Get It!: On the Cheap ($25 and under)

How could a pickle inspire a blog post you ask? Well, it's not just any pickle - it's a Wickle! I have no idea how I first decided to pick up the cute little jar (OK, you got me - probably because the label was so cute and reminded me of the hot dog and bun dance in Grease), but I sure am glad I did. Now I eat Wickles in slice or relish form on almost everything I make at home. I am addicted and dedicated to this "Wickedly delicious pickle."

Price: $4.95
Where do you get 'em?: Publix for one, the web site is another option

Nib-bling

I'm predicting a trend come fall, and I'm going to name it "Nib-bling." Blatant bling is out, but there are still elements of bling - mini blings or nibbles if you will - that will be in. Metal studs, crystals, gold accents and shiny makeup will grace the streets in a way that still makes people shine, just in a less - ummm, showy -- way.

Here's evidence:
Black, long legs leggings with tiny metal studs
Statement jewelry remains
Cutie booties

A little originality will go a long way, and anything quietly Gucci is lovely as we continue the trend toward hippie, rocker and bohemian chic. Most importantly, black is going to be THE color again - yay, my wardrobe is already in place! Real Housewives, your 15 minutes are up.

A Horse is a Horse?

Not when they're a puppet! I'm bloody mad I didn't take the leap of faith and see War Horse when I was in London, December 2008. Now that I've seen the amazing puppetry involved, I need a time machine to take me back - or push me forward to 2011, when the play will come to New York.

Lifesize horse puppets grace the stage in the adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's novel by the same name. Apparently, they leave not a dry eye in the house.

Bastille with...Blanche and Borat?

Today's installment in honor of Bastille Day is marked by some incredibly intriguing spottings from this sit-back-and-observe kind of gal.

A celebratory Bastille Day happy hour was marked with fun, girly conversation, champagne, cheese (but, of course) and sweat (we did sit outside). But as usual in my case, the sights were the most compelling part of the evening. Unfortunately, I did not capture these sights on film for posterity, but I think we witnessed what could be best described as the ne plus ultra of Glamour don'ts at Atmosphere tonight. A 60-plus something and her wild-n-crazy husband glammed it up for the big Frenchie night - she in a white, cut-off jean skirt with belly and breast-baring low cut maroon bathing suit(?). The outfit can best be described as Blanche from Golden Girls meets Borat in his green unitard. Mon dieu!

Cap that off with a rotund bike rider replete with helmet and zebra-striped tee and the party was on! Guess my Louboutins and YSL handbag were a little overdone.

Get It!: Splurge ($$ To Infinity and Beyond)

Holy motherlode of all that's fabulous and vintage. I got my 1stdibs e-blast this afternoon and lo and behold, they are now auctioning couture - crazy good stuff.

I priced this entry as "to infinity and beyond" because this gorgeous Dior black velvet cape is not priced on the site - which means it's so outrageously expensive that if you have to ask, you cannot afford it. But isn't it a beauty?

And, the Fifties-era Chanel necklace...the 60's Eyelash Mini...the Valentino tiger print velveteen coat. OMG.

Word of the Month: Beach

OK, I'm not teaching anyone anything new with this installment -- but, I am reiterating what's on everyone's mind - and that's a great big, salty, sunny, sweaty beach trip. I know I personally cannot wait to hit the blazingly hot, humid shores of Florida this weekend!

Beach: noun - an expanse of sand or pebbles along a shore; the area adjacent to a seashore

Beach, beach, beach, beach, beach! I can't say it enough.

Here are a few of my faves:
Rosemary Beach (here I come!)
Santa Monica
Chatham, Mass.
Puerto Vallarta
The North Shore, Oahu
The Maldives (a girl can dream)