SLINKY-SIREN GOES TO VEGAS!

SLINKY-SIREN GOES TO VEGAS!

I love Las Vegas it’s such a dichotomy, the glitz and tackiness, there’s lots of daytime fun and a decadent nightlife, all the new hotels and the mystique of by-gone days. You can take the kids and have family time; you can just hang by the pool and relax, or go see a show or headliner, there’s also lots of gambling and places to party! Me, personally, I like to lounge by the pool, enjoy good food, take in a show or see one of the current headliners; do some shopping and a little gambling.

Sometimes I wish I had been around during Vegas in the 6o’s when it was an adults-only playground and the “Rat Pack” was there; I love seeing the old footage of them performing at the Sands Hotel CopaBogies death, the group referred to itself as the Summit or the Clan, the term “Rat Pack” was only utilized by journalists and became the lasting name for this infamous group of men.

On my most recent trip in July; while lounging by the pool I decide I am in need of some swingin’ 60’s Vegas. So I tell the fabulous man in the lounge chair next to me that we need to get tickets to see Jersey Boys and go to a vintage restaurant for dinner; I know just the place. When you want to have a wonderful meal and feel that you’re back in old Las Vegas all you have to do is ask any local or a long-time cabbie and they will tell you about The Golden Steer steakhouse. It was built in 1958 for Sammy Davis Jr. who was not allowed to eat in the restaurants on the Strip at that time.

As I get dressed for the evening I choose my Slinky Siren’s because she reminds me of a pair of sling-backs my Grandmother used to wear. Hers were a rich green raw silk on a wood stacked stiletto heel; they were made in a time when they didn’t use plastic in shoes. My Grandmother was a shoe model at high-end department stores in the 1950’s when shoe designers made their samples in a size 5 (and people tell me I have small feet (size 7)). I pair her with a new dress I bought just for this trip, it is a flowing short green, orange & hot-pink dress with a bead and sequin encrusted empire waist which makes me feel very flirty and girly. I truly feel I am paying the proper respect to Frank, Ava, Marylin, Sammy and the pack and would fit right in at their watering-hole with my choice of attire for this evening.

When we arrive at our destination my date is taken aback by the exterior; I reassure him he’s in for a marvelous surprise inside. We walk in and the feeling of steak joint meets speakeasy washes over you and you feel like you just stepped back in time. All the seating is red leather with rich dark wood tables and paneling up the walls. The walls are covered with photos and paintings of the Rat Pack as well as many other old Hollywood. All of the booths have a name plaque and we are told that it signifies whose “regular” booth it was; the tuxedoed maitre’d ushers us to the Marylin Monroe booth in the front. There is also a Joe DiMaggio booth in the back; which is where Frank had his table moved after he and Marylin divorced. Although in one of my favorite photos of Marylin she is barefoot and is wearing a tutu-skirted type dress; I can still see her in these lovely green stilettos, clickety-clacking through the restaurant. The staff here fawns over you from beginning to end it’s really like being in a black and white movie; this is an extravagance I could definitely get used to. We eat at a very leisurely pace just like in bygone days before everything was “rush, rush, rush”. We order like we’re in the old days of Hollywood and there is no 24 hour gym and we are oblivious to what all this rich food can do to our hearts; ordering filet mignon, asparagus with hollandaise, sautéed mushrooms and of course martinis. When this most spectacular meal comes to an end, I almost want to see all the men in the restaurant gather to have a cigar and after-dinner drink.

Once our decadent dinner is over we head out to see Jersey Boys and are definitely thrilled with the show and the fantastic music! For a few more hours I get to stay in my 60’s fantasy world and it is marvelous! My only complaint the entire evening is that most people have forgotten how to dress for an evening out; I mean flip-flops and shorts to a Vegas show?! At least put on some nice jeans, a decent shirt (sans stains) and real shoes. Also for those of us who have to look at you and smell you; please take a shower and brush your hair after a day of drinking by the pool!

At the end of the evening we head back to the Bellagio and I am reminded of an old Marylin Monroe quote I’ve always loved:

“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world!”

SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE

I was drawn to her sunny color clear across the store, however for the first time I actually had no idea what I would wear her with, but it didn’t stop me from making her mine. I name her Sunshine for obvious reasons; I love the soft orange color and the oh-so light sheen of the raw silk; she most definitely cannot be worn in gloomy wet weather. When I get her home I decide she complements brown and tan, I try her on with both color pants and jeans; she looks wonderful with my tan knee length pencil skirt.


