Vanity Hair

While ringing up at my favorite New York City apothecary, C.O. Bigelow, I spied some charming Japanese hair sticks in the case. Sleek and sophisticated, they're typically used to decorate longer hair shaped into updos, but I'm quite sure my super-thick and extra-curly hair can hold anything in place now that it's grown out a bit since last summer. More decorative than functional, (atleast for my purposes) sticks like the one pictured were traditionally produced for Geisha and Maiko dancing girls. Always partial to wearing fresh flowers in my hair, an investment in faux flower Japanese hair sticks are a bit more economical and sure to last many seasons. ($30)

Attempted Bootie Jacking

"What!?! We wear the same size... I oughtta jack you for your shoes!" Yes, those were the shocking, but actual words I uttered the other evening. Whilst chatting up the list-bearer at the club door, I couldn't help but notice that she was wearing what should have been my silver Chanel lambskin open-toe booties on wedge. So shiny and dazzling, like a fish hook dangling in the ocean—could be dangerous, could be delicious. Thankfully she thought I was joking. Nearly sold out in the city (yes, I called each location), these lovelies shall remain forever out of reach. Remember that episode of Sex in the City when Carrie was robbed of her Manolo's? I can now properly understand the motivation. Lesson No.1, never tell 'em your shoe size. ($N/A)

Bloggers Night Out

Whilst everyone follows pop-princess Rihanna down the technicolor nail varnish highway, I've decided to take a short trip back to the Vampy nineties. Black Cherry Chutney, from the OPI India Collection, was as close as I could get to the Chanel's Vamp which I believe is no longer in production. I sought out the black-red polish at Element Beauty Lounge in Brooklyn and feel all goth and sophisticated as a result. Fashion Binge's Mary-Kate Hopkinson opted for a surprisingly groovy cloud grey color which I'll have to try next time and Watch Holly got hooked up with some pretty in pink toe candy. Followed by garlic knots, chocolate and Prosecco... all in all, a lovely evening out with the gals! ($8.50)

Girl with a Pearl Earring

When one hasn't got cable, one tends to view lots of PBS and C-Span. If I've managed to learn anything from Antiques Roadshow, it's that pearl jewelry simply does not lose its value. I've also learned, thanks to a lovely pearl documentary, that creating altogether round (cultured) pearls was no easy feat, perfected by Mikimoto-san of Japan. A by-product from the simple sea-mollusk, the deep-sea lovely has been coveted by royals for centuries. Mr. Mikimoto made them available to the masses with his ingenious techniques, fashion dignitaries like Coco Chanel made them en vogue. Pearl madness has led me to the Legacy Earrings, a recreation from the Mikimoto archives of the 1920s and 1930s created from Akoya Cultured Pearls and Diamonds, set in 18K White Gold. Lovey! ($3,150)

What Price Clear Skin?

The skin on my face has been plotting against me ever since puberty.  Retin-A Micro worked for one blissful summer, yet until now I've never found a non-prescription product that worked as consistently well as Kinerase Clear Skin. The not so secret ingredient is kinetin, a kind of plant hormone known for it's anti-aging properties. With just the Clear Skin Moisture Light along with my other cleansers and scrubs, I've noticed a significant reduction in blemishes and the fading of acne scars. That translates into less application of base and concealer, a more natural look. My ultimate goal is to look fabulous without any makeup and so far the results with just one product have me convinced that I might just make it there. Since I've come to the end of my Moisture Light bottle, the sensible thing to do is upgrade to a proper three-step beauty regimen at a price I can live with. ($85)

Mon Bleu!

Refined and lady-like, a silk dressing gown is required for any serious vintage lingerie collection. Dollface dames of the 1930s applied various paints and potions while seated at their vanities in preparation for a glamorous evening out. The proper attire was required for said activity and this fine crepe de chine version is an exquisite example from that era; hand-stitched diamond smocking at the bodice and cuff are the star attractions. Delicate embroidered flowers at the scalloped neckline, a gentle scarf-rolled hem, silk covered buttons and the most beautifulest bias draping round out the deets. I'm quite enamoured, a worthy addition to the vintage wardrobe, yes? ($45)

Cuckoo for Coconut Oil

After running out of body lotion, I decided to make the switch to Virgin Organic Coconut Oil. Consisting of about 90% saturated fat, it's quite possibly the most emollient of vegetable oils, completely natural, and recommended by Mama SoFine for skin issues like sunburn and rough elbows. I like to use it for deep conditioning hair treatments and all over my skin after showers. The coco-nutty smell is fabulously delicious, and you get noticeable results after a few weeks use. My super curly hair is much more manageable, and ashy skin is a distant memory. ($22)

Obamarama

Sold out on store.barackobama.com, this limited edition poster print from artist Shepard Fairey fetches minimum $300 from eBay. The steely visage of the historic candidate in the most American of colors can be yours for a premium. That's right, you too can own a piece of history, but it's gonna cost ya. Years from now you can wax nostalgic on Antiques Roadshow on how little you paid for a piece of presidential campaign memorabilia worth so much more. ($300+)

Vintage-ish

The fashion designers are making their foray into lingerie en masse and Stella McCartney will not be the lone wallflower left out of the dance. New to the game, manufacturing lingerie since 2007, the team has come up with this take on the 50s era wide-strap pink bra set complete with satin, tulle and a dash of cheeky for effect. This is one set you simply must add to your collection, meshing seamlessly with your vintage and contemporary collections. ($202)