Opened 20 August 2060 by Vera Saylor and Milan Wellbelove, Cloak & Coven is a fashion shop in Diagon Alley specializing in formalwear for Men, Women, and Everyone Else. The shop has a warm, inviting feel inside, and often smells of whatever seasonal candles are burning.
Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2023 6:05 pm
Products & Services Offered
Formal & Business Attire *All Prices as Marked, all include Fitting & Tailoring
⤅Bridal Veils ⤅Jewelry (Made by Lochi Bardsdale of Bardsdale Fine Jewelry) ⤅Shoes (made by various shoe designers) ⤅Brassieres & Lingerie (Designed to fit under the gowns, of course) ⤅Stockings & Hosiery ⤅Socks ⤅Neck & Bow Ties ⤅Handkerchiefs ⤅Boutonnieres and Corsages (provided by Bouquets & Bowtruckles) ⤅Hair Accessories, such as Tiaras, Headbands, and Veil Clips
Services Offered
⤅Tailoring & Alterations (any clothes, not just ones purchased here) ⤅Fitting Services & Measuring ⤅Bridal Coordination ⤅Wedding Planning Resources (Along with Several Partners) ⤅Fitting Parties (including drinks, charcuterie, photography, and more!) ⤅Personalized Design & Outfit Creation
Party Planning Partners
⤅For Goodness Bakes! - Hogsmeade {{Cakes, Desserts, and Custom Cookies}} ⤅Scrivenshafts Fine Writing - Hogsmeade {{Stationary, Invitations, RSVP Cards, Etc}} ⤅Magic Clips - Hogsmeade {{Hair Styling, Formal Updos, Wedding Party Pampering}} ⤅Moore Italian - Hogsmeade {{Catering, Fine Italian Cuisine, Custom Menu Options}} ⤅Bardsdale Fine Jewelry - London {{Wedding & Engagement Rings, Custom Jewelry, Sparkle Specialists}} ⤅Blood Moon Bath & Beauty - Diagon Alley {{Spa Day Packages, Custom Bridal Favors, Custom Scent Discovery Packages}} ⤅Le Petite Fantasie - Diagon Alley {{French Catering, Fine Dining}} ⤅Bouquets & Bowtruckles - Diagon Alley {{Floral Arrangements, Boutonnieres and Corsages, Bouquets}} ⤅ShutterButtons Photography - Diagon Alley {{Wedding & Event Photography}} ⤅ Hidden Treasures - Edenborough {{Custom and Unique Jewelry}} ⤅ Terror Tours - Diagon Alley {{Honeymoon and Vacation Destinations}}
After several months of hard work, it was finally time to open their shop. August 20, just in time for all their families and friends to join them in celebration. Milan had even paid for Theo Ellis-Hall to make a huge batch of vegan friendly cookies, cakes, and fancy scones (all guaranteed to be peanut free!). The shop was perfectly tidy, dresses and suits on display, along with what must be the sassiest mannequin they could possibly have gotten. Several people Milan recognized from around Diagon and Hogsmeade were here, alongside those he and Vera loved most.
Taking a deep breath, Milan stepped forward to give a little welcome. "Hey everyone. I, and Vera as well, want to thank everyone for coming. Without the help of our family, friends, and all the wonderful people we've met along the way, we might not have gotten here. So thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts. And welcome in, for the first time of many... hopefully, to Cloak & Coven." He pushed open the doors, a wave of magic serving to keep them open, as he gestured everyone inside. This was the first day of something great, and he couldn't keep the smile off his face. Turning to his co-owner, Milan gave a small cheer.
"Can you believe it's finally here? We have a shop, and beautiful designs... and look at this support! We did it, Vera. We finally did it."
✬✫VERAYVESSAYLOR 25 years || halfblood squib Wedding Planner, Dressmaker, and Co-Owner Cloak and Coven _______________
20 August 2060. It was almost 8 full months since Milan Wellbelove had mentioned the idea of starting their own shop with a focus on dresses and suits– their own design line and store.
