Vacation Shopping (AKA Free Money!)

Last night, I had the pleasure of having dinner with a bunch of young and fabulous ladies, my sister's friends. My sister's in town and, because I'm her sister and hostess, I get to tag along with the cool kids. One of the cool kids was Frenchie, of the amazing Frenchie Skirts. I want a Frenchie Skirt real bad, but it's not the sort of thing you can buy on impulse, which is my preferred method of shopping for expensive things. One of these days, I'll have to get mad at my husband, feel sorry for myself and make an appointment to have a skirt made. And follow through before I forgive him. I hear it's addictive once you start, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Anyhow, last night Frenchie had on the most fabulous top (and shoes and coat, but let's stick with the top.) I think it would look nice on me, but she didn't offer to give it to me. Oh well. It turns out that she bought it on vacation, in a pinch. I love buying stuff on vacation or in a pinch! I'm not proud of this, but I've fantasized about having a black Prada dress overnighted from Neiman Marcus in the event of my husband's sudden demise*. Anyhow, the lovely Miss Frenchie was stuck in L.A., having worn all of the outfits she brought. Her flight was cancelled and she had to stay an extra day. Like any savvy traveler, she had packed only enough fabulousness to get her through the trip. And her hostess was having a party that night! Hello? Emergency! Frenchie had to have something to wear and she had to have something fast! She headed over to Rodeo Drive, bought a BCBG top (their fancy line, not that stuff you get in the mall) and Donald Pliner shoes. I emailed her for clarification, because I got well into a bottle of Prosecco at dinner. She very kindly retold the story** and closed with, "Will never be able to afford either again but...fun while it lasts."

And that, my friends, is the essence of vacation or in a pinch shopping. Frenchie's income didn't drastically change that day, so her budget was the same. But! She. Had. No. Choice! It wasn't her fault the flight was canceled. And she could hardly hide out in her room, completely nude, while her hostess had a party. The only thing to do was buy something to wear and not be too difficult about it. It would have been very poor form to do anything else. When put that way, you have to realize that Frenchie was a martyr. And did I mention that her hostess was a priest at All Saint's Episcopal in Beverly Hills? What would Jesus do? He would buy an outfit, without any thought about his personal finances. He would be selfless, just like Frenchie. And it really is a fabulous top. Maybe she'll let me borrow it...

The mathematical formula for vacation and/or in a pinch shopping is simple. Multiply by two. Multiply by four if you're lucky like Frenchie and experience both at once. And if it's still not enough, add a random number of your choice and whip out your credit card (or your parents' card...or your boyfriend's...) So, maybe I should order a Frenchie skirt by phone next time I'm out of town and suddenly have to go to high tea...

Namasté, y'all!

* Yeah, I kind of know that isn't funny considering his near death experience the other day, but he lived and all he has is a scratch on his finger. Whatevah!

** I love a good shopping story!!