Come Sail Away

I waved out the window and watched the ex-love-of-my-life fade in the rear-view mirror. Jeb had been very understanding as I explained all about my new job and impending move that day at the gas station. He even wished me luck with one final hug. I realized as I drove away that I was closing a chapter on my life, and while it made me a bit nostalgic I knew that I couldn't possibly reapply mascara and maintain wheel contact with the pavement at the same time, so crying was out of the question.

Fast forward...

It seems there's nothing like being the new girl in town to find your mailbox/inbox overflowing with invites to fun and fashionable events, especially on a holiday weekend. Three such invites had me in a bit of a quandary. The girls-across-the-courtyard at my new condo had invited me to a private showing of a hot new jewelry designer. The cute-guy-from-the-laundry-room mentioned that there was a hot air balloon festival going on out in the country. (Not quite sure if this was actually an invitation or just a mention, as had noticed frilly unmentionables in his laundry, but did not notice mention of girlfriend; please let him be nice brother doing family laundry and not cross-dressing perv!)

As a go-to-girl with a keen interest in all things professional (in keeping with new job as assistant to fashion-maven-type executive) I felt it would be in my best interest (professionally, of course) to accept the invitation to go sailing with a few of my coworkers. Apparently, my new place of employment is a one-big-happy-family-type situation with company picnics, outings and even a sponsored softball team. So when Ted from Accounting said, "Hey, New Girl, a bunch of us are going sailing this weekend, do you sail?" I answered, "Of course! I love to sail!" and suddenly I was a part of the family. (May have been stretching the experienced sailor persona a bit, but I had been on the Circle Line around Manhattan a bazillion times and my last class reunion was a dinner cruise. How different could it be?)

So bright and early Sunday morning I made my way to the pier, decked out in very fetching sailing attire of cropped pants, chic cami , saucy little espadrilles and oh-so-chic chapeau, with my girly paraphernalia and beach towel tucked away in a stylish tote. As I sauntered down the dock I admired the beautiful gleaming sailboats, noting that they seemed a bit on the smallish side, not anything like the Circle Line boats, when I heard Ted yell, "Hey New Girl! Over here!" I turned, and there at the end of the pier was a beautiful white sailboat with navy blue trim. Navy blue--destiny! Became temporarily lost in vision of self, in floaty sundress á la Daisy Buchanan, relaxing with frothy cold beverage on the front-part (which I have since learned is referred to as the bow) of the boat and therefore I failed to notice the attire of my shipmates.

As I clambered up the portable stairs and handed my tote over the side I was stopped in my fashionable tracks by Gilligan, the first mate, who apologetically informed me that my darling sailing sandals would have to part company with my freshly pedi'd feet for the duration of the trip. I was then handed a mangled pair of "deck shoes" which are deemed the only appropriate footwear for said deck. It was at this point that I took a good look around me. My fellow shipmates were all attired in heavy cableknit fishermen's sweaters, fleece-lined jackets, cotton twill chinos and the aforementioned deck shoes. The girls all had their hair casually yet fashionably pulled back in ponytails or tucked under baseball caps, and everyone was sporting the type of sunglasses that true sailors undoubtedly wear. Hmmm, must rethink fashion factor. While these sailing aficionados were definitely stylish, they had been channeling early spring Nautica (ooh! Look at all the goodies!—-great cologne, and did you see the nifty chrono-watch? Not to mention the entire garment bag...but I digress), and I had been envisioning summer kickoff Michael Kors. With the sun shining so brightly, and a light breeze along the water, how cold could it possibly get?

My weather reverie was momentarily interrupted by introductions all around to my fellow shipmates. Ted (Accounting) & Annette, Beth (Advertising) & Mark, Scott (Gilligan) and Chanel (or maybe it was Coco?) I promptly forgot all their names and temporarily my own when I locked eyes with the skipper of our stylish vessel, Seth. Was fate at play here? First the navy trim on the sleek sailing vessel, then Horatio Hornblower at the helm. It seems all my fantasies were coming together...

To be continued...

Be sure to check out the homepage for updates from She She Me. Also, don't miss the great girly merchandise in our Chic Shop.

she she me sponsor: SOLESTRUCK

We have new arrivals at Solestruck! Whether you are still looking for the perfect pair of espadrilles or sexy sandals to show off your pedicure, or trying to find the perfect pair of autumn boots, you will find exactly what you need at Solestruck.

We have one of the finest selections of high quality shoes available online, with fantastic savings daily. From Charles David slingbacks and Delman dress pumps to Carlos Santana peeptoes and the ever lovely Nina evening styles you will find exactly what your little heart desires at Solestruck.