Fashion Wreck

Before I launch into today’s post, I should say that no one was hurt in this tale of woe. We’re all just really stinky on our block. And sad.

New York Fashion Week kicks off this Thursday, showcasing American designers and their Spring 2013 collections. And though I’m excited to see what’s been cooking in their creative minds, I’ve been living through a Fashion Wreck.

Exactly one week ago today, the townhouse next to ours burnt down—immediately making my family of four (plus dog) temporarily homeless and wearing what was on our backs when disaster and tragedy hit.

Every textile in our home: bedding, drapery, throw pillows, rugs, etc. and all clothing including shoes and handbags were collected by experts, Madame Paulette, and are currently going through the process necessary to remove the smell and soot that now clings to it all. Other cleaners have moved in and a team of 10 works all day long scrubbing down every surface, of every inch, of every object we own including: ceilings, walls, floors, Legos, Critters, books, memories, and personal affects that are only special to us.

The photo above is what I call Ghost Shoes. Removed from the shelf, boxes were above, you can see where my shoes were lovingly living in my closet. Only their footprints reminding me of their former glory waiting to be worn.

So if you see a girl wearing the same chartreuse J. Crew dress, with matching Oscar de la Renta shoes, day after day after day for the next two weeks. That’s me. It’s what I had on a week ago, and am still wearing today. Just please excuse the black grime under my nails and on my shoes.

I might only have one outfit to my name right now. I don’t care. The only things that have ever really mattered, are pictured in the photo below. (My husband on the phone with the Insurance Company, and my dog peeing on a fire hydrant—are out of frame.) And Thank God none of them had to be taken away to be fixed.