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:

Bright Lights, Big City

I spent the weekend in upstate New York celebrating my younger brother's graduation (Go Benjamin!) and even though I was only away from the city for two days it felt like an eternity. There's something about the pace, the sounds, the smells, that makes you feel that while you're not here you're definitely missing out on something. So I'm relieved to be back in the thick of it, and I'm newly aware of how great my neighborhood is. The East Village still has a connection to Old New York, or at least that gritty, bohemian, New York of my dreams. Check out this great video BUST shot in the EV, featuring one of our neighborhood's characters: Ms. Chloë Sevigny.

Sugar & Spice

During my early teen years I decided that being girly wasn't for me. With that decision in mind, I started playing with edgier fashion, and I pretended that I wasn't still sleeping in a pink canopy bed surrounded by pink rose wallpaper. Suffice to say when I was a youngster I was mighty girly. I loved my pink bedroom with matching pink accessories, and I couldn't be separated from my pink Betty Boop sweatshirt that was fully equipped with a battery pack to power perfectly placed tiny red bulbs amidst her slinky dress. But more than all of those things I loved my Barbies - and boy did I have plenty. I had a plastic milk crate full of them, and I spent many of my summers making them tiny custom outfits with extra scraps of fabric my mom would give me. So of course upon reading today's New York Times article about the release of Mad Men-styled barbies, the little girl inside of me automatically thought: I want! Ok, maybe not just the little girl inside of me. You have to admit that these dolls are really amazing! With the approval of Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner and costume designer Janie Bryant, the dolls will hit shelves in July, an arrival that's perfectly timed with the beginning of season four. I'm hoping come July I can get my hands on Joanie, and she can take her rightful place in my apartment - I think she'll feel right at home.

Arsenic And New Lace

1. Lace and Zip Detail Mini Dress by Opening Ceremony, $340; brownsfashion.com, 2. Lace Back Tee by LNA, $93; lnaclothing.com, 3. Tall Lace Stripe Top, $55; topshop.com, 4. Cheap and Chic Shoe by Moschino, $554; zappos.com.

Lace is often thought of as an antiquated fabric that speaks more to each end of the spectrum (read: geriatrics or toddlers in princess attire), than to fashionable young things. But that's all changing with a new spin on lace, and the many possibilities it offers. It's feminine, it's sexy, and it's somewhat unexpected. Garments can be played up with just a hint of lace, or whole swaths of fabric can be swapped out to bare shoulders, backs, and midriffs. I think it's a great staple for spring and summer, and will be especially useful when the New York City humidity really hits. With lace you can taunt and tease without revealing too much. So get ready to show off a little skin ladies!

Editor's note: I do realize that it's both ironic and depressing that Moschino decided to name the little lace number above their "Cheap and Chic Shoe," and yet it's still over $500. Argh.

So Hip It Hurts

Opening Ceremony is one of those New York City stores that's great to "fantasy browse" in, because it's so completely out of my price range, and most of their inventory caters to toothpicks. Sure, they have a great collection of independent designers, but my wallet's looking for items that are a little easier to swallow. That said, Opening Ceremony's cool factor is unparalleled when it comes to downtown boutiques, and a big part of that has to do with the celebrity affiliations it garners. Their design collaboration with Chloë Sevigny has proven to be quite popular, and they were one of the first U.S. stores to carry Top Shop. Now it looks like Jason Schwartzman and Kirsten Dunst have joined the fray with this short film by his cousin, Gia Coppola, which showcases clothing from the store. The film also features music by Schwartzman's band Coconut Records. Ah to be young, wealthy, and famous...

No Glove, No Love

I'm loving the new Cyndi Lauper & Lady Gaga campaign for MAC because it's not just about glitz and glamour, it's about AIDS awareness. As with all Viva Glam products, every cent raised goes to the MAC AIDS Fund to support the fight against HIV/AIDS. Watch the lovely ladies chat about the campaign on Good Morning America:

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

Most pet owners treat their animals like children. Don't deny it - you know it's true. From training them, disciplining them, feeding them, and loving them, the average North American pet owner spoils their fuzzballs more than they spoil themselves. I like the idea of investing in a pet accessory that isn't sore on the eyes, or the wallet. Something that doesn't scream Petco or Petsmart; something that's just as stylish as the rest of your apartment. Of course Etsy has the perfect solution, with these great re-purposed vintage suitcase pet beds. The legs are also made from resalvaged chairs and table legs, and painted to match the handmade pillow inserts. There's no denying that your pet will be sleeping in style with this little number.

It's A Bird! It's A Plane! It's A PC?

Long ago I was a PC user, standing behind my desktop until it took it's last choking breath. I said sayonara to the PC in 2007, and never looked back - until now. Form versus function is taking on a whole new meaning here, so much so, that I actually considered cheating on my MacBook with this stunner. This is the Philco PC, and unfortunately at the moment it's just the beautiful brainchild of designer Dave Schultze. Inspired by the Philco Predicta televisions of the 1950s, Schultze has managed to remake the PC into something spectacular. The monitor itself is a gem, but upon further inspection the stylized keyboard, tower, and mouse help to create an unbelievable combination. The video below includes some primo close ups of the product - now let's just hope that one day it comes to fruition!

