Ladies who Lunch, part 1

Many Ladies of Leisure are also Ladies who Lunch. On Wikipedia you can read that ”Ladies who lunch” is a phrase often used to describe well-off, well-dressed women who meet for social luncheons, usually during the working week. Typically, the women involved are married and non-working. Normally the lunch is in a high-class restaurant, but could also take place in a department store during a shopping trip. Sometimes the lunch takes place under the pretext of raising money for charity. I would say that Wikipedia pretty much nailed it. Being a Lady who Lunches do put a lot of pressure on you. Unless the other Ladies are very close friends – which they often aren’t in the typical expatriate world – you can consider every Lunch with the Ladies as a competition and the winner is the Lady with the most desirable handbags, shoes and outfits. The prize is the admiration – or more likely the envy – of the other Ladies.

                                     Ladies who Lunch - Stepford Style

When attending such a luncheon you have to make sure your hair and nails are neatly fixed. No Lady who Lunches with any self respect would show herself with chipped nail polish or messy hair. Put on a discreet makeup for a polished look and a fresh, light perfume. Your footwear has to match your handbag or some piece in your outfit. Don’t think that no one will notice if you neglect any of my good advice; trust me, they will notice and they will talk about it.

Has anyone ever told you that they love your shoes? If a Lady who Lunches says it, she probably isn’t saying she loves your shoes; she’s saying she loves your Choos. Jimmy Choo is the favorite shoe designer among Ladies who Lunch.Once a Lady said to me that she loved my  green croco flat Choos, ”they look so comfy”. ”Yes, they really do” I replied with a big smile. As soon as we sat down, I discreetly removed my shoes. Here’s the thing; Jimmy Choos are not comfortable shoes. Elegant? Yes. Can you walk in them? Barely. I have five pairs of Choos so I know what I’m talking about. The most comfortable of my Choos are my yellow Ursula heels but they seldom get to leave the dust bag in my shoe closet. But then again, Lunch with the Ladies is not about being comfortable, it’s about who has the most desirable wardrobe. 

                                This is Ursula. She doesn't get out very often.