Because of her uniqueness and style I wear her the night the girls and I decide to go see SATC2; I pair her with jeans and my orange-multi-colored satin top. Before the movie we meet for appetizers, martinis, wonderful conversation and lots of laughter. The theater is only a short walk across the outdoor mall and it’s a beautiful warm spring night in California, upon entering we choose the perfect seats and I find that my girls have smuggled in flasks of Cosmos. Yummy! After the lights dim and the previews start; I discover that Cosmos are especially delightful paired with dark chocolate Nonpareils.

The movie is a pure fantasy adventure and very entertaining, the wardrobe choices are as outrageous as ever and the “scenery” is spectacular! About an hour into the movie I am distracted from the screen by an obtrusive light directly to my left (about 3 seats over) and notice a young woman texting on her cell phone. I wonder to myself; does the cute ad asking EVERYONE in the theater to silence their cell phones and not text during the movie apply to everyone except her? Sunshine is tapping hoping to irritate the bad-mannered girl and make her realize her mistake, ten seconds go by, then twenty, now Sunshine is tapping like crazy and loudly too! I clear my throat noisily this doesn’t faze her either, so I lean towards her and do it again; she seems to get the message and closes her phone. Several minutes later I see the familiar glow once more, before Sunshine can start tapping or worse; decides to kick the girl (whom I will now call B-MG, for bad-mannered girl, although I’d really like to call her something else), I lean over and ask her politely to close her phone because the light is bothering me. She rolls her eyes at me, sighs loudly, whispers to her friend, who leans forward to look at me, she finishes her text then finally closes her phone. I get to enjoy the movie for about another ½ hour before B-MG lights up her phone to text yet again! As she giggles and shows her friend the text, I can hear Sunshine singing “let the sunshine in, let the sunshine in…..” I turn on my iphone open the flashlight application, lean over and start waving it in her face! The guy behind me chuckles, B-MG glares at me, slams her phone shut and calls me rude, ME, are you kidding? Whitney who’s sitting next to me starts giggling and whispers “I knew you’d make her see the light!”

When the movie is over the girls and I are in the lobby talking when B-MG walks past us and gives me yet another dirty look; so I smile sweetly, laugh and wave!

At this point my SATC2 fantasy mind is taking over and here how it’s playing out in my own personal movie. I look around and notice everyone is much more stylish and better dressed and coiffed then when we went into the theater, the lighting is softer and Sunshine is glowing brightly from my feet. I now have on a flowing short dress in hot-pink, orange and white, which is blowing slightly in the breeze (yeah, I know, I’m inside, but it’s my fantasy!). Sunshine tightens around my toes and I can feel her scheming to get her revenge on B-MG for disrupting the wonderful fantasy world we were enjoying! All of a sudden Sunshine is on the move following B-MG; we’re closing in on her and her entourage I glance over slyly as we start to pass them. Unexpectedly Sunshine propels me to the left, bumping one of the minions who in turn collides with B-MG sending her tumbling to the ground. I notice her phone sliding across the carpeted theater floor; however before I can mutter an apology Sunshine is moving on; forward we go heading straight for the phone. My mind is screaming “OH, NOOOOO!” as I suddenly realize what her intentions are; however before I can stop her Sunshine has put one of her beautiful silk clad heels through the phone over and over until the light goes out! She loosens her grip on my toes, I feel her fury subside; ahhhhhh that feels good! A wave of sheer delight washes over me as I scoop up the phone debris and sashay back to where the commotion is. My feet are all a-tingle as I hand her the mutilated pieces and say “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see your phone there on the floor and I must have stepped on it.” I smile sweetly and walk away. As I’m gliding across the theater to the exit I can hear the mayhem Sunshine has caused fading behind me and I’m humming along with her “I’m walking on sunshine, woooah, I’m walking on sunshine, woooah, and don’t it feel good!”

Although she’s beaming brightly I’m afraid Sunshine was a little dark tonight!

The Stiletto Whisperer

THE STILETTO WHISPERER

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”

Okay so I didn’t do anything noble, however I do feel like a leader on the stiletto front lines! I wear stilettos most everywhere and I know how to style them with various outfits, I also love helping those in need of stiletto mentoring. Sometimes when I’m out and about I like to sit and people-watch and decide what shoes they should be wearing with their outfit; the color, style and heel height, before I look down and see what they are actually wearing. Sometimes I am disappointed; sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised and other times I’m right on the money (or should I say, they got it right?)! I love deciding what shoes someone will wear with a particular outfit or for a special occasion, I especially love building a look from the stilettos up. I even find myself in the shoe store overhearing conversations and interjecting my opinions, on whether or not a certain style looks good on someone or what to wear them with. I always chuckle and reply the same way when someone says “I can't buy these, I wouldn't know where to wear them.” My answer is “Anywhere and everywhere, be bold, have fun!”


