the dark parking lot to his moped and tossed me a helmet. “You know how to ride a moped, right?”
 
“Of course I do,” I huffed, clipping the helmet on carefully so I wouldn’t ruin my backcombed hairdo. I slid onto the leather seat and instinctively wrapped my arms around his waist. That would show him how unawkward I am around guys.
 
As we sped through the dimly lit streets, the evening breeze tousling my hair, I rested my helmet against his back. The combination of his leather jacket and expensive aftershave made me feel light-headed and free.
 
“Here we are!” Antonio announced after fifteen minutes. He turned off the engine. “La Montecarlo. The best pizza in Rome.” He inhaled deeply and moaned with satisfaction. The strong smell of cheddar and organic herbs wafted out of the open windows. “Come on.” He took my hand in his and sauntered into the restaurant. All of a sudden, I became strangely comfortable. I was young, single and had a hot Italian guy on my arm. Why shouldn’t I feel comfortable?
 
“Ah, Antonio.” A plump waiter with a thick gray mustache and red bow tie scurried over to us. “Nice to see you again. The usual table?”
 
“Actually, Giancarlo, I was wondering if you had something more private for me and my date?”
 
The waiter raised his eyebrows. “Of course. Follow me.”
 
Within minutes, we were seated in a cozy leather booth, surrounded by room dividers entwined with grapevines. Classical music swirled from the speakers in the corners of the ceiling and a single red candle was lit on the table, creating a romantic atmosphere.
 
“I recommend the four cheese pizza,” Antonio suggested. “Rodrigo makes it perfectly.”
 
“Sure,” I said, glancing at the drinks menu. “How about a glass of wine to go with that?”
 
The service was surprisingly quick. Our meal and drinks arrived in less than ten minutes. As soon as I took my first bite of pizza, the melting sensation of mozzarella, cheddar, gorgonzola and parmesan exploded in my mouth. It was heavenly. I munched down three slices and took a long sip of wine.
 
“You must be thirsty,” Antonio chuckled, raising his half-full glass.
 
“Yeah, well, touring Rome’s top fashion houses takes it out of you,” I joked.
 
For the next half hour we chatted companionably as we finished the family-sized pizza. I was surprised at how culturally and academically developed Antonio was; I had assumed he was just a pretty face but apparently not. The night rushed by in a blur and before I knew it, it was 12 pm. As soon as Antonio paid the bill (which had totalled to an impressive $135) we rode back to the hotel.
 
“Well signorina, tonight has been fun,” Antonio told me when we reached the hotel. “I hope to see you around in the future.”
 
“Same here.” I smiled brightly. “I can’t--”
 
But I was interrupted mid-sentence because right then, Antonio leaned forward and kissed me on the lips. His lips were soft and full and tasted faintly of garlic butter. But it was a nice kiss. A loving kiss. A first kiss that would not easily be forgotten.
 
When we pulled apart, I blew him a kiss and flounced towards the hotel lobby.
 
“Ciao!” I shouted over my shoulder.
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Hey hey hey Polyvore! I'm back! These past few months without Polyvore were torture. I won't bore you with the details but the good news is I'm back! I promise to update the RPs soon.

It wasn’t the first time I’d been to Italy but for some reason everything seemed much fresher and newer than the last time I’d visited Rome. Nevertheless, I was excited about seeing the headquarters for Prada, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. This wasn’t just about work to me; it was about gaining cultural knowledge and, more importantly, time away from the office.
 
I had little over an hour before my first interview at Gucci so I decided to spend the time exploring the city. Rome was one of my favorite European cities, mainly because of the spectacular cathedrals and temples. I was merrily strolling down a winding cobbled road, admiring the beautiful scenery, when a moped screeched to a halt beside me.
 
“Excuse me but this is a pedestrian only road,” I snapped. “Do you have no respect?”
 
“Apologies.” A male Italian voice arose from inside the driver’s helmet. “My moped, she is not how she used to be. She spins out of control from time to time and I have no power over her.”
 
“Liar!” A female voice—presumably American—jumped in. A brunette girl was sitting in the vehicle’s back seat. From what I could tell from her outfit, she was a walking Guess advertisement. “You totally did that on purpose!”
 
The driver unclipped his helmet and held it under his arm. He was brutally handsome. In fact, anyone would’ve mistaken him for a model. He had thick black hair that had been spiked with gel, wide-set toffee-coloured eyes framed by dark lashes and naturally tanned skin. He smiled widely, revealing a set of perfect white teeth. “Now Missy, why would I ever do something that on purpose?”
 
The girl took off her helmet and slammed it on the guy’s knee. She had glossy brown ringlets, perfect clear skin and olive green eyes. She unzipped her black leather jacket. “Don’t pretend, Antonio. I know you did that so you could scare me. You know how much I hate this thing.”
 
