I met Tory Burch!

I'm not sure if exclamation points are acceptable in headlines but this one deserve it. I had the wonderful (and pretty damn lucky!) opportunity to meet designer extraordinaire Tory Burch during a public appearance at the Saks at The Gardens Mall.

The story: Tory had a public appearance and knew I couldn't miss it. I learned from a twitter bff (@wpettis!) that Tory was already at Saks so I raced out of the house only to arrive to a private luncheon! What the?! How did I not know?! :( I was sad for a moment and then I hear... "Alyson!" An awesome friend-of-a-friend, Brooke, waved me in from her table near the entrance. Turns out there was an empty seat at her table, so fast forward a few minutes, I take it! I wind up with a glass of wine, some lunch, a semi-private viewing of the stunning new collection and the chance to talk to meet fabulous ladies around the table. Yay to Brooke... the TAGG hero of the day (and to a gal named Laura who decided not to show, lol)!

Now, we notice Tory has arrived, and is seated nearby. I tell those around me that I'm dying to say hi, crazy Twitter stalking her all-day (really, sad but true!) and want to introduce myself for the blog. I take another swig of white wine, muster the courage, and walk my sweet self up and said hi! To Tory. Burch!

Let me tell you ladies... she's as sweet as they say! She's soft spoken and lovely. I mentioned to her the blog, asking what she recommends to all of us for her favorite affordable place to shop. Since she said Topshop (London-based brand with just one store in NYC), I asked her for #2. Her answer? H&M. I know not all you gals have it, but it's expanding so hopefully it will make it your way soon. We got it here recently and it's the BEST.



Me giving her a TAGG business card; man, I'm a nerd. :)

I also asked her to share one item of hers worthy of investing in, and she quickly replied the Robinson Satchel.  what would it be. Her answer? The new Robinson Tote. While it is $550, I can attest that this is a classic for sure. As she said, it's a seasonless bag you'll have year after year. I do agree. I also like that her logo is dainty; not overpowering as it honestly sometimes can be. In this case, the leather takes center stage. While she's currently using the green, I recommend this gorgeous creamy brown color (that also works with black).

Other highlights: she complimented how good the black patent leather Revas look on me... AND she signed the inside of my Tory Burch wallet. So fun! Oh, with her great love of all-things-orange (which she insists has more of a pretty coral undertone that would look good for redheads), I scored myself a pair of orange chinos at H&M for $9.95. GASP. If you know me, your jaw is probably dropping but I am convinced they're pretty awesome and am going to work it! My first "orange" item EVER! Thank to Tory for the color inspiration.

I'm so happy for a successful woman who seems to have built an empire based on smarts and sweetness! May she be inspiration to us all. Much continued success.

xo
Alyson