Dear Friends,
I’m sure a lot of you didn’t think I’d have time to write my holiday newsletter this year, what with the devastating election (as you know, Cindy is a dear friend), Worth getting demoted at Goldman Sachs, the subsequent SEC investigation, and the freezing of our assets. In the words of my friend Mother Teresa, “These are trying times.” (I’m sure you all remember when I spent some time with her while browsing for children in Calcutta.) You’ve all been so gracious in giving us our space—not calling and asking a hundred questions, respecting our privacy and not sending us invitations, allowing us solitude at the club—that it only seemed right that I make time to write you all and tell you not to worry on our account. Everyone knows that bad things do not happen to good people, so this will not keep us down for long!
First up, my husband Worth. Throughout all of this injustice, he has managed to maintain his sense of humor. He teases me that I might have to put my education to use and find a job. I tease him right back and tell him that I might use that education to find the best divorce attorney in the city! Not everyone can laugh like we do after 10 years of marriage. As many of you from book club (I miss you, girls!!) know, I planned to buy Worth the President watch from Rolex (from $27,000 at Bachendorf’s) for two reasons. First, I had high hopes for his ascension at Goldman, and, second, it’s the model our friend Roger Federer favors, too. (You’ll all remember we sat with him in first class when we traveled to Dubai a few years ago.) That’s of course out of the question now. As you can imagine, Worth has been very introspective lately—reading the Bible and watching television—and he rarely gets dressed on his days off, so I considered a cashmere bathrobe in navy ($950 at Neiman Marcus). But that’s money better spent on the various charities we support and legal fees. Instead, I went with a nice pair of Sperry deerskin house shoes ($170 at Culwell & Son) that he can throw on when he needs to make a run to the liquor store.
My stepdaughter Lisa is having some difficulties adjusting to our belt-tightening. As many of you know, she’s at The Spence School, in New York City (where Gwyneth Paltrow and Katie Couric matriculated). What you might not know: we’ve had to look into a work-study program to help with the exorbitant tuition. The adjustment hasn’t been easy on her, but once again a sense of humor helps. She has taken to calling me “Mommie Dearest,” which is a real hoot! I’ve explained to her that Christina Crawford was forced to work in the stables, which is much worse than the cafeteria. Originally, Worth and I planned to get her a fabulous trunk (from $17,330 at Bottega Veneta) for camp. I don’t have to tell any of you that summer camp can get so competitive—Waldemar is no exception—and the Worthingtons play to win. But Waldemar might not be in the cards for us this year. (Good news for all of you who have languished on the waiting list for so long!) Lisa asked for the Giant Part Time Bag by Balenciaga ($1,645 at Barneys New York), and I went to look at it. Unfortunately for Lisa, I ended up loving it, too, and we can’t both have the same handbag! So, I did what I always do when I’m in a bind: I called up my dear friend Renée Rouleau and scheduled a synergy 3 facial ($325 at Renée Rouleau) for Lisa while she’s home for the break. She’ll thank me later—bad skin paired with dishpan hands do not make for good marriage material.
As it turns out, with so few social engagements, I have become one heck of a tennis player. I credit that to Sam—who is not only an incredible tennis pro, but also a deeply spiritual person. Look beyond that tan, perfect body, and you will find the kindest, funniest man you’ve ever met. He has become such a close friend, and this year I wanted to buy him something special. Sam sweats a lot—it’s what he does for a living—so I bought him Calycantus by Acqua di Colonia, a masculine, spicy scent ($110 at LAFCO New York). He can think about his best friend (me!) every time he applies it to his lean, adorable frame. The poor dear is always in tennis clothes, but sometimes I’d like to meet for nice dinners, as friends do. I ordered him a couple of custom shirts (from $120 at Q Shirtmakers).
Anyway, I’ve prattled on long enough. We’re off to Aspen for New Year’s. In the spirit of sacrifice, we’re flying commercial. But please do let’s get together soon. God bless.
— THE WORTHINGTONS
Worth, Georgette, Lisa, and little Worthy