The information in this title probably doesn’t surprise you. And yet even though people know I wear a bra, I generally try not to show them I wear a bra.
This particular incident involves the lovely gentleman pictured left. Armand Hammer. You might remember him from such things as The Social Network. Or from being named Armand Hammer.
Back when The Social Network came out, I was assigned to go to a Chicago press day for the film. I’d be interviewing Mr. Hammer, Aaron Sorkin and Jesse Eisenberg. You can imagine how excited I was. I even wore my floral printed linen dress and high heels, as opposed to my usual jeans, ballet flats, and cozy sweater uniform. I also had on a black bra I don’t wear often, mostly because one of the straps is perpetually twisted and digs into my back. I can’t remember why I wore it that day. (Please don’t ask why I hold onto a bra I don’t wear because I have no good answer.)
Anyway, Mr. Hammer goes first. The interview is being videotaped, and I’m trying to act all cool and collected and like I do this kind of thing often. (I don’t.) So I sit opposite the Winkelvi, and this guy is handsome. I mean, look at him. And when I want to appear comfortable I go straight to goofytown. I make jokes when I’m nervous. So I’m going on about who-knows-what to this handsome actor who seriously oozes gentlemanliness. And poise.
So there I am jabbering on, and it’s just me, Armie and the camera guys. Then Armie says to me: “I don’t mean to be crude, but I think your straps have fallen.”
I look down, and somehow—and this has never happened before or since—my bra straps on both sides have slipped underneath the sleeves of my dress and are resting on my elbows.
What?!?! How does one not notice that her bra straps are just resting in the crook of both elbows?
There I was. Facing the classiest fellow I have ever encountered. (This is not an exaggeration. Please look at him. Again.) He’s a man who uses the word “crude” in passing, and I can’t even get my clothes to function properly.
I know that having a bra strap show is not the worst of wardrobe malfunctions. Even if it is both bra straps, and it’s not just peeking out of your shoulder but resting halfway down your arm.
And yet being called out by the handsome star of a Best Picture Nominee, when you’re trying pitifully hard to act like you belong, is a low point.
If you’re wondering what I said in response, it was something to the effect of: “Oh thank you! I certainly wouldn’t want to look that way in front of Aaron Sorkin!” Or something equally lame and absurd.
Are you cringing yet?
Have you had any mortifying brushes with fame?
LOL! Oh, my gosh. Murphy strikes again!
Hmm. I’ve heard Mr. Hammer has the power to make women’s clothes fall off with just a glance. Guess this is proof. 😉
Indeed. He basically defines the word “dreamy.”
Boy, does that sound like something that would happen to me. I don’t think I’d be able to do anything but giggle if I was sitting across the table from him!
Exactly! I had to try to make jokes to hide my own giggly inner teenager! I have done some interviews with handsome men where you can actually hear my childish giggle on the tape. So embarrassing!
Oh dear. I’m totally blushing on your behalf. But this is a great story – did you use it on any of your friend-dates to break the ice?
You know, I totally should have. So much better than saying “I’m from New York… blah blah.”
Finally!!! The kind of dirt I was hoping for when I came up with this ludicrous theme! 😉 Bless you, Rachel dear, for giving us the goods.
That story is so priceless. And let’s be frank for a moment–I am certain your interaction (while possibly embarrassing for you in the moment) was memorable for him as well. Silver lining, dear. It’s always there. Kind of like our bra straps.
(And if you ever learn the answer as to why you keep a bra that doesn’t fit, please share. I’ve got several I can’t part with and never go near. Uh?)
Ha! Thanks Erika. Feel free to come to me if you are ever in need of a story of one making a fool of herself. I have plenty!
How awful for you, but wonderful blog fodder! This is priceless,
Rachel! And I thought things like this only happened to me, lol!
Thanks for sharing! Now I’m really looking forward to reading your
book!
Thank you Lynn! That makes my day!
And I’m always happy to take one for the team, ESPECIALLY if it will make for good blog fodder!
Thank you for the good writeup. It actually was a leisure account it. Glance complicated to more delivered agreeable from you! By the way, how could we keep up a correspondence?