On Pins and Needles

I'm sure tourists who walk on the uneven brick sidewalks around Boston Common think it's quaint.

But me in a pair of 3 inch red Manolos?

Not so much.
(also wearing a grey shift dress, nipped at the waist with a patent leather belt, short, 3/4 sleeve black jacket and of course...my black Chanel Timeless Clutch. Jewelry: thick black bangle and a fab long necklace with black, white and crystal beads.)

Don't trip, I keep telling myself. Don't trip.

As I casually (ok, really just tried hard not to trip) walked along the outskirts of Boston Common I had to laugh.

I haven't been to Boston in awhile and even though I took the wrong exit off the highway I still found my way to the Back Bay part of the city. I swear my car knows how to get there even without a GPS lady yelling at me.

No time to be lost now, I have a fabulous event to get to. In one piece.

I was about to come thisclose to history.

A fashion event in honor of the first female Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, who just wrote a book called "Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewelry Box".

I know, I know. You probably don't associate fashion with a government official...but throughout her career as the US Ambassador to the United Nations and then on to her post as Secretary of State Madeleine Albright made quite the fashion statement.

To let those around her know what she was thinking, what kind of mood she was in or what was going on in the world....she wore a pin. When she spoke to the Iraqi delegation she wore a snake pin (Saddam Hussein had a poem commissioned to run in the Iraq newspaper and in it she was called a "serpent"). So she let everyone know she could take it. And give it right back...in the form of a small fashion statement with BIG meaning.

I got to the store, St John's Boutitque on Boylston Street, with five minutes to spare.

I saw my friend Kristen right when I walked in. The PR company she works for was responsible for this once in a lifetime event.

Big hugs, compliments all around and then two amazing surprises. A copy of Madame Secretary's book and inside a generous gift card to the store.

The boutique was filled to capacity, everyone waiting to hear Madame Secretary tell us about her fashion statements, her pins.

And she didn't disappoint.

Who knew she was so funny? She had us laughing right away telling us about people we only see on the news. Heads of State who acted more like children than grown men. I loved every minute.

After answering questions Madame Secretary was kind enough to stay and sign books.

For all of us.

It was a long line.

A testament to her popularity.

For me, the line meant I could network. I had my business cards (thank you Annabel!) and as I talked I gave them out.

The reporter in me is automatically drawn to meet new people, the freelance writer in me is excited about my blog and wants to tell everyone about it...urge them to read it. (Ok...and then there's the fashionista in me who is dying to try on the ah-mazing clothes surrouding me. Fabulous colors: rich blues, hot pinks and perfect plums. )

Kristen was fabulous and introduced me to those I didn't meet myself.

I spoke to the manager of St. John's who suggested I come by the store for lunch. Such a gracious offer!

I met a woman who's handbag I couldn't stop staring at. Is it a Ferragamo? A Nancy Gonzalez?

None of the above. She bought it at a leather store in Beacon Hill years ago. And it turns out, she loved my handbag too! Funny how that happens. You're trying to be secretive and look at the bags others are carrying and they're doing the same thing.

After leaving the store, I walked through the Boston Public Garden. (Much better on the Manolos. No bricks).

This has always been one of my favorite parts of the city. So peaceful, so calm.

Massive change when I get back in the car and make my way out of the city of course. Honking horns, irritated drivers, lots and lots of brake lights in front of me.

So I took a different way and I played tourist in my own city.

I drove down Newbury Street checking out Chanel and Valentino. Looking at the new stores that have taken up shop on the famed street.

When I finally turned around to leave I was sitting in traffic.

I looked up at a storefront on Tremont Street and saw a sign.

"Psychic"

I smiled.

Maybe a few months ago I would have needed some direction.

A helping hand to give me an idea of where I should go. Who I should be.

But now?

I knew my way.

I didn't feel lost anymore.

I was back.

And it felt fabulous.

Friday with Chanel

I am addicted to Chanel.

