The Lo Down: 5/16/25

Snakes, steaks & questionable shoes...

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Has anyone else had absolutely crazy dreams this week? I had a spooky one last night involving snakes, and a vivid one the previous night about somebody stealing my beloved Hans J. Wegner CH25 chair (*shudders*). I’m blaming it on the full moon or whatever. I wasn’t planning to write anything this week, but I inexplicably woke up at 5:30am, so here we go…

Food

I had a very fun dinner at Lucky’s this week. Though I couldn’t help but wonder…was the restaurant really great, or was it just the company? All of the appetizers we had were fine, but unremarkable (caesar salad, calamari, grilled artichoke). The Petit Filet Mignon was very solid, and the skinny onion rings were the star of the show. As a creamed spinach enthusiast, I was disappointed in theirs - it was severely under seasoned. For dessert, we chose the turtle sundae, which was divine. After nearly falling into a food coma, we rallied for an impromptu karaoke session - surely that counts as my cardio for the day. I do think I’ve overplayed my go to karaoke song (“Believe” by Cher), so please drop recs of what my new signature tune should be. I think my friends are tired of me singing it every single time, but hey, it gets the people going.

There were rumors swirling last week about Caffè Panna opening in the West Village, and a trusted source shot that down as nothing more than a rumor. They did, however, say that we’ll be getting a Little Cupcake Bakeshop in the neighborhood soon. The only thing we actually need, though, is a La Colombe coffee (now more than ever since we just lost my beloved Mah Ze Dahr. RIP).

Fashion

I’m scared to leave the house in blue jeans and a white tee after the NY Mag article. A much needed reminder to actually use my closet to its fullest potential.

You won’t find any Sambas here, though. My shoe collection is wildly impractical - more museum archive than everyday wardrobe. Most of them are cab-to-curb: heel-less heels from Alexander McQueen circa ‘09, my Loewe stilettos with a birthday candle for a heel, Phoebe-era Céline mixed leather wedges that are essentially at a 90º angle, and some totally unhinged Chanel platform oxfords I refuse to let go of. Shoes have always been my favorite way to inject personality into a look. But lately, as I get older (and perhaps more reasonable?), I’ve been craving practicality - without sacrificing style. At 5’ 5”, I still find heels to be infinitely more flattering than flats. But I’ve been on the hunt for grounded shoes that feel elegant, not dumpy - while shifting more of the intrigue into my clothes instead. It’s so hard not to default to my Salomon’s lately (mule variety & regular), or reach for ancient Chanel ballet flats that have somehow survived 12+ years. I do tend to be a deeply emotional shopper - I love when fashion is fun, expressive, and not too serious (I am still stalking the one that got away - the Prada S/S12 flame heels). They say the camera adds 10 lbs - but honestly, so can your shoes. While on this journey (and after several passionate conversations lately), I’ve come to the conclusion that the following shoes are generally unflattering, unless you have model-like proportions:

-boat shoes

-any sneaker that is not all white or all black (looking at you, cutie)

-lace up sandals

-anything with an ankle strap that isn’t on a stiletto heel

But there is hope. I just got this new pair that ticks every box: chic, comfortable, and flattering. The shape of the vamp and soft pointed toe really elongate the foot and leg - without needing a heel.

For more of what’s in my closet, what I’m currently obsessing over, shopping guides & more, check out my ShopMy. Looking for some personal style advice? Whether it’s for curating a flawless vacation wardrobe, hunting down the perfect shoes, or finding the best basics for your closet, I’m here to help—just reach out!

Beauty

I hate to be a hater of a fellow woman in business, and I can confidently say I know next to nothing about makeup, but I’m here to deinfluence you from Victoria Beckham beauty products. I’ve tried 3 of their products, and I absolutely despise each one. Why does it feel like I put crunchy glue on my eyebrows when their Featherfix Brow Gel dries? Why isn’t there a safe way to dispense of their Golden Shimmer Body Oil that isn’t simply pouring it all over ungracefully and it dripping down the $95 bottle? Why does it look like I’m having a mental breakdown and just finished a good cry sesh while wearing their Satin Kajal eyeliner?! (Side note: who is the publicist for that eyeliner? They’re putting in overtime, and I feel absolutely swindled)! Consider yourselves warned.

Current Obsession

Vintage Cartier watches. A girl can dream.

On My Radar

I heard about the Mercer Street Block Party from the impossibly chic Orior Furniture, happening today 5/16 from 6-9pm in celebration of NYCxDesign 2025. It’s a collab with showrooms and galleries along Mercer Street, between Grand and Canal, and surrounding blocks, to host open studios - think new product launches, design collections, and site-specific installations.

Binx, the new WV wine bar from the Moonflower team. I heard they’re doing their friends & family tomorrow, so I assume it’ll open next week-ish

Adda, the new restaurant by the group behind Semma & Dhamaka

Caffe Paradiso, a cute new coffee spot in Nolita

JR and Son, a ‘restored 1930s supper club’ that I’m hearing people dub the new Bernie’s

Until next week -

xo

Lo