Ponyville Rarity's Big Spring BlowOut Extravaganza! (Open, Rules at the bottom)

[QuickLime]

Spring is here! And Rarity's newest Spring line, now also line her shelves! Each piece a beautiful and wonderful piece of art! Perfect for any formal party, or simple every day wear, Rarity has it all! Her doors are open, the Boutique is open for all to come in, and she's sent fliers near and far to announce this spectacular sale, and she is even willing to commission a few custom pieces! Those however are first come first serve, and at Rarity's discretion as they will require a separate appointment

Her mane was for the moment frazzled as Rarity pushed all her racks out, making sure the floor space of her shop was REALLY working today! The stand where a pony could be surrounded by mirrors to examine their outfit on all sides, was perfect as well! The mirrors shimmering after having being washed and shined up like all the windows! Oh how Rarity loved a good spring cleaning! And a Sparkly, spiffy all fresh and neat shop was just dying to have Ponies running in and trampling all over the place to get their hooves on the MUST HAVES for this Spring Fashion trend!

One half of the room was little summer dresses, elegant ballgowns, and an assortment of jewelry to wear with them, and the other half of the room was fetching waistcoats, vests, cravats, and all the trimmings a proper stallion needs! And ofcourse she also had various pieces that had signs over them that said "Customizable" which meant the pieces could be dyed, altered, or changed to be as unique as the pony that wished to wear them

Rarity took a breath to compose herself, and focus, her magic glowing to lift up a hair brush, a perfume bottle, and her makeup. With only the flair Rarity could achieve, she fixed her hair, makeup and made herself smell nice all at once.

"Ahh there! And now I greet my adoring public!" She exclaimed, before giggling "I mean customers..." Switching her sign to open

Please only one character per person in this thread.

Please do not try to make this by any form a "Invasion" thread, Changelings are welcome but I do not wish for this to turn into drama

And please have fun

[SteelEagle]

Applejack really wasn't one for frufru dresses and making yourself look 'divine', as others might say. It just wasn't her style. It wasn't as if she had anything against it, mind you. Applejack was going to get married in a pretty dress at a beautiful ceremony and when the occassion called for it and she was at someplace to have a gentle high-class party instead of work, she wouldn't be opposed to it. She'd likely be opposed to just about everything else at the party but a dress wasn't a make it or break it deal for her. But for as much slack as she gave clothes that weren't slacks, she didn't have a special affinity for dressing to the nines. She had no eye for it, no real sense of it. What looked good on her? Applejack didn't know. She felt fine wearing nothing at all so wearing anything was sort of a downer immediately. Took a lot of work for Applejack to see the beauty inherent in the designs instead of just seeing the beauty inherent in ponies, which she saw easily. What looked good on others? Anything on a good looking pony looked good. Everything else was like putting lipstick on a pig.

But there were some ponies in her family who felt differently, most importantly Apple Bloom. And it was for her sake that Applejack trotted up to the Boutique with only a bit of a huff to her. She didn't mind doing this, honestly. She did mind it having to be a crisis however and her being the last to know. All sh wanted to do today was buck some trees, plant some crops, chase away some bats, uproot a den of festival feasters, milk the cows, plant some new trees, cut a diseased tree down, give it a proper burial, and cry that particular failure away with some nice hard cider. But of course a mare couldn't have a simple day's plan without it being ruined by somepony who needed a dress for some school formal thing. And wouldn't you know it, the dress she made somehow caught on fire after the barest sunlight. Guess whale oil wasn't the best gloss to use on the inside of a black formal dress, was it? In any case, Applejack reached the boutique just as the sign switched to open. Well, at least she wouldn't have to wait.

Applejack opened the door seconds later and behald the fruits of Rarity's labor. From end to end, beautiful designs stretched out across what may as well have been the horizon, no doubt as part of her new lines and designs. It was all very impressive, at least from the labor point of view. Whether they looked good or not to a professional eye, Applejack thought they looked 'divine' and 'ravishing' and whatever else ponies liked to say about such things. They looked fine to Applejack, who also quickly turned to her friend with restrained worry and panic in her voice.

