MY IDEA OF GOING DUTCH.

Ever been on date, things are going surprisingly well, dinner is coming to a close, and the waiter comes by and asks the infamous question, “How many checks?”. Your date replies, “Two please!” If this has happened to you, then I hate to say it but, “You’ve been DUTCHED.” The phrase, “Going Dutch” means paying for your own portion of what you’ve consumed on a date. This phrase reflects back to the 17th century when England and the Netherlands fought over trade routes and political boundaries. The British’s use of the term “Dutch” created a negative connotation for the Netherlanders, who were said to be stingy. To “Go Dutch” implies that an informal agreement that each person will pay his or her own bill during a date. Being blind sided by the splitting of a check on a date can be tacky and of poor taste, but hey it happens. When the world hands you lemons you make lemonade. I decided to put a positive spin on the idea of Dutch Dating. You’ve probably noticed by now that the Von Dutch movement from back in the early 2000s, has made its way back on the fashion radar. I remember having a Von Dutch cap back in the day and spending $60 dollars for it. I used my after school, slightly higher than minimum wage check, to purchase it. I felt like I was buying an Hermes Birkin. Walking down Melrose Avenue, in Los Angeles one day, I stumbled into the only official Von Dutch store in the United States, and lost I my mind. Can you say nostalgia at its best? I decided to grab a hounds-tooth cap and buffalo check plaid shirt to create a lumberjack inspired look. I added a pair of classic wheat Timberlands and denim overalls to complete the outfit. Perfect for a daytime cocktail…well kind of. The drink of the day was actual a lavender and lemon infused mocktail. During my month of no alcohol, this well dressed beverage was a tasty distraction from the real thing. Trendntonic always likes to see the good in any bad situation, so let me leave you with this piece of advice. The next time you go on a date and it appears to be going wrong, put on some Von Dutch and say, “Cheers!” to never seeing them again.

And always remember…

“DRINK RESPONSIBLY AND DRESS ACCORDINGLY!”