YYC was treated to one of Sherry’s VIP experiences—-Yamaguchi-san extended introductions (with her signature razzle dazzle) to celebrity photographer Leslie Kee at his sponsored fund raising Gala (AB FAB & Star Studded)–’LOVE AND HOPE’ at Omotesando Hills, TOKYO.

She next escorted us to a tasting at Omotesando’s famous Montook restaurant where some of the city’s most interesting residents congregate (IF THEY ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GAIN ENTRANCE–It’s regularly booked solid for seatings). The Bouillabaisse was Impressive–and the people watching was even better. What a Hoot! (and Holler)

We proceeded to ‘F’-Bar in Azabu Juban –ABSOLUTELY PACKED– but thanks to Ms. Yamaguchi’s status as a Producer for International Fashion Television-the red carpet was rolled out yet again. (We’ll have to begin wearing ermine if we hang with this crowd).

Sherry is a graduate of London’s Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design and she is the Producer for NHK’s ‘Forbidden Kyoto,’ a television program which introduces viewers to the culture and beauty for which Kyoto is renowned. She is a qualified ambassador to the elite world of geisha, ceremony and the cultural celebration of Japan–her family connections stem from the hanamachi x-cho, one of the 5 geisha districts of Kyoto.

Of course–All that Glitters is not Gold, but Ms. Yamaguchi possesses a 24K heart. She has worked tirelessly for the relief effort since the tsunami and earthquake of March 11 in Japan. Those now infamous nuclear reactors for Tepco (Tokyo Electric and Power Company) suffered extensive damage after the unprecedented 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami ravaged the country.

We have seen a few of her Direct contributions to the afflicted areas– (note: Croissant June 2011 Magazine wtih Jane Birkin at Fukushima, page 58). Jane Birkin (THE JANE BIRKIN) and Sherry Yamaguchi drove northeast of Tokyo to volunteer their time and efforts at Fukushima within a month of the devastation.

Jane and Sherry and other selfless volunteers delivered hot food, clean water, and other necessary support to the victims of the disaster (Ms. Birkin contributed one of her heralded (and customized) Hermes bags from her personal collection).

At this writing, Ms. Birkin has since donated yet another signature handbag in an effort to continue awareness and charity for Japan.

Sherry Yamaguchi was so moved by the tragedy that she donated HALF of her annual salary from NHK to the Relief Effort by the Japanese Red Cross.

There are many stars, but ‘Team’ Birkin-Yamaguchi shines brightly to our eyes at yumyumcherry. Many Kudos for good work.

Wine, Dinner and Song with more than a dash of the sense of humanity—

It can’t get better than that…..

Arigato Gozai Imasu

And, speaking of works that are indeed GOOD–The Newest installment in the Forbidden Kyoto series has just been released!

DO check.

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For the record, this blouse was $1,230.00 NEW. It was sold NWT (the lingo for eBay–New With Tag—we’re all about educating the consumer here….).

Okay, so we all make fashion mistakes and some are more costly than others.

That said, I’m not arm wrestling my sales woman at Saks over whether she lied when she claimed I looked “okay” in it.

Enough said.

Somehow, I don’t think pa******* aka–our heroine (or Ms. Meth as I think of her, in all the charm to which that ascribes):

a) is really a business woman

b) has a satisfying sex life

c) is really a size 38 in ANYTHING other than her imagination.

You know even I couldn’t MAKE THIS STUFF UP.

_________________________________

tra la la. I’d like to sing this to either Sheryl Crowe: ‘A change would do you good’ OR the Beatles ‘Obladi obla da.’ (and I am Desmond with the barrow in the marketplace)

“She*” writes: *jury is still out on that one, kids…..

Hi I paid $7.50 for shipping and the item shipped for $7.05 which is .45, I would like a refund. The top is very scratchy and not true to size. its very small, like an extra small. thanks T*****

From:*******

To: pa********

Subject: Re: Other: pa*******sent a message about Jolly RED Excada Lace Overlay Blouse with inset Red Camisole and Satin Cuff Belt #180*******

Sent Date: Jan-30-12 11:18:03 PST

Dear pa*******,

Hi Ms. T****,

I apologise for the scratchiness of the blouse that you bought. I don’t wear Escada and try to present the articles as they are in front of me and the camera.

