You Trixies Are Elitist!

Dear Trixie ...

I came upon your web page a few days ago. While I come from an "extremely" upper class family in California, I now live in Paradise Valley, Arizona (the Malibu or Beverly Hills of Arizona). Paradise Valley is the home of more million dollar homes than in the entire state of Indiana, I would imagine. Anyway, why is it that you Trixies think you're better then everyone else? What makes you so elite? I mean, I don't act like that ... what gives you the right?

Roxy in Arizona


Dear Roxy,

I believe that you've overreacted too quickly. You see, the BRTS doesn't stand for extremely 'rich' or Beverly Hills-style exotic luxury. While those things are all very nice, we here in Broad Ripple settle for a more subtle, refined luxury in the places we live, the people we associate with, and the materials we take for granted.

The "Good Life" in Broad Ripple is everything we make of it, and if you look at the Society's blog in detail or interview a few of our members, you'll see that we really enjoy what we have. It might not be the very best, but that's what Sea Island, Georgia is for, right? Everyone knows you can't have a ten acre 12,000 square foot estate in Broad Ripple, and who would want one anyway? Our quaint bungalows, Cape Cods and Tudors confined to proper;y proportional urban lots are quite adequate for us; this is city living after all!

I suggest that you stand back and look at things in a different light. Trixies don't think they are 'better' than everyone else -- in fact, most Trixies are not aware of everyone else. Trixies are simply interested in living the best lives they can here in our wonderful neighborhood in the nation's finest little urban village.

Best Regards,
Ashley

• Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

.

Letter of Complaint to the Indianapolis Colts

In early 2008 after the Colts amazing Super Bowl win, the Society's executive board wrote a letter to Colts Management, demanding better treatment of our Trixies. Our letter detailed the harsh treatment experienced by a typical Trixie girl attending a football game simply in an effort to frolic and drink with her co-workers.

After a long period of silence from the Colts, the Broad Ripple Trixie Society recently renewed our effort to improve the safety, security and comfort of our Trixies who attend games at Lucas Oil Stadium. In the past, we have been victims of stray punts, damaged hearing, beer spilled and mustard smeared on expensive clothing, and all-around discomfort from the lack of Starbucks and proper shopping facilities at the Lucas Oil Stadium. As everyone knows, Trixies and their significant others, coworkers and friends make up the majority of the crowd in the 40-50 yardline seats, and as such, we demand to receive the same level of plush-ness we enjoy a few miles north of the Stadium in our Village of Jeeps, Jettas, Mini Coopers, boutiques, home decor stores, and fancy restaurants.

On April 19th, our Executive Committee again wrote a letter to COLTS management, demanding the they make changes to serve their premiere clientele in the first-class manner we deserve. Below is a copy of that letter in its entirety. We urge you, our members, to also write the Colts independently and echo your support for our noble cause.

• April 19, 2009 Letter to Colts senior management

.

Letter to Colts Management - in staggering detail

Please click on each page of our letter to the Indianapolis Colts for an expanded view:

Page 1 ....Page 2 ...

Page 3 ...
Page 4 ...

Are Fishers Residents Eligible To Join?

Dear Ashley:

I can't tell you how excited I was to read that certain areas of Carmel were added to the Society's acceptable boundaries and since I live in Fishers which is near Carmel, I could be possibly eligible for membership.

Here is my question. Since I technically live in Fishers and not Carmel, but meet all other criteria, am I in?

Cait Atherton



Dear Cait:

Wow. You certainly dug through the old press releases to find the Carmel information! Unfortunately, Fishers is not currently in our plan. As many people say, Fishers is known for being Carmel's punk little brother. It simply does not fit into our lifestyle or plan at the moment.

But anyway...

As you know, most neighborhoods have changed dramatically over the years and continue to do so with the ebb and flow of social mores and the economy.

The Society redistricting committee is currently evaluating real estate and urban development trends in the areas around the Broad Ripple anchor village. Initial estimates hint that Fishers may have peaked some time a few years ago, and is again slipping into further decline.

You may want to look into moving to an approved part of Carmel or -- better yet -- Broad Ripple Village proper to increase your odds of gaining membership. That said, the official redistricting will not be made public until later this year.

Cheers!
Ash

• Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

.

An Introduction to Preppy Style in Broad Ripple

By Super-Trixie Brooke Fletcher-Eaton

For some reason, when summer is just around the corner, my preppy gene kicks in high gear! I’m suddenly oohing-and-ahhing at every pair of Sperry’s and set of pearls in sight. Why, in the last three days alone, I’ve stopped myself from buying "The Official Preppy Handbook" three times. (What?!? It would make an excellent coffee table book!)

