I recently did something partly insane | partly genius. which if we’re being honest, could also be my memoir title.

While perusing Soho’s fantastic outpost of The Webster, I stumbled on a unicorn of a Chanel slingback– ruby red tweed with a shiny black patent toe. Of course, it was love at first sight (aoooooga!) Of course, there was one size left in their entire inventory and not mine. Of course, the Chanel boutique down the street had jack shit nothing. Of course, of course, OF COURSE!

This is what I like to call a total Brat, couture meltdown.

My Chanel depression could only be cured with a Saturday night, Orch/Row G showing of Hamilton with my mom! But by morning, that shoe was still worming its way into my brain. I took my mom uptown for her first true BG’s experience and made that blessed left-left turn from the escalator straight to Chanel footwear. “Hi, I need this red pump,” I greeted the sales associate who would soon be my new best friend. When his colleague advised we look in the closet, I knew I was asking the right MF questions.

See, the Chanel closet is where you find the one-off’s and too-good-to-be-trues. I live for that closet!

When Dorian motioned for me to cross my fingers while he searched in the back, I knew I was among my people. He actually said “do this,” and put middle digit over index in full seriousness. After what felt like a lifetime of finger-crossing and pretending to be interested in other styles, my little red/black beauty arrived. The only 38.5 left. I nearly did a cartwheel down the hall.

To quote my friends on Broadway, “History is happening in Manhattan, and we just happen to be in the greatest city in the world.”

Of course, I didn’t need another pair of Chanels. Of course, I wasn’t really in the market to drop $1k on a blood-red, delicate fabric shoe. Of course, there was a whole floor of other designers begging for my attention.

But the crimson tweed of f22 had been the driving force for me to finally take the leap into Chanel– as if I needed soooo much encouragement. I’ve said this before, but the moment I bought my first pair in classic black/tan leather from Saks is a core memory. It was like Becky Bloomwood, Carrie Bradshaw special– only us shopgirls truly get it. Nearly every single outfit combo ends with “and my Chanelssss,” because I genuinely don’t know how I completed any look before owning them. So, getting my hands on a (better) version of the shoe that launched one thousand ships, in my absolute favorite store, in my beloved city was just so so sweet.

I broke out my new babygirls for a coffee meeting earlier this week, and sent a snap to my best friend who has been by my side for both London x Chanel purchases, so gets it. “They look like ladybugs,” she replied, with what I imagine was a giggle all the way from Scotland.

My little ladybugs. Guess my 2024 luck is on the rise. Xx

A few other red accessories I’m liking: Reformation bag 1 and 2; this hot, hot Madewell belt; sorry GOP, weirdos but we’re reclaiming the red hat; and check out this great, garnet topper.