I supply all measurements requested before purchase, many of our clients are familiar with the line and each collection produced, that helps a great deal.

I apologise that the postage was off by $.45. I am going to have to request that from our bookkeeper, but for the time being, I suggest that you consider that a handling charge.

If you shop with us in the future, please remind me and I will subtract it on your next purchase.

Good luck and enjoy your blouse, it was worth well more than the amount you paid for it, I’m sure you look lovely in it.

Cl*****of H*****

Reply:

You cannot charge the customer handling fees at all..its in the disclosure of Ebay, you may want to read it, lots of people are way over charging on shipping, I cannot wear the blouse, its way to scratchy, but I will figure out something but I do want my shipping of .45 back, I am running a business as well as you and every penny counts, so I expect the amount of .45 in an invoice because this is my money. You are the seller, you are responsible for handling fees, etc, not the customer. Thank you and have a pleasant afternoon yourself. I liked the way you packaged it up though, too bad I can’t wear it, but sometimes that happens. Thank you.

- pa******

Dear “T****,”

Thank you for your email. Well, not really…….

By now, You should be in possession of the cherished 46 cents of which you feel swindled.

I can only imagine how you must rankle at the grocery store or gas station—good luck at both.

I have paid you out of my pocket because frankly that half dollar seems far more dear to you in the scheme of things than it is to me.

I congratulate you, however, as it appears that you feel well versed on the ‘ebay code’—albeit ebay does modify it frequently—(shame on me)–and I have yet to check your work.

However, I hope that all your pennies are adding up nicely to a happy, cozy retirement ahead.

For my part–ON THE RECORD, and I am not speaking for H***************:

I HEARTILY suggest that you do not practice this pet philosophy of yours with “friends” and “family” (assuming that you still have EITHER) or they may find you are a bit Peevish–or–perhaps they have become accustomed to your manners (or lack thereof) and it is not an issue.

You must have very interesting debates at lunch over who ordered the iced tea refill. I’ll wait for the movie.

Good day to you.

P.S. I hope that the tissue is salvageable and that you will be able to use it again.

I, of course, wanted to add: P.P.S.–’You’re BLOCKED’…..instead, sent her an e-check for 45cents.

and she IS.

ADDENDUM:

From: pa****
To: h*********
Subject: Re: Other: pa*** sent a message …
Sent Date: Jan-30-12 20:00:23 PST

Dear h*****,

That is not very nice of you to speak to me like that. I am not working and yes .45 cents does mean something to me. No I don’t have to justify my reasoning of why I need the money, but you don’t have to be condescending. Yes, I am counting pennies, the economy is bad and I shouldn’t be over-charged for shipping if the item shipped for a cheaper price. If you only knew how many people have taken me for shipping…and it’s my money and I can’t afford to lose money right now. Also I never said that someone swindled me out my money. I am sure it was because they went by a price on Ebay and then the shipping at the P.O was a different price, so I am sure they didn’t do this to take my money, that it was an estimated charge but they should automatically refund the difference to the customer, without the customer asking…I was only trying to get what is owed back to me, because I know that as a seller, I cannot overcharge my customers on shipping. I am a honest person and I was only asking was what is owed to me…Your comments are unjustifiable and very resentful. Yes I am precise in checking my work and you do not need to make negative comments about how I do my work. The other person that I spoke to was very nice and I am sure that a negative feedback isn’t a good thing, but when sellers leave nasty comments like you have to me, then maybe possibly in the future you should refrain from making nasty comments to your customers, if you want positive feedback…Do you honesty think with the negative comments and statements that you made to me as a person, that I would allow you to speak to me like that? Please hold your comments, because you should never speak to a customer in a negative condescending way…I am not happy about the sale…and I will never do business with your company again because of the way you treated me as a customer and I have friends that buy on Ebay and I will make them aware…Your paper is not salvageable, neither is your unprofessional attitude.

