Madcap Night at Milly on Madison Avenue

I wrote this date down in my purple datebook--I miss my New York City, my Madison Avenue, my Bergdorf's. Ever since Punch moved in, I've stuck closer to home.

I booked Elaine to watch Punch, threw a lemon-pepper chicken in the oven, zapped some brown rice, steamed some green beans, dashed off some work emails and then hopped in the car. It was close to 6 and the traffic was bad. The event was open from 6:30 to 8:30, and I think I arrived a bit after 7.  I nabbed free parking in front of Ralph Lauren on Madison, a block from Milly at Madison and 73rd Street.

Sips & Quips 
I stood amidst fashionistas wearing stiletto black pumps [with bare, gently tanned legs] and handsome young men in open-collared dress shirts and tailored jackets. [I overheard a 50ish man jocularly say, Do some blow and get laid to another man; out of context in the frilly Milly mecca.] Svedka Vodka was listed on the invite; three cocktails were offered. I chose The Blue, a tall stir of vodka, lime juice and ginger ale with a plump, bumpy blackberry to top it off. [The refreshing drink did go down easy, and relax me in the fitting room.] Vegan Divas was also noted on the invite--white trays held mini, lofty vegan donut rings, topped with chocolate, cinnamon or coconut. They were good, but lighter and less satisfying than regular rich donut rings....the better to fit into the clothes, I guess.

Oh, the clothes. As I've written before, Milly clothes and accessories are gorgeous. Playful prints, feminine silhouettes, pretty, carefree style. Great handbags. Dreamy beach cover-ups. Fresh dipped colors, like melon, salmon, pink. Blacks with chic details: ribbing, leather pockets, cutouts. 

The salespeople--both men and women--are nice. I've noticed that before. But the good news about tonight is that I found a great black sweater on the sale rack, marked down to $147 from $295. Size L, fits nicely. Then: Since full-price items were 20 percent off, I slipped on a coral and metallic gold shoulder bag that was $295 before the sale. I really do need a handbag. 

Cut to the Chase: Falling Hard for Fashion
I wanted to write a check. Sorry, they don't take checks. I don't carry credit cards. Went on my iPhone to see where the nearest Bank of America branch was, in order to put a check into it and withdraw cash. But the nearest branch was .18 miles away, at 1330 First Avenue. It was 8:18 p.m.--12 minutes until 8:30 party end. I hailed a cab and asked the driver to please take me there, wait for me, and drive me back to Milly. When we finally found the branch, I fell out of the cab face-down onto the street, tripping on my red Talbots slingback pumps. Are you okay? the cabbie asked. Yes, I said. [Happy to report that my black tights didn't tear when I landed on my knees.] The ATM spit out my receipt at 8:33. 

Grace, the lovely young saleswoman, rang up the purse. I had $220 cash and $16.70 on my debit card, just enough to make the $236 cost. And if I have it shipped to NJ, which will happen tomorrow, I pay $10 shipping vs. the higher sales tax. I will also have enough money on my debit card [after the check deposit clears] to have the sweater sent, too.

Back from Madison Avenue now, back on my couch. I did enjoy my fashion fix, and do intend to feel put-together with a good purse. I didn't buy the white Friends of Finn T-shirt [15% of sale goes to help animals], which was cute but $90 and at one size for all, a bit too snug on me.

Above: Gradiating hole sweater with bateau neckline, originally $295. Mine is black. I love the neckline, soft texture, modern look, and nearly knuckle-grazing sleeves. And the 50 percent price cut. You wear it over a tank. Below: Milly purse in coral and metallic gold.

Good night.

Please note. This froth & fashion post was fun to write-- and the event was fun to attend--but it doesn't mask the pain  I feel over Punch's recent behavior at school and at home.  No beautiful handbag can hide that. No way, no how.  I hope and pray. Fashion god, motherhood god, childhood  god, please hear me. Please bless that little girl, and  please boost my patience with both her and Figgy.

TCOY

1. Nap.
2. Escape to NYC.