10.19.2012

Walk Slowly and Carry A Small Bag

Back in my "Corporate America" days, I had this boss (actually he was my boss' boss) who was a super important dude...very "Masters of the Universe." He came to work every day in bespoke suits and had a very sort of Locust Valley Lockjaw/Thurston Howell III accent. V. posh. He also walked very, very slowly. He knew that he didn't have to rush, as nothing really happened until he arrived.

I can't help but think (although I have no actual evidence) that Emanuelle Alt is also a "slow walker." She just gives off that vibe, don't you think? She also never carries an actual handbag, just her blackberry and maybe a tiny notebook. (I actually have evidence on this one, as I did a google image search and didn't find a single photo of E.A. carrying anything remotely resembling a purse.) This is especially noteworthy as she also has a kiddo. A mom without a giant, hulking bag? Quelle Horreur.

It is a highly enviable state this traveling light, slow walking existence... so unhurried, and attractive, and, well...totally unattainable. I rush everywhere. I'm never on time anymore, which is sad, as I think promptness is a hugely important quality. And while I'm in the process of this rushing, I carry a ginormous bag bulging with all manner of papers and folders and electronic devices and flotsam and jetsam.

Suffice to say, it's a wholly unglamorous scene.

So I'm going to try and channel my inner Emanuelle a bit and reboot this weekend. I'm going to clean out the handbag, streamline, and slow down. I'm thinking it's going to require waking up a bit earlier, but I'm not afraid. After all, who wants to be crazy, rushing, giant bag lady??

Not me!

10 comments:

elisa said...

Love it! Wow. I can't imagine not running around, kid in tow, with a huge bag because "you never know". I may have to try this too.

Elsa May said...

OH! I love the idea of travelling without a giant tote full of 'stuff', but I think I love the idea of you google stalking EA to see if she has a 'giant tote' more :) Have a fab (tote-less) weekend! Annie x

jen said...

Could her daughter look any more Parisian chic? I didn't even know you could get trench coats in that size.

About Last Weekend said...

Love hearing about this woman as am contemplating getting one of those ginormous bags and I'm sure in the end it would only attract more furry lipsticks and leaky pens that need to be thrown out. Also she's the only person I've ever seen who could wear thigh high boots and looks casual and effortless...

Yelle said...

I love the thought of taking it slow! I have a habit of rushing every where too. But walking slow and emanating being relaxed, sounds so refreshing!

Unknown said...

Don't forget the real reason these people appear unemcumbered--their minions, scurrying beside, behind and ahead, laden with phones, wallets, planners and laptops, striving to deal with life's daily responsibilities.

Joslyn said...

Pat -- good point!

Jamie Herzlinger said...

Love your blog! Such interesting posts.

Love, Jamie Herzlinger

mes bijoux said...

oh! I loooove this lady, because she's so effortlessly chic. No matter if she doesn't bring a big or small bag ( maybe is someone that is keeping it during the picture). as example, i try to give my bag to my husband so often as I can ;-)
kisses from Barcelona!

inge said...

I have always loved how utterly chic this photo is. I could not live without my bag she probably has a huge bag which her assistant carries for her.