I recently returned from my first business trip. It was two days in Boston that was mostly pleasure plus attending a ballet premiere and the party after. That last bit was the work part in case you were wondering. I had been looking forward to the trip for weeks and the beautiful summer-like weather we were having leading up to my departure only added to my excitement. So when we stepped off the train into blustery winds and an increasingly cloudy sky, I knew I was in trouble. Yes, I had looked at the weather report smart-ass, but after 90-degree days, I guess I had a hard time remembering what 50 felt like when you are dressed in only a blouse and cotton pants.
I immediately pulled out of my bag the little ¾ sleeve jacket I had packed, as well as a scarf and tried to think warm thoughts. My colleague and I agreed to get settled in our rooms and then meet back in the lobby to go out for a late lunch. The picturesque 15-minute walk from Back Bay to Boston’s South End was filled with goose bumps and chattering teeth, and this was at 4pm!! What was I going to do that night when the sun went down and the temperatures dropped even more? I had to think fast!
After returning to the hotel and quickly pondering my options, I ran back out and headed toward Newbury Street. My friend K had mentioned this place and it was coincidentally only 3 blocks from my hotel. The first thing I saw was Burberry. Then Armani. And Marc Jacobs was there too. Time was of the essence. I had to act fast. These were clearly all unrealistic options at this moment, so when I finally saw an H&M, I ran inside. While on the phone with previously mentioned friend K, she told me that being cold and suffering was not an option and it would not be wrong for me to grab a little cardigan. In that brief moment, K proved yet again why we are such good friends. But I didn’t see anything I really liked there and time was running out. And then it started to drizzle.
Had I brought an umbrella on my trip…of course not! A quick decision needed to be made. Into Marc by Marc Jacobs I trotted and found an adorable umbrella for $19. And I purchased it. And yes, it felt good.Honestly, being that I had been thrown into the lion’s den that is Newbury Street, I thought I was pretty strong. I still ended up getting a wicked cold upon my return to New York, no doubt from my lack of warm clothing while traipsing around Boston in the cold and rain. At least my super cute new Marc Jacobs umbrella kept me somewhat dry. I mean, you don’t want me getting pneumonia or anything now do you? I thought so.