“Yes, but dreams aren’t real, Milan.”
“Dreams are too real."
Of course, it had been eight months of hard work, getting a space, learning to read each other’s notes, and formalizing partnerships with people she had just asked for wedding collaborations on project-by-project basis before. Vera had been skeptical at first–she had known Milan since he was but a young customer inspecting the designs at the Bewitched Boutique. But he had beautiful designs, and said she made amazing dresses. So as they worked together, translating sketches to pieces of wearable art, Vera had started buying a little bit more into this dream of her own shop, of more beautiful dresses and beautiful events that would actually be worth remembering for forever.
She remembered that first night touring the empty space. The first time they decided on logos, the conversations on everything from how to set the space to how to organize the back room. Already the late nights as they prepared samples to bring to Fashion Week, as they set things up and ordered new materials and tools. For at least the last three months, Vera had daydreamed of this very day. It was remarkable that nothing had gone terribly wrong yet.
Milan gave the speech, welcoming everyone in. The younger lad was much better at public speaking, Vera decided. He smiled and emoted, thanked people, and spoke with the confidence of a leader. Vera was much better standing next to him, smiling and memorizing every face in the crowd. There were her mums of course, and Galen and Wally. Milan’s family: his equally fashionable sisters and Madame Charlotte Wellbelove. Lena and Jeremy had even taken the time to be there in support. Familiar faces, of people she knew and trusted, that Milan knew and trusted.
Together, she and Milan pushed open the doors and with a wave of magic, Milan kept them open, gesturing everyone inside. The lights lit up. The mannequins were posed, holding cookies and fancy confectionaries, welcoming the crowd in. Even the sassy one was there, sitting with its legs crossed on the piano seat, a tray of cider-filled champagne flutes in one hand, the other gesturing grandly at the shop. Their shop.
Milan turned to her excitedly. “We did it, Vera. We finally did it.”
“Dreams are too real,” she murmured in reply, but Vera was beaming brightly with pride and excitement. He was right. The grand opening was finally here. They had a shop, they had beautiful designs already on display and there were people there to see the designs and celebrate the opening with them. ”There’s so many people. Hopefully not every day is so crowded though or else we might have trouble getting things done.”
Milan grinned over at Vera when she remembered what he'd told her several long months ago. i]Dreams are too real! He'd been so excited, and she agreed to share his dream. Between the two of them, the shop was full with all kinds of wonderful outfits, plus all the things their friends put in for display. And it was thanks to the big group that they were open today, and with such a big crowd.
Vera mentioned there were a ton of people, and a hope it wasn't always this hectic. "Oh, no. I don't think it will be. After all, super special events aren't an everyday thing. Honestly, I think a lot of people are here for those French Vanilla cupcakes that Theo made. Or the little dress and suit shaped cookies. I ate one earlier, and it was pretty dang good." He laughed quietly, knowing that the vast majority was there to celebrate the shop's grand opening. But that also made it super real, so it was a nice stress relief to push the focus elsewhere. Of course, Milan knew that Vera was a ton smarter than him, not to mention her insane memory, but sometimes, he figured he'd try to take some tension off her shoulders.
╔════════════════════════════╗ Taylor Olson Eighteen Years Old - Gryffindor Alumna - Halfblood Witch Weekly Photographer ╚════════════════════════════╝
Taylor had gotten a first look at the shop before opening that morning to take photographs before anyone could mess any of the organization or merchandising up. She loved the sassy mannequin most and was glad that if anyone had a sassy mannequin in a Diagon Alley shop, that it was Milan. Of course, this wasn’t her first time taking a peak at the shop. She had seen it over the past couple months as he and Vera prepared for the store’s opening day. Taylor had also still been seeing Milan in secret and found that it was easier to do in secret while living at home than when they were at Hogwarts, sneaking off to the Prefect baths or Milan’s dorm. It was always pretty easy to lie to others, saying they’d be studying or working on club projects together, but almost getting caught on multiple occasions would have completely blown their cover. Now that they graduated and Milan lived on his own, no one was going to catch them.