- pa****

Ms. T***,

Let me be CRYSTAL CLEAR:
I am speaking for myself and not the company that I work for–

I can only imagine how many complaint letters you must write to various restaurants, stores, companies.. About quality. About service. About Value.
Little Mary Sunshine.

I am as entitled to my opinions about petty behavior as you are about your right to be indignant and feel slighted.

And I’m sure you feel pretty good about yourself most of the time–honest and upstanding lady that you are.

As for your “friends”—
Personally, I find it hard to imagine that you have many with a what you have displayed as prickly, self righteous opinions.
–but enjoy those you imagine you have with your 45 cent refund.

and that is my 2 cents worth.

bye. C*** S***

- h********

Dear h*******,

You should not belittle me because I expect you to follow Ebay policy. I don’t care about your shrewd comments. I have never written a letter to a company, Restauarant or store. This is totally inappropiate behavior and you will not get away with this. I don’t care who you are and it shows your character in your writing. You should never speak to a customer like you have to me. Please do not reply to my email, I am sick of you judging me with your condescending nonsense. You have no clue of what you are talking about. You are entitled to your opinion, but not with customers on Ebay, that is very bad business etiquette and it makes Ebay look bad for business having a seller like you speak to a customer in such a condescending way…its horrible and you should never act like this if you have a business. What makes you treat people in such an unkind way??? Maybe you should take some business etiquette classes so you can improve on your customer skills with people that have done business with you, because I feel that I didn’t deserve to be talked to like you talked to me. You do not know me and your accusations about me are not true and I don’t appreciate being ridiculed for asking you to follow a simple policy of Ebay, its not the money here that counts, its the honesty on your part that shows no intergrity….Please with hold your comments if you can’t be a nice person. thanks but
no thanks…

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Konnichiwa!! Popcorn Indiana presents—– ‘WASABI” POPCORN.
5.1 ounces that pack a Punch.
Okay, this is not a starter bag ‘o’ corn, folks–I scooped up a fistful trusting that it wasn’t REALLY ‘THAT’ hot.
Bring in the boys from the Fire Brigade (and I personally want the ones that are featured topless on the calendars….just a thought).

Think of this treat as scooping up the accoutrement of your sushi meal (you know, that green paste that’s next to your California Roll) and eating it whole.
Bingo.
Zap.

Of course, they do offer more conventional flavours: white cheddar, cinnamon sugar (ummmm), and the ubiquitous sea salt varieties.
I’ll let you know if they make Uni. Or natto. And you can try it first.
Three second gasp.

Itadakimasu.

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Christian Louboutin certainly takes the mystery out of which shoe goes on which foot…..(assuming you can spell).

The ‘Sex 120′ now at Bergdorf Goodman 212-872-8940 ask for Eddie! $1395.00 worth of black patent education.

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Wanna give some studioskudos to: CHRISTA WEIL, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, The Fashionpreserve!
Ms. Weil has a take on that Vintage bag spin.

….and, well, this rendition sorta captures that charm.
It’s sorta it.
(AND, SORTA NOT IT…well, in terms of that almighty price point—and ‘Tis the Season’…..).

Enter–BERGDORF GOODMAN. (noted: deep bow worthy of a Japanese CEO)

photo: BDG

So, black was their option…..$7.2K later?
I should have paid more attention to my needlework.
BLACK, mind you….(the new blue?–NO!!!!!!!!)

Yep, I bought one.
and, true—One of my more interesting acquisitions. (As sung to: ‘Material Girl’)—
not counting Tall, Handsome and Japanese (of course)

So desu—-Okay. Looks a bit frail (not the dude, the bag)
—as in: PLEASE FOR GOD’S SAKE DON’T PUT YOUR ROTISSERIE CHICKEN IN THIS for “Later.”
Splotchy needlework (Granny might have given you some demerits there….like did they nod off mid stitch?)
still— overall Lovely.

I sprang for the version in Denim blue with the rose themed pattern over all (and yeah, only one bud in the back z-z-z-z)–the leather details are in a caramel leather and it does possess an authentic charm.

