First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Super Girly Day Off

My closest girlfriend is visiting from San Francisco. We browsed at Barneys, bought Dolce & Gabbana lipstick and took in a Bridesmaids matinee. (The lipstick wins, hands down.)

Good Advice My Therapist Might Give

Neon sculpture by Ron Terada

Bridesmaids

http://youtu.be/nrRd2QSsGc4

“Too many studio bosses seem to think that a woman’s place is in a Vera Wang.”
– Manohla Dargis in her NY Times review of what’s refreshing about the movie, Bridesmaids.

Light At the End of the Tunnel

Or at least the hand.

Image: Elspeth Diederix

Living With Uncertainty

Lately, I’ve been noticing how many people are in transition. Or maybe, I’m projecting. But apparently, it’s the case with Maria Shriver, who went public yesterday, with the news that she and Arnold Schwarzenegger are splitting up after 25 years of marriage. It’s hard to muster much sympathy for someone living with her level of privilege, but even Shriver commented on the pain of uncertainty: “It’s so stressful to not know what you’re doing next. People ask you what are you doing and then they can’t believe that you don’t know what you’re doing,” she said.  I find it surprising that all that money and power doesn’t make you immune from the rigors of change. Actually, now that I think about it, it’s comforting.

Playing the Hand You’re Dealt

Somewhere along the line, I got fatigued trying to figure out why no husband has found his way into my life. And instead, I decided to make the most of it, with as much as grace, spirit and levity as possible. There are days, when that’s a cakewalk. And nights, when I fight back the swells of longing. In between, with lots of help from friends, family, The New Yorker, extra virgin olive oil, art, prayer, Javier Bardem and pretty clothes, I feel grateful.

Art Meditation

The New “It” Bag

Meet Ms. Anthony. Inspired by Susan B. Anthony’s signature alligator club bag that accompanied her on her many train trips in the pursuit of women’s suffrage, this faux alligator bag, selling for $250 has become all the rage. At 17 inches, it’s big enough to accommodate a laptap, with proceeds going to the Susan B. Anthony House, a museum that operates in her former residence in Rochester. It’s inscribed with two of Anthony’s mottos: “Failure is impossible!” and “Every woman needs a purse of her own.”

How Do We Define Our Loved Ones?

Image: Illustrator Kyle Wilson drew all his friends on Facebook, giving himself 30-60 seconds for each portrait.

In Love With City Life

On Sunday, I trekked to the fancy neighborhood of Brentwood for a baby shower of a family friend. I was initially opposed to going, but realized that being hard-nosed about a joyous celebration was bordering on rude. It turned out to be a fine afternoon. The party took place in a lovely, manicured home, and the gracious hosts served a delicious Chinese chicken salad and lavender cupcakes. As I returned to my car, well fed and well versed in tummy time, I imagined all the denizens in the surrounding streets as attractive with perfect spouses and bountiful family lives. And my world, by comparison, seemed a little gray. The feeling of envy lingered for hours. But by next morning, I came to my senses, and kissed my sweet urban, single life smack on the mouth.