My Customized Kelly

It's been 5 years since we moved to New Jersey and I am ashamed to admit that I am still unpacking boxes marked "Shoes and Bags." As I cut though the tape of one of these boxes recently, I came across my collection (well, mini-collection of 3) Hermès bags. RUINED!
Yours Truly had not packed them properly. No, they were not stowed in their beautiful sleeper bags. Nor were they stuffed with a soft cloth to hold their shape for their transamerican journey. I had simply tossed them in a large cardboard box - the 40 cm Birkin stuffed with 4 other handbags and my beloved Kelly crushed under a mass of Blahnik loafers and Clergerie wedges. Nothing separating shoes from bags except a layer of packing paper.
I don't know how this happened, but "said" paper actually STUCK to the courcheval leather. Yes, that is correct. Paper and Kelly Bag were now one. My heart sank as I delicately tried to separate the two media only to be met with stamped black leather on paper in my left hand and a "no longer embossed" leather bag in my right. Not even a visit to the Hermes Spa could cure this outcome.
So as I channeled my inner Buddhist, chanting prayers of detachment, I was beyond containment when I came across this image of the Olsen Twins posing with their less the perfect Kelly's prominently displayed for all the paparazzi to photograph.
Why not? Yes, why not? Why not wear the bag as I would wear my favorite sweatpants, frayed edges and faint perfume stains intact. Why not take one of the most precious items in my wardrobe and make it my "go to" piece for every and no specific occasion?
Leave it to the Olsen Twins for a little inspiration. Not that this would be the first time for that. Check out their incredible collection The Row  http://www.therow.com/ . LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I want everything! WANT being the operative word.
Detachment... Detachment... Detachment... Ohmmmm....

Patricia

So my incredibly chic girlfriend Patricia walks into my store today sporting these puppies. Needless to say, I turn an ever so slight shade of MILITARY green (gotta stay on trend). Actually, hers were even better because they had the blackened stud hardware making accessorizing a much easier feat. Anyhow, I digress...
After my initial flash on envy, I think about my closet filled with 100+ mm heels of all shapes and sizes - boots, booties, wedges, peep toe sandals, and pumps. And I start to wonder - When did I stop wearing heels? In LA, the only time I DIDN"T wear heels was when I was at the gym (but that's a whole other blog post altogether).
Is it the suburbs, the 3 kids or being 38 that has led to my current uniform of ballet flats and motorcycle boots? Whatever it is, I SHALL OVERCOME! I'm pulling out the highest heels I can find in my closet tonight and putting together the perfect outfit for tomorrow. Thanks, Patricia!

Dear Santa,

I know there is a recession going on, but I promise not to yell at my children ever again if you drug my husband, steal 3 of his credit cards, head to Marc Jacobs and bring me this coat for Christmas. At $7,900 you and I both know it's a bit of a splurge, but how can you put a price tag on perfection? Ahhhh, I can see me now - strolling down Broad Street, toasty in a fur cloud of blush mongolian lamb while a sea of black and brown down-filled puffer coats waddle past me. I am a Goddess amongst Michelin Men... Oh shoot! Gotta go, my daughter is swinging from the chandelier. CAMILLA!!!