Youth America Grand Prix Gala–all my favorites in one place.

My sister Dione called frantically this afternoon.

“Guess who’s performing in New York in April?” she asked. “Roberto Bolle at City Center!”

I immediately jumped on the City Center website to get the details and found out that his performance is part of the Youth America Grand Prix Gala. She and I have been dying to see him ever since we spotted one of his You Tube videos. Dione has jokingly called him her “future husband.”

But Bolle’s appearance is really just icing on a very sweet cake. I found out that not only will Bolle be performing, but a whole slew of other famous dancers that happen to be my favorites:David Hallberg, Wendy Whelan, Maria Kowroski and former Mobile Ballet dancer Blaine Hoven! I also found out that Marcelo Gomes is premiering a ballet at the show!

Dione and I squealed for eternity (we’re the biggest David Hallberg and Wendy Whelan fans on the planet). I’m so there.

Tres chic: Brian Atwood, Mark Badgley and James Mischka in the flesh.

If there is a heaven on earth, it is undoubtedly Saks Fifth Avenue. I have a long history with the department store, and could write (and have drafted) essays on the place. Nostalgia is powerful thing.

I knew today was a big deal at the 5th Avenue Saks, they were hosting “parties” on every floor with designer appearances. I wanted to attend, but I would be having guests and wanted their itinerary to be top priority.

Around 4 p.m. my guests and myself had ran all over Manhattan–uptown, downtown, Soho, Chinatown, Little Italy for lunch, and midtown. We ended up near Rockefeller Center, and my guests wanted to use the bathroom. Saks was nearby so I ushered them in, being a tour guide and pointing to places where memories stood. I remembered that the party was going on, and I was apprehensive. In jeans and boots I looked hardly fashionable.

But we ended up at the biggest party on the eighth floor regardless. I avoided every camera moving past me, and slid past the very charming and attractive shoe designer Brian Atwood (love his flats) to look at his shoes. They gave out champagne and I desperately fought the crowds to find those gorgeous brown and gold Tory Burch boots. They were on the 6th floor.

So one of my guests and I raced down there, only to be disappointed. The boots were shipped out to make way for spring fashions. This would be the second time that’s happened in my Saks-going history, and I recounted the tale to my guests (it involves a YSL belt).

After my guests enjoyed more wine and I pined away at Oscar de la Renta gowns. Saks is a feast for the eyes. As always.

On the way back down Mark Badgley and James Mischka were still present on the first floor, surrounded by a cloud of well-heeled women dropping compliments at the duo. I waved an elegant good-bye, being glad to have introduced my friends to my little haven.

The rest of the day was pure fun in midtown. I didn’t arrive home till after eight; truly wiped out from all the subway cars and adventures.