There's a difference between like and love. Because I like my Sketchers, but I love my Prada backpack.

I know few people who can take compliments gracefully. We all either get flushed, try to explain why we think we are crap or (in the case of clothes) spout how cheap it is and where we purchased it. In a self-improvement effort I've been trying to a) give more compliments (when I mean it, obviously) and b) be less self-deprecating when I get one.

That said, sometimes people say things that are so out of left field, that I have to wonder what planet they are from. Perhaps planet Manhattan.

This morning, a senior colleague kindly told me "my look is so Chanel" and that I have "very classic pieces." It would be one thing if I was all gussied up and looking all that, maybe I'd get it. But today I'm wearing a sweater from 5 years ago, khakis with a stain on them and converse kicks. And I can't find my hair dryer. And I have BO.

(okay, I am in pearls. maybe that threw her off, but still -- What.the.f$#@ )

First of all -- what does "Chanel" mean? I can't afford their clothes -- I only understand brand comparisons in the H&M to Brooks Brothers range. And the last ad I saw of theirs was Keira Knightly naked with a hat, so uh, yeah, don't we all wish.

Rather than Chanel, I think I'd refer to myself as a Euro trash tom boy that occasionally pops her collar. (uh, joke, I don't refer to myself as anything, but if I did aim for a style....)