I swear to god, I think some of the rich assholes I've come across in my life, would, if they were sentenced to die, end up requesting a bespoke chair like this. They wouldn't DARE touch another filthy heathen's death throne let alone sit in it without it being a brand name. The people I've seen come and go throughout my life have been so superficial that when I couldn't measure up to their spending habits, they judged me not for who I was as a person, but who I was when I got dolled up or knew the right people. As soon as my credit card got maxxed out, so did our friendship. I keep falling into the trap of meeting these people partly because on the outside I look a certain way, but also because of the profession I'm in. This is why I keep my distance from people. Because at the end of the day, these fuckers will die peacefully in the electric chair as long as their shackles have shiny brass LV hardware emblazoned on them. The worst part is, they aren't even deep enough to care that they are about to sizzle. They'll just be pleased as punch to be going out in style.

Dear Ethers,

 My pal, uber celeb shoe gal is having a party tomorrow night and English gent cannot come. He’s about 2 weeks behind on a project that he’s doing freelance work for in the UK and it’s due Monday.  He simply doesn’t have an hour, let alone an evening to spare.  I’m really nervous about going alone.  Shoe gal has on her guest list people like Angela Basset, Johnny Depp, Halle Berry (and hopefully her man….grrr), Annette Bening and Warren Beatty.  She also has a lot of Beverly Hills elite (blechh) and very chi-chi designers, business people and friends (hopefully the normal people) coming as well. 

I really like shoe gal.  She’s fun to hang out with—alone.  But when she is in her element amongst the rich and fabulous she acts her role and it makes me uncomfortable.  I also don’t know a single person going and feel like I’m going to be the poor schmuck who is unemployed, not wearing Cartier and living at home with her parents.  

I’ve felt like this a lot in my life.  I went to extremely expensive and elite private schools from 12-21.  The kids were all children of directors and actors, CEO’s of major companies or huge real estate guru’s, or people that were serious investment bankers.  I always hated becoming friends with them because even though by global standards I was doing pretty damned well financially, in their circle I was always the poor girl who could never keep up.  I was never able to go out for $15 drinks, take taxis, shop at Barney’s, give expensive gifts, buy the pricey make-up.  They made me feel insecure and embarrassed.  And to be honest, it really wasn’t my fault.  I was proud of myself for putting my foot down, not spending money I didn’t have and never pretending to be someone I wasn’t.  They were the jerks who couldn’t understand the concept that maybe there were some people who didn’t fly in their Concord lifestyle.  By then, they dropped me—I supposed it was a good thing because they probably weren’t nice enough people anyway.  But, it always hurt because the process in dumping me was humiliating. 

My shoe gal knows that I’m just a freelancer but I think she assumes I have money.  I wear very expensive handbags (all bought for 50% off when I worked as head of copy and content at a very exclusive department store in the UK).  I wear expensive clothes (again, either bought on sale and then again marked down with my discount, or through my clever eye at TJ Maxx, outlet malls, mega-sales and savvy shopping).  I don’t think I’ve bought anything full price in years.  I’m starting to get the problems I have with her that I’ve always had with the other rich friends I’ve acquired.  She wants to go out to eat to places where the bill comes to $120 because she ONLY drinks Champagne and sparkling wine.  She shops on Rodeo Drive (she lives about a block from there) and she never even looks at the price tags at Chanel (she has a personal shopper there who knows her by name and brings her, yes, her favorite bubbly while she tries on $5,000 puffer jackets). 

Here’s what you should know about her.  She is 43, so almost 14 years my senior.  She was first and orthopedic surgeon and then became one of the top shoe designers, at least in America.  She came to this country at 8, fleeing from war and speaking no English.  This woman is brilliant and has made the American dream happen for herself.  She is a successful businessperson and she has worked damned hard.  She should reap the benefits of this—I’m not taking that from her.  But, it’s just getting hard to keep up.  I don’t want to lose her as a friend.  But when she calls me up and says let’s meet for a drink, she’s not talking about the local pub.  She means The Four Season’s Hotel. 

I have NEVER allowed ANYONE to treat me as a charity case.  I’ve had these rich friends offer to pay for me and I have always said no.  There are two reasons why.  1: I never want to owe someone because then they feel that they own you in some way. 2: I feel it has to damage the relationship somehow because the friend might start feeling resentful that they are being used for their cash.  