Standing off to the side, Taylor watched Milan give a speech in between of taking shots of him and Vera, their partners, and the crowd. She stood back, following the group inside as she snapped more pictures. After some time, she put her camera down, letting it hang from the strap around her neck, spotting Daphne nearby. “The shop looks spectacular, hey?” she asked, starting up a conversation with the blonde. They had, of course, stayed in touch throughout the summer, but haven’t had much of a chance to hang out after graduating with all of the job hunting and working on kick starting their careers, besides for birthday celebrations.
((OOC: outfit in left picture))
In the m i d d l e of the night, we can form this d r e a m I wanna feel you by my side, s t a n d i n g next to me
Cinnabun Gryffie
Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2023 3:18 pm
✬✫VERAYVESSAYLOR 25 years || halfblood squib Wedding Planner, Dressmaker, and Co-Owner Cloak and Coven _______________
Milan replied cheekily that most of the crowd was probably just there for the French vanilla cupcakes that Theo had made. Vera knew he was being glib, and smiled ruefully in response. Later, perhaps, the words would rattle around, twisting terribly around in her head, but right now Vera was in work-mode, which meant letting everything roll off her with a smile.
"I'll have to have one myself later," she replied. She had been a bit too nervous to eat all morning, but maybe once the pleasantries were done, she could enjoy them.
"Your friends have all been incredibly professional," she remarked, noticing the photographers take a moment between busying around taking pictures. She spotted one of Milan's sisters jotting something down mid-conversation with Lena. Photographers, journalists...even a Spanish designer they'd met at Fashion Week--they were more Milan's people than hers. Still, Grand Opening or not, it was exciting to be featured in the Daily Prophet and discussed.
"Is this normal for you? The paparazzi, the people, the.... attention?" Vera wondered aloud, savoring the quiet moment. Any moment someone would come to claim Milan's attention. But for now, she was safe just standing by his side and smiling.
xx❧Wʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀᴍ I?Cloak & Coven xxx❧Wʜᴏ ɪs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ?Taylor, Various Fashionistas xxxx❧Wʜᴀᴛ's ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴏɴ?C&C Grand Opening xxxxx❧Wʜᴀᴛ'ʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs?Maybe I can get a ton of extra work?
"Hey nerd, where are you going to all dressed up like that?"
"Maybe she's got a hot date. Ehhhhh nevermind. No one wants to date Scout."
"Max! Lee! Shut up! I have work to get to, unlike you two freeloaders."
"Right, right, your job as a three-pence hooker. Forgot. My bad."
"Shut up! I'm not a prostitute, Max."
"Right, because you're too horrifying to look at. Here, don't worry, I can help."
"Augh! What is that?! Soup? It stinks, Lee! Who raised you?! A freaking ape?!"
"I've had more than enough of your attitude, Daphne Opal. You need to figure out somewhere to go, because I'm sick and tired of this. You've got a job, great. Find a place to be instead of distracting your brothers from school."
oOoOoOoOo
After several cleaning charms, a change of clothes, and a few spritzes of perfume, Daphne simply apparated from her room, no doubt earning a scolding from her mom with the sound. She barely made it to Cloak & Coven in time for Milan and Vera to open the doors and let in the crowd. Daphne worked quickly to assemble her camera, then set to clicking. She followed the group inside, stepping into their small office space to set her camera bag somewhere safe. Stepping back out, she continued her snapping, finding herself standing beside Taylor Olson.
“The shop looks spectacular, hey?”
"Huh? Oh. Yea, it's really nice. It looks very well put together." She mumbled, before her brain caught up to herself. She didn't want to upset one of the few friends she had, after all. "Sorry, I just had a rough afternoon. I was going to wear a nice navy dress I made just for today, but Lee...um. Lee accidentally spilled soup on my dress. So I changed and had to hurry to get here in time." She tried to make her house sound less horrible than it was, especially her mom's harsh words. She'd already figured she'd use her one day off this month to go searching the magic and muggle world for any sort of flat within her budget... so probably a slum or squat house somewhere. But maybe she'd get lucky.
