A Pop of Color in a Slate World

I'm thinking of becoming a Buddhist Monk just for the outfit -- I caught this group of spiritual tourists in front of the Museum of Modern Art in a delicious, draped pop of vibrant orange with yellow knit beanies. My kind of Fall fashion ; )

Become a Fashion Stylist

Hey Teens & Tweens! I'm totes excited to be juding the Suddenly Darling contest sponsored by Fashion Bootcamp 101 and Lulus.com. Upload your fashion look online and enter to win your own glam squad with a professional photographer, models and a hair and makeup team, to create looks and run your own photo shoot! PLUS... a $500 Shopping Spree to Lulus.com!

JZ + BJ

Check out my latest Style Expert stint on the history of Betsey Johnson on Bography Channel's Fashion Groundbreakers.

Got Polo?

I met these fine folks at Sulon on Flatbush in Brooklyn on an MTV Style shoot with Maluca. They've got the lock on hood glam. Nails did. Hair did. Purple leopard print skinny jeans over spiked Loubie-inspired high high heels. Mz. Diva Jonez is taking you to school.

Cheap Chic: Vintage Chic by Jess Zaino for The Epoch Times

Vintage and thrift shopping has never been more accessible and chic as it is now. Across the globe, girls and guys who love to scour for that special designer find, get lucky in the most obscure places. The definition of vintage is ‘representing the high quality of a past time’, so much like a fine wine, an outfit that was considered du jour a decade ago, is now worth its weight in style. I live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and on my block alone, are six different thrift, consignment and vintage shops. I highly suggest a stop on the UES for any avid shopper that visits our city. The shops in my neighborhood, known for its more mature, affluent demographic, are stocked with the best vintage has to offer, as far as cheap chic finds are concerned. If you love a signature Chanel suit, you can expect to purchase one off the rack for a minimum of $5000. A leisurely stroll to sift through the merch of a consignment shop, especially on the UES of Manhattan will, on any given day, offer a pre-owned, perfectly preserved Chanel, for 5% of that price. There is nothing more chic than savings like that. And if conservative isn’t your thing, vintage includes rock n’ roll t-shirts from past decades at places like Electiques in Soho , where you will find a stand-out assortment of vintage Louis Vuitton luggage, from suitcases to steamer trunks, amongst an original 1976 Black Sabbath concert tour tee. My personal favorite is Designer Resale by Myrna Skoller on East 81st Street where, upon entering the huge, underground store, you can find an early 1980’s Betsey Johnson, hanging next to a Zac Posen piece from his debut collection, next to a Lela Rose suit set from last year, all retailing for less than $500. A true, appreciated Cheap Chic vintage.

Stella and Dot Style How-To

If you've ever wanted to play stylist, accessory brand Stella and Dot is the answer. A company inspired by and created for strong women who are designing irresistible jewelry. Their vision is of a world where STRONG WOMEN LIVE BOLD and joyful lives. They know what they want and they work for it. They inspire each other with exclusive in-home Trunk Shows by Independent Stylists. Passion and joy are their best accessories. Stella and Dot amazing pieces are designed in New York and San Francisco by award winning trend-setters who also create jewelry sold in Neiman Marcus and Fred Segal, their boutique style jewelry has been featured in top fashion mags, not to mention the cheap chic affordability, as much of the line is under $50.

Eye See You

Of late, I've been working with MTV and the spectacularly talented, Miss Heather Holliday. Not only is she an expert sword swallower, fire eater and knife thrower, but she's got a mean sense of her own brand of NY Hard Core meets Betty Page style. I'm inspired! While I won't be donning any show costumes any time soon, I am on the lookout for a sexy pair of vintage cat eye sunglasses. And as luck would have it, Miss Holliday pointed me in the purr-fect direction. Fabulous Fanny's on 9th Street in the East Village has an incredible catalogue of vintage pieces. I'm thinking about getting proper spectacles and replacing the lens with darkened sunglass lenses. If you're not in the area, or spending a pretty penny on accessories for your peepers is not your thing, you can buy them online here for $14.

smile.

After cleft lip surgery, Brazilian girl sees new face for the first time.

