Searching High and Lo-ehmann’s

I really wish there were Loehmann’s-y type stores in Munich. I have a job interview tomorrow in Hamburg — what’s more American than a Hamburger? — and wanted to buy a grown-up lady handbag that could hold my binder and a change of clothes. It’s only a 1 hour flight, but there’s no air conditioning anywhere and women still wear pantyhose, so I’m going to do a presto-chango in the airport bathroom rather than sit around all day sweating in my hosies.

Back home, I would have worn a path down my usual route of Century 21, Loehmann’s and Filene’s Basement. But those holy grails don’t exist here — presumably, because all the European castoffs get sent off to the U.S. leaving cheap European dwellers to fight it out at H&M. I tried to side-step the fisticuffs by going to some second-hand stores, but could. not. afford. even anything USED (at over 300 Euros, I may just bring my reusable shopping bag and claim it’s designer. I mean, it was designed by someone.)

I’m sure my lack-of-handbag will not stop me from getting this job when I have so many other lackluster qualities to choose from. If only I had that one *perfect* accessory …. alas, I shall never know…