"Mornin' Rarity. Ah have a bit of a problem on mah hooves and yer tha only one Ah could think of ta help me!"

[QuickLime]

Out of all the shops, in all of Equestria, in all of this great wide world AppleJack had to walk into Rarities! AppleJack quite honestly was the very last mare she expected to see today..Fashion and Applejack seldom saw eye to eye after all, and it was like pulling TEETH just to get her to update her frock! (Rarity internally shuttered remembering that one outfit that Applejack had wanted to design for herself...galoshes really!?) But whatever the reason, be it big or small, Applejack was here now, and the look on her face instantly had Rarity concerned... That barely held back worry, and edge of panic just biting at the edge of her voice were certainly cause for alarm!.

Tenderly extending a hoof forward so that it rested on the earth pony's shoulder, Rarity flashed her a kind smile, though her eyes were now heavy with concern "Why Applejack! It's so good to see you, but you DO look troubled darling, do tell what's the matter, and more importantly? What can I do to help you?"

These two had not always gotten along, and Rarity would be the first to admit that the friendship even now had it's ups and downs..as they both valued different things...but despite all of that? Rarity cared very deeply for Applejack and would not let her suffer if there was the slightest way that SHE could help!

That's what being a generous pony was all about was it not? Helping out when it was in your power to do so.

[SteelEagle]

It was good that Applejack had a friend like Rarity. For all of her many faults- and you better believe Rarity was riddled with faults like poorly ventilated clothing was with moths- she was a very caring and generous friend who made sincere efforts to help when it was within her power. Generally if that involved fashion, at least. She'd make an effort outside of that but everypony had their quirks and limits and Applejack knew all of Rarity's. How many buttons to press and where they were, always a very useful stack of knowledge to have on a pony ifyou wanted to kid around with them. It was odd to think that despite living in the same town for most of their lives they didn't know each other entirely too well until much recently. Applejack had always respected Rarity's work ethic and drive and creativity even if she found the object of all that work a bit unncessary. They had been friendly townsfolk to one another and Applejack knew the designer better than she knew most, but that was a familiarity born of proximity rather than desire. A few years later and Rarity was one of her best friends. Funny how life works.

Almost as funny as Apple Bloom's dress-making skills, which also had a relation to how disasterous the morning had been. Poor Apple Bloom. One day she'd get her cutie mark but it wouldn't be in making something clothing related that didn't burst into flames. Odd how often that happened. Odd and troubling. Very troubling. Applejack was troubled. Applejack was troubled for many reasons.

"Thanks fer yer concern, Rarity. Apple Bloom made one heck of a mistake. She decided ta go ahead and make her own dress for some sorta formal school thingiemajig- Ah dunno what its called. Wasn't a dance Ah've ever heard've. So she decides in her, err, better judgement, that whale oil would be good for...somethin'. Quite frankly Ah dunno, Ah was just payin' attention to puttin' tha fire out when it came into contact with the sun this mornin'. The formal whatever it was is this afternoon and she needs a dress. Ah'm supposed ta pick somethin' up an' deliver it in a few hours and no other shop has 'er measurements. Hehehe, guess you could say you've got me over a barrel!" Applejack ended with a laugh which quickly died into a nervous chuckle.

"Ahhh...please don't double tha price on me."

[QuickLime]

WHALE OIL!? Oh dear goodness me! She must have read that bogus article some hack wrote about how Whale Oil added luster and shine to fabric! It did no such thing! It made it very flamable, stiff, and unpleasant to the touch! Oh poor Applebloom, poor Applejack! As she truly seemed distraught over the whole mess! And it was such short notice! a Few hours was hardly proper time for a pony to whip up a formal piece!

Any pony other than Rarity that is...! She chuckled "Charge you double price? Oh Applejack Darling don't even think of that! Does she need something custom. or something off the rack fitted to her measurements? Because if it's the first one, I can certainly whip together something for her, and if the other..well I can certainly do that too! These formals are so important for a young Filly! She might want to catch the eye of a young colt, or perhaps just be a glamorous bell of the ball! I'll help her shine brighter than the horn of Celestia!"

[SteelEagle]

If there was on pony who could do what was needed, it was Rarity. She was a miracle worker when it came to getting fashion done just right in a limited amount of time. Had she EVER failed? Applejack couldn't remember anypony ever saying so, not when it was under her direction. The only shock to the system she could remember was when Applejack and the others took charge of their own 'designs' and went about making a fool of themselves and Rarity herself. That turned out dandy in the end but it wasn't a scenario Applejack was all that quick to repeat. Best to let the designer design, a professional seamstress and one mare production facility to boot who weaved what she wanted into the fabric. If Applejack cared more about fashion then Rarity would be the bees knees, the end all be all because she doubted that anypony in the world was as fine as she when it came to what she did.

The real question was, off the rack or custom? It had to look good but everything Rarity made looked good. Custom would likely work out, but that would be an option of last resort in case they didn't find something off the rack. Rarity would definitely be able to whip something up that was custom and amazing before the time limit drew to a close, but that would consume her day. Best do the neighborly and cheap thing and do off the rock.

"Hmmm, those'r some good options, Rarity. Ah think off tha rack would be jus' fine since we need it lickity split. Maybe if we don't find somethin' thar Ah can order up somethin' custom. Don't wanna take up all yer day on it. So, uhh, when was tha last time she was measured? She's a growing filly. Ah don't wanna get her somethin' too small and then she thinks she's too big or plump or somethin'," Applejack stated bluntly as she looked over the dizzying array of dresses that may as well have been one giant collective of colors draped together in blinding fashion.

[QuickLime]

Hnn when WAS the last time dear little Applebloom got measured... Rarity tapped her chin pondering "Hn, well Applejack the last time I checked her measurements was when I helped Sweetie Belle with her costumes for her play, and that was just last week! So I still have them up to date for sure" She nodded, glancing at the racks, eyes narrowing as she scanned them over for the perfect ensemble for Applebloom...

AH-hah! On the wrack she saw just the thing for such an occasion, her horn glew with her magic as the dress levitated off the rack, it had the cutest lace sleeves, with the skirt the same color as AppleBloom's bow! The blouse was white and had a cute apple motif on the collar, and the pretty pink skirt had green vines and little yellow flowers all along the boarder. It was perfect for a formal, granted not as classy as Rarity would like but..

"What do you think of this AppleJack? If you want something of it altered it will be a snap to spruce up, I made this with the spring and flowers and apples in mind " She admitted, blushing a tiny bit "It's Applebloom's size almost! It just needs taken in at the waist.."

[SteelEagle]

Applejack had almost forgotten about their little play. She hadn't been able to attend but had heard glowing reviews...about the dresses, at least. Nopony could seem to remember a lick of of what the play was about or what was said or how the fillies had acted but everypony was full of effusive praise about the costumes. She had wanted to attend but sadly, certain aspects of farm work had to be done at certain times of certain days and aww shucks that just so happened to coincide with the play. Drats and darnit. At least Apple Bloom had fun and it looked as if her measurements were not taken in vain. Rarity produced a cute little thing which she had on hoof, which was only a little odd- she must have had extra dresses made for all the little Crusaders. Or for everypony in town. Did she have a line-up made for Applejack? When was the last time she had her measurements taken? Her gala dress still fit but she felt like she had slimmed down a tad. Granny Smith was increasingly less involved with the farm which increased Applejack's work time, burning calories off day by day. A size smaller? Well, of course.

