shoe stores get the boot

I'm on a search. I've been looking for nearly two years now for the perfect boots. I know I want them to be brown. Preferably with a vintage feel, although they don't have to be authentically vintage. I'd like them to have western influence, but don't want them to be outright traditional cowboy boots. I want them to be relatively slim, not like the bulky sizing you'd associate with the traditional western style footwear. I don't want them to be adorned with crazy accents, perforated leather, or thick soles. I don't want them to be tall, maybe between ankle and mid-calf height.

Imagine a boot that both Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren would wear. Now that's what I want. It's tough when, in a world of seemingly endless fashion choices, there just isn't anything that you're looking for. I've tried on at least a dozen dozen pairs of boots. I'm sure the ones I really want are out there. If not, maybe someone can forward this message to Tom or Ralph. These boots were made for walking...now if only I can find them....

PS - a friend of mine, who has great style too, is looking for boots similar to these. So instead of one pair just for me, we'll actually need two.

suede suede suede

I love suede shoes. My next footwear purchase, other than when I find the boots that I've had in my mind for nearly 2 years, will be some suede driving mocs. I love suede shoes, and nothing kicks winter to the curb like some amazing suede shoes.

Men, here's what to look for when you're hunting for the perfect suede shoes:

1. round toe. the square toe is unacceptable when it comes to spring suede shoes.

2. no laces. slip on is the style. it's always the style. like driving mocs.

3. thick soles are out. thin, durable soles with amazing traction. keeps for a modern look, but practical too.

4. protect your suede. springtime means sunshine, but it also means spring showers. so prep your suede for the occasional shower. or spilled drink.

5. choose a colour that's right for the season and right for you. I definitely suggest khaki (from the hindi word for dust), sand, or something else in the light beige category.

The more you wear your suede shoes, the better they look. And the better they feel. Put your best foot forward for spring!

A stimulating package and a designer car

Our lovely friends at the Bliss Spa are at it again. Last time, they had a wonderful campaign designed around the US Presidential Election. This time, they've created special packages focusing on the economic stimulus.

I love companies that make witty campaigns and promotions around intelligent, current events.

And speaking of advertising campaigns, has anyone seen the new commercials and advertisements for the Toyota Venza automobile? It seems like the ad/pr firm used by Toyota also copied and pasted the exact same campaign from the Ford Edge campaign. After seeing multiple commercials and pictures - I still have no clue about the actual car. I've seen spots with young, single, sexy people driving the car to a club, a young family with small children leaving a soccer game, and an older couple leaving a restaurant. And it's hauled a load of sporting equipment. It's apparently the car for everybody. Or, in our economy, the car for nobody.

Maybe we should look at our friends in Europe and start importing micro cars - like the famed Fiat 500. (I especially love the Diesel version!)

must. have. now.

I see a lot of "stuff" each day. Whether online, in magazines, or out on any number of shopping extravaganzas, I really do see a lot of stuff. If I am casually looking, and keep reverting back to that "stuff" in my mind, over and over again, I know it really must have been special.

Yesterday I read the March issue of Details magazine. There are three things I can't get out of my mind, so I'm sharing them with you today.

First, you know I love great skincare. I'm proud of having amazing skin. And I'm always open to try something new, especially from reputable brands like Yves St. Laurent. After all, it was Yves who took over the reigns at Dior once Christian died. And right now, YSL skincare has an amazing anti-fatigue treatment. It comes in a silver bottle, and is about US$40. I have yet to actually try the product, but I've heard amazing things about it. I'll let you know what I think after I use it; but for now, I'm excited with anticipation.

Secondly, I love the "casual, elegant" look of old school European travelers. And Burberry, masters of the trench and all things English, have a great cotton trench that looks even better a little rumpled.

Just because you wear it casually doesn't mean it has to look sloppy, which this coat is far from. I love the great fit, the casual elegance, beautiful shape and colour, and its amazing durability.

And finally, you know I love great bracelets. I think bracelets show style, personality, and are the perfect accessory. And I'm loving what Paige Novick is doing right now. Also in Details' March issue, Paige has a great leather wrap type bracelet. And I must have it.Here, it's pictured with Scarf by Burberry Prorsum. Belt by BOSS Black. Belt by Paul Smith. Bag by Hermès. Hat by Still Life New York. Bag by Prada. Belt by Versace. Middle, from left: Watch by Panerai. Loafer by Allen Edmonds. Sunglasses by Michael Kors. Bottom, from left: Bracelets by Paige Novick. Shoe by Z Zegna. Belt by Trussardi 1911. Sunglasses by D&G. Watch by David Yurman.

red carpet worthy - 2009 Oscars!

