Jamacian Mafia Hat

I recently bought a similar hat at a Memorial Day street fair and whilst wearing said hat this week I was complimented by a stranger who stated that it looked like a Jamacian mafia hat...
No. 1, who knew there was a Jamacian mafia? And no. 2, I now feel cool as hell (lawd a mercy)! If you don't have a straw hat to rock this summer, then this one should definitely be on your shopping short-list. Called the Hourglass ($160) from Cha-Cha's House of ill Repute, check out the leopard trim on the brim and the embroidered spider on the crown. Irie mon!

Goth Girl

This vintage style jacket is quite lovely for its details. Lace panels and silvery antique style button closure on the front. Large lace panel and bow on the back. Princess sleeves and a scalloped hem round out the niceties on this cotton and spandex jacket, pair with denim or a flowey dress. Likey! ($49.95)

Holy Batdress Robin!

Catch bad guys in this bateau-neck cap sleeve shift dress! Bats flying up into the night sky printed on the front, solid black on the back. This versatile summer dress can be worn during the day with a pair of Havaianas or night with spiked heels, an armful of bangle bracelets and dramatic makeup...what more do you expect from a site called Infectious Threads? ($39.99)

Hot Tamale!

Do empire waist tops make you look preggers? The answer is mostly yes, I don't believe that they are flattering for most body types but there are a few exceptions. This hot spaghetti strap top has more of a drop empire waist; the ruching is a few inches below the bust instead of directly beneath. Other great details are the keyhole back, adjustable straps, ruffles, and the gold thread stitches. Hotness. ($128)

Tulips in Bloom

They say tulip skirts create curves. I say the skirts can also mask the fatness of one's booty if you've already got curves. And, dare I say, they also make you legs appear thinner. That said, here are my top 3 picks from Net-A-Porter. (left to right)
1. 3.1 Phillip Lim pleated waistband self-tie denim skirt, $225
2. By Malene Birger cream pleat front textured cotton skirt, $255
3. McQ navy striped jersey skirt with gathered pockets, $238

Gold(card)member

Gold has been popular since the stone age — even the rappers are trading in their platinum chains for traditional runDMC gear. Gold isn't just about fashion, it's also an investment. Currently priced at $666.70 an ounce, it won't depreciate like a pair of Manolos, which loose 30% of their value as soon as you leave the store. Karat lovers out there know that 18K is 75% pure gold, and this lovely gold rope chain is exactly that. ($575)

Skull Trend Won't Die!

2000 years from now when archeologists dig up Flavor Flav, I imagine they'll be quite puzzled by his gold-toothed skull. I've resisted the trend thus far, (skulls, not gold teeth) but this gold-toothed skull tee shirt is changing my mind. Cute, irreverant and priced at $25 from Electric Ladyland.

Eco-chic

According to the Sierra Club, in New York City alone, one less plastic grocery bag per person per year would reduce waste by 5 million lbs. and save $250,000 in disposal costs. Plastic is still better than paper, but a reusable Earthchic bag made from 100% recycled plastic bottles is even betta! They're stylish, can fold flat to fit in your purse and are quite strong, able to hold up to 40 pounds. My mesh grocery bag lasted for a good 4 years but is now beginning to unravel; plus I never liked that just anyone could see through my bag at grocery goodies. ($20 each, $38 pair)

Hair Investment Tools

If you have extremely dry and natural hair like me, no doubt you've experimented with dozens of hair products. After deciding to shun the mineral oils and petrolatum products and switch to natural oils I turned to Carol's Daughter. Their most popular hair product, Khoret Amen Hair Oil, $22, is also my favorite. The old pump sprayer I tried to use was messy, but the Quick Mist oil sprayer from Williams-Sonoma sprays an even mist. Designed for kitchen use, this environmentally friendly non-aerosol sprayer uses your hand pump action to create the spray pressure. For only $17, it's a worthy hair investment.

Sherlock Outwitted?

I'm quite sure that Ms. Irene Adler, the only woman ever to outwit Sherlock Holmes, had a mini cape trench like this in her wardrobe. With Victorian modesty and modern lines, the aptly named "Lady Stevens Cape Trench" is perfect for practicing wit and wiles on a rainy day. ($275) Wear with lace up shoe booties, a pencil skirt and frilly silk blouse.

Strawberry Shortcake

It's rare to see a lingerie set rather than the pieces offered individually. So my mouth practically watered when I spied this silk and French Leavers lace bra and panty set from British brand Fleur T. The details are quite flirtatious; the ruffles on the bum, the silk bra tie, hot lace on lace action and the tiny chocolate bows on top! Deliciously priced at $267.

Luxurious

Luxurious like Egyptian cotton, cashmere, tuberose and golden sandals. Both luxurious shoes, which is the most expensive? One, a $528 Moschino, the other a $172 shoe from daniblack. Both are platform sandals with braided leather detail and adjustable ankle straps. Each — golden perfection. I'm sure Gwen Stefani has both.