Milan nodded happily when Vera mentioned wanting to eat a cupcake later. "You certainly should. I bet working in Hogsmeade was a nightmare for having to pass the bakery every day. I would've gained fifty kilos." He laughed softly, glad that Vera seemed to be smiling, even if it was faint. Admittedly, with how much exercise he'd put in that final year for Quidditch, he probably wouldn't have gained any weight... except when he was in the hospital wing.
Vera mentioned his friends being professional, and Milan shrugged a bit. "Most of the people here are more of... business acquaintances? Only a couple people are friends outside of work. Then there's my family, which is the same size as yours, just shuffled a bit." He glanced over at Echo, wondering what she was talking about with Lena Davisson. "I learned networking from my mom, I guess."
A small sigh escaped Milan as Vera asked if this was his norm. The cameras, crowds, and... attention. "Not for a long time, no. We used to be in features with mom, because she was supposedly a hero for having 4 kids or something. But once we weren't cute toddlers anymore... well, we stayed home. With one nanny or another. Mom was always busy, so we didn't get the most face time ever. And once we went to school... we were all but forgotten from the spotlight." He looked over at Vera, dark eyes tired from all the work he'd put in. He glanced over and spotted Daphne, before gently nudging Vera.
✬✫VERAYVESSAYLOR 25 years || halfblood squib Wedding Planner, Dressmaker, and Co-Owner Cloak and Coven _______________
Milan replied that it must have been difficult having to walk by the bakery every day.
The scent of coffee and breakfast hit Vera all at once. Dark roast on the morning breeze. Maybe a cup--Another door opened and the scent of waffles and syrup reminded her of her brothers at Hogwarts-- they were likely up by now. They had Charms in an hour--no, that had been their first year schedules. What was the new schedule? She walked faster, flats scuffing against the cobblestone and dared not look at the coffee shop in the corner as she passed. No temptations. She almost had enough for a crystal ball--the tarot deck--the spellbook. Focus. A few seconds of restraint. The moment she got to the apothecary she'd be surrounded by non-edible smells.
She used to take the floo in the afternoon to Hogsmeade and did her best not to be deterred. The mix of mouthwatering smells that came in waves around the lunch and dinner rush could have come from anywhere-- the bakery, the cake and tea shop, one of the pubs, the pizza shop. Every so often she'd have to go outside--and stare at the Hogwarts castle looming overhead, still laughing at her after all those years. If she walked too close, she would see Harmony's reflection in the water. A lump, bittersweet and confused and angry, welled up in her chest again.
Vera took a deep breath and rubbed her fingers along the lace of her sleeve, taking in the present stimuli-- the comforting texture of lace and embroidery, the familiar scent of fabric tinged with the light scent of cookies and various perfumes blended around. Back to the present. She managed a reply: "When I first started working, I was focused on saving everything I could for...for supplies. By the time I was through with that, I'd built up quite the defense against everyday temptations. Although...I probably shouldn't remind you we're just down the street from the coffee shop and breakfast place now, huh?"
When she commented that his friends seemed quite professional, Milan shrugged, noting that it was much the same size as her own family, just shuffled differently. He'd learned networking from his mom.
When she asked if this was the norm, he sighed and explained that hadn't for a while now, and that they'd been forgotten from the spotlight. Forgotten. The word echoed, resounding deep within her, dragging up memories like a riptide. Vera folded her fingers together and concentrated on his other words, on building a reply to that, to stay grounded. She met his gaze, blue eyes narrowed in determination not to get swept along today, not today, not when they'd worked so hard to make today happen--
Milan nudged her gently, remarking that one of his photographer friends was getting a candid, and Vera set her shoulders back, letting a serene smile fall back into place before she turned to look for the sneaky photographer. Conversations were so very hard.
"Thank you." She nodded in greeting when she spotted Daphne Greensborough, glad for the distraction from her thoughts. "The spotlight won't be forgetting you often now, we'll make sure of that."