The Oscars really are one of the most glamourous nights in Hollywood. Possibly even the world. I don't want to be like everyone else and talk about who looked terrible. We all know who they are. So here are some of my favourite looks.

Jessica Biel is her amazing ivory Prada number.

Josh Brolin and Diane Lane, in Dolce & Gabbana

Of course, Galliano never disappoints. Marion Cotillard on the red carpet in Dior.

Penelope Cruz in vintage Pierre Balmain.

Best supporting actress nominees Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson. Davis is in Reem Akra and Henson is in Roberto Cavalli with jewels by Fred Leighton.

Maybe it's just me - but it looks like 2 rich kids getting glammed up for Prom or something. They look great, but still a bit out of sorts. Zac Efron on the red carpet in a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo with a vintage Rolex watch and Bally shoes. Vanessa Hudgens in Marchesa.

I've always loved her, but this might be my favourite look of the evening. Alicia Keys wearing a lilac Armani Prive gown with a dramatic side slit. Brava, Giorgio. Brava!

Also loved that SJP rocked Dior, and that Frieda Pinto's deep blue gown is by John Galliano, and her shoes are Jimmy Choo "Private" platform sandals.

Bono is taking over Elle!

THE REAL DEAL

Everyone shops with an eye toward saving money these days—but it’s just as easy to do so and save lives. An open letter from (RED)’s Bono.

ELLE asked me to turn this page (RED) to honor the fact that women are at the vanguard of a movement to stop the greatest health crisis in 600 years: HIV/ AIDS. First off, I want to ask you, Why is it that women are much less willing than men to accept a world where 5,500 people a day die from a preventable, treatable disease? Could it have something to do with that second X chromosome? Do we men have some gene that makes us look the other way— that gives us a penis but no conscience?

Me, I don’t believe in biological destiny. I think women care more because women bear more of the burden. Almost two thirds of Africans with AIDS are women. In South Africa, nearly 90 percent of new infections occurred in 15-to-24-year-old females. (I can’t get my head around that fact, let alone get it out of my head.) I could fill this whole page with such numbers… but while statistics paint a picture, they don’t tell a story. So here goes.

Six years ago, I was traveling across Africa. AIDS at that time and place was a death sentence, taking out not just the youngest and oldest, who are always more vulnerable to disease, but also those in the prime of their lives—parents and others with important jobs to do. Communities were being stripped of teachers, doctors, nurses, farmers, businesspeople, builders— their workforce, their life force. In the worst hit parts of Uganda, nine-year-old girls were left in charge of raising their younger brothers and sisters. Orphans raising orphans. In the twenty-first century.

The rest of the world made sympathetic noises—but did little more than that. Meanwhile, African AIDS activists were doing everything they could to stop the spread of the virus. During my trip, we met with a group in Johannesburg to see how we could support their work. One of the most surreal moments in my life—and there have been a few—took place in a canteen with 20 people, all of them HIV-positive, who spent every hour of every day traveling from place to place to warn of the dangers of HIV. These volunteers explained how the stigma of the disease puts people off getting tested, but the workshops they were doing at schools, businesses, and street corners were having a big impact. It was compelling stuff. The rest of us felt energized, uplifted.

Then, at the end of our meeting, I overheard a quiet debate among the activists as to which of them would get the single course of antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) they’d just received. There were not enough life-saving pills to go round. And so, together, they had to decide who would get the pills and who would go without.

I was stunned. These volunteers were doing their best to save others’ lives—but could not save their own. Like firefighters rushing into a burning building and being consumed by the flames.

Our science and technology, it turned out, were more advanced than our conscience. We in the West had the means to save lives, but we lacked the resolve.

What can we do? Well, the short answer is: a lot. At the time of that trip, only 50,000 Africans had access to ARVs. That figure today is 2.1 million. That’s because a lot of people have been doing a lot of things, in Africa and all over the world. In the face of the AIDS emergency, we’ve got to gang up on the problem.

