The Lo Down: 12/19/25
I trust her taste more than my own...
Movies/TV
I’ve been very much in my cinema era lately - I went to the theaters 3x last week alone, and I’m not mad about it. I’m also going to see Marty Supreme this weekend, so will report back on that next time.
I went to a screening of The Heartbreak Kid (1972 - NOT the awful 2007 remake with Ben Stiller. I’ve actually not seen that one, but the 29% on Rotten Tomatoes tells me everything I need to know) at Cherry Lane Theater as part of their monthly “Sundays with Sofia” series. Cherry Lane is a place, and Sofia Coppola is a person, whose taste and programming I trust implicitly - I love buying a seat blindly, showing up, and letting myself be surprised by something I might not have chosen to watch on my own.
Unfortunately (and tragically), The Heartbreak Kid is a movie somewhat lost to time and not available on any streaming or distribution service. But what Sofia wants, Sofia gets - she tracked down a copy so we could all watch it together, and it was her first time watching it on a big screen in a full theater. I don’t really have actionable advice here unless you happen to own a VHS/DVD player and feel motivated to hunt down a physical copy…in which case, I strongly suggest you do. I genuinely enjoyed the rollercoaster that was this movie.
On the TV front, I’ve been struggling to finish anything - or even give most shows my full attention - but It: Welcome to Derry fully broke through for me. It feels like the season came and went quickly, but the finale was genuinely incredible and worth the ride. I loved the tie ins to the movies, and the set up for next season (even if critics don’t really agree with me).
And thank GOD Bravo is finally back in action. RHOBH, RHOSLC, Southern Charm - it’s been ages since I felt truly engaged by Bravo programming. I thought maybe it was a phase I’d grown out of. Maybe it still is, on some level. I don’t think we’ll ever get reality TV as good as what was being made 10 years ago…but I’m very happy to have some decency back.
Fashion
We’ve covered the major holiday gatherings, but what about New Year’s Eve? A little bit of sparkle is non-negotiable for ringing in the new year. These are the 10 pieces currently on my mind and in my basket, perfect for closing out the year in style:
This top + skirt that can be worn and styled separately long after NYE
This dress that is equal parts sweet & sexy
A sparkly bag is the easiest way to add a little bit of shine without going all-out
This lurex mockneck tank if your plans are more lowkey, but you still want to feel festive
A more demure way to wear sequins if metallics aren’t your thing
A jacket (that is heavily discounted right now) that looks very sexy styled open (or can be thrown over a tee for a more casual look)
Another very good sale item that can be worn long after the ball drop
The most dreamy, cool-girl pants I’ve ever seen
Culture
I hadn’t been to the Museum at FIT since I graduated (no math, please), but I ducked in on a freezing day last weekend and I was thoroughly impressed. The current exhibition, Dress, Dreams, and Desire: Fashion and Psychoanalysis, is incredibly thoughtful - giving the Costume Institute at The Met a run for its money. It closes January 4, and it’s free, so go while you can.
Food
I was boots on the ground for the opening of Bistrot Ha this week. I usually avoid restaurants in their first week or two - something almost always goes wrong - but when a res popped up for the days-old Bistrot Ha, I jumped on it. I’d tried their sister restaurant, Ha’s Snack Bar, over the summer and had a few of the most memorable dishes I ate all year (I don’t even really care for snails, and I’m still thinking about their snails with garlic & tamarind butter).
The service is still finding its footing (no surprise given how new it is) - pacing from the kitchen needs some work, and while decently attentive, things felt a bit clunky at times. That said, I’m confident it’ll smooth out quickly - it’s not fair to pass much judgement on day 2 of service, but I’ve got to give you the unfiltered Lo Down download. The food was excellent - like Ha’s Snack Bar, the menu feels inventive and just adventurous enough to keep things exciting. The order: fried yuba with crab & nuoc mam; mushroom and foie gras tartelette; crudo with yuzu & capers; Ha’s salad; steak frites (looks unassuming, tastes incredible); coconut tres leches; apple & quince crumble.
Craving The Corner Store but can’t secure a res? Go to Danny’s instead. Sure, you probably won’t spot Taylor Swift there - but honestly, do you even want to? Cozy room, great vibes, and indulgent, satisfying food across the board.
I think the pastas were good but skippable, but nearly everything else was essential ordering: ham & cheese hot pockets; chopped kale salad (don’t listen to your gut and get the caesar salad; definitely get the kale!); spicy tuna with black rice; rosemary fried chicken; cheeseburger (rude it doesn’t come with fries - but absolutely order a side of fries + the sauces). And definitely save room for the chocolate chip deep dish cookie for dessert.
Current Obsession
Kallmeyer. If I had to choose just one brand to wear right now, it would be this one. It’s both ladylike and effortlessly cool at the same time - exactly the balance I’m trying to channel. My three favorite pieces at the moment:
This sweater that looks like it could be from Prada
This strapless top that would elevate any pair of jeans, and would also pair flawlessly with any skirt
This duster coat that doubles as a top, so you’re basically getting a two-for-one deal:
Radar
Stars, the new wine bar from the team behind Claud & Penny
Nolita darling Little Cupcake Bakeshop just opened a second outpost on the corner of Bleecker & Morton
Cafe Mulberry, a new cafe from the team behind The Mulberry
Croft Alley, a brunch-y spot from LA that just opened in Soho
Hanover, a new heritage brand of mostly unisex, Made in America wardrobe staples
Are you on the side of the internet where you’ve seen Tyra Banks’ hot ice cream (?!!?) shop in Australia called Smize & Dream? Well, they’re popping up in NYC right now at ARTECHOUSE in Chelsea thru 12/21. Color me…intrigued.
Until next week -
xo
Lo
Neeeeeeeed to try Danny's!!!
Danny's was amazingggg! Now let's go to Stars!!!