Staycation

This never ending heat wave has me wishing I was at the beach every day of the week. I would be heading for the Far Rockaways right this moment if it wasn't over an hour an half away by subway. Like the incredible Rockaways, Nycked, by Lorenzo Martone and Jules Kim, magically combines elements of the surf and New York City for Resort 2012. While the two seem at odds, the surreal juxtaposition of lounging on a beautiful beach in front of a housing project perfectly reflects what this strange and wonderful city is all about. Similarly, Nycked draws inspiration from elements of New York life that seem to have nothing in common with a romp in the sand. New York's architecture is reflected in the swimsuits' sexy cutouts, which have an art deco feel. Nightlife and clubkids are referenced in the disco sequins and the neon coral, electric green, and bold blue colors. And of course, black and white have a heavy presence as they are the foundations of a Manhattanite's daily uniform. Who needs to getaway, when you can take these out to the streets for a sultry staycation?

-Tiffany

Norma Kamali Summer Looks + Swimsuit Giveaway

Bill swimsuit and Round Zyl Frame sunglasses courtesy of Norma Kamali, vintage Christian Lacroix skirt, Proenza Schouler nail shoes, French and English Confectioners backpack, Forever 21 hat, Triskaidekaphobia tooth necklace.

The lovely people at Norma Kamali asked me to participate in their Summer Looks Facebook contest, and since I'm a true fan of Ms. Kamali, and her timeless classic styles, I couldn't say no. Along with a few other bloggers, I got to play around with the 50's style ruched Bill swimsuit, and a pair of her Round Zyl Frame sunglasses, which I've secretly been lusting after for a long time. While there wasn't any water to dip my swimsuit in on 4th of July weekend, I found that the Bill makes an excellent bodysuit, and wore it under my favorite vintage Christian Lacroix skirt (the modest style can also double as a dress since I'm so short). I did get a chance to test it out in real water this past weekend at Rockaway Beach, where it was perfect for the Open Ocean Sessions Yoga and Surfing class. "Like" Norma Kamali and "like" my look on Facebook for a chance to win your own Bill swimsuit!



Another shot that my dear friend Izzy of The Dandy Project took of me this weekend wearing my Zyl sunglasses. Dress courtesy of Margarita Saplala, Gerard Yosca necklace.

-Tiffany

Mermaid Parade

The Mermaid Parade may have happened a few weeks ago, but Norma Kamali's new Resort collection contains many cute suits fit for a long day out in the sea, and fishtailed dresses and flared pants for the little mermaid who made it to land. Made from plenty of black and nude lace, the collection has a bit of a late 80's, early 90's feel to it. The nude ruffle bikini is perfect for an aspiring Ariel, and the black lace bell-bottom jumpsuit has a deliciously camp feel to it, good for when you're feeling more like Ursula the Sea Witch. Like most of Norma Kamali's work, this collection consists of form-fitting, basic silhouettes with a twist, rendered in practical mesh and polyjersey fabrics that allow for real movement and wear. Her simple, sexy designs have inspired plenty of imitators (American Apparel comes to mind), but there's nothing quite as cool and effortless as the originals, making it a brand that populates my Mom's closet as well as my own.

-Tiffany