After attending the fantastic TOPSHOP|TOPMAN private shopping event - it was soon time to head over to Paris Club for the private dinner, hosted by Sir Philip Green. (What a private day I was having.) I was only allowed to arrive solo, so I threw the bowtie back on in the office and began my way over to the event.
Once I arrived - I was checked in and given a small card with a number on it ... a table number. I memorized the number '11' and did what any solo party-goer would do - I located the bar. A handsome bartender walked over and I asked him what the deal was tonight. His response? ... "It's open bar, sir." ... "Oh?", I thought - "It's that kind of a party?" I order a whiskey/coke and before the I'm-alone-and-it's-awkward set in, Emma Arnold of Tres Awesome (one of my favorite fashion blogs) nudged me on the shoulder. She was a welcomed sight - with her cool, calm demeanor and leather jacket-over a t-shirt-over a dress hotness. It was about to begin...
Before I could could make that slurping sound with my straw (more whiskey, please) - we had a full-on party going. I saw Samantha Saifer (CS Magazine) across the room - looking amazing (those pants?! - love.) ... James Goeke and I spotted each other, both raised a 'hello hand' and he came by to gossip (P.s. LOVE him, James!) ... not far behind him, his wifey Jessica Zweig (Cheeky Chicago) came over for a smooch/hug combo ... I finally met the handsome Mr. Anderson Bell (FanFueled Tickets) and ordered him another Stella, as he told us about how he keeps his girlish figure ... my obsessions walked in shortly after - Christina Fan (C/FAN) and Ms. April Francis (AF - Refinery29 Contributor - Total Fox) - #CallMeYouTwo ... Getting the point? The room was packed with Chicago's most stylish and elite - and there I was ... somehow invited to be in the middle of it all.
Christina Fan & Bridget White:
Arriving at my table, I was delighted to be sitting with some of my favorite Chicagoans. I just about squealed when Molly Each (Michigan Avenue Magazine) scooted in to my right - love that women. To my left - Ms. Bridget White (eDrop-Off) sat down (looking as beautiful as ever) ... minutes later, we'd be swapping childhood stories and literally holding back tears - xo, B-dub! Across from me sat a stellar lineup of Chicago's finest men: Matt Lee (Editor-in-Chief of The Men's Book) - which, to me, is liking sitting across from Oprah ... Jason Berngard (Market Lead, Gilt City), whom is marrying my girlfriend, Sam Saifer (don't tell him) ... and Michael Corrigan (Zapwater Communications) - THE man of the hour (as far as I'm concerned), who had a hand in planning the entire night. Excellent work, Michael!
After everyone was settled, watered and wined - it was time to hear from Sir Philip Green - the man behind TOPSHOP|TOPMAN. He stood and spoke kindly - telling us how thrilled he was to be in Chicago and how much he was looking forward to growing his business here. After a few words - we raised our glasses and had a cheers to TOPSHOP|TOPMAN ... and rightfully so.
LOOK at me, Miley!
Ryan: "Hi. I'm Ryan."
Miley: (in that weird voice of hers) "Hiii. I'm Miii-lay" (What? She has an accent.)
They shake hands. They dance for approximately 48 seconds. They part ways.
Shorty after this experience, I was back to my girl Bridget, shakin' it like it was Saturday. Until I realized ... it was Wednesday ... and 2a.m. ... and definitely time to go...
Kevin Aeh & Monica Dimperio:
As the cab drove through the streets of Chicago - wind whipping through the window - I thought about the truly amazing evening TOPSHOP|TOPMAN had created for us that night. Never before had I been to an event like it ... and it took a shop from across the pond to give me that experience.
As the cab driver reached my place, I had only one thought on my mind: When is the next TOPSHOP|TOPMAN opening?!
(I just hope I make the list.)
Truly,
R.M.B.
Myself, Christina Fan & Bridget White:
Monica Dimperio ends the night with some #SASS:
