Shopping with Mom

I was practically raised on Neiman Marcus, so when my mom suggested we meet there yesterday, I was giddy. I hadn't set foot in the store in about five years. When you are a stay at home mom you really don't have any occasions that call for designer duds, but I'm a firm believer that an afternoon at Neiman's is good for the soul! 

We met outside our entrance. I'm quite sure we've never entered the store through any other door...outside, fourth level parking deck. I don't think they've changed the handle on that door since it was hung many years ago. It looks just the same as I've always remembered it—familiar, worn, weathered, and frozen in time. It's just about the only thing that hasn't changed. Things on the inside have moved around a bit like shoes, jewelry and the ladies lounge, but it's still every bit as elegant.

Dressing for Neiman's is a must if you expect to get any service, and mom didn't disappoint. She looked regal, refined and more beautiful than ever. They say men get more distinguished as they age and women just get older. Anyone who believes that should take a look at my mom. At forty one I am still humbled in her presence. 

 After a stroll through the Manolo's, Louboutin's, Prada's and Weitzman's we lingered in the skin care and make up before a leisurely lunch in the café. The café used to be intimate and quaint with white tablecloths and fine linen napkins. It was the kind of place you could still spot sophisticated women in Chanel suits and white gloves having lunch. That classic atmosphere was what gave the café it's charm, and now it's just like any other eating establishment in town with modern décor, hard stiff back chairs, and zero appeal. The food is still good though, and the company second to none. 

The prices for wares at Neiman's has earned it the nickname Needless Markups. I cannot argue with that. You really don't need to pay $650 for a pair of sandals—I don't care whose name is on the label. Mom did instill in me the importance of quality, and that it's okay to spend money on something that is classic, timeless and will last forever. That is my mom...classic and timeless. The lessons and wisdom that she has passed on to me I now pass on to my children, and in that respect she will last forever.