There could be worse things to be addicted to....such as....those plastic Croc shoes or those hideous Very Bradley handbags. And you know what? If you didn't like Chanel, didn't know Chanel and didn't even care....you'd be addicted too. Why? Spend a Friday afternoon with Chanel and find out.....

This was the event that I couldn't WAIT to go to. As a member of the Museum of Fine Art's Fashion Council, this was the ONE get together I couldn't miss. No matter what.

A Spring Luncheon.

At the home of the Museum Director.

And....

A private Chanel fashion show.

Just for us.

I carefully picked out my clothes for the event. Enhanced my outfit with my silver Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes and of course...a Chanel handbag. I chose my large black quilted leather tote with the hot pink interior with the CC logo in black on the front. Just enough to show my admiration.

What I wasn't prepared for was how AH-MAZING the show was. The clothes, the shoes, those boots! The accessories and oh yes...the HANDBAGS!

The show took place during the luncheon. The models would come out one by one, walk around the tables, let us ask them questions about what they were wearing. So no, I didn't eat a thing. How could I? Surrounded by Chanel I swear I died and went to Chanel Heaven (which is how I want to be buried. Head to toe in Chanel, just in case any of my family and friends were wondering).

Everything was from Karl Lagerfeld's Pre-Fall Paris-Moscow collection. And everything was perfect. The white and black top made with beautful pailettes paired with a black chiffon skirt. With the boots I HAVE to have. Mid calf black leather boots with mongolian fur at the top. Loved it!

The Russian Red wool suit with the black piping paired with over the knee boots. This BRILLIANT red that was subtle with an attitude. I loved it. That was on my list of favorites. I kept that poor model at our table for at least 15 minutes asking her questions and examining the outfit.

Even after the last model strutted around our tables, the show wasn't over yet.

Another room in the house was set up to display all of the fabulous creations we just saw....and there was more. They set up a mini Chanel store. A dream come true! I got the scoop on some of the handbags Chanel will debut for Fall. I got to look at the beautiful clothes and try on some of the jackets....I could have stayed all day.

Alas my Chanel fantasy had to come to an end. ***Sigh***

Oh wait...I guess it never ends does it? Just two weeks later I was at Neiman Marcus buying one of the handbags I saw in the show. A fire engine red Chanel tote. Did you really think I would have walked away from that with nothing? Ahh...you know me so well.

Stiletto Stories

I was walking out of the ATM vestibule at my bank around eight o'clock one night, wearing my abstract leopard print, patent leather Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes, when I saw the car.

A beat up, blue car in need of a new muffler and a paint job.

As I tucked my Chanel wallet back into my tote I noticed the car had stopped.

And the driver was starting at me.

I was standing in a bank parking lot, after leaving the ATM.....with money...fab. Nothing like putting myself in a dangerous situation.

I would say the driver was waiting for a space, but the lot was empty except for my car....and at that moment it seemed very far away.

I took out my phone and started toward my car.

Then the blue car started toward me.

It was coming at me in a slow speed.

What was going on?!

I picked up the pace and tried to hurry toward my car, but the driver cut me off.

I thought she was going to hit me!

Then she did. But not with her car. She hit me with a compliment.

She rolled the window down and I just stared in disbelief. A plume of smoke floated out of the window and she yelled "Your shoes are AWESOME!"

Then I had a Carrie Bradshaw moment. The episode of SATC when she gets robbed in the alley. The robber takes her purse, her jewelry and her Manolo Blahniks.

I stared back at her and she took the opportunity to yell at me again. "Those shoes are #$%&ing AWESOME!"

I haven't used the word "awesome" since the 90's and the original Beverly Hills 90210 was on the air....but I wasn't about to correct my new friend.

"Um...thanks?" I squeaked.

"No problem!" she yelled back as she lit another cigarette, rolled up the window and drove away.

It was a drive-by I never expected.

A drive-by compliment.

