a sales meeting in my living room

Even before M leaves Boston, we know what we are doing this morning at nine. 

Drewe, the daughter of my sister’s friend, professionally sells items on eBay.  M and I have collected our shoes and handbags that have outworn their stays in our respective closets.

Drewe is small in stature, beautiful, and exudes both warmth and confidence.  It is clear from the beginning that she knows exactly what she is doing. 

M goes first.  She takes out her barely-used bags, starting with a black Louboutin in pristine condition.  

Next comes an unused orange Proenza Schouler that M received as a gift and has never worn.

Then there’s the Black Hogan tote.

And finally the unused Stella McCartney clutch.

Drewe and I convince M to keep this one; it is still being sold at Barneys.

Next it’s my turn.  I have no handbags to sell but I do have some shoes.  Drewe assures me that there is a market for used shoes.

First, I handover my Chanel navy ballet slippers.  I bought them on sale at Saks years ago, wore them once, and wondered later how I could have bought a pair of shoes that were half a size too small.  Perhaps the label and low price convinced me of a fit that never existed.

I find a pair of orange Prada shoes I bought on sale at Barneys.  I had totally forgotten about these.  I wore them twice.  The first time they killed my feet, but I convinced myself they just needed to be broken in.  The second time I realized it wasn’t a breaking-in issue; it was a feet-to-big-for -the-shoe issue. 

Then there is the forgotten pair of silvery Ferragamo dress shoes with a chunky heel.  I wore them once, to my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah in 1999.  I remember the event, the dress, and Alexander dressing up in his first suit.  I don't remember what was on my feet. 

And finally, I give Drewe two pairs of Louboutin shoes I bought years ago at Bergdorf's:  a low-heeled black suede and a low-heeled navy suede. I was working then, and buying two pairs of the same shoe, even Louboutins, did not seem extravagant.  Oh how I miss those days.

Drewe leaves with two gigantic bags filled with our shoes and handbags. 

M and I feel no remorse; we are happy to say good-bye to things we never use.  A less cluttered closet is a good idea.  Going to Woodbury Commons for the afternoon is not.  But it is a lot of fun.