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

Vintage objects tell a story, and it's up to us to listen. Whether it's an old toy, a vase, or a set of vintage postcards, it's hard to imagine how many tales can be spun from just one item. Outside of New York City, it's easy to stumble across pristine vintage finds (I'm talking about you Detroit!), but within the confines of this city these gems are rare and pricey. However, some stores in Manhattan and its boroughs, continue to pride themselves on amassing items that evoke the beauty of the past without a hefty fee. Le Grenier (pictured above) is located on the waterfront in Greenpoint, just a few subway stops away from the city. The owner Maya Marzolf is a former producer of fashion photography who has worked with Steven Meisel and Mark Seliger, so you know her aesthetic is romantic and warm. The store is full of great antiques and housewares, and they also provide prop rentals for photo, film and other special events. Thankfully, they even carry replica Edison bulbs which are surprisingly hard to find in a city that is obsessed with recreating retro looks in both public and private spaces. But if you thought for one minute that Le Grenier was anything but authentic, think again. Marzolf's own home was recently featured on a blog, and although she "consider[ed] it a bit cringe-worthy to be “promoting” [her] own house" she spoke eloquently about the experience:

"I choose to share my own space with you just to illustrate that what I’m doing here at Le Grenier truly is a labor of love. As one of my dear friends phrased it, what better way to illustrate that my style is sincere? What I offer you at Le Grenier is not just something that I’m trying to sell; instead, it’s an aesthetic and lifestyle in which I myself partake."

And what a lovely aesthetic and lifestyle it is. Take a peek at Le Grenier's website, or saunter over to Brooklyn to check it out in person.

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

Adorning your walls with art can be overwhelming, so why not solve the problem with a temporary fix? Wall decals are an easy way to add strong visual focus to a room, without the permanence of paint or the stress of hanging heavy artwork. There are companies that can design your very own vinyl decal, while others have a wide array of styles to choose from. Etsy is a great place to to find decals that are both unique and reasonably priced. ShaNickers based in Florida will even frame your very own text in a decal like the one pictured above. So get stickin' and breathe some much needed life into your bare walls.

A Bunch Of Phonies

1. Joan of Arctic boots by Sorel, $130; sorel.com, 2. Fox Faux Fur Jacket, $170; topshop.com, 3. Faux-fur Trapper Hat, $16.50; gap.com, 4. Charmer Leather Jacket by Guess by Marciano, $258; marciano.com.

Whether you love fur or hate it, we can all admit that it never goes out of style. From the Hollywood starlets of the silver screen, to the editors of our favorite fashion mags, fur is unwaveringly chic. Fortunately for us animal lovers, faux fur has seen a major revival in the last decade. Instead of finding scraggly looking duds that look cheaper than a Chinatown bus ride, the fake stuff is looking more fabulous than ever.

I never hid my dismay when my mother would dredge out her furs from the basement closet once Montréal winters hit hard. Even so, those furs were family heirlooms, and justifiable considering Canada's brutal winters. What's always bothered me is seeing women in Los Angeles parading around in pelts like their lives depended on it. Thankfully some designers have found the perfect solution with faux fur, and have treated their designs with exceptional care. There's nothing like being warm and toasty on a blustering New York day, so here are my pics of some of the best looking synthetics around. People who say they can't "pull it off" take heed: all you need is a little confidence and you'll be feeling like Marilyn in no time.

Don't Let It Fade Away

I have yet to be charmed by the iPhone, and as someone who likes doodads and trinkets that's saying a lot. I still adhere to my strict no Internet policy when it comes to phones, but if amazing apps keep coming out I may just have to break down and join the masses. Anyone who has an iPhone should take a look at photographer Chase Jarvis' newest app The Best Camera, because it caters to the photographer in all of us. I'm loving this! Now who has some extra cash lying around so I can get myself one of those sleek little gadgets? Watch the video below to get the full picture:

Via Flavorwire

The It Factor

Whether you love her or hate her, you have to admit that Rachel Zoe has impeccable style. I've only recently started watching her Bravo show, and I'm completely hooked. From her visit with legendary designer Diane Von Furstenberg, to her romps through New York Fashion Week, Zoe is surprisingly endearing. Never having much interest in her, and taking the tabloid generated image of her as truth, seems to have been a mistake. After watching the show I realize there's much more to the pin thin stylist than meets the eye - she has a big heart, and her styling really is bananas. Although I can't claim to embrace much of her bohemian aesthetic, (since anything that loose and free flowing will only make a girl with curves look bigger,) I've acquired a deep appreciation for Zoe, and her quirky approach to fashion. Any woman who surrenders herself wholeheartedly to her passion deserves our admiration.

