I’m 27 and have been living in the city since I graduated college. Like many of you, I moved here with high hopes of a fabulous life full of designer shoes, glamorous parties and a FBF to spoil me rotten. Good news girls–those hopes became my reality and my life has been virtually perfect for the past few years.
Edward and I have been dating for a little over 3 years now. He is the most amazing man I have ever met - intelligent, charming, sweet and confident. Yes, he might be a bit of a smart-ass, but I can be too. And, let’s be honest, he can be a smart-ass so long as I continue to be properly clothed, wined and dined. To call him handsome is an injustice. Deep green eyes. Olive skin. Thick dark brown hair. 6″4. Washboard abs. Perfectly carved shoulders. Cheekbones to die for…and the sex, well ladies, that couldn’t get any better.
Even though the economy is in the red, our relationship has stayed in the black. We’re still on track for that house in the Hamptons. Every chance we get we take a lovers get-away. He continues to shower me with sweet and sparkly gifts–I recently added a beautiful Roberto Coin necklace to my collection “just because.” He treats me like the center of his universe. Do we have problems? Of course! Typical relationship ups and downs. But, when one of his colleagues gets laid off or the market has had a trying day he never takes it out on me. I’ve been completely blessed and living in a fantasy world…that is…until yesterday…
I was at Berfdorf’s looking for a simple cocktail dress for a function I’m hosting later this week. I fell in love with a perfectly classy and sassy Notte by Marchesa dress. Blush. Scoop neckline. Sleeveless. Embroidered bodice. Pleated A-Line skirt. Ruffled hem. Pure silk. I couldn’t live without it…or the Louboutin’s that, Ellen, my sales associate who has been helping me for years, brought over that seemed to be made for the dress.
I was on cloud nine as I glided to the checkout station and waited on my items to be wrapped. I was ready to sign on the dotted line when Ellen gasped, “I’m sorry Claudine, but it looks like your Bergdorf’s account has been frozen.” Horrified yet still confident I replied, “That can’t be right, Edward always pays all of our bills on time…please try again.” She swiped again and I saw it for myself. “Declined” flashed across the credit card machine. I almost fainted. Flustered and embarrassed, I dug through my YSL to find my AmEx…making a mental note to call BG’s accounting department when I got home to straighten out this mess and demand an apology.
Ellen swiped my AmEx and looked up at me with the most sympathetic eyes. “This one also seems to be frozen. I can hold your items here for you while you try to get this sorted out. I’m so sorry Claudine.” The words slowly started to sink in. Was I having a nightmare? I was absolutely mortified.
Suddenly, I realized that this wasn’t a mistake at all…the recession was starting to wrap it’s ugly little hands around my dress, my Louboutin’s and my perfect life!
Once securely in a cab, I began to violently text Edward about the public humiliation I had just endured and boldly asked him if he had any other surprises for me.
He replied back “Babe, we talked about this.” No, we did not talk about this! Yes, a few days prior he mentioned that we needed to ‘cut back’ in a few areas. Claudine translation: Let’s try to not eat out as much or go on as many vacations. Never did I think I couldn’t shop for necessities! What am I going to wear to my function?! Girls, it looks like 2009 might be the year of…ugh…repeating outfits.
xoxo
Clothes-less Claudine
