Sunday, November 6, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
"UNFORGETTABLE"
A Medical Mystery Solved: Learning to live with SAWM
A Medical Mystery Solved: Learning to live with SAWM
My husband has always had this rare memory talent. We never made a big deal about it. Both of just accepted it. I guess we should have questioned it. But we never even gave it a name. I believe if you name something, it ends up sticking around like a stray cat.
Then last month, Randy’s ability was given a name.
“Superior Autobiographical Wardrobe Memory.”
It started with a phone call from the office of Dr. Walton B. Masterson, a name I instantly recognized from a segment on the TV show 60 Minutes. Not that we regularly watch 60 Minutes. It’s just what comes on before a show we enjoy, The Amazing Race. The doctor’s assistant wanted Randy to come into the office and be examined. We had no idea what tests they wanted to perform, but at least we now had a name for what my husband could apparently do.
The assistant working for Dr. Masterson said on the voice message, “We believe Randy is a likely candidate for possessing Superior Autobiographical Wardrobe Memory and we want to test him. Please call us at your earliest convenience so we can discuss the issue with you.”
When I played back the message for Randy, he didn’t seem to have much of a reaction. I thought he would be excited that his skill was perhaps finally being recognized. But his only verbal response was, “If they make me pee in a cup, I’m not going to participate. It’s as simple as that.”
Well, we made our way to UCLA Medical Center and the reception my husband and I received was very much the way I believe major celebrities are treated when they are invited to important events. There was no red carpet, but there were plenty of people anxiously waiting for us to arrive. From the moment we stepped into their offices dozens of medical staff were moving back and forth in front of us, which made taking just a few steps a very slow process. They were asking us both about how we were feeling, or if we needed something to drink, or eat, or even a place to rest, as if all of their other questions were taxing us.
It was nothing like what Randy and I expected to happen. I mean, it wasn’t as if my husband had acquired his skill as a result of an accident we could sue for and we were visiting the law firm interested in working on our behalf. As long as I had known Randy, he’d had this talent. I tried not to think too much about it when I married him, but I soon realized his skill was going to be the defining part of our relationship.
We were led into a conference room where we were introduced to the medical staff and eventually to Dr. Masterson himself. He smiled, shook our hands and took a seat right next to us.
“So do you both know what Superior Autobiographical Wardrobe Memory is?” he asked.
“Well, no,” Randy answered. “But if it’s going to get me this kind of treatment every time I walk through your doors, you can bet I’m going to learn how to fake it.”
Dr. Masterson and everyone on his staff laughed.
“Well, Superior Autobiographical Wardrobe Memory is a neurological condition I first diagnosed. My discovery is so recent we won’t get it entered into the DSM this year, but we’re all hoping for the next edition. Simply put, a person with Superior Autobiographical Wardrobe Memory can remember from any day in their life the people they’ve come in contact with and the clothes those people were wearing. It means—”
“That’s Randy!” I probably shouldn’t have interrupted the doctor. But I was so excited! Everything the doctor was saying aligned so well, it was like one of those “matches” you see on television commercials for any number of Internet dating services. At first it’s easy to scoff at the two people in the advertisement sharing laughs and drinks and sensitive touches, because everyone knows a connection like the one depicted rarely occurs. But just knowing that it somehow happened to the couple on TV can also be life affirming. That’s how I felt at that moment.
“How can you be so sure that Randy has SAWM?”
I was confused at first by the last part of his question, but then I realized the doctor was just taking four long words and smooshing them into one. It was opposite of the way we handled language where I grew up. My family tended to make the shortest of words longer. For example: “Your sister better find someone to take care of her because she’s laaaazzzzyyyy.”
“Yes, sir, I’m sure Randy has it. My husband has always been able to recall anything and everything I’ve ever worn from the day we first met to just last night when we went to our friend’s dinner party. And not just me, but everything his mother wore, his sister wore, even his past girlfriends. Wait until you hear some of the brand names his exes were wearing. Randy definitely traded up when he married me.”
Everyone in the room laughed, except Dr. Masterson. Not that he wasn’t amused by what I was saying; I could just see he was being more cautious.
“I sure do hope you’re right about your husband. In the last three years of searching the entire world for anyone who may have SAWM, we’ve only managed to discover three other people besides my original patient.”
The doctor then turned to Randy. “Do you agree with your wife? Do you think our tests will confirm you have SAWM, or will it reveal you’re just someone that reads a lot of Women’s Wear Daily?”
