Don't Discuss Past Relationships With Your Date

Whether or not you’ve had your heart broken or you’ve done the breaking, a date is not the place to rehash your former relationships. Even if what you could have done differently is still in the forefront of your brain and perhaps, you’re looking for “insight” from the opposite gender on the matter, just don’t bring them up. It’s not only a downer, but liable to make you look as though you’re unable to move on with grace and confidence. In other words, leave emotional baggage at the door.

-Estelle
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Estelle is the president/owner of Estelle Matchmaking, LLC a boutique matchmaking service for selective singles in the NYC area (including Westchester and Fairfield Counties) and South Florida.

Advice for Women: Getting Ready For a Date

Men spend a fair amount of time planning a date with a woman. They also invest a significant amount of money on dinner and drinks. On our end, we ladies are expected to invest some time and effort in properly getting ready for that same event. Here is my take on what a lady should do.

1. Obviously hygiene is extremely important. Therefore, try to avoid going on a date straight from the office where you have already spent eight or nine hours!  Go home and take a quick shower. Wash and blow dry your hair (if you usually go to the hairdresser, maybe you could schedule your visits according to your dating calendar). Brush your teeth. Spritz a little perfume (a little!!) and don’t forget to wear deodorant (and that’s coming from a French woman :-)
2. A fresh coat of nail polish is always nice but is not a necessity. But make sure your nails are clean and filed evenly. And please remove any remaining chipped nail polish.
3. Wear make-up that’s subtle and enhances your features. Start by brightening the area around your eyes, nose and lips with some light shade concealer. Brush a bit of bronzer (I am a fan of Guerlain’s Terracotta bronzers) on your cheeks, forehead and nose to look sun-kissed. Wear some mascara (no clumps!) that will elongated your eyelashes. You may add a  touch of sheer lipstick or gloss for glamour.
4. Slip into that elegant dress and high heels.

And tada!! You are ready to win his heart.

What to Wear on a Date (What Men Like)

Women often ask me what they should wear on a date. Men like a woman to be feminine but NOT vulgar. Showing too much skin is highly unappealing therefore leave the outrageous cleavage, high boots and tennis skirt in your closet. And please no jackets, they're just too boxy.

Try to look sexy yet conservative.Choose a skirt or a dress that accentuates your curves. Audrey Hepburn's little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's would be a great pick! And don't forget a pair of high heels that are comfortable enough to walk in.

Dating Advice from Estelle Matchmaking: What to do on the first and second date

It is always best to keep a first date simple so you can focus on each other and not stress too much over the logistics. I always recommend a dinner date for a first date. Dinner versus a drink allows you enough time to create a connection with the person you are meeting. The restaurant should be on the small size and quiet enough that you can hear each other without screaming.

After you have made that first connection, here are some great second date ideas that will make it a fun and memorable one.

•  Bowling
• Baking Class (Le Pain Quotidien has great classes where you can learn to make challah, breads and pizza)
• Central Park Zoo
• Museum evening/day exhibit
• Sign up for a dance class

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