Prada Round Baroque Sunglasses | Dolce Vita Garren Wedge | Michael Kors Parker Chronograph Leather Watch | Glint & Gleam Arm Candy | Forever 21 Tank, Bandeau, Gold Cuff and Crinkle & Cuffed Shorts| Brass Plum Bronze Studded Belt | Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Saleya GM

After spending Friday night moping around the house, bummed that I would be turning another year older the following day, my amazing husband was trying so hard to cheer me up. He woke me up at midnight to wish me happy birthday and gave me the cutest birthday card ever, then surprised me with my birthday gift right when I woke up the next morning (the Michael Kors Leather Parker watch I’d been in love ever since I first stumbled upon it)! I was so grateful for his awesome efforts but part of me was still a little blue – I was officially in my late twenties. He asked me where I wanted to have brunch and I went to our old issue of Los Angeles Magazine (mentioned here and here). The first restaurant I landed my eyes on was Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills. I skimmed over the others but for some reason, kept going back to Bouchon. He called in reservations, we got ready and headed over to the bistro.

We sat on Bouchon Bistro’s balcony with a gorgeous view of the Montage Hotel and the shared courtyard. The food was incredible. We enjoyed their “The Promenade” cocktail, refreshing but strong, and started off with their amazing sweet and briny oysters on the half shell. My husband had their Chicken and Waffles which came with syrup, gravy made from the chicken jus and Tahitian vanilla bean butter. The chicken was perfectly savory and the waffles were crisp on the outside and deliciously chewy and fluffy on the inside. I had their OEuf Poché Royale; think eggs benedict but with smoked salmon instead of canadian bacon – it was absolutely divine!

While we were finishing up, we realized our parking meter would be running out soon so my husband left to refill it. I stayed at our table, enjoying the view and beautiful weather. Out of nowhere, my phone started ringing, it was my husband, he told me he just saw “the guy that’s always with the Vogue editor“. My heart started racing and I yelped “Andre!?” into the phone. He said, “Yeah, I think so. He just got here and is sitting near Bouchon’s bakery. I’m pretty sure it’s him.” I was ecstatic and frantic all at the same time. I wanted to just run downstairs to see for myself but we hadn’t even asked for our check yet. My husband made his way back up right when the waiters brought me dessert for my birthday. I could hardly think as I blew out the candle, my head was spinning. He paid the bill and I jumped out of my seat. We raced downstairs and my husband pointed him out to me. I was officially in crazy fan mode. See, we often see celebrities around and I’m usually awesome at keeping my cool. I never really get starstruck. This time, this was different. This wasn’t a popular actor. This was about a major Fashion Icon. One of the most influential people in the industry. I have always been a huge fan of Andre Leon Talley and Life with Andre is one of my favorite reads every month in Vogue, living vicariously through his glamorous articles. I love Andre’s column – he is always so passionate, honest, extravagant and real.

There I was, about ten yards away from him, trying not to hyperventilate (or cry, yes, I was THAT excited!). He was seated with a pretty blonde woman, who I’m sure was also someone famous, deep in conversation. The last thing I wanted to do was to interrupt him so I kept pacing back and forth, waiting for an opening. There was a break in his conversation so I smiled, waved and he acknowledged me. I skipped over and stuttering over my own words – I apologized to both of them for intruding on their brunch, explained that it was my birthday, how I was a huge fan and asked if there was any chance for a photo with him. He was so incredibly kind and said “absolutely!” He even moved the things that were in the chair next to him and told me to have a seat. I was elated. My heart was beating a million beats per second and I could not believe this was actually happening. I was having an (albeit, short) conversation with one of my biggest fashion idols! He even told me I looked “fabulous” multiple times (gasp!). While thanking him and expressing what an incredible honor it was, I mentioned my blog and he said sure! he’d have a look at it, so I handed him my card. Now that I think about it, that was pretty ballsy of me, but to me, this was an opportunity of a lifetime and I just had to take the chance!

So, Mr. Andre Leon Talley, if you’re reading this 🙂 it was so kind of you and such an incredible honor. Words cannot express how grateful I am. Thank you so much for making my birthday an even more amazing one! It will forever be a birthday I will always remember!

...me 🙂 with Andre Leon Talley, Vogue's Editor-At-Large

Thanks everyone for stopping by and reading about my exciting birthday brunch! I hope you all had a great weekend & happy Monday!

Xox,
An

P.s. I’m in the process of switching over to a self-hosted blog so please bear with me if things are in a little bit of a disarray here the next couple days!

Shop:

• Prada Baroque Runway SS11 Sunglasses (also here)
• Dolce Vita Garren in Nude Suede
• Michael Kors Parker Chronograph Leather Watch
• Glint & Gleam via ShopLately Beige Versatile Vegan Leather 3 Bracelet Set
• Glint & Gleam Braided Cream Bracelet Set (sold together with a super cute teal watch!)
• Gold Spiked Bracelet (I bought mine off eBay but you can find it here)
• Forever 21 Crinkle & Cuffed Shorts (2015035237)
• Brass Plum Bronze Studded Belt (old, similar here)
• OPI You Don’t Know Jaques
• Essie Matte About You