Do you remember when pause and refresh meant taking a break and pouring an ice cold Coke? Now when I hear the phrase, I automatically think: internet connection problems. 

What a difference a decade makes.

After working hard for fourteen straight days, I decided to hit pause, take a break and meet a friend for lunch. She's been super busy too, so catching up was a must. We both needed to replenish some spring/summer basics like white chinos, so we agreed to meet at the Oak Brook Shopping Center. Hoping to see some fun new fashions and give ourselves a shot of spring color, we decided to follow up on this GAP ad and personally inspect the merchandise. Very cute stuff, I must admit!

These are definitely the colors of the moment along with pink which I suppose is rather pretty in a girly-girl sort of way. But I cannot in good conscience recommend pink to anyone who has a real job, unless it's so pale it looks like this sweater:

 I love the blue jacket, but not with the blush sweater please. And of course, I will wear the white chinos with just about everything I own this summer.

 After we said our goodbyes, I made the mistake of cutting through Neiman's on my way to my car (I always park in the same place, lest I lose my car. It's so embarrassing). As I walked through the cosmetics department (I always know where that is), I noticed a significant event of some kind was taking place so I asked "What's all the hoopla about? Is someone giving something away?"

Turns out Yves Saint Laurent's top makeup artist was visiting from New York City and Del (we are now on a first name basis) and his team were doing makeup magic makeovers. What extraordinary luck! Are you saying that right now, while I'm on my refresh break I can get my makeup done by a bona fide top notch makeup artist? I can try the new spring colors and walk out the door with an I don't give a flying fig about the weather attitude? 

Sold. 

And to think it cost me only a hundred dollars in new makeup.

Surprisingly, I do not feel buyers remorse. As a matter of fact, I took the time and made the effort to apply my new peach color lipstick that tastes like fresh mango and the Are You Kidding Me Yellow Gold eye shadow today, even though it's 26 degrees outside and I'm waiting for the washing machine repair guy. 

Del the makeup expert said I should try this gold eye shadow for a change, and that I should always wear mascara, lipstick and highlighter under my eyes (hence the $100.00 tab). So I did what what I was told. Why? Because it felt so darn good to pause and refresh, to leisurely chat with my dear friend, to buy a pair of chinos in a relaxed fit, and to try something new . . .  just for fun.

After all, it might be spring tomorrow and I need to be ready.  

Are you?

Nancy