destination New York

A.M. Schedule
6:46 – Wake to the howling pack of hungry dogs.
7:00 – Sleepy children enter the kitchen craving warm cinnamon buns.
7:10 – “Boys, stop fighting”
7:15 – Feed boys warm cinnamon buns – feel like Martha Stewart.
7:20 – “Stop yelling at him, and don’t even think of throwing that”
7:25 – Make lunches.
7:30 – Get kids dressed & ready for school.
7:40 – Run around looking for lost library book.
7:50 – “Don’t hit him”
8:00 – choke down first cup of coffee as fast as I can.
8:20 – Pull boys apart.
8:25 – Boys leave for school.
8:30 – Rush to get ready for the train.
8:32 – Trying to figure out what to wear.
8:35 – Put on black slacks with patent pumps, blouse, necklace.
8:37 – Remember I’m going to have to walk all over the city.
8:39 – Throw on jeans with high-heeled boots, cashmere sweater.
8:40 – Think my heels are too high for walking around the city all day.
8:41 – “Ugh” Change again
8:45 – Switch jeans to pair that can accommodate flat boots.
8:50 – Grab coat, bag, power bar, and phone.
9:00 – Run out the door to the train.

Haven’t we all had a morning schedule that is similarly chaotic? To avoid the 20 minutes of indecisive closet time, try to plan it out the night before. I know, I know, it’s not always that simple. So, consider the day you have ahead. Nobody loves pumps as much as I do, but they’re not always the best choice. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worn uncomfortable shoes to the city, only to regret it 40 minutes into my day. If you need pumps once you get to work or a meeting, pop a pair into your tote – change right before you walk in. NOTE: This is NOT an invitation to wear your sport sneakers with your fabulous outfit. Wear black flats, or something of the like. The best way to pull a casual business look together, wear a well tailored coat. A trench is a perfect style. It wraps the package beautifully. It’s also a look that works as well with denim as it does with trousers, or a skirt. So, it’s a good investment piece. Oh… and don’t forget your shades, because sometimes you just don’t want to make eye contact with the millions of strangers you’ll, no doubt, bump into. At the end of the day you’ll collapse onto your couch, relieved the day is over. Suddenly you remember, you get to do it all over again tomorrow. Just Breathe! C’est La Vie...

Illustration by Sophie Griotto

Items in this observation: