Dog Day Afternoon

Kostas Murkudis flip*flop sandals, We Are Handsome swimsuit, Judy Rosen shorts, H&M button-down shirt, vintage hat, Charles Anastase sunglasses, Gerard Yosca necklace, Cara Croninger bangles

It's Memorial Day weekend, and while everyone else has skipped town, I'm staying here for my cousin's wedding tomorrow. The lovely ladies who do the PR for flip*flopMURKUDIS lent me a few pairs of shoes for the weekend, and it was the perfect day to take them out. We had a hungover junk food picnic in Stuyvesant Cove Park, one of my favorite underutilized and relatively empty riverside haunts, steps away from where I grew up. Afterwards, we headed over to Williamsburg to hang out in Anton's beautiful backyard, drink rose wine, and play with all four of the adorable attention-seeking doggies that he's taking care of this weekend.

The highlight of the evening was our spontaneous visit to "Dr. Claw" (we missed you Maddy!), who prepares the best lobster rolls in all of New York City out of his Greenpoint apartment, selling them drug-dealer style via text-message. Lobster rolls are high on the list of trendy food items popping up all over the city these days, and in spite of their modest brown-bag presentation, delivered on the streets between parked cars, these Lobster rolls are devastatingly delicious. They're made with only a hint of mayonnaise, but with just the right amount of butter, and plenty of huge chunks of fresh lobster. At $14 each, they're well priced for a lobster roll, but an expensive addiction if you get hooked, which is inevitable. Luckily I don't live in Williamsburg, cause I would probably spend all of my extra income calling on Dr. Claw for a nightly fix. No pictures (I'm always too hungry to do any food photography), but there's a lovely video from my favorite local food blog, Food Curated, below. If you want to get in touch with Dr. Claw (who you might also recognize from Bobby Flay's Food Throwdown), you can contact him via his facebook page, or visit his website, Brooklyn Chowder Surfer. A must if you visit New York, or if you live here already...

Kostas Murkudis flip*flop sandals

Chloe, looking devilishly cute

Otis, on a break from humping all the other dogs

Anton

Jimmy

The Underground Lobster Pound: A Purist, An Apartment & The Perfect Lobster Roll - *food curated* from SkeeterNYC on Vimeo.

-Tiffany

No Hunting, Plenty of Gathering...

Martin Lamonthe Captain blazer-dress

If you are like me, and spend an embarrassing amount of time doing online window shopping, and a shameful amount of money each month on items you've never actually seen in person, then maybe you should stop reading right now. Hunting and Collecting isn't a good site for people who are prone to accidentally spreading their wallets from the comfort of their own homes. The Brussels-based store has just launched its e-commerce site, offering up a perfectly curated selection of clothing, books, and desirable objects. It's well stocked with hard to find pieces from designers like Martin Lamonthe, Gemma Degara, Carin Wester, Bless, Stine Goya, and Slow and Steady Wins the Race, alongside Confetti Systems pinatas and necklaces and Harry Allen's iconic Piggy Bank. The selections are so well chosen that it kind of takes the thrill out of "hunting" since they've already done the majority of it for you, leaving the buyer to merely do the "collecting" bit. I really wish I could visit the store in person, since it looks beautiful, but I'll happily settle for their website until I can make it to Brussels...

Stine Goya blazer

Gemma Degara floral bag

Gemma Degara jumpsuit

Slow and Steady Wins the Race pearl cluster broach

Saskia Diez Papier Bag

-Tiffany

Higher Than The Stars

All photos by Tom Hines.

If you read this blog on a regular basis, you already know that I'm a lingerie addict. I probably have enough underwear to go for at least three or four months without doing laundry, much to the chagrin of my husband who always has to take the laundry initiative. One of my favorite lingerie lines of all time, The Lake and Stars, just emailed me their Fall lookbook, and even though it's already gotten some major blog love, I can't help but share it again. If you aren't familiar with the line, designers Maayan Zilberman and Nikki Dekker create perfectly modern undergarments which are finished with classic details. The result is lingerie that has all the loving qualities of construction found in vintage lingerie, while departing from traditional shapes and designs. For Fall 2010, they have made their first foray into hosiery, with a number of crotchless stockings that highlight the wearer's derriere, as well as gorgeous metalic gray tie-dye group. Here are some of my favorite images from their lookbook--or at least as much of it as I can show without getting my blog shut down (Blogger/Photobucket seem to be decidedly against bare butt cheeks!). Enjoy!

-Tiffany

HOLY GHXST

Shelley wearing a Triskaidekaphobia necklace and a Rodebjer top. All photos by Liudi Hara.

For the better part of the past year, my friends Shelley and Chris have been M.I.A. Every time we call or text, they've been at band practice, hard at work on their new album under a new band name, GHXST. After a long wait, they're finally ready to share the results with the release of their EP, Evil's Wasted On You. I'm happy to say that it sounds breathtaking, and thankfully their complete lack of social life has paid off (otherwise we'd be pissed). Their dark wave sound feels fully developed and distinctively noir, even if they claim this album is "brighter" than their work from Violet Hour. Still, don't be fooled by the their sinister intonations, they're two of the sweetest kids I know (sorry to blow your cover guys). You can listen yourself on their Myspace page, or download their EP for free here.

Chris and Shelley

-Tiffany

Triskaidekaphobia Arrives at Eponymy!

Some of the curiosities on display at Eponymy

This afternoon we dropped off a delivery of Triskaidekaphobia Jewelry to a lovely little boutique in Brooklyn called Eponymy. We're so proud to be selling at this store cause it's absolutely gorgeous, and more importantly, it feels like an aesthetic match made in heaven! Andrea Miller has created a veritable cabinet of curiosities, and everywhere you turn, there's an enchanting dress, object d'art, or piece of jewelry that begs to be picked up and taken home with you. The walls are lined with rotating art exhibitions, and the entire atmosphere is a little bit dark and ever-so-slightly sinister, but with a distinctively feminine touch (like our jewelry). The store carries a mix of vintage pieces, as well as lines like GAR-DE, Eryn Brinie, Kaylee Tankus, Bliss Lau, Gestuz, and Vivienne Westwood x Melissa. Adding to the fun is Andrea's adorable French Bulldog, Bianca, who is incredibly sweet and always look for a hug and a kiss. I couldn't resist taking a bunch of pictures, make sure to stop by if you are in the neighborhood!

The store's French Bulldog, Bianca, is a veritable superstar. She might appear shy, but playing coy is just her game--she secretly loves the camera, and recently was the star of her own short film!

A selection of vintage dresses and handbags

Vintage perfume bottles make for a perfect way to display these vintage evening bags

The store carries the full Lipstick Queen makeup line

Store owner Andrea Miller

I love these antique glass bottles and decanters!

Taxidermy snakes make for the perfect necklace displays

An Eryn Brinie top

-Tiffany

So Chichia

All photos from Chichia London

Lately I've been really feeling the recent spate of African prints that have been popping up everywhere--Suno's bold and colorful collection, as well as ASOS's recently released ASOS Africa line both come to mind. Still, I've been reticent to jump into the trend, fearing that I might appear to be dressing up in a costume, and knowing how silly most people look when donning clothes that are too overtly "ethnic." I'm also wondering if I'm being subconsciously influenced by the all the wonderful Afro-pop and Afro-pop influenced music that's been on my summer playlist. I know that Christina attributes the recent acquisition of a colorful African style wallet (totally out of place with the rest of her wardrobe) to listening to The Very Best on repeat.

Anyway, another collection has popped up on the radar that has decidedly piqued my interest in African prints: Chichia London. Tanzania-born and London-raised designer Christine Mhando takes influences from both cultures to inform her designs, which often incorporate classic African wraps called Khangas. While the vibrant prints remain intact, the simple wrap fabric is reconstructed into not-so-basic separates and dresses, and completely unexpected designs. I personally like the pieces best when mixed rather than matched, creating a personal cacophony of prints that won't risk being mistaken for a traditional costume.

-Tiffany

Cut-Cut-Cut-It-Out

Cut-It-Out dress, Tintoretta socks, Vivienne Westwood x Melissa heels, Slow and Steady Wins the Race sunglasses, Forever 21 headband, Gerard Yosca jewel cuff, Triskaidekaphobia friendship necklace, Iosselliani ring

Last month, I wrote about the opening of one of my new favorite boutique, International Playground. Amongst the excellent selection of designers, I was pleased to find Yelena Konovalova's playful line, Cut-It-Out, which I haven't seen sold anywhere else in New York. The clothes are mostly jersey and sweatshirt pieces adorned with bold multicolor prints and cheery patterns inspired by paper cut-outs (hence the name). I love the sense of fun built into the pieces, and they immediately reminded me of my childhood Lisa Frank obsession (children of the 80's, must remember this name--Christina and I were both members of the fanclub). I ended up picking out this dress, which is so sugary sweet it will give you a toothache, and makes me completely forget that I'm a full-grown adult.

-Tiffany

Stine for Everybody

Stine Goya x Weekday A/W 09/10. All photos from Weekday

Ok, this is really really old news, especially for those of you who live in Sweden, but after all the blog love that the (absolutely adorable) Laura Mackness x Weekday collection has been getting of late, I thought I ought to post the AW 09/10 Stine Goya x Weekday collaboration, which was largely overlooked. I had the pleasure of meeting Stine last summer when she was living in New York, and I am a huge fan of her gorgeously artistic line. While this collection probably isn't even in stores anymore, I'm hoping I might be able to find a piece or two floating around Judits or Below Outlet when I go back to Stockholm this August. Or better yet, if you're there (I'm mainly speaking to my sister-in-law here), and see anything remaining on the racks, please pick it up for me and I promise to pay you back!

