Carpe Diem - Buy the Sunglasses!

Growing up, my idea of luxury brands extended only as far as Nike, Ralph Lauren, and Lacoste. Every summer, I spent my babysitting money trying to keep up with the trends my friends were wearing. Designer fashion, at least as I knew it, felt exciting but still within reach.

Everything changed when I lived in Paris as a young adult.

As I wandered the city's streets, waited in line at the neighborhood boulangerie, or rode the Métro, I became immersed in a different world of fashion. Chanel perfume lingered in the air, Louis Vuitton bags swung effortlessly from the shoulders of stylish Parisians, and Dior gowns graced the covers of magazines displayed by the bouquinistes along the Seine.

To me, these brands represented beauty, artistry, and history—but they also felt unattainable. I was a middle-class girl from Ohio, so I admired them from afar. For more than thirty years of leading student tours to France, I watched travelers excitedly purchase luxury handbags, scarves, and accessories, content to enjoy their excitement without imagining owning one myself.

Over the past few years, however, I became fascinated not just by the fashion, but by the people behind it. Reading The Chanel Sisters and watching Coco Before Chanel introduced me to the remarkable story of Coco Chanel. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential designers in history captivated me. In a world dominated by men, she challenged expectations, redefined women's fashion, and built an enduring legacy through creativity, resilience, and determination. More than the clothing, it was her courage that inspired me.

This past spring, while leading another group through France, I decided it was finally time to invest in a small piece of that history.

I chose a pair of Chanel sunglasses.

The moment I stepped into the boutique, I was welcomed with warmth and kindness. After making my purchase, I was even offered a glass of champagne to celebrate the occasion. It wasn't about buying something expensive—it was about recognizing a milestone in my own life. Somewhere along the way, I realized that reaching your fifties brings a new perspective. You stop waiting for the "right time" and begin appreciating the life you've worked so hard to build.

Now, when I wear those sunglasses—whether strolling through the streets of Paris or driving my minivan through Virginia—they remind me of something much bigger than a designer label. They remind me to embrace opportunities, celebrate accomplishments, and occasionally say yes to myself.

After all, carpe diem.

Sometimes, you just have to buy the sunglasses.