OFF DUTY had its annual summer party, and I pretended like it was my very own Welcome Back to NYC party. After a week in Virginia, I couldn’t wait to get back to the city (but of course cried to leave my mom & co.). And even the weather cooperated for this shindig:
If you don’t recognize Jonathan Adler and Jason Wu above, stop reading. Forever. (just kidding. before moving here, I recognized no one. sometimes, I still have that problem.)
I still can’t believe people care to meet me. I met John Robshaw (my all-time favorite textiles designer) and Gaby Basora (the designer behind oh-so-fun Tucker) tonight, and I couldn’t believe how gracious and sweet and genuine they were. And they even talked to me. For like awhile. What is happening?
I introduced myself to someone in advertising as “Deborah Needleman’s assistant,” and a WSJ-er corrected me immediately with a scowl and, “That’s not your name. You are Alainna Beddie.” I was reminded of that fact when Sara Ruffin Costello introduced me to a photographer by my full name, and I still couldn’t just smile graciously and coolly without blinking. Being around truly successful people who know my full name is still my favorite (and most uncomfortable … and mind blowing …) part of my little life.
Goodnight, world. Glad to be back at the center of it all.
