Ladies About Town

Jessica Fontaine Swift and Leah Logue have always shared a very sociable outlook on life. The Palm Beach County natives met at the University of Florida, where they were both social chairs in the same sorority. Last summer, they joined creative forces to launch Palm Beach Social Diary, a philanthropy and lifestyle blog that seeks to answer the “who, what, where, and wear” of Palm Beach. In addition to supporting local businesses and causes, the duo covers food, fashion, and travel for a wide, multigenerational audience. PBI caught up with Swift and Logue to discuss fall trends, Palm Beach style, local bites, and beauty secrets.

PBI: An invitation requests “Palm Beach Chic” as the dress code. What do you wear?

Swift: To us, “Palm Beach Chic” means colorful cocktail attire. Think: A beautiful, flowy crepe dress paired with smart accessories. Jackets and slippers for men complete the “Palm Beach Chic” look.

What’s your go-to beauty routine when getting ready for a social event?

Swift: Salon Margrit and Cosmo & Company for hair and makeup. They have amazing stylists and services, and—bonus—serve you Champagne while you get dolled up. Other than that, my steamer is my absolute best friend. Whether you’re wearing something you already own or just picked up, nothing is worse than a wrinkled outfit.

Logue: Luxe Mobile Airbrush Tanning is my favorite step in event prep. They come to your home, which is extremely convenient, and always deliver a natural-looking bronze. I also love a good face mask (either homemade or SK-II) for extra glowy, radiant skin.

Who are your go-to designers you believe personify Palm Beach style?

Swift: We both adore Lilly Pulitzer, naturally! We’re so excited Worth Avenue is finally getting a Lilly store this fall. Palm Beach Sandals are a must, too. Strong Boalt and Stubbs and Wootton are local favorites for the guys in our lives, and Island Company is our go-to for a gorgeous, casual look around town.

What fashion trends are you most looking forward to for fall?

Swift: We’re noticing a nod to the ’80s for Fall 2018, which many runway experts attribute to recent female empowerment movements such as Time’s Up and Me Too. It seems major fashion designers have traveled back to an era when the working woman’s wardrobe was an iconic and powerful statement. High-waisted shorts and trousers and bold patterns will be in full stock, which is great because they tend to be very flattering. We’re also looking forward to plenty of pleats, romantic fringe, and heavy textures like herringbone, glen plaid, and houndstooth.

Where do you go locally for happy hour? 

Logue: Café Boulud is probably where you will find us most often. Their new bar cart service is an experience in itself, not to mention the perfectly crafted cocktails including our all-time favorite, the White Cosmo. Imoto is a close second as it offers specially priced cocktails, small plates, and big flavors, with a buzzing scene to boot. Bice’s happy hour is arguably the best on the island; half off the entire menu from 4 to 7 p.m. daily. An inviting bar and friendly team make Table 26 one of our favorite happy hour spots. They have specially priced, creative cocktails and savory small plates that we can’t resist.

What’s your favorite place to go for date night?

Logue: As self-proclaimed foodies, [my husband] Scott and I love Buccan and indulging in a variety of their innovative small plates. Our go-to server surprises us with six to eight perfectly portioned dishes, always including our favorites mixed in with a few new items

Swift: Renato’s is a longtime favorite for [my husband] Trent and me. We both love dining alfresco in their courtyard. It’s so beautiful and romantic. Other favorites for date night or special occasions include Café Boulud, The Breaker’s Seafood Bar, Meat Market, Table 26, Sant Ambroeus, and Chez Jean-Pierre.

Do you have a beloved Palm Beach County hidden gem?

Swift: Trent and I went to Oceano Kitchen in Lantana the other week and were absolutely blown away. They announce their menu each day online, and it’s always based on what they were able to source that morning at the market or through their suppliers. The result was amazingly fresh food with bold, unique flavors and outstanding service. They only have about 15 seats in the whole restaurant, which is tucked away on the side of the road. Can’t wait to go back!

Logue: My favorite literal “hidden” gem is Pizza Al Fresco, tucked away in the Worth Avenue corridors. The bougainvillea-lined courtyard is the perfect setting for wood-fired pizza and a bottle of wine. 

What’s your favorite family-friendly spot in Palm Beach County?

Swift: Loggerhead Marinelife Center is an incredible family-friendly, nonprofit sea turtle research, rehabilitation, and conservation facility in Juno Beach. From Mommy and Me programs to evening Turtle Walks on the beach, they offer several hands-on experiences and exhibits for all ages, all while helping to save the sea turtles. The Palm Beach Zoo is also a staple for family fun. For bucket list–level activities, we highly recommend their Animal Experiences. The behind-the-scenes experience gets you up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most beloved residents, including the capybara, sloth, koala, giant anteater, Aldabra tortoise, and our favorites, the flamingos.

Are there any upcoming openings or new renovations you’re looking forward to this season?

Swift: We are very excited for the Four Season’s multimillion-dollar renovation, including the highly anticipated signature restaurant, bar, and lounge by a Michelin-starred chef.

What’s your favorite way to “treat yourself” in Palm Beach County?

Swift: Spa day at Eau Palm Beach—hands down! We love popping in for a massage or facial and enjoying time in the self-centered garden, followed by bubbles and nibbles beachside at Breeze Ocean Kitchen. 

What advice would you give to friends who are part of a collaborative partnership?

Swift: Encourage your partner(s) and embrace each other’s unique strengths. Don’t stress about the small stuff, and when all else fails—happy hour!

Facebook Comments