An Investment Peace

Sure, we all contribute to our retirement funds, buy property, and waffle over stocks, but when's the last time you said, "OMG, look at this UH-mazing 401K?!" or "Have you seen my stock portfolio?  Adorable!"  Hence, my love for the fashionable investment piece, which I firmly believe every girl worth her gourmet salt should have.  Mine all started after I slipped my foot into my first Prada shoe (something akin to slipping into a luxurious bubble bath at the precisely perfect temperature), which escalated into gorgeous handbags and luxurious face creams. Thus started my true appreciation for the fashion equivalent of an investment piece.  Yes, they obviously cost more than the average item, but that's precisely why they're worth it - they're above average in so many ways (there's a reason a Chanel handbag isn't $49.99).

My most recent investment piece comes in the form of a buttery leather...dress (by Vince).  I wouldn't have normally taken this beauty into the fitting room (translation: slight sticker shock), but that's why sometimes you should - if it feels amazing and may add that little extra...something to your wardrobe, then do yourself a favor, and at least try it on (no one has to know if it doesn't work out).  The worst that could happen is that you love it, must have it, justify the investment to yourself, and ultimately buy it.  Right??

Vince Leather Sheath Dress

 I don't usually choose a high-neck style like this, but the quirky side pockets and exposed zipper in back added just the right edginess.  Once I slipped it over my head, I was smitten.  Not only does it feel amazing, but it skims without clinging, and is in this amazing purple-ish, blue-ish color that is somehow eye-catching and neutral at the same time.  And it doesn't hurt that when I cautiously stepped outside the fitting room to seek the larger mirror (oh, who am I kidding?  I practically paraded down the hall like I was strutting down Karl Lagerfeld's runway in Paris)...not only did my salesperson gush over it, but a second one came in and literally stopped short to comment on just how great it looked "...with your short hair!"  Now there's a selling point I hadn't heard before, but I like it!

I insisted I needed an unbiased opinion from a fellow customer, so a nice woman popped her head out of the next fitting room and gasped, "Oh you must buy that!  It's so classic yet so...cool.  Plus, leather never goes out of style."  Amen sister!  After all three proceeded to tell me myriad ways I could wear it (with tights, a turtleneck, leather jacket, cardigan, boots, heels, sandals....), I was completely sold.

Yes, I weighed the price a bit (fortunately on sale), but once I quickly calculated cost per wear (why is that so easy to do in my head but long division still perplexes me?), it was a no-brainer.  I was already putting together outfits and shoe options in my head, not to mention realizing how great it would travel to NY for work trips.  And if nothing else, I can always count on my sister to support me with a sincere, "Well, of course you should buy it - I don't even know why you're debating it!" God love her.

So the lesson in all of this is that sometimes it's GOOD to pick up something "out of your comfort zone" (fashion-wise, that is - it should always literally be comfortable), and try it on with childish enthusiasm.  Sometimes you might surprise yourself.  And while your husband certainly won't understand this type of investment, it will delight you for years to come and never fail to earn serious interest.

Table for One

A recent K8 discovery - if you want really good service at a restaurant, dine alone.

Until my other half moves to Seattle, I've had the chance to try new restaurants by myself, so I've picked up some interesting...tips. First of all, it's typically pretty easy (and fast) to get a table (or seat at the bar). I think, at first, the host/hostess/owner/bartender person feels a bit sorry for me when I say, "it's just me" (even though I always smile like I'm super thrilled not to have to worry about small, or large talk, for that matter). They usually seat me right away or "keep an eye out" for the next open bar stool for me.

On my first solo outings, I would usually whip out my phone and check email or play a game, but then I realized that not only does that make me look semi-pathetic, but it just seemed...rude to other patrons - no one really wants to be reminded of digital encumbrances when they're trying to enjoy a nice meal. So I traded my electronic tether for just...looking around, watching, and listening. It's pretty easy to eavesdrop when you're by yourself. In fact, after a recent enjoyable meal of gnocchi and a glass of Prosecco, I met a couple great gay guys after listening to their entire conversation about the best tattoo artist in town (they were rather impressed that I just turned around and introduced myself; we proceeded to go out for drinks, and I now consider them my go-to Seattle pals).

But the most interesting thing I've learned from dining alone is that with a few simple tricks, they think you're a food critic and subsequently, provide awesome service. So here are K8's tips for committing food critic subterfuge:

1) Never use any type of mobile device (too distracting, and real people don't take real notes on anything electronic - see my previous post about Smythson paper).

2) Regarding a drink, don't ask if they have something specific, TELL them your drink order without looking at a menu (looks like you've already done your homework).

3) Allow them to tell you the specials but don't order any of them (seems a bit haughty, yes - I'm pretty sure that's part of a critic's job description).

4) When you're eating, glance around a bit (assessing patrons and the atmosphere, of course).

5) Stare off into space frequently as if you're "savoring."

6) Most importantly, do NOT finish your meal. Taste everything but always leave food on your plate (also really works to drop some lbs), and assertively request the check. I really don't know why this works, but it does.

If you really want to up the ante, whip out a small journal and jot a few things in it. (Okay, may be too obvious, but as someone who actually does carry a journal around, it can't hurt and you can make other people around you a little curious...or paranoid). So have I ever been given a free dessert or complimentary after-dinner aperitif, you ask?? No, not so much. But if nothing else, the charade certainly makes the whole experience more fun, and hey - who says I can't write a fabulous or scathing review to be read by all the fancy people who avidly read...Yelp?