Girl's Shopping Trip!

On my last adventure to Billings MT, I was on a plane to Seattle flicking through the in-flight magazine when I saw a spread advert for “The Bravern”. The Shops at the Bravern (as it is collectively known) is a new upscale shopping center in Bellevue WA. However, it was the fine print of store openings that moved me to write down the name and file it away for later when I
had internet access- Jimmy Choo.

My dear sweet friend Shelley could be compared to Carrie Bradshaw, but she is far more intelligent, witty, funny and impeccably styled. She’s also a SHOE-A-HOLIC. I don’t just mean that she has a lot of pairs of shoes either. I mean that she has an immeasurable love for shoes; and she especially loves Manolo and Jimmy- just like Ms. Bradshaw.

The fate was sealed. I pulled out my iPod touch and opened a new “note”…in it I tapped the name and the website provided. We would have to see this, and we would have to see it together.

It opened two weeks ago and last weekend that was just what we did. It was far grander in person than I could gauge from the glossy magazine photo. Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Salvetore Ferragamo all shinny and new, not to mention the crown jewel Trophy Cupcake.

Bright and early last Saturday morning Shelley was at my door ready to go. I’m sure Steven likened the experience to two kids waking up on Christmas morning.

My only personal let down for the day was that while the rest of the shops were completed and open, HERMES was not. The classic orange sign was the only hint that it was even there. The door was sealed shut and all the windows were covered with orange paper. Oh well, I guess that just means a return trip.

We did walk away with some Jo Malone purchases, plus a Neiman Marcus gift bag and Jo Malone gift! Then we headed off for a scrumptious lunch at Artisanal (See the photo below!). In our usual style we enjoyed processco (which I’m very fond of) and homemade pizza for me and fettuccini for her. Then it was one quick stop off to Nordstroms (HUGE and having a big make up event! With a DJ spinning tunes!) before heading back home.

All in all, a wonderful way to spend a Saturday with a great friend. The three hour car ride there and back didn’t faze us at all. Except for that part where we spent Sunday lounging around and recuperating ...