With my penchant for stilettos it has never occurred to me that I might actually know someone who is a stiletto virgin! Not me, no way! Quite by accident I discover I do know one, however once I found out; she wouldn’t remain a novice much longer!

One day a few weeks ago after trying on the most adorable pair of grey suede stilettos with rosettes and an ankle strap with a big silver buckle and deciding I must have them; I notice my friend Susan roaming the store looking quite perplexed. Clutching my boxes of shoes (I can’t buy just one pair!), I ask her why the bewildered look? She tells me she is going out dancing for the first time in quite awhile and wants some nice high-heels (she’s always in flats). I ask her what she usually wears for an evening out and she says she wears flats or wedge style shoes. “What type of stilettos do you currently own?” I ask. “None, I haven’t worn high-heels since my wedding day.” She answers. I feel shock and confusion upon hearing this and it must have shown, because she starts laughing. Of course the next words out of my mouth are; “Let me take you through my wonderful world of stilettos!”

I ask her to explain to me what she’s looking for in a stiletto; she says she wants something strappy and light for wearing during our hot California summers, some height to them (like me, she’s about 5’4”) and she most definitely wants comfort while dancing, standing and walking and lastly she doesn’t want to fall and break her ankle or neck. With all of this in mind, I begin scrutinizing the shelves of shoes, I start handing her ones to ask for in her size; 2 pairs, then 4, up to 7 pairs going at once. As she tries them on and walks around, she tells me she’s surprised at how comfortable and easy to walk in they are. The secret is that I made sure to only choose shoes with a platform in the front because although the heel looks “teeteringly tall” the platform offsets the arch of the foot, making them more comfortable and easier to walk in. She loves 4 of the 7 pairs I’ve chosen for her and she can’t choose, so I suggest she think of what she will be wearing with them. After pondering this she is then able to select 2 of the pairs that will work for what she wants; so off we head to the cashier. “I’m so excited; I can’t wait to wear these!” Susan says as she hugs me goodbye. “Have fun and don’t break anything.” I say.

Oops almost forgot to tell you; she bought a brown pair and a black pair of strappy stilettos that are perfect for summer wear that can be worn with jeans or dressed up.

About a week later I call to check on my new stiletto student and am thrilled with what I hear. “I danced for hours, my feet never hurt, only my calves were sore the next day from all that dancing!” she exclaims. “I love high-heels now, thank you.” she says excitedly. “I’m so glad I could help.” I reply. “I’m a changed woman; I’ve already added more stilettos to my closet. When I'm out shopping I hear your voice telling me to think of what I will wear them with.” She tells me. 

After we hang up I begin to wonder; Is this a new journey, have I become The Stiletto Whisperer?

UNEXPECTED DELIGHTS! 

These beautiful, sweet but totally rockin’ stilettos are so much fun to wear; I always seem to get compliments whenever I have her on; maybe it’s because I feel like a rock diva in her and it shows! I named her Delightful Diva because delight is what I experienced the moment I tried her on; she felt wonderful on my feet and looked amazing. Carlos Santana (yes, the guitarist/singer-songwriter) and his designer did a wonderful job with these, the different shades of grey, the pointy-toe and unexpected strap at the front with the leather flower are what caught my eye right away. I have had my Delightful Diva’s for over eight years and whenever I put her on I think “Oh, my wonderful old friend, you still feel and look great!” I want to put on a Santana CD and start salsa-ing (not sure if that’s actually a word or not).  A segment from their advertising reads: “Carlos by Carlos Santana are hip, hot fashionable shoes designed for women who love to be in the spotlight.” I decided that was quite fitting for what happened last time I had her on my feet; let me tell you:

Usually during my busy work weekend I will wear a pair of my ‘power’ stilettos, so when planning my outfit for a less busy weekday (less busy people-wise, but busier with regard to paperwork) I decide I want something more comfortable and not quite as showy. On this particular Wednesday I choose a black skirt to my knees that has pleats all around the bottom (it’s one of those that's on the fine line of business-ey yet sexy), a grey & white pin-striped button-down shirt with white collar and cuffs with the cutest cufflinks. I then decide that my Delightful Diva’s are just the stiletto I need to complete my look.