Randy looked around the room, catching the eyes of the dozen people gathered to meet with us. It would have been intimidating to anyone else as they stared at him with such great expectations, but my husband only smiled.
“Do what you have to do to prove I’m the real deal,” Randy said confidently.
For the next two days I stood in the observation room watching my husband be put through a battery of tests. I was impressed, but not surprised, that he was able to keep an even temper throughout all their poking and jabbing at his brain. After tests to measure his I.Q. and mental state, Dr. Masterson moved on to experiments specifically designed to assess if my husband had SAWM. One such test had Randy being quizzed about random dates from his life.
“Randy, what do you remember about August 28, 2009?”
“Well, my wife spent most of the day in a pair of Reebok sweatpants, a Gap tee shirt and a pair of Adidas running shoes. But then later she changed her outfit because we were attending a wedding that evening. Originally she came out of her walk-in closet wearing a Marc Jacobs, white label, pleated tulip hem dress with a pair of suede Sergo Rossi strappy jewel buckle heels. She also had planned on carrying a Giorgio Armani black tassel drawstring bucket bag, which I told her perfectly matched the strappy heels.”
“But my wife changed her mind... and her outfit. She decided to go for a poppy silk ruffle gown by J Mendel because the one shoulder design would bring attention to her tanned skin and the fitted bodice would highlight her beautiful figure. I thought she had made a great choice, but I was equally excited about her shoes and clutch. The Valentino black bow leather bag with lace overlay was stunning. And the Celine strappy black silk platforms went glam perfect with the poppy silk J Mendel gown.”
My husband was about halfway through describing what each of the wedding guests were wearing that evening before the doctor finally stopped him. Later, I was able to verify the authenticity of Randy’s answers when I brought to the medical facility photos that had been shot on each of the dates he had been asked about.
At a certain point, I was interviewed by Dr. Masterson. He was interested in hearing the details of the challenges I faced over the years living with my husband. One of the situations I related to him was how I struggled with Randy when he showcased his talent at parties. People would pose questions about specific dates, and some of my husband’s answers ended up hurting my feelings.
“April 11, 1984. On that night my lovely wife wore parachute pants and a leather jacket that had exactly twenty-three zippers running all over it.”
It got to the point where I just knew that if anyone asked Randy what I was wearing on any date during the 80s, the evening would end up with me throwing up in the bathroom.
After all the tests were over, Dr. Masterson took us into his office to deliver his findings. Sitting together, I grabbed my husband’s hand to make sure he knew that I was behind him no matter what the future might dictate. It turns out Randy did indeed have SAWM. My husband had no reaction to the diagnosis, but got real excited when he was offered the chance to meet the other four people who were verified to have SAWM. They would all gather together for the first time on a segment to be taped for The Today Show. Immediately Randy turned to me and asked what I planned on wearing for the day of the taping. It’s that kind of attitude which makes it impossible not to love my husband!!!
Postscript: Six months after appearing on The Today Show, Dr. Masterson approached my husband and me with news of a medical breakthrough. He had discovered a “cure” for SAWM. A simple operation would allow the afflicted person to have their memory corrected so they would no longer remember in minute detail the clothes they encountered in their daily lives. After careful deliberation, I told Dr. Masterson we were going to pass on the operation for Randy. It was a decision my husband and I had arrived at jointly. I just was not prepared to give up Randy’s quirky but endearing talent. And my husband was very reluctant to move forward with any surgical procedure when I told him that I simply had nothing to wear that would be memorable for the day of his operation.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
la*style! “Speak”
We here at la*style! auction so many fashion items daily on EBay that we often have trouble coming up with words in our descriptions that we haven’t already used a thousand times. Our solution -- is to make up our own words and use them in our auctions! Here’s the latest words, or phrases, you can expect to see in the future, followed by the definitions.
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Word: “Memolicious”
Definition: When something you consume is so delicious you still remember the experience even years later.
Use in a sentence: “I know it’s been at least four summers ago, but I still can’t get out of my head those clams we used to steam and have with beer bread. I’m getting memolicious chills just thinking about it.”
Word: “Lindsay”
Defined as: The uncontrollable desire to try something out that doesn’t belong to you, then not give it back to its rightful owner.
Use in a sentence: “I so want to Lindsay her boyfriend.”
Definition: When a design for an outfit or accessory is so spectacular when it is seen, it wipes away the memory anyone might have for any other outfit or accessory nearby.
Use in a sentence: “I’m sorry, I just don’t remember. All I can recall was this unbelievable purse Jane was carrying. It left me with designesia for everything else that evening.”
