Please & Thank You

Someone better tell the pants-less their days are numbered.

Four-Eyes Are Better Than Two

If you're looking for the perfect pair of glasses then look no further. My friends Jordan and Erik over at Silver Lining Opticians are NYC's most successful glasses gurus. I kid you not. They have the uncanny ability to look at your face and instantly know exactly what will fit. It probably helps that they have an unbelievable collection of both vintage deadstock and contemporary independent brands, but I like to think that their powers are more mystical than that. Even with the onslaught of celebrity visits to their Soho shop, they still have the time and patience to match you with your perfect pair of lenses. Take a peek at Jordan talking shop, and at some of Silver Lining's coveted pieces:

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

New York Magazine has a great feature this week about home design, and the growing trend of "the new old." I've always preferred a mixture of old and new when it comes to my surroundings, and it's interesting to see how other people experiment with this particular aesthetic. There's the "NeoVictorians" who obsess over late 1800s, and the clean, airy spaces of those who prefer "NeoCountry." Any way you slice it, these people love interior design, and that love is found in the details of their homes. So flip through some of the slide shows, and feast your eyes on some major inspiration.

Via New York Magazine
Photograph by The Selby

Old New York Returns!

The above image was captured on Hester Street in the late 1800s. The old New York it embodies is full of excitement and unpredictability. So many things were evolving in the city, but there were always a few standards you could count on, like the Hester Street Fair. What started in 1895 in the Lower East Side, became a gathering place for immigrants, and served as a place for fish mongers to sell their catch. Flashforward to April 2010 and the Hester Street Fair has resurfaced, but with a modern twist. Instead of finding basic goods, the fair is now offering everything from food to clothing, and once again aims to create a communal space for local vendors. Tomorrow marks it's grand opening, and you can find the fair every weekend rain or shine. So make your way down to the LES to sink your teeth into one of Luke's Lobster rolls, or Sigmund's original pretzels!

Same As It Ever Was

Although I read about the Uniform Project when it first launched almost a year ago, I haven't been diligent about checking back with Sheena's progress. Now that the project is almost over, it's incredible to see how much money she's raised for the Akanksha foundation. The concept was simple, since May 2009 Sheena's been wearing the same dress as an "exercise in sustainable fashion," and as a tool to raise money for education in India. Read all about it on her site, and watch this adorable video explaining the project:

Welcome To The Dollhouse

This week seems to be full of great finds that only exist in the minds of artists. First there was the Philco PC, and now these Lady Gaga dolls! But this situation is extremely cryptic... All I know is that this incredibly talented 28 year old guy, that goes by the Flickr name veik11, has been replicating some of Gaga's ensembles and his work is amazing. The attention to detail is shocking, at least to someone who knows nothing about hobbyists who take doll dressing very seriously. There's a whole community of people who make outfits for dolls, along with those who make the dolls themselves. Thank goodness some of them are hip enough to realize that Gaga is an ideal muse. Her outlandish outfits may cause an uproar in the real world, but in Barbie's world she's right at home.

Via Jezebel

Mad For Plaid

1. Pretty In Plaid Handbag by Betsey Johnson, $98; betseyjohnson.com, 2. Plaid Petals Skirt, $148; anthropologie.com, 3. Ascona Shoes by Harajuku Lovers, $115; zappos.com, 4. Color Wheel Shirt by BB Dakota, $55; modcloth.com.

For twelve years of my life I was chained to plaid. Day in and day out I had to adhere to a strict uniform that consisted of a plaid skirt, a white button-down, a tie, and a blazer... yes, a blazer. We weren't allowed to wear nail polish, dye our hair 'unnatural' colors, or wear more than one ring per hand. So one would assume that I would be completely adverse to the reemergence of plaid as a fashion must have. Oddly, I'm not. There's something intrinsically unsexy about a boring tartan, but the plaids that have been popping up in collections in the past few years are anything but boring. There are many elements that may have brought plaid back. Perhaps it's the naughty school girl cliché, or the laid-back appeal of grunge? Or maybe we all just want to be as comfortable as the Brawny man? Either way, get ready for fall with one of these fabulous finds.

Ruffling Feathers

1. Herringbone V Neck Blouse by Built By Wendy, $176; builtbywendy.com, 2. Marisa Plaid Dress, $44; delias.com, 3. Suede Ruffle Tote Bag by Felix Rey, $598; felixrey.com, 4. Ruffle Bootie by Pour La Victoire, $285; nordstrom.com, 5. Printed Ruffle Front Dress by Silence & Noise, $58; urbanoutfitters.com.

From Oscar de la Renta, to Bill Blass, ruffles have been a fashion mainstay for decades. Like most trends, we've seen ruffles fall in and out of favor, but if New York Fashion Week has taught us anything, it's that they're back with a vengeance. Fight off the mental image of Jerry Seinfeld's puffy pirate shirt, and embrace the flirty elegance of Valentino glamor. Both Diane Von Furstenburg and Marc Jacobs' latest collections flaunted feminine frills, but that's not to say that this type of embellishment can't be edgy. Like most of the trends I gravitate towards, ruffled pieces can be paired with more simplistic structured pieces to create an exciting blend of hard and soft. Rocking an angelic Built By Wendy V Neck Blouse with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans is perfect for work and play. Even Michelle Obama is in on the trend, looking fashionable and feminine as she does volunteer work across the country. Let's follow the First Lady's lead on this one, and who knows what good fortune will smile upon us.