I had a terrible incident happen to me in London.  I had an extremely rich girlfriend of mine who came to visit from the States and wanted to go to the Light Bar in London.  A drink there is 15quid.  She was staying with me and wanted to take a cab and I told her that it would cost 40quid and the tube was free.  She was really angry and offered to pay for the taxi.  I finally gave in but was really uncomfortable.  She then got us into the Light Bar and kept ordering us rounds (there were two other friends she knew from London there as well).  I said to her that I could not afford more than one drink, but she kept ordering anyway and told me she’d pay.  I was gutted and miserable the whole night.  When the bill came, it was almost 1000 pounds.  All 3 of them took out their credit cards and I was the only person who couldn’t pony up the cash.  My “friend” explained, in a stupid, drunken manner, that I didn’t have the money to afford the drinks and could the three of them cover me?  I was devastated.  I didn’t speak to her for the rest of the next day and thank goodness that evening she flew home.  She and I speak on occasion, but the friendship really died on that night.  I swore NEVER to let that happen again. 

The problem with the business I’m in is that I’m either interacting with people who have large expense accounts or who are very wealthy.  I don’t actually hang out with fellow journalists all that often.  It’s not easy NOT having the green.  I want to be friends with my shoe gal, but I don’t want to have the talk with her that I’ve had with so many that has made me turn crimson—that I just can’t afford to go out with her.  

Again, the irony is that I come from a well-off family, and I would certainly not be considered poor.  But to these people, I am broke.  A hindrance.  So, I’ll go to this shoe gal’s party, put on a big, smiley face and pretend that all is hunky-dory in my life.  But inside, my heart is thumping and all I’ll want to do is get the fuck out of there.  Can you now understand why I don’t want to be broke with English gent and why I want so badly to be a success in a career and make money so that I’m not embarrassed anymore?  I know I should be confidant in myself regardless of what others think—but realistically, the world doesn’t work that way.  You’ve got to be able to pay the bills, not matter how lovely a disposition you have or how happy or in love you are.  I NEVER want to be someone’s charity case or anyone’s poor relation.

I’ll give you guys the details about the party as soon as………..

Dedicatedly yours, 

—One of 365

Dear Ethers,

So, I found this really groovy store on La Cienega in West Hollywood en route to my gym which is on Sunset.  It’s the most amazing little place. Stationed between a car wash and a crummy parking lot, it’s the sleekest little boutique with a white awning.  Written in the coolest black lettering simply states the name Opening Ceremony.  I’d driven by a few times and wondered what this place was all about.  Was it a club, a restaurant?  The LAST thing I expected for it to be was the most unique clothing store I’d been to in Los Angeles thus far.  Opening Ceremony carries everything from their own label (which is very Euro-vintage) and Topshop to Acne Jeans and bonkers labels you’ve never heard of.  I was thrilled when I walked into their groovy labyrinth where their very attractive and well-dressed staff point you in all directions so you can get lost in this candy shop of clothing, shoes, accessories and more.  I was thrilled to see a whole rack of Topshop, though it was mainly the Kate Moss collection.  It was ridiculously expensive (Londoners, if you thought you paid through the roof for the scraggle-toothed waifs creations, try buying a tank-top for $100 where they even have the chutzaph to leave the UK tag on that says 25 quid. Um. No.)  So, even though I couldn’t afford a single thing in this hot-house for hipsters, I thought if they had a website it would be great to share their wonderful world with you.  So I was thrilled when I Googled the shop and found out they did indeed sell online.  Their collection is SO much more limited on their website then what they have to offer in store, but you still get the groove factor from the cool graphics, off-beat models and unique clothing selections.  If you’re looking for a brand that nobody else is really going to be sporting, or a label that is uber cool that you’d see the likes of Sienna Miller wearing, than you’ve hit the right spot.  Opening Ceremony likes to show that they don’t carry the regular stuff that your local mall does–but truthfully you’ll have to pay.  The stuff ain’t cheap, even on sale.  

The “Wish List” look this week is all about travel and getting upgraded to First Class when you’re flying.  Why shell out the big bucks on a plane seat when you could spend it on an outfit you’ll wear for ages!  Even if you spend 24 grueling hours flying, the amount of money you spent on a First Class ticket could buy you a runway look that will make you the envy of all your friends and may even get you snapped by “The Satorialist.”  I could have chosen a wack-a-doodle outfit from Opening Ceremony (and trust me, if you visit their shop or site, you can see nutty stuff.  Chloe Sevigny has her own label there, just to give you some idea!) but I wanted to pick something that was unique, still wearable, and that would be comfy to fly in. And when you nonchalantly ask the narrow-eyed flight attendant about being upgraded, she’ll take one look at you and say to herself, “yep, this girl is used to high-flyin’ style.” The only thing that it’ll cost you is the price of an economy class seat and some killer clothes from this choice selection. So, get out your passport, dust off your luggage and get your doctor to prescribe you some sleeping pills because honey, you are about to see some duds that will get you an oversized leather seat, champagne and rid you of that screaming kid who keeps peering over his chair making crazy eyes at you (don’t you hate that!).