The Bold and The Beautiful

The houndstooth textile pattern is supposed to be reminicent of the jagged teeth of a hound. But there's nothing dog-like about this boldly patterned crew neck tee from surf/skate designer B.B. Dakota. Pair with crayola colored bangle bracelts, a denim pencil skirt and platform heels. ($24)

Top Five: Revolve Clothing

A cute little Cameron Diaz dress! You know she tends to prefer the mini dress, usually with some interesting bits at the neck; halter top, turtleneck or in this case a capsleeve cowlneck mini with a graphitti print by L.A. designer Corey Lynn Calter. I filled the shopping cart with $2400 in dresses while fantasy shopping at Revolve, check out more picks from my cart:
2. Doucette Duvall silk wrap dress, $389
3. Nanette Lepore leopard print dress, $345
4. Abaeté silk/cotton giraffe print dress, $319
5. Deborah Sweeney belted lady dress, $275

Burgundy Biker Babe

I like bags with a strong and simple design — not considerably structured or with a hard shell exterior. This Jimmy Choo Biker Leather Tote fits the bill! Crafted of subtly textured Italian leather the color of a fine Burgundy wine, luxurious details abound. Gold grommets looped through with watersnake trim, gold key snap hardware, outside pockets for the cell, iPod etc. The only drawback is that it's lined in ultrasuede... a sturdy yet synthetic fabric. Worthy of the $1850 price tag? That's between you and your purse.

Peasantly Surprised

A new twist on the folksy peasant trend, this embroidered dress from Sofira has the bestest details. Delicate black flowers and geometric shapes add interest but it's the tiny pom poms which cause the most commotion. Lined up along the hem, bust, and removable sash; providing for an especially pretty view from the rear. You'll look as good coming as you are going! ($285)

Livin' La Dolce Vita

Sale Alert! This shoe has just been reduced from $95 to $30. That's right, Dolce Vita lace-up espadrilles for only $30. Gets ta steppin' in these criss-crossed cotton upper cork wedges. Wrap the thin shoe-string style laces 'round the ankle, or cross the laces up the calf for Greek-appeal.

Complete Bum Coverage!

I love vintage style, but bathing suits are best worn new. That said, get the classic glamour girl silhouette with this sexy cherry print swimsuit, and an added bonus of FULL BUM COVERAGE! What more could you ask for (besides SPF)? This vintage style bathing suit is only $98, from Urban Outfitters. Considered daring in the 50s for lack of material; today's miniscule Brazilian bikini — and wax — makes this suit is practically demure. Get it in solid black or pink with white polka dots too.

Back to the Future

Designers often "borrow" from the past, but this Quinceanera Prom Dress ($400) from Betsey Johnson is very similar to the 50s era vintage confection on the right ($215). Tu es d'accord, n'est-ce pas? A Quinceanera is basically a Latina debutante ball for 15 year olds. Where's my tiara?

Thunder Cats!

Get your Cheetara on in these fly ass J. Crew t-strap open toe pumps, $328. Crafted in Italy from the hair of calves, suede and leather (perhaps from adult cows) this is a deal not to be missed. Animal print isn't just a trend people — it's a way of life! Snap up every great example you can find, one for yourself and another to put away for future generations...

Top Five: Bluefly

After an hour of surfing, I only managed to rack up $4,000 in my shopping cart at Bluefly, but I found quite a few lovely items. Searching specifically for items that could go from work to play I came across my No. 1 choice, this Missoni-esque office-worthy dress from Parameter, $156. With 3/4 length sleeves and a silk/cotton blend, this one's a keeper.
2. Tufi Duek striped chiffon shirtdress, $279
3. Parameter tweed scoopneck peplum blazer, $165
4. fashionista grass floral knit wrap dress, $114
5. Delman gold suede peep-toe pumps, $109

What Would J.Lo Do?

There are so many interesting details built into this denim one piece by Judi Rosen. It's got a hoodie, cap sleeves, arm darts, built in belt, sewn in seams, kangaroo pockets and a wonderful cuff on the hem of the short. Not to mention the golden zipper which goes allll the way down! Whew! Fly Girl rocks it with a tank, sneakers, Louis Vuitton and gold jewelry. Glam J. Lo takes it to the yacht with a Chanel beachtowel, metallic bikini, platform espadrilles, and Tom Ford sunglasses.

Robin Hoodie, Princess of Sleeves

I couldn't resist this fantastical hoodie sweater from Swedish brand Tulle ($53). Outerwear is touted as their specialty, which I believe because somehow they've managed to make puffy sleeves completely necessary. The wide ribbing at the wrist and waist are more subtle details befitting a maiden. Bow and arrow sold separately.

Not From Concentrate

Cross a classic timepiece with a Crayola crayon and end up with this stainless steel watch from Coach. ($358) The large masculine face and wide pigskin strap make wrists appear tiny and delicate. Comes in freshly picked orange or tennis ball lime. Perfect for shopping at the Aventura Mall... What was that? You don't dress for the mall? Liar. Also perfect for fans of the fightin' Florida Gators!