I quickly got into my car, letting out a deep breath. And locked the doors.

Then I wondered. Did the driver go shopping to get her own pair of "awesome shoes"?

I've received a lot of compliments on this particular pair of Manolos...but I've never stopped traffic before.

And yes, they really are a FIERCE pair of shoes. Ok...and maybe they are a little bit awesome too.

The Silver Lining

I'm nervous.

Why am I so nervous?

I usually don't have a problem meeting new people. So why is my stomach in knots?

I look in the mirror and try to put on eye shadow.

My hand is shaking.

Ok, this has to stop.

I take a few deep breaths and finish my make up.

I look pretty good.

Apparently new eye shadow and mascara really does make a difference.

Now if it would only stop my heart from pounding so hard.

What is my problem>

I breathe deeply again.

And let it out.....

And gasp when I look in the mirror. My mascara left marks on my eye lid. Great. I'm like a ten year old playing with make up.

Fabulous.

I fix it and start the deep breathing again.

Ahhhh....

Breathing.....

I walk into my room to get dressed.

My LBD is waiting....it's been waiting. Hanging on the back of my door for weeks.

I've been so excited about this night it felt like it would never get here.

And now it's here.

And I'm a mess.

Breathing....breathing....breathing...

I was heading to my first Fashion Council event at the Museum of Fine Arts in the city.
The Fashion Council is a group of women, like myself, who appreciate and love fashion. Tonight's event was "Vintage After Dark". A close up on why vintage is so hot right now. We have a speaker from California in town. Cameron Silver. He owns Decades boutique in LA. His clients range from celebrities to those who just celebrate fashion.

So why was I so nervous?

I slip on my leopard print, patent leather Manolos.

I think I'm going to be ok.

One last look in the mirror,

I grab my Chanel clutch, my cashmere coat with the fur trim and I'm ready.

Really.

I am.

Ready.

Breathing....

I get to the Museum, sign in with the Fashion Council and head up to the restaurant to meet the other ladies and of course...Mr Cameron Silver.

Who I googled. Wouldn't you?

He not only lived up to his amazing pictures, he lived up to his amazing knowledge of vintage fashion. And he didn't mind dishing about some of the celebs either.

Suddenly I wasn't so nervous. I felt like I was in my element. A few of the women complimented my shoes and noticed my Chanel clutch. (a plus since I was at the Fashion Council) I wasn't sure what to wear, but apparently I picked right.

I walk around the room, chatting, sipping wine. I feel alive, I feel so much like me. I haven't felt this way in while.

I have MS and I was experiencing some symptoms. Some symptoms that could really ruin my night. I was a little dizzy and off balance. No one would notice. But I would. I fought through it. And for the next few hours immersed myself in the world I love so much.

Fashion.

Talking to Cameron Silver was definitely a highlight of the evening. I have never met someone like him before. I've seen him mentioned in just about every fashion mag I read (which includes the British versions too).

He inspired me to take more chances with fashion. Try new things for Spring. And he told me that of course....he had some fab things in his store.

A Silver Lining on a night when I felt like a dark cloud hovered over my head.

Now if he only had vintage Manolos....

Lost Sole

Christian Louboutin.

Petal Shoe.

In Black.

I look at the Neiman Marcus website and can't believe it.

THEY
HAVE
THE
SHOE!

Ok, deep breaths

This Christian Louboutin shoe is beyond words...but I'll try to explain.

Picture this:

It's a black strappy sandal with an ankle strap. On the front of the shoe, going up the front of the foot are round Petals made from black silky fabric so they'll flutter when you walk. And since it's a Louboutin, it has the famous Red Sole.

I have two events to wear the shoes to. One is a Fashion event at the Museum of Fine Arts. The other is the rehearsal dinner for my friend's wedding. These will be perfect!

I put in my order online and print out my receipt.

Joy!

The next day I check my email. It's not good.

An email from Neiman's tells me my shoes aren't available because they're on back oder.

