I can go on and on and on about how much I admire Gwen Stefani. Usually, it’s one of the first things people learn about me because I’m not afraid to admit how big a fan I am of hers. Ever since she released Tragic Kingdom with No Doubt in 1995 (I was 8-years old), Gwen has been a positive role model and someone who’s inspired me to reach all of my goals (after all, she is a singer, songwriter, designer of clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, and perfumes, a hot wife, an awesome mom, and she’s had an acting gig or two). She’s never had a misstep like so many other Hollywood gals, and that only makes me like her more.

I’ve followed her career passionately, and have invested quite a lot of time and money in attending her concerts and buying anything and everything she’s associated with. Not only do I love her music and style, but I also consider these investments to be my way of supporting her. And yes, in some way, they make me feel closer to her.

Even so, it has always been my dream to meet Gwen in person. I met her husband, Gavin Rossdale, a few years back at one of her concerts, and even though that was an “OMG moment” in and of itself, I wouldn’t be satisfied until I met his wife as well.

Last Friday, while I was getting ready for Fashion’s Night Out, I had a feeling the time had come – I was going to meet Gwen at the Sephora in Soho, where she’d be promoting her new fragrance collection, Wicked Style. I prepared by wearing an outfit Gwen would approve of, and printed out an article I had written about her, thinking maybe, just maybe I could give it to her for her to read.

Sephora, of course, was my first stop of the night. The store was decked out with Harajuku Lovers decorations, but Gwen was nowhere in sight. I picked up a bottle of her new perfume and headed to the registers, where the cashier told me, “You know, if you buy another one of her perfumes, you’ll get to do a private meet and greet with Gwen.”

It was the fastest $100 I’ve ever spent.