Wednesday, August 08, 2007
How to Nosh in Style
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I love getting dressed to go out to eat. I have so much fun pulling together an outfit and imagining all the food and wine I’m going to spend the night trying not to spill on it.
But many clients at Scout, my personal shopping business, come to me asking for help picking out clothes for dinner dates or upcoming reservations. As always, my advice to them is to wear what makes them feel fantastic – to bust out of ruts and take risks, to upend trends and think of every outfit as a page in their own personal style book.
Of course the best out-to-eat-outfits reflect not only the wearer but the chosen mise-en-scène as well. Just for fun I picked out three of my favorite restaurants in three different cities, and three gorgeous, au courant suggestions for how to dress. Take these and run with them your way - whether it’s a first date, an anniversary or business, your food will taste better if you bring your own personal style to the table.
NEW YORK: Lunch at Café Gitane (and shopping in Nolita)
Though you can’t have anything slowing down your shopping groove while you search for the perfect Mayle top or fabulous deal at the Calypso Outlet, this is Nolita, and Café Gitane is always teeming with uber-groovy people; so style must reign. The cashmere crew dress by fresh new designer Lars Andersson available at blaec.com, is perfect. Pair it as shown with leggings or skinny jeans tucked into boots, and you’ve found effortless, on-the-go style. The dark color is also a bonus, just in case - Gitane’s very best dish is the meatballs swimming in a simmering red tomato sauce.
Café Gitane
242 Mott St
Nolita
10012-3434
cross-street: Spring St.
(212) 334-9552
PARIS: drinks and a nibble at La Terrasse Montaigne at the Hotel Plaza Athenee
OOh la la, Plaza Athenee is the best. And Hotel Plaza Athenee, designed by Patrick Jouin, is situated on the most fashionable avenue in Paris. In this va-va-voom Dereck Lam dress your date du jour - girlfriend or main squeeze - will barely notice the passers by. Wear with heels of course. If you decide to stroll the Montaigne, you can always stow flats in your bag.
La Terrasse Montaigne
Entrance 27 avenue Montaigne
75008 Paris – France
Tel: +33 1 53 67 66 00
Open Daily From May to mid-September for lunch and dinner
BOSTON: 9pm dinner, The Butcher Shop
Plan to sit at the bar, you’ll feel immediately at home, hungry and social. There’s just something about Barbara Lynch’s Butcher Shop that makes you want to sit for hours and shoot the breeze. The arugula salad with the burrata cheese and Vermont honey with fresh country bread are more refined than the name let’s on. Try them!
Whether you and your b.f.f . have just come from a quick tutorial over at Barbara Lynch’s new digs, Stir, or you and your hubby are on your way to hear some music at the Beehive, something casual with some special detail will do the trick.
I suggest giving the latest in the jean craze, the wide leg, a try with the J brand Palazzo. (Or for the same idea a little softer on the wallet, the Old Navy wide leg sweetheart trouser jean.
Unlike the ultra skinny jeans, this is one trend that you can jump on – they’re comfortable enough that you can finish off the breadbasket with the honey. And you should, you’re worth it. Pair with a fitted top, like this one at Stel’s, sexy, and on sale.
Go get dressed and enjoy!
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