Ahhhh, Bottega Veneta, the apex of discreet chic with price tags to make your heart sink.
I never quite imagined I'd actually find myself purchasing anything here, but desperate moments call for indulgent actions, and that's exactly how I wound up here several weeks before my wedding convinced that the gorgeous pair of white woven leather heels were the ONLY shoes that would go with my hard-to-match vintage ensemble.
When I spotted the shoes, it was love at first sight, and I quickly ignored the fact that the shoes cost as much as my monthly rent. And then panic (not about the price, mind you!) set it -- they didn't have my size in stock, and weren't sure they had them in any of the BV stores in the world.
You can only imagine my horror. I had found the perfect shoes, they were insanely gorgeous and I could only rationalize purchasing them now given the upcoming event.
I can't remember the name of the person who worked there, but she promised to find those shoes for me hell or high water. She called all of the shops around the world and found the only pair in my size and had it sent priority to Paris in time for the wedding. It was exactly the kind of service you'd expect at one of the leading luxury brands in the world, but I really felt that she was doing it for me, that there was a personal dimension there. Maybe all great luxury brands make you feel that special, but wouldn't really know, but in any case it made the experience just that much more memorable. read more