star struck

So there I was sitting on a bench in Madison Square Park. I was on the phone with my good friend Sarah and we were catching up after a pretty shoddy game of phone tag. A camera crew walked passed me and continued on down the path--quite a common sight in New York City. I readjusted to make myself a little more comfortable and noticed that the camera crew was finally filming. My eyes shifted to the right to see the subject of their focus and there they were…in all their fashionista glory: Clinton Kelly and Stacy London from What Not To Wear. At this point I stopped talking and gasped. I fumbled for words as I stood up to get a better look. I finally managed to sputter a few intelligible sentences so that Sarah could understand what was going on. It was especially fitting that I was sharing this moment with her, as she was the one who introduced me to this magnificent show. I hesitantly walked towards them as they shot their second take. I stopped when they did. Then I remembered where I was, what I was doing, who they were….and what I was wearing. I bolted back to the safety of my bench as they casually mingled in their little group.

Now I wasn’t a ball of fashion disaster. I looked just fine. I was wearing black slacks and a jeweled tone blouse—totally appropriate for work and to be seen out in public. One faux pas, however, was my footwear. Not wanting to torture my feet, I always slip out of my heels and into flip-flops or flats when I take my lunch break. Today I was wearing my flip-flops and though black, I didn’t feel that they elongated my already short frame—a little trick of the trade that I was sure Stacy would notice and somehow condemn.

If you aren’t familiar with the show, dear friends, the premise is this: Participants are nominated by well-meaning and loving friends/relatives. Weeks before the episode, secret footage is taken, highlighting their fashion catastrophes. At this point, Clinton and Stacy surprise this person and go on to critique their current style. Though truthful, it can be harsh. The nominated participant has an opportunity to not only learn “what not to wear” but also gets a $5000 shopping spree….IF they agree to trash their entire existing wardrobe. A bonus makeup and hair makeover is also thrown in. In the end this person emerges with a new wardrobe, first hand fashion knowledge from the gurus of style, and a completely new look. It’s a dream.

Back to the bench…I continued to sit and watch as they were smiling and laughing and being their beautiful selves. And then my heart stopped…they turned the corner and started to walk down the path right in front of me. I couldn’t pull my eyes away and I felt myself smiling like a fool. My eyes darted from Clinton to Stacy and then back to Clinton. He was positively dreamy. As they approached, Clinton looked at me and began to grin. That grin turned into a full on smile. I was in love. He was absolutely adorable. Surely he saw the obsession behind my eyes but it didn’t phase him one bit. I was grateful that he was so gracious. I continued to stare as they walked down the path and then out of sight. Oh, how I love living in New York City.