Milan watched as Vera seemed to drift in thought, before grounding herself in the texture of lace. It was then that she spoke. She saved up her money for supplies... though she didn't specify supplies for what. Though apparently her strict saving led to a defense against frivolous spending, which is what he needed to learn. Vera mentioned the coffee shop and Milan let out a laugh. Oh trust me, I don't need reminding. I've been to the coffee shop just about every morning since I moved in. I guess I just traded in one vice for a slightly less... dangerous vice." He exhaled softly, thinking back to his sixth year, where he couldn't function without false energy coursing through his veins at all times.
Now he'd given up the Wide-Eye Potions, he needed a substitute. His sleep, once held by Dreamless Sleep Potions, was now managed by his mood stabilizers... but they never quite helped with daytime energy. For that, he'd found a love of coffee, though it was a far cry in effectiveness. He didn't want to mention that he often went several times for caffeine, mostly so Vera wouldn't worry. His sisters... his mom... he was pretty sure they knew, but even still, he couldn't admit his struggles.
Then again, his family seemed to have their own things going on. Even when the Wellbelove family was in the spotlight, it always seemed to be for someone else's achievements. Even at school, where he'd worked so hard and gotten beat out. He drew a deep breath, pushing those thoughts way down deep where they wouldn't ever see the light of day. Not when they could so badly hurt those he loved most.
After their smile for Daphne's camera, Milan watched her send over a thumbs up before shifting to take pictures around the room. "Of course," he said, voice soft so no one might overhear him on constant alert for people that might expose him for the sham he felt. Then again, Daphne never seemed to do anything mean... and Taylor, well.... He figured she wouldn't do anything too terrible.
"The spotlight won't be forgetting you often now, we'll make sure of that."
Blue eyes looked over at the blonde, now wide with surprise and curiosity. Did he even want the spotlight? Or would he continue hiding from its path to put those he cared about in the limelight.
"Well, you and I both have reasons to not be forgotten. But... the spotlight can be overrated too."
Linsey Grey-Cavendish Ravenclaw │ Fifth Year │ Fifteen Years Old │ Single
Linsey’s clear blue eyes were alight with excitement tonight, as she took in the event she’d helped Milan and Vera put together. ‘A dream given form,’ was what she was thinking, seeing the shop and all the folks here to celebrate. In a way, this was a little bit of her dream too, as she’d gone from showing Milan and Vera the contents of her sketchbook full of designs and partially-formed ideas, to actually making these designs become real for other folks to marvel at. Linsey was happy to have the chance to help them give their dreams the form they deserved, and glad she could be part of the launch, as it was less than a fortnight before her return to Hogwarts.
It was already a busy summer, with family events taking place, and taking a position over the summer at Cloak and Coven. Aunt Lynn was disappointed Linsey wasn’t going to spend the summer with her in Egypt, especially since it was Mom who’d vetoed the internship with Gringotts. Meeting Milan at the Club Carnival at the end of the term went a long way towards her getting Mom’s permission to work in the newest shop in Diagon Alley. However, before she was allowed to go to work, there was a long talk which needed to happen.
Hannah understood her daughter very well, and knew Linsey was crushing hard on Milan when she saw all the drawings of him in her sketchbooks, learned it was he she was keeping company of the holidays, after being badly injured in a Quidditch match, and noted how Linsey was looking at Milan when Hannah was introduced to him. She knew these things because it hadn’t been all that long ago that she’d done and thought similar things herself. As gently as she could, Hannah had to explain why as much as she understood the reasons, the two of them could never be more than just friends and coworkers, not while he was an adult and Linsey was not. As unfair Linsey thought things were, Hannah pointed out it was more unfair it was of Linsey to potentially place Milan in a potentially difficult situation. But it wasn’t all bad; Hannah told her that she was impressed with Milan, and if Linsey’s feeling were genuine, she need wait only three years.