I also hope that retailers over here get their act together and start stocking all these amazing collaborations, which are also easy on the wallet; the pieces here retail for $90-$100. New York stores are overrun with Cheap Monday and Weekday, but for some reason all the best stuff--collaborations and the awesomely inexpensive Monki line--never make it stateside. I'm hoping they will come soon, because having to go back to Stockholm every time I want to buy something is getting awfully expensive (just kidding, I swear I mainly go back to see friends, family, and family dogs!). Anyway, for those of you who love Stine but don't have access to the Weekday collaboration, you can always find her main line at my favorite online retailer in the expansive internet universe (full disclosure: we also sell there), The Moon and Mars.

-Tiffany

Somewhere Between Gross and Amazing

Bunny and strawberry nail set. All nails available at Full Moon.

I've always been a fan of Japanese nail art, but for the most part find it absurdly out of my price range. In New York, a specially designed manicure with 3-D and acrylic art on every finger will run you around $100 or more. If I were married to a professional basketball player, I would probably have it done every week, but alas, I'm married to a Swedish teacher, and don't even think I can justify dropping that much cash on nail polish for a special occasion. Lucky for me, one of my best friends, Ashley, gave me a gift certificate to The Valley, a legendary nail salon in New York, and I'll finally let myself indulge.

While I was poking around the internet looking for design inspiration, I came across a number of DIY nail art sites, tutorials and videos, which got me thinking about giving it a try. Even though I love a good DIY, I'm actually not so great at home manicures, and a wavering left hand would probably ruin any home nail art attempts. Then I found Full Moon, a site which might be based out of Japan, or might be based out of Korea town for all I can tell. While they carry a wack-tastic selection of oddities ranging from macaroon decorating kits, rhinestone cell phone cases, and teddy bear adorned headphones, they also sell all the tools and adornments for at home manicures and nail art. Of particular interest: pre-decorated nail extensions that you can easily apply at home, averaging around $25 a set. Totally gross, yet simultaneously amazing. And more importantly, really funny. I think if I was wearing these, I would be cracking up at myself all day long. Less silly/tacky alternatives are available at the salon, but if I find myself addicted, don't be surprised if you see me around town wearing one of these ridiculous looking sets...

This pastel rainbow set reminds me of my childhood My Little Ponies playhouse

My favorite set of the bunch: cupcakes and ice cream cones! I wish I had these to wear with the Ashish ice cream cone dress!

A more classic girly set

For some reason this is called the "British" set, I guess because it mimics a tartan plaid?

-Tiffany

Time Of The Season

Rodebjer 10 x 10 leather dress, Vivienne Westwood x Melissa flats, Slow and Steady Wins the Race Sunglasses, Forever 21 headband, Triskaidekaphobia necklace and buckle ring, Iosselliani ring

This post is for my fellow New Yorkers. If you are a bargain whore like I am, then you're probably aware that the first trickles of sample sale season are coming in, and there are no less than five on my must hit list for this week!

W29 Showroom Sale
208 W. 29th St. Suite 201.
Friday, May 21, from 10 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, May 22, and Sunday, May 23, from noon to 4 p.m.; and Monday, May 24, from 10 to 6 p.m.
My lovely friends at W29 will be clearing out Spring 2010 samples from Rodebjer, Ashish, Dagmar, Margarita Saplala, The Local Firm, and others. While I don't know whether the Rodebjer dress that I'm wearing will be on sale, I definitely spied some of the amazing leather jackets from the collection on the rack! For those of you who aren't in New York, the sale will also be online, so make sure to check their blog for updates!

VPL
39 West 38th Street, 6th Floor
Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21, from noon to 8 p.m.
I've been in love with Victoria Bartlett's smart and sexy line since I worked one story above her office. Her sample sales are always superb, and I've picked up plenty of her trademark undies, plus a couple of LD Tuttle shoes that I live in at her previous sales.

Araks
137 Grand Street, 5th floor
Thursday, May 20, from 8:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Friday, May 21, from 9:30 to 6:30 p.m.
I'm not just going to pick up some lovely undies, but also to hang out with awesome Araks, who I know from my Fiftytwo Showroom days. I hope to pick up her romper, and also to bump into her adorable babies.

Steven Alan
87 Franklin Street
Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21, from 8:30 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 22, from noon to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 23, from noon to 5 p.m.
While the store is generally too downtown-preppy for my taste, I discovered that they usually have a rack of The Lake and Stars (another of my favorite lingerie lines), in addition to a few quirky brands like No. 6 thrown into the mix.

Melissa Shoes
520 w.27th St. Suite 601
Wednesday, May 19, through Saturday, May 22, from noon to 8 p.m.
My go to stop for comfortable flats. I'm always a big fan of their collaborations, and am hoping to pick up some sandals for summer this season!

-Tiffany