Country Vs. Town: September 2022
By Michelle Crowe
By Michelle Crowe
SMRETI DIDWANIA handles whatever comes her way with grace and smiles. Her gentle voice must be of great comfort to her two young daughters. Make no mistake, though, this petite beauty is an absolute powerhouse. An attorney with degrees from Loyola and Northwestern, Smreti devoted her law career to the ideals of integrity and authenticity. She now brings those same core beliefs to her second act as the place to procure the handbag of one’s dreams. Named Caviar and Chevre, Smreti launched on Instagram in 2020 and is now bringing her collection of coveted bags and jewelry to a retail space in Hinsdale. The brick and mortar will surely be an exquisite jewel box destination for handbag collectors. Smreti shops all over the world, helping her clients avoid lengthy waits and the tedious cycle of buying pieces just become a known customer. Her eye is sharp, her knowledge of the intricacies of each design are formidable, and she really loves what she is doing. “It’s about making people happy.” caviarandchevre.com, @caviarandchevre
Mantra? Work hard. On your reading stack? My attorney side has always enjoyed John Grisham novels. Favorite workout? I walk or run five miles a day. It’s my time for thinking. Best grooming tip? Removing facial hair is a game changer. It helps skincare work better. Guilty pleasure? I have two. Shopping and Thai food. Early memory? Family gatherings. Music you love? Doja Cat. Advice you would give to your younger self? Be patient.
WHEN IN THE COUNTRY
Your style is? Mom chic, maybe a pretty midi skirt paired with a designer t-shirt. I’ll choose a cross-body bag so I can hold both of my children’s hands. Favorite walk? Around my neighborhood on the North side of Hinsdale. Favorite sounds or soundtrack? The Glass Animals song Heatwave. Can’t leave the house without? My phone. Place to celebrate? We love Nabuki in Hinsdale and Beatrix at Oakbrook Center. My daughter has a soft spot for The Cheesecake Factory, which she describes as “fancy”. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Toni Patisserie. Favorite festival or special event? The Hinsdale Christmas Walk in December and The Kitchen Walk in May. Best thing about the country? The community feeling, which is enhanced by the wonderful schools. The perfect day is? Brunch, play in the yard or go to the pool in the summer, capped off with a family movie night with lots of popcorn.
WHEN IN TOWN
Your style is? A crisp t-shirt with white jeans, which instantly elevate a look. I need to be quick on my feet so I choose designer dad sandals or sneakers rather than heels. Favorite walk? The Gold Coast in Chicago and the Rue Saint Honoree in Paris. Can’t leave the house without? Sunglasses, lipstick and a credit card. Place to celebrate? Meli’s for brunch. We also love Quartino. Best quick bite or hidden gem? Not exactly hidden, but I do love to stop by Laduree in Paris for perfect pastries. Place to Shop? Chanel, Hermes, and the Chanel tucked inside Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Best things about town? The energy, the vibe, the people, and the bags. The perfect day is? Go for a blowout, then stop for an indulgent drink at Starbucks, followed by window shopping and wandering. What makes it ideal is leaving my phone at home to ensure no interruptions.
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