With my preppy-fever going strong, it shouldn’t surprise you that I fell in love with this look at first sight. It also shouldn’t surprise you that the photo for this cute little Trixie article was taken in Boston, Mass. It just has the perfect college town vibe -- possibly even Harvard. The fresh styling and casual feel make this the perfect outfit for you to try for spring. I encourage all Trixies to emulate this look.

Style Notes:

* Raid your closet. You probably already have a lot of preppy pieces. A basic oxford shirt in any color would work, and Sperry’s are a perfect substitute for the pricey Sebagos or Tod's driving loafers.

* Keep makeup light and feminine to offset the preppy/sporty vibe of this look. The oxford or Polo shirt and boat shoes have a masculine feel, so pearls and pink definitely add balance as well.

* Note that any cardigan should be tucked into a skirt, which is totally unexpected, but gives a really clean look. You could try this with other outfits as well: I think it would look great with a classic straight-leg jean and a colorful statement-making belt -- (stay away from the fabric whale belt however).

* If you’re looking for a perfect bag to complete your look as you pop into the Broad Ripple Starbucks, try a vintage Dooney & Bourke for a fantastic pop of color, or a well-worn Coach bag or 1980's tan, red and green Gucci.

Any Trixie perfecting this look is welcome to a few pints on me at the Wellington. Just tell them Brooke Fletcher-Eaton sent you!

Toodles,
Brooke Fletcher-Eaton

• Back to the Trixie Lifestyle Guides

.

Distressing Trouble With Southside Starbucks

Hello Ashley!

I went down to Greenwood on the Southside this weekend and tried to order a Venti Latte. They were so confused, that I finally had to show them the cup that I wanted them to use for my Latte. Uggggh!

Are people just slower in Greenwood? Or are they just not as multi-cultural as we are in Broad Ripple? I normally would not have visited the Southside, but I had a client appointment for work and they insisted I come to their office. I was previously reluctant to go and now that I have experienced the Southside I may just have to drop this client. The business we receive from them is just not worth the trouble.

Best,
Traci

P.S. Love B Ripple!


Dear Traci:

I've experienced the same problem on the rare occasion when I've ventured to the Southside. I don't think Greenwooders are slower, their brains are just wired oddly, and they speak a different dialect from Broad Ripplers like us.

You see, after brunch at the Cafe Patachou, I love to fill up with another Venti before I hit the shopping circuit. One time, the Starbucks at Guilford & Broad Ripple Ave had a line out the door, so I stopped off at that "alternative" coffee shop, the Monon Coffee Company place on Westfield. They didn't understand any part of my order. The order-girl (who had purple hair and wore overalls) looked at me like I was speaking that Cirque d'Soleil gibberish! I finally had to settle for a "large" soy Latte.

Try not to get upset next time. Just try to appreciate the cultural diversity that our city has to offer!

- Ash

• Back to the "Ask Ashley" Column

.

Finding the Perfect Trixie Apartment

Okay. You've just graduated with a Business Degree from one of the fine Midwestern State Universities, or perhaps even a prestigious Catholic College like Notre Dame or Xavier, and you're moving to Indianapolis. (Where else would a young, self-motivated, independent woman move anyway?) Your dilemma: discovering the best way to find an apartment in Indy befitting your taste and soon-to-be new found status. Unfortunately, the only situation that brings the Trixie to the brink of panic -- besides misplacing her loofah scrub -- is finding a new apartment or house to rent. Should one look in the Star? Should one use Nuvo? Perhaps ApartmentGuide.com? Should you spend 75% of your monthly income on rent....?!?!?

Whew!!!! It's all just so darn frustrating, isn't it? Well, the Broad Ripple Trixie Society is dedicated to removing the tiring task of thought from the Trixie's daily routine. Our board members got together one Sunday at Binkley's on College at Kessler; over our three hour brunch with Mimosas and spicy-no-pickle Bloody Marys we compiled a list of vital Apartment Hunting Questions. These questions were promptly distributed to our tasteful and well-groomed membership via email. Below you will find the answers submitted by our busy Trixies. For your convenience, we have ordered the questions and answers numerically in order of importance.

1.) Where is the apartment located? The number one concern of Trixies polled was the location of the apartment in question. Luckily, the BRTS has been generous enough to expand its borders; however, the true Trixie will hear the Call of the Village and try her utmost to establish residence within the "Golden Borders." Nora, Rocky Ripple, Meridian Hills and Williams Creek will suffice; they all contain cute pre-War homes, several trendy restaurants and they are close to a Starbucks but they're "Neighborhoods On The Move" and most Trixies prefer "The Neighborhood That Has Arrived": Broad Ripple. There is simply no substitute for the sweet tang of cash and attitude found in the Broad Ripple air.

