It's Lingerie Time

This morning I was walking up the subway steps right behind a young woman whose thong was hanging out well above her jeans. It was a little shocking: not the fact that I was face to face with a stranger's thong, but that this style of wearing one's underwear was still in existence. I tried to remember how long ago I had owned a plaid thong bodysuit (Lip Service, it straddled the punk rock and metal worlds), which then brought my thoughts round to the current state of my underpinnings. And I realized that one of my dresser drawers is still full of nursing bras. No, I'm no longer nursing.I was long overdue for a Victoria's Secret Herald Square visit.

I like these animal print thongs. And no, they don't look like they are going to be adorning my upper torso.

I've learned to love these hiphugger styles. They don't give bad panty lines, depending on what you're wearing, they're comfortable, and they're insta-sexy. More, even, than having your thong hanging a foot out of your pants.


These are cute but a little too uniform-like for me. I need basics right now. I can delve into more fun stuff later.


I don't like an embellished or shiny bra, but I love the panties.If you're in need of something special to knock all those nursing bras out of your drawers, or just to add to your fabulous undie collection, walk into the first floor of Victoria's Secret on 34th Street and veer right towards the Pretty Little Things section. The pretty little bridal things are here too, but let's tackle that behemoth another day.

Victoria's Secret Herald Square 34th Street and Sixth Avenue

It's Billabong And You Should Go

It happens every time: I'm always remiss in shopping Billabong because I'm rarely in Midtown Surfer Girl mood. But then it gets all sunny and warm and I stop by, try on clothes, and leave thinking that every style addict should be popping by Billabong once a month.

Sweater, fabulous and cozy, is $64.95, skirt $36.95, hat $29.50. All are by Element. Gold thread top is Billabong brand.

The black straw hat, $28, makes this look old-school, beach lady batty. The geometric stripe top ($44.95) is what drew me into the store, and it's a brand new arrival.


Billabong 112 W. 34th Street at Broadway

Olsenboye: BTS 2011

I've attended a couple JCPenney fall previews in the past couple months, and both have surpassed my expectations. At the Back To School preview, I couldn't get over the Olsenboye. Because Olsenboye is a Junior's line I usually skip it when I'm in store, but I won't be doing that this summer.

Olsenboye peasant top, $19.99, Decree jeggings $27.99, Olsenboye floral handbag $29.99, City Streets Cheetah pumps $29, all in stores in July.

Olsenboye striped top $17.99, in store July, Mixit beret $15.99 in store August, Olsenboye military backpack $29.99 in store now, St. John's Bay bootie $39.99, in store August.

There is a lot of hippie girl going on for fall, but I love the restrained version in the first peasant blouse look. The Olsenboye floral handbag is really too cute, not to mention the leopard socks with the cheetah pumps. And give me a Parisian newsboy look and I'm pulling out the credit card every time.

Olsenboye jacket $29.99, Olsenboye pleather shorts $29.99, both in store August

JCPenney kimono dress $29.99, Olsenboye floral print handbag $29.99, both in store July. nicole by Nicole Miller footwear $49.99 in store September, Arizona faux fur hooded scarf $39.99, both in store September.

OK, I'm not saying I'd let Baby Herald go to school in thigh high stockings, but JCPenney and Olsenboye are scoring big styling points. And those nicole by Nicole Miller shoes? I saw an incredible selection at the fall preview. Look for those and the ana shoes come fall.

all photos from the JCPenney BTS lookbook

JCPenney Manhattan Mall lower levels 1&2, 33rd Street and Broadway

What's Scarier: Stylish News Sources or My Closet?

I have been embroiled in moving to a new apartment for the last 3 days, and so have missed what might end up being two of the biggest news stories of 2011. If you need to ask, you obvs haven't been checking your Twitter feed. That's what I did after I woke up this morning, cozy on my mattress swimming on the floor in a sea of clothes, reading Bin Laden news on my daily StyleCaster email. Yes, I learned about the death of Osama bin Laden on StyleCaster.

Subject: Hey Fashion, Raining & High of 64 in Brooklyn today. Bin Laden Is Dead, The Fashion Girl's Guide To Today: 5/2/11 and More..

Scary? To my husband, very much yes, but in actuality, no. I think. Because what StyleCaster started, Twitter and my New York Times iPhone app finished. But with no internet, TV, and limited iPhone usage over the weekend, I was living in a packing/moving bubble of clothes and more clothes. Throw in endless boxes of books for another level of torture. Scary? Yes. I vow two things: I'm getting an iPad and I'm ending all clothes-hoarding behavior. Never again will I have so many clothes that I have to use both neighbor's fences for a stoop sale, with bags overflowing on the ground with extras. It was ugly.

DIDN'T SURVIVE MOVE: I bought this, and wore it once. It's just not me, and I'm pretty sure I bought it because I always think I can be an animal print girl. The jeans, however, I wish I had bought. See? It's an illness.

Now we're moved in, and after selling/giving away massive amounts of clothing, I'm still closet-space challenged. Anyone else have these problems? This is when I wish I was one of those people that had like ten things in their closets. Although I don't really think those people exist. Definitely not in New York City.

SURVIVOR: This I bought and love, have never worn, and will not give up.

Shopping is also my occupation's hazard. It's part of my job to be on 34th Street and see what's in stores and try some of it on. Imagine doing that and never buying? No, that would require superhuman self-control. I am nothing if not weak in the face of a cute new trend. Just sell me a magical, expanding closet next, please.

Bringing Bryant Park Home: The Subway Signs

Have you seen these subway signs at our sister blog?

For those who reminisce about Fashion Week in Bryant Park, these are a great gift idea. But if you're not up for committing to a big subway sign, there are smaller versions like the one below, and also T-shirts, chairs, and even a coloring book available for sale at the Bryant Park shop

I love the above shot. Oh, how well I know those signs! Almost as good as the 34th Street subway signs under Broadway. Now one of those is totally on my Christmas wish list. What? It's almost May, people! One can never prepare one's husband too early for proper gifting.


Bryant Park Shop

H&M's Conscious Collection

Forgive me. Buildings in NYC still hadn't turned on their a/c the other day, and all of a sudden it was almost 80 degrees. I was too tired and steamy to remove my black stockings and shoes while trying on H&M's Conscious Collection. And perhaps I was subconsciously rebelling against all the white.

Jacket is $49.95, tank is $7.95, scalloped shorts I'm not sure!

I am a devoted black-wearing girl. But this collection has helped convert me a little. The boyfriend blazer (above) totally converted me.The dresses didn't hurt either.

The prices are great on this collection. Many are just $17.95 or $19.95, and lovely long maxi skirts run $19.95 and less. The lace, 70's bridal-looking dress in the middle is $49.95. And really, I'm always pleased when I can wear my black leather Chucks with almost anything...

H&M 34th Street & 7th Avenue

H&M Herald Square 34th Street & 6th Avenue

Affordable Art Fair: Win Tickets!

The Affordable Art Fair is coming to town, and you can win a free pair of tickets! It's easy: visit our new 34th Street Facebook page, like us, and you're entered to win. We're giving away two pairs of tickets to attend this show held at 7 West 34th Street, where you can buy art priced at $100 - $10,000 from the known, the unknown, and the up-and-coming young artist. Go, like us, and then maybe you can put that entrance fee $$ towards something fabulous for your walls.

Affordable Art Fair May 5-8, 2011, 7 West 34th Street just west of Fifth Avenue