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

Today I unveil another weekly feature to join the ranks with the Fashion Feature, For The Love of Food, and The Video Vault... tada! Design Within Reach (No, Really!) will explore the world of interior design, but in a way that is affordable, accessible and most importantly fun! I grew up in a meticulously designed home, where everything had its place, and most rooms had definite themes, so interior design has always been of interest to me. When I moved into my very own apartment, I was finally able to experiment with design on a larger scale and I realized, "Hey! I'm pretty good at this!" Creating a space that is functional, comfortable, and stylish is a daunting task, but I hope that when armed with a few tricks and tips you'll be inspired to make the most out of your space. After all, your home is your safe haven, a place where the outside world should just melt away.

The amazing photographs above are courtesy of Nate Berkus Associates, and I have to to tell right now that I am obsessed with everything Berkus. The man is a design genius, and I'm not just saying this because Oprah told me to. His aesthetic meshes almost seamlessly into mine, and he often describes himself as 'obsessed' with elements, whether they're decorative accents or storage solutions - a man after my own heart! So when I found myself up last night at 1am watching him talk about his new line for the Home Shopping Network, I knew that I had to spread the Berkus love. Everything included in his HSN line, from furniture, to sheets, towels and wall decor was designed by the man himself, and features natural materials and the high quality you expect. The prices are extremely reasonable (with 420 thread count sheet sets going for under $50,) and the aesthetic is clean, modern and luxurious. But don't take my word for it, check out the collection for yourself - your apartment will thank me later.

Looking Into The Eye Of The Island

For those of you looking for something to quench your LOST thirst in anticipation of the sixth and final season, here are two little tidbits. First up is this amazing ode to Locke (pictured at left) by designer Olly Moss. Although this edition is already sold out, sixteen top designers and artists have come together to create a series in celebration of the show in editions of 200 or less - so you still have a chance to snag a bit of LOST memorabilia.

Last up is an oldie but a goodie. As a global phenomenon, I've always wondered how the show translates into other languages/cultures. I've definitely figured out one thing: LOST is wayyy scarier in German. See for yourself in this season one promo featuring Evangeline Lilly.

Raw Power

1. Stud Stack Rings by Noir, $52, 2. Studded Soft Pleated Hobo by B. Makowsky; $228; www.nordstrom.com, 3. Studded Belt by Patricia Field, $120; www.patriciafield.com.

At sixteen I was introduced to punk rock, and with that introduction came a whole new world of rebellious fashion. I had discovered The Sex Pistols, The Stooges, The Ramones and The Buzzcocks, and I was hooked. They played their instruments with passion, veracity and a speed that was unimaginable - everything a teenager craves. As I learned about the ins and outs of punk rock, I realized that although fashion had a lot to do with its initial popularity, there was much more beneath the surface. This was music inspired by politics and society - punk rock was indeed a way of life. As I've matured, I still hold many punk rock pillars to heart, but like every adult looking back on their teenage years I chuckle at some of my style choices. Today I still find ways to pay homage to the rebels and icons of my past... playing hard, fast and dirty.

Bows, Bows, Everywhere!

I'm a woman of contradictions, especially when it comes to fashion. I love the comfort and ease of a worn pair of jeans, and the 'lumberjack chic' that comes with putting on an oversized flannel. That said, I often pair these things with extremely feminine elements (we can't forget that my ever present nails are an overtly feminine addition to any outfit). Lately I just can't get enough of bows - every time I see one I'm drawn to it like a fly to honey. They're so sweet and innocent, and in my opinion a welcome addition to any outfit. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Brick Lane Bag by Marc B, $120; www.topshop.com, 2. Olivia Ring by Rachel Leigh, $58; www.rachelleigh.com, 3. Bow-jito Skirt by Plastic Island, $109; www.modcloth.com, 4. Organic Cotton Bow Back Top by Judi Rosen, $60; www.judirosenny.com.

The Victorious Return of The Pin Up

I think it's safe to say that most women don't think of bathing suit shopping as a "good time". It's the shopping equivalent of shooting yourself out of a cannon - it can be hard getting into it, but if the fit is right the resulting spectacle is glorious. There's nothing like a perfect curve-hugging bathing suit, and the classic lines and silhouette of a vintage inspired suit do just that. I'm pleased to say that finding a great retro suit isn't too difficult nowadays with the resurgence and popularity of classic looks (perhaps as a result of the popularity of shows like Mad Men). Companies are finally taking note and realizing that curvacious goddesses still exist, and desire the quality and comfort afforded to beauties like Marilyn and Jayne. Thank goodness.

This summer I've discovered three favorites that make a real statement, and are devoted to style and fit. The first can be found at Brooklyn's Old Hollywood: beautiful pieces made by Italian trained swimsuit designer Elizabeth O'Brien Berg. The store carries her existing pieces, but the designer is always available to make custom suits at the client's request.



The second outstanding suit comes from Malia Mills, who has locations on both the East and West coast. Their motto "Love Thy Differences" says it all. The suits are expertly crafted to fit a wide array of bodies, and they carry every size imaginable. I'm obsessed with the Calendar Girl Bottoms (shown at right) - high waisted and ever so flirty.

The last one is also the most affordable and accessible, because it's from the ones I love to hate: Urban Outfitters. Yes, I have a very complicated relationship with that store and their practices, but they also fit right into my price range and hell they know how to cater to my demographic (read: young, sassy and prone to impulse shopping). Last year they came out with a handful of retro inspired suits, and at around $60 a pop they're quite a steal indeed. Oh, and very cute of course.

So bust out the suntan lotion, slip on your suit, and soak up some rays before it's too late.