I was faced this morning with the same problem that I have every morning. ‘What should I wear to work?’ I took a page from February’s Vogue and chose a knee length, red tulle-infused circle skirt with a tucked-in ivory cardigan and a black camisole underneath. Black heels and gold earrings completed the look and off I went for a day in the ever-exciting world of accounting.

Now, I knew I was being rather fashion forward in my choice of garments. After all, I ripped the look off of a page from friggin Vogue magazine – the end all of fashion say so, yes? My work BFF, Michelle, of course told me that I looked pretty, as she does everyday. God bless her.

However, the comment of the day – I’m talking about the one that is still standing out in my mind – came from this man, this dear man, named Norbert. Norbert is from some unknown country in Europe. None of us have ever asked him precisely where he is from – we just know that he is European. My guess would be that he is from one of the Slavic nations, judging by his last name, which I will not reveal.

As I was standing at Michelle’s desk discussing some order of business for the day, Norbert glided over. Now, let me provide a visual. Norbert is a sweet 50-something man whose wardrobe is stuck in the mid-seventies. But wait. He’s playing golf in the mid-seventies. In Europe. Michelle and I love him. He is adorable. Plus, at the precise moment of which I am speaking, he was bringing us fresh baked oatmeal raisin cookies. So we love him even more in this moment.

Norbert says to me with his adorable European charm “My! What a dramatic dress you are wearing!”

And of course I try to be just as charming back to him. “Oh well yes. You know I do try!”

Now. My issue lies here. This plaid-panted man was THE one who commented on my Vogue-inspired outfit today. So I wonder….

Should I smile graciously (as I did) and chatter with him as I do on a day to day basis?

OR…..

Is he more fashion forward than I am? Do I need to begin reading FOREIGN issues of Vogue to keep up? Am I THAT out of the loop when I think I am actually abreast?

Believe me…nobody (maybe a FEW exceptions) in my company knows about skinny jeans, corset belts, ballet flats, leopard skin, or headbands. Is Norbert IN on this? Do I need to keep ahead of European fashion?

Or was it just a passing comment from a sweet, unsuspecting co-worker who just wanted to bring us oatmeal cookies?