On my way to work this morning I need to stop in at UPS to pick up a package I had sent to my old address by mistake. I drive up at about 8:30am and park right at the ‘will call’ door and notice all the UPS vans and trucks parked everywhere and am wondering what’s going on here this morning, it seems really busy. I walk up to the door and as I pull on it I notice it’s locked and the sign reads “Open 10am to 5pm”, I head back to my car and one of the men in brown asks if he can help. I tell him I am here to pick up a package, however ‘will call’ obviously isn’t open yet. He says “Let me see if I can’t get someone to help you.” “Thank you.” I respond. “Wait here; I’ll see what I can do.” He says as he heads into the massive warehouse. It dawns on me while I’m waiting that I have never been here at this early hour and since this is one of the UPS hubs, this is probably the time all the drivers pick up their loaded trucks for the day.

A few minutes later he re-appears and says “Susan is inside at her computer, she can help you, follow me.” I follow him into the warehouse that holds about 30 UPS vans and I am to quickly find out; 30 UPS drivers too! We head right into the fray; the men who seemed to have been talking, stretching and getting their morning coffee, part like the Red Sea as we walk through. I am aware that all eyes have turned to us and a hush passes through the swarm of men, however I can still hear a few muffled words; “Wow”, “Who’s that?”, “Sexy”, “Where’d she come from?” are all I can make out. I am looking from side to side, enjoying the view, back and forth I glance; when I suddenly realize “NICE” has escaped my lips (quite loudly, I might add). I hear several of them chuckle, one drops his aluminum travel mug and another says jokingly, “You made him nervous.” I laugh and I’m feeling a bit giddy and thinking this would be a great time for a musical number in the middle of the UPS warehouse. I want to be in one of Santana’s songs; E Papa Re, it has a great salsa beat and the words are close to what I'm experiencing at the moment:

“The sun is slowly rising, the day is just beginning.
Let me take you to a place you’ve never been to.
Imagine that you’re walking with me in the jungle.
The natives they are dancing and singing to a ritual.
The music’s getting to you, your knees are feeling shaky.
Your mind is getting dizzy, the spell is taking over.”

I swear I can feel the heat of the jungle washing over me and my feet want to start moving to the beat, when suddenly the cool blue light of Susan’s comupter brings me out of my musical daydream and I realize I've made it through the jungle of men!

Oh, well back to reality I guess……Now my mind goes to what I originally came here for; "Just where is that package of mine?"

GLADIATOR GIRL GOES DANCING

GLADIATOR GIRL GOES DANCING!

When a few of my girl friends suggest we go out dancing for our collective birthdays, I say “Why not!” So now the question is what to wear, hmmmmm what to wear? I ponder this while sitting in front of my open bulging closet. A dress? No. Skirt and top? No. Oooooh, how about some nice tight jeans and a sexy top? That’ll work! Now for the stilettos; I need to choose a color first to go with the outfit I’ve selected, then the style, lastly comfort for the occasion (yes even stilettos can be comfortable!).

I finally pick out my favorite Seven Jeans (I wear boot-cut because they make me look taller), a silver belt and a black and red geometric patterned top. I check out all my red shoes, then my white ones and decide I need black instead because you never know what someone might spill on you and black is more forgiving. Mulling over my many choices (I have over 20 pairs just in shades of black) I decide I must wear something with a platform to protect my feet and still be able to dance all night long. Once that decision is made it narrows down my options, so the final question is; something strappy or smooth? Then my eyes land on her; Gladiator Girl she will definitely protect my feet from the surging masses on the dance floor.

I named her Gladiator Girl when I first laid eyes on her because she was my first pair of gladiator stilettos; I did however own a pair of gladiator sandals back in the 80’s. I have a theory that women’s shoe styles don’t really change that much they just get recycled from a designers memory of a favorite shoe from the past and then they tweak  it here and there to modernize it. Gladiator Girl is so versatile (not only because of the color – black goes with everything) I can wear her with nice slacks to work, jeans for a casual lunch or shopping, I’ve even worn her with skirts and dresses and I love that I don’t have to mess with a bunch of buckles, she zips up the back! The way she covers the front of my foot, and has the five straps going across but leaves a peek-a-boo view of skin makes her strong, protective and sexy all at the same time. Yup! Most definitely the right stiletto for the evening.