Which brings me, improbably, to shopping. Not everybody is able to march to the barricades—not everybody owns a pair of proper military boots —but there’s something you can do even in Manolos. (RED) is the consumer wing of a much wider movement of activists, and consumers have more power than they realize. They have power in their pockets.

(RED) raises money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS—$120 million so far. That is enough to buy drugs for more than 750,000 people for a year. (RED) funds prevention and counseling programs as well as treatment, and is now the thirteenth biggest contributor to the Global Fund; it’s giving more than many countries.

The money comes from corporations doing the right thing—the (RED) thing. Some call it “conscious consumerism.” The companies involved don’t mark up their products to get you to pay a premium. They take a piece of the profits from every (RED) thing you buy, and they use it to buy lifesaving medication for those who can’t afford it.

(RED) meets consumers on the main street, on the high street, in the malls, online—and in magazines like this one. Some of the coolest brands have signed up, and depending on where you live, you can drink (RED), wear (RED), talk (RED), type (RED), and work (RED). You can also hear (RED)—through (RED)Wire, our subscription music service.

As I said, it’s just one flank of a much bigger army, but the (RED) brigade is pretty impressive. We have some amazing women involved—Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bündchen, Christy Turlington, Penélope Cruz, Julia Roberts, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Garner. And some men who aren’t bad, either—Kanye West, Djimon Hounsou, Chris Rock, and the great Steven Spielberg . Then there are the millions of men and women whose names we don’t know, but whose (RED) purchases are doing nothing less than keeping people alive.

I come from a line of traveling salesmen on my mother’s side. One of them, my Uncle Jack, always told me that when you’re making your pitch don’t get the door slammed in your face. I know I’m in danger of that right now. These are tough times for a hard sell, hard to talk about shopping when everybody’s belt-tightening. Everyone is more conscious than ever about where they spend their hard-earned cash. (RED) is not asking you to flock to the stores for the sake of it. But if you find yourselves browsing, we are asking you to choose (RED) where you can—for the sake of those who can’t ask you themselves.

—Bono

Style Icon - Jude Law

I've always thought actor Jude Law has amazing style. A mix of classic tailoring, casual comfort, and always a dash of understated elegance, his fashion is as cutting as his performance in Closer. It's said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so here, I give you at least 5,000...

a retail rant

I must tell you, I'm about to rant and rave for a moment.

The next time I walk into a store, and the first thing I hear from an associate is "can I help you find anything?" - I think I am going to have a meltdown.

What ever happened to "hello" or "welcome to the boutique" or "nice to see you" or some sort of greeting. Have you ever sat down at a restaurant to be greeted by the waitstaff with "what do you want to eat?"? There is a process to retail sales. And some steps are not negotiable. Especially the greeting. The thanks. And the invitation to return.

I am shocked that manager, trainers, and executives alike allow this poor service to continue. Especially in an economy that's less than desirable, you'd expect phenomenal service. No matter where you shop. I'm not expecting your local Wal-mart or discount retail to suddenly start client files on their best customers; but I am expecting each store, especially clothing retailers, to have their associates greet each customer, offer assistance, be helpful, provide accurate and efficient transactions, and conclude with a thanks and invitation to return soon.

The next time I'm asked "what can I help you find" after being in a store for 2.5 seconds and haven't received a proper greeting, I'm going to respond..."Yes. You can help me find a proper welcome and an invitation to shop here"...

classic colours

This spring, there are a few colours that I can't get enough of, for both men and women.

-- Vibrant yellow

-- grays (of any shade or hue)

-- pale pinks

-- dark purples and wines

-- interesting shades of green (especially organic hues like bright grass, celery, aqua and mint)

Japan = detail

I love Japanese culture. Maybe it's because I'm Catholic, and love knowing what to expect. But maybe I love Japanese culture, because I love the intense attention to detail. Whether it's providing the utmost quality of food, the most artistic interpretation of Japanese flower arrangement, or the most detailed service or technology, one central concept remains in all things Japanese - details!

What else would you expect from a country with virtually no natural resources? Throughout all of the island nation, the land of the rising sun could be known as "the land of the rising detail" - as it's more than just a tradition. Masters of their craft constantly seek perfection. Everything has a place. Everything has a purpose. No matter what service or technology, the essence of the existence is highlighted.

I love Japan. Maybe we could all take a hint from their culture. After all, it's always in the details.