I love this jacket because it sort of has that fencing coat feel, but also an old-fashioned bodice look to it too. I adore the darting. The lines will hug your body and show off your figure in all of the right places. The arms are cut long so they will give the appearance of elongating your limbs. The front zip is handy, making the jacket easy to take on and off. This is perfect for when you fly (the temperatures in those planes are so unpredictable!). The material is also great. A mix of cotton and rayon, this lovely jacket won't wrinkle too badly so you'll leave the plane as crisp as you entered it. G. V. G. V. Arch Braid Zip-Up Jacket In Beige, Originally $1,025 now $513, openingceremony.com

You're going to be in the clouds anyway so why not represent the mood of the flight? The attendants will appreciate YOUR appreciation for their jobs (okay, maybe I'm taking this a bit too far) but it is a cute thought, no? I just loved how light and airy this top was. It looked like a watercolor painting and I loved how the fluffiness of the blouse mimicked the fluffiness of the clouds. It's actually hand printed in Japan, and I reckon just a lovely summertime top. It think it will layer nicely under the cotton jacket because the fabric is so thin (the jacket really needs to not have anything too bulky underneath as it is so snug, it fits like a top in its own right). Made of silk and cotton, you'll be breathing fresher air in this ethereal piece of cloth in the front of the cabin then in the back, that's for sure. Wakana Koike Fluffy Cloud Blouse, $300, openingceremony.com

Don't these just look comfortable? The loose tied waist? The wide legs? The linen and cotton blend? The chilled out Japanese-inspired cut? You know they'll just sit well on you, be a great fit and won't make you sweat bullets in the summer heat but protect you from the sun. I think the cloud blouse would look lovely tucked into the trousers showing off the tied waist and I like the idea of the natural looking jacket and pants matching together to make a really "green" look. And if you spill champagne on these compliments of First Class, I bet you it won't even show! United Bamboo Baggy Pants, Originally $405 now $122, openingceremony.com

I really like these because they tie the whole outfit together in a glamorous way without being too "bling" but show you have style and know your fashion. They are architecturally very interesting with the layering of the suede. The heel is almost like a bamboo reed, and they just look comfortable. They work with the whole organic look of the outfit. It's like you aren't trying too hard, but you're letting people know you've got style. That's what the flight attendant's will pick up about you. That you aren't pushy, but you know what you want and you get it. They'll see you "own it" and they'll wanna give it to you. High-heels=high-flying. Hussein Chalayan Flap Boot, Originally $849 now $249, openingceremony.com

If you want to "bag the deal" you can't be schleping around a beaten up purse that says "there is a hole in the lining of this baby that has about $3 worth of parking meter change in it that I can pull out if I turn it upside down." You need to look like you're carrying important things in an important case. This will hold all of your key documents and even a small laptop. It goes beautifully with the colors of your outfit and is crisp and clean for summer. Want Les Essentials De La Vie Bag, $625, openingceremony.com

Any hot-mama traveller sports major shades. Even if it's nighttime. Crazy. I know. That's why these babies are good, because the tint isn't too dark so you won't look totally nuts if you have a evening flight. These vintage inspired sunnies are wonderful with the whole bohemian-sleek look of your outfit and just add that finishing touch to make you look polished. If you've had a rough night, they won't be able to see it in your face (these are HUGE) and if it comes to a stare down for that upgrade, you're hiding behind lenses and they're not. Who do YOU think is gonna win? Linda Farrow Vintage For Charles Anastase Sunglasses ca1-c6, $275, openingceremony.com

Dear Ether,

I’ve looked over my past Fridays and noticed a bit of a vintage vibe thing going on.  I realized, “Hey, many of you fashionista-Ethers may not be so into old skool dressing and may want something very right now!”  And let me tell you, this set of digits can wear it modern too.  So, I chose something that I thought was a bit sexy but also classy–we do not do “slapper” here at “Fashion Fridays!”  Yes, the top is very low cut, but the material and the style is very French linen making up for the expanse of cleavage.  The jeans are tight and black, but they are a classic cut and do not show off any cracks that shouldn’t be in the plaster if you know what I mean  And the shoes! Oh man, DO NOT get me started!  They are my latest acquisition.  I think they are modern, architectural and just do everything a heel should do.  And the best part?  They are comfortable so you can boogie all night long in style.  