Once all my choices are made and I’m dressed, I head to the night club ready for fun! When I arrive I realize I am the first one there, I text Georgia and her reply is that they are about 30 minutes away, so I decide to people watch while I wait. I go to the bar to order a lemon drop martini, however before I can get the bartenders attention a good-looking man comes over to chat with me, he orders our drinks and like a gentleman; pays for them too. After a few minutes I find out he is a yoga instructor (I noticed he was built quite nicely), we discuss yoga and its benefits to the mind, spirit and body. He gives me his card and before re-joining his friends suggests I call him for some private instruction; hmmm, sounds promising! Before dropping his card in my purse I glance at it, his name is Paul and his studio is in Riverside, I might have to try him out, after all I do love yoga.

While leaning against a bar stool sipping my martini a nice young woman sits down next to me and introduces herself as Tina, she compliments me on my look and she seems to be a bit tipsy. After a few moments her girlfriend (and yes; I mean girlfriend) comes over and says, “Sorry she comes on to beautiful women when she’s drunk.” “Thank you for the compliment.” I reply. “Can I give you a hug?” Tina abruptly asks. “Sure.” I respond. While hugging Tina I notice Georgia and the others have come into the club, as her girlfriend pulls her away Tina kisses me on the cheek and whispers in my ear “great cleavage”. Tina’s girlfriend then escorts her back to the other end of the bar as I greet my friends who have arrived.  Everyone decides to order drinks at the bar and while waiting for their drinks the bartender comes over and hands me a Purple Hooter from Tina (it’s a shot with vodka, Chambord and a splash of soda). I nod to her and her girlfriend in thanks for the drink and down it goes; mmmmmm yummy. My friends ask what that was all about; I tell them and they have a good chuckle over it.

The girls drinks arrive and with drinks in hand we find a table near the dance floor and listen to the wonderful 80’s & 90’s rock that the band is playing. It doesn’t take long before the yoga instructor comes over with a few friends to ask us all to dance. Onto the dance floor we troop; several songs later we plop down at our table and Paul buys us all a round of drinks, says thank you for the dances and excuses himself. We have a discussion on how nice it is that there are still gentlemen out there. For the next few hours we enjoy the music, we sing and laugh, we dance as a group and separately with different men who stop by our table and offer their services on the dance floor, Tina even stops by for a dance. By the end of the evening my legs are tired and I’ve had a really good workout and a wonderful time! Gladiator Girl kept my feet above the fray, out of any muck on the floor and were quite comfortable while dancing the night away; I have one word for her performance this evening and that is: FIERCE!

It’s now 1 a.m. and I need sleep before work later this morning, so I hug Georgia and all the girls goodnight. On my way out the door Paul asks if I’m leaving, when I tell him I am, he offers to walk me to my car; I accept his offer. Chatting all the way to my car, I’m wondering if he’ll continue to be the gentleman he has been all evening? We reach my car, Paul kisses me on the cheek and says “It was nice meeting you; I hope to hear from you soon.” He then leans in again and slowly kisses my neck ever so gently in several spots before whispering goodnight and walking away into the night…

I MEAN BUSINESS

I MEAN BUSINESS!

I love these stilettos; they’ve always been quite the dichotomy; part business with the buckle across the front and the stark black and white coloring, part tease because of the peep-toe and lastly part seductress with the 4" high black shiny patent-leather heel. Ever since I brought her home with me I knew I would be wearing her most often to work, so I name her Boss Lady. I imagine her motto to be “I get the job done and look fabulous doing it!”

I purchase her immediately knowing she’ll be very versatile and I will be able to wear her with most anything; work pants, skirts, dresses, even jeans. The very first time I wear her, I pair her with long black below-the-knee walking shorts, a starched white fitted button-down shirt and big fun jewelry; business-like, yet feminine. I’m a Realtor; I sell new homes so the only people who see me are ones who come into the tract in search of a home. On her first outing she receives quite a few compliments; one gentleman asks me where he can purchase them for his wife. He and I end up having a discussion on stilettos and master bedroom closet size (to hold all the wonderful shoes & handbags, of course), I didn’t sell him a home, however I’m sure his wife will appreciate the new shoes!

Boss Lady has been to work with me several times, however this past weekend she outdid herself. We’re having a campaign for the next few weeks for home buyers to qualify for the final part of the Federal Home Buyers Tax Credit and we all have to wear a promotional tee-shirt. So I decide to wear the shirt with black trousers, a black cashmere sweater with ¾ sleeves and pearl buttons, understated jewelry, I complete my look with Boss Lady, she dresses up the tee-shirt nicely.