2.) Is it near an authentic Pub? This question mattered big time to our membership. Chances are, if it's in Ripple, it's within walking distance of a great Pub. First and foremost, it is very important for meeting potential husbands and boyfriends. Randy young Chads come to Pubs to get drunk on $1.50 Lite beer, wear baseball caps, and look at your legs. What a blessing! Secondly, the Pub is the brain, spinal column and testes of the vital neighborhoods within Broad Ripple. The Pub sponsors a welcoming forum for Trixies to gather with other Trixies after work, order only the finest and most expensive vodkas and gins in your cranberry and tonic-based drinks, and watch your alma mater college teams fail in various televised playoffs. Finally, the Pub provides a place where you may drown your sorrows in alcohol. After Becka, your roommate and "best friend," steals your real estate lawyer boyfriend, you'll find the Pub bar staff extremely understanding and supportive in your time of need.

3.) Do successful-looking men live in the neighborhood? (See number 2 above.)

4.) Is the building pet friendly? Apartment buildings which accept pets are very important. An active Trixie must have a pet, preferably a large dog--either a black lab, golden retriever or, for the truly independent Trixie, a Rhodesian Ridgeback. We name our dogs after Indianapolis landmarks (Ayres, Butler, Riley, Irvington or Kessler) or our favorite drinks (Bailey, Cosmo(politan), Belevedere.) We're just creative that way!! Cats are acceptable but dogs are much preferred: what better way for a Trixie prove her busy professional status than by hiring a dog walking service to take precious Sambuca down to the Canal twice a day? Preferably, the ideal pet-friendly building will have a nice grassy strip directly in front of the door. This allows the Trixie to "walk" the dog on cold winter evenings by letting the beast out through the door via Extend-o-leash; meanwhile, the Trixie stands warm and safe inside the foyer among the dried flowers and glazed vases from Cost Plus. The grassy strip also acts as a convenient repository for dog "nuisance." A true Trixie never touches poo.

5.) How big is the apartment? Here is a toughie. Obviously, larger would be preferable but ultimately floor space is irrelevant as long as it is within the confines of Broad Ripple. Luckily, Trixies have few personal interests inside the home such as painting, writing, sewing or anything that would require extra space. What precious extra floor space we do possess, however, we are willing to sacrifice to large entertainment systems and treadmills. A Trixie needs very little personal living space. We are slender, elf-like creatures after all!! Likewise, the type of apartment is irrelevant: garden apartment, crowded coach house or non-air conditioned studio on the top floor of a four-story walk up. It simply doesn't matter as long as it's in Broad Ripple!!

6.) What is the rent? Without exception, the Trixies polled felt this should be the least of your concerns. Rent should be provided for by a Trixie's husband/boyfriend or parents. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case: many Trixies are forced to temporarily support themselves until better opportunities arise (i.e. an investment banker, trader, trust fund, etc.) This is where you might have to bite the golden bullet. $900 a month for a studio may seem like a lot of money but think about the benefits; status, being seen, blissful homogeneity, sushi -- the list is endless. Simply use your credit cards as a safety raft to float you to the nearest Island of Financial Security!

Understandably, some Trixies working entry level jobs at Bank One or Simon & Associates find living solo too much of a financial burden. In this situation, we recommend moving in with several Trixie roommates. Old high school friends and sorority sisters will suffice, as will work acquaintances. Regardless of personal habits, attempt to choose roommates who look as much like you as possible. This will practically guarantee someone will meet a cute financial analyst at the local Pub (see number 2 above.) The density of Trixies Per Apartment (the TPA ratio) varies upon the number of bedrooms. The following guidelines are BRTS tested and approved but please feel free to use your own exquisite judgment: two Trixies can live harmoniously in a studio, up to three Trixies and one large dog in a two-bedroom, and four to five Trixies and two large dogs in a three-bedroom. While some would consider these living arrangements unacceptable, a Trixie is a trooper; living in such conditions allows one to practice tolerant, fake smiles, the theft of contact lens solution and the gratuitous use of the term "best friend" when referring to your roommates. But all Trixies must remember: the real estate in Broad Ripple is obviously worth it. Otherwise it wouldn't be so expensive. If you wanted larger bedrooms and fewer than three roommates, you'd live in more dangerous neighborhoods like Irvington or Fountain Square.

The board members, and the Society at large, sincerely hope this guide helps you chose the most geographically prestigious, if not the most comfortable, apartment possible. And one final tip for the apartment-seeking Trixie: often Trixie-approved buildings have a TrixieStar discreetly placed somewhere on the facade -- in a stained glass window above the door, in the Terra Cotta architectural details, or even carved into the bole of a tree out front with a Jetta key. Keep your eyes open!! We wish you the best of luck!