Sista SoFine

Wrapped Up

2009-05-15T23:40:00.006-04:00

When Olivia Newton-John said, "Tell me about it... stud" in the film classic "Grease," she wasn't talking to Danny Zuko, she was referring to her Calleen Cordero Studded Triple Wrap Belt. Shown here quadruple-wrapped on a super-tiny model waist, the inflated price tag is a mere bargain for fashion enthusiasts with recession immunity. ($248)

Wite-Out

2009-02-25T01:14:00.005-05:00

Hannibal Lecter said to Clarice, "We begin by coveting what we see every day." And thus every day, the Furla Ninfea chain purse stares back at me from it's place of honor in the center window display. Soft and supple, the python stamped leather feels better than actual python skin. Gathered together with resin bracelet chains, the bag closely resembles a Pillsbury® Crescent roll. Have it with some fava beans and a nice chianti. Mmmm. ($625)

Thermoplastic Pumps

2009-02-24T01:06:00.007-05:00

The Great Jelly Revival of 2007 passed me by. Why shell out payola for the poorly made copies of what I wore in the 80s? Fast-forward to the Lady Dragon shoe, a Vivienne Westwood Anglomania collab-o with PVC purveyor Melissa for a more adult re-invention. Barbie shoes for big girls, if you will. Sweet, sexy, sultry although perhaps a bit sweaty in the summer, she's a must-have for spring. ($175)

Booby Trap

2009-02-22T18:26:00.011-05:00

Sure I've got little black dresses practically bursting out of the closet, but do I have any of the one-shoulder-origami-fold variety? That would be a no... Enter the Fran Dress by Preen, the answer to my wiggle-dress dreams. From the bra-hook back closure and the nip/tuck waist to the exposed golden side-zipper, it's not for the modest or reserved. Accessorize with, Jimmy Choo booties, stacked bracelets, a fresh pair of Spanx and a Sasha Fierce alter-ego. ($920)

Bone Cuffs-n-Harmony

2009-02-21T18:49:00.006-05:00

Wonder Woman's arsenal included a pair of bullet-deflecting golden bracelets. Should Beyoncé score the role as Amazon Princess, let's hope the wardrobe includes the Bone Cuff in 18K yellow gold. Famed jewelry designer Elsa Peretti re-forged the iconic accessory into a completely organic shape based on the contours of human anatomy. Lovey! ($6,400)

Legal Tender

2009-02-20T23:44:00.012-05:00

One of the most pure of the precious metals, gold has been used as a reliable currency since it's discovery. Once the domain of Scrooge McDuck and pirate ships, gold coins are back in vogue. With only one purchase allowed per household, demand for mintage like the one-ounce 24K 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin from the U.S. Mint is off the charts! The market is falling, but gold futures are up to $1,001 an ounce. I hate to say "I told ya so", but I kinda did... ($1,289)

Post Haste

2009-01-07T22:37:00.007-05:00

Official Barack Obama memorabilia was snapped up quickly during his candidacy. The red, white and blue portrait of the now President Elect became iconic within a matter of days; now street artist Shepard Fairey has created a special Inaugural poster. That's right, history is for sale. As long as he remains a good POTUS, (let's face it, the bar is pretty low right now) I plan on having a portrait of Mr. Obama in my home... why not this one? ($100)

Check On It

2008-09-18T07:02:00.003-04:00

Going for the "Little Miss Art Gallery Curator" look today? Well, I've got the perfect dress for you. She comes in a beautiful oversized plaid check print, hits right above the knee and has funky folds of pleating at the neck and sleeve. Perfect pockets cut unobtrusively into the sides. Crafted from 100% wool, the light-weight shift transitions easily from fall to winter with a few key layering pieces and accessories. For this look, add black patent boots, cat's eye reading glasses, black gauntlet gloves, and red lipstick. ($660)

Supa Dupa Fly

2008-09-17T00:26:00.004-04:00

Now that one can actually be nostalgic for the 90s, I covet the purple version of the garbage bag rain jacket Missy Elliot wore in her neoteric music video, The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly). A visual treat, the jacket, like the video, is colorful, inventive and avant-garde. B-girls can pop the collar; fashionistas will zip to the chin. Now I'm not exactly sure if the poly/lyra mix will keep me dry during a downpour, but it will most definitely keep me fly. ($82)

Missy Elliot

2008-09-17T00:16:00.002-04:00

Missy Elliot - The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), 1997 (4:18)

Shrooms

2008-09-16T23:54:00.001-04:00

Modernism is one of my favorite "isms." Sleek and futuristic, organic and functional, it’s a movement that just makes sense. Industrial designer Ross Lovegrove takes form and function to new levels. Seemingly sprouted from the floor of an enchanted forest, his Agaricon Table Lamp illuminates both rooms and imagination. There is no switch, gently press your finger to the metal sensors on the top and rim to dim or extinguish. “Groovy fine.” ($272)

Moccasonian

2008-09-14T23:00:00.002-04:00

I read that Native Americans in times of old could tell another's tribe solely based on the design and ornamentation of her moccasins. This particular boot would identify me as a member of the Gucci tribe, an exclusive lot who dwell in major metropolitan areas and teeter atop 4" heels. A double row of fringes, gold studs and tiny medallions stamped with the Gucci crest round out the details of the luxurious suede boot. ($1250)