One project Linsey was able to complete was the dress she wanted to create for the grand opening, using the new skills she’d been learning at the shop. It underwent several revisions and rethinks before she arrived at a design with which she was happy. It consisted of a long multi-layered asymmetrically designed skirt of silver and icy-blue tones made to accentuate her own height, with a bodice concealing a built-in corset, and made with a shoulder-baring neckline. To complete the outfit was a pair of icy-blue shoes with four-inch heels (Mom wouldn’t let her buy the six-inch pair she’d originally been eyeing), and her long snowy-white hair was worn up off of her neck, and held in place with a pair of long, blue lacquered wooden hair-stays.
It was her first effort to come up with something like this, a far cry from the graphics-laden shirts, and even the dress she’d made for the Carnival, and she’d needed Milan’s help with the corset and the bodice. However, the final effect was enough to impress her mother, and cause her father to wonder when his little daughter with the flyaway hair got so tall. The incoming Fifth Year could pass for an adult dressed as she was, and the shoes helped her to look six feet tall. More than anything she wanted the chance to showcase the skills she’d learned already.
Looking around, she easily spotted Milan and Vera, and she glided across the floor towards them. “Milan, Vera, the shop looks so amazing,” she said, when she was sure she wasn’t interrupting something important.
OOC:
Cinnabun Gryffie
addaellis
"All my life I never really knew me till today Now I know why, I'm just another step along the way
I lie awake for hours, I'm just waiting for the sun When the journey we are making has begun Don't deny the feeling that is stealing through your heart Every happy ending needs to have a start
All my life I never really knew me till today Now I know why, I'm just another step along the way "
Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2023 12:09 am
╔════════════════════════════╗ Taylor Olson Eighteen Years Old - Gryffindor Alumna - Halfblood Witch Weekly Photographer ╚════════════════════════════╝
Taylor agreed that the shop looked very put together, and the clothes didn’t look half bad either. In fact, the eighteen year old had already been eyeing a long, sparkly gown from across the store. “That’s too bad,” Taylor commented with a frown before continuing, “Navy looks good on you. Although, lavender is better for the summer.” The brunette matched the blonde’s pastel outfit with white sandals – both were very in style this year. Speaking of being in style, Taylor scanned the shop quickly, looking for a particular Wellbelove quadruplet. Sleeping with her brother stopped Taylor from thinking about Echo a lot of the time, but Milan also looked [i[so much like her that she also saw the girl’s face during the most intimate of times. Every time it happened, Taylor sank deeper into the illusion, going as far as pretending that she was actually sleeping with her frenemy (although some of the anatomy may not have been the most accurate). It wasn’t like Milan wasn’t hot – this was something that Taylor came to the realization about last year when she had first seen him shirtless. Maybe if they ever decided to come clean about their secret hook ups and actually date, it wouldn’t be so wrong. However, whenever she thought about doing that, she felt the biggest knot in her stomach.
((OOC: outfit in left picture))
In the m i d d l e of the night, we can form this d r e a m I wanna feel you by my side, s t a n d i n g next to me
xx❧Wʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀᴍ I?Cloak & Coven xxx❧Wʜᴏ ɪs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇ?Taylor, Various Fashionistas xxxx❧Wʜᴀᴛ's ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴏɴ?C&C Grand Opening xxxxx❧Wʜᴀᴛ'ʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs?Maybe I can get a ton of extra work?
Daphne offered over a small grin toward Taylor when she said that the blonde looked good in navy. "I'm honestly more upset that I spent two weeks making that dress just for my idiot brother to ruin it. And mom has a 'no magic in the house' rule. Three guesses who that affects." A small grumble escaped her, but Daphne had to reign it in. She turned toward Milan and Vera, watching as the brunette noticed, then both smiled toward the camera. Perfect. Daphne sent over a small wave, then looked back at Taylor.
"You know, that shade of blue does wonders for your eyes. And the rest of you, honestly. Here." Daphne stepped a few steps back, aiming her camera at her friend. Hopefully they'd get some good photos. Milan said he wanted a collage of sorts to remember their opening days. Daphne was honestly just flattered that she'd been asked to help, both for the Daily Dragon and just in general. It was pretty cool.