I always like to give a story to my outfit, so tonight I’ll call this the “City Girl Night Time In The Summer” look.  I can see our lady in London or NYC walking in the Village or in Soho.  It’s a hot, August evening where you want to be wearing the bare minimum–especially if you’re going to be stuffed in a club or bar.  You can go from work in this outfit to drinks with your girls, or dinner with your guy (just put on a cardigan or funky tailored jacket, sleeves slightly pushed up, and a single button done up over the cami.  I’d say this was for a more casual, trendy work-place though). Great for dancing the night away because the camisole is light, the shoes comfy and the jeans have a bit of stretch so you can get down and move. Amazing for an evening at an exhibition (the artists will all LOVE the lines and colors of your shoes) where canapes, Warhol and champagne will be inhaled and you’ll be slightly tipsy off the genius of the NYU grads and the bubbly as you’re whisked away in your yellow taxi.  And when your night is ending with Big Ben ringing and sunlight coming up over Parliament, you don’t have to look like you’re wearing a walk of shame outfit. Remember, this lovely frock transitions night to day no problem–just make sure you powder your face and add a new slick of gloss to those happy lips.  

Summer. City. Night. This is a great outfit to wear to look comfortable IN, feel sexy IN and have fun IN. Modern, stylish and classy=perfection.

I don't normally do a back-shot but I wanted you to see the cross-back detail of this lovely top. I adore the thick straps and the look of it being like corsetry. I just think you would have missed out from just a front view. Pose is tres J Lo, no? LOL!

When I saw this top I had to have it. It was sitting in a little sale bin in a fancy boutique on Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles and everything was on crazy clearance. The place was a madhouse and all the good stuff was going and I couldn't get my hands on anything. And then....I saw this! I loved the almost Victorian linen quality of the piece, but with the modern, deep cut. You really cannot have terribly large, wall-eyed or sagging breasts with this baby. I'm not saying my boobs are perfect, but this top really challenges "the girls" and you need to be able to fill it out with no spillage and have enough cleavage so you don't look flat chested. I might have to wear tape with it because if you aren't always watching, and you lean forward, BAM, a boob falls out! This is a thinking girls top, for sure! Borbonese Cross Back Camisole, originally $300 reduced to $60 Vionette Boutique Los Angeles

This is just one of those weird and wonderful things you throw together and make a necklace out of. The big gold "hunk" is part of a broken necklace from my Grandmother's costume jewellery from the 50's or 60's that I like to wear as a pendant, and the brooch I attached to the pendant is of a Chinese man who is holding a large pearl. I thought the two looked fun together and I needed something to break up the large chest space that the top was creating in my cleavage area. I thought this was a fun and funky way to do it. Faux Gold Pendant and Silver Brooch, One of 365's Own, Priceless!

Jeans photographed really gray, but they are a deep black. These are the most flattering denim I own. I wish I knew the style but I got them from a store that buys from stylists and designers, and these were a sample that were in the process of being chopped and changed for J Brand. I think they were just a design sample---they may never have actually ever produced these jeans. Ahhh, are they comfy! They have great stretch, hug you in the right places making your legs look like a tall drink of water and they give your tush a nice lift too. And guess what, these lovelies were are a bargain. J Brand usually go for like, what, $150-200 bucks, right? Well....J Brand Black Denim Jeans, $36 (WOWZA!) Brand New, Buffalo Exchange Los Angeles

Okay. I saw these in the sales and made a bee-line for them. A lovely bloke in the shop in L.A. named Alex (hi Alex!) is amazing and pointed out that all shoes were 75% off. Reiss have a bit of a funky shoe sizing issue. I would have bought more but they either make you buy a US 6.5 or a 7.5. I'm a 7! So, that these fit me, and they were my 1st choice of any pair...well, it was my lucky day. And, Miss Fergie (of Black Eyed Peas not of Weight Watchers fame) bought them too, my lovely source told me, so I am truly Fergalicious! I love the colors, the textures (they are champagne satin, black patent, and an aqua faux reptile) with the cutest little grosgrain ties in the back. The heel height is perfect and they are like wearing slippers! I was wearing them with jeans, but with a skirt or dress they make your gams look like uber model. I love Reiss. So pricey here in the States and the sales tend to not go as low as they do in the UK, but these were a bloody bargain! Rocco Sandal Originally $295 reduced to $88.50 Reiss Los Angeles