My Big Pink Crush

My favorite part of NYFW is the pomp and circumstance at the tents, around the tents, and even beneath the tents of Lincoln Center. It's the underground where the true style lies. Last week, I caught this AMAHZING hot pink, hard leather briefcase from The Cambridge Satchel Company on a cutie waiting for the subway post-show. I loved it so much, I seemed to stalk it, seeing it rocked as a proper briefcase, a clutch (as you see here) and even a backpack. Crushin' proper, I went online to investigate and what I discovered about the newest apple of my style eye is that it has a name, The Fluro, comes in four deliciously neon colors with the option for monogrammed personalization, and is a classic satchel with a contemporary twist. Le Sigh. I'm in love.

The Glam List: NYFW Edition

fashion for compassion

we are thick in NYFW spring 2012. most of the shows take place in the current headquarters of Lincoln Center and a few off-site collections show at sites like milk studios and other new york artsy landmarks. the fashionati are in full force as editors, buyers, and fabulous people watch the future of fashion walk the runway. what's so great about this week, is that the main shows actually spawn a slew of alternative shows, giving way to an indie voice. more specifically in this case, an Indian voice. last night at the ritz carlton in battery park, SAYWE held a fashion event entitled fashion for compassion. I was invited by my adorable friend, one life to live cast member and bollywood star, shenaz treasury, who walked the "ramp" (as she called it), closing the pria kataari puri show. of course, I cheered for my friend loudly, but I was also cheering as loud for the amazing clothing. long, flowing turquoise ombre pieces embellished with intricate beading by hand. rich fabrics! stunning colors! the clothes took my breath away. and after seeing some not so hot shows at the NYFW tents, the fashion for compassion show was a breathe of fresh, fashion air.

My 9-11

”Peace in my heart brings peace to my family. Peace in my family brings peace to my community. Peace in my community brings peace to my nation. Peace in my nation brings peace to my world. Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me.” As a native New Yorker, I am proud of my city, thankful for my country and compassionate for our world.

#FNOnyc

young love at the missoni for target premiere

last night was the unofficial kick off to New York Fashion Week and the private priemere unveiling of the missoni for target collection. long legged supermodels in see thru missoni, magazine editors with arms piled high with amazing missoni for target housewares and a young couple in love sneaking kisses in the corner. otherwise known as emma roberts and chord overstreet, the former rocked a missoni for target cardigan over denim with heels and bought hundreds of dollars of missoni for target merch, with her own credit card!!? you go girl! that's hardly ever seen from a celeb... there's no doubt why she bought so much too! the line is great with its signature prints and interesting colors, they carry not only clothes, but lingerie, kids, home, travel bags and accessories too! I had to fight for the one cereal bowl left and a child size dress, just to join in on the feeding frenzy. honestly, I could've just waited for the 400 piece collection to be available online but it was much more fun doing it this way. ranging in price from $2.99 to $599.99, with most items less than $40, Missoni for Target will be available Sept. 13 through Oct. 22, 2011 at all Target stores and Target.com.

knockin' boots

Fall is officially here. and so is the rainy day weather that accompanies it. and with the rain, comes the perfect rain boot! I am not prepared. and now that the Hunter boots have been pulled out of what it seems, every NYC girl's closet, it's time for me to find that perfect pair. I like to think that I have a unique sense of style, so a standard Hunter ain't my stylo. A riding boot hybrid from Saks Fifth Avenue is another story. I also dig on the Steve Madden Tsunami boots that have that rocker motorcycle chic. And if going rugged is more your thing, as I think it might be mine this season, the original, trusted boot from L.L. Bean is a classic.

my top pick for FNO

thanks to my new bud, daniel fletcher of fletcherlives.com, I'll be making be seen at this fashion scene, know what I mean, jelly bean?

the september issue

if you haven't caught the amazing r.j. cutler doc, the September Issue about the process and creation of vogue magazine's annual "bible", make sure to download on netflix and pick up the latest copy with kate moss on the cover at your newsstand today. with new york fashion week coming up, weee!, you won't want to miss out on any of the sexy trends that are happening this Fall.

lose the fake - let's get real!

