Seven Courses
7 courses. Countless wines. And I didn’t even realize there were 2 formal dinners until I stepped out of my hotel room. 8 hours on the train takes a toll. Markus & Alexa not only accommodated me in their hotel @almaranto_piemonte but organized my transfers from the train station to the hotel. With 30 min to spare, I ran a brush through my hair, then teeth, & swiped on red 💄 lipstick- years ago @tobifairley told me red lipstick was the secret to always looking alert even when jet lagged. I was dressed nicely but casual expecting an informal dinner upon arrival. When I opened my door I had a moment of confusion. My neighbors stepping from theirs were wearing a tuxedo and full-length gown. I had brought a formal for the 2nd night of the party but had expected 1 not 2 formal dinners. “Shit!” I exclaim and good naturedly my neighbors laughed. “You look fine.” They said immediately understanding my problem. “Wait.” I responded, suddenly losing the ability to speak in sentences. Closing the door to my room. “Shit shit shit.” I say.
Thank god I always over pack. I like options. I like to have my things. One of the perils of traveling as much as I do is I find it necessary to have creature comforts. Options for clothing based upon mood is one of those comforts. Thankfully I packed not 1 but 2 gowns. I run to the bathroom and twist my hair into a chignon securing it with my eyeshadow brush like a chopstick in my hair. Next up I strip off my trousers & shimmy into the turquoise gown. No bra. Though I think of everything I always forget something. My strapless was a causality. Hair up, gown on, next comes extra eyeliner. Darn it. Why didn’t I bring false lashes? I flash the wand over my eyes again. Looking at my phone I see - I literally got dressed in 6 minutes flat. When I exit the elevator on the ground floor I find the neighbors in the reception and introduce myself. “Entschuldigen Sie, ich bin Toma, Ihr Nachbar” They look at me blankly. “Quelle Transformation” I joke. “It’s me.””Wowza, you look like a different woman.” “And in 6 minutes no less.” I praise myself. “Cheers to that,” they say, as our hosts toast the friends gathered for their birthday. Cheers to that I say.
OUR SPONSOR:
ABOUT Antique Dealer Training Program: 20 HOURS OF 1:1 TRAINING
Custom, private 1:1 training sessions ideal for new – and nearly new – antiques specialists who want to fast-track your profitability as an antique dealer.
Our vision is to equip antique dealers with the tools and resources they need to sell antiques and become thought leaders shaping the future of antiques. Our team of experts provide a laser-focused program on how to build an antiques business to complement your knowledge of decorative arts. Successful decorative arts or appraisal programs focus on the study of antiques, their origin and their worth; we teach you the Business of Antiques.
Our program is individually tailored to meet your needs wherever you are in the process of becoming an antiques dealer. If you’re just embarking on the journey of starting a new business we can help you from concept to launch. If you’re an established successful dealer who knows you are missing sales - or want to tap into a new market - we work with you to evaluate your current business and identify areas for growth opportunities and create a targeted, actionable plan.
Our sessions are one-on-one and are highly collaborative conversations that allow us to dive deep into what works specifically for you and your business.
The Antiques Diva Training Program for Antique Dealers brings you the information you need on your schedule, right in your home.
WEBSITE: www.antiquedealertrainingprogram.com
INSTAGRAM: @theantiquesdiva