Flat Out Frenchie

Oh la la! Not usually one to go for flats, these leopard print ankle strap numbers are quite delectible. At $128, a bit pricey for synthetic leather — definitely not an everyday flat. Still perfect for those days when you need to show just the right amount of toe cleavage without being obscene.

Junior League

Lace? Check. Ruffles? Check. Take a guilty stroll over to the Juniors department for saccharine sweet deals like this double-layer pin tuck dress for the sale price of $32.90. Increasingly sophisticated looks are being designed for the teen set, take advantage of the lower price point and odd sizing. This delicate frock offers that certain Anna Sui little-big girl vibe — pull on a tennis visor to replicate the runway look!

Gucci-like

I'm loving the nautical theme in Mr. Kors' RTW collection which includes this lovely large canvas satchel. An ode to the classic Gucci logo bag — the bag boasts a boxier shape yet remains true to the details — from the leather handles down to the placement of the striped webbing detail. Future classic? At $238, a worthy investment and a cute piece of carry-on luggage.

Miss Mermaid Parade

Add a shell tiara, satin elbow length gloves, chunky diamond bracelets and the royal hand wave and you've got a proper costume for the belle of the Mermaid Parade Ball. Definitely in Beyonce's freakum dress closet, can you imagine B as Madison in the remake of Splash? This sea green sequined tulle dress with the sexy blue-green waist tie is what should be worn during the mermaid reveal! P.S. - Wouldn't Ms. Jay from ANTM say that the model's right arm got chopped off in this shot? Totally.

Skirtpaper Pattern

A classic French wallpaper pattern brilliantly finds it's way onto this crisp cotton skirt with satin trim. The dropped waist delight doesn't scrimp on the fabric, and the twirl-worthy skirt flatters most figures. Offered in a variety of sizes, this is the go-to summer staple that won't dissapoint. For a Julia Roberts casual vibe pair with a ribbed silk tank top, layered turquoise and gold neclaces, Havaianas flip flops and a denim jacket. Or take a turn down celébutante lane with a halterneck silk sheath à la Tracee Ellis Ross, cashmere wrap, sky-high stilettos and armfuls of bangle bracelets.

Pleasure Principle

In the neverending search for wardrobe versatility, here a prime example of day to night lingerie. This lovely silk blend camisole can easily be worn under a suit jacket; the ribbing on the cup peeping through for a pop of color. After a hard days work, remove the jacket for nightime razzamataz revealing the smooth bodice and lace inserts. Not to be a featured item in McToria's Secret anytime soon, Australian brand Pleasure State Couture has been selling out in Russian lingerie behemoth WildOrchid.

Mighty Afroditee

Check out the clever merchandise from tongue in cheek clothing company Minoritees. Message tee shirts are all the rage 'mongst the celebrity types. Can't you imagine Marc Antony in the Papi Chulo?, or Erykah Badu rockin' the Fro Choice? The next tee shirt should be Hot Mess for Britney Spears. I will feel quite saucy pouncing about the neigborhood in my new Converse and Got Grits girly crew neck version. Sweet.

Punky Shoester

The quest for the perfect pair of candy colored pumps is over! Say hello to the Sonya Punkie by newcomer Gigi Favela footwear. These pumps are Truly Outrageous! Conjures images of The Misfits from "Jem and The Holograms"; Madonna in "Desperately Seeking Susan" and the video vixens from the ZZ Top video "Legs," with the micro minis and pumps with fold-over ankle socks. Hotness. The bold metal rivets are a perfect compliment to the Italian patent leather, peep toes and cone heels. Prime squeal material fer sure!

My Humps

Remember on those rare occasions when Daisy Dukes wore jeans instead of her signature cootchie cutters? Those rump huggers looked something like these super flare high-waisted denim dungarees. "They" say that skinny jeans are in, and bellbottoms went out with the last episode of That 70s Show. Never one to follow the trends, this pair will be near the top of my wishlist until I can come up with the $198 needed to make them all mine.

Bullet Proof Soil

In my quest to find a plant stand tall enough to keep my cat at bay, yet stylish enough to fit in with my bohemian decor, I stumbled across this cool as hell retro bullet planter. Very 60s mod yet contemporary at the same time. I can already envision Ren and Stimpy, my Yucca plant, at home in this fiberglass beauty which costs 145 clams.

Paper or Plastic?

Although I have a growing mini-collection of vintage treasures I've never actually bought any vintage pieces online. 80% of the fun is hunting through stacks of rags for that one gem among the bunch. Also, why should I pay more than $50 for what are essentially old castoffs? But looking at the descriptions and prices helps to inform me of the perceived value of said rags, and every once in awhile I'll come across a major pricing disparity. A prime example is this 1960's paper dress; all the rage during the Warhol era. Enokiworld, an online vintage authority, has one listed for $480, while k8tykat has the exact same dress in the same condition for $185, plus a site wide 20% off sale makes it $165. Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do!