birks and texts


A few weeks ago I received the above mystery text (I don't recognize the number and it's not in my contact list), which I assumed came from a NYC friend (UES= Upper East Side). But then again, perhaps it's someone from Birkenstock PR who somehow got my cell number....? Regardless, it got me thinking again about this hippie stalwart, which showed signs last year of reincarnating as fashion-forward footwear. Then yesterday I was in New York for the first time this sandal season, and lo and behold, I did indeed see some Birks about, executed in a comfortably chic way as seen below. (No, it's not New York, but wouldn't it be nice if the FDR looked like that?)


I must confess that I had long assumed that this comfie shoe I used to wear to Dead shows was not likely to find its way into my closet again. But since it now seems that Celine's iconic fur-trimmed version from Spring 2013 may have single-handedly resurrected this shoe (or at least sanctioned it as a fashionable option), and I have actually seen some women making it work, I am keeping an open mind. If I do feel inclined at some point, I'd go for this one or this one, or try something that is Birkenstock-inspired like this or this.

Now, having talked about the fashion, let's get back to that mystery text. It just so happens that in addition to putting sandals on my mind, it reminded me of an embarrassing incident from my past also involving unknown text senders, which I thought you might enjoy. And it's quite appropriate for LE CATCH, as it of course involves clothes, sort of:

A few years ago a friend of mine who had recently moved from New York to London was coming through LA on vacation and was planning to stay for a few days at the Beverly Hills Hotel. We had not seen each other in ages and exchanged some emails about meeting at the hotel or elsewhere before settling on lunch at The Tavern in Brentwood. On the appointed day, after attending my mommy-and-me class with my two-year- old, I headed over to the restaurant and was shown to our table. I was early, and I texted her to let her know I had arrived. Well, unbeknownst to me, she had ditched her New York (917) cell number that I had stored in my phone, but as you will see below, it took me awhile (and an unnecessary trip to the Beverly Hills Hotel) to figure that out. Here's the exchange with my "friend" (my texts are in green):


I should add that as I sat waiting in the hotel for my friend, it wasn't even the imposter's final text that clued me in. It was actually that my phone rang, and when I picked up, it was my friend calling me from The Tavern on her London cell phone wondering where I was!

Apparently, my mommy-on-the-brain ADD at the time was so severe (yes, that's what I'd like to blame it on), I had lost my ability to read, let alone to know when I was being mocked. I was SO mad, but it was pretty funny after the fact. And I have to give credit to this unknown prankster, whose preposterous messages somehow had me driving all over LA to meet them in their banana sunglasses so we could eat lamb's tail. And how did they know to zero right in on clothes when messing with me? Oh well, even though they did manage to disrupt my lunch plans, I deserved it, so I forgive them. But just barely.

14 comments

Anonymous said...

hilarious! thanks for sharing.

sharon said...

This person has clearly been schooled in the fine art of The Best Ways To Handle A Text From The Wrong Number!
http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/best-ways-to-handle-a-text-from-the-wrong-number
Read the article - you will die from laughter!

Unknown said...

One of the funniest things I have read in a long time!!!
xo Emma
http://strollingthecityinheels.com

Fashionista Extraordinaire said...

Too funny!!! I think I'm in need of some birks was just telling my friend she needed to rock hers again!! Thanks for sealing the deal with this post! Oh, love your sons name! My oldest is also William! Liam for short!! Happy 4th

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

That is HILARIOUS. As for the Birks...I have to admit, I would rather wear them than the Celine fur shoes...sorry. LOL.

XOXO, Jenn
The Stylish Housewife

Anonymous said...

definitely the madrid! it's actually the 50th anniversary of that shoe this year and they're doing it in some really fun skins for fall. (can you tell i ran into birkenstock pr at a vogue blogger event? :))

Anonymous said...

This is one of the most hilarious things I've read in a while. Thanks for making me laugh!

Anonymous said...

Just got back from a tour of Italy and all the fashionable gals in Rome were wearing their Birkenstocks! Kicking myself that I didn't purchase a pair for myself...

azra said...

I must admit Birkenstock looks pretty cool.
And that story is so funny. :))

Anita said...

OMG, that is so funny! I am such a nerd, I want to know how you were able to show the whole exchange in one strip! LOL

Angie said...

Oh, that's funny - after the fact! Thanks for sharing :)

Marlien Rentmeester said...

Anita--it's easy! I just took several screenshots from my iphone and then spliced them together in photoshop.

Helen said...

Funniest thing I've read in quite some time... Lots of giggling here.

The Gizah was always one I tried to sport. Ultimately, though, it still looked too...crunchy...with the rest of my attire. Maybe it's time to take the risk again. xx

Anonymous said...

Just bought a pair of taupe Arizona birks with soft foot bed. Insanely comfortable, not sure I am brave enough to wear them outside of my house/yard/gym. I did wear Madrid birks all over Tuscany and Rome after I saw a ton of chic Roman ladies don them with cute summer dresses and their Birkins.
Julie

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