Fashion to the Max

No matter what country or even continent you live in, this spring is all about details. Everyone is looking for renewed hope, renewed sense of self, and renewed inspiration. Look for chipper colours in both expected and unexpected places. For men and women, look for bright coloured cardigans and polo style or rugby shirts.

This spring, pink (of course) is the it colour. Light pinks, dark pinks, pale pinks, and electric pinks are in. Professionally, I love pale pink with darker grays like gunmetal or charcoal. Bright pink and even darker shades like magenta look great with white, black, or navy. And I love lighter shades with chocolates, beige, and even darker greens.

Women especially should focus on one-shoulder dresses, blouses, and shirts. It's the perfect mix of flirty behaviour while still being somewhat modest and tasteful. You can even pair the perfect one-shoulder top under a blazer for the office. Makes for effortless day-to-night looks.

Also for the lovely ladies, I'm really into bold, chunky jewelery, giant purses and tote bags, and of course, memorable, powerful shoes.

As for men, I'm loving distressed leather - in bomber or motorcycle jackets, belts, and shoes. Classic, soft brief cases in leather, canvas, or a combination of materials are also very smart for the office or the weekend. Slim silhouettes in pants, shirts, and especially suits are all you should be looking for. Even if winter has been cold and harsh, you should aspire to be fit and wear this type of tailored trends.

For both men and women, I encourage the investment of one great swim piece. Whether Sundek board shorts for men, or the perfect bikini for women, a well cut, well made suit in classic colours will last all summer long. With swimwear, you get what you pay for - so an investment in quality, fabric, and details will set you miles apart from every one else at the beach.

It's not original for spring, but I also really like the look of a deconstructed blazer. Pick something in a cool cotton or linen variety that breathes well, and is perfect for those cool summer nights. A little rumpled, wrinkled appearance makes it all the better for your carefree evening of cocktails and company.

I'm loving gingham. It's such a better alternative to the influx of plaids we've seen all winter long. The lumberjack red and black plaid should be left for the lumber yards, and not on the runways.

If you don't want to invest in a whole new wardrobe - pick a few key catagories and invest in one great piece from those catagories to update your ensembles. Like one great polo, cardigan, jacket, short, swimwear, shoe, and accessory.

Fashion is about being amazing, not breaking the bank. So do what you can. And remember, when you look good, you feel better.

Travel like none other

The following article comes from Condé Nast's Portfolio magazine in the February 2009 issue and is written by Joe Brancatelli

You and I don't normally get V.V.V.V.V.V.i.p attention. Only a select few rate : celebrities, politicians, financial masters of the universe, royalty - and the ultra-frequent travelers who are ushered into the unpublished, unpublicized, hush-hush secret societies operated by the airlines, hotels, and rental car companies.

Think you're the cream of the crop because you fly 75,000 miles per year on Delta Air Lines and have reached the Platinum Medallion Level of it's SkyMiles frequent-flier program? Think again. There's a secret level above that called Executive Partner. Continental and United Airlines also have unpublished über-elite tiers too. InterContinental Hotels' Priority Club program has a little known level called Royal Ambassador. And Hertz Car Rental has a secret society so exclusive that one of the company's longtime executives didn't know the colour of the card (platinum) or how many renters had one (fewer than 10,000).

The perks conferred on members of these über-elite groups are lavish. Delta's Executive Partners, for instance, receive a private telephone reservation line; front of the line priority for upgrades and standby travel; free car rentals and special frequent flier program awards; and elite status for a companion traveler. If you're lucky enough to score one if those Hertz platinum cards, there are no lines and no schlepping onto buses at the airport. Hertz has a car waiting at the curb when you exit the terminal, and you're chauffeured to the departure terminal when you return the vehicle.Other common benefits offered to secret travel society members: unmarked private lounges at majour airports; free minibar access; unlisted phone numbers to reach the chief executive's office; free golf and tennis outings at fancy resorts; and more swag (luggage tags, terry robes, fancy pens) than any traveler could ever use.

But the ultimate advantage of these secret travel societies, at least according to one hotel executive I know, is the recognition itself. "of course you shower these folks with gifts and upgrades and more fruit and cheese plates than they can eat, but the recognition is what matters," he explains. "You tell a good customer that their business is so important that they qualify fir a secret level of status, well, that's a real 'wow' factor, a real ego boost."By and large, airlines, hotels, and car rental firms make membership choices based on the annual revenue the travelers generate, not the number of miles flown or hotel nights stayed. They have sophisticated computer models that pinpoint their highest revenue and most profitable customers. Those travelers are then offered secret status for a year and usually (but not always) told what they must do to qualify in subsequent years.