this month, Sept. 2011, I turn 35 years young. ahhh! as I reflect on my three decades of living, I recognize I have quite a dysmorphic view of my body, I have such unhealthy thoughts towards myself and over the course of my life, I have lost and gained 500 lbs. its a daily struggle and currently I am 15 lbs over my comfortable weight and it really reflects itself in my living because I don't feel good about myself - I put on my big jeans and they are snug. I'm at a high weight that I thought I'd share it but I'm too embarrassed about it - I'm a shorty and got curves, and this is the year I am going to take control! my body continues speaking to me, rather yelling out at me from the inside, take care of this! people on the outside don't see that its an issue for me but its been a lifelong struggle. at 11 years old, I started binging and its been a roller coaster and a fight with my body ever since, so NO MORE! this is the year, the month before my birth year to take control, I've done a lot of interpersonal work this year and I am ready to release this last majorly heavy piece to finally balance out my wholeness. I've joined forces with Ms. Rosie Battista, who created the lifestyle experience, Sleeping Naked After 40, and while I am not 40, I do want to sleep naked. Because I don't! I sleep with three pairs of sweatpants on next my hottie naked boyfriend. Which is not cute! Rosie has customized a three month eating and excercise menu for me, and we'll be speaking weekly, daily if needed, to get me through this with support. And I'm choosing to put it out there in this medium because I know lots of women struggle from the same thoughts and feelings and if I can do it at the ripe 'ol age of 35, you can do too! SO, thank you for reading. And thank you for your support. I hope this helps you as much as it does me. let's do this!

Click here to get the secrets to start building your healthiest sexiest body ever!

wear white after labor day ; )

click here, rebellista, for all your post labor day fashion fantasies come true.

spirit preceeds style

...I now interrupt your regular style programming for a quick dip into the spiritual realm. with a hurricane and earthquake showing up in nyc this past month and the other upheaval stuff going around, I am reminded by rev. karen weingard that "THE NEW WORLD IS UNFOLDING...Consciousness Precedes Form

So much in the world is changing. Dictators are overthrown...people are asserting their rights...weather conditions are topsy turvy...and being centered in God becomes our only compass. I believe that these changes are creating a requalification and transformation of who we are uniquely. We are being forced to go within...to center ourselves in what is truly real...as well as to prioritize our values.

Our universe is in the pattern of powerful evolution into truly becoming a world where we move from Love. That means that we must become the loving beings that God intended. It also means that we treat one another with great respect, compassion and kindness. We're in a time where we don't know what to expect and we need to live fully aware of the present moment. We are being provided with an opportunity to wake up more than ever. Our consciousness has expanded and in our desire to be more authentic...and to be in our integrity, we are shifting the collective.

How exciting it is to realize that we have a powerful role in how the world unfolds...There are many questions that we can ask ourselves; What is really important? Are you starving yourself of the spirit that you are? Who are you really? How do you want to show up moment to moment? Are you willing to let go of any ways that you have controlled or manipulated those around you. Are you swirling out of control...or are you anchored in the eye of the storm which is that silent safe place that is the I AM PRESENCE?

In one week on the east coast people experienced an earthquake and a hurricane...Quite a shake up! What is being shaken loose in your life? What is collapsing under the shifts that you're moving through? Are you willing to live in a world where Love is truly our guiding energy? I
believe that LOVE is the frequency we need to embody and vibrate with. These are interesting times and it's exciting to remember that we chose to be here right now...That means that we are needed to show up as the love we truly are...The Universe needs YOU and the Universe needs me too!

seperated at birth?

joe calderone

ralph macchio

if you were stuck on a desert island...

if I were stuck on a desert island,... let me rephrase that, if I were stuck on manahattan island during a hurricane, as I was this past weekend, and can only choose three non-perishables to eat, it would be, without a doubt, peanut butter and jelly. my lifelong sustenance. my childhood palette relying on it daily, packed by my dad with love, in a brown paper bag on whole wheat bread with strawberry natural preserves. to this day, my nearest and dearest know my weird affliction for surviving on nothing but peanut or almond butter on a spoon. all day. all week sometimes. this past weekend had manhattanites and new yorkers on high alert for hurricane irene. luckily for all of us, the damage was minimal and while the subway is still down in some parts, yesterday people were out and about, and like a shining beacon of community light, was pinkberry. open and operating to it's rabid, cabin feverish customers. and like a desert island wish granted, pinkberry has now begun serving peanut butter flavor, topped with strawberry preserves and get this! toasted white bread crumbs. I ordered with delight and upon my first spoonful was whisked away to the delicious, creamy, salty sweet flavor combo I so know. and so love. it truly tastes authentic to peanut butter with a whipped, cold twist and with it's burst of sweet, chunky fruit topping, I don't mind being stuck in the hood for some little 'ol hurricane.

it's a mod, mod, mod, mod world!

