Neiman Marcus "Beauty Event Excitement Disorder"

If you look closely, you can see the symptoms of Neiman Marcus Beauty Event Excitement Disorder (BEED). The skin looks fresh, lineless, and hydrated. The makeup is perfect. The fragrance wafting from the patient is divine. The only thing strange about the patient is the crazed look in her eyes - the equivalent of a sugar high. Crafty psychologists recognize the disorder immediately. "Have you been at Neiman Marcus lately, say in the last week or so?" Yes, how did you know?

I'm definitely "suffering" from BEED. In the last 10 days, I've made five trips to two different Neiman Marcus stores - Tysons Galleria and Mazza Gallerie - and every one has been delightful. I've been wined and dined and treated to the best Neiman Marcus has to offer. I fell in love with an $1,800 Etro jacket (how will I ever afford that?). Today, I spent most of my day at Neiman Marcus, at both stores, of course!

I've had two facials in two days. I told you about my Natura Bissé Pure Air Bubble Diamond White Facial on Thursday evening. If I needed any proof that it was magnificent, there was "buzz" at Neiman Marcus when I arrived that my skin looked amazing. I think that's fabulous (or perhaps those who saw me were themselves suffering from BEED). It validated my view that the bubble facial was life-altering. I'm now plotting to set up the bubble in my spare bedroom and fly in Alexis every few days for a spruce-up.

Today, I had a RéVive facial. My skin looked so hydrated and so even-toned afterwards, no one commented on my lack of makeup. Not only was the facial fabulous, I got to visit with my friend John Gates, who had taken the train from New York to assist with RéVive's special day at Tysons. If you ever need help with RéVive, please call Anna Befanis at (703) 761-1600, extension 3295. She is a real pro - and a sweetheart too.

When I was at Tysons, I found out Connie Widener-Malott, Chantecaille's Head US Trainer, was at Mazza. Into my car I flew, fueled by BEEDS. I haven't seen Connie in at least six months, and I was dying to visit with her. As soon as Connie saw my makeup-free face, she offered to apply the new Coral Reefs Palette. In five minutes, she transformed me into a Chantecaille beauty. It sometimes happens that I return home after a makeup application and wash my face. Not this time! I wish I were going out. Connie is incredibly talented.

I also had fun with the dapper Wil Galvez, talking about fragrance - and, of course, Valentina. I learned that there's a body oil coming. I can't wait! Lisa Lingis, Le Métier de Beauté's gorgeous regional representative was at Tysons, and I visited with Michael Reinhardt at Mazza and Lisa Corsina at Tysons. I love my Le Métier de Beauté friends. All of the beautiful Sisley ladies at both stores were warm and fun. The flowers in the photo above were Sisley's cure for our need for spring (we went from 70 degrees yesterday to snow flurries this morning - it was a shock), and they added nature's touch to my BEED.

I have so many people to thank for my divine disorder - from PR to the product specialists on the floor - I'll mention them as I write over the next few weeks. I'm actually happy about my diagnosis!

Lest you have any doubts that neon yellow is an "it" color for spring, both local stores sold out of the yellow tote in two days. If you want that neon yellow bag, hurry! Perhaps it's still available at your local Neiman Marcus. The pink and gold totes are more "me," so I'm thrilled with my gifts with purchase. So why do I want the yellow one now? I guess it's a BEED thing.

You'll see the results of my BEED spending over the next week or more. Right now, I need a nap. I'm coming down off my BEED high for the day. If you'd like to experience BEED, I'm sure your favorite Neiman Marcus representatives can help. Perhaps one day BEED will make its way into the Merck Manual or have its own ICD code. Watch your friends carefully for the symptoms.

P.S. The stunning flower arrangement above was created by Art with Flowers at Tysons Galleria. Their phone is (703) 903-6837.

Update 2/16: Here's that Etro jacket I want. The sleeves are rolled up. There is a matching top too in the black and white print. Sigh!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty; totes photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus