July 20, 2020

The new normal

Have you ever had one of those days? Who am I kidding, haven’t we all had one of those years?! But at least we’ve all been through this together, ironically by staying apart. Now though, I feel a new day has dawned and that things are returning to normal, or at least the new normal with whatever new rules come along. That’s not a complaint, don’t get me wrong. I’m so incredibly grateful that I’m finally able to now spend quality time with those whom I love, my friends and family.

And to celebrate this special occasion, I decided that when meeting my dearest friend, who I hadn’t shared the same physical space with for two months, I would bring along a gift, a little something to put an even bigger smile upon her face. Now that French Sole’s Marylebone shop is finally open again, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to drop in, peruse, schmooze and pick out a treat for said friend. That was the plan anyway, a pair for her and perhaps a pair for me in my namesake style of Amelie! At this point, however, I would like to make a suggestion to French Sole that they place a warning sign above the shop entrance, something bold and in red which reads “Warning! Ballet flats can be addictive, try them on at your peril!” Yes, one pair for my friend and one for me, oh how naive I can be, or did I subconsciously know that French Sole had a truly massive sale on.

So let’s see, first to catch my eye was a pair of Henrietta flats in the most perfect lilac croc. I then headed for the Board Walkers and singled out a beautiful pair in black suede. An irresistible force then persuaded me to pounce on a pair of Hefner slippers with the cutest mermaid embroidery, perfect for the summer I thought. And finally, exhausted, dizzy but returning to my senses, I chose for my friend and I matching pairs of Amelie flats in red patent croc. And I left the shop with a lesson learnt! Resisting the temptation of a bargain is futile. Give in to indulgence, the pleasure of buying a pair (or two or three) of French Sole’s growing collection of perfect flats. This is the new normal.