The dress was good. The stitching was as fine as you could expect from Rarity and the laying was perfect. None of it screamed tacky which was always just the slightest concern with Rarity. She was a creative juggernaut but sometimes her creativity went haywire and she started producing some odd stuff or hats six times too big. But when she was on her game, Applejack didn't doubt she was among the best if not the best in the world at what she did and after Applejack's experiences in her position, that meant something more. Of course Applejack had taken some of the skills she had learned back with her and there was a reason Apple Jewel looked just fine if a bit gaudy, but Rarity was a master painter compared to Applejack's broad strokes and while this wasn't a masterpiece, it sure as heck was adorable and Apple Bloom would look dandy in it and love it. If she didn't, Applejack would make her.

"It looks real nice, Rarity. Ah'm sure Apple Bloom'd love it! Hehe, she might be tha only one thar with a dress made by a famous dressmaker. She'll be the belle of tha ball and then some," Applejack nodded, "once it's taken in at tha waist it'll be perfect. Thanks for doin' this, Rarity."

[QuickLime]

If Rarity could go the rest of her days without ever hearing "Apple Jewel" ever again, it would be too soon! She had acted so ridiculously to impress somepony that didn't give a flying hoof about her talents, her work, or HER at all! Oh her face could burn if the memories came to mind, but thankfully AppleJack had refrained from doing something so horridly embarrassing!

Rarity tittered happily as her dress passed the AppleJack approval process! The waist was a cinch to take in too! Levitating it over to one of the dress dummies that was filly sized, Rarity walked over with a needle and thread, with a swip, swip of her needle and a gentle tug the dress was perfectly sized "Oh AppleJack you flatter me" putting a hoof to her face and blushing softly at AppleJack's honest praise, levitating the dress up and neatly folding it, before tucking it into a shopping bag... pondering a second she glanced over at her display case of jewelry and out floated a cute little apple hair clip which she added to the bag "After all, what little filly doesn't like accessories?" she rationed.

When the whole process was done she offered the bag to AppleJack "Here you are dear! It's my pleasure to do this for you, after all you've helped me so much in the past, and I do want AppleBloom to have a wonderful time" Rarity smiled sincerely "Come in any time she or you needs anything"

[SteelEagle]

Applejack took the bag Rarity offered gratefully, knowing full well that for all intents and purposes Apple Bloom could appreciate it more than Applejack ever could. Don't get Applejack wrong, she admired the craftsmareship that went into something as elegant and fine as this. It took not just a seamstress but a creative juggernaut to mold a new reality consisting of a fevered imagination and a superior craftsmare or even a simpler imagination with a cutting fine eye for detail. Rarity was at the top or deserved to be at the top of her field for that very reason, as she could do both just as well and really show off all that went ino the process of creativity. Applejack respected the heck out of that, reminded of her working on her farm. There was a rhyme to the timing of harvests and the subtle manipulations of the field and they both understood the importance of putting yourself on the grindstone and chiseling away at yourself for the good of your work. Just because Applejack's was more physical and Rarity's mental didn't make either one less worthy of respect or admiration, Applejack believed.

No, it was simply that Apple Bloom really enjoyed looking like she was the queen of the universe and Rarity provided the perfect set to accomodate that. Applejack didn't mind dressing for the occassion, or at least she didn't mind as much as she used to, but when it came down to it the whole scene wasn't her thing. She would much rather wear nothing than wear something that didn't have a utility to it, but Apple Bloom was a different pony who had a greater desire. That was why Applejack would always go to Rarity. It wasn't just that they were great friends, but that if Applejack didn't go with Rarity she would get an inferior dress and Apple Bloom would notice. And a slightly ticked off Apple Bloom caused an incredibly vexing headache to emerge.

"Hehe, she'll love it. All those little accessories, Ah bet tha fillies just love'm. 'Course, the real problem will be convincing her not to wear this every day," She laughed, imagining Apple Bloom working the fields in this and producing a wail-inducing tear. Ahh, fillies. They were endless entertainment, "thanks again, Rarity. How much do Ah owe ya again?"