Get your mod on, here

gucci gucci

roy g. biv

Caught this Dutch tourist on the Subway this morning. Her hair had all the colors of the rainbow... even the blue and purple underneath. And she did it herself!? Not sure if I could pull it off but it's nonetheless impressive, yes?

working girl

A savvy business person know how to keep their style on budget. If not, here is my latest Cheap Chic column in The Epoch Times with a few Cheap Chic tips for the working chic.

five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred outfits

Some people measure their milestones in pictures or memories. I measure mine in outfits. Heading out to the first day of school was always so exhilarating! Having just spent the summer lazily riding bikes and going on vacation, my Mother took great delight in school shopping and it was always the night before, who am I kidding, the two weeks before, that I would carefully plan my first day outfit, going over in mind what I'd look and feel like in it. For my first day of 7th grade, I wore a burnt sienna cableknit sweater with jeans that had rolled cuffs over penny loafers. I paired it with pre-hipster fake MLK glasses and a 'do that reached higher than Kid n' Play's. It was the 80's. Today is no different. As far as planning for firsts. I start a new job today. As a Producer on a project with MTV World. I'm thrilled to create content that will impact the youth, for the better! ...So, what do I wear? My all-time favorite Summer 2011 outfit is an olive green cotton Thai pant that I pull up and wear as a one piece. Pair that with a black business jacket, nude bootie heels, lots of layered gold jewlery and I think I've got myself a first day of work outfit.

A colorful Q&A with HGTV host, Jill Pollack

My 'ol pal, Orginazational Expert, Jill Pollack has not only organized the homes of the rich, famous and closeted cluttered, she's doing it for you, too! As the host of the newest HGTV Canada show, Consumed, Jill is moving in and taking over. Read our colorful Q&A on Your Bella Life - online magazine - and get the scoop on her move from television Producer to television Star.

The Glam List #5: Ballet Flats and a band called FRIENDS

move that bodyrock booty!

I just got back from my first zumba class ever. if you've never taken it, it's a quite a feat of sassy latin dance mixed with complicated moves meant for a professional music video dancer. my class in particular was taught by a tall drink of black-asian hottie that I'm sure has dated her fair share of famous musicians and basketball players. thank goodness I've had some dance training and lots of jazzercise in my exercise roster over the years, so I didn't look too horrible. that, matched with the fact that my class was packed to the brim with middle aged Upper East Side white-ies, who I am going to go ahead and profile as not having the smoovest moves. at least I looked good rocking my bodyrock sport ruby bra with my shauna tank. speaking of bodyrock sport, designer kelly dolley competed in the nyc triathalon this past week. and her hubby to be, celebrity trainer, andrew kalley won the whole damn thing!? check out his appearance on FOXnews talking about the unfortunate downside of endurance competition here.

What's Red, White & Blue All Over? A Star-Spangled Shoe

I've recently returned from a trip abroad and while a European holiday is an incredibly lovely Summer happening, I was equally happy to come home. Flying in to JFK while the fireworks exploded over the East River was magnificent and the passport stamp that admitted me back in marked July 4 was a patriotic treat. Even while I was away, tipsy on vino and strolling the Italian Riviera, I came across these amazing USA-inspired American flag Converse sneakers that made my heart sing for the stars and stripes. Maybe it was because the collection was decked out in 'em. Ironically, I've never seen them in the states, but boy! are they my new Summer go to. They come in both high and low top and are accompanied by a distressed men's shoe. Perfectly paired with the Summer's hottest denim short and soft, oversized cotton tee with my bfriend's navy nautical sweater for chilly nights. I'm ready to pledge allegiance to the all American trend this season.

Tarte Issue 3

I heart the newest issue of Tarte Mag. Creative fashion layouts and a quick Q&A with me. Click here to flip the through. And thanks to the Editor, Emily Traver!

want fries with that shake?

love fries but hate the saturated fat? read up on my latest fashion loves food, Urban Grocer post by clicking here.

yes m'Lady Gaga

Can you feel it?

OPI roadtrips America

I love all things Americana! Maine Lobsta. Chicago Winters. Southern Cali Boho Chic Style. Texas pride. Thanks to blog, Fashion Meets Food, I got word that nail polish brand OPI is launching a Fall roadtrip of sorts. The Touring America is OPI's Fall 2011 collection. So, let's get tripping:

Are We There Yet? is a soft peach melon hue with a dusting of shine. This color is a great transition into the fall. My Address is "Hollywood" is a light plum hue that also has the dusting of glitter shine. At first I wasn't a fan of this shade, but after having it on for an entire day I really fell in love with it. And as for Uh-Oh Roll Down the Windows, a gorgeous army olive green, it goes to show OPI has fun with their colors and don't take the names too seriously.

