Fashion
Spot the difference between these two photos:
Is it time we talk about these bags from The Row? Yeah, I think it is. I think it’s insulting to be selling mesh market bags for $870 that you can get at a street vendor in Mexico for $7 (or 3 for $19.99 over on LeosImports.com). Honestly, 75% of items that I see from The Row make my eyes roll so far back into my head, I start daydreaming of different times - fun times. They were valued at around $1B last year, so this is likely an unpopular stance, but I find the brand extremely uninspired. I understand and respect that there is quality and craftsmanship in their products, and I appreciate the angle of elevated luxury that isn’t flashy or gauche. But some things, like the aforementioned bags - and these $620 rubber shower shoes, the indefensible $890 flip flop, this ill-fitting $590 cotton tee - are baffling beyond words. I occasionally wonder if these brands are conducting elaborate social experiments - and, unsurprisingly, people fall for their ridiculous shit time and time again. Let me be clear: I am absolutely not an MK&A hater - I used to worship their movies when I was younger - I’ve seen every single one. I understand that fun fashion isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But at what point do we admit that just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s stylish? Money can buy a wardrobe, but it can’t buy taste - and wearing $7,000 of beige won’t make you interesting.
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!
Food
Some hits and misses this week in dining…
Zimmi’s was a spot I was reluctant to try because, honestly, the menu looked pretty gross when they opened. I decided to take another look and give it a try, and I’m glad I did. The service was fine, nothing great - it felt a bit rushed. The summer squash with lemon app was a perfect summer dish - the chilled squash puree contrasted by the roasted squash was delicious and gave it some depth. The asparagus with black truffle & hazelnut was skippable. And, despite it not being an Italian restaurant, we ordered two pastas to share: Pasta Davia (fettuccine with pesto genovese and beans) and La Pastasciutta (tagliatelle with chicken ragout and sage). I couldn’t decide which I preferred - both perfectly cooked, homemade pasta, and rich and flavorful sauces. Easily the best pasta I’ve had in recent memory. Dessert was a delicious a plum & apricot tart topped with berries & homemade ice cream. A small restaurant with only 15 tables, but a welcome intimate spot to add to the West Village rotation.
Berenjak, a popular and frequently recommended Persian restaurant from London, is popping up (for 2 years, so is that really a pop up?) at Dumbo House. Why they’re popping up inside a private members club, I’m not sure, but it was incentive to actually go there. A great meal to share with a group, and the best hummus I’ve ever had. The kababs (chicken & beef) were juicy and flavorful, and every side dish we tried was a stellar complement (cucumber tomato salad, crispy saffron rice, corn on the cob). Sometimes it’s worth it to be the last person standing with their Soho membership.
Crevette: Despite being in a good location, I think this restaurant space is cursed (iykyk). The interior is breezy and cute and the atmosphere is nice. The food was fine, not great or memorable. The fior di latte soft serve, milk crumble & macerated strawberries was my favorite dish. When dessert is my favorite thing from a meal, it usually indicative of a not so great meal (Ingas is the exception!!). I’d go back and sit at the bar for a cocktail and dessert, but with so many good restaurants in the city, I’d say it’s pretty skippable.
TV/Movies
Love Island is losing me just as quickly as they sucked me in. Probably for the best. Amaya annoyed me at first, but I’m finding her more charming with time (her confidently saying Belgium is in Germany? Top tier unintentional comedy). Chris seems too emotionally mature for this show. Chelley getting mad at Huda for participating in and playing the exact game that they’re on TV to play, while she stakes claim over two guys? Whack.
The Bear: I think people are too critical of this show. I’ve heard people call it too anxiety-inducing and too boring at the same time. I think that, when people call the show boring, they may have too short of an attention span to appreciate character building. The acting is phenomenal and the cinematography is truly top tier. I haven’t finished the season yet, but Ep 7 made me super emotional. It wasn’t the usual expected insane chaos of their hour long episode of the season. The central theme of family and relationships - primarily those non-blood related relationships, your chosen family - and the importance of community, really pulled at my heartstrings.
Current Obsession
A stark contrast to The Row, I just love when fashion is fun and not so serious. I’m loving all of the colors & details from Fanci Club’s SS26 runway show, the first ever for the Vietnamese brand:
On My Radar
Birds, a “1960s French Jazz Club” listening bar from a Sip & Guzzle alum
The Paris Cafe, a recently restored historic landmark space that “blends vintage elegance, live music, and bold brasserie fare”
Comal, a new Mexican restaurant on the LES
The Dynamo Room, a new restaurant strangely located in a Penn Station office building from the hospitality group behind Hotel Chelsea. Looks like the nicest place for a civilized pre-MSG dinner.
I had Labubus on my radar in February (did I put them on the map? Not no) and now that trend is oversaturated, behold my prediction for the next trinket trend - the Crybaby:
Until next week -
xo
Lo
I think yellow is your color this season, you need all those inspo items
Berenjak! Best hummus ever?! Let’s make use of that membership I need to tryyyy!!!