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:

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!!!

Pressed For Success

This summer I've somehow found myself consistently surrounded by flowers. Whether I'm roaming the streets in a floral print dress, ruminating about my fire escape garden (more on that later), or buying a bouquet at the corner deli - I just can't escape them! And I'm not complaining. For the past few years, my mother has told me that I should always have a bouquet of fresh flowers in my apartment, but it's just so sad when they shrivel up and wilt. I admit, there's nothing like fresh flowers to brighten up a space, and any woman who says she doesn't like getting flowers is lying. So what better way to keep 'em fresh than to seal them in CalGel on your very own nails? That's right, those are real dried flowers you see above courtesy of Mika at Valley... now if only I could figure out how to get those darn squirrels out of my flower box.

Nail photograph by Christophe Tedjasukmana.

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.