Top Nail Colors for Fall 2011

Nude
Plum
Almost Black
Concrete or Graphite
Metallic

trending tribal

If you've stepped into a forever 21 recently, or took a peek down bedford ave. in brooklyn, you'll see that tribal print is taking over in a BIG WAY for Fall. already selling out in stores, tribal could be tricky to rock. it's a busy look, so I say more is more. mix & match tribal prints with additional prints, like a tribal top with striped leggings or a tribal top with conflicting loose tribal pants or shorts. pair with gold jewelry and door knocker earrings. the trend is popular at forever 21 because quite honestly, it should only be worn by 21 year olds. but if you're so bold to go tribal, send me your pix. would love to see how you wear the look.

free to bee

it was two years ago yesterday that I met my now boyfriend, best friend and state sanctioned domestic partner, majed. it was a south asian film festival at the park on 10th ave. of which we were both at with mutual friends. we sat down next to one another and the rest is history. from the same tattoo we share (a chinese symbol for strength) to our last names (mine zay-no and his say-yess), we've enjoyed magical little moments for 24 months. in celebration of love (it was the official kick off date for gay marriage in nyc. yay!), we got ourselves brand spankin' new tattoos! As anyone who has spent any time with us can tell you, we tend to call each other 'Buug', so our new bee tattoo you see pictured was a symbol to honor our union, in addition to the simple life reminder to just beeeeeeeeeeee. If you're in the Brooklyn area and are looking to get inked, try our Dave at 8 of Swords on North 8. It's clean. He's painless. And we healed up right away with some bad ass bumble bees to shows for it.

FOR MORE TATTOO FUN, MAKE SURE TO CLICK THIS.

life's a beach

living in New York is a blessing during the Summer, as we are on the outskirts of an island... which means beaches, oceans, sounds, bays and pools aplenty. a perfect beach bag includes an easy to carry and pack beach friendly tote, filled with SPF (mine, an oil of SPF 6, eek!), a great book or magazine, a couple of pieces of fruit, water and a towel. I've been quite the beach bum of late and to best accessory my perfectly packed beach tote, I've got a perfect beach chair to match! If you're heading out on a sandy get away, I highly suggest and recommend the tommy bahama back pack cooler chair. it's here on amazon for $54 but we picked it up for $25 at costco, so run, don't walk to get yours for maxum relax'n sun time. equipped with back pack-like handles for easy transport, full seat to bed extension, a back cooler for your snacks, spritzers and water and a perfect little pillow, this chair is a thing of summer miracles.

European Vacation

All the news that's fit to print.

Growing up on Long Island, my sister, Caitlin and I spent most Sunday mornings perusing the New York Times and it's many cultural nook and crannies, including our favorite, the Marriage Announcements as part of the Sunday Style section. We loved to read and comment aloud on how this one graduated Cum Laud from Columbia or that one had a Mother who was a descendant of Ben Franklin. Cut to two decades and a half later, my little sis is a proud participant in this long-standing family tradition. Her and her new hubby, Michael, got hitched and better still, had it announced in the New York Times. It's all the news that's fit to print. Read it here.

Sunday Street Style

The New York Times Sunday Style section is a must read for me and has been since it was delivered to my house growing up and my parents and I would discuss the wedding announcements and socialite photos over Cherrios and grapefruit. The beautiful font, the up to minute trend features and the comfortable knowing that the Bill Cunningham "On The Street" column is always jam packed with a creative spirit and a sartorialist eye. Bill Cunningham, the 83 year old fashion photography genius behind the original street style photos that are so common on most style and fashion blogs these days, is the subject of a new documentary, Bill Cunningham New York. It is incredibly moving, especially to this young grasshopper who hopes to get that right shot at the right time to expose readers to what's hot on the street as far as fashion goes. After the film, I decided to do just that, heading to Union Square on a Sunday to see what trends are being set. And if you're one of the few to rock a look before it sells at Forever 21 en masse, take notice of what I found: calf-length hemlines on flow-y separate skirts. Truly, I saw no less than a dozen stylish women wearing the look. Usually with Oxford Flats and an Annie Hall-style button down. And if you're not in New York to pick up the look, I also found a delicious pink gauze skirt selling at Old Navy for you try on for size. Happy trending.