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So we got the chance to chit chat with Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You, we’re pretty excited about it! Molly told us about her favorite style inspirations as well as her staple wardrobe pieces that you might spot her in at any of the LEY restaurants (i.e. Bub City, Paris Club, RPM, and many more).

EH: Do you have a style icon or someone whose style you admire?

MM: My style icon these days is Olivia Palermo. She wears everyday classics in a way that looks polished and chic, but most importantly effortless. This is what fashion is to me—classic and effortlessly chic.

EH: What is your favorite outfit or style you like to wear out to one of your restaurants?

MM: My go-to “restaurant” outfit (you may even call it my uniform) is any variation of an LBD paired with statement heels and bright jewelry. Layering is essential in Chicago, and pairing a fun jacket with a black dress is another way to spice things up and vary the look. For me, the black dress is like a blank canvas and accessorizing is painting the picture. A black dress is also the perfect transition piece from casual daytime settings to more a formal nighttime scene—all you need is an accessories swap and a change of heels—especially helpful when I’m hopping between restaurants.

EH: What would you suggest from EdithHart.com to wear out to RPM? Paris Club?

MM: I would suggest The Freya Drape Dress, Jane Dress by Keepsake, paired with a jacket Patty Jacket by Helena Quinn and The Classico Blazer by Bec & Bridge and a bright scarf like the Barabba Scarf by Forget me Not

EH: What is your favorite time of year in Chicago?

MM: My favorite time of year in Chicago is hands down the spring—right when the weather starts changing and the sun comes out. In the spring, Chicago’s excitement and energy is contagious, and everyone is out and about, filling the streets. Even if it is 50 degrees, people are smiling and happy—like we survived the winter and everyone is back to play. I think it is a fantastic time for fashion, too. For me, I am happiest when I can finally ditch the tights and boots for the first time and step out in a little color.

EH: Do you have any trips planned you’re looking forward to or possibly one that you just came from that inspired you fashionably?
MM: I recently visited Cartagena, Colombia for my good friend’s wedding. The city’s vibrant colors were inspiring—bright embroidery and prints everywhere. There were amazing accessories—colorful woven bags and cool ethnic jewelry—sold on every corner. Cartagena is known for emeralds, so we saw that electric bright green paired with gold in practically every store. The streets were covered with local vendors selling Panama hats, and we all ended up buying them and wearing them the whole week. It was fun to stock up on new accessories and embrace the local flavor!

EH: What are your favorite things to do in the summer in Chicago (ie: favorite street fest, concert you’re looking forward to, things to do on the beach, al fresco dining spots, hosting bbqs, etc)
MM: Chicago summers are all about being outside. My fiancé and I love having friends and family over to our place for BBQs and cocktails. When it’s nice out, we eat on our patio as often as we can. I love packing a spread of wine and cheese and going to Movies and Concerts in the Park. We recently bought a projector and screen and started hosting our own Movie Night on our patio at home with friends. My friends and I will attend Ravinia a couple times a summer–the atmosphere makes for a great summer night. I also love being active outside. I go on long bike rides along the lake. And I play in a coed softball league through Chicago Sport and Social with my brothers, fiancé and a bunch of friends from the restaurants. We play at Lakeshore Park, which has a beautiful view of the lake and the skyline—definitely my favorite park in the city!