St. Thomas for the #win!

Where in the world is Sim0ne B.? St. Thomas, USA.

Minnie Belle spoke the truth. The right apparel can absolutely open doors, windows and hotel vaults. After I finished a few errands, I headed straight to the most exclusive hotel in the county. The Ivy was spectacular, with robin’s egg blue beach chairs and a bar staffed with cocoa brown waiters in sharply creased cargo shorts. Having stored my trunk of garments, shoes, hats, and accessories at the airport, I sat down unencumbered at the outdoor bar. 
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As the tide waltzed in and out, I sipped my sugar rimmed lemon drop, and reflected on a conversation I had earlier that day:

"So what time is your flight back to DC?," Minnie inquired as she started sorting through her garments I brought from Cape May.


Instead of answering, I lowered my gaze and tried to think of a way to tell her that somewhere between Florida and St. Thomas, my plans had changed.


She noticed my hesitation but did not stop sorting through the items now organized in several neat piles on her bed. After a few moments, she handed me a luxe Dior caftan and a 2-piece bathing costume with no discernible label. 


"I don't think I can accept any more garments from you," said NO fashion investigator ever. So I simply said, "Thank you, Minnie Belle," with awed sincerity.


"And, what size shoe do you wear?," Minnie inquired with a smile.


"6 and a half," I replied a bit too quickly.


She laughed and handed me a clear lucite box with a pair of knee high gladiator sandals nestled inside. "I purchased these in Italy almost 40 years ago," Minnie said before I could ask about their provenance. 


While I was practicing my best "Naomi" (runway walk), Minnie glided over to her white leather desk, sat down, and pulled out a box of embossed Cartier stationery. After sealing the envelope, she left the room only to return with a bottle of Armani Prive Vert Malichite. Three spritzes in the air left the envelope lightly lily scented and amazingly dry.


"Give this to Omar at the Ivy and you’ll have a place to stay tonight," Minnie said as she handed me the missive.


I took the envelope with care and kissed Minnie on the cheek. She smelled of L'Occitane almond oil and [Olaudah} Equiano rum. Before Minnie released me, she whispered in my ear, "Just remember S1m0ne, it never profits a woman to offend the Spirit within." 


With a wink,, Minnie returned to the kitchen. She was preparing gumbo for Dr. Nigel. And, I was once again dismissed.
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​I smiled at the memory and retrieved my song list from my bag.  If Omar worked at the Ivy, he might be in a position to hire a lounge singer. Luck favors the prepared, darling. ​😉

Fashion stories to entertain & inspire.
@Simone.Butterfly