Perhaps as well a la vintage, perhaps not. It is pirouetting in Hermes territory….meaning price points….but how many of the same darned bag can one really own (LOTS and LOTS) sigh. So desu (again)

Verdict—-I’m a happy camper (and still wresting with my tortilla courtesy of Taco Bell).
And therefore, Amen

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What a Manly Man this…..
Who is he? I dunno (I don’t care)
Let’s get all ‘MAN’ on their Butts this Holiday (ho, ho, ho)
Eye Candy.

Sure, I bet he’s ‘All That’….
I’m sure he’s talented
(and I’m also sure he gets a ‘mani-pedi’ frequently)
….and yeah, his ABS ‘DO’ Look Airbrushed (and aren’t)
sigh.

Of course, in actuality, just as Denise Richards portrayed a nuclear physicist with finesse in ‘Starship Troopers’ (okay, I DID watch it)…..This guy (we’ll call him ‘Brad’….’for now’…..) could easily be a particle physicist.

I kinda think he’s high maintenance…..(not just the ‘mani-pedi’…..)

WOW. I have great taste in men.

Delish.

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I found a few decent batches in Charleston, S. C…..(forget Rocky Mountain Candy, I discovered something texturally and visually too akin to a cigarette filter mid bite to want to brave another batch).

Behold: See’s Candy. Mall fare at Holiday time and most of the year in California (we even spied an outpost in Tokyo-Shibuya).

I was surprised to learn that the infamous scene in ‘I Love Lucy’ where Lucy and Ethel are amidst mayhem in a candy factory was, in fact, SEE’S.

The See’s Brittle tasted a bit too Peanut Butter and too little Peanut Brittle for my taste.

Publix Supermarket in Florida offers a tin of plain AND chocolate coated varieties (travesty!)–but both varieties lack the thinness of brittle and the texture that Aunt Sophia captured.

Cracker Barrel Restaurant and Stuckey’s both offer PecoPie which is a frisbee sized disc of coconut flakes and peanut brittle–but again, online may be the best option.

Bruttles, here I come. (next stop: Jenny Craig)

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Striding beyond those early days at SAKS when Estee Lauder courted Mr. Ford with a limited and exclusive Soleil collection —-or even the meager handful of luxe lipsticks (all very much in the mood and price point of Ed Bess).
Voila.

Tom Ford, The Make up.
Eye Quad in Golden Mink at $75 (neutrals)
Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in PINK GUILT at $45
A Tap of FRANTIC PINK cheek colour at $55
and….
Polish off with Tom’s signature $75.00 finishing powder in Alabaster Nude

About Tom Ford Beauty:
After gaining international fame turning Gucci into an icon of sexy, modern fashion, American designer Tom Ford introduced Tom Ford Beauty. The captivating collection includes heady fragrances and rich, intensely hued cosmetics.

P.S. Tom isn’t shipping this stuff to Canada. Go figure, eh?

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It’s ‘Sunburst Betty’….not sure how that name evolved…
Maybe there is Fuchsia Fran, Lavender Liz, Silver Susie and well, you get the drift.

There were a few different options (all $20 a pop)….I thought–go lively this holiday, sort of neon Pumpkin Pie. (nevermind)

Probably the kind of colour job you’d want to do at home….(or hey, Rent the Flick ‘Shampoo’ and use your imagination….)
Never underestimate the power of a little novelty.

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Sephora offers: Lorac’s Day and Night BEJEWELED Box of Beauty that doubles as a jewelry box when the shades and shadows have moved on…..

And, of course–a perennial favourite (especially with British FANS) Estee Lauder springs forth her annual holiday treat—her purchase with purchase offer–this year: The Color Stylist–$57.50 for $340 worth o goodies WITH a Lauder fragrance purchase. (See Macy’s, etc.)

Of course, our personal yyc fave was the days of yore (circa 1991/92) when CHANEL (yep, really) CHANEL used to offer a choice of fragrance (Chanel #5 or COCO) and earrings as a holiday gift set. Sublime (Sublimage!)

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