Word: “K-On!”
Definition: Popular Anime show in Japan that is very similar to America’s TV show, “Glee.” K-On is the Japanese word for “light music” or “pop music.” In the states, the word means to see something as really popular or “hot,” “cool,” “the next big thing.”
Use in a sentence: “Girl you need to clean out your closet of these old things, look up la*style! on the computer, and start bidding on some clothes that are K-On!.”
Phrase: “Don’t say lazy”
Definition: Popular song on the Japanese anime show “K-On!” The song’s lyrics remind Japanese teenagers not to feel ashamed of taking a break from “their bright future.” American use of the phrase has gone through a cultural translation. The phrase’s new meaning is for people not to feel guilty when buying something nice for themselves, especially if they feel they deserve it.
Use in a sentence: “Girl you need to clean out your closet of these old things, look up la*style! on the computer, and start bidding on some clothes that are K-On!. And Don’t Say Lazy.”
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
He was ahead of his time.
Celebrities adored him.
His looks are edgy and chic...
Owning Alexander McQueen’s designs, now that he’s gone, is more important than ever!
This is why Alexander McQueen is the subject of our...
DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT !!!!
Alexander McQueen had the unique gift of creating influential designs that connected to the wants and needs of every woman. His designs were edgy, dramatic, and elaborate, yet still incorporated a strong sense of the female body.
Take for example the “Birds” dress from the spring/summer 2001 fashion show in London. The design was a red-feathered bodice, which elongated and flattered the female form. The bodice connected to a wide red, pink, and purple feather-adorned skirt. With this piece, McQueen was able to convey a sense of the “femme-fatale”; the outfit was dangerously edgy, yet beautifully seductive and luxurious.
Another piece that got the world talking incorporated a colonial theme, mixed with rustic colors and jewelry that originated from India. The bodice was very “colonial-influenced”, with its built-in corset and draped sleeves. The traditional full-skirted bustle had a bubble-hem made of thick lacey netting, resembling a ballet skirt, or “tutu”. The shoes were ballet flats, which reinforced the “ballet theme”.
The outfit, like many of McQueen’s designs, told a story. Sometimes that story was shocking or even a fairy-tale. Like how a young boy from nowhere could conquer the fashion world.
Alexander McQueen was born on March 17th, 1969, in Lewisham, England. He was the son of a taxi driver and his mother Joyce was a social science teacher. Even as a child, McQueen showed a strong interest in fashion. He frequently made dresses for his three sisters, until he finally attended Rokeby School in England. He graduated at age sixteen with an advanced level grade “O” and went on to work for renowned fashion companies in “Savile Row”. He eventually earned the title of “British Designer of the Year” four times in a row by the year 2003, attained England’s “CBE” award, as well as the CFOA’s “International Designer of the Year” award in 2003. McQueen was also an inspiration to many prominent and idolized celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Penelope Cruz.
And then it was over... Unfortunately this story did not have a fairy-tale ending.
On February 11th, 2010, despondent over his mother’s death, Alexander McQueen committed suicide.
la*Style! has a few rare items from this fashion icon’s collection in our store.
One such work of art is a pair of seriously killer rockstar boots that are the perfect example of what a huge talent
Alexander McQueen truly was. With hidden platforms, gorgeous sable suede, and black patent leather detailing, these
versatile shoes are quite unforgettable!
Another hot piece, which also happens to be one of McQueen’s signature and most popular designs, is the famous and fabulous “Faithful Glove” clutch.
This gorgeous evening or day bag features leather so thin and supple that it will melt in your hands! And, the genius add-on of the snap on or off of the driving glove really makes this bag a one-of-a-kind piece! The metallic pewter color will also rock your world as well as rock your outfit!
And take a look at this expertly tailored white silk dress with an eagle sketch.
It's a totally fashion-forward cocktail choice that only McQueen could envision!
By owning one of these designs, you become part of the story that Alexander McQueen was trying to tell.
And, by wearing one of these outfits, we at La*Style believe you’ll end up with...a fairy-tale ending.
Something along the lines of... Happily Ever After
Monday, April 4, 2011
"Miracle Clutches"
AWhimsical Tale …
I knew Jessica couldn’t have a “magical purse” because every single time she performed a miracle over the years she was always holding a different clutch. Forget that no one has better taste or style for choosing purses, which, by the way, is no small compliment. I’m trying to tell you my friend has something even more profound going on. I’ve personally witnessed Jessica draw on her magical clutches to save my love life, save another man’s life, and even save her marriage.
