Nice story. Katerina, did you tell the woman in the elevator that she looked stunning? Compliments, even from strangers, can be so uplifting. I know this from personal experience, both as a giver and as a receiver.
In the building where I work and live, I am fortunate too see many well-dressed people daily, and compliments are often given.
Sometimes, complete strangers make a lasting impression. I still remember a woman I noticed at a railway station a couple of years ago. I guess she was in her late 40s. She had brown hair (a long classic bob), discreet makeup, wore a brown bomber jacket, a knee-length brown skirt (those two items did not form a suit, but looked harmonious together) and long brown suede boots. Her casually elegant outfit was very simple and quiet, and yet she looked stunning. She was accompanied by a handsome man who clearly adored her, and she had a radiant smile and looked so bright and happy. To me, it looked like there was even happiness in her steps, as she was almost DANCING down a staircase. (I imagine they had just met again after having been at separate places for a while.) Lesson learned: Sometimes, the best accessories might be smiles, happiness, the feeling of love ...
By the way, I was so fascinated by that happy middle-aged couple--and they disappeared so quickly-- that I didn't manage to give the lady a compliment for her simple, elegant outfit. On many other occasions, I do compliment people, even some I just pass in the street (if they are not in a hurry), and they always look plesantly surprised and thank me. When we part, I often notice that they have a smile on their face and are walking with confidence.
I recently got a pleasant surprise myself while I was seated in a bus. A young woman slowly approached me and shyly said, "I just want to tell you that I think you look very, very stylish." Other passengers smiled and agreed, and we even got a little conversation on the value of complimenting other people. Of course, that episode brightened my day and is a sweet memory.