Life Is A Series Of Accidents

Throughout my time as an unemployed shmohawk, I was as healthy as can be. As I wrote from the comfort of my apartment (and sometimes my bed,) nary a sneeze escaped me. This week marks the 1st week of a new, incredibly challenging job, so of course I've been plagued by a nasty cold. On Day 1, as I sat in the conference room for my training it worked it's evil magic on me, and by the end of the day I was toast. I know that it's probably stress related, but I'm still annoyed at my body for submitting to the sickness so quickly. A friend of mine suggested I invest in a neti pot, and I flashed back to George Sibley lauding the neti pot as one of the best inventions ever created. He may have been a wee bit crazy, but he sure knows his history. So at the behest of a fictional character, I Googled to see what I could find. The following video may not have sold me on the benefits of using a neti pot, but it sure made me forget my sniffles for a few minutes. Where do they find these people!?

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

When it comes to fashion we can't get enough patterns and color statements, but somehow once we step into the confines of our homes that love disappears. I'm not sure why color within interior design is regarded with such trepidation - when you really think about it, it's just as temporary as a brightly hued blouse, or a pair of sassy red heels. If you think you've made a terrible mistake, or you just want to try something new, it's incredibly easy to slap on some white primer and start all over again.

Jewel tones are the perfect way to liven up your space, without sacrificing a sense of light and space. Dark colors have a tendency to make a space seem smaller, but by using saturated colors in small doses like with an expertly positioned accent wall, or some choice accessories, you can create a memorable look. As you can probably tell by now, I'm very proud of my own NYC pad (pictured above,) and I did it all with some elbow grease, a keen eye for sales, and a bucket of paint. Jewel tones can take you anywhere, from the Mod meets Rococo of my apartment, to the Moroccan glow of this space. Just repeat the following mantra: I am not afraid of color, I am not afraid of color!

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.

Smells Like Teen Spirit

1. Dos Gardenias Shorts, $40; modcloth.com, 2. Floral 1460 by Dr. Martens, $128; zappos.com, 3. Gloria's Garden Rug, $348-498; anthropologie.com, 4. William Morris Daisy Print Garden Tools, $32; takashimaya-ny.com.

Until my senior year of college, I was anything but girly. Yes, I had discovered that I could indeed be sexy, but I hadn't explored the power of my femininity. I didn't feel comfortable in pink, ruffles, or heels, and my color of choice was black. I was never a Goth, although often accused of being one, but rather a Punk Rocker with a heart of gold. When I look back on it now, I realize that although I still love the music, the fashion was more of a protective shield than anything else. Yes, I had fun pretending I was Kathleen Hanna, but eventually I shed that rough exterior in favor of more delicate ensembles. Queue my summer obsession with floral prints in every form - I just can't get enough. Add some color to an otherwise bland room with Gloria's Garden Rug, or garden with colorful accessories to brighten your mood. When it comes to the clothing, I feel like I just discovered Angela Chase all over again. I just can't help but love her, and her crazy 90s Grunge style. After all, wasn't Grunge just Punk Rock's depressed, younger cousin?

The Animal Within

1. Betsey Johnson 'Carlos' Bootie, $200; betseyjohnson.com, 2. M·A·C 'Style Warrior' Lipglass in Liberated, $14; maccosmetics.com, 3. Leopard Risky Business Sunglasses, $14; urbanoutfitters.com, 4. Bernie Dexter Rebel Knit Pullover Top, $85; berniedexter.com.

A little leopard can go a long way. Whether you're offsetting a delicious LBD, or unleashing your inner sex kitten, animal print is a frisky way to up your ante. I've long been a lover of these ferocious prints, but there's a fine line to be walked when it comes to a pattern as bold as this. One toe over the line, and you end up looking like Linda Richman from Coffee Talk - that's a look we'll be reserving for retirement thank you very much. So keep it minimal: if you're rocking Bernie Dexter's Pullover, then make sure to pair it with black high waisted capris for a 1960s bad girrrl vibe. Be bold, be brazen and have fun! You'll be sure to find purrrfection.

Sweet Tooth

One distinct difference between American culture, and Japanese culture, is their meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of life. From their traditional and extensive tea ceremonies, to their obsession with fashion, not one detail is overlooked. A friend of mine recently said I was born in the wrong country, that I was meant to be born in Japan - I think that was her kind way of telling me that I have OCD tendencies when it comes to certain things. One of those things being my attention to accessories, both those firmly affixed on my person (I consider hair and nails important accessories,) or those carried on my person. And what do people always carry with them? Their cell phones of course! A couple months ago when I purchased a new phone, I was ecstatic to find that I finally possessed a phone with accessory capabilities. I promptly went to my local Japanese boutique (in this case Soho's Kiteya,) and stocked up on danglies and doodads. The sweets pictured above are just a taste of the myriad of options available to those who want to sweeten their load. Whether you're adding some much needed funk to a calculator, or some ice cream to your PDA, you really can't go wrong. This trend, like many other Japanese trends, hasn't exactly crossed over to North America yet but that hasn't stopped me from dressing up my phone, and envisioning the streets of Tokyo. Super kawaii!!!

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.