The first time Jessica pulled one of her clutch miracles was when we first met at a party about ten years ago. Jessica looked beautiful in her Versace dress, but it was her purse that first caught my eye. It was an ornate poodle clutch from Judith Leiber. The exterior of the purse sparkled with a beautiful array of Swarovski black, grey, white and periwinkle crystals! I told her how much I loved her bag and we ended up talking for hours.
Eventually, I told her why I was at the party that night. It was an opportunity to be around a single guy named Brad, who had recently joined our firm. I pointed him out to Jessica and she also thought he looked gorgeous. But then I told her we had been working together for six months and he hadn’t once made a move to ask me out. That’s when Jessica turned to her clutch. “I’ve been saving this for the perfect occasion. You need to get a plate of food and go up and start talking to him. But make sure this is on your plate.” Then, like a magician, she reached into her purse and pulled out a wrapped fortune cookie. Jessica removed the wrapper and said, “Offer it to him, but of course make sure he reads the fortune.”
So I did exactly what she instructed. Brad and I chatted for a bit, but even before I could offer him my cookie he playfully snatched it from my plate. After crunching into the shell, he extracted the slip of paper and read the fortune. Brad suddenly looked at me with the biggest smile.
That gorgeous guy is now my husband! The fortune in the cookie, which Jessica had pulled from her clutch, read: “Your soul mate is standing right in front of you.”
Then there was the time Jessica and I went to the theatre together. The play wasn’t very good, so it took a few moments for us to realize that one of the audience members, who we thought had just fallen asleep…was actually having a heart attack. After the stricken man was pulled from his seat and laid into the center aisle, another audience member, who was also a doctor, started to perform CPR. That’s when Jessica reached into her white Maltese clutch. The purse was not only shaped like a puppy, but the silver metal case was embedded with glittering crystals.
From the luxuriously leather-lined interior she pulled out… a portable defibrillator. The physician snatched it from her hand and immediately attached the pads to the man’s chest. It took two jolts of electricity from the device, but the doctor was able to get the man’s heart going again. Jessica now gets a beautiful card from this man every year on the anniversary of her miraculous intervention!
From the luxuriously leather-lined interior she pulled out… a portable defibrillator. The physician snatched it from her hand and immediately attached the pads to the man’s chest. It took two jolts of electricity from the device, but the doctor was able to get the man’s heart going again. Jessica now gets a beautiful card from this man every year on the anniversary of her miraculous intervention!
Through all the years I’ve known her, only once have I witnessed Jessica using one of her magical clutches to help herself. It happened one night when Brad and I went with Jessica and her husband to a ritzy charity ball. Jessica looked as beautiful as ever, but of course her clutch was to die for. It was a Judith Leiber crystal patterned purse in the shape of a seal. I never suspected that, inside the bag’s plush gold metallic lambskin interior, which was divided into two sections by gold hardware, was something that would save her marriage.
During the party Jessica suddenly excused herself because she wanted to reconnect with a handsome man she recognized from years ago. After some time went by, I realized Jessica had been gone for a while and went to chase her down. I discovered my friend in an isolated section of the mansion, locked in a kiss with her old acquaintance. Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only witness to this moment of indiscretion. Standing nearby, observing the passionate interlude, was Jessica’s husband.
Upon seeing her husband, Jessica broke from her embrace. She marched right over to him and stood there for several long moments without uttering a word of apology or excuse. Jessica then opened her beautiful seal clutch and withdrew… a yellow card. Jessica handed the card to her husband. After reading the yellow card, he simply nodded, then held his hand out to his wife. Jessica gave it to him and they walked hand in hand out of the party.
The next morning I pestered Jessica for details, but at first she didn’t want to talk about it. Only after some serious begging on my part did my friend finally spill the details of the previous evening.
After her husband witnessed her passionate kiss with another man, Jessica had no other choice but to reach into her magical clutch. “I had been hoping to hold onto the card for another occasion, but what happened…happened. It was a Monopoly game ‘get out of jail free’ card. My husband is the East Coast Monopoly tournament champion for three years running,” she explained. “If he didn’t accept the card, he knew it would be disrespecting the game. He really had no choice.”
I hope Jessica doesn’t mind me telling these stories. I just couldn’t hold these secrets to myself any longer. Besides, everyone needs to know the truth -- the perfect clutch in the hands of a woman like Jessica can change lives and perhaps solve the problems of humankind.
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