Sent from my iPhone

Christian Dior

It was 12 February, 1947 - exactly 62 years ago, that a certain Mr. Christian Dior gathered an intimate group in the salon of 30 Avenue Montagne in Paris to unveil his very first collection. The group sat in exquisite gold gilded chairs with a very interesting Louis XVI pattern, which would come to be known as the Canage print so indicative of the House of Dior. His collection was dubbed "The New Look" - the World War had just ended, and Mr. Dior's excessive use of fabrics, especially leathers, metals, and yards and yards of luxurious silks, linens, and cottons, was all a far cry from the previously rationed materials. Soft shoulders, cinched waists, and long, flowing skirts dotted the collection.

Christian officially put Paris on the fashion map. Soon after his collection was viewed, people worldwide were knocking on his door for the latest, greatest fashions. Old world glamour. Like when people would dress up to fly on an airplane. Or when men didn't just rent tuxedos, but actually had one customized. And when men didn't dare enter the Oval Office without a jacket and tie.

With four other designers at the helm (all great - Yves St. Laurent, Mark Bohan, Gianfranco Ferre, and of course, John Galliano), the collections have been incredibly different over the years. But your specially detailed codes - from the bow, the Lily of the Valley, the excessive fabrics and buttons, and of course, the infamous saddle shape, have all remained.

Here's to you, Christian Dior. Thanks for 62 great years of fashion. And here's to at least 62 more great years!

more questionable fashions

Just kidding. It's really just another fashion question, asked recently by a friend.

Q: Hola, Fashion Guru :) I thought I'd pick your brain on this.... Within a year, my job will change to being an independent contractor, so, rather than being in the office every day, I'll be working at home. I don't, however, want to turn into a MomBlob before my time and wear sweats and a t-shirt just because the only person that will see me all day is my cat. What comfortable but stylish type outfits would you recommend I start stocking up on?

A: That's so funny you asked. I was just talking to someone about what I wear when consulting from home and personal shopping.

If you haven't already established an office or office space, do so. If you have a physical space for work, it'll be so much easier to avoid the distractions from home life.

Also, when I first started consulting from home, I'd always go barefoot - after all, it was my house anyway. But if I wore shoes, I'd be in "work mode" and be more productive and focused.

So, if you're not seeing clients or potential clients, I recommend and also wear great denim, with either an oxford or polo type shirt, and a blazer or sweater or cardigan. And of course, shoes.

If I am meeting clients or doing work related business, I add a tie or scarf.

You don't need to wear a suit or your 5" power pumps. Be comfortable. Let your wardrobe mirror your services. Poised. Professional. Creative. Appealing. Tasteful.

Stock up on great cardigans and blazers, designer denim or interesting trousers like linen sailor pants, and bright dress shirts or casual shirts.

If you need help, I'll be happy to meet you for a morning or afternoon of shopping! And I definitely agree - just because the only thing to see you is your cat, doesn't make it ok to wear baggy sweat pants and a tshirt. Be stylish, and all will be well!

Douglas Fir

So on a recent week long extravaganza in Los Angeles (or better known as Los Anjealous) - I went shopping with my dear friend Lindsey's roommate Alana. While shopping in West Hollywood, we found several great shops and boutiques. Including the fabulous Krislyn Designs, a delicious coffee at Fred Segal, and of course, the best men's boutique ever, Douglas Fir. It's my new favourite place.

Not very large in size, Douglas Fir makes up for the small space with HUGE, incredibly designers. Bawa, Coast, Comme des Garcons, Jean-Pierre Ramos, Lalo, Maison Martin Margiela, Seize Sur Vingt, and many more. The softest leather bags and wallets, the most luxurious cashmere sweaters and cardigans, incredibly tailored shirts and trousers, and unique accessories. I couldn't say more about it. Just the selection of Margiela's amazing creations was impressive enough, but when I realized I was shopping with none other than Daniel Craig, (yes, that's 007), I knew I was in the right place.

So next time you're in need of the perfect addition to your wardrobe, or want to see what a real man's store should look like, head down to 3rd Street in West Hollywood. Be sure to take your AmEx - there's lots to fall in love with!

