Lunch with Chanel Spring/Summer 2010

The models floated along the floor, each outfit even more beautiful than the last.

But what else would you expect from the Chanel s/s 2010 fashion show at Neiman Marcus?

I was one of the 20 women lucky enough to be invited to the show which started with an incredibly yummy lunch.

We were sitting outside of the Chanel boutique on the second floor. Tall, tasteful barriers were set up to give us privacy to enjoy the show.

The only difference between this show and the original show at the Grand Palais in Paris was...there was no hay.

That's right.

Hay.

And lots of it.

In Paris it surrounded the Chanel barn the models walked in and out of. It was Karl Lagerfeld's ode to a place in the countryside Coco Chanel loved to visit.

Although something tells me there wasn't as much hay on the original premises.

But Lagerfeld being Lagerfeld, had the stuff all over the place.

Even into the seats.

When I saw it online my first thought was 'How does one dress for a farm show, even if it is Chanel?'

Next thought was 'How did Anna Wintour react to the farm fashion scene?!'

So no hay at Neiman's, but plenty of classic Coco style for the Neiman Marcus Chanel fashion show.

Then through the dresses, the shoes, the jewelry I saw it.

It was a beautiful strawberry color, quilted leather clutch with the CC clasp on top.

One of the most amazing Chanel clutches I have ever seen.

And I had to have it.

The model was showing the clutch to the guests at the other table.

When was she going to get to our table?

Would someone else request the bag and I'd be out of luck?

Not if I could help it.

My favorite (and the best in my opinion) Neiman's sales associates (I'll call her E for anonymity) caught my eye and with a nod, she was gone.

Oh no!

What if E didn't know what I was looking at?

By this time another model was showing off another handbag.
I wanted to get up and see where E went, but I was stuck.

Surrounded by Chanel.

Normally not a bad place to be.

Except when the object of your desire may be out of reach.

The model got to our table and I finally got to hold the clutch.

It was the Chanel Timeless clutch.

I knew it well. I have it in black and had been looking for a color that would 'pop' with an outfit.

The strawberry colored clutch was it.

I opened it and gasped at the silky interior lining. Much more luxurious than the black one I've used dozens of times.

The quilted leather was perfectly constructed, not a stitch out of place.

Oh the places we will go!

If there is one left for me.

The other women were eyeing it too.

Oh boy.

Then I turned around and saw E.

My fabulous fashion friend. She was back. She looked at me, then the clutch and winked.

I had to laugh. How could I ever doubt her?

After the plates were cleared, the Chanel dresses, jackets and the other amazing pieces were on display...I took the escalator downstairs.

There it was sitting pretty in the black Chanel box surrounded by Chanel tissue.

My brand new Chanel Timeless Clutch in a bright, strawberry color.

Love at first sight.

"I knew this was the one that you'd want", E told me with a smile.

Ahhh,,,she knows me so well!

She had it all wrapped up for me within minutes.

Success!

I've used it at least a half dozen times since I bought it. I just love it!

It gets more attention than my shoes. Which in some cases is hard to do...but it does.

So...

The stress of wondering whether or not I would be able to have it....worth it.

The surprise reactions from people when they see it...love it.

Owning a Chanel clutch that I never get sick of looking at or tired of carrying.....

Oh you know the answer to that....fabulous.