Night Watch

2008-07-31T07:32:00.001-04:00

It's nice to figure out what time it is from something other than your cellphone right? So how about upgrading from nothing to a blinged-out watch from Fossil. With a jewelry clasp closure and what I can only guess to be cut glass since no description is available, at first glance the watch has the appearance of a gaudy crystal bracelet. Available in silver and gold tone, I suggest you get them both and wear them stacked together. Niceness. ($95)

Top Five: Julie Haus

2008-07-30T20:40:00.001-04:00

Dresses are my thing, whether brand new, vintage, designer or low-end, all things girlie reside in my closet. Of my two tiny closets, one is devoted solely to the frock and I never have enough. Since most women today tend to lean towards casual apparel like slacks or jeans, the befrocked woman is bound to stand out. An added benefit is the extra attention from men who tend to be a bit more chivalrous to a woman in a dress.
1. Gigi navy silk shirtdress (center), $355
2. Madison pintucked silk print dress (left), $438
3. Princess silk taffeta empire dress (right), $393
4. Madamoiselle crinkle silk chiffon dress, $393
5. Peyton Grecian Keys cotton twill dress, $325

Top Notes

2008-07-22T07:08:00.001-04:00

Brilliantly described as "the red lipstick of perfumes" Fracas was created for bold and confident women. Oft chosen as a signature scent, the powerful tuberose aroma leaves a definite impression long after the bearer has made her exit. For those seeking a more subtle application during these hot summer months, I suggest the Fracas Solid Parfum. Slightly less dense than the alcohol-based version and spread across pulse points rather than sprayed, the bouquet of the unguent clings to your aura rather than your surroundings. Presented in a lustrous silver case on a bed of pink satin it makes the perfect gift. ($65)

Bubble Yum

2008-07-21T20:36:00.003-04:00

Italian accessories house Francesco Biasia, home of the leather statement bag, has ventured into green land by manufacturing an equisitely fun satchel free of animal byproducts. Constructed of woven pink straw and eco-leather, a material made from 80% cotton and 20% synthetic micro-fibre, the purse manages to satisfy both asthetic pleasures and eco-minded measure. Made in Italy, for the inner vegan fashionista in us all, the purse is a yummy tote you can feel good about. ($318)

Laureate

2008-07-20T16:02:00.002-04:00

I have seen goldwork embroidery on ancient textiles and artwork, but cannot recall having seen it interpreted into a stunning piece of jewelry until now. British designer Rheanna Lingham has burst onto the scene with her feather creations and a beguiling piece of wearable art simply called, gold embroidered necklace . Due to lack of description, I'm guessing that it's created from Gold Bullion, which is a very fine hollow tube of 2% gold cut and sewn down like a bead and traditionally used on military uniforms or church vestments. The double laurel design is backed with dark colored felt or velvet cloth with an goldtone metal chain. The absolutely flawless technique, uncommon since the middle ages won't be seen on many a neck this century. Pair with a black cashmere turtleneck or a gorgeous Chanel LBD. ($178)

Buckle Up

2008-07-19T11:08:00.006-04:00

You don't know Shei until you've tasted Sista Shei! OK, that's my mock tag-line for the funzo lingerie brand, I mean come on... a halter under-wire buckle bra and matching brief? I must have it! Designed for the youth contingent, the strap is of course meant to be seen but even more convenient to be worn beneath a halter dress. The tuxedo-styled tailoring represents the best of semi-formal styled lingerie. Get ready to ride on the nylon and spandex highway, so don't expect the set to last more than a few seasons with repeated wear. Still an incredibly worthy purchase methinks. ($80)

Grape-Nuts

2008-07-18T21:40:00.000-04:00

Just as I had decided to blog about these hot graffiti paint open toe pumps the behemoth of all shoes appeared on the next screen. Not sure whether to love them or hate them, I was definitely intrigued enough to want to try them on. The sole review on Zappos isn't enough, so I imagine they're like placing your feet into giant hollowed-out grape Now and Later candies. Sure to turn heads, the scented, yes scented Cesare Paciotti Jelly Plateau 30000 (i kid you not) is made for attention seekers, rubber fetishists, foot binders, and the Mariah Carey in us all. ($229)

Final Fantasy

2008-07-17T00:09:00.001-04:00

Although we're experiencing yet another heat wave, summer items are all on sale which is why I only spent $2,973 "fantasy shopping" at MINT jodi arnold. My "fantasy" haul included for 5 dresses, 4 tops, 1 skirt and 1 belt, not bad huh? One dress in particular was a must-have in both colors, the Mixed Ikat Halter Dress, it's the very essence of summer-time chic. Usually I shy away from featuring items which have already been called-out in magazines or other blogs, but I'm a sucker for interesting necklines and pockets, this one features both and the print and mix of fabrics is outtasight! ($331)

Tintype

2008-07-01T21:55:00.003-04:00

Exquisitely maintained or carefully restored tin panels adorn the ceilings of many a fine establishment in Olde New York. The coveted embellishment can even drive up the price of a rental and more importantly serve as a fire barrier. Popularized in the Victorian Age, they were the American answer to costly European plaster work. Today, you too can fake it with considerably less expensive vinyl wallpaper. Easily adhering to any surface, and paintable as well, the wallpaper adds a touch of class to your bachelorette pad. Me likey. ($25/roll)

Vanity Hair

2008-06-30T08:02:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-29T23:44:00.003-04:00

"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

2008-06-28T10:55:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-27T08:12:00.003-04:00

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)