finding the right gift

It’s my sister’s 60^th birthday next week, and I’ve been struggling with what to buy her.  Valerie has impeccable taste.  Dresses exquisitely.  Can buy herself anything.  And recognizes and appreciates good quality.

I first consider an Hermes enamel bracelet.  But she has at least one.  I would make her a photo album, but I did that a few years ago.  She has many gorgeous frames of her handsome family so that is out.  I think and think and decide finally on a scarf.

I begin at Saks.  I love the Alexander McQueen scarves, and find two patterns in orange I like.  I send them to M to review.  She has great taste and knows my sister.

She writes back:  Love the colors hate the skulls. 

My next stops are Louis Vuitton and Fendi.  Nothing affordable at either place that Valerie would like.  On to Bergdorf’s.

I am still keeping with the scarf theme.  I see a wool and silk wrap.  It feels luxurious, but it’s by a designer I’ve never heard off and the wrinkles need to be steamed out.  I send a photo to M.

Her response is fast.  She hates it.  She doesn’t like the two-tone colors.  She’s certain Valerie won’t either.  She's right.  Now what?

I go back to the first floor and look at little leather pieces by Goyard.  Nothing affordable that’s nice.  Same with anything by Loro Piano.  I wander over to the Hermes scarves.  I look first at the small silk squares.  They are pretty but too small.  But the larger ones are exactly the right size, would be something I’m pretty sure my sister would love, and they come in many designs.  I end up picking one that is spring-y, sophisticated, beautiful and understated.  Just like Valerie.  I hope she likes it.