There were very few things I had on my to-do list this summer as I stepped off the plane, onto Italian territory.  I was completely open to the experience that was before me, and made a point to refrain from forming "a plan."  However... there were three things that were on my list... and I absolutely stood my ground on them.  Number 1: do not be a wine racist.  No matter the color, or region... don't discriminate. Number 2: do not turn your nose up at any food... even horse. Number 3: (the most important of them all) do not leave this country without something leather.

I managed to accomplish all three, quite successfully.  I even ate horse - which, in hindsight, tasted like steak, but made me quite squeamish at the thought of eating a household pet for the rich and famous.  The third goal was the most difficult.  Because Italy is world-reknowned for their leather - I could not cross back over the Atlantic without something fabulously unique.   I hadn't made up in my mind what that special something was (e.g. boots, a jacket, a belt), I just knew that I would know, when I saw it. 

It wasn't long before I was staring at my reflection in the mirror in the dressing room, and knew I had found "IT."  It was as if God himself took the time to hand-stitch the intricate weavings on the camel-colored beauty that was this blazer-style jacket.  I neglected to look at the price tag prior to falling in love, unfortunately - and found myself in negotiations with a very convincing Italian lady (it didn't hurt that she kept calling me an Italian Queen).  With the help of my roommates, I managed to get her down to a little less than a mortgage payment, and apparently, that was a 'steal.'  While I had never swiped my debit card for anything that expensive in my life, I had to agree... this was truly a one-of-a-kind purchase.

Herein lies my dilemma.  Where in the world do I unveil such a one-of-a-kind purchase?  It's not something you just throw on to go to the grocery store!  The weather is about right here in Atlanta, and I want this jacket to be seen by the masses.  After what I paid for it, the whole damn world needs to take a glimpse... but that's besides the point.  There are some holiday parties coming up that may make for the right 'unveiling' environment.  Had I known that it would have been so hard to find a time and place to where the darn thing... I may have reconsidered the purchase....

...ha, yea right.