APPAREL

You might not remember the last time you stepped foot inside the Gap, but this Spring, you just might have a reason to visit one because khak is back. Before you sprint for your ten-year-old chinos, let us offer some pointers and guidelines. A) Under no circumstances are khakis to be worn together – khaki on khaki -unless you are actually on a safari. B) No camouflage. And avoid those faded greens and browns. Not only are they not true khaki, but they look frumpy and worn.

Runways are flooded with classic khaki trenches, military-inspired jackets and utilitarian blazers with feminine detail and sheen. Opt for styles with a little flare – large collars, cropped cuts, stylish sleeves and flattering fits. Theory and J.Crew are go to’s for this season’s khak attack, but trendier shops like Top Shop and Still on a budget, then go ahead and hit up the Gap for a khaki boyfriend blazer. Pair it with your floral print Top Shop shorts or your favorite pair of destroyed denim. For a more smooth look, try a shiner khaki like the BCBG blazer shown here. The collar detailing and gathered waist provides the traditionally masculine material a feminine touch. And by all means, make it your own.

Emma Dinzebach

Fall 2010 Fashion Week: Paris. Ahhhh the city for lovers, loafs, lattes and lace. After a whirlwind of Fashion Week frenzy, Paris has allowed us to lounge, kick back, and relax. The typical Parisian style could be found around every corner but with a bit more comfort than the Parisian norm. Was that a slouched jacket? Socks with high heels? A shirt untucked?

Paris fashion week shows didn’t close with quintessential elaborate gowns and fancy Dior-esque dresses. (Balenciaga showed not a single solitary gown.) Instead, a sportswear influenced styles, loose-fitting slacks, wrinkly satin, silk skirts and sweaters dominated runways. Nina Ricci, Dries Von Noten, Stella McCartney and Akris, to name a few, had a more modern, multifaceted client in mind when they designed Fall’s flexible wear. Many pieces combined street and evening wear. Designers spoke on their clients’ desire for interchangeable pieces.

Even in France, the four day work week is a bestseller. And in Paris, they’re looking forward to a more relaxing fall.

Emma Dinzebach

Busy winter! Fashion Weeks is still raging in Europe, but for a second we wanted to pause and toast to the U.S.A. Olympic athletes…and their designer, Ralph Lauren. For the first time since we can remember the Winter Games had American fashion mavens doing a double take. In the opening ceremonies, athletes donned class cream Polo turtleneck sweaters. “Was that Shaun White?” we asked ourselves stunned for a moment at the way Polo’s design made even the alternative snowboarders and the rowdy bobsled team polished and poised.

During the closing ceremonies Sunday night we. were. stunned. Stunned. U.S. Olympians looked awesome. How U.S. athletes turned out more tailored, put together and undoubtedly classy than nearly all their European counterparts is nothing short of miraculous. Ralph Lauren truly outdid themselves with their Olympic design by leaning on their classic legacy. But the Olympic designs also transcended Lauren’s preppy foundation with hipster friendly cardigans and for the outdoorsy types, down jackets.

Olympic apparel – the adorable navy with red cardigan (above), the open ceremonies cream sweat, smart navy down puffer jackets and “Create Your Own” Olympic polos are available online.

Emma Dinzebach

Last week on a random midday date at Chelsea Market, I visit Jake Dickson’s creative and subtenant ode to pasture-raised locally grown animals – Dickson’s Farmstand Meats. See also: vegans unwelcome…or at least uncomfortable. Even I, a registered carnivore, felt a bit overwhelmed by the amount of raw meat. My date aimed to cash in on his “punch card” – a novel gift idea where the purchaser provides the recipient with a business-card sized gift that can be redeemed at Dickson’s for different cuts of pork or beef. Sure you can purchase the whole shebang, but most opt for several visits to cash in on different cuts.

On said sunny afternoon, we were in the market for sirloin, which my date later made into the most delicious kebabs I’ve had since… maybe ever. But you know I’m a sucker for instant gratification, and when the shock faded, I wanted to try something already. Lucky for me us Dickson’s recently opened a sandwich shop of sorts, converting the butcher’s block into an ordering station five days a week. From noon until about 3 p.m., if you visit Dickson’s Chelsea Market, you can order a meat-lovers sandwich like ham and cheese, pulled pork, beef brisket, and more. The sandwiches change daily. I flirted with said butcher for a smoked pulled pork and when my date pushed me aside, he ordered traditional meat loaf on white.

Amy’s Bread provides the foundation for the mouth-watering meat although chips and fountain soda accompaniment could help. The patrons are a bit Paul Bunyan (for I was the sole female), that is, if Paul Bunyan donned a skinny pair of Levi’s 511s.

Dickson’s Farmstand Meats  Chelsea Market 75 9th Ave between 15th and 16th  212.242.2630

Emma Dinzebach