Antonio looked upset. “Why be so cruel, Missy? My moped, she has feelings too.”
 
“Yeah, whatever.” Missy scoffed. She noticed me and smiled. "Hey. Sorry about Antonio, he didn’t mean to nearly kill you.”
 
“Of course not!” Antonio exclaimed, eyeing me. “It would be a crime to take the life of such a beautiful woman.”
 
Missy rolled her eyes. “I’m Melissa.” She held out her hand. I met it with a firm grip and shook. “But call me Missy.”
 
“And call me later.” Antonio winked.
 
“Antonio!” Missy snapped. “I swear, if you try one more of your lame pick up lines, I will kill myself.”
 
“I’m Kenzie. It’s nice to meet you.” I slid my Chanel aviators on top of my head. “Are you locals?”
 
“He is.” Missy jerked her thumb in Antonio’s direction. “But I’m from Michigan. I’m on a week’s vacation here. Antonio and I are cousins so he’s set me up in a sweet hotel. What about you?”
 
“I live in New York. I’m here on business.”
 
“Business, huh? Where do you work?”
 
“I work for The Babbling Post. I’m here to interview some of Italy’s most famous fashion houses.”
 
“I’ve heard of The Babbling Post,” Antonio interrupted. “The online fashion magazine?”
 
“How do you know it?” Missy smirked. “Read it in your spare time, I suppose?”
 
“No!” Antonio folded his arms across his chest and frowned. “I happen to know it was voted the 2nd best blog after PerezHilton.com.”
 
Missy rolled her eyes. “Whatever. It was nice meeting you Kenzie but I’ve got to find a restroom. See you later.”
 
“Don’t be long!” Antonio yelled after her. Once she was out of sight, he gazed at me with a look of admiration in his eyes. “Signorina, you are like a beautiful star that can only be adored from afar.”
 
Inside, I was melting like butter at this Italian stranger’s compliment. But on the outside, I kept my cool and smiled politely. “That’s a wonderful line, did you get that from Quasimodo?”
 
“Ah, so you are the cynical type.” He sighed softly. “Why do they not have girls like you in Italy, signorina? You have beauty and brains. Here, the girls only have one or the other.”
 
“I guess I was lucky,” I murmured.
 
“We should have dinner tonight,” Antonio insisted. “A romantic meal in one of Rome’s finest pizzerias and then a moonlit stroll along the Tiber.”
 
“As poetic as that sounds, I only just met you and I’d rather not take my chances.” I smiled sweetly. “Goodbye.”
 
“Wait, signorina! I can show you the most guarded secret in Italy, something very few people know about.”
 
“What?”
 
“You’ll have to come out with me tonight if you want to find out.” He smiled mischievously. “I promise you, signorina, it is the most wonderous thing you have ever seen.”
 
“Fine.” I sighed, acting blasé. “I have nothing better to do tonight except sit alone in my hotel room, drafting my article.”
 
“Wonderful.” Antonio leaned against his moped. “I will see you then.”
 
“Don’t you need the name of my hotel?” I offered. “You’ll need to pick me up.”
 
He shook his head briskly. “I will find you. Ciao, bella.”
 
I glanced at my watch. It was 1 o’clock. Time for my interview at Gucci. Without saying goodbye, I turned and walked down the cobbled road, wondering if I had really just said yes to a date with the most gorgeous stranger in Rome.
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First of all I’d like to say how sorry I am for being inactive for over 2 months. I promise this won’t happen again! I honestly don’t know why I was away from Polyvore so long. Anyway, I promise to catch up on all the roleplays and to be more active!
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I’d been looking forward to my date with Roger all week. It felt sort of wrong to be back on the dating scene so soon after I’d come out of a relationship but I needed some companionship and right now, Roger seemed like the only person willing to give it.
 
“You look beautiful,” Roger told me when he picked me up in his black Mini. As soon as I heard those words, I could feel the tips of my ears flushing.
 
“So where are we going?” I smoothed out my blouse, avoiding eye contact.
 
He started the engine and we cruised swiftly through the streets of London. “There’s this new Thai place on Oxford Street that I’d like to try,” he suggested. “Unless you’d rather go somewhere else.”
 
“No, Thai sounds perfect.”
 
We arrived ten minutes later. Honestly, I’m glad I decided to dress formally because the restaurant was really fancy. When we were seated with our menus, I noticed it was a little pricey too.
 
“Order whatever you want,” Roger insisted.
 
“Um…” I appreciated his generosity but I didn’t want to seem rude by choosing something expensive. “How about we get the fish platter to share?”
 
“Sounds good.” Roger ordered the food then turned to me with a big smile. “You know, I’ve been really looking forward to this date.”
 