The first people who come in that day are a young couple looking for their first home; my favorite type of buyer. As we get to know each other and walk through the models together, we discuss how they will live and grow in the home and after awhile decide to go out to the construction site and see the homes being built, so they can see the location and lot size. I change into my “mud shoes” (as I call them), which are clogs for walking in the dirt/mud. While treking to the construction site Jenny comments on my change of shoes; she tells me she likes the stilettos much better. I tell her I do too, however don’t want to ruin them.

Her fiancé says “Don’t get her started on shoes.”

“Oh, are you a shoe collector too?” I ask.

“Yes, I own about 30 pairs.” Jenny answers.

I chuckle thinking to myself; she’s just getting started, I won’t tell her how many I have and that I’ve named them all!

We walk three home sites and I help them choose the perfect location for their needs. When we get back to my office to write up their contract, I slip back into Boss Lady to get the job done! After signing their contract and the many pages of disclosures that go along with it, they head out. However about half an hour later they return bearing a Starbucks latte for me. I know I’m going to love having them as homeowners in our community. I tell Jenny I want to come over when she has all her shoes displayed in her walk-in closet, she promises she’ll invite me over after they’re all moved in.

Before I can drink much of my latte, the next person I talk to is a gentleman out scouting new homes for his wife who is still in Texas. He and I only walk two home sites when he decides which one he likes. Dan calls his wife, sends her several photos and she immediately approves the purchase. Wow! that was quick, I’m thinking to myself as we walk back to my office. However, once we sit down he starts in on the negotiations.  I slip Boss Lady back on because it's time to get down to business!  Back and forth we go for several hours until we reach a good deal for both parties. I love the art of negotiation; it makes me feel like I’m working for my commission (hmmm, maybe I should have been a lawyer)!

At the end of the day two homes sold, four happy buyers and one delighted & exhausted sales agent! 

Today I know I got the job done and looked fabulous doing it, thanks in part to Boss Lady!

Here Comes the Bridesmaid

HERE COMES THE BRIDESMAID

My sister and I love to spend the occasional day just having girl-time which will more than likely include a leisurely lunch and shopping to buy shoes, clothes, purses, or whatever else might catch our eye. Very seldom do we just window shop!

It was during one of our girls shopping days that we both spotted these beauties (sort of). When we meander into the shoe store, I notice the shiny green and purple satin rosette on the front and I immediately pick them up. As I am admiring them I hear my sister behind me say “Ooooooh, check these out.” I turn to see her holding the exact same shoe; only in a gold, orange and fuchsia color pattern. I start to laugh and show her the shoe I’m holding. “Oh, no!” she chuckles. We’re still laughing as we call over the clerk and ask her to bring us both pairs in a size 7 (yes, we both wear the same size stiletto). The only drawback to having the same shoe size is sometimes there’s only one pair left and we both have to have it! Which means there could be a catfight over them, this could get ugly!  As you can see shoe obsession runs through the veins of the women in my family, we're just born with it!  After trying on both pairs, I opt for my original find of purple & green and my sister decides on both!

Later on we head back to her house so I can show her what to wear with her new multi-colored beauties. This is always fun for me; going through someone else’s closet to match clothes with shoes & jewelry! When I’m helping my sister, I decide to name mine Donna, after Donna Reed the most elegant 50’s housewife. I can see her out with her always handsome husband Alex, for an evening of dining and dancing at ‘the club’ with the boss and his wife, dancing cheek-to-cheek with some fabulous orchestra playing. That’s how and when I picture her wearing these dainty peep-toed satin rosette stilettos.

A few weeks later we were out on a shopping mission to find my sister’s wedding dress and a bridesmaid dress for me. She had decided on an outdoor spring wedding and wanted her dress to relay that message, nothing frilly, fancy or wedding-ish. In our search we ended up at Nordstrom and that’s where we found her dress; a white, knee-length dress with a purple flower pattern. I also tried on a few dresses and found a solid purple one in the same cut, style and length as Sherry’s. As soon as I put it on, she said “That one is perfect and will look really great with those shoes we bought a few weeks ago.” When I got home later that day I try the shoes on with the dress and they are a great match!

On my sister’s wedding day Donna gives a stellar performance; I do not fall down the grassy sloped isle I have to stroll down and I stand through the ½ hour ceremony without an ache or pain. She poses beautifully like a lady for all the photos and supports me during my toast to the new bride and groom. She dances comfortably like a pair of ballroom pumps during my many dances with my Dad, brothers and friends.

When the evening is over and I’m home, I slip her off my feet, thank her for the lovely day and place her in her color-coordinated spot with all her sisters. After all she does deserve a rest after that long emotionally packed day.