Nirvana Mommas

I’m a Vegas Virgin.

Apparently, I’m the last person on earth yet to experience that heavenly pit of debauchery.  But, I’m losing my vegas-virginity this weekend. And gladly…

My man-friend, CW (as he shall affectionately be referred to), is whisking me away for my birthday present.  He’s planned a Vegas get-a-away.  I could write an epic-long post about him, but he does read this from time to time and I don’t want to scare him away.   You know the drill.  So, for now, I’ll just tell you that he’s…heavenly…and has planned our entire trip. All I’ve had to do? Make sure he doesn’t forget the “ey” at the end of my name for the airline ticket. “It’s S-h-e-l-l-E-Y.” 

Sweet Jesus. Is he for reals?

Anyway…what does a girl do  when she’s going to Vegas? SHOP SHOP SHOP !!!!!!

So, Wednesday (my birthday), after taking Connor to school, and after a little 5.5 mile run around McKinley Park, I hit Arden Mall in all my sweaty not-so-cuteness. My strategy was to do as much damage as I could possibly  do to my bank account before my 12:30pm massage with mom at Arden Hills Country Club. 

Mission accomplished.

I already hit Madam Butterfly this week, and though I didn’t need  more dresses or cute tops crammed into my closet, I wanted  them.  And as mom always says, “It’s not the need -  it’s the want.”  It’s the Ronan curse mantra.  So, my arsenal of dresses grew significantly and they were craving accessories.  And I’m not one to deprive.

So…where do you go when you must have the most fabulous shoes and bag…but you have very little time?  Nordstrom, of course!!   Now, I LOVE boutique shopping…but I had noooo time for screwing around and digging. 

I was on a time-limited mission.

First?  I hit the handbag department. And, it is there, my friends, that  I met my savior. 

Sarah Hinkle  took me under her wing like Angelina and Brad hover over their cache of children.  I swear to God.  Ms. Sarah is a Vegas-Veteran,  and after hearing about my wardrobe, helped me accessorize with new bag, shoes…and even guided me over to make-up.

I had no idea that someone from one department could surrender their post and take me by the hand throughout the entire store - ? Maybe it was that tell-tale look of panic and fear I had on my face…that last-minute-frenzy to find the perfect this or that? I probably reeked of the twelfth hour “I- don’t-care-how-much-it-costs-as-long-as-I-look-freaking-fabulous”  syndrome.  Now, I have a ton in my closet…but it just never feels as good as “new.”  You ladies understand.

No matter.  Ms. Sarah had me covered.  She spent sooooo much time with me - looking at different purses - trying on different shoes - going over to the Mac counter…I was afraid she’d get fired.  I even asked her “Is this all okay??” I was a time absorber. She sweetly responded, “This is what I do.”  And, ladies, she’s does it well.

I left Nordstrom totally confident and ready to rock in Vegas.   If you need a personal shopper MINUS the attitude (a rare combo) - who is low-key and no-pressure….and who eats fashion mags for breakfast… she’s your gal. She’s totally helpful, realistic, knowledgeable, un-assuming, kind…and she won’t guilt you into car-payment-priced shoes.

And, to keep this all in perspective, I must add that my Nordstrom experience the day before went like this:

Pretentious Shoe Dept. Woman: “These shoes are only five.” 

Shelley: “Five what?” 

Snobby Shoe Dept. Woman:  “Five hundred.”

Shoe-Shocked Shelley: “We need to drop a zero, honey.”

Perplexed Shoe Dept. Woman: “But Stuart Weitzman is an  investment.”  (huff)

Unimpressed Shelley:  “Uhh…for who? Stuart Weitzman??  Yeeeeaahh…um…buh-bye.”

Anyway…I told Ms. Sarah what I wanted to spend, how I wanted to look (with her input) and that I needed to find this FAST.   She was a whirling dirvish of energy while also a much-needed breath of fresh air who knew her shiz - she had me in and out of the fray in record speed.  She was the Indy 500 of shopping.  It was shopping on speed. I left feeling completely confident and fabulous despite my gross pony tale, salty skin, black running bra, Mizunos and sweaty Adidas capris.  (And that’s sayin’ something).  I walked away with all  my goods firmly death-gripped in my silver Nordstrom paper bag. 

Thanks to Sarah.

If you need a personal shopper, do seek her out. Here’s her contact information.  Happy shopping!

(btw…I’m sure I’ll be posting Vegas picks next week…)

Sarah M. Hinkle

Assistant Manager

Handbags

(T) 916.646.2400 ext.1258

(E) sarah.m.hinkle@nordstrom.com

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