Date Etiquette

I think that most of us have been on our fair share of truly awful, let's-escape-through-the-bathroom-window dates. These are my personal tips for those inexperienced daters out there.

MUST KNOWS:

1. Do not overshare - no one really wants to know about your pet rat that died when you were two, or about your battle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Save these details for later. Please.

2. Garlic, onions, lobster, spaghetti and spinach - all foods that we love right? Be warned, these tantalizing treats are inclined to spill, leak or give off a slightly foul odour. This might actually come in handy if the date is going downhill, as you could always scare him away with your garlic breath.

3. Avoid talking about ex's during the first few dates. Okay, sure I would not judge you if you casually mentioned that your last relationship lasted 3 months. However, telling me that you dumped her because of her excessive facial hair might send off warning bells in my head. Talking about an ex can sometimes come off as obsessive, and I might start to assume that you are still hung up on sexy-Sarah/ Dave-the-hottie/ He-who-must-not-be-named.
  

4. Try not to get completely sloshed on a first date. A glass of vino is absolute perfection in a sit-down, intimate atmosphere, but one tequila too many can often lower your inhibitions. Picture mindless chatter, a little drool and an urge to show him how well you can do the Macarena. Erm, no thanks.


5. No one likes a complainer. It drains you of your energy, and forces you to question why you aren't sitting at home watching Grey's Anatomy. You want to appear cool and collected - not highly strung and offensive. If you had a bad day at work, simply say that you had a long, tiring day. Try not to launch into a monologue about your wretched co-worker who hogged the photocopy machine for an hour. There are bigger issues in the world - starving kids in Africa, saving the whales, Lindsay Lohan etc.

6. Paying the bill - this can prove all too tricky for most. Every girl wants to embrace her inner feminist and shove some money at the waiter. I honestly believe in going Dutch on most dates, except for first dates! offer to split the bill, and agree to be wined and dined if he insists on paying. Most guys enjoy beating on their pre-historic, manly chests on date #1. Chivalry is cool. And so are knights-in-shining-armour. Just go with it.

Perfect Date Wear!

Mustard yellow does not suit everyone, but if you can pull it off - go for it!
"Cool? Yes, I know I am."
This ensemble is perfect for a night at the movies, or a late night ice-cream date.

Acessorise YES PLEASE
A ruffled top paired with skinny jeans & heels?
Pretty damn cute for supper at an intimate restaurant, or cocktails at a bar. Throw over a fitted trenchcoat and a scarf for those chilly nights.



The bare essentials will never let you down.
A v-neck jersey or cardigan are part of the staple manly diet.

A nautical fitted dress paired with killer heels, and a blazer is HOT!
Perfect for a date at a club, restaurant or just about anywhere (except bowling - heels? Right.).

Bye Bye Winter, Hello Spring!

A change of season can be all too confusing for your wardrobe, especially when you're going from dreary Winter to chilled out Spring. Make this daunting period a relaxed, budget friendly one by making subtle changes in your day-to-day ensembles. Simple styling and bright colours inspired by the Middle East.

This season expect bright shades of fushia, burnt orange and electric blues. Stay away from wearing a single colour all at once -you do not want to be mistaken for a tanned out Snookie.


The fun part about this season's colours is that you can actually play around with them. Inspire. Dress for your mood. Keep it simple.


Colour blocking is hot hot hot this season - pair a bright honeysuckle mini with a beeswax ruffled top.

This keeps the ensemble in the "I am cool, confident and composed" realm, and stops it from moving into the "I am a confused fruit salad' sphere. Ruffles are very IN at the moment.

Since it is almost Spring, I suggest whipping out the florals. Nothing seems fresher or crisper than a floral inspired dress.    

To keep this trendy, try a floral jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are very IN this season - perfect for those "it's not hot, and not cold" days. Accesorise it with a waist belt, to keep the silhouette loose, but still moderately fitted.

Exotic colours inspired by the mystery of the Middle East are very HOT right now. Fashionistas all over are experimenting with paisley Maxi dresses that seem to float with ease, and off-the-shoulder tops. Compliment your daily wear with an Obi belt, which is an easy way to ease into the next season's trends without breaking the bank. 

Love in this Club?



Barney from How I Met Your Mother practicing
 his smooth one liners

 I LOVE going out. From getting dressed over pre-drinks, a little t-shirt time and right up until “the cabs are here”. Girls and guys alike put so much effort into carving out a somewhat appealing exterior before they hit the town, preparing themselves for the nerve racking mating game that ensues.

But, can you really expect to find a potential lover on the dance floor? Covered in sweat, a drink in hand and a few cringe-worthy dance moves – yes, so damn attractive right? Life is way too intensely chaotic to have the time and effort to go out, and meet a member of the opposite sex anywhere else. So, you might as well kill two birds with one stone, or in this case – seductively kill two guys with one look. Dating is way too confusing. Terrifying. Intimidating. Plus, I’m not too sure if student budgets really advocate wining and dining these days. Red roses? Hmmm...yes, I think I might have heard of them.



Romeo & Juliet - love at first sight?

Personally, I think the probability of meeting an attractive, sane guy, without any stalker tendencies in a club is pretty low. Let’s face it, most people launch into one-track minds once the tequila sets in, so do not expect to be romanced between a few fist pumps. Pick-up lines in a club were created for a reason. To break the ice, set the tone and ultimately to “pick up” a girl, and more often than not, this does not include an anniversary date. If he asks for your number, sure give it! But do not expect him to call the next day, or the day after - he might just be practicing his game on you. Excuse me for sounding cynical.

I would rather save the “let’s spend Friday night curled up watching The Notebook” thoughts for a guy who is actually worth the headspace. Watch out for the smooth one liners that he may try to pull out - “Baby, did you just fart? Because you blew me away”, or my personal favourite “Is your father a terrorist? Because baby you’re the bomb”. Seriously. Save yourself some pride.

Enjoy the night. Dance a little. Grab a cocktail. Shake that noodle. Turn a few heads. Just leave with your heart and head intact.