“Really?” I mumbled. Could he tell by my nervous tone that I felt the same way?
 
“Really. Ever since I met you that day you were taking pictures in the orchard, I’ve wanted to get to know you better. You seem so different from the other girls at the academy.”
 
“Different in a good way or a bad way?” I held my breath.
 
“A good way, of course. You have this certain aura. This thing that makes you unique and special.”
 
The familiar creeping blush lingered on my cheeks. “Well, um, nobody’s ever said anything like that before. But really I think I’m quite boring compared to some of the girls at school.”
 
Roger looked shocked. “Are you kidding? Most of the girls there may have enough good looks and money to last them a lifetime but you also have talent, personality and heart.”
 
I didn’t know what to say to that. Thankfully the food arrived before I could reply. We chatted affably about school, music, our friends and families, our interests…until suddenly there was nothing left to talk about. Roger paid the bill and opened the car door for me, like a true gentleman.
 
“Thanks for tonight,” I said sincerely. “It was fun.”
 
Roger pouted. “Are you sure you want to go home so soon? It’s only nine o’clock.”
 
“Yeah. I need lots of rest tonight because I’m going to the Tate Modern tomorrow morning.”
 
“Okay, well, we should do something again soon.” Roger pulled up outside my apartment.
 
“Definitely.” I paused. “How about next week?”
 
“Sounds great.” Roger’s gaze was fixed on his lap.
 
“By the way,” I said, my body halfway out the car door. “Did you mean what you said in the restaurant, about me being unique and special, or where you just saying that?”
 
Then, without warning, he leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips, and I knew my question didn’t need an answer.

The promo ad for Cinnamon's boutique, Sugar and Spice! Hope you like it, Cinny!

When I returned to England, I was in a surprisingly good mood. Spending time with friends in Greece had taken my mind off recent events and I hoped it would stay that way. I turned the key in the lock of the front door and pushed it open.
 
“Hello, Savannah,” a male voice murmured.
 
I turned around and screamed at the top of my lungs. “Logan? How the hell did you get in here?”
 
He was sprawled across the velvet couch, helping himself to a bowl of peanut M&Ms. He smiled coyly at me. “Your mom let me in.” He shook the bowl in my direction. “Want some?”
 
“My mom’s not here,” I barked, ignoring his offer.
 
He shrugged. “Okay, fine, I climbed in through the bathroom window.” He scoffed a handful of candy. “You look tanned,” he mused.
 
“That tends to happen when people spend time in hot countries,” I muttered bitterly.
 
“Oh yeah, I forgot, you were in Greece.” Logan smacked his forehead, like he should have known better. “That’s why you didn’t answer my calls.”
 
I inhaled shakily, trying to steady my pounding heart. “Logan. What are you doing here?”
 
Logan dipped his hand into the bowl, thought better of it, and placed it on the glass coffee table. “I want to talk to you.” He stood up, inching closer towards me. “You’ve been ignoring me, haven’t you?”
 
“W-what?” I stammered, backing away. “Logan, I told you, I’ve been in Greece.”
 
He shook his head, getting closer still. “I’m not talking about the calls, Savannah. You’ve been blowing me off for that other guy. Roderick.”
 
“Roger,” I replied flatly. “And there’s nothing going on between us. We’re just friends,” I insisted.
 
“You say that but you don’t mean it.” Logan glowered at me. I backed into the wall, my heart beating wildly. There was nowhere to run, nobody to call for help. “I know you would never cheat on me and I was stupid to think that Roderick ever had a chance with you.”
 
“Roger,” I corrected him, my voice quaking.
 
“But all that’s in the past, Savannah. We can move on now, have a better future together.” His voice softened. “Don’t you want that?”
 
For a moment, I considered this. If I said yes, how could I be so sure that Logan wouldn’t break my heart again? But if I said no…
 
“You know I don’t want anyone to hurt you, Savannah.” He lowered his voice, the traces of sweetness disappearing. “So if Roderick lays a hand on you, he’s dead. He’s not good enough for you. Do you understand me?”
 
I swallowed, not knowing how to respond.
 
“I’ve given you enough chances, Savannah.” Logan clenched his fists, staring down at me. “I hope you realize you’re making a big mistake by saying no to me.”
 
He swivelled around and stormed out of the house, knocking over the bowl of M&Ms on his way out. As soon as the door slammed shut, I began to wonder if I would ever be happy again.
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I spent the day exploring ancient Athens with Lois. The sights were spectacular and gave me an excuse to use my new Canon. Afterwards, we headed for ice cream and lounged in the sun. I was in such a good mood, I felt like I never wanted to leave. But, unfortunately, London was calling.

Credit to everyone who made the premades.