If you haven't been to The Market...

...you need to go ASAP. The Market NYC, located at 268 Mulberry Street in SOHO, is a jem of a place that's overflowing with unique vendors willing to sell you their distinctive creations for bargain prices. From stunning vintage frocks from the 50's, to one-of-a-kind pocket watches from the 30's to original graphic tees by up-and-coming designers of today, The Market is entertaining to simply walk around and look at everything that's there, even if you don't buy anything (but, who are we kidding, you will).

I was "just browsing" and ventured upon jewelry designer Alexandra Beth's table and couldn't help myself. Her Hamsa bracelet, which is a symbol for protection used often in the Middle East and Africa, was simple and beautiful. I opted for the coral and turquoise combo and snagged it for only $15. It's great to wear on its own or stack with other pieces. She also had a bunch of very trendy studded-leather wrap bracelets that I plan on going back to purchase soon!

Another stand that caught my eye was a vintage jewelry vendor whose name has escaped me but you'll know it's her when you see her stuff. Her table was full of some of the most interesting vintage pieces I've seen, ranging from a Victorian magnifying glass necklace to a collection of discrete pocket knives in a range of forms, one being a golden peanut on a necklace chain. My friend purchased a vintage golden locket from the 30's that had happened to have a B on it, and her name being Bonnie, she just couldn't resist. She had her lengthen the chain and got it all for only $50. There are no duplicates in her collection and everything had a very original feel.

The only downside to this place was the lack of AC. I was sweating through my blouse like I was in a Spring Break wet t-shirt contest-but, it was totally worth it. I looked at it as having a poor-man's Marisa Miller moment, just rocking the sweat like it's supposed to be there, minus the abs and plus frizz in my hair, but close enough.

The Market also takes credit cards. What more could you ask for :).

Rainy Chic

A little rainy weather, much like today's conditions in NYC, is no reason to let your chic style go by the wayside. An array of trendy umbrellas, rain boots and weatherproof coats are on the market that will have you doing the rain dance just so you can use them. We love the Bella Pagoda Pinwheel Umbrella in black and white from www.Umbrellas.net
for $129. It comes in a variety of other colors as well. Another fave is the Plask Boot in the cypress shade from Tretorn. With a mid-height wedge heel, these rain boots (which look more like a legit pair of boots that happen to be waterproof) can easily carry any fashionista from day to night in all weather conditions. Find them on the Web site www.Shoesteal.com for almost half of the original price. And our most loved splurge for weatherproof gear is the asymmetrical hooded raincoat from Smythe. It is insanely stylish and will keep you wearing it despite the conditions outdoors. You can find it at www.netaporter.com for $650, and in our opinion, it's worth every penny :).

Do Jellies Right This Summer

Jellies have been re-emerging in the fashion world for a while now, but the warm summer weather has inspired designers to add an abundance of colors and styles to the jelly sandal realm and adding more ways than ever to get in on this trend; without reverting back to those blister-prone chunky jelly sandals of your adolescent years. Steve Madden has created one example of this in a brilliant flat-style interpretation (above, left) for his Steven line. The Jellys come in a variety of colors and I recommend using a site like www.Zappos.com that lists them for $69.95. Another cute option is the Jelly Jangle thong sandal from Poetic License (above, right). It has a hint of color and the flower applique is a cute way to add a little somethin' somethin' without going gaudy. They are listed for $42.00 at www.Endless.com.

East Village :Top Shop

The Top Shop nominated by Elle magazine for the edgiest
fashions. This store carries Karen Walker, Rag and Bone, Richard Chai, Commes de Garcons fragrances, and leather accessories. Coming soon are FWK by Engineered Garments and Repetto BB flats, and Phillip Lim's neckline dress.

Natasha Blodgett

Quest Magazine, about New York social and haute life style, has Natasha Blodgett on the September cover. She has been featured on the cover because she has made the social circuit and is on the internet's fame game. Blodgett is wearing a purple Bottega Veneta dress and Leviev diamond jewelery while standing on a balcony overlooking NYC. This is Quest's fall fashion issue.

Salvador Dali's Scent is Kissable

It Is Love perfume is a fragrance which is a tribute to painter and photographer Salvador Dali. The perfume box is designed with a pair of lips surrounded by rhinestones, symbolic of Dali's art work. An exhibit at New York's Museum of Modern Art is currently showing his work. The perfume is classified as a floriental scent with notes of grapefruit, pomegranate pearl, pink pepper, everlasting flower, narcissus, iris, crystal musk, vanilla sandalwood, and sweet amber. The perfume's notes seem as exotic as the pink and gold topped bottle, a work of art in progress.