But how can this be? They weren't when I ordered them the night before!

I call customer service. It's true. Back ordered. No date on their arrival.

WHAT IS GOING ON?!

These shoes JUST came out. They're part of the Spring/Summer collection!

But I was not deterred by this blip in my quest for the Petal Shoe. Oh no. If anything, this made me want them even more!

I carry on...

Bergdorfgoodman.com....not available. Ok....

Saks Fifth Avenue....not available on their website.

Call the store. The Sales Associate (Maria) hears the desperation in my voice. When I tell her I need them for a fashion event she rushes into action and starts calling other Saks stores.

Ok, she only calls two. Because only two stores have my size!!!

Stress!!!

She calls LA and Beverly Hills. LA does not have them. Beverly Hills has my size...but some woman already pre-ordered them. The nerve!

I take a deep breath.

Maria tells me if they get them in she'll call.

I have one last hope.

Barneys.

I normally don't shop their website. So when I log on I am AMAZED at the shoe selection. Why have I not shopped with them before?

I search.

And there they are...

In black. Size 6.

But I can't order them from the website I have to call the store. Great. It's 1 in the morning. It was a looong night.

I call right when I get up and talk to Donald in women's shoes. My new best friend. He has the shoe and is overnighting it to me!

I think about walking into the Museum of Fine Arts to attend the Fashion Event wearing my black cocktail dress, carrying my Chanel clutch. And on my feet? My fabulous new shoes!!! With the famous Red Soles. The Petals fluttering as I strut....I mean...walk....

The next day I practically run over the Fed Ex guy when he delivers them. Poor guy. Clearly he thinks I'm crazy.

But wait...


When I open the box, I'm not as excited as I was when I got my new Manolos. I'm sure that will change when I put.....them.....on....

WHAT?

When I put them on.

Put. Them. On.

I look down at my feet.

At the beautiful shoe.

They. Don't. Fit.

I look at the bottom of the shoes....that beautiful red sole...and I feel like a
Lost Sole...

I package them back up and make the call.

To Donald at Barneys.

He wants me to try a half size up. But I'm just not feeling it. The excitement is over.

Maybe I'm just a Manolo girl at heart.

And Barneys does carry Manolos....

A Woman's Right to Shoes

I heard the UPS truck rumble up my icy driveway.
Like one of Pavlov's dogs hearing the bell chime, I immediately sat up.

I waited.

As I listened to the UPS guy get out of his truck all I could think was "what is TAKING YOU SO LONG!!?"
I crept down the stairs when I heard the back door close.

AT LAST!

Taking a deep breath I slowly made my way through the kitchen to the screen porch.
There it was.
The delivery I'd been waiting for.

BLISS!!!

I opened the door and gazed down at the box from Neiman Marcus (also known as my second home)
I picked it up as a rush of excitement tore through my body.
Then I tore into the delivery box

Another deep breath....
Then heaven...

A bright white box with the most magical words written in black text.

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Carefully I took the top off, setting it down on the table.

I peeled back the tissue paper.

I slipped the shoes out and thought "Do I frame them or put them on my feet?"
When I lifted up the Black Satin d'Orsay stilettos with the ruched front and the oval jewel encrusted on the toe, I knew.

I stepped into them and felt like Cinderella (well, minus the stage coach, the horses, the lavish dress and oh...Prince Charming....)
I took a spin around the kitchen practically floating........

How is it possible that shoes can make you feel so wonderful?

Well, these shoes are not only an accessory to a bridesmaid's dress I'll wear in a February wedding, they're a symbol.

They're featured in my favorite episode of "Sex and the City":
"A Woman's Right to Shoes".

In it I am reminded that while I celebrate my coupled friends' happiness..... as a single woman, I need something special too. It's not always easy being single these days. But I'm happy.

And with a FIERCE pair of Manolos to lift me up....it makes it a little easier.

And a lot more Fabulous.