If you need directions, or want them to send you something - call 1-323-651-5445 .

Questionable fashion?

...or just a fashion question. Recently a friend of mine sent me a question related to fashion. I want to share the question, and my answer, in case others have been wondering the same question. And, if you too have a question, feel free to send it here. You can post it as a comment, phone me, text me, facebook message me, send messenger pigeons, smoke signals, or even ET.

Q: So I got these black boots a few months ago and they are really SHINY. I never wear them because of that. I'm kind of into worn-and-torn looking boots. What should I do to them to make them look worn? I had a pair of black boots a year ago that I put sandpaper to and I didn't really like the outcome. You could almost tell they were shiny underneath the wear and tear, if you know what I mean. If I sandpapered anymore it would've been too much. I'm thinking about just getting a less abrasive sandpaper and trying it but wanted to see if you had any other ideas before I go at them.


A: Hey dude, hope you're well. Thanks for the question. I phoned the great people at John Lobb in NYC today, and asked them if there's a way to "de-shine" patent or shiny leathers. They're technical answer is "no" because the process of making leather "patent" includes molding a finish to the leather to give it it's shiny, glossy qualities. However, I know from experience, if you use a very fine grain of sandpaper, you'll be able to take the shine down pretty easily. However, just be prepared to have a "vintage" look - you might scratch the leather or put "swirl marks" in the grain - but I actually like how this looks. So, if you don't mind trying it out, I'd recommend using a very fine grain sand paper and buff the hell out of them. If it doesn't work - at least they'll have more character and appeal than they did initially. Cool?

Krislyn Design

So I just spent a week in Los Angeles, and I've officially renamed the city "Los Anjealous". Not only did I see some pretty amazing people (some well known, others not-so-known), but I also went to some pretty fantastic places.

You all know how much I love B.Brooks for all my floral needs. Well, while my friend's roommate and I were out shopping on 3rd Street in West Hollywood, we stumbled upon the most amazing store ever - Krislyn Designs. Imagine a story filled with the most beautiful, dreamlike designs, completely made of organic materials. From woods and flowers to strings and other natural things, Krislyn and her team are dream makers. I've never been so excited to stare at a little tree. But her incredible mastery of all things beautiful transcends through her work. And, to my obvious delight, Krislyn is a customer of B. Brooks too!

This Valentine's Day, why send someone an arrangement that, no matter how beautiful or costly, will soon whither away? Instead, send them something that will last forever - like a tree or something from Krislyn!

It's fairly obvious that I have great taste. I like the best of the best. Especially beautiful, one-of-a-kind things. And when I'm able, you can be sure that my homes will at least have one thing in common - they'll all be graced with that special touch from Krislyn and Co.

Delta Airlines

So today and tomorrow is definitely a day for travel. I had breakfast in Quebec, lunch in Montreal, a snack in Ohio, and dinner in Florida. Tomorrow I'm having breakfast here in Florida, lunch in Atlanta, and dinner in LA - where I'll be staying for a week!

But I must tell you, my flight on Delta Airlines between Montreal and Ohio, was emotionally amazing. For those who don't know, my Mom had cancer for my entire life. What started out as skin cancer on the face, spread to lung cancer, cancer in the lymph nodes, and brain cancer. She died in April 2007. I've always been big on cancer awareness, and try to do what I can spread the word and be more accommodating to those who are surviving this terrible disease.

Regardless, on my flight from Montreal, a young man (about my age) was seated next to me, who very clearly was under chemotherapy treatment. He had no visible hair on his head, face, or body. With him, he had an empty water bottle. As the bottle was empty, our flight attendant Crystal asked him if he'd like her to throw the bottle away. He politely thanked her and said no. When she asked near the end of our flight again if he'd like her to throw it away, he said that he was saving it to refill once in the terminal. Before he could put the empty bottle away, Crystal had already returned with a giant bottle of water to refill his bottle.

I was so touched. When my Mom was in chemotherapy, I know it was terrible at dehydrating your entire body - she was always drinking water it seemed. And to see this flight attendant, without being asked or anything, go out of her way to help someone in need, while being discrete and amazingly professional, really touched me.

I already emailed Delta Airlines to praise Crystal, but I wanted to let you all know as well. After all, kindness and compassion are always en vogue.